A Field Guide to Common Aquatic and Riparian Plants of New ...
Transcript of A Field Guide to Common Aquatic and Riparian Plants of New ...
A Fiel Gui e to
Common A uatic and Riparian Plants of New Hampshire
New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Volunteer River Assessment Program
A Fiel Gui e to Common Riparian
Plants of New Hampshire 1
A Fiel Gui e to Common Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 1
WD-06-3
A Field Guide to Common A uatic and
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire
Prepared By
Jen Drociak
Volunteer River Assessment Program Coordinator
Thomas S Burack Commissioner
Michael J Walls Assistant Commissioner
Harry P Stewart PE Director Water Division
New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Volunteer River Assessment Program
29 Hazen Drive PO Box 95 Concord NH 03302-0095 wwwdesnhgovwmbvrap
Second Edition March 2008
A Fiel Gui e to Common Riparian
Plants of New Hampshire 1
A Fiel Gui e to Common Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 1
Acknowledgements
All specimen scans and habitat photos by Jen Drociak unless otherwise noted
Layout and design by Jen Drociak
A very special thank-you to Pat Gruttemeyer Amy Smagula and Michele Tremblay for their editorial assistance and to Amy Smagula and Jody Connor for their content contribution
Dedicated to Gordon Russell Director Emeritus Piscataquog Watershed Association who guided me on my first plant identification survey along the banks of the Piscataqoug River in 1997
References
Borman Susan Korth Robert Temte Jo Through the Looking Glass A Field Guide to Aquatic Plants Wisconsin Lake Partnership 1999
Magee Dennis W Freshwater Wetlands A Guide to Common Indicator Plants of the Northeast University of Massachusetts Press 1981
New Hampshire Department of Agriculture Markets amp Food and New Hampshire Invasive Species Committee Guide to Invasive Upland Plant Species in New Hampshire NH Department of Agriculture Markets amp Food 2005
Niering William A National Audubon Society Nature Guides Wetlands Chanticleer Press Inc 1997
New England Wildflower Society Field Manual of Invasive Plants of the Northeast 200
Northeastern Wetland Flora Field Office Guide to Plant Species USDA ndash NRCSNortheastern National Technical Center Chester Pennsylvania
Peterson Lee Allen A Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants of Eastern and Central North America Houghton Mifflin Company 1977
Redington Charles B Plants in Wetlands Field Guide to Biological Interactions KendallHunt Publishing Company 199
Smagula Amy Connor Jody Aquatic Plants amp Algae of New Hampshirersquos Lakes and Ponds New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services 2007
Tiner RW Jr Field Guide to Nontidal Wetland Identification Maryland Department of Natural Resources Annapolis MD and US Fish and Wildlife Service Newton Corner MA 1988
Uva Richard Neal Joseph C DiTomaso Joseph M Weeds of the Northeast Cornell University 1997
A Fiel Gui e to Common Riparian
Plants of New Hampshire 1
Introduction
Riparian Area An area f land and vegetati n adjacent t a stream that has a direct effect n the stream This includes w dlands vegetati n and fl dplains
Purpos of This Guid
This fi ld guid provid s bri f simpl and asy id ntification of common aquatic and riparian plants shrubs and tr s of N w Hampshir Although information in this guid is drawn from s v ral sourc s it is not int nd d to b a compr h nsiv listing of all th aquatic and riparian plant sp ci s in N w Hampshir Hop fully it will provid th casual obs rv r with aid in id ntification of th most fr qu ntly ncount r d sp ci s and r f r nc s to assist in furth r mor d tail d studi s for thos wishing to know mor about riparian cosyst ms Us of additional fi ld guid s to suppl m nt this on and to id ntify plants not includ d in this guid is sugg st d Oth r h lpful fi ld guid s can b found in App ndix A
How to Id ntify Plants
Th r ar s v ral ways to id ntify plants In fi ld guid s th y ar typically id ntifi d by photos drawings and d scriptions In th fi ld th y can also b id ntifi d by touch tast sm ll color and form Th ir branching habit l af form and v in patt rn can also aid in id ntification Plants can also xhibit diff r nt charact ristics during diff r nt tim s of th y ar In addition it is us ful to know th ir habitat or plac wh r th y grow
Organization of This Guid
This fi ld guid is organiz d into six s ctions
In th Wat r Subm rg d Aquatic Plants Plants that hav most of th ir l av s growing und r wat r som floating l av s may also b pr s nt Th y ar found from shallow to d p zon s
On th Wat r Floating Plants Plants that ar root d with floating broad l av s
On th Edg Em rg nt H rbac ous Plants Plants that hav l av s that xt nd abov th wat rrsquos surfac and ar usually found in shallow wat r
F rns Non-flow ring plants that b ar spor s rath r than s ds with flatt n d l af-lik ldquofrondsrdquo that ar furth r divid d
Woody Shrubs Woody plants which ar g n rally short r than tr s and small r in trunk siz Th y hav clust rs of st ms rising dir ctly from th ground and g n rally hav a ldquobushyrdquo app aranc with no sp cial crown shap
Climbing Vin s Plants with a w ak st m that d riv support from climbing twining or cr ping along a surfac
Th Canopy (Tr s) Woody plants that usually grow from th ground with a singl r ct st m or trunk Th main st m may b massiv and is oft n unbranch d for s v ral f t abov th ground Tr s can r ach a consid rabl h ight at maturity
A plant sp ci s will oft n hav s v ral common nam s This fi ld guid is organiz d alphab tically by th pr f rr d or most-us d common nam with th Latinsci ntific nam b low
Plant sp ci s d scriptions includ th following
Status Wh th r th plant is nativ or non-nativ xoticinvasiv Thos plants that ar non-nativ xoticinvasiv which ar also prohibit d in N w Hampshir ar id ntifi d as such
Habitat D scrib s th b st conditions for growth of this plant and wh r to locat it
H ight D scrib s how tall or long th plant grows
Bark In th Woody Shrub and Tr s ctions d scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th bark
Buds In th Woody Shrub and Tr s ctions d scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th buds
St m In th Woody Shrub s ction d scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th st m
L av s D scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th l av s
Flow rs D scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th flow rs
Flow ring P riod D scrib s th tim of y ar in which th flow rs bloom
Fruit D scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th fruit
Twigs In th Woody Shrub and Tr s ctions d scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th twigs
Valu Explains th worth of th plant to th oth r m mb rs of th cosyst m
Similar Sp ci s D scrib s th uniqu f atur s to h lp distinguish this plant from oth rs Additional information about som of th r lat d plants is also provid d
In addition app ndic s to this fi ld guid includ
App ndix A Oth r H lpful Fi ld Guid s
App ndix B Glossary of T rms
App ndix C L af Shap s and Arrang m nts
App ndix D Nativ Shor landRiparian Buff r Plantings for N w Hampshir
For Mor Information on Exotic Sp ci s
Additional information on xotic aquatic plants can b obtain d by contacting
N w Hampshir D partm nt of Environm ntal S rvic s Exotic Sp ci s Program 29 Haz n Driv PO Box 95
Concord NH 03302 (603) 271-2248
httpwwwd snhgovWMBExoticSp ci s
Whil additional information on xotic t rr strial plants can b obtain d by contacting
N w Hampshir D partm nt of Agricultur Mark ts amp Food Invasiv Sp ci s Program
25 Capitol Str t S cond Floor Concord NH 03302
(603) 271-2561 httpnhgovagricdivisionsplant_industryplants_ins ctshtm
Enjoy a Riparian Riv r-Walk
I hop this fi ld guid will inspir you to incr as your int r st and knowl dg of aquatic plants and th ir r lationship in riparian nvironm nts Riv rs and str ams ar fragil cosyst ms of natural b auty and intrigu I ncourag you to njoy a riparian ldquoriv r-walkrdquo during ach s ason and not only study th v g tativ communiti s but th ir int raction with both t rr strial and aquatic ins cts fish and oth r wildlif
Jen Dr ciak
Table of Contents
In The ater Submerged Aquatic Plantshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 01
Bladde wo t (Utric laria v lgaris)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 03
CoontailHo nwo t (Ceratophyll m demers m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 04
Milfoil (Myriophyll m heterophyll m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 05
Wate weedDitchmoss (Elodea canadensis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 06
Wild Cele yTape G ass (Vallisneria americana)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 07
On the ater Floating Aquatic Plantshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 09
Floating Hea t (Nymphoides cordata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 14
Wate shield (Brasenia schreberi)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 13
White Pond Lily (Nymphea ordorata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 11
Yellow Pond Lily (N phar variegata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 12
Duckweed (Lemna spp)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 15
Wate meal (Wolffia spp)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 16
On The Edge Emergent Herbaceous Plantshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 17
A ow A um (Peltandra virginica)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 19
A owheadDuck Potato (Sagittaria latifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 20
Blue Flag I is (Iris versicolor)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 21
Blue Ve vain (Verbena hastata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 22
BonesetTho oughwo t (E patori m perfoliat m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 23
Bu - eed (Spargani m e rycarp m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 24
Ca dinal Flowe (Lobelia cardinalis) helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 25
Cattail (B oad-Leaf) (Typha latifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 26
Common Reed (Phragmites a stralis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 27
JewelweedSpotted Touch-Me-Not (Impatiens capensis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 28
Joe Pye Weed (E patori m mac lat m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 29
Picke elweed (Pontedaria cordata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 30
Pu ple Loosest ife (Lythr m salicaria)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 31
Reed Cana y G ass (Phalaris ar ndinacea)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 32
Soft-Stem Bul ush (Scrip s valid s)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 33
Swamp Loosest ifeWate Willow (Decodon verticillat s)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 34
Th ee-Way Sedge (D lichi m ar ndinace m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 35
Wool G ass (Scirp s cyperin s)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 36
Fernshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 37
Cinnamon Fe n (Osm nda cinnamomea)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 39
Ost ich Fe n (Pteretis pensylvanica)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 40
Royal Fe n (Osm nda regalis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 41
Sensitive Fe n (Onoclea sensibilis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 42
oody Shrubshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 43
A ow-wood (No the n) (Vib rn m recognit m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 45
Buttonbush (Cephalanth s occidentalis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 46
Elde be yBlack-Be ied Elde (Samb c s canadensis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 47
Glossy Bucktho n (Rhamn s frang la)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 48
Highbush Bluebe y (Vaccini m corymbos m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 49
A Field Guide to Common Ripa ian Plants of New Hampshi e 1
Hobblebush (Vib rn m alnifoli m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 50
Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 51
Japanese Knotweed (Polygon m c spidat m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 52
Malebe y (Lyonia lig strina)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 53
Meadowsweet (Spiraea latifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 54
Multiflo a Rose (Rosa m ltiflora)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 55
No the n Wild RaisinWith od Vibu num (Vib rn m cassinoides)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 56
ShadbushSe vicebe yJunebe y (Amelanchier arborea)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 57
Sheep Lau elLambkill (Kalmia ang stifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 58
Silky Dogwood (Corn s amom m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 59
Specked Alde (Aln s r gosa)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 60
Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 61
Steeplebush (Spiraea tomentosa)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 62
Sweet Peppe bush (Clethera alnifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 63
Winte be y HollyBlack Alde (Ilex verticillata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 64
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 65
Climbing Vineshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 67
Climbing Bitte sweet (Celastr s orbic lat s)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 69
Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 70
Rive bank G ape (Vitis riparia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 71
Vi ginia C eepe (Parthenosis s q inq efolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 72
The Canopy Treeshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 73
Ame ican BasswoodLinden (Tilia americana)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 75
Ame ican Beech (Fag s grandifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 76
Ame ican Ho nbeamI onwoodBlue Beech (Carpin s caroliniana)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 77
Black Bi chSweet Bi ch (Bet la lenta)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 78
Black Che y (Pr n s serotina)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 79
Box Elde Ash-Leaved Maple (Acer neg ndo)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 80
Easte n Cottonwood (Pop l s deltoides)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 81
Easte n Hemlock (Ts ga canadensis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 82
Easte n White Pine (Pin s strob s)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 83
G een Ash (Fraxin s pennsylvanica)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 84
Red Maple (Acer r br m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 85
Red Oak (Q erc s r bra)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 86
Shagba k Hicko y (Carya ovata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 87
Silve Maple (Acer saccharini m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 88
Swamp White Oak (Q erc s bicolor)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 89
Sycamo ePlanet ee (Platan s occidentalis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 90
Tama ackLa ch (Larix laricina)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 91
White Ash (Fraxin s americana)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 92
White Oak (Q erc s alba)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 93
White Sp uce (Picea gla ca)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 94
Yellow Bi ch (Bet la l tea)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 95
Appendices
Appendix A Othe Helpful Field Guideshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 96
Appendix B Glossa y of Te mshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 97
Appendix C Leaf Shapes amp A angementshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 99
Appendix D Native Sho elandRipa ian Buffe Plantings fo New Hampshi ehelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 100
A Field Guide to Common Ripa ian
Plants of New Hampshi e 1
In The ater Submerged Aquatic Plants
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 1
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic
an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 2
BLADDER ORT
Utricu aria spp
Status Native Approximately 10 species in New Hampshire
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers bogs
Height 2-3 feet long
Stem Long slen er flexible branche typically becoming etache from roots an free-floating
Leaves Alternate filamentous finely-forke with attache ldquobla ersrdquo
Flower Stalks occurring at irregular intervals along stem Each stalk bearing 6-20 small pink to yellow two-lippe ldquosnap ragon-likerdquo flowers an emerging several inches out of the water or mu
Flowering Period June into September
Fruit Capsule containing many see s
Value Provi es foo an cover for fish Since they are free-floating they can grow in areas with very loose se iment provi ing nee e fish habitat in areas that are not rea ily colonize by roote plants
Similar Species Fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) coontail (Ceratophyllum spp) milfoil (Myriophyllum spp) Bla erwort may be istinguishe from these plants by the alternate forke leaves branching from the base into 2 main ivisions an presence of the ldquobla ersrdquo on the leaves (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Bla erwort may resemble the milfoils but there are two istinguishing features One is the bla ers on the leaves the other is that milfoils have feather-like leaves that have one central leaf stem with nearly opposite unbranche leaflets The leaflets of bla erwort are more branche an forke (Smagula an Connor 2007)
This carnivorous plant has trigger hairs on each bla er that open a trap- oor an suck in water along with the organism that triggere the reaction These organisms can range from insect larvae to tiny zooplankton Once insi e the bla ers the organism is igeste by enzymes foun there Special cells then take the igeste material from the bla ers an move it to the stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 3
COONTAILHORN ORT
Ceratophy um demersum
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Height Variable accor ing to water epth
Stem Long toothe trailing much branche
Leaves Whorle smooth up to 1 frac12 inches long 3 forks nearly threa -like flattene an toothe segments
Flower Tiny purplish-green foun where the leaf attaches to the stem an stays entirely submerge Male an female occurring separately
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Dark brown see approximately frac14 inch long with two spines at the base an one at the tip
Value The stiff whorls of leaves offer habitat for many species especially uring the winter when many other plants are re uce to roots an rhizomes Both foliage an fruit are graze by waterfowl Bushy stems are home to many invertebrates an provi e important shelter an foraging opportunities for fish
Similar Species Mermai -wee (Proserpina a palustris) fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) Coontail may be istinguishe from these plants by its whorle toothe leaves its tiny sessile axillary flowers an beake fruits (Smagula an Connor 2007)
The whorle leaves often cause the plant to be confuse with water milfoil This plant has a plastic-like feel an leaves ten to be thickly clustere at the tips of the stems The leaves are completely whorle aroun the stem an forke milfoil leaves are istinctly feather-like (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 4
VARIABLE ATER MILFOIL
Myriophy um heterophy um
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Height Slen er flexible long (up to 15 feet) Tip often emerging above water when flowering Data from a University of New Hampshire stu y can suggest that variable water milfoil can grow an inch per ay
Stem Roun thick re ish If broken in half the stem resembles a ldquowheel spokerdquo
Leaves Mostly submerge opposite or in whorls of 4 to 6 an can grow up to 2 inches long Leaves on upper stem are whorle an may be whorle or alternate on lower stem Emerge leaves occurring only towar the stem tips
Flower Small inconspicuous brownish occurring singly in the axils of the upper leaves usually above water uring flowering
Flowering Period In July flowers emerge from the water an are in a spike up to 6 inches tall Can also form a succulent amphibious form when water levels rece e
Fruit Very small four-lobe nutlike
Similar Species Mermai -wee (Proserpina a palustris) fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) coontail (Ceratophyllum spp) Variable milfoil may be istinguishe from these plants by the numerous scattere finely pinnately issecte leaves an floating or upright stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)
The plant is more robust than the other water milfoil species It has a very thick an heavy stem It can only be positively i entifie with the flower present or by DNA analysis (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Fragments of variable milfoil are ma e by passing boats wave action an auto-fragmentation These fragments may float freely an sprea for one or two weeks as they generate roots Once roots make contact with se iment the fragment attaches the roots sprea laterally an expan the footprint of the colony With one fragment an entire colony can arise Colonies can outcompete native plants re ucing bio iversity (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 5
ATER EEDDITCHMOSS
E odea Canadensis E nutta ii
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Height Up to 2 feet long occasionally forming ense colonies
Stem Slen er smooth branche
Leaves Long upper an mi le leaves in whorls of 3 with very finely-toothe margins Those of the male plants linear or lanceolate pointe at the tip up to frac12 inch long Those of the female plants broa ly lanceolate roun e or slightly pointe at the tip up to 58 inch long
Flower Green or white with 3 petals
Flowering Period July to September
Fruit A few to many-see e cylin rical capsule
Value Branching stems offer valuable habitat an grazing opportunities for fish Also provi es foo for muskrats an waterfowl They can eat the plant itself or fee on a wi e variety of invertebrates that use the plant as habitat
Similar Species Commonly mistaken for its invasive relative Brazillian elo ea It can be istinguishe by its smooth leaf margins
There are two common species of waterwee in New Hampshire E anadensis an Enuttalii Elodea anadensis ten s to have slightly broa er leaves with blunt tips whereas Enuttalii ten s to have thinner more nee le-like leaves that are pointe at the tips (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Enuttalii can be foun in alkaline to aci ic environments an E anadensis can be foun in alkaline or neutral systems (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 6
ILD CELERYTAPE GRASS
Va isneria americana
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers In water 4 - 6 feet eep
Height 1-3 feet long
Stem Slen er embe e horizontally in the mu near the surface an usually rooting at intervals
Leaves Narrow ribbon-like 1-3 feet in length with a light-colore center stripe mostly submerge with the tips floating
Flower Unisexual the female flower solitary an floating at the surface at the en of a long stalk The male flower on another plant submerge an attache to a short stalk near the bottom breaking off an floating to the surface at flowering time
Flowering Period July to October
Fruit Cylin rical po up to 2 inches long attache to a long stalk which coils up rawing the fruit un er water to mature
Value Source of foo for waterfowl All portions of the plant are consume foliage rhizomes tubers an fruit Muskrat are also known to graze on it Be s provi e sha e shelter an foo for fish
Similar Species Often confuse with the submerge leaves of bur-ree Tape grass can be istinguishe by its heavy air-fille leaves vertically veine centers an lightly veine e ges Unlike bur-ree this plant has no rib on the back of the leaf
Photo ourtesy of Amy Smagula
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 7
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic
an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 8
On The ater
Floating Aquatic Plants
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 9
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 10
FLOATING HEART
Nyphoi es cor ata
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Roun in cross section
Leaves Small heart-shape re ish to purple Approximately 1 ndash 1 frac12 inches wi e
Flower Small white 5 petals
Flowering Period Mi -summer
Similar Species The leaves are often confuse with those of the yellow water lily but are only about the size of a half- ollar an the shape resembles a heart with the same soft V-shape of the yellow water lily Floating heart has a small white flower that can be foun in mi -summer yellow water lily has a large yellow flower that blooms most of the summer (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 11
ATERSHIELD
Brasenia schreberi
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Roun in cross section Attache to the center of the un ersi e of the leaf
Leaves Oval Un ersi es are ark pink Leaves approximately 4 inches wi e Un ersi e of the leaves an stem have a jelly-like coating that protects them from being eaten by insects
Flower Small ark pink to purple 6 petals
Flowering Period July
Similar Species Resembles the leaves of the water lily as well as those of floating heart
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 12
HITE ATER LILY
Nymphea or orata
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Roun in cross section attache to the center of the un ersi e of the leaf
Leaves Roun with a V-shape notch on one si e Up to 12 inches wi e
Flower Large white sweet-smelling Up to 4 inches wi e
Flowering Period June - September
Similar Species White water lily can be istinguishe from the yellow water lily an floating heart by the V-shape notch near the stem attachment an the more roun e shape of the leaf
Both the yellow water lily an floating heart have a more roun e heart-shape notch Yellow water lily leaves are much more oval than the white water lily which has a circular leaf Floating heart leaves are no more than a few inches in length (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 13
YELLO ATER LILY
Nuphar variegata
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Triangular in cross section attache to the lobe en of the un ersi e of the leaf
Leaves Giant floating Up to 12 to 15 inches wi e
Flower Yellow flower petals appear cuppe aroun the inner flower parts an o not open completely like those of the white water lily
Flowering Period June ndash September
Similar Species Often confuse with floating heart an white water lily though floating heart is much smaller in leaf length an wi th The white water lily also has a much more roun e leaf with a sharp V-shape notch (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 14
DUCK EED
Lemna spp
Status Native
Habitat Surfaces of some lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers an often in stagnant waters of wetlan areas
Stem No true stems
Leaves This plant has no true leaves or stems an only has a flat green plant bo y calle a thallus They are very small only about 116 of an inch wi e (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Duckwee s blanket the water surface in colonies There may be one or more roots hanging into the water but the plant is free-floating
Flower This plant rarely flowers
Similar Species Many people think that ense growths of uckwee resemble an algae bloom (Smagula an Connor 2007)
ATERMEAL
Wolfifa spp
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem No true stems
Leaves Elliptical an flat
Flower This plant rarely flowers but is consi ere the worl rsquos smallest flowering plant
Similar Species Unlike uckwee this plant completely lacks roots an must be inspecte closely to etect this ifference Watermeal may also resemble an algae bloom but can be istinguishe by simply touching the waterrsquos surface to see if tiny plants are stuck to your fingers (watermeal) or if the water has a slimy film (algae) It is commonly foun growing along with uckwee (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Photo co rtesy of Amy Smag la
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 15
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 16
On the dge mergent Herbaceous Plants
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 17
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 18
ARROW ARUM
Peltan ra virginica
Status Native
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In mu or shallow water
Height Up to 2 feet tall growing in loose colonies
Stem Lacking a true stem Leaf an flower stalks arising from a thick root
Leaves Large arrow-shape Lower lobes separating an tapering to the tips Each lobe an the main stem have one prominent central vein from which other smaller veins originate The smaller veins are parallel to one another Leaf bla e with a vein running along the entire outline just insi e the margin
Flower Vertically-curle green Very small spathe almost completely covering the thin whitish fleshy spike White male flowers above green female flowers sheath tapering to the base an tip green outsi e an white insi e Flowering cluster at the en of a long nake stalk
Flowering Period May to July
Fruit Easily i entifie in the fall by its cluster of greenish-brown berries enclose in a green leathery case the stalk curve ownwar at maturity
Similar Species Arrowhea (Sagattaria latifolia) Arrow Arum may be istinguishe by its 3 prominent veins
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 19
ARROWH ADDUCK-POTATO
Sagittaria spp
Status Native There are several species in New Hampshire Slatifolia and Sgraminea are the most common
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In mu or completely submerge
Height Up to 1 frac12 feet tall
Stem Lacking an upright visible stem Leaves an flowering stalk arising from a fibrous roote base Several un ergroun runners each giving rise to a tuber the size of a small potato up to 2 inches wi e
Leaves Shape is variable within an between species Leaves can be broa ly or narrowly arrow-shape lance-shape or tape-like Leaves appear to clasp the base of the flowering stalk Leaf veins all originate from the point where the stem connects to the leaf an ra iate outwar from that point
Flower White petals in whorls of three with a yellow center up to 1 frac12 inch wi e Male flowers at the top with female ones lower on the flower stalk
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Flat winge crow e in a flattene hea up to frac12 inch wi e Ball-shape fruit clusters of green nutlets
Value Known as ldquo uck potatoesrdquo Arrowhea pro uces e ible starchy tubers beneath the mu eaten by ucks an muskrats
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 20
BLU -FLAG IRIS
Iris versicolor
Status Native
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In less than 3 feet of water
Height Up to 3 feet tall Growing in small colonies
Stem Upright robust flattene on one si e simple or with one or two branches from creeping rhizomes embe e in the mu Rhizome very shallow an sometimes expose above the se iment
Leaves Appearing basal but actually alternate bluish-green swor -like an up to 14 inches long an frac34 inch wi e ascen ing in a flat plane or fan-like arrangement Flower stalks are taller than the leaves
Flower Large purplish-blue stalke with 3 larger outer rooping petals whitish towar the base an 3 upright smaller petals in the center
Flowering Period June through July
Fruit Capsule up to 2 frac12 inches long with 3 roun e e ges contains numerous flattene see s often persisting into winter
Value Provi es foo an cover for waterfowl an wil life
Similar Species Leaves may be confuse with those of cattail (Typha spp)or sweet flag (Acorus calmus) Blue flag iris may be istinguishe by blueish-green leaves arrange in flat plane
Photo co rtesy of Amy Smag la
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 21
BLU V RVAIN
Verbena hastata
Status Native
Habitat E ges of pon s marshes streams an rivers
Height Up to 4 feet tall growing in small colonies
Stem Rough four-si e fairly straight arising from a fibrous roote base
Leaves Up to 6 inches long stalke toothe tapere at the tip with a rough surface
Flower 5 small blue petals in a pencil-like spike occurring singly or in clusters with in ivi ual flowers blooming perio ically from the base to the top of spike
Flowering Period July into October
Fruit Separating into four nutlets
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 22
BON S T THOROUGHWORT
Eupatorium perfoliatum
Status Native
Habitat Wet mea ows marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall Branche growing in small colonies
Stem Upright robust lightly- owny arising from a fibrous roote base
Leaves Opposite lanceolate tapering an pointe at the tip toothe with the base clasping the stem Heavily veine Up to 8 inches long an 2 inches wi e at the base
Flower Whitish in 3-4 terminal clusters up to 8 inches long
Flowering Period Late July through October
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 23
BUR-R D
Sparganium eurycarpum
Status Native
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Emergent in shallow water up to 1 foot eep or submerge in water up to 4 feet eep
Height Up to 3 feet tall
Stem Upright stout smooth arising from rhizomes embe e horizontally in the mu a few inches beneath the surface Zigzag stalks
Leaves Alternate linear up to 4 feet long Emergent stem leaves narrow up to 1 frac12 feet tall triangular in cross-section an ri ge on their back si e Certain species are erect while others are floating an ribbon-like
Flower Lower bulbs or burs are clusters of greenish female
flowers Upper smaller burs are white male flowers
Flowering Period June through August
Fruit A burr-like hea on a short or long stalk
Value Colonies provi e nesting sites for waterfowl an shorebir s The fruit is eaten by a variety of waterfowl an the whole plant is graze by muskrat an eer
Similar Species This plant is easily confuse with wil celery (Vallisneria americana) if the leaves are tape-like or with young cattail (Typha spp) if leaves are emergent For the floating form bur-ree has a ri ge own the back of the long leaf When erect an emergent leaves are shorter in height than those of cattail with a istinct ri ge or almost triangular cross section When in fruit the spiky burr-like fruit is istinctive (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 24
CARDINAL FLOW R
Lobelia car inalis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s sha e e ges streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall often growing in large colonies
Stem Smooth stout arising from a horizontal rhizome embe e shallowly in mu
Leaves Alternate lanceolate to oblong toothe tapering at both en s Lower leaves short-stalke upper leaves stalkless Up to 6 inches long an 1 frac12 inches wi e Smooth to slightly owny thin
Flower Long bright-re 2-lippe tubular flower occurring on terminal spike with the upper lip 2-lobe an lower lip 3-lobe
Flowering Period July into October
Fruit Many-see e capsule with two portions
Value Car inal flower is pollinate mostly by hummingbir s since most insects fin it ifficult to navigate the long tubular flowers
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 25
BROAD-L AF CATTAIL
Typha latifolia
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet swales e ges of lakes an pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 10 feet tall
Stem Upright stiff growing in ense stan s from thick extensively -creeping un ergroun rhizomes
Leaves Green or bluish-green upright linear 2-6 feet long an up to 1 inch wi e arising from base or alternating along the stem Leaves have a spongy feel
Flower Many small flowers packe into tight cigar-like clusters creating a lower female spike toppe by a smaller male spike with no gap between the two flower types Female spike persists turning into the familiar ark brown ldquotailrdquo
Flowering Period June into August
Fruit Small see -like surroun e by many bristles attache to the base
Value Provi es nesting habitat for many bir s such as the re -winge blackbir Shoots an rhizomes are eaten by muskrats an geese Submerse stalks provi e spawning habitat an shelter for fish One of only a few plants where all parts are e ible to humans
Similar Species Narrow-leaf cattail (Typha angustifolia) has narrower leaves a narrower fruiting hea an a gap between the male an female flower clusters
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 26
COMMON R D
Phragmites australis
Status Most stands are Non-Native xotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire Phragmites australis has been present in wetlan s for millennia but a non-native European species has crossbre with P australis an has forme an invasive plant
Habitat Fresh an brackish marshes e ges of lakes an pon s streams rivers an in roa si e itches Full to partial sun
Height Upright 4-14 feet tall usually forming ense colonies
Stem Calle ldquoculmsrdquo are large hollow an grow up to 1 inch wi e
Leaves Bluish-green lanceolate close together an usually sticking out from stems at a large angle up to 2 feet long an 1 inch wi e
Flower Clusters frac12 - 1 foot long often purple when young an whitish an fluffy when ol
Flowering Period Late July to October
Fruit Rarely pro uces see but sprea s vigorously by rhizomes often running over the surface of the groun
Value This plant has little to offer to bir s an mammals besi es cover Phragmites often outcompetes other native wetlan plants thus limiting the plant iversity an foo source value of the wetlan The only animal that fee s on this to any extent is the muskrat (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Similar Species Sometimes confuse with ree canary grass since they both form ense stan s at isturbe sites Ree canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) can be istinguishe by its shorter an narrower leaves spikelets with only one flower an its shorter height
How To Distinguish Native From Non-Native Phragmites
Stems Stems on the non-native variety are typically green but may have a little purple color along the no es Stems on
the native variety have some chestnut or purple color where leaves are pulle back exposing the stem Stems of the native variety are also often shiny an black spots often appear late in the growing season
Leaf Collars Leaf collars on the non-native variety are always green while leaf collars on the native variety may be
purple
Leaf Sheaths On fall stems the leaf sheaths on the non-native variety remain attache Leaf sheaths on the native variety are lost or very loosely attache so leaves rop off the native plants before the intro uce plants This is the best
in icator base seasonal changes that istinguishes native or non-native varieties
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 27
J W LW DSPOTT D TOUCH-M NOT
Impatiens capensis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 4 feet tall Often growing in ense colonies
Stem Upright smooth slightly branching hollow somewhat succulent slightly translucent
Leaves Alternate egg-shape toothe on stalks up to 4 inches long Silvery appearance when hel un er water an appear completely ry upon removal Size an color of foliage vary with ifferences in light exposure an available moisture
Flower Few to several angling orange-yellow three-petale tubularfunnel-shape flowers with re ish brown spots an curve spur at their en s
Flowering Period June through September
Fruit Flat green capsules approximately 1 inch long which at maturity burst when touche ejecting ark-brown see s
Value Especially a apte to hummingbir pollination but bees an butterflies are also important pollinators
The sap from this plant has been clinically proven to relieve skin rashes Jewelwee can be applie to the affecte part of the bo y an neutralizes the urishol oil pro uce by poison ivy an poison oak (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 28
JO PY W D
Eupatorium maculatum
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 6 feet tall Branche growing in small to me ium-size colonies
Stem Stout smooth purple or purple-spotte somewhat rough towar the top arising from a fibrous roote base
Leaves Lanceolate toothe rough short-stalke with large single mi -vein Up to 8 inches long an 2 frac12 inches wi e tapere at the base an tip in whorls of 3-7
Flower Small rose-purple in ense flat-toppe clusters at the top of the stem an at the en s of the branches
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Angular nutlet with a plume of fine bristles at the top
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 29
PICK R LW D
Ponte aria cor ata
Status Native
Habitat Marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 3 feet tall often growing in ense colonies
Stem Upright stout smooth arising from a rhizome bearing one leaf an one terminal spike
Leaves Basal an alternate very large arrowhea to heart-shape glossy with prominent parallel veins blunt tip on a spongy leaf stalk
Flower Many small tubular violet-blue flowers approximately frac12 inch long on solitary spike with a sheath at the base
Flowering Period June through August
Fruit Small bla er-like with toothe ri ges containing one see
Value See s are consume by waterfowl an muskrats Networks of rhizomes an leaves also offer sha e an shelter for fish
Similar Species This plant can be istinguishe from its close look-alikes arrow arum an arrowhea by its light bluish-purple flower spike Bases of the leaves are more roun e whereas arrowhea an arrow arum leaves are more pointe (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 30
PURPL LOOS STRIF
Lythrum salicaria
Status Non-Native xotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire
Habitat Marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams rivers an in roa si e itches Full to partial sun
Height 2-6 feet tall
Stem Upright smooth to slightly- owny Square four-si e almost woo y
Leaves Opposite to whorle lanceolate often with heart-shape bases somewhat clasping stem sometimes in whorls of 3 Gra ually tapering to a point 3 to 4 inches long an frac12 to 1 inch wi e
Flower 5-7 purple petals in a ense terminal spike
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Many-see e capsule
Value Little wil life value See s are low in nutrition an roots are too woo y The flowers are attractive to insects They pro uce nectar an are regularly visite by honeybees
This plant outcompetes other wetlan plants which are beneficial foo sources for wil life an insects It repro uces by pro ucing millions of see s per plant an quickly takes over the lan scape when intro uce It also sprea s by rhizome (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 31
R D CANARY GRASS
Phalaris arun inacea
Status Non-Native xotic Invasive
Habitat Swales marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Although it is usually a shoreline plant it can survive in knee- eep water by sprouting ldquowater rootsrdquo on the submerse portion of the stem Forms ense stan s in isturbe areas where clearing gra ing siltation filling or other isruptions have create an opening with moist soil
Height Up to 7 feet tall Often growing in ense colonies
Stem Upright stiff from extensively-creeping rhizomes
Leaves Alternate upright grayish-green open sheath an ligule at the leaf axis Bla es fairly long an narrow up to 12 inches long an frac34 inches wi e
Flower Green to greenish-purple spikelets single-flowere lanceolate ense Terminal inflorescence up to 7 inches long branche an compresse early in the season but opening after fertilization
Flowering Period June through August
Value Low foo value Provi es summer cover an habitat for waterfowl at isturbe sites However it ten s to mat own in winter provi ing little winter cover for wil life
Similar Species Sometimes confuse with bluejoint grass (Calamagrostis canadensis) However the spikelets of bluejoint are in a loose open arrangement an the no es have a bluish to purplish cast
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 32
SOFT-ST MM D BULRUSH
Scirpus vali us
Status Native
Habitat Wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Usually growing in water less than 5 feet eep Ten s to be foun on ldquomuckierrdquo substrate an will grow in stagnant water
Height Usually up to 5 feet but can grow up to 10 feet tall Often growing in extensive colonies
Stem Upright grayish-green often arching up to frac34 inch thick at the base arising from stout re ish rhizomes Soft roun tapering to a point
Leaves No apparent leaves
Flowers Inconspicuous many-stalke bu like spikelets covere by re ish-brown scales locate imme iately below the top of stem Clusters mostly rooping but not in higher salinity areas
Flowering Period June into September
Fruit See -like nutlet with 4-6 bristles attache to the base
Value Provi es habitat for invertebrates an shelter for young fish Nutlets consume by a variety of waterfowl marsh bir s an uplan bir s Stems an rhizomes eaten by geese an muskrat Also provi es nesting material an cover for waterfowl marsh bir s an muskrat
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 33
SWAMP LOOS STRIF WAT R WILLOW
Deco on verticillatus
Status Native shrub becoming herbaceous towar the tips
Habitat Wetlan s bogs e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Shallow water with muck or peat se iment Can form floating mats in areas of very soft se iment
Height Up to 5 feet tall
Stem Ri gi woo y smooth to slightly- owny 3-9 feet long The lower rooting stems are spongy an buttresse giving rise to new arching stems
Leaves Opposite or in whorls of 3 gra ually tapering to a point 3-4 inches long an frac12 to 1 inch wi e sessile or short-stalke
Flower Pinkish-purple bell-shape with 5-7 sepals an 5 petals forming showy clusters in the axils of the mi le to upper leaves
Flowering Period July through August
Fruit Small brownish capsule with 3-5 partitions the clusters sometimes persisting above the leaf scars throughout winter
Value The many intertwining arching stems may form sizable clusters at the e ges of lakes an sluggish streams or floating bog mats Wherever a stem touches the water air-fille spongy tissue may evelop This tissue buoys the stem so that it may root an form a new arching stem
Similar Species May be confuse with the invasive purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) Swamp loosestrife can be istinguishe by the arching stems an showy axillary flower clusters as well as the roun stem instea of the square stem of purple loosestrife (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 34
THR -WAY S DG
Dulichium arun inaceum
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Extensive be s can be foun in shallow (less than 3 feet) water Grows in a variety of se iment types an can tolerate some turbi ity
Height Up to 3 feet tall solitary or in small colonies
Stem Roun hollow jointe arising from a horizontal rhizome
Leaves Linear up to 4 inches long an 38 inch wi e with a conspicuous sheath the latter close except at the top
When looking own upon the plant the leaves are line up an appear to ra iate from three angles away from the main stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Flower Inconspicuous flattene linear sessile spikelets in the axils or two-ranke scales of the brownish spikelets 8-10 along the axillary stalk
Flowering Period July through October
Fruit Flattene brownish see -like nutlet toppe with a beak
Value Eaten occasionally by a variety of ucks an geese Rhizomes an shoots also graze by muskrats
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 35
WOOL GRASS
Scirpus cyperinus
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall growing in small colonies
Stem Upright robust roun to triangular especially at the base
Leaves Elongate from base of stem up to 2 feet long Leaves imme iately below the flower are in clusters of 3-5 an may reach 5 inches long an roop at the tips
Flower Clusters of 6-12 spikelets at en s of rooping stems Flower clusters up to 12 inches long much branche
Flowering Period August through September
Fruit Whitish see -like nutlet with bristles much longer than the scales attache to the base the bristles impart the wooly appearance to the spikelets
Value Provi es foo an cover for waterfowl an other wil life
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 36
Ferns
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 37
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 38
INNAMON FERN
Osmund cinn mome
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Often growing near somewhat similar an relate interrupte fern (Polys ichum aros ichoides)
Height Up to 3 feet tall
Stem Upright stout smooth green an covere with cinnamon-colore wooly stalk
Leaves Sterile (vegetative) fron s up to 3 feet high upright to slightly arche lance-shape with 20+ opposite leaflets Fertile fron s o not persist through the summer whereas vegetative fron s remain until first frost
Reproduction Club-like fertile fron with groups of spore cases on leaflets that hug the main axis
Fruiting Period Spring
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 39
OSTRI H FERN
Pteretis pensylv nic
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 6 feet tall forming tussocks or clumps
Stem Stout nake for up 1 foot from the base green flattene an black at the base covere with papery brown scales Arising from a forking shallowly-embe e rhizome an giving rise to stout black scaly runners
Leaves Sterile fron s forming circles gra ually narrowe at the base an abruptly narrowe to the tip Fertile fron s up to 2 feet tall an 2 inches wi e nake for approximately half their length the nake portions shiny brown crow e sprea ing or ascen ing branches often overlapping or twiste light green at first turning ark green an eventually brown
Reproduction Leaf segments with spore cases beneath become rolle into small har berry-like structures joine along the branches of the fertile fron
Fruiting Period July ndash August Persisting over winter
Similar Species Cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea) Ostrich fern may be istinguishe by the gra ually narrow base an papery scales rather than cinnamon-colore pubescence on the stalk
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 40
ROYAL FERN
Osmund reg lis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall growing in scattere groups
Stem Somewhat stout nake for approximately half its length greenish or re ish arising from a stout creeping rhizome
Leaves Fron s with 5-7 pairs of nearly opposite oblong ascen ing ivisions The lowest pair slightly shorter than the others each ivision ivi e into finely toothe oblong blunt alternate segments 10-14 on each si e Fertile fron s terminate by a panicle appearing as a ense cluster of light brown structures
Reproduction Spore cases clustere along short nake leaf segments in a terminal panicle an often at the tips of some of the ivisions One of several ferns that pro uce their spores on mo ifie leaflets not on the un ersi e of the fron s
Fruiting Period Spring an early summer
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 41
SENSITIVE FERN
Onocle sensibilis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 3 feet tall Growing solitary or scattere
Stem Upright stout nake for nearly half its length arising from a creeping rhizome
Leaves Sterile fron s up to 3 feet tall the bla e with up to 16 pairs of wi e segments having wavy margins Fertile fron s shorter the berry-like structures clustere in stiffly erect ivisions the entire structure appearing spike-like
Reproduction Leaf segments with spore cases beneath which have become rolle into small har black berry-like structures appearing July through August an persisting over winter
Fruiting Period July into October
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 42
Woody S rubs
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 43
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 44
NORTHERN ARROW-WOOD Viburnu recognitu
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 15 feet tall forming thickets
Bark Smooth an gray with a white pith
Twigs Brownish-gray hairless highly branche long straight slen er arrow-like smooth
Buds Re ish-brown with 2 pairs of scales Opposite pointe approximately frac14 inch long roun e scales with fringe of minute hairs along the bor ers
Leaves Opposite egg-shape to roun with saw-like coarse teeth 1-2 inches long an 3 inches wi e tapering to a point with very prominent smooth veins
Flower Numerous small white-petale flowers on short stalks in a somewhat ense terminal flat cluster
Flowering Period June through July
Fruit Fleshy blue-black berry-like approximately 13 inch wi e containing a flattene see appearing in August
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 45
BUTTONBUSH Cephalanthus occidentalis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 12 feet tall typically 3-5 feet tall
Bark Smooth an grayish when young flaky an grayish when ol er Light-brown pith
Twigs Slen er roun or angle grayish-brown to purplish marke with light elongate lenticels
Buds Small in epresse areas surroun e by bark
Leaves Opposite or in whorls of 3-4 Shiny ark-green above lighter green an slightly owny beneath Leathery smooth oblong to oval 3-6 inches long broa at the base pointe at tips often with short re stalks
Flower Densely clustere spherical creamy white ball-shape flowers long-stalke often in groups of 3 1- 1 frac12 inch wi e Ripe hea s brownish fragrant
Flowering Period July through August
Fruit Small triangular-shape capsules greenish in ball-like hea s like the flowers Persist into winter
Value Butterfly an moth species are often foun fee ing on the sweet nectar of the tubular flowers because of their long curle mouthparts Caterpillar pupas are often foun on buttonbush because of the foo association with larvae an a ults (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 46
ELDERBERRYBLACK-BERRIED ELDER Sa bucus canadensis
Elderberr showing fruit
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 12 feet tall often forming thickets
Bark Green
Twigs Pale yellow-brown to light-brown with numerous large raise lenticels Ill-smelling when bruise Flute or square pith very thick white an soft
Buds Small roun to oval covere with brownish scales
Leaves Opposite pinnately compoun with 5 to 11 leaflets usually 7 Lanceolate to ovate abruptly narrowing at the tip Sharply-toothe Lower leaflets often 3-parte Smooth above smooth or owny on veins beneath
Flower Small white nicely-scente flowers with 5 white petals in a flat-toppe cluster up to 6 inches wi e generally with 5 main branches
Flowering Period Late June through July
Fruit Juicy purplish-black berries in flat-toppe clusters containing many see s appearing late August to early October
Value Pro uces fruit that makes tasty jelly an wine It is also an important foo source for many songbir s
Elderberr showing flowers
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 47
GLOSSY BUCKTHORN Rha nus frangula
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T is species is pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Generalist Full-sun or sha e moist ry aci ic or basic soils Woo lan bor ers foreste wetlan s floo plain forests
Heig t Up to 20 feet tall
Twigs Grayish with whitish lenticels
Buds Nake owny up to frac14 inch long
Leaves Alternate whorle oblong 4-5 inches long an 3-4 inches wi e Long growing season leafing out in May an hol ing its leaves into November
Flower Small greenish-white in small clusters in the leaf axis
Flowering Period May through September Flowers an fruits continuously from May through September Plants often isplay bu s flowers immature fruit an mature fruit simultaneously
Fruit Berry with 2-3 pits approximately frac14 inch wi e turning from green to re an eventually blue-black Often all three colore berries are on the plant at the same time Sometimes ifficult to recognize in a foreste situation ue to its non- escript appearance but easily recognize July through September ue to masses of berries
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 48
HIGHBUSH BLUEBERRY Vacciniu cory bosu
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s rich woo s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 15 feet tall often forming thickets
Bark Rough brown Stem an larger branches shre y
Twigs On some bushes re ish-brown on other bushes they are yellow Covere with small warty lenticels zigzagge or angle
Buds Flower bu s re plump pointe with spine-like pointe scales Leaf bu s smaller two outer scales with hair-like point
Leaves Alternate pointe on both en s green on both si es untoothe Lower si e slightly wooly on the veins Up to 3 inches long an 1 frac12 inch wi e Deep re in autumn
Flower Cylin rical white or pink up to frac12 inch long an frac14 inch wi e in ense terminal or lateral clusters
Flowering Period April through June appearing when leaves are only half grown
Fruit Blue-black berry up to frac12 inch wi e with whitish bloom sweet in clusters
Value Berries eaten by numerous bir s an wil life
Similar Species Maleberry (L onia ligustrina) Highbush blueberry can be istinguishe by its terminal clusters of fruit an by berries rather than capsules for fruit
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 49
HOBBLEBUSH Viburnu alnifoliu
Status Native
Habitat Cool moist ravines e ges of rivers an streams
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Light brown with wavy grooves
Twigs Tough stout olive-brown to light purplish-brown Coate with rusty brown hairs towar the tip
Buds Large long in pairs light-brown covere with velvety fuzz Flower bu s roun e an occur only at tips of twigs
Leaves Very large 4-8 inches long Almost roun finely toothe heart-shape at base Hairy beneath rusty veins much branche Brownish hairs on stalks
Flower Large white clusters with 5 petals appearing before leaves are fully grown
Flowering Period May through June
Fruit Re berries turning black Stones with a groove on each e ge
Similar Species Likely to be confuse with ogwoo s Viburnum leaves are nearly always toothe or lobe while ogwoo leaves are smooth untoothe an veins are parallel
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 50
HONEYSUCKLE Lonicera spp
(L orrowii L tatarica L aackii)
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T ese species are pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Fiel s roa si es fence-rows he ge-rows e ges of woo s
Heig t 10 to 15 feet tall
Bark Tan to brown shre e in appearance
Twigs Generally glabrous thornless
Buds Blunt to acute
Leaves Opposite entire oblong to egg-shape 1-5 inches long
Flower 5-lobe tubular sometimes fragrant growing in leaf axils white to yellow
Fruit Re rarely yellow juicy few-see e berry July through September
Flowering Period May through June
Morrowrsquos Honeysuckle Lonicera orrowii
Leaves an young twigs ensely owny Leafy bracts beneath flowers not glan ular Leaves broa est below the mi le Flowers white fa ing to yellow
Tartarian Honeysuckle Lonicera tartarica
Un ersi es of leaves an young twigs are hairless Flowers usually pink-re Only species that has hollow pith
Amur Honeysuckle Lonicera aackii
Upper surface of leaves are shiny Bark is gray or tan an exfoliates somewhat in vertical strips Flowers white fa ing to yellow
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 51
JAPANESE KNOTWEED Polygonu cuspidatu
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T is species is pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Woo lan s open spaces itches roa si e itches e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall Fast growing aggressive easily sprea s an repro uces vegetatively
Twigs Greenish hollow jointe bamboo-like Stems often persist into winter
Leaves Alternate large untoothe broa ly ovate 3-7 inches long with pointe tips an square bases
Flower Many small whitish flowers growing in slen er finger-like clusters in the leaf axils
Flowering Period August to September
Fruit White papery win - isperse x-shape in cross-section
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 52
MALEBERRY Lyonia ligustrina
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s rich woo s gentle slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall often forming thickets
Bark Light gray shre y shaggy Younger bark appearing slightly hairy ol er bark gray with white lenticels
Twigs Yellow-brown to ash-gray mottle with black Flowering twigs leafless
Buds No terminal bu Lateral bu s flattene re oval pointe with a single re ish scale
Leaves Alternate elliptic to oblong stalke up to 3 inches long pointe at both en s minutely toothe Rough above slightly-hairy beneath
Flower Small roun white flowers in clusters up to 6 inches long
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Greenish-gray to brown small roun capsules with 5 partitions No larger than flower Crow e in groups on the stem persisting through winter Dry brown po s resembling blueberries
Similar Species Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium cor mbosum) Maleberry can be istinguishe by its flattene re bu s lateral rather than terminal clusters an by capsules of fruit instea of berries
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 53
MEADOWSWEET Spiraea latifolia
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t 2-3 feet tall forming large ense colonies
Bark Thin peeling in filmy layers
Twigs Smooth slen er light re ish-brown to purple more or less angle Unbranche (except occasionally towar the top where branching may occur)
Buds Many small smooth oval with several scales
Leaves Alternate oblong narrow toothe short-stalke tapering to the base with pointe to roun tips Up to 3 inches long an 1 frac12 inches wi e
Flower Pyrami clusters of white to pinkish 5-parte small flowers occurring at tip of stem
Flowering Period July into September
Fruit Small har smooth cluster of 5-6 tiny po s persisting over winter in the inflorescence giving it a ark-brown color
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 54
MULTIFLORA ROSE Rosa ultiflora
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T is species is pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Generalist Variety of soil moisture an light con itions
Heig t Up to 9 feet tall Shrubby arching
Bark Green Ol er stems turn woo y
Twigs Long arching with stiff re-curve thorns tips root to form new plants
Leaves Alternate pinnately compoun 7-9 toothe leaflets each leaflet about 1 inch long Fringe stipule at the base of leaf stem
Flower Dense clusters of fragrant white or occasionally pink 5-petale flowers up to 1 frac12 inch wi e Persist into winter
Flowering Period May through June
Fruit Small roun har re berry calle a ldquohiprdquo Smallest hip of any rose in New Englan persists into winter
Similar Species Multiflora rose can be istinguishe from other roses by the presence of a fringe stipule on the leaf petiole
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 55
NORTHERN WILD RAISIN WITHEROD VIBURNUM Viburnu cassinoides
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s valleys gentle slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall usually up to 7
Bark Smooth grayish-brown
Twigs Slen er long flexible ull pale grayish to light-brown Slightly hairy Somewhat angle with in istinct lenticels
Buds Covere by a single pair of scales Terminal bu s long yellow or gol en 2 light-brown scales split curve Flower bu s large an flask-shape
Leaves Opposite lanceolate to oval loosely toothe up to 4 inches long on short stalks tapering to an abrupt point Dark green above ull green below leathery
Flower Many small white 5-lobe flowers in short-stalke flat-toppe clusters at the tips of the twigs
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Fleshy blue-black berry-like approximately frac14 inch wi e containing a flat see Dull re as maturing
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 56
SHADBUSHSERVICEBERRY A elchier canadensis
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains rich woo s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 25 feet tall usually growing in thickets
Bark Gray smooth thin vertical fissures separating smooth flat areas in ol er trees
Twigs Ranci taste an smell (slight taste of bitter almon s) Slen er grayish often covere by a gray skin smooth Lenticels are scattere minute ots
Buds Terminal bu s long narrow greenish-yellow or purple
Leaves Alternate oblong finely-toothe broa est above the mi le Veins curve When half grown with white felt or wooly hairs beneath Up to frac34 inch long roun e at the tip an base
Flower Many me ium-size 5-petalle white flowers approximately frac34 inch wi e on stalks in clusters appearing when leaves are half grown
Flowering Period April through June
Fruit Dark-purple to black berries
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 57
SHEEP LAURELLAMBKILL Kal ia angustifolia
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 3 feet tall usually forming thickets
Bark Re ish brown
Twigs Pale brown smooth
Buds Nake no scales or only 2 showing
Leaves Evergreen Occasionally opposite but usually in whorls of 3 Elliptic to oblong on very short stems crow e on the branch opposite in threes Bright green above pale or whitene beneath Both surfaces smooth
Flower Small eep pink to re ish-purple 5-lobe approximately 1 frac12 inch wi e in clusters among the leaves
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Small brownish roun capsule with 5 partitions in clusters that persist over winter
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 58
SILKY DOGWOOD Cornus a o u
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall forming ense thickets
Twigs Much branching lower portion of the stem light brown upper portions becoming streake with re One-an two-year ol branches completely re an velvety Twigs mo erate to slen er with spongy chocolate-brown piths
Buds Smooth hairy
Leaves Opposite ovate to elliptic roun e at base with pointe tips Veins branching off mi vein that follow up the smooth leaf without reaching e ge Up to 5 inches long an half as wi e roun e to somewhat we ge-shape at the base an abruptly pointe at the tip pubescent beneath on short to mo erate stalks turning re in autumn
Flower Many small white 4-petalle flowers in broa flat-toppe clusters up to 3 inches wi e at the tips of branches
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Blue or blueish-white berries
Similar Species Re Osier Dogwoo (Cornus stolonifera)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 59
SPECKLED ALDER Alnus rugosa
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 25 feet tall often branching from the base
Bark Brown with whitish horizontal lenticels
Twigs Olive-brown to re ish brown smooth owny with greenish triangular pith
Buds Stalke re ish covere by 2-3 scales equal in length coate with grayish or brownish own no terminal bu
Leaves Alternate oval or roun e broa est below the mi le 2-4 inches long Doubly toothe or wavy Green above pale beneath Leaf base roun e or heart-shape Up to 6 inches long an 3 inches wi e
Flower Develop long before the leaves Male catkins long finger-like rooping Female catkins upright in clusters stalke resembling a small pine cone arching appearing below male
Flowering Period April through June before leaves emerge
Fruit Female catkins ripening into frac12 inch cylin rical cones persistent in winter
Comments Distinguishing features are the conspicuous white lenticels on the trunk an on the twigs the short thick stalks of the ldquoconesrdquo an the conspicuous net venation of the leaves In winter the immature female spikes roop
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 60
SPICEBUSH Lindera benzoin
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains rich woo s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Smooth grayish-brown
Twigs Younger growth is green with white lines an specks while ol er portions with smooth gray-brown bark
Buds Leaf bu s small pointe Flower bu s larger stalke Spherical arrange on one si e of a leaf bu above the scar
Leaves Alternate obovate to ovate somewhat pointe up to 4 inches long an 2 inches wi e
Flower Small yellow Male an female occur in clusters on separate plants
Flowering Period April through May
Fruit Fleshy re an berry-like up to frac12 inch long containing one large see
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 61
STEEPLEBUSH Spiraea to entosa
Status Native
Habitat Wet mea ows marshes shrub wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 3 frac12 feet tall
Bark Thin hairy peeling shre ing into strips
Buds Lateral bu s covere with wool No terminal bu
Leaves Alternate simple toothe up to 2 inches long white or woolly beneath with brownish rusty or tawny hairs
Flower Small 5-petale eep pink or rose colore flowers in ense steeple-like terminal spike up to 6 inches long
Flowering Period July into September
Fruit One-celle capsules persistent into winter
Similar Species The pinker plants are often confuse with purple loosestrife Steeplebush has alternate leaves whereas purple loosestrife has opposite or whorle leaves The stems of Steeplebush ten to be roun in cross-section whereas the stems of purple loosestrife are square in cross section (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 62
SWEET PEPPERBUSH Clethera alnifolia
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Dark grayish or blackish Branches of previous year shre y or flaky
Twigs Slen er roun an slightly owny on new twigs with large white pith
Buds Lateral bu s small an obscure Terminal bu s are owny large an pointe
Leaves Alternate egg-shape to oblong small broa est above mi le sharply-toothe except at base Straight-veine both si es smooth an green abruptly blunt-pointe Up to 4 frac12 inches long an 1 frac12 inches wi e
Flower Many small 5-petale fragrant white flowers occurring on terminal spike
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Small tan roun capsule each with 3 hairy partitions resembling peppercorns persisting into winter
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 63
WINTERBERRY HOLLYBLACK ALDER Ilex verticillata
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Gray smooth
Twigs Slen er ark purple-gray with many small lenticels
Buds Tiny blunt at tip iverging from the twig Crow e upper bu s larger Terminal bu present
Leaves Alternate ovate thick ull-green above owny beneath coarse-toothe prominent veins Broa est at or above the mi le pointe at both en s
Flower Very small greenish or yellowish white Male an female flower son separate plants 6-8 petals in clusters seate irectly on stem frac14 inch in iameter of very short stalks
Flowering Period May through August
Fruit Bright re berry-like with 3-5 bony nuts borne singly or in clusters approximately frac14 inch wi e containing several see s persisting into winter
Value Extremely showy in late fall an early winter when covere with their bright re fruit these shrubs are either male or female Attractive to bir s
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 64
WITCH HAZEL Ha a elis virginiana
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 30 feet tall
Bark Mottle light-brown to gray smooth to scaly
Twigs Zigzag smooth to slightly hairy Short shoots light orange brown with rusty or gray hairs Some brown warts but lenticels in istinct
Buds Lateral bu s flattene with rusty brown hairs Terminal bu stalke curve or sickle-shape
Leaves Roun e to oval wavy lopsi e toothe in shallow roun e lobes Main veins prominent 5-7 nerves One-si e at base
Flower Bright yellow crinkle curving petals persisting into winter remaining attache to twig
Flowering Period August into November
Fruit Woo y hairy light-brown 2-see e po with 4 well-space curve points splitting open an ejecting black see s forcibly ripening a year after flowers Open po s remain on stem
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 65
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 66
Climbin Vines
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 67
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 68
CLIMBINGORIENTAL BITTERSWEET
Celast us o biculatus
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire
Habitat Disturbe areas roa si es fiel s forests an e ges of streams an rivers
Hei ht 40-65 feet long eci uous woo y vine Very aggressive climbs up an over trees an chokes them
Stem Tanish furrowe
Leaves Alternate ovate bluntly toothe 3-4 inches long tapere at the base
Flower Small greenish clusters in the leaf axils
Flowerin Period April through May
Fruit Bright-yellow splitting open to reveal showy orangere fruit
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 69
POISON IVY
Toxicodend on adicans
Status Native
Habitat Generalist Variety of soil moisture an light con itions Foun in recent clear-cuts
Hei ht Upright eci uous shrub trailing vine or climbing plant Shrub can grow up to 6 feet tall but this plant is taller as a vine
Leaves Long-stalke compoun leaves ivi e into 3 leaflets each leaflet having a longer stalk than the si e leaflets
Flowers Small yellowish flowers with 5 petals occurring on lateral clusters
Flowerin Period May through July Poison i y showing fruit
Fruit Greenish to grayish-white berries lacking hairs Pro uce in late summer an can persist throughout winter
CAUTION
TOUCHING OR BURNING ANY PART OF THIS PLANT CAN CAUSE SEVERE SKIN IRRITATION
Poison i y as a tree-climbing ine Poison i y in autumn
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 70
RIVERBANK GRAPE
Vitis ipa ia
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Hei ht Up to 60 feet tall
Bark Re ish-brown in loose strips Pith with thin firm tissue
Leaves Alternate coarse-toothe up to 7 inches long with usually 3-5 lobes an narrow-pointe leaves
Flowers Inconspicuous in branche clusters
Flowerin Period May through July
Fruit Purplish-black to black grapes up to frac12 inch wi e with whitish waxy covering
Similar Species Forest grape (Vitis ulpina) occurs in similar habitats but its leaves have broa teeth an are not usually lobe an its grapes are black an lacking waxy coating
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 71
VIRGINIA CREEPER
Pa thenosisus quinquefolia
Status Native
Habitat Wi e range of con itions ry san y soil to moist nutrient-rich soil sha e sun
Stem Woo y stem persisting into winter
Leaves Alternate palmately compoun with 3-7 but usually 5 leaflets Leaflets 6-12 centimeters long with toothe margins Turn eep-re in the fall
Flower Inconspicuous green-white
Fruit Small blue-black berries appearing in autumn
Comments Climbs by ten rils that have oval a hesive isks at their tips
Similar Species Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) has compoun leaves with 3 leaflets but the terminal leaflet is attache to a short-stalk Poison ivy also climbs by aerial roots not by a hesive isks
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 72
The Ca opy Trees
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 73
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 74
AMERICAN BASSWOODLINDEN Tilia am ricana
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s valleys gentle slopes
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray ri ge when ol
Twigs Alternate stout zigzag greenish-gray smooth or owny
Buds Re ish-brown frac12 inch long lopsi e No terminal bu
Leaves Alternate large up to 8 inches long sharply toothe Unequally heart-shape at base
Flowers 5 cream-colore fragrant yellow petals Approximately frac12 inch across
Floweri g Period Early summer
Fruit Stalke cluster of small pale green nuts attache to a leafy wing
AMERICAN BEECH Fagus grandifolia
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s uplan s well- raine lowlan s
Height Up to 90 feet tall
Bark Smooth an light blue-gray when young an ol
Twigs Alternate slen er greenish-brown hairy
Buds Slen er sharp-pointe approximately frac34 inch long chestnut brown with overlapping scales
Leaves Alternate simple egg-shape pointe with parallel veins terminating in teeth Shiny papery-smooth up to 5 inches long Dry leaves remain on tree in winter Yellow in autumn
Flowers Inconspicuous slen er catkins in a roun e hea both sexes occur on the same tree
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Prickly 4-valve fruit capsule bearing 2 triangular nuts Nut is sweet an e ible
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 75
AMERICAN HORNBEAM IRONWOODBLUE BEECH Carpinus caroliniana
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s foreste wetlan s e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 40 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray-green furrowe flute (muscular) wavy
Twigs Slen er ark re ish-brown shiny an smooth or slightly -hairy
Buds Oval re ish brown angle scaly
Leaves Alternate simple oblong sharply an finely oubly-toothe margins up to 4 inches long an 2 inches wi e entirely smooth above slightly owny beneath Orange or scarlet in autumn
Flowers Very small male an female flowers occur in separate spikes Male catkins 1 inch female small appearing with leaves
Floweri g Period April through May before leaf-out
Fruit Nutlet in the axil of a 3-lobe leaf-like bract the bracts clustere in a loose terminal spike up to 2 inches long
BLACK BIRCHSWEET BIRCH B tula l nta
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s
Height Up to 60 feet tall
Bark Smooth ark brown Long horizontal lenticels resembling cherry Ol er trees with very ark thick plates
Twigs Smooth slen er light re ish-brown with very fine horizontal lines Smells an tastes of wintergreen
Buds Sharp re ish brown long terminal bu absent on long shoots Bu scales owny on margins
Leaves Alternate simple heart-shape sharply ouble-or single-toothe smooth above with tufts of white hair on the veins beneath ull ark green Wintergreen o or an taste
Flower Male an female flowers occur in separate catkins on the same tree male catkins present uring the winter
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Catkins cylin rical short scales smooth
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 76
BLACK CHERRY Prunus s rotina
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s on many sites
Height Up to 60 feet tall
Bark Dark re ish-brown smooth with narrow horizontal lenticels on young trees becoming roughene an scaly on ol er trees Resembles black birch
Twigs Slen er re ish-brown often gray an peeling Ranci o or an taste Often with black knot swellings on branches with narrow lenticels
Buds Bright light re ish-brown 4 scales appear as none Terminal bu larger than laterals
Leaves Alternate simple elliptic Smooth an shiny above finely-toothe turning inwar Brown wool on 13 of mi rib beneath Yellow to brown in autumn
Flower White 5-petalle elongate clusters appearing when leaves are frac12 grown in clusters at the en s of twigs up to 4 inches long
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit E ible cherries ark re ish-purple becoming black with small stone Appearing June-October
BOX ELDERASH-LEAVED MAPLE Ac r n gundo
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s lowlan s floo plains
Height Up to 40 feet tall
Bark Thin grayish to light-brown with furrowe narrow ri ges similar to Norway maple
Twigs Stout green to purplish-green brightly colore often re Covere with whitish bloom the first year which rea ily rubs off
Buds Short-stalke re ish usually wooly or owny whitish ensely hairy
Leaves Opposite compoun palm-like with 3-5 veiny leaflets up to 5 inches long on short stalks Very variable in shape sharp margins with coarse teeth Light green above pale green an hairy along veins beneath Stalk swollen at base
Flower Small yellowish to greenish Male an female flowers occur in rooping clusters on separate trees appearing slightly before leaf-out
Floweri g Period April through May at or before leaf-out
Fruit A typical flattene v-shape winge samara
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 77
EASTERN COTTONWOOD Populus d ltoid s
Status Native
Habitat Floo plains streambanks valleys
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Greenish-yellow on young trees gray an furrowe on ol er trees
Twigs Smooth yellow-brown mo erately stout
Buds Brown shiny approximately frac12 to 1 inch long 6-7 scales heavy sticky fragrant yellow resin insi e
Leaves Alternate simple large triangular coarse roun e teeth up to 6 inches long an often nearly as wi e Dark green an shiny above lighter beneath with veins prominent on both surfaces Stems flattene at base of leaves Leaves from sprouts very large Yellow in autumn
Flower Drooping loosely groupe catkins Male an female flowers occur in rooping spikes on separate trees Before the leaves unfol the male crow e into rather thick re ish spikes the female crow e into narrower greenish yellow spikes
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Short-stalke capsule with 4 partitions approximately frac14 inch long
EASTERN HEMLOCK Tsuga canad nsis
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s ravines foreste wetlan s
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Cinnamon-re to gray tinge with purple narrow ri ges
Twigs Alternate yellow to grayish brown very hairy flattene
Buds Approximately frac12 to frac34 inch wi e oval chestnut brown hairy scales
Needles Narrow approximately frac12 inch long Short shiny ark-green above tapering whitish-green with 2 white lines beneath appearing as a broa stripe Stalke at base persistent comb-like arrangement on twig
Fruit Small oval cones frac12 to frac34 inch long on slen er stalks Cone scales as wi e as long Male cones are small structures in clusters in leaf axils an o not persist Female cones have brown scales are at twig en s an persist
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 78
EASTERN WHITE PINE Pinus strobus
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s bogs ravines cool sha y north slopes
Height Up to 120 feet tall
Bark Smooth thin greenish when young becoming ark brown eeply-furrowe an blocky when ol er
Twigs Smooth slen er green or light yellowish-green resinous
Buds Sharp-pointe yellowish-brown
Leaves In clusters of 5 (the only five-nee le pine in the East) soft slen er bluish-green Retaine to en of the secon growing season 3 year nee les yellow in October 2-5 inches long
Fruit Large tapering cylin rical cones falling when ripe (August-September) Require two seasons to mature 4 to 8 inches long
GREEN ASH Fraxinus p nnsylvanica
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains streambanks
Height Up to 80 feet tall
Bark Young twigs gray thin hairless Ol er stems gray with shallow grooves ri ges an furrows
Twigs Stout gray terminal bu present conical the first pair of lateral bu s place some istance below the terminal
Leaves Opposite pinnately-compoun with 5-9 (usually 7) leaflets Shiny green on top occasionally hairy on bottom with saw-toothe margins Bright yellow in autumn
Flower Inconspicuous small cluster of greenish petal-free stalke flowers with male an female flowers occur on separate trees
Floweri g Period April to June as leaves emerge
Fruit Samara with a broa wing an in istinct see portion
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 79
RED MAPLE Ac r rubrum
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s rich woo s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 75 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray often satiny on young trees becoming arker scaly rough separating an forming long scales often up-curling in ol er trees
Twigs Current years growth re Ol er twigs light gray smooth
Buds Sharp ark re with prominent overlapping scales
Leaves Opposite simple usually 3-lobe (sometimes 5) with sharp angles between lobes an with sharp irregular teeth Dark green above gray-green beneath approximately 3-4 inches long Yellow or scarlet in autumn
Flower Re or yellow with petals appearing long before the leaves emerge Male an female flowers occur on separate trees
Floweri g Period March through May before leaf-bu s open
Fruit A ouble-winge v-shape re samara up to 1 inch long
Matures in late spring falls an germinates at once
RED OAK Qu rcus rubra
Status Native
Habitat Bottomlan s moist slopes
Height Up to 90 feet tall
Bark Smooth greenish-brown on young stems becoming broken into ri ges re ish-brown har with eep furrows when ol er Inner bark re ish
Twigs Alternate strongly ri ge or flute Re ish brown or black smooth
Buds Smooth brown blunt-pointe in clusters at en s of twigs Larger than other oaks except black frac14 inch long roun e on the si es Terminal bu s have slight rusty hairs
Leaves Spikes on tips of lobes Mostly 3 pairs V-shape space between lobes (typically 7-11) triangular in outline smooth on both si es
Flower Long sprea ing strings
Fruit Acorn maturing in secon year Cup embracing 13 to frac12 the acorn Oval to cylin rical short shallow Acorns large bitter ine ible insi es pale yellow
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 80
SHAGBARK HICKORY Carya ovata
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s valleys uplan slopes
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Smooth when young splitting into long plates that curve outwar free at both en s when ol er
Twigs Re ish-brown very stout tough an har to break Soli pith
Buds Dark brown long-pointe approximately frac12 inch or more wi e Scales remaining over winter
Leaves Alternate compoun 4-6 inches long 5 (rarely 7) leaflets with the 3 upper leaflets much larger an longer than the lower terminal leaflet Slightly toothe with a tuft of hair on each tooth
Flower Male an female flowers occur on same tree Male flowers are 3-branche catkins female flowers are in short spikes
Floweri g Period Early spring before leaf-out
Fruit Thick globe-like husks split away when ripe Nut with 4 angles whitish brown shell thick sweet kernel
SILVER MAPLE Ac r saccharinium
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 80 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray (like beech) in young trees breaking into long thin scaly plates curving away at en s when ol er
Twigs V-shape point upwar at tip rooping Orange-brown to re Ba o or when bruise
Buds Terminal bu small blunt re
Leaves Opposite simple approximately 5 inches wi e Deeply cleft 5-lobe sharply toothe Green above silver-white beneath Very silvery un er water Downy beneath when young Pale yellow in autumn
Flower Small re or greenish yellow No petals occurring long before the leaves Some trees have only male flowers
Floweri g Period February through May before leaf-out
Fruit Occurring in late spring The see germinates at once flattene winge fruit the largest of the native maples up to 2 inches long
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 81
SWAMP WHITE OAK Qu rcus bicolor
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 70 feet tall
Bark Flaky light grayish-brown peeling in ragge papery scales Furrowe at base of tree in long flat scaly ri ges
Twigs Slen er to stout straw-brown to yellow-green Bark peels from twig (only oak where this occurs)
Buds Small roun terminal bu s orange-brown blunt-pointe smooth Lateral bu s small an crow e
Leaves Alternate simple oval light-green above with hairs beneath wi est above the mi le strongly tapere towar the we ge-shape base Margin shallowly lobe Yellow or brown in autumn
Flower Male an female flowers occur separately on the same tree the male in catkins the female in short spikes
Fruit Oval light-brown nut approximately 1 inch long enclose for about frac12 its length by a cap Occurring singly or often in pairs at the en of a short stalk Some of the cups usually persist in winter
SYCAMOREPLANETREEBUTTONBALL Platanus occid ntalis
Status Native
Habitat Floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Creamy white on young branches turning re -brown-gray then breaking in large thin plates exposing whitish inner bark giving a white-washe appearance
Twigs Slen er smooth yellow-brown slightly zigzag swollen at joints
Buds No terminal bu Lateral bu s long conical resinous shiny ark re -brown covere by a single cap-like scale Pointing outwar enclose by bases of leaf stalks until the leaves fall
Leaves Alternate simple large with 3-5 pointe lobes maple-like pubescent beneath when young with long pointe teeth
Flower Small inconspicuous Male an female flowers occur separately in roun hea s on the same tree
Floweri g Period April through June
Fruit Large roun balls approximately frac14 inch long an 1 inch wi e with bristly hairs at base containing many see s Occurring singly on long stalks Remains on tree until spring
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 82
TAMARACHLARCH Larix laricina
Status Native
Habitat Bogs foreste wetlan s wet peaty soils
Height Up to 80 feet tall
Bark Thin re ish brown scaly Young branches grayish or pale orange-brown
Twigs Smooth brownish many leaf scars
Buds Dark re ish-brown roun resinous
Leaves Deci uous nee les pale blueish-green approximately 1 inch long flexible triangular Yellow in autumn before ropping off
Flower Occur separately as small cones on the same tree Male flowers are yellow Female flowers are rose re both appearing in March through April
Fruit Small oval cones frac12 to frac34 inch wi e with 20 scales Cone scales concave smooth often shining longer than broa chestnut brown smooth on the outsi e
WHITE ASH Fraxinus am ricana
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s valleys slopes foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Light or ark gray Smooth when young groove when ol er Longitu inal ri ges forming iamon -shape patterns separate by narrow interlacing ri ges
Twigs Opposite light greenish-brown with small white lenticles an a slight bloom Soli pith
Buds Roun e rusty to ark-brown rough hairy First pair of lateral bu s at the same level irectly below the terminal
Leaves Opposite pinnately compoun stalke oval to lanceolate 8 to 12 inches long with 5 to 9 leaflets (mostly 7) Smooth or slightly wavy-toothe Yellowish to maroon in the autumn
Flowers Small inconspicuous male an female flowers occur on separate trees appearing with the leaves Purplish in crow e clusters
Floweri g Period April through May before leaf-out
Fruit Cylin rical light-brown enclosing a see an a flattene elongate wing 2-3 times long as the bo y 1-2 inches wi e in rooping clusters
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 83
WHITE OAK Qu rcus alba
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s a jacent slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 90 feet tall
Bark Gray thin on young trees an flaky irregularly-plate or groove when ol er
Twigs Purplish-gray to greenish-re mo erately stout smooth
Buds Blunt smooth brownish at tips of twigs in clusters
Leaves Alternate simple 4-10 prominent roun e lobes variable in epth Re ish to violet in autumn Brown ea leaves remain on tree in winter
Flowers Both sexes occur on the same tree Male flowers in clusters of hanging bea s Female flowers are few in angles of new leaves Greenish yellowish or re ish
Fruit Maturing in one season Acorn cup with wart-like scales Cup shorter than nut Sweet an e ible
WHITE SPRUCE Pic a glauca
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s a jacent slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 70 feet tall
Bark Thin scaly grayish-brown silvery on freshly expose areas
Twigs Pale gray to yellow-brown no hairs or fuzz
Buds Oval ragge brown smooth
Leaves frac12 to 1 inch blueish-green slight-bloom pungent o or when crushe sharp line of white ots in each groove Ten ency to mass towar the upper si e of the twig
Flowers Occur separately as small cones on the same tree Male flowers are yellowish re Female flowers are greenish re purplish
Co e Cylin rical 2 inches long Immature cones have thin scales an are soft an flexible Mature cones are light chestnut brown
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 84
YELLOW BIRCH B tula l nta
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains ravines cool rich woo s of higher elevations
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Peeling in thin ribbon-like strips when young that roll back in curls Shiny yellow or silvery gray rough an platy when ol er
Twigs Stout bronze or bright-brown shiny Smooth or sparsely hairy Wintergreen o or an taste
Buds Sharp re ish-brown oppresse terminal bu absent oval with chestnut-brown scales
Leaves Alternate simple long oval sharply ouble-toothe Dull an ark-green above lighter beneath with slight hairs in veins base roun e to near heart-shape up to 5 inches long
Flower Male an female flowers in separate catkins on the same tree Male catkins present in winter Male flowers are yellow small narrow in a rooping catkin at branch tips Female flowers are green an in broa er upright catkins place back from the tip that matures into a brown cone
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Catkins roun e roun scales somewhat hairy erect on twig frac34 inch long persist into winter
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 85
Appendix A Other Helpful Field Guides
The Boo of Swamp and Bog Trees Shrubs and Wildflowers of Eastern Freshwater Wetlands by John Eastman 1995 Stackpole Books ISBN 0-8117-2518-9
A Field Guide to Coastal Wetland Plants of the Northeastern United States by Ralph W Tiner Jr 1987 University of Massachusetts Press ISBN 0-870-23538-9
Freshwater Wetlands - A Guide to Common Indicator Plants of the Northeast by Dennis W Magee 1981 University of Massachusetts Press ISBN 0-87023-317-3
Northeastern Wetland Flora Field Office Guide to Plant Species by USDA ndash NRCSNortheastern National Technical Center Chester Pennsylvania
Plants in Wetlands A Redington Field Guide to Biological Interactions by Charles B Re ington 1994 Ken allHunt Publishing Company ISBN 0-84038-983-3
Pond and Broo by Michael J Ca uto 1990 ISBN 0-87451-509-1
Pond Life A Golden Guide by George K Rei 1987 Gol en Books ISBN 0-30724-017-7
Through The Loo ing Glass by Susan Borman Robert Korth Jo Temte 19971999 Wisconsin Lakes Partnership ISBN 0-93231-032-X
Wetland Planting Guide for Northeast United States by Gwen olyn A Thunhorst 1993 Environmental Concern Inc ISBN 1-88322-602-3
Wetlands - National Audubon Society Nature Guides by William A Niering 1985 Alfre A Knopf New York ISBN 0-39473-147-6
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 86
Appendix B Glossary of Terms
Alternate Leaves arising singly along the stem not in pairs or whorls
Annual Living or growing for only one year or season
Axil The angle where two structures join for example where a leaf joins the stem
Axillary Occurring in or growing from an axil
Basal Locate at or arising from the base of a plant or a plant part
Berry A small juicy fleshy fruit containing one to many see s
Capsule A ry fruit containing two to many see s an opening by valves slits or pores
Cat in Scaly spike of inconspicuous flowers lacking petals
Ciliate Bearing margine hairs
Clasping Leaves that partially encircle the stem at the base
Compound (Leaf) Divi e into two or more istinct separate parts (leaflets)
Cone A har woo y globose to cylin ric arrangement of bracts or scales in the axils of which the repro uctive structures are foun
Deciduous Falling from the plant after maturity each year
Elliptic Broa est at the mi le gra ually tapering to both en s
Emergent Roote in shallow water with most of the plant growing above the surface
Emersed Raise out of the water as in the flowers or fruits of some floating plants
Entire (Leaf) Having a continuoussmooth margin unbroken by toothing or ivisions
Evergreen Remaining green throughout the winter
Fibrous Referring to a cluster of slen er roots all with the same iameter
Frond The leaf of a fern
Furrowed Groove
Glabrous Without hairs or scales
Globose Shape like a globe roun
Head A group of flowers tightly crowne together in a more or less roun e structure
Herbaceous A plant that ies back to the groun at the en of the growing season or a plant part that is leaf-like in color an texture
Inflorescence The entire flower cluster
Lanceolate Lance-shape broa est near the base gra ually tapering to the narrower apex
Leaflet One of the segments of a compoun leaf
Lenticels The small corky pores or narrow lines on the surface of stems of woo y plants that allow the interchange of gases between the interior tissue an surroun ing air A small opening in a stem
Lip The upper an lower parts of certain tubular flowers
Lobe The in ente part of a leaf or flower not ivi e into istinct an separate parts but still interconnecte to similar parts of the leaf or flower
MidribMidvein The central or main vein of a leaf
Native A species that originate in a certain place or region in igenous
Node The place on the stem where leaves or branches are attache
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 87
Non-Native Not originating in a certain geographic location than where they are foun
Nut A har ry one-see e fruit not opening at maturity
Nutlet A small nut
Oblong Broa est at the mi le an tapering to both en s but broa er than elliptic
Opposite Leaves arising in pairs on either si e of a stem
Oval Broa ly elliptic
Ovate Broa ly roun e at the base becoming narrowe above
Palmate Having three or more veins lobes or leaflets arising from one point
Panicle A compoun loosely branche flower cluster
Parallel Veined Having veins all parallel as oppose to in a network
Perennial Living for two or more years
Petal One segment of the series of floral leaves lying just insi e the sepals often the most conspicuous
Petiole The stalk-like part of the leaf attaching it to the stem
Pinnate Divi e once along an elongate axis into istinct segments
Pith The soft tissue at the center of a plantrsquos stem it may be soli or hollow at maturity
Pod A fruiting structure containing the mature see s
Pubescent Covere in fine short hairs
Recurved Curving ownwar
Rhizome A horizontal usually un ergroun stem that often sen s out roots an shoots from its no es
Ribbed Bearing ri ges
Root The escen ing axis of the plant usually growing in an opposite irection from the stem
Samara A winge fruit
Scale A mo ifie leaf or thin flattene structure
Sepal One segment of the outer series of floral leaves often green in color but occasionally of a ifferent color an petal-like
Serrate With sharp forwar -pointing teeth on the margin
Sessile Without a stalk
Sheath The base of a leaf that encircles the stem
Simple (Leaf) A leaf compose of a single bla e
Smooth Not rough to the touch
Spi e An elongate cluster of sessile flowers
Shrub A woo y plant smaller than a tree with several stems or trunks arising from a single base a bush
Simple Leaf A leaf with a single bla e
Succulent Juicy an fleshy
Tendril A evice usually coile that enables some vines to climb
Toothed With teeth along the margin
Tuber A thickene part of an un ergroun root or rhizome serving for foo storage an often for propagation
Whorled (Leaf) Arrange in a group of three or more leaves branches or pe icles at the no e on the stem
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 88
Appendix C Leaf Shapes amp Arrangements
Peterson Lee Allen ldquoA Fie d Guide to Edib e Wi d P ants of Eastern and Centra North Americardquo Houghton Mifflin Company 1977
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 89
Appendix D Native ShorelandRiparian Buffer Plantings for New Hampshire
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 90
Native ShorelandRiparian Buffer Plantings for New Hampshire The p otected sho eland is the a ea of land that exists between the efe ence line of a wate body and 250 feet f om the efe ence line
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees
Ame ican Basswood (Ame ican Linden)
Tilia am ricana Medium-La ge 60-100rsquo
Mode ate Deep FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Rich woods valleys gentle slopes
Wildlife Pileated woodpecke wood duck othe bi ds dee abbit squi el
Food Seeds twigs
Ame ican Beech Fagus grandifolia Medium-La ge 60-90rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Rich woods well-d ained lowlands
Wildlife Blue jay chickadees nuthatches quail uffed g ouse tufted titmouse wild tu key wood duck woodpecke s bea chipmunk dee fox po cupine snowshoe ha e squi el
Food Nuts buds sap
Ame ican Hopho nbeam (I onwood)
Ostrya virginiana Small 20-40rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Rich woods Wildlife Downy woodpecke mockingbi d pu ple finch ing-necked pheasant ose-b easted g osbeak uffed g ouse wild tu key wood quail dee abbit squi el
Food Nuts buds seeds
Ame ican Ho nbeam (Blue BeechMusclewood)
Carpinus caroliniana
SmallSh ubby 20-40rsquo
Slow Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods fo ested wetlands avines st eambanks
Wildlife Quail uffed g ouse wood duck beave dee squi el
Food Seeds buds
Ame ican Mountain Ash
Sorbus am ricana Small Up to 25rsquo
Fast Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full-Sun
D y Moist Fo ested wetlands ich woods Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe catbi d ceda waxwing g osbeak mockingbi d obin th ushes wild tu key bea
Food F uit twigs
Balsam Fi Abi s balsam a Small-Medium 40-60rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands st eambanks ich woods
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse songbi ds small mammals moose
Food Seeds
Balsam Popla Populus balsam a Medium 60-80rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun Moist Floodplains ive banks st eambanks valleys
Wildlife Beave dee mouse snowshoe ha e
Food Buds catkins twigs foliage
Big-Toothed Aspen Populus grandid ntata
Small-Medium 30-60rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Sandy upland soils floodplain st eams with quaking aspen
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee evening g osbeak pu ple finch uffed g ouse yellow-bellied sapsucke dee
Food Buds catkins ba k twigs and foliage
Black Ash Fraxinus nigra Medium 60-80rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands st eambanks Wildlife Songbi ds wood duck dee moose small mammals
Food F uit twigs young leaves
Black Bi ch (Sweet Bi ch)
B tula l nta Medium 40-60rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade
Page 1
Moist Cool moist uplands ich woods
Wildlife G ouse dee abbit
Food Buds catkins seeds
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees (Continued)
Black Che y Prunus s rotina Medium 40-60rsquo
Mode ate Deep Tap oot
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Rich woods on many sites except ve y d y soils
Wildlife Bluebi d blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing common c ow easte n kingbi d evening g osbeak mockingbi d no the n flicke no the n o iole obin uffed g ouse spa ows th ushes vee y vi eo yellow-bellied sapsucke bea chipmunk dee fox accoon squi el
Food Be ies buds sap
Black Gum (Tupelo)
Nyssa sylvatica Medium 50-60
Slow No Info mation Available
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Fo ested wetlands floodplains Wildlife Bluebi d ca dinal catbi d chickadee c ow finches malla ds obin uby-th oated hummingbi d uffed g ouse vi eo wild tu key woodpecke s wood duck honeybees bea chipmunk dee opossum squi el
Food Seeds sap necta
Black Sp uce Pic a mariana Small Up to 25rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs fo ested wetlands lake and pond sho es
Wildlife Songbi ds uffed g ouse sp uce g ouse chipmunk cottontail dee po cupine squi el
Food Seeds twigs necta ba k
Black Willow Salix nigra Small-Medium Up to 50rsquo
Ve y Fast Ve y Shallow
Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands lowlands floodplains
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Buds catkins
Box Elde Ac r n gundo Medium 40-70rsquo
Ve y Fast Deep Late al
Full Sun D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands lowlands floodplains
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Seeds
Easte n Cottonwood Populus d ltoid s Medium-La ge 80-100rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Floodplains st eambanks valleys
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse
Food Catkins
Easte n Hemlock Tsuga canad nsis Medium-La ge 80-100rsquo
Mode ate Shallow Late al
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Acidic Cool moist uplands avines ock outc ops st eambanks
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee blue and g een wa ble s c ossbill hawks juncos pine siskin uffed g ouse vee y wild tu key dee chipmunk cottontail po cupine squi el white-footed mouse
Food Twigs foliage seeds
Easte n White Pine Pinus strobus La ge 70-120rsquo
Mode ate Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Well-D ained
Fo ested wetlands bogs avines cool shady no th slopes
Wildlife B own c eepe chickadee c ossbill g osbeak junco nuthatch pine wa ble spa ows sp uce g ouse wild tu key woodpecke s beave chipmunk dee snowshoe ha e squi el
Food Seeds foliage twigs excellent winte food
G ay Bi ch (Wi e Bi ch)
B tula populifolia Small 20-35rsquo
Fast Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Pionee Species poo est of ste ile soils sandy o g avelly slopes
Wildlife Ame ican goldfinch blue jay chickadee no the n junco pine siskin ed-tailed hawk uffed g ouse spa ows vi eo yellow-bellied sapsucke woodpecke s snowshoe ha e
Food Seeds buds
Page 2
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees (Continued)
G een Ash Fraxinus p nnsylvanica
Medium-La ge 60-80rsquo
Fast Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks neve on d y soils
Wildlife Ca dinal finches evening g osbeak mou ning dove ed-winged blackbi d wood duck beave chipmunk dee po cupine squi el
Food Seeds foliage
No the n White Ceda (A bo vitae)
Thuja occid ntalis Medium 30-60rsquo
Slow to Mode ate
Shallow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs wetlands ich woods Wildlife Songbi ds small mammals dee
Food Seeds needles
QuakingT embling Aspen (Popla )
Populus tr muloid s
Small-Medium 30-60rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Pionee Species d y open woods sandy o g avelly slopes
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse beave dee po cupine snowshoe ha e
Food Buds catkins ba k twigs and foliage
Red Maple Ac r rubrum Medium 40-75rsquo
Mode ate to Fast
Ve y Shallow
Full Sun D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands st eambanks lakesho es ich woods
Wildlife Ca dinal chickadee evening and pine g osbeaks finches obin yellow-bellied sapsucke beave chipmunk dee opossum squi el snowshoe ha e
Food Seeds buds ba k twigs sap
Red Oak Qu rcus rubra Medium 60-90rsquo
Mode ate Deep Late al
FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Bottomlands moist slopes Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe ducks hawks quail nuthatch uffed g ouse towhee wild tu key woodpecke bea chipmunk dee gophe opossum accoon squi el
Food Aco ns
Shagba k Hicko y Carya ovata La ge 70-100rsquo
Fast Deep Tap oot
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Rich woods valleys upland slopes
Wildlife Ca dinal field spa ows pine wa ble ose-b easted g osbeak ufous-sided towhee white-b easted nuthatch wild tu key wood duck yellow- umped wa ble chipmunks squi els
Food Nuts
Silve Maple Ac r sacharinium Medium 60-80rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands ive banks floodplains st eambanks
Wildlife Ca dinal goldfinch evening and pine g osbeaks no the n o iole
Food Seeds buds
St iped Maple (Moosewood Moose Maple)
Ac rp nsylvanicum SmallSh ubby 20-30rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t-Shade Moist Rich woods cool moist sites Wildlife Ruffed g ouse beave dee moose po cupine abbit
Food Buds ba k sama as
Suga Maple Ac r saccharum Medium-La ge 60-100rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Valleys and uplands tole ates almost all soil types
Wildlife Ca dinal goldfinch g osbeak ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse vi eo beave chipmunk po cupine B owse fo dee abbit snowshoe ha e
Food Seeds twigs ba k
Page 3
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees (Continued)
Swamp White Oak Qu rcus bicolor Medium 60-70rsquo
Fast No Info mation Available
FullPa t Shade Moist Fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks
Wildlife Ba ed owl blue jay ca dinal b own th ashe g ouse malla ds nuthatch quail ed-bellied woodpecke ed-tailed hawk uffed g ouse sta ling towhee wild tu key yellow-th oated wable w en beave chipmunk cottontail dee gophe opossum accoon squi el white-footed mouse wild tu key
Food Aco ns
Sweet Gum Liquidambar styraciflua
Medium-La ge 60-100rsquo
Mode ate No Info mation Available
Full Sun Moist Valleys Lowe slopes mixed woodlands
Wildlife Mou ning dove finches junco w en beave chipmunk squi el
Food Seeds
Sycamo e (Planet eeButtonwood)
Platanus occid ntalis
La ge 80-100rsquo
Slow No Info mation Available
FullPa t Shade o Full-Sun
D y o Moist Floodplains lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Finches chipmunk squi el
Food Seeds
Tama ack (Ame icanEaste n La ch)
Larix laricina Small-Medium 40-80rsquo
Va iable Mode ate Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs swamps wet peaty soils d ie upland loamy soils
Wildlife Blue jay kinglets pheasant ed c ossbill obin uffed g ouse sp uce g ouse yellow-bellied sapsucke chipmunk dee po cupine ed squi el snowshoe ha e
Food Needles twigs inne ba k seeds
White Ash Fraxinus am ricana
Medium-La ge 70-100rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods valleys slopes fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks
Wildlife Finches g osbeaks ed-winged blackbi d wood duck dee squi el
Food Seeds foliage
White Bi ch (Pape Bi ch)
B tula papyrif ra Medium 50-75rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Fo ested wetlands ich woods Wildlife G ouse siskins
Food Seeds buds
White Oak Qu rcus alba Medium-La ge 50-90rsquo
Mode ate Deep FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Deep ich well-d ained
St eambanks lakesho es gentle slopes adapts to almost any condition
Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe nuthatch quail uffed g ouse towhee wild tu key wood duck woodpecke chipmunk bea dee gophe opossum accoon squi el
Food Aco ns
White Sp uce Pic a glauca Medium 40-70rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist St eambanks lakesho es ich woods adjacent slopes
Wildlife Fishe s ma tens snowshoe ha e voles
Food Seeds
Yellow Bi ch (Sweet Bi ch)
B tula all ghani nsis
Medium-La ge 70-100rsquo
Slow Shallow Mode ate
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Fo ested wetlands floodplains avines cool ich woods of high elevations
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee common edpoll goldfinch pine siskins ed-shoulde ed hawk ing-necked pheasant uffed g ouse wild tu key wood duck yellow-bellied sapsucke beave chipmunk dee po cupine squi el snowshow ha e
Food Catkins buds ba k twigs foliage seeds
Page 4
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs
Ame ican Hazelnut Corylus am ricana Medium 5-10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Bo de s of woods hillsides thickets
Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe ceda waxwing hai y woodpecke ing-necked pheasant uffed g ouse chipmunk dee abbit squi el
Food Nuts be ies foliage
Beaked Hazelnut Corylus cornuta Small 6-10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y D y places Wildlife Bi ds mammals
Food Beaked nuts
Black Chokebe y Aronia m loncarpa
Medium Up to 10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Ceda waxwing chickadees uffed g ouse sha p-tailed g ouse dee abbit squi el
Food Be ies buds
Buttonbush C phalanthus occid ntalis
Medium 6-12rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
St eambanks lakesho es ponds sh ub and fo ested wetlands
Wildlife Ducks ails uby-th oated hummingbi d beave dee musk at butte flies honeybees and othe insects
Food F uit twigs leaves seeds necta
Chokeche y Prunus virginiana Small 3-6rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist With Aspen d y soils Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe catbi d c ow easte n kingbi d evening g osbeak o ioles pileated woodpecke ing-necked pheasant obin ose g osbeak uffed g ouse th ushes yellow-bellied sapsucke abbit squi el
Food Be ies buds foliage
Elde be y Sambucus canad nsis
Small-Medium 3-12rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods sh ub and fo ested wetlands ma shes
Wildlife Bluebi ds blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d g osbeak indigo bunting pileated woodpecke inged-neck pheasant obin ose-b easted g osbeak uffed g ouse th ushes wild tu key woodpecke chipmunk dee abbit squi el
Food Be ies necta twigs bugs
G ay Dogwood (Red-Panicle Dogwood)
Cornus rac mosa Medium 10-15rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Roadsides thickets wetlands Wildlife Blue jay ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing easte n kingbi d finch flycatche g osbeak hai y woodpecke no the n flicke phoebe pileated woodpecke pine g osbeak pine wa ble ed-bellied woodpecke ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse sta ling swamp spa ow tufted titmouse vee y vi eo wild tu key wood duck wood th ush woodcock yellow-bellied sapsucke chipmunk dee ed fox abbit squi el
Food Be ies twigs
Highbush Bluebe y Vaccinium corymbosum
Medium 5-15rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Baltimo e o iole bluebi d blue jay ca dinal chickadee g ay catbi d kingbi d o ioles phoebe ed-bellied woodpecke ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse ufos-sided towhee sca let tanage tufted titmouse vee y wild tu key woodpecke s wood th ush black bee chipmunk dee musk at abbit squi el white-footed mouse
Food Be ies foliage twigs buds
Hobblebush Viburnum alnifolium
Medium Up to 10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Cool moist avines shady lakesho es
Wildlife B own th ashe ca dinal ceda waxwing evening g osbeak obin
Food F uit
Page 5
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs (Continued)
Junipe Junip rus communis
Small 1-4rsquo
Slow Full Sun D y D y open land Wildlife Ceda waxwing finches g osbeaks g ouse pheasant obin dee abbit moose
Food Twigs foliage f uit
Lowbush Bluebe y Vaccinium angustifolium
1-2rsquo Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Bogs d y sandy flats ocky slopes
Wildlife Blue jay g ouse kingbi d o iole obin tanage s woodpecke s squi el
Food Be ies foliage twigs
Malebe y Lyonia ligustris Up to 10rsquo Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods gentle slopes
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food F uit
Mapleleaf Vibu num Viburnum ac rifolium
Small 3-6rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Rich woods Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food F uit
Mountain Lau el Kalmia latifolia Up to 20rsquo Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Mixed uplands acid soils Wildlife Ruffed g ouse dee
Food Foliage buds twigs necta
Nannybe y Viburnum l ntago Medium-La ge 10-25rsquo
Mode ate FallPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Rich woods Wildlife Songbi ds mammals
Food Be ies
No the n A owwood Viburnum r cognitum
Medium 10-15rsquo
Mode ate FallPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse songbi ds bea chipmunks accoon squi el skunk white-footed mouse
Food Be ies
No the n Wild Raisin (Withe od Vibu num)
Viburnum nudum varcassinoid s
Medium 6-10
Mode ate FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands valleys slopes st eambanks
Wildlife B own th ashe ceda waxwing flycatche uffed g ouse vee y woodcock yellow-wa ble chipmunk dee musk at squi el snowshoe ha e
Food Ba k twigs buds
Pussy Willow Salix discolor Medium-La ge Up to 15rsquo
Fast Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks lakesho es
Wildlife Ame ican goldfinch uffed g ouse beave ha e abbits squi el
Food Buds catkins twigs ba k
Raspbe y Rubus ida us Small Up to 6rsquo
Fast FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Thickets edges of woods Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food F uits
Red Osie Dogwood Cornus stolonif ra Small-Medium 4-8rsquo
Fast FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods st eambanks lakesho es
Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing downy woodpecke easte n kingbi d finches no the n flicke pine wa ble pu ple finch inged-neck pheasant uffed g ouse vi eo wild tu key woodpecke s wood duck chipmunk dee abbit squi el
Food Be ies twigs
Rhodo a Rhodod ndron canad ns
Small 3-4rsquo
Slow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs slopes ocky summits Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Leaves
Page 6
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs (Continued)
Shadbush (Se vicebe yJunebe y)
Am lanchi r spp La ge 15-25rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks ich woods
Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing g ay catbi d junco o ioles ed squi el obin uffed g ouse sca let tanage th ushes vee y woodpecke s beave dee ed squi el skunk
Food Be ies twigs
Silky Dogwood Cornus amomum Medium 6-10rsquo
Fast FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks
Wildlife Baltimo e o iole black-capped chickadee blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing downy woodpecke easte n kingbi d flycatche mockingbi d no the n flicke pine wa ble pu ple finch ed-bellied woodpecke inged-necl pheasant obin ose-b easted g osbeak uffed g ouse song spa ow sta lings tufted-titmouse wild tu key wood duck wood th ush vee y chipmunk dee abbit accoon skunk squi el white-footed mouse
Food Be ies buds twigs
Speckled Alde Alnus rugosa La ge 15-25rsquo
Fast Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks lakesho es
Wildlife Alde flycatche catbi d goldfinch malla ds pheasant pine siskin ed-winged blackbi d uffed g ouse swamp spa ow yellow-bellied flycatche woodcock bea beave dee cottontail moose musk at snowshoe ha e
Food Buds twigs ba k leaves
Spicebush Lind ra b nzoin Small-La ge 6-17rsquo
Mode ate Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Catbi d kingbi d pheasant quail obin uffed g ouse vee y vi eo wood th ush swallowtail butte flies dee musk at
Food F uit buds twigs leaves
Swamp Azalea Rhodod ndron viscosum
Up to 5rsquo Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Hummingbi d butte flies and othe insects dee
Food Leaves necta
Swamp Blackbe y Rubus hispidus Small Up to 6rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal ceda waxwing g ackle g ay catbi d g osbeak mockingbi d o iole tanage ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse ufus-sided th ushes towhee vee y wild tu key woodcock woodpecke s wood th ush chipmunk cottontail dee accoon skunk squi el
Food F uit canes
Sweet Gale Myrica gal Small 1-4rsquo
Slow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee catbi d common yellowth oat phoebe pied-billed g ebe uffed g ouse t ee swallow tufted titmouse wild tu key dee musk at
Food Buds leaves
Sweet Peppe bush Cl thra alnifolia Medium 3-10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Butte flies and othe insects
Food F uit seeds necta
Winte be y Holly (Black Alde )
Il x v rticillata Medium 6-10rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eamabanks
Wildlife Ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing chickadees finches flicke s uffed g ouse th ushes vi eo woodpecke s bea cottontail dee moose skunk white-footed mouse
Food Be ies twigs leaves
Page 7
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs (Continued)
Witch Hazel Hammam lis virginiana
La ge 20-30rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist D y o ich woods Wildlife Ca dinal ing-necked pheasant uffed g ouse wild tu key dee squi els
Food Seeds buds twigs ba k
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
GroundcoverHerbaceous Perennials
Boneset Eupatorium p rfoliatum
4-6rsquo Full Sun D y o Moist Wet meadows ma shes pond edges
Wildlife Malla ds uffed g ouse swamp spa ow wild tu key butte flies and othe insects
Food Necta
Blue Flag I is Iris v rsicolor 2-3rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Ma shes lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Blue-winged teal uby-th oated hummingbi d wood duck butte flies and othe insects musk at
Food Necta shoots
Bunchbe y Cornus canad nsis 3-8rdquo FullPa t Shade Moist Cool moist woods Wildlife Sha p-tailed g ouse sp uce-g ouse moose
Food F uit buds
Ca dinal Flowe Lob lia cardinalis 2-4rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Damp sites st eambanks Wildlife Ruby-th oated hummingbi ds butte flies and othe insects bea dee
Food Necta
Cattail (B oad-Leaf) Typha latifolia Up to 10rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Ma shes lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Blue-winged teal black-c owned night he on ed-winged blackbi d king ail least and Ame ican bitte n malla ds ma sh w en swamp spa ow Vi ginia ail chipmunk dee musk at
Food Seed heads
Ch istmas Fe n Polystichium acrostichoid s
Up to 1rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Rich woods Wildlife Ruffed g ouse box tu tle chipmunk abbit
Food F onds filldeheads
Cinnamon Fe n Osmunda cinnamom a
Up to 3rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife B own th ashe uby-th oated hummingbi d uffed g ouse yellow th oat chipmunk dee white-footed mouse vole
Food F onds filldeheads
Foamflowe Tiar lla cordifolia Up to 1rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Rich woods Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Leaves
Golden od (Rough o G ass-Leaved)
Solidago spp 1-5rsquo Full Sun D y o Moist Wet meadows ma shes damp swales
Wildlife Goldfinch junco uffed g ouse swamp spa ow butte flies and othe insects cottontail meadow mice
Food Seeds necta
Page 8
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
GroundcoverHerbaceous Perennials (Continued)
Hay-Scented Fe n D nnsta dtia punctiloula
Up to 2rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Woodlands hillside pastu es Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds filldeheads
Inte upted Fe n Osmunda punctiloula
3-4rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Woodland edges stony d y soil Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds filldeheads
Jewelweed (Spotted-Touch-Me-Not)
Impati ns cap nsis 2-5rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks
Wildlife Ring-necked pheasant uffed g ouse uby-th oated hummingbi d vee y butte flies and othe insects white-footed mouse
Food Necta seeds
Joe Pye Weed Eupatorium purpur um
2-6rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Wet meadows ma shes sho es Wildlife Ruby-th oated hummingbi d swamp spa ow butte flies and othe insects cottontail musk at accoon
Food Necta
New England Aste Ast r nova -anglia
Up to 5rsquo Full Sun D y o Moist Wet meadows wetlands Wildlife Songbi ds butte flies and othe insects Food Necta seeds
Ost ich Fe n Pt r tis p nsylvanica
Up to 6rsquo FullPa t Shade Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds fiddleheads
Pa t idgebe y Mitch lla r p ns Up to 1rsquo FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Rich woods Wildlife G ouse mammals
Food Be ies
Rattlesnake Manna G ass
Glyc ria canad nsis
Up to 3rsquo Full Sun Moist Ma shes bogs fo ested wetlands lakesho es
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Seeds
Rice Cutg ass L rsia oryzoid s Up to 5rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
P ima ily f esh ma shes Wildlife Dee musk at moose
Food Seeds foliage
Rive bank G ape (Vine) Vistis riparia Up to 25rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist St eambanks Wildlife Pileated woodpecke uffed g ouse wild tu key wood duck va ious mammals
Food F uit
Royal Fe n Osmunda r galis Up to 5rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds fiddleheads
Sensitive Fe n Onocl a s nsibilis Up to 3rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Black-capped chickadee uffed g ouse bea dee
Food Buds foliage
Sheep Lau el Kalmia angustifolia
Up to 4rsquo FallPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo est wetlands fieldspastu es
Poisonous to livestock
Swamp Milkweed Ascl pias incarnata
Up to 2rsquo FallPa t Shade Moist Wet meadows wetlands thickets sho es
Wildlife Black duck malla ds ed-winged blackbi d uby-th oated hummingbi d Mona ch butte fly othe butte flies and insects musk at Food Necta seeds
Page 9
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
GroundcoverHerbaceous Perennials (Continued)
Sweet Fe n Componia p rigrina
1-3rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Open d y sandy soils and pastu es
Wildlife Flicke s sha p-tailed g ouse dee moose
Food F uit
Tall Meadow Rue Thalictrum polyganum
2-8rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Wetlands wet meadows st eamsides
Wildlife Bees butte flies
Food Necta
Tussock Sedge Car x stricta Up to 4rdquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Ma shes ich woods Wildlife Finches uffed g ouse snipe spa ows dee
Food Seeds foliage
Twinflowe Linna a bor alis Up to 6rdquo FullPa t Shade Moist Rich woods Wildlife Mammals
Food Foliage
Vi ginia C eepe (Vine) Parth nocissus quinqu folia
Up to 25rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Woods ocky banks Wildlife Bluebi d g eat-c ested flycatche ed-eyes vi eo pileated woodpecke
Food Be ies
Who led Loosest ife Lysimachia quadrifolia
Up to 4rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist D y o moist open woods thickets
Wildlife Mammals
Food Foliage
Wild Sa sapa illa Aralia nudicanlis 8-15rdquo FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Upland woods Wildlife Mammals
Food Foliage seeds be ies
Winte g een (Teabe yChecke be y)
Gaulth ria procumb ns
Up to 4rdquo Full Sun D y Oak woods sandy soils Wildlife Pa t idge uffed g ouse songbi ds chipmunk dee moose
Food F uit foliage
References
Baldwin Hen y Ives ldquoFor st L av s How to Id ntify Tr s and Shrubs of North rn N w Englandrdquo Pete E Randall Publishe 1993
Connecticut Rive Joint Commission ldquoRiparian Buff rs for th Conn cticut Riv r Wat rsh drdquo 2000 httpwwwc jco gpdffilesPlant20listspdf
Ha low William M ldquoTr s of th East rn and C ntral Unit d Stat s and Canadardquo Dove Publications 1942
New Hampshi e Depa tment of Envi onmental Se vices Th Critical Edg Appendix D 1998
New Hampshi e Depa tment of Resou ces and Economic Development Division of Fo ests and Lands State Fo est Nu su y ldquoWildlif Cons rvation Sp ci s D scriptionsrdquo 2001
Nie ing William A ldquoNational Audubon Soci ty Natur Guid s W tlandsrdquo Chanticlee P ess Inc 1997
Redington Cha les B ldquoPlants in W tland Fi ld Guid to Biological Int ractionssrdquo KendallHunt Publishing Company 1994
Sutton Ann and My on ldquoNational Audubon Soci ty Natur Guid s East rn For stsrdquo Alf ed A Knopf Inc 1997
Unive sity of New Hampshi e Coope ative Extension ldquoTr s and Shrubs in N w Hampshir A Guid book for Natural B auty Proj ctsrdquo Bulletin 163
Unive sity of New Hampshi e Coope ative Extension ldquoN w Hampshir rsquos Nativ Tr s Shrubs and Vin s with Wildlif Valu rdquo
Compiled by
Jen D ociak New Hampshi e Depa tment of Envi onmental Se vices Wate Division Wate shed Management Bu eau
Ma ch 2006
Page 10
A Fiel Gui e to Common Riparian
Plants of New Hampshire 1
A Fiel Gui e to Common Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 1
WD-06-3
A Field Guide to Common A uatic and
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire
Prepared By
Jen Drociak
Volunteer River Assessment Program Coordinator
Thomas S Burack Commissioner
Michael J Walls Assistant Commissioner
Harry P Stewart PE Director Water Division
New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Volunteer River Assessment Program
29 Hazen Drive PO Box 95 Concord NH 03302-0095 wwwdesnhgovwmbvrap
Second Edition March 2008
A Fiel Gui e to Common Riparian
Plants of New Hampshire 1
A Fiel Gui e to Common Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 1
Acknowledgements
All specimen scans and habitat photos by Jen Drociak unless otherwise noted
Layout and design by Jen Drociak
A very special thank-you to Pat Gruttemeyer Amy Smagula and Michele Tremblay for their editorial assistance and to Amy Smagula and Jody Connor for their content contribution
Dedicated to Gordon Russell Director Emeritus Piscataquog Watershed Association who guided me on my first plant identification survey along the banks of the Piscataqoug River in 1997
References
Borman Susan Korth Robert Temte Jo Through the Looking Glass A Field Guide to Aquatic Plants Wisconsin Lake Partnership 1999
Magee Dennis W Freshwater Wetlands A Guide to Common Indicator Plants of the Northeast University of Massachusetts Press 1981
New Hampshire Department of Agriculture Markets amp Food and New Hampshire Invasive Species Committee Guide to Invasive Upland Plant Species in New Hampshire NH Department of Agriculture Markets amp Food 2005
Niering William A National Audubon Society Nature Guides Wetlands Chanticleer Press Inc 1997
New England Wildflower Society Field Manual of Invasive Plants of the Northeast 200
Northeastern Wetland Flora Field Office Guide to Plant Species USDA ndash NRCSNortheastern National Technical Center Chester Pennsylvania
Peterson Lee Allen A Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants of Eastern and Central North America Houghton Mifflin Company 1977
Redington Charles B Plants in Wetlands Field Guide to Biological Interactions KendallHunt Publishing Company 199
Smagula Amy Connor Jody Aquatic Plants amp Algae of New Hampshirersquos Lakes and Ponds New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services 2007
Tiner RW Jr Field Guide to Nontidal Wetland Identification Maryland Department of Natural Resources Annapolis MD and US Fish and Wildlife Service Newton Corner MA 1988
Uva Richard Neal Joseph C DiTomaso Joseph M Weeds of the Northeast Cornell University 1997
A Fiel Gui e to Common Riparian
Plants of New Hampshire 1
Introduction
Riparian Area An area f land and vegetati n adjacent t a stream that has a direct effect n the stream This includes w dlands vegetati n and fl dplains
Purpos of This Guid
This fi ld guid provid s bri f simpl and asy id ntification of common aquatic and riparian plants shrubs and tr s of N w Hampshir Although information in this guid is drawn from s v ral sourc s it is not int nd d to b a compr h nsiv listing of all th aquatic and riparian plant sp ci s in N w Hampshir Hop fully it will provid th casual obs rv r with aid in id ntification of th most fr qu ntly ncount r d sp ci s and r f r nc s to assist in furth r mor d tail d studi s for thos wishing to know mor about riparian cosyst ms Us of additional fi ld guid s to suppl m nt this on and to id ntify plants not includ d in this guid is sugg st d Oth r h lpful fi ld guid s can b found in App ndix A
How to Id ntify Plants
Th r ar s v ral ways to id ntify plants In fi ld guid s th y ar typically id ntifi d by photos drawings and d scriptions In th fi ld th y can also b id ntifi d by touch tast sm ll color and form Th ir branching habit l af form and v in patt rn can also aid in id ntification Plants can also xhibit diff r nt charact ristics during diff r nt tim s of th y ar In addition it is us ful to know th ir habitat or plac wh r th y grow
Organization of This Guid
This fi ld guid is organiz d into six s ctions
In th Wat r Subm rg d Aquatic Plants Plants that hav most of th ir l av s growing und r wat r som floating l av s may also b pr s nt Th y ar found from shallow to d p zon s
On th Wat r Floating Plants Plants that ar root d with floating broad l av s
On th Edg Em rg nt H rbac ous Plants Plants that hav l av s that xt nd abov th wat rrsquos surfac and ar usually found in shallow wat r
F rns Non-flow ring plants that b ar spor s rath r than s ds with flatt n d l af-lik ldquofrondsrdquo that ar furth r divid d
Woody Shrubs Woody plants which ar g n rally short r than tr s and small r in trunk siz Th y hav clust rs of st ms rising dir ctly from th ground and g n rally hav a ldquobushyrdquo app aranc with no sp cial crown shap
Climbing Vin s Plants with a w ak st m that d riv support from climbing twining or cr ping along a surfac
Th Canopy (Tr s) Woody plants that usually grow from th ground with a singl r ct st m or trunk Th main st m may b massiv and is oft n unbranch d for s v ral f t abov th ground Tr s can r ach a consid rabl h ight at maturity
A plant sp ci s will oft n hav s v ral common nam s This fi ld guid is organiz d alphab tically by th pr f rr d or most-us d common nam with th Latinsci ntific nam b low
Plant sp ci s d scriptions includ th following
Status Wh th r th plant is nativ or non-nativ xoticinvasiv Thos plants that ar non-nativ xoticinvasiv which ar also prohibit d in N w Hampshir ar id ntifi d as such
Habitat D scrib s th b st conditions for growth of this plant and wh r to locat it
H ight D scrib s how tall or long th plant grows
Bark In th Woody Shrub and Tr s ctions d scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th bark
Buds In th Woody Shrub and Tr s ctions d scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th buds
St m In th Woody Shrub s ction d scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th st m
L av s D scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th l av s
Flow rs D scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th flow rs
Flow ring P riod D scrib s th tim of y ar in which th flow rs bloom
Fruit D scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th fruit
Twigs In th Woody Shrub and Tr s ctions d scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th twigs
Valu Explains th worth of th plant to th oth r m mb rs of th cosyst m
Similar Sp ci s D scrib s th uniqu f atur s to h lp distinguish this plant from oth rs Additional information about som of th r lat d plants is also provid d
In addition app ndic s to this fi ld guid includ
App ndix A Oth r H lpful Fi ld Guid s
App ndix B Glossary of T rms
App ndix C L af Shap s and Arrang m nts
App ndix D Nativ Shor landRiparian Buff r Plantings for N w Hampshir
For Mor Information on Exotic Sp ci s
Additional information on xotic aquatic plants can b obtain d by contacting
N w Hampshir D partm nt of Environm ntal S rvic s Exotic Sp ci s Program 29 Haz n Driv PO Box 95
Concord NH 03302 (603) 271-2248
httpwwwd snhgovWMBExoticSp ci s
Whil additional information on xotic t rr strial plants can b obtain d by contacting
N w Hampshir D partm nt of Agricultur Mark ts amp Food Invasiv Sp ci s Program
25 Capitol Str t S cond Floor Concord NH 03302
(603) 271-2561 httpnhgovagricdivisionsplant_industryplants_ins ctshtm
Enjoy a Riparian Riv r-Walk
I hop this fi ld guid will inspir you to incr as your int r st and knowl dg of aquatic plants and th ir r lationship in riparian nvironm nts Riv rs and str ams ar fragil cosyst ms of natural b auty and intrigu I ncourag you to njoy a riparian ldquoriv r-walkrdquo during ach s ason and not only study th v g tativ communiti s but th ir int raction with both t rr strial and aquatic ins cts fish and oth r wildlif
Jen Dr ciak
Table of Contents
In The ater Submerged Aquatic Plantshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 01
Bladde wo t (Utric laria v lgaris)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 03
CoontailHo nwo t (Ceratophyll m demers m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 04
Milfoil (Myriophyll m heterophyll m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 05
Wate weedDitchmoss (Elodea canadensis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 06
Wild Cele yTape G ass (Vallisneria americana)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 07
On the ater Floating Aquatic Plantshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 09
Floating Hea t (Nymphoides cordata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 14
Wate shield (Brasenia schreberi)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 13
White Pond Lily (Nymphea ordorata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 11
Yellow Pond Lily (N phar variegata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 12
Duckweed (Lemna spp)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 15
Wate meal (Wolffia spp)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 16
On The Edge Emergent Herbaceous Plantshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 17
A ow A um (Peltandra virginica)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 19
A owheadDuck Potato (Sagittaria latifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 20
Blue Flag I is (Iris versicolor)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 21
Blue Ve vain (Verbena hastata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 22
BonesetTho oughwo t (E patori m perfoliat m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 23
Bu - eed (Spargani m e rycarp m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 24
Ca dinal Flowe (Lobelia cardinalis) helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 25
Cattail (B oad-Leaf) (Typha latifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 26
Common Reed (Phragmites a stralis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 27
JewelweedSpotted Touch-Me-Not (Impatiens capensis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 28
Joe Pye Weed (E patori m mac lat m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 29
Picke elweed (Pontedaria cordata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 30
Pu ple Loosest ife (Lythr m salicaria)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 31
Reed Cana y G ass (Phalaris ar ndinacea)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 32
Soft-Stem Bul ush (Scrip s valid s)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 33
Swamp Loosest ifeWate Willow (Decodon verticillat s)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 34
Th ee-Way Sedge (D lichi m ar ndinace m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 35
Wool G ass (Scirp s cyperin s)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 36
Fernshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 37
Cinnamon Fe n (Osm nda cinnamomea)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 39
Ost ich Fe n (Pteretis pensylvanica)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 40
Royal Fe n (Osm nda regalis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 41
Sensitive Fe n (Onoclea sensibilis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 42
oody Shrubshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 43
A ow-wood (No the n) (Vib rn m recognit m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 45
Buttonbush (Cephalanth s occidentalis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 46
Elde be yBlack-Be ied Elde (Samb c s canadensis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 47
Glossy Bucktho n (Rhamn s frang la)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 48
Highbush Bluebe y (Vaccini m corymbos m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 49
A Field Guide to Common Ripa ian Plants of New Hampshi e 1
Hobblebush (Vib rn m alnifoli m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 50
Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 51
Japanese Knotweed (Polygon m c spidat m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 52
Malebe y (Lyonia lig strina)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 53
Meadowsweet (Spiraea latifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 54
Multiflo a Rose (Rosa m ltiflora)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 55
No the n Wild RaisinWith od Vibu num (Vib rn m cassinoides)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 56
ShadbushSe vicebe yJunebe y (Amelanchier arborea)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 57
Sheep Lau elLambkill (Kalmia ang stifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 58
Silky Dogwood (Corn s amom m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 59
Specked Alde (Aln s r gosa)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 60
Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 61
Steeplebush (Spiraea tomentosa)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 62
Sweet Peppe bush (Clethera alnifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 63
Winte be y HollyBlack Alde (Ilex verticillata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 64
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 65
Climbing Vineshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 67
Climbing Bitte sweet (Celastr s orbic lat s)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 69
Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 70
Rive bank G ape (Vitis riparia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 71
Vi ginia C eepe (Parthenosis s q inq efolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 72
The Canopy Treeshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 73
Ame ican BasswoodLinden (Tilia americana)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 75
Ame ican Beech (Fag s grandifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 76
Ame ican Ho nbeamI onwoodBlue Beech (Carpin s caroliniana)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 77
Black Bi chSweet Bi ch (Bet la lenta)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 78
Black Che y (Pr n s serotina)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 79
Box Elde Ash-Leaved Maple (Acer neg ndo)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 80
Easte n Cottonwood (Pop l s deltoides)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 81
Easte n Hemlock (Ts ga canadensis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 82
Easte n White Pine (Pin s strob s)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 83
G een Ash (Fraxin s pennsylvanica)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 84
Red Maple (Acer r br m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 85
Red Oak (Q erc s r bra)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 86
Shagba k Hicko y (Carya ovata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 87
Silve Maple (Acer saccharini m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 88
Swamp White Oak (Q erc s bicolor)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 89
Sycamo ePlanet ee (Platan s occidentalis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 90
Tama ackLa ch (Larix laricina)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 91
White Ash (Fraxin s americana)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 92
White Oak (Q erc s alba)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 93
White Sp uce (Picea gla ca)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 94
Yellow Bi ch (Bet la l tea)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 95
Appendices
Appendix A Othe Helpful Field Guideshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 96
Appendix B Glossa y of Te mshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 97
Appendix C Leaf Shapes amp A angementshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 99
Appendix D Native Sho elandRipa ian Buffe Plantings fo New Hampshi ehelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 100
A Field Guide to Common Ripa ian
Plants of New Hampshi e 1
In The ater Submerged Aquatic Plants
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 1
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic
an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 2
BLADDER ORT
Utricu aria spp
Status Native Approximately 10 species in New Hampshire
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers bogs
Height 2-3 feet long
Stem Long slen er flexible branche typically becoming etache from roots an free-floating
Leaves Alternate filamentous finely-forke with attache ldquobla ersrdquo
Flower Stalks occurring at irregular intervals along stem Each stalk bearing 6-20 small pink to yellow two-lippe ldquosnap ragon-likerdquo flowers an emerging several inches out of the water or mu
Flowering Period June into September
Fruit Capsule containing many see s
Value Provi es foo an cover for fish Since they are free-floating they can grow in areas with very loose se iment provi ing nee e fish habitat in areas that are not rea ily colonize by roote plants
Similar Species Fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) coontail (Ceratophyllum spp) milfoil (Myriophyllum spp) Bla erwort may be istinguishe from these plants by the alternate forke leaves branching from the base into 2 main ivisions an presence of the ldquobla ersrdquo on the leaves (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Bla erwort may resemble the milfoils but there are two istinguishing features One is the bla ers on the leaves the other is that milfoils have feather-like leaves that have one central leaf stem with nearly opposite unbranche leaflets The leaflets of bla erwort are more branche an forke (Smagula an Connor 2007)
This carnivorous plant has trigger hairs on each bla er that open a trap- oor an suck in water along with the organism that triggere the reaction These organisms can range from insect larvae to tiny zooplankton Once insi e the bla ers the organism is igeste by enzymes foun there Special cells then take the igeste material from the bla ers an move it to the stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 3
COONTAILHORN ORT
Ceratophy um demersum
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Height Variable accor ing to water epth
Stem Long toothe trailing much branche
Leaves Whorle smooth up to 1 frac12 inches long 3 forks nearly threa -like flattene an toothe segments
Flower Tiny purplish-green foun where the leaf attaches to the stem an stays entirely submerge Male an female occurring separately
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Dark brown see approximately frac14 inch long with two spines at the base an one at the tip
Value The stiff whorls of leaves offer habitat for many species especially uring the winter when many other plants are re uce to roots an rhizomes Both foliage an fruit are graze by waterfowl Bushy stems are home to many invertebrates an provi e important shelter an foraging opportunities for fish
Similar Species Mermai -wee (Proserpina a palustris) fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) Coontail may be istinguishe from these plants by its whorle toothe leaves its tiny sessile axillary flowers an beake fruits (Smagula an Connor 2007)
The whorle leaves often cause the plant to be confuse with water milfoil This plant has a plastic-like feel an leaves ten to be thickly clustere at the tips of the stems The leaves are completely whorle aroun the stem an forke milfoil leaves are istinctly feather-like (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 4
VARIABLE ATER MILFOIL
Myriophy um heterophy um
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Height Slen er flexible long (up to 15 feet) Tip often emerging above water when flowering Data from a University of New Hampshire stu y can suggest that variable water milfoil can grow an inch per ay
Stem Roun thick re ish If broken in half the stem resembles a ldquowheel spokerdquo
Leaves Mostly submerge opposite or in whorls of 4 to 6 an can grow up to 2 inches long Leaves on upper stem are whorle an may be whorle or alternate on lower stem Emerge leaves occurring only towar the stem tips
Flower Small inconspicuous brownish occurring singly in the axils of the upper leaves usually above water uring flowering
Flowering Period In July flowers emerge from the water an are in a spike up to 6 inches tall Can also form a succulent amphibious form when water levels rece e
Fruit Very small four-lobe nutlike
Similar Species Mermai -wee (Proserpina a palustris) fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) coontail (Ceratophyllum spp) Variable milfoil may be istinguishe from these plants by the numerous scattere finely pinnately issecte leaves an floating or upright stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)
The plant is more robust than the other water milfoil species It has a very thick an heavy stem It can only be positively i entifie with the flower present or by DNA analysis (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Fragments of variable milfoil are ma e by passing boats wave action an auto-fragmentation These fragments may float freely an sprea for one or two weeks as they generate roots Once roots make contact with se iment the fragment attaches the roots sprea laterally an expan the footprint of the colony With one fragment an entire colony can arise Colonies can outcompete native plants re ucing bio iversity (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 5
ATER EEDDITCHMOSS
E odea Canadensis E nutta ii
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Height Up to 2 feet long occasionally forming ense colonies
Stem Slen er smooth branche
Leaves Long upper an mi le leaves in whorls of 3 with very finely-toothe margins Those of the male plants linear or lanceolate pointe at the tip up to frac12 inch long Those of the female plants broa ly lanceolate roun e or slightly pointe at the tip up to 58 inch long
Flower Green or white with 3 petals
Flowering Period July to September
Fruit A few to many-see e cylin rical capsule
Value Branching stems offer valuable habitat an grazing opportunities for fish Also provi es foo for muskrats an waterfowl They can eat the plant itself or fee on a wi e variety of invertebrates that use the plant as habitat
Similar Species Commonly mistaken for its invasive relative Brazillian elo ea It can be istinguishe by its smooth leaf margins
There are two common species of waterwee in New Hampshire E anadensis an Enuttalii Elodea anadensis ten s to have slightly broa er leaves with blunt tips whereas Enuttalii ten s to have thinner more nee le-like leaves that are pointe at the tips (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Enuttalii can be foun in alkaline to aci ic environments an E anadensis can be foun in alkaline or neutral systems (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 6
ILD CELERYTAPE GRASS
Va isneria americana
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers In water 4 - 6 feet eep
Height 1-3 feet long
Stem Slen er embe e horizontally in the mu near the surface an usually rooting at intervals
Leaves Narrow ribbon-like 1-3 feet in length with a light-colore center stripe mostly submerge with the tips floating
Flower Unisexual the female flower solitary an floating at the surface at the en of a long stalk The male flower on another plant submerge an attache to a short stalk near the bottom breaking off an floating to the surface at flowering time
Flowering Period July to October
Fruit Cylin rical po up to 2 inches long attache to a long stalk which coils up rawing the fruit un er water to mature
Value Source of foo for waterfowl All portions of the plant are consume foliage rhizomes tubers an fruit Muskrat are also known to graze on it Be s provi e sha e shelter an foo for fish
Similar Species Often confuse with the submerge leaves of bur-ree Tape grass can be istinguishe by its heavy air-fille leaves vertically veine centers an lightly veine e ges Unlike bur-ree this plant has no rib on the back of the leaf
Photo ourtesy of Amy Smagula
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 7
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic
an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 8
On The ater
Floating Aquatic Plants
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 9
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 10
FLOATING HEART
Nyphoi es cor ata
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Roun in cross section
Leaves Small heart-shape re ish to purple Approximately 1 ndash 1 frac12 inches wi e
Flower Small white 5 petals
Flowering Period Mi -summer
Similar Species The leaves are often confuse with those of the yellow water lily but are only about the size of a half- ollar an the shape resembles a heart with the same soft V-shape of the yellow water lily Floating heart has a small white flower that can be foun in mi -summer yellow water lily has a large yellow flower that blooms most of the summer (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 11
ATERSHIELD
Brasenia schreberi
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Roun in cross section Attache to the center of the un ersi e of the leaf
Leaves Oval Un ersi es are ark pink Leaves approximately 4 inches wi e Un ersi e of the leaves an stem have a jelly-like coating that protects them from being eaten by insects
Flower Small ark pink to purple 6 petals
Flowering Period July
Similar Species Resembles the leaves of the water lily as well as those of floating heart
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 12
HITE ATER LILY
Nymphea or orata
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Roun in cross section attache to the center of the un ersi e of the leaf
Leaves Roun with a V-shape notch on one si e Up to 12 inches wi e
Flower Large white sweet-smelling Up to 4 inches wi e
Flowering Period June - September
Similar Species White water lily can be istinguishe from the yellow water lily an floating heart by the V-shape notch near the stem attachment an the more roun e shape of the leaf
Both the yellow water lily an floating heart have a more roun e heart-shape notch Yellow water lily leaves are much more oval than the white water lily which has a circular leaf Floating heart leaves are no more than a few inches in length (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 13
YELLO ATER LILY
Nuphar variegata
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Triangular in cross section attache to the lobe en of the un ersi e of the leaf
Leaves Giant floating Up to 12 to 15 inches wi e
Flower Yellow flower petals appear cuppe aroun the inner flower parts an o not open completely like those of the white water lily
Flowering Period June ndash September
Similar Species Often confuse with floating heart an white water lily though floating heart is much smaller in leaf length an wi th The white water lily also has a much more roun e leaf with a sharp V-shape notch (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 14
DUCK EED
Lemna spp
Status Native
Habitat Surfaces of some lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers an often in stagnant waters of wetlan areas
Stem No true stems
Leaves This plant has no true leaves or stems an only has a flat green plant bo y calle a thallus They are very small only about 116 of an inch wi e (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Duckwee s blanket the water surface in colonies There may be one or more roots hanging into the water but the plant is free-floating
Flower This plant rarely flowers
Similar Species Many people think that ense growths of uckwee resemble an algae bloom (Smagula an Connor 2007)
ATERMEAL
Wolfifa spp
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem No true stems
Leaves Elliptical an flat
Flower This plant rarely flowers but is consi ere the worl rsquos smallest flowering plant
Similar Species Unlike uckwee this plant completely lacks roots an must be inspecte closely to etect this ifference Watermeal may also resemble an algae bloom but can be istinguishe by simply touching the waterrsquos surface to see if tiny plants are stuck to your fingers (watermeal) or if the water has a slimy film (algae) It is commonly foun growing along with uckwee (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Photo co rtesy of Amy Smag la
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 15
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 16
On the dge mergent Herbaceous Plants
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 17
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 18
ARROW ARUM
Peltan ra virginica
Status Native
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In mu or shallow water
Height Up to 2 feet tall growing in loose colonies
Stem Lacking a true stem Leaf an flower stalks arising from a thick root
Leaves Large arrow-shape Lower lobes separating an tapering to the tips Each lobe an the main stem have one prominent central vein from which other smaller veins originate The smaller veins are parallel to one another Leaf bla e with a vein running along the entire outline just insi e the margin
Flower Vertically-curle green Very small spathe almost completely covering the thin whitish fleshy spike White male flowers above green female flowers sheath tapering to the base an tip green outsi e an white insi e Flowering cluster at the en of a long nake stalk
Flowering Period May to July
Fruit Easily i entifie in the fall by its cluster of greenish-brown berries enclose in a green leathery case the stalk curve ownwar at maturity
Similar Species Arrowhea (Sagattaria latifolia) Arrow Arum may be istinguishe by its 3 prominent veins
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 19
ARROWH ADDUCK-POTATO
Sagittaria spp
Status Native There are several species in New Hampshire Slatifolia and Sgraminea are the most common
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In mu or completely submerge
Height Up to 1 frac12 feet tall
Stem Lacking an upright visible stem Leaves an flowering stalk arising from a fibrous roote base Several un ergroun runners each giving rise to a tuber the size of a small potato up to 2 inches wi e
Leaves Shape is variable within an between species Leaves can be broa ly or narrowly arrow-shape lance-shape or tape-like Leaves appear to clasp the base of the flowering stalk Leaf veins all originate from the point where the stem connects to the leaf an ra iate outwar from that point
Flower White petals in whorls of three with a yellow center up to 1 frac12 inch wi e Male flowers at the top with female ones lower on the flower stalk
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Flat winge crow e in a flattene hea up to frac12 inch wi e Ball-shape fruit clusters of green nutlets
Value Known as ldquo uck potatoesrdquo Arrowhea pro uces e ible starchy tubers beneath the mu eaten by ucks an muskrats
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 20
BLU -FLAG IRIS
Iris versicolor
Status Native
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In less than 3 feet of water
Height Up to 3 feet tall Growing in small colonies
Stem Upright robust flattene on one si e simple or with one or two branches from creeping rhizomes embe e in the mu Rhizome very shallow an sometimes expose above the se iment
Leaves Appearing basal but actually alternate bluish-green swor -like an up to 14 inches long an frac34 inch wi e ascen ing in a flat plane or fan-like arrangement Flower stalks are taller than the leaves
Flower Large purplish-blue stalke with 3 larger outer rooping petals whitish towar the base an 3 upright smaller petals in the center
Flowering Period June through July
Fruit Capsule up to 2 frac12 inches long with 3 roun e e ges contains numerous flattene see s often persisting into winter
Value Provi es foo an cover for waterfowl an wil life
Similar Species Leaves may be confuse with those of cattail (Typha spp)or sweet flag (Acorus calmus) Blue flag iris may be istinguishe by blueish-green leaves arrange in flat plane
Photo co rtesy of Amy Smag la
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 21
BLU V RVAIN
Verbena hastata
Status Native
Habitat E ges of pon s marshes streams an rivers
Height Up to 4 feet tall growing in small colonies
Stem Rough four-si e fairly straight arising from a fibrous roote base
Leaves Up to 6 inches long stalke toothe tapere at the tip with a rough surface
Flower 5 small blue petals in a pencil-like spike occurring singly or in clusters with in ivi ual flowers blooming perio ically from the base to the top of spike
Flowering Period July into October
Fruit Separating into four nutlets
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 22
BON S T THOROUGHWORT
Eupatorium perfoliatum
Status Native
Habitat Wet mea ows marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall Branche growing in small colonies
Stem Upright robust lightly- owny arising from a fibrous roote base
Leaves Opposite lanceolate tapering an pointe at the tip toothe with the base clasping the stem Heavily veine Up to 8 inches long an 2 inches wi e at the base
Flower Whitish in 3-4 terminal clusters up to 8 inches long
Flowering Period Late July through October
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 23
BUR-R D
Sparganium eurycarpum
Status Native
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Emergent in shallow water up to 1 foot eep or submerge in water up to 4 feet eep
Height Up to 3 feet tall
Stem Upright stout smooth arising from rhizomes embe e horizontally in the mu a few inches beneath the surface Zigzag stalks
Leaves Alternate linear up to 4 feet long Emergent stem leaves narrow up to 1 frac12 feet tall triangular in cross-section an ri ge on their back si e Certain species are erect while others are floating an ribbon-like
Flower Lower bulbs or burs are clusters of greenish female
flowers Upper smaller burs are white male flowers
Flowering Period June through August
Fruit A burr-like hea on a short or long stalk
Value Colonies provi e nesting sites for waterfowl an shorebir s The fruit is eaten by a variety of waterfowl an the whole plant is graze by muskrat an eer
Similar Species This plant is easily confuse with wil celery (Vallisneria americana) if the leaves are tape-like or with young cattail (Typha spp) if leaves are emergent For the floating form bur-ree has a ri ge own the back of the long leaf When erect an emergent leaves are shorter in height than those of cattail with a istinct ri ge or almost triangular cross section When in fruit the spiky burr-like fruit is istinctive (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 24
CARDINAL FLOW R
Lobelia car inalis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s sha e e ges streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall often growing in large colonies
Stem Smooth stout arising from a horizontal rhizome embe e shallowly in mu
Leaves Alternate lanceolate to oblong toothe tapering at both en s Lower leaves short-stalke upper leaves stalkless Up to 6 inches long an 1 frac12 inches wi e Smooth to slightly owny thin
Flower Long bright-re 2-lippe tubular flower occurring on terminal spike with the upper lip 2-lobe an lower lip 3-lobe
Flowering Period July into October
Fruit Many-see e capsule with two portions
Value Car inal flower is pollinate mostly by hummingbir s since most insects fin it ifficult to navigate the long tubular flowers
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 25
BROAD-L AF CATTAIL
Typha latifolia
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet swales e ges of lakes an pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 10 feet tall
Stem Upright stiff growing in ense stan s from thick extensively -creeping un ergroun rhizomes
Leaves Green or bluish-green upright linear 2-6 feet long an up to 1 inch wi e arising from base or alternating along the stem Leaves have a spongy feel
Flower Many small flowers packe into tight cigar-like clusters creating a lower female spike toppe by a smaller male spike with no gap between the two flower types Female spike persists turning into the familiar ark brown ldquotailrdquo
Flowering Period June into August
Fruit Small see -like surroun e by many bristles attache to the base
Value Provi es nesting habitat for many bir s such as the re -winge blackbir Shoots an rhizomes are eaten by muskrats an geese Submerse stalks provi e spawning habitat an shelter for fish One of only a few plants where all parts are e ible to humans
Similar Species Narrow-leaf cattail (Typha angustifolia) has narrower leaves a narrower fruiting hea an a gap between the male an female flower clusters
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 26
COMMON R D
Phragmites australis
Status Most stands are Non-Native xotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire Phragmites australis has been present in wetlan s for millennia but a non-native European species has crossbre with P australis an has forme an invasive plant
Habitat Fresh an brackish marshes e ges of lakes an pon s streams rivers an in roa si e itches Full to partial sun
Height Upright 4-14 feet tall usually forming ense colonies
Stem Calle ldquoculmsrdquo are large hollow an grow up to 1 inch wi e
Leaves Bluish-green lanceolate close together an usually sticking out from stems at a large angle up to 2 feet long an 1 inch wi e
Flower Clusters frac12 - 1 foot long often purple when young an whitish an fluffy when ol
Flowering Period Late July to October
Fruit Rarely pro uces see but sprea s vigorously by rhizomes often running over the surface of the groun
Value This plant has little to offer to bir s an mammals besi es cover Phragmites often outcompetes other native wetlan plants thus limiting the plant iversity an foo source value of the wetlan The only animal that fee s on this to any extent is the muskrat (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Similar Species Sometimes confuse with ree canary grass since they both form ense stan s at isturbe sites Ree canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) can be istinguishe by its shorter an narrower leaves spikelets with only one flower an its shorter height
How To Distinguish Native From Non-Native Phragmites
Stems Stems on the non-native variety are typically green but may have a little purple color along the no es Stems on
the native variety have some chestnut or purple color where leaves are pulle back exposing the stem Stems of the native variety are also often shiny an black spots often appear late in the growing season
Leaf Collars Leaf collars on the non-native variety are always green while leaf collars on the native variety may be
purple
Leaf Sheaths On fall stems the leaf sheaths on the non-native variety remain attache Leaf sheaths on the native variety are lost or very loosely attache so leaves rop off the native plants before the intro uce plants This is the best
in icator base seasonal changes that istinguishes native or non-native varieties
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 27
J W LW DSPOTT D TOUCH-M NOT
Impatiens capensis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 4 feet tall Often growing in ense colonies
Stem Upright smooth slightly branching hollow somewhat succulent slightly translucent
Leaves Alternate egg-shape toothe on stalks up to 4 inches long Silvery appearance when hel un er water an appear completely ry upon removal Size an color of foliage vary with ifferences in light exposure an available moisture
Flower Few to several angling orange-yellow three-petale tubularfunnel-shape flowers with re ish brown spots an curve spur at their en s
Flowering Period June through September
Fruit Flat green capsules approximately 1 inch long which at maturity burst when touche ejecting ark-brown see s
Value Especially a apte to hummingbir pollination but bees an butterflies are also important pollinators
The sap from this plant has been clinically proven to relieve skin rashes Jewelwee can be applie to the affecte part of the bo y an neutralizes the urishol oil pro uce by poison ivy an poison oak (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 28
JO PY W D
Eupatorium maculatum
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 6 feet tall Branche growing in small to me ium-size colonies
Stem Stout smooth purple or purple-spotte somewhat rough towar the top arising from a fibrous roote base
Leaves Lanceolate toothe rough short-stalke with large single mi -vein Up to 8 inches long an 2 frac12 inches wi e tapere at the base an tip in whorls of 3-7
Flower Small rose-purple in ense flat-toppe clusters at the top of the stem an at the en s of the branches
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Angular nutlet with a plume of fine bristles at the top
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 29
PICK R LW D
Ponte aria cor ata
Status Native
Habitat Marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 3 feet tall often growing in ense colonies
Stem Upright stout smooth arising from a rhizome bearing one leaf an one terminal spike
Leaves Basal an alternate very large arrowhea to heart-shape glossy with prominent parallel veins blunt tip on a spongy leaf stalk
Flower Many small tubular violet-blue flowers approximately frac12 inch long on solitary spike with a sheath at the base
Flowering Period June through August
Fruit Small bla er-like with toothe ri ges containing one see
Value See s are consume by waterfowl an muskrats Networks of rhizomes an leaves also offer sha e an shelter for fish
Similar Species This plant can be istinguishe from its close look-alikes arrow arum an arrowhea by its light bluish-purple flower spike Bases of the leaves are more roun e whereas arrowhea an arrow arum leaves are more pointe (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 30
PURPL LOOS STRIF
Lythrum salicaria
Status Non-Native xotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire
Habitat Marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams rivers an in roa si e itches Full to partial sun
Height 2-6 feet tall
Stem Upright smooth to slightly- owny Square four-si e almost woo y
Leaves Opposite to whorle lanceolate often with heart-shape bases somewhat clasping stem sometimes in whorls of 3 Gra ually tapering to a point 3 to 4 inches long an frac12 to 1 inch wi e
Flower 5-7 purple petals in a ense terminal spike
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Many-see e capsule
Value Little wil life value See s are low in nutrition an roots are too woo y The flowers are attractive to insects They pro uce nectar an are regularly visite by honeybees
This plant outcompetes other wetlan plants which are beneficial foo sources for wil life an insects It repro uces by pro ucing millions of see s per plant an quickly takes over the lan scape when intro uce It also sprea s by rhizome (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 31
R D CANARY GRASS
Phalaris arun inacea
Status Non-Native xotic Invasive
Habitat Swales marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Although it is usually a shoreline plant it can survive in knee- eep water by sprouting ldquowater rootsrdquo on the submerse portion of the stem Forms ense stan s in isturbe areas where clearing gra ing siltation filling or other isruptions have create an opening with moist soil
Height Up to 7 feet tall Often growing in ense colonies
Stem Upright stiff from extensively-creeping rhizomes
Leaves Alternate upright grayish-green open sheath an ligule at the leaf axis Bla es fairly long an narrow up to 12 inches long an frac34 inches wi e
Flower Green to greenish-purple spikelets single-flowere lanceolate ense Terminal inflorescence up to 7 inches long branche an compresse early in the season but opening after fertilization
Flowering Period June through August
Value Low foo value Provi es summer cover an habitat for waterfowl at isturbe sites However it ten s to mat own in winter provi ing little winter cover for wil life
Similar Species Sometimes confuse with bluejoint grass (Calamagrostis canadensis) However the spikelets of bluejoint are in a loose open arrangement an the no es have a bluish to purplish cast
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 32
SOFT-ST MM D BULRUSH
Scirpus vali us
Status Native
Habitat Wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Usually growing in water less than 5 feet eep Ten s to be foun on ldquomuckierrdquo substrate an will grow in stagnant water
Height Usually up to 5 feet but can grow up to 10 feet tall Often growing in extensive colonies
Stem Upright grayish-green often arching up to frac34 inch thick at the base arising from stout re ish rhizomes Soft roun tapering to a point
Leaves No apparent leaves
Flowers Inconspicuous many-stalke bu like spikelets covere by re ish-brown scales locate imme iately below the top of stem Clusters mostly rooping but not in higher salinity areas
Flowering Period June into September
Fruit See -like nutlet with 4-6 bristles attache to the base
Value Provi es habitat for invertebrates an shelter for young fish Nutlets consume by a variety of waterfowl marsh bir s an uplan bir s Stems an rhizomes eaten by geese an muskrat Also provi es nesting material an cover for waterfowl marsh bir s an muskrat
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 33
SWAMP LOOS STRIF WAT R WILLOW
Deco on verticillatus
Status Native shrub becoming herbaceous towar the tips
Habitat Wetlan s bogs e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Shallow water with muck or peat se iment Can form floating mats in areas of very soft se iment
Height Up to 5 feet tall
Stem Ri gi woo y smooth to slightly- owny 3-9 feet long The lower rooting stems are spongy an buttresse giving rise to new arching stems
Leaves Opposite or in whorls of 3 gra ually tapering to a point 3-4 inches long an frac12 to 1 inch wi e sessile or short-stalke
Flower Pinkish-purple bell-shape with 5-7 sepals an 5 petals forming showy clusters in the axils of the mi le to upper leaves
Flowering Period July through August
Fruit Small brownish capsule with 3-5 partitions the clusters sometimes persisting above the leaf scars throughout winter
Value The many intertwining arching stems may form sizable clusters at the e ges of lakes an sluggish streams or floating bog mats Wherever a stem touches the water air-fille spongy tissue may evelop This tissue buoys the stem so that it may root an form a new arching stem
Similar Species May be confuse with the invasive purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) Swamp loosestrife can be istinguishe by the arching stems an showy axillary flower clusters as well as the roun stem instea of the square stem of purple loosestrife (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 34
THR -WAY S DG
Dulichium arun inaceum
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Extensive be s can be foun in shallow (less than 3 feet) water Grows in a variety of se iment types an can tolerate some turbi ity
Height Up to 3 feet tall solitary or in small colonies
Stem Roun hollow jointe arising from a horizontal rhizome
Leaves Linear up to 4 inches long an 38 inch wi e with a conspicuous sheath the latter close except at the top
When looking own upon the plant the leaves are line up an appear to ra iate from three angles away from the main stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Flower Inconspicuous flattene linear sessile spikelets in the axils or two-ranke scales of the brownish spikelets 8-10 along the axillary stalk
Flowering Period July through October
Fruit Flattene brownish see -like nutlet toppe with a beak
Value Eaten occasionally by a variety of ucks an geese Rhizomes an shoots also graze by muskrats
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 35
WOOL GRASS
Scirpus cyperinus
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall growing in small colonies
Stem Upright robust roun to triangular especially at the base
Leaves Elongate from base of stem up to 2 feet long Leaves imme iately below the flower are in clusters of 3-5 an may reach 5 inches long an roop at the tips
Flower Clusters of 6-12 spikelets at en s of rooping stems Flower clusters up to 12 inches long much branche
Flowering Period August through September
Fruit Whitish see -like nutlet with bristles much longer than the scales attache to the base the bristles impart the wooly appearance to the spikelets
Value Provi es foo an cover for waterfowl an other wil life
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 36
Ferns
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 37
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 38
INNAMON FERN
Osmund cinn mome
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Often growing near somewhat similar an relate interrupte fern (Polys ichum aros ichoides)
Height Up to 3 feet tall
Stem Upright stout smooth green an covere with cinnamon-colore wooly stalk
Leaves Sterile (vegetative) fron s up to 3 feet high upright to slightly arche lance-shape with 20+ opposite leaflets Fertile fron s o not persist through the summer whereas vegetative fron s remain until first frost
Reproduction Club-like fertile fron with groups of spore cases on leaflets that hug the main axis
Fruiting Period Spring
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 39
OSTRI H FERN
Pteretis pensylv nic
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 6 feet tall forming tussocks or clumps
Stem Stout nake for up 1 foot from the base green flattene an black at the base covere with papery brown scales Arising from a forking shallowly-embe e rhizome an giving rise to stout black scaly runners
Leaves Sterile fron s forming circles gra ually narrowe at the base an abruptly narrowe to the tip Fertile fron s up to 2 feet tall an 2 inches wi e nake for approximately half their length the nake portions shiny brown crow e sprea ing or ascen ing branches often overlapping or twiste light green at first turning ark green an eventually brown
Reproduction Leaf segments with spore cases beneath become rolle into small har berry-like structures joine along the branches of the fertile fron
Fruiting Period July ndash August Persisting over winter
Similar Species Cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea) Ostrich fern may be istinguishe by the gra ually narrow base an papery scales rather than cinnamon-colore pubescence on the stalk
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 40
ROYAL FERN
Osmund reg lis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall growing in scattere groups
Stem Somewhat stout nake for approximately half its length greenish or re ish arising from a stout creeping rhizome
Leaves Fron s with 5-7 pairs of nearly opposite oblong ascen ing ivisions The lowest pair slightly shorter than the others each ivision ivi e into finely toothe oblong blunt alternate segments 10-14 on each si e Fertile fron s terminate by a panicle appearing as a ense cluster of light brown structures
Reproduction Spore cases clustere along short nake leaf segments in a terminal panicle an often at the tips of some of the ivisions One of several ferns that pro uce their spores on mo ifie leaflets not on the un ersi e of the fron s
Fruiting Period Spring an early summer
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 41
SENSITIVE FERN
Onocle sensibilis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 3 feet tall Growing solitary or scattere
Stem Upright stout nake for nearly half its length arising from a creeping rhizome
Leaves Sterile fron s up to 3 feet tall the bla e with up to 16 pairs of wi e segments having wavy margins Fertile fron s shorter the berry-like structures clustere in stiffly erect ivisions the entire structure appearing spike-like
Reproduction Leaf segments with spore cases beneath which have become rolle into small har black berry-like structures appearing July through August an persisting over winter
Fruiting Period July into October
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 42
Woody S rubs
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 43
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 44
NORTHERN ARROW-WOOD Viburnu recognitu
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 15 feet tall forming thickets
Bark Smooth an gray with a white pith
Twigs Brownish-gray hairless highly branche long straight slen er arrow-like smooth
Buds Re ish-brown with 2 pairs of scales Opposite pointe approximately frac14 inch long roun e scales with fringe of minute hairs along the bor ers
Leaves Opposite egg-shape to roun with saw-like coarse teeth 1-2 inches long an 3 inches wi e tapering to a point with very prominent smooth veins
Flower Numerous small white-petale flowers on short stalks in a somewhat ense terminal flat cluster
Flowering Period June through July
Fruit Fleshy blue-black berry-like approximately 13 inch wi e containing a flattene see appearing in August
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 45
BUTTONBUSH Cephalanthus occidentalis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 12 feet tall typically 3-5 feet tall
Bark Smooth an grayish when young flaky an grayish when ol er Light-brown pith
Twigs Slen er roun or angle grayish-brown to purplish marke with light elongate lenticels
Buds Small in epresse areas surroun e by bark
Leaves Opposite or in whorls of 3-4 Shiny ark-green above lighter green an slightly owny beneath Leathery smooth oblong to oval 3-6 inches long broa at the base pointe at tips often with short re stalks
Flower Densely clustere spherical creamy white ball-shape flowers long-stalke often in groups of 3 1- 1 frac12 inch wi e Ripe hea s brownish fragrant
Flowering Period July through August
Fruit Small triangular-shape capsules greenish in ball-like hea s like the flowers Persist into winter
Value Butterfly an moth species are often foun fee ing on the sweet nectar of the tubular flowers because of their long curle mouthparts Caterpillar pupas are often foun on buttonbush because of the foo association with larvae an a ults (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 46
ELDERBERRYBLACK-BERRIED ELDER Sa bucus canadensis
Elderberr showing fruit
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 12 feet tall often forming thickets
Bark Green
Twigs Pale yellow-brown to light-brown with numerous large raise lenticels Ill-smelling when bruise Flute or square pith very thick white an soft
Buds Small roun to oval covere with brownish scales
Leaves Opposite pinnately compoun with 5 to 11 leaflets usually 7 Lanceolate to ovate abruptly narrowing at the tip Sharply-toothe Lower leaflets often 3-parte Smooth above smooth or owny on veins beneath
Flower Small white nicely-scente flowers with 5 white petals in a flat-toppe cluster up to 6 inches wi e generally with 5 main branches
Flowering Period Late June through July
Fruit Juicy purplish-black berries in flat-toppe clusters containing many see s appearing late August to early October
Value Pro uces fruit that makes tasty jelly an wine It is also an important foo source for many songbir s
Elderberr showing flowers
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 47
GLOSSY BUCKTHORN Rha nus frangula
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T is species is pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Generalist Full-sun or sha e moist ry aci ic or basic soils Woo lan bor ers foreste wetlan s floo plain forests
Heig t Up to 20 feet tall
Twigs Grayish with whitish lenticels
Buds Nake owny up to frac14 inch long
Leaves Alternate whorle oblong 4-5 inches long an 3-4 inches wi e Long growing season leafing out in May an hol ing its leaves into November
Flower Small greenish-white in small clusters in the leaf axis
Flowering Period May through September Flowers an fruits continuously from May through September Plants often isplay bu s flowers immature fruit an mature fruit simultaneously
Fruit Berry with 2-3 pits approximately frac14 inch wi e turning from green to re an eventually blue-black Often all three colore berries are on the plant at the same time Sometimes ifficult to recognize in a foreste situation ue to its non- escript appearance but easily recognize July through September ue to masses of berries
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 48
HIGHBUSH BLUEBERRY Vacciniu cory bosu
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s rich woo s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 15 feet tall often forming thickets
Bark Rough brown Stem an larger branches shre y
Twigs On some bushes re ish-brown on other bushes they are yellow Covere with small warty lenticels zigzagge or angle
Buds Flower bu s re plump pointe with spine-like pointe scales Leaf bu s smaller two outer scales with hair-like point
Leaves Alternate pointe on both en s green on both si es untoothe Lower si e slightly wooly on the veins Up to 3 inches long an 1 frac12 inch wi e Deep re in autumn
Flower Cylin rical white or pink up to frac12 inch long an frac14 inch wi e in ense terminal or lateral clusters
Flowering Period April through June appearing when leaves are only half grown
Fruit Blue-black berry up to frac12 inch wi e with whitish bloom sweet in clusters
Value Berries eaten by numerous bir s an wil life
Similar Species Maleberry (L onia ligustrina) Highbush blueberry can be istinguishe by its terminal clusters of fruit an by berries rather than capsules for fruit
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 49
HOBBLEBUSH Viburnu alnifoliu
Status Native
Habitat Cool moist ravines e ges of rivers an streams
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Light brown with wavy grooves
Twigs Tough stout olive-brown to light purplish-brown Coate with rusty brown hairs towar the tip
Buds Large long in pairs light-brown covere with velvety fuzz Flower bu s roun e an occur only at tips of twigs
Leaves Very large 4-8 inches long Almost roun finely toothe heart-shape at base Hairy beneath rusty veins much branche Brownish hairs on stalks
Flower Large white clusters with 5 petals appearing before leaves are fully grown
Flowering Period May through June
Fruit Re berries turning black Stones with a groove on each e ge
Similar Species Likely to be confuse with ogwoo s Viburnum leaves are nearly always toothe or lobe while ogwoo leaves are smooth untoothe an veins are parallel
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 50
HONEYSUCKLE Lonicera spp
(L orrowii L tatarica L aackii)
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T ese species are pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Fiel s roa si es fence-rows he ge-rows e ges of woo s
Heig t 10 to 15 feet tall
Bark Tan to brown shre e in appearance
Twigs Generally glabrous thornless
Buds Blunt to acute
Leaves Opposite entire oblong to egg-shape 1-5 inches long
Flower 5-lobe tubular sometimes fragrant growing in leaf axils white to yellow
Fruit Re rarely yellow juicy few-see e berry July through September
Flowering Period May through June
Morrowrsquos Honeysuckle Lonicera orrowii
Leaves an young twigs ensely owny Leafy bracts beneath flowers not glan ular Leaves broa est below the mi le Flowers white fa ing to yellow
Tartarian Honeysuckle Lonicera tartarica
Un ersi es of leaves an young twigs are hairless Flowers usually pink-re Only species that has hollow pith
Amur Honeysuckle Lonicera aackii
Upper surface of leaves are shiny Bark is gray or tan an exfoliates somewhat in vertical strips Flowers white fa ing to yellow
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 51
JAPANESE KNOTWEED Polygonu cuspidatu
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T is species is pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Woo lan s open spaces itches roa si e itches e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall Fast growing aggressive easily sprea s an repro uces vegetatively
Twigs Greenish hollow jointe bamboo-like Stems often persist into winter
Leaves Alternate large untoothe broa ly ovate 3-7 inches long with pointe tips an square bases
Flower Many small whitish flowers growing in slen er finger-like clusters in the leaf axils
Flowering Period August to September
Fruit White papery win - isperse x-shape in cross-section
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 52
MALEBERRY Lyonia ligustrina
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s rich woo s gentle slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall often forming thickets
Bark Light gray shre y shaggy Younger bark appearing slightly hairy ol er bark gray with white lenticels
Twigs Yellow-brown to ash-gray mottle with black Flowering twigs leafless
Buds No terminal bu Lateral bu s flattene re oval pointe with a single re ish scale
Leaves Alternate elliptic to oblong stalke up to 3 inches long pointe at both en s minutely toothe Rough above slightly-hairy beneath
Flower Small roun white flowers in clusters up to 6 inches long
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Greenish-gray to brown small roun capsules with 5 partitions No larger than flower Crow e in groups on the stem persisting through winter Dry brown po s resembling blueberries
Similar Species Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium cor mbosum) Maleberry can be istinguishe by its flattene re bu s lateral rather than terminal clusters an by capsules of fruit instea of berries
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 53
MEADOWSWEET Spiraea latifolia
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t 2-3 feet tall forming large ense colonies
Bark Thin peeling in filmy layers
Twigs Smooth slen er light re ish-brown to purple more or less angle Unbranche (except occasionally towar the top where branching may occur)
Buds Many small smooth oval with several scales
Leaves Alternate oblong narrow toothe short-stalke tapering to the base with pointe to roun tips Up to 3 inches long an 1 frac12 inches wi e
Flower Pyrami clusters of white to pinkish 5-parte small flowers occurring at tip of stem
Flowering Period July into September
Fruit Small har smooth cluster of 5-6 tiny po s persisting over winter in the inflorescence giving it a ark-brown color
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 54
MULTIFLORA ROSE Rosa ultiflora
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T is species is pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Generalist Variety of soil moisture an light con itions
Heig t Up to 9 feet tall Shrubby arching
Bark Green Ol er stems turn woo y
Twigs Long arching with stiff re-curve thorns tips root to form new plants
Leaves Alternate pinnately compoun 7-9 toothe leaflets each leaflet about 1 inch long Fringe stipule at the base of leaf stem
Flower Dense clusters of fragrant white or occasionally pink 5-petale flowers up to 1 frac12 inch wi e Persist into winter
Flowering Period May through June
Fruit Small roun har re berry calle a ldquohiprdquo Smallest hip of any rose in New Englan persists into winter
Similar Species Multiflora rose can be istinguishe from other roses by the presence of a fringe stipule on the leaf petiole
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 55
NORTHERN WILD RAISIN WITHEROD VIBURNUM Viburnu cassinoides
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s valleys gentle slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall usually up to 7
Bark Smooth grayish-brown
Twigs Slen er long flexible ull pale grayish to light-brown Slightly hairy Somewhat angle with in istinct lenticels
Buds Covere by a single pair of scales Terminal bu s long yellow or gol en 2 light-brown scales split curve Flower bu s large an flask-shape
Leaves Opposite lanceolate to oval loosely toothe up to 4 inches long on short stalks tapering to an abrupt point Dark green above ull green below leathery
Flower Many small white 5-lobe flowers in short-stalke flat-toppe clusters at the tips of the twigs
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Fleshy blue-black berry-like approximately frac14 inch wi e containing a flat see Dull re as maturing
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 56
SHADBUSHSERVICEBERRY A elchier canadensis
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains rich woo s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 25 feet tall usually growing in thickets
Bark Gray smooth thin vertical fissures separating smooth flat areas in ol er trees
Twigs Ranci taste an smell (slight taste of bitter almon s) Slen er grayish often covere by a gray skin smooth Lenticels are scattere minute ots
Buds Terminal bu s long narrow greenish-yellow or purple
Leaves Alternate oblong finely-toothe broa est above the mi le Veins curve When half grown with white felt or wooly hairs beneath Up to frac34 inch long roun e at the tip an base
Flower Many me ium-size 5-petalle white flowers approximately frac34 inch wi e on stalks in clusters appearing when leaves are half grown
Flowering Period April through June
Fruit Dark-purple to black berries
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 57
SHEEP LAURELLAMBKILL Kal ia angustifolia
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 3 feet tall usually forming thickets
Bark Re ish brown
Twigs Pale brown smooth
Buds Nake no scales or only 2 showing
Leaves Evergreen Occasionally opposite but usually in whorls of 3 Elliptic to oblong on very short stems crow e on the branch opposite in threes Bright green above pale or whitene beneath Both surfaces smooth
Flower Small eep pink to re ish-purple 5-lobe approximately 1 frac12 inch wi e in clusters among the leaves
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Small brownish roun capsule with 5 partitions in clusters that persist over winter
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 58
SILKY DOGWOOD Cornus a o u
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall forming ense thickets
Twigs Much branching lower portion of the stem light brown upper portions becoming streake with re One-an two-year ol branches completely re an velvety Twigs mo erate to slen er with spongy chocolate-brown piths
Buds Smooth hairy
Leaves Opposite ovate to elliptic roun e at base with pointe tips Veins branching off mi vein that follow up the smooth leaf without reaching e ge Up to 5 inches long an half as wi e roun e to somewhat we ge-shape at the base an abruptly pointe at the tip pubescent beneath on short to mo erate stalks turning re in autumn
Flower Many small white 4-petalle flowers in broa flat-toppe clusters up to 3 inches wi e at the tips of branches
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Blue or blueish-white berries
Similar Species Re Osier Dogwoo (Cornus stolonifera)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 59
SPECKLED ALDER Alnus rugosa
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 25 feet tall often branching from the base
Bark Brown with whitish horizontal lenticels
Twigs Olive-brown to re ish brown smooth owny with greenish triangular pith
Buds Stalke re ish covere by 2-3 scales equal in length coate with grayish or brownish own no terminal bu
Leaves Alternate oval or roun e broa est below the mi le 2-4 inches long Doubly toothe or wavy Green above pale beneath Leaf base roun e or heart-shape Up to 6 inches long an 3 inches wi e
Flower Develop long before the leaves Male catkins long finger-like rooping Female catkins upright in clusters stalke resembling a small pine cone arching appearing below male
Flowering Period April through June before leaves emerge
Fruit Female catkins ripening into frac12 inch cylin rical cones persistent in winter
Comments Distinguishing features are the conspicuous white lenticels on the trunk an on the twigs the short thick stalks of the ldquoconesrdquo an the conspicuous net venation of the leaves In winter the immature female spikes roop
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 60
SPICEBUSH Lindera benzoin
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains rich woo s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Smooth grayish-brown
Twigs Younger growth is green with white lines an specks while ol er portions with smooth gray-brown bark
Buds Leaf bu s small pointe Flower bu s larger stalke Spherical arrange on one si e of a leaf bu above the scar
Leaves Alternate obovate to ovate somewhat pointe up to 4 inches long an 2 inches wi e
Flower Small yellow Male an female occur in clusters on separate plants
Flowering Period April through May
Fruit Fleshy re an berry-like up to frac12 inch long containing one large see
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 61
STEEPLEBUSH Spiraea to entosa
Status Native
Habitat Wet mea ows marshes shrub wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 3 frac12 feet tall
Bark Thin hairy peeling shre ing into strips
Buds Lateral bu s covere with wool No terminal bu
Leaves Alternate simple toothe up to 2 inches long white or woolly beneath with brownish rusty or tawny hairs
Flower Small 5-petale eep pink or rose colore flowers in ense steeple-like terminal spike up to 6 inches long
Flowering Period July into September
Fruit One-celle capsules persistent into winter
Similar Species The pinker plants are often confuse with purple loosestrife Steeplebush has alternate leaves whereas purple loosestrife has opposite or whorle leaves The stems of Steeplebush ten to be roun in cross-section whereas the stems of purple loosestrife are square in cross section (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 62
SWEET PEPPERBUSH Clethera alnifolia
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Dark grayish or blackish Branches of previous year shre y or flaky
Twigs Slen er roun an slightly owny on new twigs with large white pith
Buds Lateral bu s small an obscure Terminal bu s are owny large an pointe
Leaves Alternate egg-shape to oblong small broa est above mi le sharply-toothe except at base Straight-veine both si es smooth an green abruptly blunt-pointe Up to 4 frac12 inches long an 1 frac12 inches wi e
Flower Many small 5-petale fragrant white flowers occurring on terminal spike
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Small tan roun capsule each with 3 hairy partitions resembling peppercorns persisting into winter
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 63
WINTERBERRY HOLLYBLACK ALDER Ilex verticillata
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Gray smooth
Twigs Slen er ark purple-gray with many small lenticels
Buds Tiny blunt at tip iverging from the twig Crow e upper bu s larger Terminal bu present
Leaves Alternate ovate thick ull-green above owny beneath coarse-toothe prominent veins Broa est at or above the mi le pointe at both en s
Flower Very small greenish or yellowish white Male an female flower son separate plants 6-8 petals in clusters seate irectly on stem frac14 inch in iameter of very short stalks
Flowering Period May through August
Fruit Bright re berry-like with 3-5 bony nuts borne singly or in clusters approximately frac14 inch wi e containing several see s persisting into winter
Value Extremely showy in late fall an early winter when covere with their bright re fruit these shrubs are either male or female Attractive to bir s
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 64
WITCH HAZEL Ha a elis virginiana
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 30 feet tall
Bark Mottle light-brown to gray smooth to scaly
Twigs Zigzag smooth to slightly hairy Short shoots light orange brown with rusty or gray hairs Some brown warts but lenticels in istinct
Buds Lateral bu s flattene with rusty brown hairs Terminal bu stalke curve or sickle-shape
Leaves Roun e to oval wavy lopsi e toothe in shallow roun e lobes Main veins prominent 5-7 nerves One-si e at base
Flower Bright yellow crinkle curving petals persisting into winter remaining attache to twig
Flowering Period August into November
Fruit Woo y hairy light-brown 2-see e po with 4 well-space curve points splitting open an ejecting black see s forcibly ripening a year after flowers Open po s remain on stem
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 65
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 66
Climbin Vines
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 67
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 68
CLIMBINGORIENTAL BITTERSWEET
Celast us o biculatus
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire
Habitat Disturbe areas roa si es fiel s forests an e ges of streams an rivers
Hei ht 40-65 feet long eci uous woo y vine Very aggressive climbs up an over trees an chokes them
Stem Tanish furrowe
Leaves Alternate ovate bluntly toothe 3-4 inches long tapere at the base
Flower Small greenish clusters in the leaf axils
Flowerin Period April through May
Fruit Bright-yellow splitting open to reveal showy orangere fruit
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 69
POISON IVY
Toxicodend on adicans
Status Native
Habitat Generalist Variety of soil moisture an light con itions Foun in recent clear-cuts
Hei ht Upright eci uous shrub trailing vine or climbing plant Shrub can grow up to 6 feet tall but this plant is taller as a vine
Leaves Long-stalke compoun leaves ivi e into 3 leaflets each leaflet having a longer stalk than the si e leaflets
Flowers Small yellowish flowers with 5 petals occurring on lateral clusters
Flowerin Period May through July Poison i y showing fruit
Fruit Greenish to grayish-white berries lacking hairs Pro uce in late summer an can persist throughout winter
CAUTION
TOUCHING OR BURNING ANY PART OF THIS PLANT CAN CAUSE SEVERE SKIN IRRITATION
Poison i y as a tree-climbing ine Poison i y in autumn
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 70
RIVERBANK GRAPE
Vitis ipa ia
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Hei ht Up to 60 feet tall
Bark Re ish-brown in loose strips Pith with thin firm tissue
Leaves Alternate coarse-toothe up to 7 inches long with usually 3-5 lobes an narrow-pointe leaves
Flowers Inconspicuous in branche clusters
Flowerin Period May through July
Fruit Purplish-black to black grapes up to frac12 inch wi e with whitish waxy covering
Similar Species Forest grape (Vitis ulpina) occurs in similar habitats but its leaves have broa teeth an are not usually lobe an its grapes are black an lacking waxy coating
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 71
VIRGINIA CREEPER
Pa thenosisus quinquefolia
Status Native
Habitat Wi e range of con itions ry san y soil to moist nutrient-rich soil sha e sun
Stem Woo y stem persisting into winter
Leaves Alternate palmately compoun with 3-7 but usually 5 leaflets Leaflets 6-12 centimeters long with toothe margins Turn eep-re in the fall
Flower Inconspicuous green-white
Fruit Small blue-black berries appearing in autumn
Comments Climbs by ten rils that have oval a hesive isks at their tips
Similar Species Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) has compoun leaves with 3 leaflets but the terminal leaflet is attache to a short-stalk Poison ivy also climbs by aerial roots not by a hesive isks
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 72
The Ca opy Trees
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 73
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 74
AMERICAN BASSWOODLINDEN Tilia am ricana
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s valleys gentle slopes
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray ri ge when ol
Twigs Alternate stout zigzag greenish-gray smooth or owny
Buds Re ish-brown frac12 inch long lopsi e No terminal bu
Leaves Alternate large up to 8 inches long sharply toothe Unequally heart-shape at base
Flowers 5 cream-colore fragrant yellow petals Approximately frac12 inch across
Floweri g Period Early summer
Fruit Stalke cluster of small pale green nuts attache to a leafy wing
AMERICAN BEECH Fagus grandifolia
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s uplan s well- raine lowlan s
Height Up to 90 feet tall
Bark Smooth an light blue-gray when young an ol
Twigs Alternate slen er greenish-brown hairy
Buds Slen er sharp-pointe approximately frac34 inch long chestnut brown with overlapping scales
Leaves Alternate simple egg-shape pointe with parallel veins terminating in teeth Shiny papery-smooth up to 5 inches long Dry leaves remain on tree in winter Yellow in autumn
Flowers Inconspicuous slen er catkins in a roun e hea both sexes occur on the same tree
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Prickly 4-valve fruit capsule bearing 2 triangular nuts Nut is sweet an e ible
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 75
AMERICAN HORNBEAM IRONWOODBLUE BEECH Carpinus caroliniana
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s foreste wetlan s e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 40 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray-green furrowe flute (muscular) wavy
Twigs Slen er ark re ish-brown shiny an smooth or slightly -hairy
Buds Oval re ish brown angle scaly
Leaves Alternate simple oblong sharply an finely oubly-toothe margins up to 4 inches long an 2 inches wi e entirely smooth above slightly owny beneath Orange or scarlet in autumn
Flowers Very small male an female flowers occur in separate spikes Male catkins 1 inch female small appearing with leaves
Floweri g Period April through May before leaf-out
Fruit Nutlet in the axil of a 3-lobe leaf-like bract the bracts clustere in a loose terminal spike up to 2 inches long
BLACK BIRCHSWEET BIRCH B tula l nta
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s
Height Up to 60 feet tall
Bark Smooth ark brown Long horizontal lenticels resembling cherry Ol er trees with very ark thick plates
Twigs Smooth slen er light re ish-brown with very fine horizontal lines Smells an tastes of wintergreen
Buds Sharp re ish brown long terminal bu absent on long shoots Bu scales owny on margins
Leaves Alternate simple heart-shape sharply ouble-or single-toothe smooth above with tufts of white hair on the veins beneath ull ark green Wintergreen o or an taste
Flower Male an female flowers occur in separate catkins on the same tree male catkins present uring the winter
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Catkins cylin rical short scales smooth
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 76
BLACK CHERRY Prunus s rotina
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s on many sites
Height Up to 60 feet tall
Bark Dark re ish-brown smooth with narrow horizontal lenticels on young trees becoming roughene an scaly on ol er trees Resembles black birch
Twigs Slen er re ish-brown often gray an peeling Ranci o or an taste Often with black knot swellings on branches with narrow lenticels
Buds Bright light re ish-brown 4 scales appear as none Terminal bu larger than laterals
Leaves Alternate simple elliptic Smooth an shiny above finely-toothe turning inwar Brown wool on 13 of mi rib beneath Yellow to brown in autumn
Flower White 5-petalle elongate clusters appearing when leaves are frac12 grown in clusters at the en s of twigs up to 4 inches long
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit E ible cherries ark re ish-purple becoming black with small stone Appearing June-October
BOX ELDERASH-LEAVED MAPLE Ac r n gundo
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s lowlan s floo plains
Height Up to 40 feet tall
Bark Thin grayish to light-brown with furrowe narrow ri ges similar to Norway maple
Twigs Stout green to purplish-green brightly colore often re Covere with whitish bloom the first year which rea ily rubs off
Buds Short-stalke re ish usually wooly or owny whitish ensely hairy
Leaves Opposite compoun palm-like with 3-5 veiny leaflets up to 5 inches long on short stalks Very variable in shape sharp margins with coarse teeth Light green above pale green an hairy along veins beneath Stalk swollen at base
Flower Small yellowish to greenish Male an female flowers occur in rooping clusters on separate trees appearing slightly before leaf-out
Floweri g Period April through May at or before leaf-out
Fruit A typical flattene v-shape winge samara
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 77
EASTERN COTTONWOOD Populus d ltoid s
Status Native
Habitat Floo plains streambanks valleys
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Greenish-yellow on young trees gray an furrowe on ol er trees
Twigs Smooth yellow-brown mo erately stout
Buds Brown shiny approximately frac12 to 1 inch long 6-7 scales heavy sticky fragrant yellow resin insi e
Leaves Alternate simple large triangular coarse roun e teeth up to 6 inches long an often nearly as wi e Dark green an shiny above lighter beneath with veins prominent on both surfaces Stems flattene at base of leaves Leaves from sprouts very large Yellow in autumn
Flower Drooping loosely groupe catkins Male an female flowers occur in rooping spikes on separate trees Before the leaves unfol the male crow e into rather thick re ish spikes the female crow e into narrower greenish yellow spikes
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Short-stalke capsule with 4 partitions approximately frac14 inch long
EASTERN HEMLOCK Tsuga canad nsis
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s ravines foreste wetlan s
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Cinnamon-re to gray tinge with purple narrow ri ges
Twigs Alternate yellow to grayish brown very hairy flattene
Buds Approximately frac12 to frac34 inch wi e oval chestnut brown hairy scales
Needles Narrow approximately frac12 inch long Short shiny ark-green above tapering whitish-green with 2 white lines beneath appearing as a broa stripe Stalke at base persistent comb-like arrangement on twig
Fruit Small oval cones frac12 to frac34 inch long on slen er stalks Cone scales as wi e as long Male cones are small structures in clusters in leaf axils an o not persist Female cones have brown scales are at twig en s an persist
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 78
EASTERN WHITE PINE Pinus strobus
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s bogs ravines cool sha y north slopes
Height Up to 120 feet tall
Bark Smooth thin greenish when young becoming ark brown eeply-furrowe an blocky when ol er
Twigs Smooth slen er green or light yellowish-green resinous
Buds Sharp-pointe yellowish-brown
Leaves In clusters of 5 (the only five-nee le pine in the East) soft slen er bluish-green Retaine to en of the secon growing season 3 year nee les yellow in October 2-5 inches long
Fruit Large tapering cylin rical cones falling when ripe (August-September) Require two seasons to mature 4 to 8 inches long
GREEN ASH Fraxinus p nnsylvanica
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains streambanks
Height Up to 80 feet tall
Bark Young twigs gray thin hairless Ol er stems gray with shallow grooves ri ges an furrows
Twigs Stout gray terminal bu present conical the first pair of lateral bu s place some istance below the terminal
Leaves Opposite pinnately-compoun with 5-9 (usually 7) leaflets Shiny green on top occasionally hairy on bottom with saw-toothe margins Bright yellow in autumn
Flower Inconspicuous small cluster of greenish petal-free stalke flowers with male an female flowers occur on separate trees
Floweri g Period April to June as leaves emerge
Fruit Samara with a broa wing an in istinct see portion
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 79
RED MAPLE Ac r rubrum
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s rich woo s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 75 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray often satiny on young trees becoming arker scaly rough separating an forming long scales often up-curling in ol er trees
Twigs Current years growth re Ol er twigs light gray smooth
Buds Sharp ark re with prominent overlapping scales
Leaves Opposite simple usually 3-lobe (sometimes 5) with sharp angles between lobes an with sharp irregular teeth Dark green above gray-green beneath approximately 3-4 inches long Yellow or scarlet in autumn
Flower Re or yellow with petals appearing long before the leaves emerge Male an female flowers occur on separate trees
Floweri g Period March through May before leaf-bu s open
Fruit A ouble-winge v-shape re samara up to 1 inch long
Matures in late spring falls an germinates at once
RED OAK Qu rcus rubra
Status Native
Habitat Bottomlan s moist slopes
Height Up to 90 feet tall
Bark Smooth greenish-brown on young stems becoming broken into ri ges re ish-brown har with eep furrows when ol er Inner bark re ish
Twigs Alternate strongly ri ge or flute Re ish brown or black smooth
Buds Smooth brown blunt-pointe in clusters at en s of twigs Larger than other oaks except black frac14 inch long roun e on the si es Terminal bu s have slight rusty hairs
Leaves Spikes on tips of lobes Mostly 3 pairs V-shape space between lobes (typically 7-11) triangular in outline smooth on both si es
Flower Long sprea ing strings
Fruit Acorn maturing in secon year Cup embracing 13 to frac12 the acorn Oval to cylin rical short shallow Acorns large bitter ine ible insi es pale yellow
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 80
SHAGBARK HICKORY Carya ovata
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s valleys uplan slopes
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Smooth when young splitting into long plates that curve outwar free at both en s when ol er
Twigs Re ish-brown very stout tough an har to break Soli pith
Buds Dark brown long-pointe approximately frac12 inch or more wi e Scales remaining over winter
Leaves Alternate compoun 4-6 inches long 5 (rarely 7) leaflets with the 3 upper leaflets much larger an longer than the lower terminal leaflet Slightly toothe with a tuft of hair on each tooth
Flower Male an female flowers occur on same tree Male flowers are 3-branche catkins female flowers are in short spikes
Floweri g Period Early spring before leaf-out
Fruit Thick globe-like husks split away when ripe Nut with 4 angles whitish brown shell thick sweet kernel
SILVER MAPLE Ac r saccharinium
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 80 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray (like beech) in young trees breaking into long thin scaly plates curving away at en s when ol er
Twigs V-shape point upwar at tip rooping Orange-brown to re Ba o or when bruise
Buds Terminal bu small blunt re
Leaves Opposite simple approximately 5 inches wi e Deeply cleft 5-lobe sharply toothe Green above silver-white beneath Very silvery un er water Downy beneath when young Pale yellow in autumn
Flower Small re or greenish yellow No petals occurring long before the leaves Some trees have only male flowers
Floweri g Period February through May before leaf-out
Fruit Occurring in late spring The see germinates at once flattene winge fruit the largest of the native maples up to 2 inches long
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 81
SWAMP WHITE OAK Qu rcus bicolor
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 70 feet tall
Bark Flaky light grayish-brown peeling in ragge papery scales Furrowe at base of tree in long flat scaly ri ges
Twigs Slen er to stout straw-brown to yellow-green Bark peels from twig (only oak where this occurs)
Buds Small roun terminal bu s orange-brown blunt-pointe smooth Lateral bu s small an crow e
Leaves Alternate simple oval light-green above with hairs beneath wi est above the mi le strongly tapere towar the we ge-shape base Margin shallowly lobe Yellow or brown in autumn
Flower Male an female flowers occur separately on the same tree the male in catkins the female in short spikes
Fruit Oval light-brown nut approximately 1 inch long enclose for about frac12 its length by a cap Occurring singly or often in pairs at the en of a short stalk Some of the cups usually persist in winter
SYCAMOREPLANETREEBUTTONBALL Platanus occid ntalis
Status Native
Habitat Floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Creamy white on young branches turning re -brown-gray then breaking in large thin plates exposing whitish inner bark giving a white-washe appearance
Twigs Slen er smooth yellow-brown slightly zigzag swollen at joints
Buds No terminal bu Lateral bu s long conical resinous shiny ark re -brown covere by a single cap-like scale Pointing outwar enclose by bases of leaf stalks until the leaves fall
Leaves Alternate simple large with 3-5 pointe lobes maple-like pubescent beneath when young with long pointe teeth
Flower Small inconspicuous Male an female flowers occur separately in roun hea s on the same tree
Floweri g Period April through June
Fruit Large roun balls approximately frac14 inch long an 1 inch wi e with bristly hairs at base containing many see s Occurring singly on long stalks Remains on tree until spring
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 82
TAMARACHLARCH Larix laricina
Status Native
Habitat Bogs foreste wetlan s wet peaty soils
Height Up to 80 feet tall
Bark Thin re ish brown scaly Young branches grayish or pale orange-brown
Twigs Smooth brownish many leaf scars
Buds Dark re ish-brown roun resinous
Leaves Deci uous nee les pale blueish-green approximately 1 inch long flexible triangular Yellow in autumn before ropping off
Flower Occur separately as small cones on the same tree Male flowers are yellow Female flowers are rose re both appearing in March through April
Fruit Small oval cones frac12 to frac34 inch wi e with 20 scales Cone scales concave smooth often shining longer than broa chestnut brown smooth on the outsi e
WHITE ASH Fraxinus am ricana
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s valleys slopes foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Light or ark gray Smooth when young groove when ol er Longitu inal ri ges forming iamon -shape patterns separate by narrow interlacing ri ges
Twigs Opposite light greenish-brown with small white lenticles an a slight bloom Soli pith
Buds Roun e rusty to ark-brown rough hairy First pair of lateral bu s at the same level irectly below the terminal
Leaves Opposite pinnately compoun stalke oval to lanceolate 8 to 12 inches long with 5 to 9 leaflets (mostly 7) Smooth or slightly wavy-toothe Yellowish to maroon in the autumn
Flowers Small inconspicuous male an female flowers occur on separate trees appearing with the leaves Purplish in crow e clusters
Floweri g Period April through May before leaf-out
Fruit Cylin rical light-brown enclosing a see an a flattene elongate wing 2-3 times long as the bo y 1-2 inches wi e in rooping clusters
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 83
WHITE OAK Qu rcus alba
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s a jacent slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 90 feet tall
Bark Gray thin on young trees an flaky irregularly-plate or groove when ol er
Twigs Purplish-gray to greenish-re mo erately stout smooth
Buds Blunt smooth brownish at tips of twigs in clusters
Leaves Alternate simple 4-10 prominent roun e lobes variable in epth Re ish to violet in autumn Brown ea leaves remain on tree in winter
Flowers Both sexes occur on the same tree Male flowers in clusters of hanging bea s Female flowers are few in angles of new leaves Greenish yellowish or re ish
Fruit Maturing in one season Acorn cup with wart-like scales Cup shorter than nut Sweet an e ible
WHITE SPRUCE Pic a glauca
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s a jacent slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 70 feet tall
Bark Thin scaly grayish-brown silvery on freshly expose areas
Twigs Pale gray to yellow-brown no hairs or fuzz
Buds Oval ragge brown smooth
Leaves frac12 to 1 inch blueish-green slight-bloom pungent o or when crushe sharp line of white ots in each groove Ten ency to mass towar the upper si e of the twig
Flowers Occur separately as small cones on the same tree Male flowers are yellowish re Female flowers are greenish re purplish
Co e Cylin rical 2 inches long Immature cones have thin scales an are soft an flexible Mature cones are light chestnut brown
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 84
YELLOW BIRCH B tula l nta
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains ravines cool rich woo s of higher elevations
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Peeling in thin ribbon-like strips when young that roll back in curls Shiny yellow or silvery gray rough an platy when ol er
Twigs Stout bronze or bright-brown shiny Smooth or sparsely hairy Wintergreen o or an taste
Buds Sharp re ish-brown oppresse terminal bu absent oval with chestnut-brown scales
Leaves Alternate simple long oval sharply ouble-toothe Dull an ark-green above lighter beneath with slight hairs in veins base roun e to near heart-shape up to 5 inches long
Flower Male an female flowers in separate catkins on the same tree Male catkins present in winter Male flowers are yellow small narrow in a rooping catkin at branch tips Female flowers are green an in broa er upright catkins place back from the tip that matures into a brown cone
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Catkins roun e roun scales somewhat hairy erect on twig frac34 inch long persist into winter
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 85
Appendix A Other Helpful Field Guides
The Boo of Swamp and Bog Trees Shrubs and Wildflowers of Eastern Freshwater Wetlands by John Eastman 1995 Stackpole Books ISBN 0-8117-2518-9
A Field Guide to Coastal Wetland Plants of the Northeastern United States by Ralph W Tiner Jr 1987 University of Massachusetts Press ISBN 0-870-23538-9
Freshwater Wetlands - A Guide to Common Indicator Plants of the Northeast by Dennis W Magee 1981 University of Massachusetts Press ISBN 0-87023-317-3
Northeastern Wetland Flora Field Office Guide to Plant Species by USDA ndash NRCSNortheastern National Technical Center Chester Pennsylvania
Plants in Wetlands A Redington Field Guide to Biological Interactions by Charles B Re ington 1994 Ken allHunt Publishing Company ISBN 0-84038-983-3
Pond and Broo by Michael J Ca uto 1990 ISBN 0-87451-509-1
Pond Life A Golden Guide by George K Rei 1987 Gol en Books ISBN 0-30724-017-7
Through The Loo ing Glass by Susan Borman Robert Korth Jo Temte 19971999 Wisconsin Lakes Partnership ISBN 0-93231-032-X
Wetland Planting Guide for Northeast United States by Gwen olyn A Thunhorst 1993 Environmental Concern Inc ISBN 1-88322-602-3
Wetlands - National Audubon Society Nature Guides by William A Niering 1985 Alfre A Knopf New York ISBN 0-39473-147-6
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 86
Appendix B Glossary of Terms
Alternate Leaves arising singly along the stem not in pairs or whorls
Annual Living or growing for only one year or season
Axil The angle where two structures join for example where a leaf joins the stem
Axillary Occurring in or growing from an axil
Basal Locate at or arising from the base of a plant or a plant part
Berry A small juicy fleshy fruit containing one to many see s
Capsule A ry fruit containing two to many see s an opening by valves slits or pores
Cat in Scaly spike of inconspicuous flowers lacking petals
Ciliate Bearing margine hairs
Clasping Leaves that partially encircle the stem at the base
Compound (Leaf) Divi e into two or more istinct separate parts (leaflets)
Cone A har woo y globose to cylin ric arrangement of bracts or scales in the axils of which the repro uctive structures are foun
Deciduous Falling from the plant after maturity each year
Elliptic Broa est at the mi le gra ually tapering to both en s
Emergent Roote in shallow water with most of the plant growing above the surface
Emersed Raise out of the water as in the flowers or fruits of some floating plants
Entire (Leaf) Having a continuoussmooth margin unbroken by toothing or ivisions
Evergreen Remaining green throughout the winter
Fibrous Referring to a cluster of slen er roots all with the same iameter
Frond The leaf of a fern
Furrowed Groove
Glabrous Without hairs or scales
Globose Shape like a globe roun
Head A group of flowers tightly crowne together in a more or less roun e structure
Herbaceous A plant that ies back to the groun at the en of the growing season or a plant part that is leaf-like in color an texture
Inflorescence The entire flower cluster
Lanceolate Lance-shape broa est near the base gra ually tapering to the narrower apex
Leaflet One of the segments of a compoun leaf
Lenticels The small corky pores or narrow lines on the surface of stems of woo y plants that allow the interchange of gases between the interior tissue an surroun ing air A small opening in a stem
Lip The upper an lower parts of certain tubular flowers
Lobe The in ente part of a leaf or flower not ivi e into istinct an separate parts but still interconnecte to similar parts of the leaf or flower
MidribMidvein The central or main vein of a leaf
Native A species that originate in a certain place or region in igenous
Node The place on the stem where leaves or branches are attache
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 87
Non-Native Not originating in a certain geographic location than where they are foun
Nut A har ry one-see e fruit not opening at maturity
Nutlet A small nut
Oblong Broa est at the mi le an tapering to both en s but broa er than elliptic
Opposite Leaves arising in pairs on either si e of a stem
Oval Broa ly elliptic
Ovate Broa ly roun e at the base becoming narrowe above
Palmate Having three or more veins lobes or leaflets arising from one point
Panicle A compoun loosely branche flower cluster
Parallel Veined Having veins all parallel as oppose to in a network
Perennial Living for two or more years
Petal One segment of the series of floral leaves lying just insi e the sepals often the most conspicuous
Petiole The stalk-like part of the leaf attaching it to the stem
Pinnate Divi e once along an elongate axis into istinct segments
Pith The soft tissue at the center of a plantrsquos stem it may be soli or hollow at maturity
Pod A fruiting structure containing the mature see s
Pubescent Covere in fine short hairs
Recurved Curving ownwar
Rhizome A horizontal usually un ergroun stem that often sen s out roots an shoots from its no es
Ribbed Bearing ri ges
Root The escen ing axis of the plant usually growing in an opposite irection from the stem
Samara A winge fruit
Scale A mo ifie leaf or thin flattene structure
Sepal One segment of the outer series of floral leaves often green in color but occasionally of a ifferent color an petal-like
Serrate With sharp forwar -pointing teeth on the margin
Sessile Without a stalk
Sheath The base of a leaf that encircles the stem
Simple (Leaf) A leaf compose of a single bla e
Smooth Not rough to the touch
Spi e An elongate cluster of sessile flowers
Shrub A woo y plant smaller than a tree with several stems or trunks arising from a single base a bush
Simple Leaf A leaf with a single bla e
Succulent Juicy an fleshy
Tendril A evice usually coile that enables some vines to climb
Toothed With teeth along the margin
Tuber A thickene part of an un ergroun root or rhizome serving for foo storage an often for propagation
Whorled (Leaf) Arrange in a group of three or more leaves branches or pe icles at the no e on the stem
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 88
Appendix C Leaf Shapes amp Arrangements
Peterson Lee Allen ldquoA Fie d Guide to Edib e Wi d P ants of Eastern and Centra North Americardquo Houghton Mifflin Company 1977
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 89
Appendix D Native ShorelandRiparian Buffer Plantings for New Hampshire
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 90
Native ShorelandRiparian Buffer Plantings for New Hampshire The p otected sho eland is the a ea of land that exists between the efe ence line of a wate body and 250 feet f om the efe ence line
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees
Ame ican Basswood (Ame ican Linden)
Tilia am ricana Medium-La ge 60-100rsquo
Mode ate Deep FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Rich woods valleys gentle slopes
Wildlife Pileated woodpecke wood duck othe bi ds dee abbit squi el
Food Seeds twigs
Ame ican Beech Fagus grandifolia Medium-La ge 60-90rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Rich woods well-d ained lowlands
Wildlife Blue jay chickadees nuthatches quail uffed g ouse tufted titmouse wild tu key wood duck woodpecke s bea chipmunk dee fox po cupine snowshoe ha e squi el
Food Nuts buds sap
Ame ican Hopho nbeam (I onwood)
Ostrya virginiana Small 20-40rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Rich woods Wildlife Downy woodpecke mockingbi d pu ple finch ing-necked pheasant ose-b easted g osbeak uffed g ouse wild tu key wood quail dee abbit squi el
Food Nuts buds seeds
Ame ican Ho nbeam (Blue BeechMusclewood)
Carpinus caroliniana
SmallSh ubby 20-40rsquo
Slow Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods fo ested wetlands avines st eambanks
Wildlife Quail uffed g ouse wood duck beave dee squi el
Food Seeds buds
Ame ican Mountain Ash
Sorbus am ricana Small Up to 25rsquo
Fast Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full-Sun
D y Moist Fo ested wetlands ich woods Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe catbi d ceda waxwing g osbeak mockingbi d obin th ushes wild tu key bea
Food F uit twigs
Balsam Fi Abi s balsam a Small-Medium 40-60rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands st eambanks ich woods
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse songbi ds small mammals moose
Food Seeds
Balsam Popla Populus balsam a Medium 60-80rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun Moist Floodplains ive banks st eambanks valleys
Wildlife Beave dee mouse snowshoe ha e
Food Buds catkins twigs foliage
Big-Toothed Aspen Populus grandid ntata
Small-Medium 30-60rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Sandy upland soils floodplain st eams with quaking aspen
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee evening g osbeak pu ple finch uffed g ouse yellow-bellied sapsucke dee
Food Buds catkins ba k twigs and foliage
Black Ash Fraxinus nigra Medium 60-80rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands st eambanks Wildlife Songbi ds wood duck dee moose small mammals
Food F uit twigs young leaves
Black Bi ch (Sweet Bi ch)
B tula l nta Medium 40-60rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade
Page 1
Moist Cool moist uplands ich woods
Wildlife G ouse dee abbit
Food Buds catkins seeds
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees (Continued)
Black Che y Prunus s rotina Medium 40-60rsquo
Mode ate Deep Tap oot
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Rich woods on many sites except ve y d y soils
Wildlife Bluebi d blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing common c ow easte n kingbi d evening g osbeak mockingbi d no the n flicke no the n o iole obin uffed g ouse spa ows th ushes vee y vi eo yellow-bellied sapsucke bea chipmunk dee fox accoon squi el
Food Be ies buds sap
Black Gum (Tupelo)
Nyssa sylvatica Medium 50-60
Slow No Info mation Available
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Fo ested wetlands floodplains Wildlife Bluebi d ca dinal catbi d chickadee c ow finches malla ds obin uby-th oated hummingbi d uffed g ouse vi eo wild tu key woodpecke s wood duck honeybees bea chipmunk dee opossum squi el
Food Seeds sap necta
Black Sp uce Pic a mariana Small Up to 25rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs fo ested wetlands lake and pond sho es
Wildlife Songbi ds uffed g ouse sp uce g ouse chipmunk cottontail dee po cupine squi el
Food Seeds twigs necta ba k
Black Willow Salix nigra Small-Medium Up to 50rsquo
Ve y Fast Ve y Shallow
Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands lowlands floodplains
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Buds catkins
Box Elde Ac r n gundo Medium 40-70rsquo
Ve y Fast Deep Late al
Full Sun D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands lowlands floodplains
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Seeds
Easte n Cottonwood Populus d ltoid s Medium-La ge 80-100rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Floodplains st eambanks valleys
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse
Food Catkins
Easte n Hemlock Tsuga canad nsis Medium-La ge 80-100rsquo
Mode ate Shallow Late al
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Acidic Cool moist uplands avines ock outc ops st eambanks
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee blue and g een wa ble s c ossbill hawks juncos pine siskin uffed g ouse vee y wild tu key dee chipmunk cottontail po cupine squi el white-footed mouse
Food Twigs foliage seeds
Easte n White Pine Pinus strobus La ge 70-120rsquo
Mode ate Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Well-D ained
Fo ested wetlands bogs avines cool shady no th slopes
Wildlife B own c eepe chickadee c ossbill g osbeak junco nuthatch pine wa ble spa ows sp uce g ouse wild tu key woodpecke s beave chipmunk dee snowshoe ha e squi el
Food Seeds foliage twigs excellent winte food
G ay Bi ch (Wi e Bi ch)
B tula populifolia Small 20-35rsquo
Fast Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Pionee Species poo est of ste ile soils sandy o g avelly slopes
Wildlife Ame ican goldfinch blue jay chickadee no the n junco pine siskin ed-tailed hawk uffed g ouse spa ows vi eo yellow-bellied sapsucke woodpecke s snowshoe ha e
Food Seeds buds
Page 2
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees (Continued)
G een Ash Fraxinus p nnsylvanica
Medium-La ge 60-80rsquo
Fast Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks neve on d y soils
Wildlife Ca dinal finches evening g osbeak mou ning dove ed-winged blackbi d wood duck beave chipmunk dee po cupine squi el
Food Seeds foliage
No the n White Ceda (A bo vitae)
Thuja occid ntalis Medium 30-60rsquo
Slow to Mode ate
Shallow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs wetlands ich woods Wildlife Songbi ds small mammals dee
Food Seeds needles
QuakingT embling Aspen (Popla )
Populus tr muloid s
Small-Medium 30-60rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Pionee Species d y open woods sandy o g avelly slopes
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse beave dee po cupine snowshoe ha e
Food Buds catkins ba k twigs and foliage
Red Maple Ac r rubrum Medium 40-75rsquo
Mode ate to Fast
Ve y Shallow
Full Sun D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands st eambanks lakesho es ich woods
Wildlife Ca dinal chickadee evening and pine g osbeaks finches obin yellow-bellied sapsucke beave chipmunk dee opossum squi el snowshoe ha e
Food Seeds buds ba k twigs sap
Red Oak Qu rcus rubra Medium 60-90rsquo
Mode ate Deep Late al
FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Bottomlands moist slopes Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe ducks hawks quail nuthatch uffed g ouse towhee wild tu key woodpecke bea chipmunk dee gophe opossum accoon squi el
Food Aco ns
Shagba k Hicko y Carya ovata La ge 70-100rsquo
Fast Deep Tap oot
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Rich woods valleys upland slopes
Wildlife Ca dinal field spa ows pine wa ble ose-b easted g osbeak ufous-sided towhee white-b easted nuthatch wild tu key wood duck yellow- umped wa ble chipmunks squi els
Food Nuts
Silve Maple Ac r sacharinium Medium 60-80rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands ive banks floodplains st eambanks
Wildlife Ca dinal goldfinch evening and pine g osbeaks no the n o iole
Food Seeds buds
St iped Maple (Moosewood Moose Maple)
Ac rp nsylvanicum SmallSh ubby 20-30rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t-Shade Moist Rich woods cool moist sites Wildlife Ruffed g ouse beave dee moose po cupine abbit
Food Buds ba k sama as
Suga Maple Ac r saccharum Medium-La ge 60-100rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Valleys and uplands tole ates almost all soil types
Wildlife Ca dinal goldfinch g osbeak ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse vi eo beave chipmunk po cupine B owse fo dee abbit snowshoe ha e
Food Seeds twigs ba k
Page 3
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees (Continued)
Swamp White Oak Qu rcus bicolor Medium 60-70rsquo
Fast No Info mation Available
FullPa t Shade Moist Fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks
Wildlife Ba ed owl blue jay ca dinal b own th ashe g ouse malla ds nuthatch quail ed-bellied woodpecke ed-tailed hawk uffed g ouse sta ling towhee wild tu key yellow-th oated wable w en beave chipmunk cottontail dee gophe opossum accoon squi el white-footed mouse wild tu key
Food Aco ns
Sweet Gum Liquidambar styraciflua
Medium-La ge 60-100rsquo
Mode ate No Info mation Available
Full Sun Moist Valleys Lowe slopes mixed woodlands
Wildlife Mou ning dove finches junco w en beave chipmunk squi el
Food Seeds
Sycamo e (Planet eeButtonwood)
Platanus occid ntalis
La ge 80-100rsquo
Slow No Info mation Available
FullPa t Shade o Full-Sun
D y o Moist Floodplains lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Finches chipmunk squi el
Food Seeds
Tama ack (Ame icanEaste n La ch)
Larix laricina Small-Medium 40-80rsquo
Va iable Mode ate Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs swamps wet peaty soils d ie upland loamy soils
Wildlife Blue jay kinglets pheasant ed c ossbill obin uffed g ouse sp uce g ouse yellow-bellied sapsucke chipmunk dee po cupine ed squi el snowshoe ha e
Food Needles twigs inne ba k seeds
White Ash Fraxinus am ricana
Medium-La ge 70-100rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods valleys slopes fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks
Wildlife Finches g osbeaks ed-winged blackbi d wood duck dee squi el
Food Seeds foliage
White Bi ch (Pape Bi ch)
B tula papyrif ra Medium 50-75rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Fo ested wetlands ich woods Wildlife G ouse siskins
Food Seeds buds
White Oak Qu rcus alba Medium-La ge 50-90rsquo
Mode ate Deep FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Deep ich well-d ained
St eambanks lakesho es gentle slopes adapts to almost any condition
Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe nuthatch quail uffed g ouse towhee wild tu key wood duck woodpecke chipmunk bea dee gophe opossum accoon squi el
Food Aco ns
White Sp uce Pic a glauca Medium 40-70rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist St eambanks lakesho es ich woods adjacent slopes
Wildlife Fishe s ma tens snowshoe ha e voles
Food Seeds
Yellow Bi ch (Sweet Bi ch)
B tula all ghani nsis
Medium-La ge 70-100rsquo
Slow Shallow Mode ate
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Fo ested wetlands floodplains avines cool ich woods of high elevations
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee common edpoll goldfinch pine siskins ed-shoulde ed hawk ing-necked pheasant uffed g ouse wild tu key wood duck yellow-bellied sapsucke beave chipmunk dee po cupine squi el snowshow ha e
Food Catkins buds ba k twigs foliage seeds
Page 4
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs
Ame ican Hazelnut Corylus am ricana Medium 5-10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Bo de s of woods hillsides thickets
Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe ceda waxwing hai y woodpecke ing-necked pheasant uffed g ouse chipmunk dee abbit squi el
Food Nuts be ies foliage
Beaked Hazelnut Corylus cornuta Small 6-10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y D y places Wildlife Bi ds mammals
Food Beaked nuts
Black Chokebe y Aronia m loncarpa
Medium Up to 10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Ceda waxwing chickadees uffed g ouse sha p-tailed g ouse dee abbit squi el
Food Be ies buds
Buttonbush C phalanthus occid ntalis
Medium 6-12rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
St eambanks lakesho es ponds sh ub and fo ested wetlands
Wildlife Ducks ails uby-th oated hummingbi d beave dee musk at butte flies honeybees and othe insects
Food F uit twigs leaves seeds necta
Chokeche y Prunus virginiana Small 3-6rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist With Aspen d y soils Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe catbi d c ow easte n kingbi d evening g osbeak o ioles pileated woodpecke ing-necked pheasant obin ose g osbeak uffed g ouse th ushes yellow-bellied sapsucke abbit squi el
Food Be ies buds foliage
Elde be y Sambucus canad nsis
Small-Medium 3-12rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods sh ub and fo ested wetlands ma shes
Wildlife Bluebi ds blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d g osbeak indigo bunting pileated woodpecke inged-neck pheasant obin ose-b easted g osbeak uffed g ouse th ushes wild tu key woodpecke chipmunk dee abbit squi el
Food Be ies necta twigs bugs
G ay Dogwood (Red-Panicle Dogwood)
Cornus rac mosa Medium 10-15rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Roadsides thickets wetlands Wildlife Blue jay ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing easte n kingbi d finch flycatche g osbeak hai y woodpecke no the n flicke phoebe pileated woodpecke pine g osbeak pine wa ble ed-bellied woodpecke ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse sta ling swamp spa ow tufted titmouse vee y vi eo wild tu key wood duck wood th ush woodcock yellow-bellied sapsucke chipmunk dee ed fox abbit squi el
Food Be ies twigs
Highbush Bluebe y Vaccinium corymbosum
Medium 5-15rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Baltimo e o iole bluebi d blue jay ca dinal chickadee g ay catbi d kingbi d o ioles phoebe ed-bellied woodpecke ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse ufos-sided towhee sca let tanage tufted titmouse vee y wild tu key woodpecke s wood th ush black bee chipmunk dee musk at abbit squi el white-footed mouse
Food Be ies foliage twigs buds
Hobblebush Viburnum alnifolium
Medium Up to 10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Cool moist avines shady lakesho es
Wildlife B own th ashe ca dinal ceda waxwing evening g osbeak obin
Food F uit
Page 5
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs (Continued)
Junipe Junip rus communis
Small 1-4rsquo
Slow Full Sun D y D y open land Wildlife Ceda waxwing finches g osbeaks g ouse pheasant obin dee abbit moose
Food Twigs foliage f uit
Lowbush Bluebe y Vaccinium angustifolium
1-2rsquo Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Bogs d y sandy flats ocky slopes
Wildlife Blue jay g ouse kingbi d o iole obin tanage s woodpecke s squi el
Food Be ies foliage twigs
Malebe y Lyonia ligustris Up to 10rsquo Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods gentle slopes
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food F uit
Mapleleaf Vibu num Viburnum ac rifolium
Small 3-6rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Rich woods Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food F uit
Mountain Lau el Kalmia latifolia Up to 20rsquo Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Mixed uplands acid soils Wildlife Ruffed g ouse dee
Food Foliage buds twigs necta
Nannybe y Viburnum l ntago Medium-La ge 10-25rsquo
Mode ate FallPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Rich woods Wildlife Songbi ds mammals
Food Be ies
No the n A owwood Viburnum r cognitum
Medium 10-15rsquo
Mode ate FallPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse songbi ds bea chipmunks accoon squi el skunk white-footed mouse
Food Be ies
No the n Wild Raisin (Withe od Vibu num)
Viburnum nudum varcassinoid s
Medium 6-10
Mode ate FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands valleys slopes st eambanks
Wildlife B own th ashe ceda waxwing flycatche uffed g ouse vee y woodcock yellow-wa ble chipmunk dee musk at squi el snowshoe ha e
Food Ba k twigs buds
Pussy Willow Salix discolor Medium-La ge Up to 15rsquo
Fast Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks lakesho es
Wildlife Ame ican goldfinch uffed g ouse beave ha e abbits squi el
Food Buds catkins twigs ba k
Raspbe y Rubus ida us Small Up to 6rsquo
Fast FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Thickets edges of woods Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food F uits
Red Osie Dogwood Cornus stolonif ra Small-Medium 4-8rsquo
Fast FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods st eambanks lakesho es
Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing downy woodpecke easte n kingbi d finches no the n flicke pine wa ble pu ple finch inged-neck pheasant uffed g ouse vi eo wild tu key woodpecke s wood duck chipmunk dee abbit squi el
Food Be ies twigs
Rhodo a Rhodod ndron canad ns
Small 3-4rsquo
Slow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs slopes ocky summits Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Leaves
Page 6
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs (Continued)
Shadbush (Se vicebe yJunebe y)
Am lanchi r spp La ge 15-25rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks ich woods
Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing g ay catbi d junco o ioles ed squi el obin uffed g ouse sca let tanage th ushes vee y woodpecke s beave dee ed squi el skunk
Food Be ies twigs
Silky Dogwood Cornus amomum Medium 6-10rsquo
Fast FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks
Wildlife Baltimo e o iole black-capped chickadee blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing downy woodpecke easte n kingbi d flycatche mockingbi d no the n flicke pine wa ble pu ple finch ed-bellied woodpecke inged-necl pheasant obin ose-b easted g osbeak uffed g ouse song spa ow sta lings tufted-titmouse wild tu key wood duck wood th ush vee y chipmunk dee abbit accoon skunk squi el white-footed mouse
Food Be ies buds twigs
Speckled Alde Alnus rugosa La ge 15-25rsquo
Fast Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks lakesho es
Wildlife Alde flycatche catbi d goldfinch malla ds pheasant pine siskin ed-winged blackbi d uffed g ouse swamp spa ow yellow-bellied flycatche woodcock bea beave dee cottontail moose musk at snowshoe ha e
Food Buds twigs ba k leaves
Spicebush Lind ra b nzoin Small-La ge 6-17rsquo
Mode ate Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Catbi d kingbi d pheasant quail obin uffed g ouse vee y vi eo wood th ush swallowtail butte flies dee musk at
Food F uit buds twigs leaves
Swamp Azalea Rhodod ndron viscosum
Up to 5rsquo Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Hummingbi d butte flies and othe insects dee
Food Leaves necta
Swamp Blackbe y Rubus hispidus Small Up to 6rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal ceda waxwing g ackle g ay catbi d g osbeak mockingbi d o iole tanage ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse ufus-sided th ushes towhee vee y wild tu key woodcock woodpecke s wood th ush chipmunk cottontail dee accoon skunk squi el
Food F uit canes
Sweet Gale Myrica gal Small 1-4rsquo
Slow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee catbi d common yellowth oat phoebe pied-billed g ebe uffed g ouse t ee swallow tufted titmouse wild tu key dee musk at
Food Buds leaves
Sweet Peppe bush Cl thra alnifolia Medium 3-10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Butte flies and othe insects
Food F uit seeds necta
Winte be y Holly (Black Alde )
Il x v rticillata Medium 6-10rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eamabanks
Wildlife Ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing chickadees finches flicke s uffed g ouse th ushes vi eo woodpecke s bea cottontail dee moose skunk white-footed mouse
Food Be ies twigs leaves
Page 7
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs (Continued)
Witch Hazel Hammam lis virginiana
La ge 20-30rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist D y o ich woods Wildlife Ca dinal ing-necked pheasant uffed g ouse wild tu key dee squi els
Food Seeds buds twigs ba k
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
GroundcoverHerbaceous Perennials
Boneset Eupatorium p rfoliatum
4-6rsquo Full Sun D y o Moist Wet meadows ma shes pond edges
Wildlife Malla ds uffed g ouse swamp spa ow wild tu key butte flies and othe insects
Food Necta
Blue Flag I is Iris v rsicolor 2-3rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Ma shes lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Blue-winged teal uby-th oated hummingbi d wood duck butte flies and othe insects musk at
Food Necta shoots
Bunchbe y Cornus canad nsis 3-8rdquo FullPa t Shade Moist Cool moist woods Wildlife Sha p-tailed g ouse sp uce-g ouse moose
Food F uit buds
Ca dinal Flowe Lob lia cardinalis 2-4rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Damp sites st eambanks Wildlife Ruby-th oated hummingbi ds butte flies and othe insects bea dee
Food Necta
Cattail (B oad-Leaf) Typha latifolia Up to 10rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Ma shes lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Blue-winged teal black-c owned night he on ed-winged blackbi d king ail least and Ame ican bitte n malla ds ma sh w en swamp spa ow Vi ginia ail chipmunk dee musk at
Food Seed heads
Ch istmas Fe n Polystichium acrostichoid s
Up to 1rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Rich woods Wildlife Ruffed g ouse box tu tle chipmunk abbit
Food F onds filldeheads
Cinnamon Fe n Osmunda cinnamom a
Up to 3rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife B own th ashe uby-th oated hummingbi d uffed g ouse yellow th oat chipmunk dee white-footed mouse vole
Food F onds filldeheads
Foamflowe Tiar lla cordifolia Up to 1rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Rich woods Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Leaves
Golden od (Rough o G ass-Leaved)
Solidago spp 1-5rsquo Full Sun D y o Moist Wet meadows ma shes damp swales
Wildlife Goldfinch junco uffed g ouse swamp spa ow butte flies and othe insects cottontail meadow mice
Food Seeds necta
Page 8
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
GroundcoverHerbaceous Perennials (Continued)
Hay-Scented Fe n D nnsta dtia punctiloula
Up to 2rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Woodlands hillside pastu es Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds filldeheads
Inte upted Fe n Osmunda punctiloula
3-4rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Woodland edges stony d y soil Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds filldeheads
Jewelweed (Spotted-Touch-Me-Not)
Impati ns cap nsis 2-5rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks
Wildlife Ring-necked pheasant uffed g ouse uby-th oated hummingbi d vee y butte flies and othe insects white-footed mouse
Food Necta seeds
Joe Pye Weed Eupatorium purpur um
2-6rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Wet meadows ma shes sho es Wildlife Ruby-th oated hummingbi d swamp spa ow butte flies and othe insects cottontail musk at accoon
Food Necta
New England Aste Ast r nova -anglia
Up to 5rsquo Full Sun D y o Moist Wet meadows wetlands Wildlife Songbi ds butte flies and othe insects Food Necta seeds
Ost ich Fe n Pt r tis p nsylvanica
Up to 6rsquo FullPa t Shade Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds fiddleheads
Pa t idgebe y Mitch lla r p ns Up to 1rsquo FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Rich woods Wildlife G ouse mammals
Food Be ies
Rattlesnake Manna G ass
Glyc ria canad nsis
Up to 3rsquo Full Sun Moist Ma shes bogs fo ested wetlands lakesho es
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Seeds
Rice Cutg ass L rsia oryzoid s Up to 5rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
P ima ily f esh ma shes Wildlife Dee musk at moose
Food Seeds foliage
Rive bank G ape (Vine) Vistis riparia Up to 25rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist St eambanks Wildlife Pileated woodpecke uffed g ouse wild tu key wood duck va ious mammals
Food F uit
Royal Fe n Osmunda r galis Up to 5rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds fiddleheads
Sensitive Fe n Onocl a s nsibilis Up to 3rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Black-capped chickadee uffed g ouse bea dee
Food Buds foliage
Sheep Lau el Kalmia angustifolia
Up to 4rsquo FallPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo est wetlands fieldspastu es
Poisonous to livestock
Swamp Milkweed Ascl pias incarnata
Up to 2rsquo FallPa t Shade Moist Wet meadows wetlands thickets sho es
Wildlife Black duck malla ds ed-winged blackbi d uby-th oated hummingbi d Mona ch butte fly othe butte flies and insects musk at Food Necta seeds
Page 9
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
GroundcoverHerbaceous Perennials (Continued)
Sweet Fe n Componia p rigrina
1-3rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Open d y sandy soils and pastu es
Wildlife Flicke s sha p-tailed g ouse dee moose
Food F uit
Tall Meadow Rue Thalictrum polyganum
2-8rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Wetlands wet meadows st eamsides
Wildlife Bees butte flies
Food Necta
Tussock Sedge Car x stricta Up to 4rdquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Ma shes ich woods Wildlife Finches uffed g ouse snipe spa ows dee
Food Seeds foliage
Twinflowe Linna a bor alis Up to 6rdquo FullPa t Shade Moist Rich woods Wildlife Mammals
Food Foliage
Vi ginia C eepe (Vine) Parth nocissus quinqu folia
Up to 25rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Woods ocky banks Wildlife Bluebi d g eat-c ested flycatche ed-eyes vi eo pileated woodpecke
Food Be ies
Who led Loosest ife Lysimachia quadrifolia
Up to 4rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist D y o moist open woods thickets
Wildlife Mammals
Food Foliage
Wild Sa sapa illa Aralia nudicanlis 8-15rdquo FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Upland woods Wildlife Mammals
Food Foliage seeds be ies
Winte g een (Teabe yChecke be y)
Gaulth ria procumb ns
Up to 4rdquo Full Sun D y Oak woods sandy soils Wildlife Pa t idge uffed g ouse songbi ds chipmunk dee moose
Food F uit foliage
References
Baldwin Hen y Ives ldquoFor st L av s How to Id ntify Tr s and Shrubs of North rn N w Englandrdquo Pete E Randall Publishe 1993
Connecticut Rive Joint Commission ldquoRiparian Buff rs for th Conn cticut Riv r Wat rsh drdquo 2000 httpwwwc jco gpdffilesPlant20listspdf
Ha low William M ldquoTr s of th East rn and C ntral Unit d Stat s and Canadardquo Dove Publications 1942
New Hampshi e Depa tment of Envi onmental Se vices Th Critical Edg Appendix D 1998
New Hampshi e Depa tment of Resou ces and Economic Development Division of Fo ests and Lands State Fo est Nu su y ldquoWildlif Cons rvation Sp ci s D scriptionsrdquo 2001
Nie ing William A ldquoNational Audubon Soci ty Natur Guid s W tlandsrdquo Chanticlee P ess Inc 1997
Redington Cha les B ldquoPlants in W tland Fi ld Guid to Biological Int ractionssrdquo KendallHunt Publishing Company 1994
Sutton Ann and My on ldquoNational Audubon Soci ty Natur Guid s East rn For stsrdquo Alf ed A Knopf Inc 1997
Unive sity of New Hampshi e Coope ative Extension ldquoTr s and Shrubs in N w Hampshir A Guid book for Natural B auty Proj ctsrdquo Bulletin 163
Unive sity of New Hampshi e Coope ative Extension ldquoN w Hampshir rsquos Nativ Tr s Shrubs and Vin s with Wildlif Valu rdquo
Compiled by
Jen D ociak New Hampshi e Depa tment of Envi onmental Se vices Wate Division Wate shed Management Bu eau
Ma ch 2006
Page 10
A Fiel Gui e to Common Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 1
WD-06-3
A Field Guide to Common A uatic and
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire
Prepared By
Jen Drociak
Volunteer River Assessment Program Coordinator
Thomas S Burack Commissioner
Michael J Walls Assistant Commissioner
Harry P Stewart PE Director Water Division
New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Volunteer River Assessment Program
29 Hazen Drive PO Box 95 Concord NH 03302-0095 wwwdesnhgovwmbvrap
Second Edition March 2008
A Fiel Gui e to Common Riparian
Plants of New Hampshire 1
A Fiel Gui e to Common Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 1
Acknowledgements
All specimen scans and habitat photos by Jen Drociak unless otherwise noted
Layout and design by Jen Drociak
A very special thank-you to Pat Gruttemeyer Amy Smagula and Michele Tremblay for their editorial assistance and to Amy Smagula and Jody Connor for their content contribution
Dedicated to Gordon Russell Director Emeritus Piscataquog Watershed Association who guided me on my first plant identification survey along the banks of the Piscataqoug River in 1997
References
Borman Susan Korth Robert Temte Jo Through the Looking Glass A Field Guide to Aquatic Plants Wisconsin Lake Partnership 1999
Magee Dennis W Freshwater Wetlands A Guide to Common Indicator Plants of the Northeast University of Massachusetts Press 1981
New Hampshire Department of Agriculture Markets amp Food and New Hampshire Invasive Species Committee Guide to Invasive Upland Plant Species in New Hampshire NH Department of Agriculture Markets amp Food 2005
Niering William A National Audubon Society Nature Guides Wetlands Chanticleer Press Inc 1997
New England Wildflower Society Field Manual of Invasive Plants of the Northeast 200
Northeastern Wetland Flora Field Office Guide to Plant Species USDA ndash NRCSNortheastern National Technical Center Chester Pennsylvania
Peterson Lee Allen A Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants of Eastern and Central North America Houghton Mifflin Company 1977
Redington Charles B Plants in Wetlands Field Guide to Biological Interactions KendallHunt Publishing Company 199
Smagula Amy Connor Jody Aquatic Plants amp Algae of New Hampshirersquos Lakes and Ponds New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services 2007
Tiner RW Jr Field Guide to Nontidal Wetland Identification Maryland Department of Natural Resources Annapolis MD and US Fish and Wildlife Service Newton Corner MA 1988
Uva Richard Neal Joseph C DiTomaso Joseph M Weeds of the Northeast Cornell University 1997
A Fiel Gui e to Common Riparian
Plants of New Hampshire 1
Introduction
Riparian Area An area f land and vegetati n adjacent t a stream that has a direct effect n the stream This includes w dlands vegetati n and fl dplains
Purpos of This Guid
This fi ld guid provid s bri f simpl and asy id ntification of common aquatic and riparian plants shrubs and tr s of N w Hampshir Although information in this guid is drawn from s v ral sourc s it is not int nd d to b a compr h nsiv listing of all th aquatic and riparian plant sp ci s in N w Hampshir Hop fully it will provid th casual obs rv r with aid in id ntification of th most fr qu ntly ncount r d sp ci s and r f r nc s to assist in furth r mor d tail d studi s for thos wishing to know mor about riparian cosyst ms Us of additional fi ld guid s to suppl m nt this on and to id ntify plants not includ d in this guid is sugg st d Oth r h lpful fi ld guid s can b found in App ndix A
How to Id ntify Plants
Th r ar s v ral ways to id ntify plants In fi ld guid s th y ar typically id ntifi d by photos drawings and d scriptions In th fi ld th y can also b id ntifi d by touch tast sm ll color and form Th ir branching habit l af form and v in patt rn can also aid in id ntification Plants can also xhibit diff r nt charact ristics during diff r nt tim s of th y ar In addition it is us ful to know th ir habitat or plac wh r th y grow
Organization of This Guid
This fi ld guid is organiz d into six s ctions
In th Wat r Subm rg d Aquatic Plants Plants that hav most of th ir l av s growing und r wat r som floating l av s may also b pr s nt Th y ar found from shallow to d p zon s
On th Wat r Floating Plants Plants that ar root d with floating broad l av s
On th Edg Em rg nt H rbac ous Plants Plants that hav l av s that xt nd abov th wat rrsquos surfac and ar usually found in shallow wat r
F rns Non-flow ring plants that b ar spor s rath r than s ds with flatt n d l af-lik ldquofrondsrdquo that ar furth r divid d
Woody Shrubs Woody plants which ar g n rally short r than tr s and small r in trunk siz Th y hav clust rs of st ms rising dir ctly from th ground and g n rally hav a ldquobushyrdquo app aranc with no sp cial crown shap
Climbing Vin s Plants with a w ak st m that d riv support from climbing twining or cr ping along a surfac
Th Canopy (Tr s) Woody plants that usually grow from th ground with a singl r ct st m or trunk Th main st m may b massiv and is oft n unbranch d for s v ral f t abov th ground Tr s can r ach a consid rabl h ight at maturity
A plant sp ci s will oft n hav s v ral common nam s This fi ld guid is organiz d alphab tically by th pr f rr d or most-us d common nam with th Latinsci ntific nam b low
Plant sp ci s d scriptions includ th following
Status Wh th r th plant is nativ or non-nativ xoticinvasiv Thos plants that ar non-nativ xoticinvasiv which ar also prohibit d in N w Hampshir ar id ntifi d as such
Habitat D scrib s th b st conditions for growth of this plant and wh r to locat it
H ight D scrib s how tall or long th plant grows
Bark In th Woody Shrub and Tr s ctions d scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th bark
Buds In th Woody Shrub and Tr s ctions d scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th buds
St m In th Woody Shrub s ction d scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th st m
L av s D scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th l av s
Flow rs D scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th flow rs
Flow ring P riod D scrib s th tim of y ar in which th flow rs bloom
Fruit D scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th fruit
Twigs In th Woody Shrub and Tr s ctions d scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th twigs
Valu Explains th worth of th plant to th oth r m mb rs of th cosyst m
Similar Sp ci s D scrib s th uniqu f atur s to h lp distinguish this plant from oth rs Additional information about som of th r lat d plants is also provid d
In addition app ndic s to this fi ld guid includ
App ndix A Oth r H lpful Fi ld Guid s
App ndix B Glossary of T rms
App ndix C L af Shap s and Arrang m nts
App ndix D Nativ Shor landRiparian Buff r Plantings for N w Hampshir
For Mor Information on Exotic Sp ci s
Additional information on xotic aquatic plants can b obtain d by contacting
N w Hampshir D partm nt of Environm ntal S rvic s Exotic Sp ci s Program 29 Haz n Driv PO Box 95
Concord NH 03302 (603) 271-2248
httpwwwd snhgovWMBExoticSp ci s
Whil additional information on xotic t rr strial plants can b obtain d by contacting
N w Hampshir D partm nt of Agricultur Mark ts amp Food Invasiv Sp ci s Program
25 Capitol Str t S cond Floor Concord NH 03302
(603) 271-2561 httpnhgovagricdivisionsplant_industryplants_ins ctshtm
Enjoy a Riparian Riv r-Walk
I hop this fi ld guid will inspir you to incr as your int r st and knowl dg of aquatic plants and th ir r lationship in riparian nvironm nts Riv rs and str ams ar fragil cosyst ms of natural b auty and intrigu I ncourag you to njoy a riparian ldquoriv r-walkrdquo during ach s ason and not only study th v g tativ communiti s but th ir int raction with both t rr strial and aquatic ins cts fish and oth r wildlif
Jen Dr ciak
Table of Contents
In The ater Submerged Aquatic Plantshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 01
Bladde wo t (Utric laria v lgaris)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 03
CoontailHo nwo t (Ceratophyll m demers m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 04
Milfoil (Myriophyll m heterophyll m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 05
Wate weedDitchmoss (Elodea canadensis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 06
Wild Cele yTape G ass (Vallisneria americana)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 07
On the ater Floating Aquatic Plantshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 09
Floating Hea t (Nymphoides cordata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 14
Wate shield (Brasenia schreberi)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 13
White Pond Lily (Nymphea ordorata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 11
Yellow Pond Lily (N phar variegata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 12
Duckweed (Lemna spp)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 15
Wate meal (Wolffia spp)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 16
On The Edge Emergent Herbaceous Plantshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 17
A ow A um (Peltandra virginica)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 19
A owheadDuck Potato (Sagittaria latifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 20
Blue Flag I is (Iris versicolor)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 21
Blue Ve vain (Verbena hastata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 22
BonesetTho oughwo t (E patori m perfoliat m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 23
Bu - eed (Spargani m e rycarp m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 24
Ca dinal Flowe (Lobelia cardinalis) helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 25
Cattail (B oad-Leaf) (Typha latifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 26
Common Reed (Phragmites a stralis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 27
JewelweedSpotted Touch-Me-Not (Impatiens capensis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 28
Joe Pye Weed (E patori m mac lat m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 29
Picke elweed (Pontedaria cordata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 30
Pu ple Loosest ife (Lythr m salicaria)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 31
Reed Cana y G ass (Phalaris ar ndinacea)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 32
Soft-Stem Bul ush (Scrip s valid s)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 33
Swamp Loosest ifeWate Willow (Decodon verticillat s)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 34
Th ee-Way Sedge (D lichi m ar ndinace m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 35
Wool G ass (Scirp s cyperin s)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 36
Fernshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 37
Cinnamon Fe n (Osm nda cinnamomea)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 39
Ost ich Fe n (Pteretis pensylvanica)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 40
Royal Fe n (Osm nda regalis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 41
Sensitive Fe n (Onoclea sensibilis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 42
oody Shrubshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 43
A ow-wood (No the n) (Vib rn m recognit m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 45
Buttonbush (Cephalanth s occidentalis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 46
Elde be yBlack-Be ied Elde (Samb c s canadensis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 47
Glossy Bucktho n (Rhamn s frang la)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 48
Highbush Bluebe y (Vaccini m corymbos m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 49
A Field Guide to Common Ripa ian Plants of New Hampshi e 1
Hobblebush (Vib rn m alnifoli m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 50
Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 51
Japanese Knotweed (Polygon m c spidat m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 52
Malebe y (Lyonia lig strina)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 53
Meadowsweet (Spiraea latifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 54
Multiflo a Rose (Rosa m ltiflora)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 55
No the n Wild RaisinWith od Vibu num (Vib rn m cassinoides)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 56
ShadbushSe vicebe yJunebe y (Amelanchier arborea)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 57
Sheep Lau elLambkill (Kalmia ang stifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 58
Silky Dogwood (Corn s amom m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 59
Specked Alde (Aln s r gosa)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 60
Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 61
Steeplebush (Spiraea tomentosa)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 62
Sweet Peppe bush (Clethera alnifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 63
Winte be y HollyBlack Alde (Ilex verticillata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 64
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 65
Climbing Vineshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 67
Climbing Bitte sweet (Celastr s orbic lat s)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 69
Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 70
Rive bank G ape (Vitis riparia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 71
Vi ginia C eepe (Parthenosis s q inq efolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 72
The Canopy Treeshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 73
Ame ican BasswoodLinden (Tilia americana)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 75
Ame ican Beech (Fag s grandifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 76
Ame ican Ho nbeamI onwoodBlue Beech (Carpin s caroliniana)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 77
Black Bi chSweet Bi ch (Bet la lenta)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 78
Black Che y (Pr n s serotina)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 79
Box Elde Ash-Leaved Maple (Acer neg ndo)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 80
Easte n Cottonwood (Pop l s deltoides)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 81
Easte n Hemlock (Ts ga canadensis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 82
Easte n White Pine (Pin s strob s)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 83
G een Ash (Fraxin s pennsylvanica)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 84
Red Maple (Acer r br m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 85
Red Oak (Q erc s r bra)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 86
Shagba k Hicko y (Carya ovata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 87
Silve Maple (Acer saccharini m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 88
Swamp White Oak (Q erc s bicolor)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 89
Sycamo ePlanet ee (Platan s occidentalis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 90
Tama ackLa ch (Larix laricina)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 91
White Ash (Fraxin s americana)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 92
White Oak (Q erc s alba)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 93
White Sp uce (Picea gla ca)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 94
Yellow Bi ch (Bet la l tea)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 95
Appendices
Appendix A Othe Helpful Field Guideshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 96
Appendix B Glossa y of Te mshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 97
Appendix C Leaf Shapes amp A angementshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 99
Appendix D Native Sho elandRipa ian Buffe Plantings fo New Hampshi ehelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 100
A Field Guide to Common Ripa ian
Plants of New Hampshi e 1
In The ater Submerged Aquatic Plants
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 1
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic
an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 2
BLADDER ORT
Utricu aria spp
Status Native Approximately 10 species in New Hampshire
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers bogs
Height 2-3 feet long
Stem Long slen er flexible branche typically becoming etache from roots an free-floating
Leaves Alternate filamentous finely-forke with attache ldquobla ersrdquo
Flower Stalks occurring at irregular intervals along stem Each stalk bearing 6-20 small pink to yellow two-lippe ldquosnap ragon-likerdquo flowers an emerging several inches out of the water or mu
Flowering Period June into September
Fruit Capsule containing many see s
Value Provi es foo an cover for fish Since they are free-floating they can grow in areas with very loose se iment provi ing nee e fish habitat in areas that are not rea ily colonize by roote plants
Similar Species Fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) coontail (Ceratophyllum spp) milfoil (Myriophyllum spp) Bla erwort may be istinguishe from these plants by the alternate forke leaves branching from the base into 2 main ivisions an presence of the ldquobla ersrdquo on the leaves (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Bla erwort may resemble the milfoils but there are two istinguishing features One is the bla ers on the leaves the other is that milfoils have feather-like leaves that have one central leaf stem with nearly opposite unbranche leaflets The leaflets of bla erwort are more branche an forke (Smagula an Connor 2007)
This carnivorous plant has trigger hairs on each bla er that open a trap- oor an suck in water along with the organism that triggere the reaction These organisms can range from insect larvae to tiny zooplankton Once insi e the bla ers the organism is igeste by enzymes foun there Special cells then take the igeste material from the bla ers an move it to the stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 3
COONTAILHORN ORT
Ceratophy um demersum
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Height Variable accor ing to water epth
Stem Long toothe trailing much branche
Leaves Whorle smooth up to 1 frac12 inches long 3 forks nearly threa -like flattene an toothe segments
Flower Tiny purplish-green foun where the leaf attaches to the stem an stays entirely submerge Male an female occurring separately
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Dark brown see approximately frac14 inch long with two spines at the base an one at the tip
Value The stiff whorls of leaves offer habitat for many species especially uring the winter when many other plants are re uce to roots an rhizomes Both foliage an fruit are graze by waterfowl Bushy stems are home to many invertebrates an provi e important shelter an foraging opportunities for fish
Similar Species Mermai -wee (Proserpina a palustris) fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) Coontail may be istinguishe from these plants by its whorle toothe leaves its tiny sessile axillary flowers an beake fruits (Smagula an Connor 2007)
The whorle leaves often cause the plant to be confuse with water milfoil This plant has a plastic-like feel an leaves ten to be thickly clustere at the tips of the stems The leaves are completely whorle aroun the stem an forke milfoil leaves are istinctly feather-like (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 4
VARIABLE ATER MILFOIL
Myriophy um heterophy um
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Height Slen er flexible long (up to 15 feet) Tip often emerging above water when flowering Data from a University of New Hampshire stu y can suggest that variable water milfoil can grow an inch per ay
Stem Roun thick re ish If broken in half the stem resembles a ldquowheel spokerdquo
Leaves Mostly submerge opposite or in whorls of 4 to 6 an can grow up to 2 inches long Leaves on upper stem are whorle an may be whorle or alternate on lower stem Emerge leaves occurring only towar the stem tips
Flower Small inconspicuous brownish occurring singly in the axils of the upper leaves usually above water uring flowering
Flowering Period In July flowers emerge from the water an are in a spike up to 6 inches tall Can also form a succulent amphibious form when water levels rece e
Fruit Very small four-lobe nutlike
Similar Species Mermai -wee (Proserpina a palustris) fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) coontail (Ceratophyllum spp) Variable milfoil may be istinguishe from these plants by the numerous scattere finely pinnately issecte leaves an floating or upright stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)
The plant is more robust than the other water milfoil species It has a very thick an heavy stem It can only be positively i entifie with the flower present or by DNA analysis (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Fragments of variable milfoil are ma e by passing boats wave action an auto-fragmentation These fragments may float freely an sprea for one or two weeks as they generate roots Once roots make contact with se iment the fragment attaches the roots sprea laterally an expan the footprint of the colony With one fragment an entire colony can arise Colonies can outcompete native plants re ucing bio iversity (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 5
ATER EEDDITCHMOSS
E odea Canadensis E nutta ii
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Height Up to 2 feet long occasionally forming ense colonies
Stem Slen er smooth branche
Leaves Long upper an mi le leaves in whorls of 3 with very finely-toothe margins Those of the male plants linear or lanceolate pointe at the tip up to frac12 inch long Those of the female plants broa ly lanceolate roun e or slightly pointe at the tip up to 58 inch long
Flower Green or white with 3 petals
Flowering Period July to September
Fruit A few to many-see e cylin rical capsule
Value Branching stems offer valuable habitat an grazing opportunities for fish Also provi es foo for muskrats an waterfowl They can eat the plant itself or fee on a wi e variety of invertebrates that use the plant as habitat
Similar Species Commonly mistaken for its invasive relative Brazillian elo ea It can be istinguishe by its smooth leaf margins
There are two common species of waterwee in New Hampshire E anadensis an Enuttalii Elodea anadensis ten s to have slightly broa er leaves with blunt tips whereas Enuttalii ten s to have thinner more nee le-like leaves that are pointe at the tips (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Enuttalii can be foun in alkaline to aci ic environments an E anadensis can be foun in alkaline or neutral systems (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 6
ILD CELERYTAPE GRASS
Va isneria americana
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers In water 4 - 6 feet eep
Height 1-3 feet long
Stem Slen er embe e horizontally in the mu near the surface an usually rooting at intervals
Leaves Narrow ribbon-like 1-3 feet in length with a light-colore center stripe mostly submerge with the tips floating
Flower Unisexual the female flower solitary an floating at the surface at the en of a long stalk The male flower on another plant submerge an attache to a short stalk near the bottom breaking off an floating to the surface at flowering time
Flowering Period July to October
Fruit Cylin rical po up to 2 inches long attache to a long stalk which coils up rawing the fruit un er water to mature
Value Source of foo for waterfowl All portions of the plant are consume foliage rhizomes tubers an fruit Muskrat are also known to graze on it Be s provi e sha e shelter an foo for fish
Similar Species Often confuse with the submerge leaves of bur-ree Tape grass can be istinguishe by its heavy air-fille leaves vertically veine centers an lightly veine e ges Unlike bur-ree this plant has no rib on the back of the leaf
Photo ourtesy of Amy Smagula
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 7
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic
an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 8
On The ater
Floating Aquatic Plants
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 9
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 10
FLOATING HEART
Nyphoi es cor ata
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Roun in cross section
Leaves Small heart-shape re ish to purple Approximately 1 ndash 1 frac12 inches wi e
Flower Small white 5 petals
Flowering Period Mi -summer
Similar Species The leaves are often confuse with those of the yellow water lily but are only about the size of a half- ollar an the shape resembles a heart with the same soft V-shape of the yellow water lily Floating heart has a small white flower that can be foun in mi -summer yellow water lily has a large yellow flower that blooms most of the summer (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 11
ATERSHIELD
Brasenia schreberi
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Roun in cross section Attache to the center of the un ersi e of the leaf
Leaves Oval Un ersi es are ark pink Leaves approximately 4 inches wi e Un ersi e of the leaves an stem have a jelly-like coating that protects them from being eaten by insects
Flower Small ark pink to purple 6 petals
Flowering Period July
Similar Species Resembles the leaves of the water lily as well as those of floating heart
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 12
HITE ATER LILY
Nymphea or orata
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Roun in cross section attache to the center of the un ersi e of the leaf
Leaves Roun with a V-shape notch on one si e Up to 12 inches wi e
Flower Large white sweet-smelling Up to 4 inches wi e
Flowering Period June - September
Similar Species White water lily can be istinguishe from the yellow water lily an floating heart by the V-shape notch near the stem attachment an the more roun e shape of the leaf
Both the yellow water lily an floating heart have a more roun e heart-shape notch Yellow water lily leaves are much more oval than the white water lily which has a circular leaf Floating heart leaves are no more than a few inches in length (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 13
YELLO ATER LILY
Nuphar variegata
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Triangular in cross section attache to the lobe en of the un ersi e of the leaf
Leaves Giant floating Up to 12 to 15 inches wi e
Flower Yellow flower petals appear cuppe aroun the inner flower parts an o not open completely like those of the white water lily
Flowering Period June ndash September
Similar Species Often confuse with floating heart an white water lily though floating heart is much smaller in leaf length an wi th The white water lily also has a much more roun e leaf with a sharp V-shape notch (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 14
DUCK EED
Lemna spp
Status Native
Habitat Surfaces of some lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers an often in stagnant waters of wetlan areas
Stem No true stems
Leaves This plant has no true leaves or stems an only has a flat green plant bo y calle a thallus They are very small only about 116 of an inch wi e (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Duckwee s blanket the water surface in colonies There may be one or more roots hanging into the water but the plant is free-floating
Flower This plant rarely flowers
Similar Species Many people think that ense growths of uckwee resemble an algae bloom (Smagula an Connor 2007)
ATERMEAL
Wolfifa spp
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem No true stems
Leaves Elliptical an flat
Flower This plant rarely flowers but is consi ere the worl rsquos smallest flowering plant
Similar Species Unlike uckwee this plant completely lacks roots an must be inspecte closely to etect this ifference Watermeal may also resemble an algae bloom but can be istinguishe by simply touching the waterrsquos surface to see if tiny plants are stuck to your fingers (watermeal) or if the water has a slimy film (algae) It is commonly foun growing along with uckwee (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Photo co rtesy of Amy Smag la
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 15
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 16
On the dge mergent Herbaceous Plants
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 17
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 18
ARROW ARUM
Peltan ra virginica
Status Native
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In mu or shallow water
Height Up to 2 feet tall growing in loose colonies
Stem Lacking a true stem Leaf an flower stalks arising from a thick root
Leaves Large arrow-shape Lower lobes separating an tapering to the tips Each lobe an the main stem have one prominent central vein from which other smaller veins originate The smaller veins are parallel to one another Leaf bla e with a vein running along the entire outline just insi e the margin
Flower Vertically-curle green Very small spathe almost completely covering the thin whitish fleshy spike White male flowers above green female flowers sheath tapering to the base an tip green outsi e an white insi e Flowering cluster at the en of a long nake stalk
Flowering Period May to July
Fruit Easily i entifie in the fall by its cluster of greenish-brown berries enclose in a green leathery case the stalk curve ownwar at maturity
Similar Species Arrowhea (Sagattaria latifolia) Arrow Arum may be istinguishe by its 3 prominent veins
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 19
ARROWH ADDUCK-POTATO
Sagittaria spp
Status Native There are several species in New Hampshire Slatifolia and Sgraminea are the most common
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In mu or completely submerge
Height Up to 1 frac12 feet tall
Stem Lacking an upright visible stem Leaves an flowering stalk arising from a fibrous roote base Several un ergroun runners each giving rise to a tuber the size of a small potato up to 2 inches wi e
Leaves Shape is variable within an between species Leaves can be broa ly or narrowly arrow-shape lance-shape or tape-like Leaves appear to clasp the base of the flowering stalk Leaf veins all originate from the point where the stem connects to the leaf an ra iate outwar from that point
Flower White petals in whorls of three with a yellow center up to 1 frac12 inch wi e Male flowers at the top with female ones lower on the flower stalk
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Flat winge crow e in a flattene hea up to frac12 inch wi e Ball-shape fruit clusters of green nutlets
Value Known as ldquo uck potatoesrdquo Arrowhea pro uces e ible starchy tubers beneath the mu eaten by ucks an muskrats
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 20
BLU -FLAG IRIS
Iris versicolor
Status Native
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In less than 3 feet of water
Height Up to 3 feet tall Growing in small colonies
Stem Upright robust flattene on one si e simple or with one or two branches from creeping rhizomes embe e in the mu Rhizome very shallow an sometimes expose above the se iment
Leaves Appearing basal but actually alternate bluish-green swor -like an up to 14 inches long an frac34 inch wi e ascen ing in a flat plane or fan-like arrangement Flower stalks are taller than the leaves
Flower Large purplish-blue stalke with 3 larger outer rooping petals whitish towar the base an 3 upright smaller petals in the center
Flowering Period June through July
Fruit Capsule up to 2 frac12 inches long with 3 roun e e ges contains numerous flattene see s often persisting into winter
Value Provi es foo an cover for waterfowl an wil life
Similar Species Leaves may be confuse with those of cattail (Typha spp)or sweet flag (Acorus calmus) Blue flag iris may be istinguishe by blueish-green leaves arrange in flat plane
Photo co rtesy of Amy Smag la
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 21
BLU V RVAIN
Verbena hastata
Status Native
Habitat E ges of pon s marshes streams an rivers
Height Up to 4 feet tall growing in small colonies
Stem Rough four-si e fairly straight arising from a fibrous roote base
Leaves Up to 6 inches long stalke toothe tapere at the tip with a rough surface
Flower 5 small blue petals in a pencil-like spike occurring singly or in clusters with in ivi ual flowers blooming perio ically from the base to the top of spike
Flowering Period July into October
Fruit Separating into four nutlets
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 22
BON S T THOROUGHWORT
Eupatorium perfoliatum
Status Native
Habitat Wet mea ows marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall Branche growing in small colonies
Stem Upright robust lightly- owny arising from a fibrous roote base
Leaves Opposite lanceolate tapering an pointe at the tip toothe with the base clasping the stem Heavily veine Up to 8 inches long an 2 inches wi e at the base
Flower Whitish in 3-4 terminal clusters up to 8 inches long
Flowering Period Late July through October
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 23
BUR-R D
Sparganium eurycarpum
Status Native
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Emergent in shallow water up to 1 foot eep or submerge in water up to 4 feet eep
Height Up to 3 feet tall
Stem Upright stout smooth arising from rhizomes embe e horizontally in the mu a few inches beneath the surface Zigzag stalks
Leaves Alternate linear up to 4 feet long Emergent stem leaves narrow up to 1 frac12 feet tall triangular in cross-section an ri ge on their back si e Certain species are erect while others are floating an ribbon-like
Flower Lower bulbs or burs are clusters of greenish female
flowers Upper smaller burs are white male flowers
Flowering Period June through August
Fruit A burr-like hea on a short or long stalk
Value Colonies provi e nesting sites for waterfowl an shorebir s The fruit is eaten by a variety of waterfowl an the whole plant is graze by muskrat an eer
Similar Species This plant is easily confuse with wil celery (Vallisneria americana) if the leaves are tape-like or with young cattail (Typha spp) if leaves are emergent For the floating form bur-ree has a ri ge own the back of the long leaf When erect an emergent leaves are shorter in height than those of cattail with a istinct ri ge or almost triangular cross section When in fruit the spiky burr-like fruit is istinctive (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 24
CARDINAL FLOW R
Lobelia car inalis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s sha e e ges streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall often growing in large colonies
Stem Smooth stout arising from a horizontal rhizome embe e shallowly in mu
Leaves Alternate lanceolate to oblong toothe tapering at both en s Lower leaves short-stalke upper leaves stalkless Up to 6 inches long an 1 frac12 inches wi e Smooth to slightly owny thin
Flower Long bright-re 2-lippe tubular flower occurring on terminal spike with the upper lip 2-lobe an lower lip 3-lobe
Flowering Period July into October
Fruit Many-see e capsule with two portions
Value Car inal flower is pollinate mostly by hummingbir s since most insects fin it ifficult to navigate the long tubular flowers
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 25
BROAD-L AF CATTAIL
Typha latifolia
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet swales e ges of lakes an pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 10 feet tall
Stem Upright stiff growing in ense stan s from thick extensively -creeping un ergroun rhizomes
Leaves Green or bluish-green upright linear 2-6 feet long an up to 1 inch wi e arising from base or alternating along the stem Leaves have a spongy feel
Flower Many small flowers packe into tight cigar-like clusters creating a lower female spike toppe by a smaller male spike with no gap between the two flower types Female spike persists turning into the familiar ark brown ldquotailrdquo
Flowering Period June into August
Fruit Small see -like surroun e by many bristles attache to the base
Value Provi es nesting habitat for many bir s such as the re -winge blackbir Shoots an rhizomes are eaten by muskrats an geese Submerse stalks provi e spawning habitat an shelter for fish One of only a few plants where all parts are e ible to humans
Similar Species Narrow-leaf cattail (Typha angustifolia) has narrower leaves a narrower fruiting hea an a gap between the male an female flower clusters
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 26
COMMON R D
Phragmites australis
Status Most stands are Non-Native xotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire Phragmites australis has been present in wetlan s for millennia but a non-native European species has crossbre with P australis an has forme an invasive plant
Habitat Fresh an brackish marshes e ges of lakes an pon s streams rivers an in roa si e itches Full to partial sun
Height Upright 4-14 feet tall usually forming ense colonies
Stem Calle ldquoculmsrdquo are large hollow an grow up to 1 inch wi e
Leaves Bluish-green lanceolate close together an usually sticking out from stems at a large angle up to 2 feet long an 1 inch wi e
Flower Clusters frac12 - 1 foot long often purple when young an whitish an fluffy when ol
Flowering Period Late July to October
Fruit Rarely pro uces see but sprea s vigorously by rhizomes often running over the surface of the groun
Value This plant has little to offer to bir s an mammals besi es cover Phragmites often outcompetes other native wetlan plants thus limiting the plant iversity an foo source value of the wetlan The only animal that fee s on this to any extent is the muskrat (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Similar Species Sometimes confuse with ree canary grass since they both form ense stan s at isturbe sites Ree canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) can be istinguishe by its shorter an narrower leaves spikelets with only one flower an its shorter height
How To Distinguish Native From Non-Native Phragmites
Stems Stems on the non-native variety are typically green but may have a little purple color along the no es Stems on
the native variety have some chestnut or purple color where leaves are pulle back exposing the stem Stems of the native variety are also often shiny an black spots often appear late in the growing season
Leaf Collars Leaf collars on the non-native variety are always green while leaf collars on the native variety may be
purple
Leaf Sheaths On fall stems the leaf sheaths on the non-native variety remain attache Leaf sheaths on the native variety are lost or very loosely attache so leaves rop off the native plants before the intro uce plants This is the best
in icator base seasonal changes that istinguishes native or non-native varieties
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 27
J W LW DSPOTT D TOUCH-M NOT
Impatiens capensis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 4 feet tall Often growing in ense colonies
Stem Upright smooth slightly branching hollow somewhat succulent slightly translucent
Leaves Alternate egg-shape toothe on stalks up to 4 inches long Silvery appearance when hel un er water an appear completely ry upon removal Size an color of foliage vary with ifferences in light exposure an available moisture
Flower Few to several angling orange-yellow three-petale tubularfunnel-shape flowers with re ish brown spots an curve spur at their en s
Flowering Period June through September
Fruit Flat green capsules approximately 1 inch long which at maturity burst when touche ejecting ark-brown see s
Value Especially a apte to hummingbir pollination but bees an butterflies are also important pollinators
The sap from this plant has been clinically proven to relieve skin rashes Jewelwee can be applie to the affecte part of the bo y an neutralizes the urishol oil pro uce by poison ivy an poison oak (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 28
JO PY W D
Eupatorium maculatum
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 6 feet tall Branche growing in small to me ium-size colonies
Stem Stout smooth purple or purple-spotte somewhat rough towar the top arising from a fibrous roote base
Leaves Lanceolate toothe rough short-stalke with large single mi -vein Up to 8 inches long an 2 frac12 inches wi e tapere at the base an tip in whorls of 3-7
Flower Small rose-purple in ense flat-toppe clusters at the top of the stem an at the en s of the branches
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Angular nutlet with a plume of fine bristles at the top
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 29
PICK R LW D
Ponte aria cor ata
Status Native
Habitat Marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 3 feet tall often growing in ense colonies
Stem Upright stout smooth arising from a rhizome bearing one leaf an one terminal spike
Leaves Basal an alternate very large arrowhea to heart-shape glossy with prominent parallel veins blunt tip on a spongy leaf stalk
Flower Many small tubular violet-blue flowers approximately frac12 inch long on solitary spike with a sheath at the base
Flowering Period June through August
Fruit Small bla er-like with toothe ri ges containing one see
Value See s are consume by waterfowl an muskrats Networks of rhizomes an leaves also offer sha e an shelter for fish
Similar Species This plant can be istinguishe from its close look-alikes arrow arum an arrowhea by its light bluish-purple flower spike Bases of the leaves are more roun e whereas arrowhea an arrow arum leaves are more pointe (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 30
PURPL LOOS STRIF
Lythrum salicaria
Status Non-Native xotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire
Habitat Marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams rivers an in roa si e itches Full to partial sun
Height 2-6 feet tall
Stem Upright smooth to slightly- owny Square four-si e almost woo y
Leaves Opposite to whorle lanceolate often with heart-shape bases somewhat clasping stem sometimes in whorls of 3 Gra ually tapering to a point 3 to 4 inches long an frac12 to 1 inch wi e
Flower 5-7 purple petals in a ense terminal spike
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Many-see e capsule
Value Little wil life value See s are low in nutrition an roots are too woo y The flowers are attractive to insects They pro uce nectar an are regularly visite by honeybees
This plant outcompetes other wetlan plants which are beneficial foo sources for wil life an insects It repro uces by pro ucing millions of see s per plant an quickly takes over the lan scape when intro uce It also sprea s by rhizome (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 31
R D CANARY GRASS
Phalaris arun inacea
Status Non-Native xotic Invasive
Habitat Swales marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Although it is usually a shoreline plant it can survive in knee- eep water by sprouting ldquowater rootsrdquo on the submerse portion of the stem Forms ense stan s in isturbe areas where clearing gra ing siltation filling or other isruptions have create an opening with moist soil
Height Up to 7 feet tall Often growing in ense colonies
Stem Upright stiff from extensively-creeping rhizomes
Leaves Alternate upright grayish-green open sheath an ligule at the leaf axis Bla es fairly long an narrow up to 12 inches long an frac34 inches wi e
Flower Green to greenish-purple spikelets single-flowere lanceolate ense Terminal inflorescence up to 7 inches long branche an compresse early in the season but opening after fertilization
Flowering Period June through August
Value Low foo value Provi es summer cover an habitat for waterfowl at isturbe sites However it ten s to mat own in winter provi ing little winter cover for wil life
Similar Species Sometimes confuse with bluejoint grass (Calamagrostis canadensis) However the spikelets of bluejoint are in a loose open arrangement an the no es have a bluish to purplish cast
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 32
SOFT-ST MM D BULRUSH
Scirpus vali us
Status Native
Habitat Wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Usually growing in water less than 5 feet eep Ten s to be foun on ldquomuckierrdquo substrate an will grow in stagnant water
Height Usually up to 5 feet but can grow up to 10 feet tall Often growing in extensive colonies
Stem Upright grayish-green often arching up to frac34 inch thick at the base arising from stout re ish rhizomes Soft roun tapering to a point
Leaves No apparent leaves
Flowers Inconspicuous many-stalke bu like spikelets covere by re ish-brown scales locate imme iately below the top of stem Clusters mostly rooping but not in higher salinity areas
Flowering Period June into September
Fruit See -like nutlet with 4-6 bristles attache to the base
Value Provi es habitat for invertebrates an shelter for young fish Nutlets consume by a variety of waterfowl marsh bir s an uplan bir s Stems an rhizomes eaten by geese an muskrat Also provi es nesting material an cover for waterfowl marsh bir s an muskrat
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 33
SWAMP LOOS STRIF WAT R WILLOW
Deco on verticillatus
Status Native shrub becoming herbaceous towar the tips
Habitat Wetlan s bogs e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Shallow water with muck or peat se iment Can form floating mats in areas of very soft se iment
Height Up to 5 feet tall
Stem Ri gi woo y smooth to slightly- owny 3-9 feet long The lower rooting stems are spongy an buttresse giving rise to new arching stems
Leaves Opposite or in whorls of 3 gra ually tapering to a point 3-4 inches long an frac12 to 1 inch wi e sessile or short-stalke
Flower Pinkish-purple bell-shape with 5-7 sepals an 5 petals forming showy clusters in the axils of the mi le to upper leaves
Flowering Period July through August
Fruit Small brownish capsule with 3-5 partitions the clusters sometimes persisting above the leaf scars throughout winter
Value The many intertwining arching stems may form sizable clusters at the e ges of lakes an sluggish streams or floating bog mats Wherever a stem touches the water air-fille spongy tissue may evelop This tissue buoys the stem so that it may root an form a new arching stem
Similar Species May be confuse with the invasive purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) Swamp loosestrife can be istinguishe by the arching stems an showy axillary flower clusters as well as the roun stem instea of the square stem of purple loosestrife (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 34
THR -WAY S DG
Dulichium arun inaceum
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Extensive be s can be foun in shallow (less than 3 feet) water Grows in a variety of se iment types an can tolerate some turbi ity
Height Up to 3 feet tall solitary or in small colonies
Stem Roun hollow jointe arising from a horizontal rhizome
Leaves Linear up to 4 inches long an 38 inch wi e with a conspicuous sheath the latter close except at the top
When looking own upon the plant the leaves are line up an appear to ra iate from three angles away from the main stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Flower Inconspicuous flattene linear sessile spikelets in the axils or two-ranke scales of the brownish spikelets 8-10 along the axillary stalk
Flowering Period July through October
Fruit Flattene brownish see -like nutlet toppe with a beak
Value Eaten occasionally by a variety of ucks an geese Rhizomes an shoots also graze by muskrats
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 35
WOOL GRASS
Scirpus cyperinus
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall growing in small colonies
Stem Upright robust roun to triangular especially at the base
Leaves Elongate from base of stem up to 2 feet long Leaves imme iately below the flower are in clusters of 3-5 an may reach 5 inches long an roop at the tips
Flower Clusters of 6-12 spikelets at en s of rooping stems Flower clusters up to 12 inches long much branche
Flowering Period August through September
Fruit Whitish see -like nutlet with bristles much longer than the scales attache to the base the bristles impart the wooly appearance to the spikelets
Value Provi es foo an cover for waterfowl an other wil life
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 36
Ferns
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 37
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 38
INNAMON FERN
Osmund cinn mome
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Often growing near somewhat similar an relate interrupte fern (Polys ichum aros ichoides)
Height Up to 3 feet tall
Stem Upright stout smooth green an covere with cinnamon-colore wooly stalk
Leaves Sterile (vegetative) fron s up to 3 feet high upright to slightly arche lance-shape with 20+ opposite leaflets Fertile fron s o not persist through the summer whereas vegetative fron s remain until first frost
Reproduction Club-like fertile fron with groups of spore cases on leaflets that hug the main axis
Fruiting Period Spring
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 39
OSTRI H FERN
Pteretis pensylv nic
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 6 feet tall forming tussocks or clumps
Stem Stout nake for up 1 foot from the base green flattene an black at the base covere with papery brown scales Arising from a forking shallowly-embe e rhizome an giving rise to stout black scaly runners
Leaves Sterile fron s forming circles gra ually narrowe at the base an abruptly narrowe to the tip Fertile fron s up to 2 feet tall an 2 inches wi e nake for approximately half their length the nake portions shiny brown crow e sprea ing or ascen ing branches often overlapping or twiste light green at first turning ark green an eventually brown
Reproduction Leaf segments with spore cases beneath become rolle into small har berry-like structures joine along the branches of the fertile fron
Fruiting Period July ndash August Persisting over winter
Similar Species Cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea) Ostrich fern may be istinguishe by the gra ually narrow base an papery scales rather than cinnamon-colore pubescence on the stalk
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 40
ROYAL FERN
Osmund reg lis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall growing in scattere groups
Stem Somewhat stout nake for approximately half its length greenish or re ish arising from a stout creeping rhizome
Leaves Fron s with 5-7 pairs of nearly opposite oblong ascen ing ivisions The lowest pair slightly shorter than the others each ivision ivi e into finely toothe oblong blunt alternate segments 10-14 on each si e Fertile fron s terminate by a panicle appearing as a ense cluster of light brown structures
Reproduction Spore cases clustere along short nake leaf segments in a terminal panicle an often at the tips of some of the ivisions One of several ferns that pro uce their spores on mo ifie leaflets not on the un ersi e of the fron s
Fruiting Period Spring an early summer
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 41
SENSITIVE FERN
Onocle sensibilis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 3 feet tall Growing solitary or scattere
Stem Upright stout nake for nearly half its length arising from a creeping rhizome
Leaves Sterile fron s up to 3 feet tall the bla e with up to 16 pairs of wi e segments having wavy margins Fertile fron s shorter the berry-like structures clustere in stiffly erect ivisions the entire structure appearing spike-like
Reproduction Leaf segments with spore cases beneath which have become rolle into small har black berry-like structures appearing July through August an persisting over winter
Fruiting Period July into October
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 42
Woody S rubs
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 43
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 44
NORTHERN ARROW-WOOD Viburnu recognitu
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 15 feet tall forming thickets
Bark Smooth an gray with a white pith
Twigs Brownish-gray hairless highly branche long straight slen er arrow-like smooth
Buds Re ish-brown with 2 pairs of scales Opposite pointe approximately frac14 inch long roun e scales with fringe of minute hairs along the bor ers
Leaves Opposite egg-shape to roun with saw-like coarse teeth 1-2 inches long an 3 inches wi e tapering to a point with very prominent smooth veins
Flower Numerous small white-petale flowers on short stalks in a somewhat ense terminal flat cluster
Flowering Period June through July
Fruit Fleshy blue-black berry-like approximately 13 inch wi e containing a flattene see appearing in August
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 45
BUTTONBUSH Cephalanthus occidentalis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 12 feet tall typically 3-5 feet tall
Bark Smooth an grayish when young flaky an grayish when ol er Light-brown pith
Twigs Slen er roun or angle grayish-brown to purplish marke with light elongate lenticels
Buds Small in epresse areas surroun e by bark
Leaves Opposite or in whorls of 3-4 Shiny ark-green above lighter green an slightly owny beneath Leathery smooth oblong to oval 3-6 inches long broa at the base pointe at tips often with short re stalks
Flower Densely clustere spherical creamy white ball-shape flowers long-stalke often in groups of 3 1- 1 frac12 inch wi e Ripe hea s brownish fragrant
Flowering Period July through August
Fruit Small triangular-shape capsules greenish in ball-like hea s like the flowers Persist into winter
Value Butterfly an moth species are often foun fee ing on the sweet nectar of the tubular flowers because of their long curle mouthparts Caterpillar pupas are often foun on buttonbush because of the foo association with larvae an a ults (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 46
ELDERBERRYBLACK-BERRIED ELDER Sa bucus canadensis
Elderberr showing fruit
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 12 feet tall often forming thickets
Bark Green
Twigs Pale yellow-brown to light-brown with numerous large raise lenticels Ill-smelling when bruise Flute or square pith very thick white an soft
Buds Small roun to oval covere with brownish scales
Leaves Opposite pinnately compoun with 5 to 11 leaflets usually 7 Lanceolate to ovate abruptly narrowing at the tip Sharply-toothe Lower leaflets often 3-parte Smooth above smooth or owny on veins beneath
Flower Small white nicely-scente flowers with 5 white petals in a flat-toppe cluster up to 6 inches wi e generally with 5 main branches
Flowering Period Late June through July
Fruit Juicy purplish-black berries in flat-toppe clusters containing many see s appearing late August to early October
Value Pro uces fruit that makes tasty jelly an wine It is also an important foo source for many songbir s
Elderberr showing flowers
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 47
GLOSSY BUCKTHORN Rha nus frangula
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T is species is pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Generalist Full-sun or sha e moist ry aci ic or basic soils Woo lan bor ers foreste wetlan s floo plain forests
Heig t Up to 20 feet tall
Twigs Grayish with whitish lenticels
Buds Nake owny up to frac14 inch long
Leaves Alternate whorle oblong 4-5 inches long an 3-4 inches wi e Long growing season leafing out in May an hol ing its leaves into November
Flower Small greenish-white in small clusters in the leaf axis
Flowering Period May through September Flowers an fruits continuously from May through September Plants often isplay bu s flowers immature fruit an mature fruit simultaneously
Fruit Berry with 2-3 pits approximately frac14 inch wi e turning from green to re an eventually blue-black Often all three colore berries are on the plant at the same time Sometimes ifficult to recognize in a foreste situation ue to its non- escript appearance but easily recognize July through September ue to masses of berries
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 48
HIGHBUSH BLUEBERRY Vacciniu cory bosu
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s rich woo s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 15 feet tall often forming thickets
Bark Rough brown Stem an larger branches shre y
Twigs On some bushes re ish-brown on other bushes they are yellow Covere with small warty lenticels zigzagge or angle
Buds Flower bu s re plump pointe with spine-like pointe scales Leaf bu s smaller two outer scales with hair-like point
Leaves Alternate pointe on both en s green on both si es untoothe Lower si e slightly wooly on the veins Up to 3 inches long an 1 frac12 inch wi e Deep re in autumn
Flower Cylin rical white or pink up to frac12 inch long an frac14 inch wi e in ense terminal or lateral clusters
Flowering Period April through June appearing when leaves are only half grown
Fruit Blue-black berry up to frac12 inch wi e with whitish bloom sweet in clusters
Value Berries eaten by numerous bir s an wil life
Similar Species Maleberry (L onia ligustrina) Highbush blueberry can be istinguishe by its terminal clusters of fruit an by berries rather than capsules for fruit
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 49
HOBBLEBUSH Viburnu alnifoliu
Status Native
Habitat Cool moist ravines e ges of rivers an streams
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Light brown with wavy grooves
Twigs Tough stout olive-brown to light purplish-brown Coate with rusty brown hairs towar the tip
Buds Large long in pairs light-brown covere with velvety fuzz Flower bu s roun e an occur only at tips of twigs
Leaves Very large 4-8 inches long Almost roun finely toothe heart-shape at base Hairy beneath rusty veins much branche Brownish hairs on stalks
Flower Large white clusters with 5 petals appearing before leaves are fully grown
Flowering Period May through June
Fruit Re berries turning black Stones with a groove on each e ge
Similar Species Likely to be confuse with ogwoo s Viburnum leaves are nearly always toothe or lobe while ogwoo leaves are smooth untoothe an veins are parallel
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 50
HONEYSUCKLE Lonicera spp
(L orrowii L tatarica L aackii)
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T ese species are pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Fiel s roa si es fence-rows he ge-rows e ges of woo s
Heig t 10 to 15 feet tall
Bark Tan to brown shre e in appearance
Twigs Generally glabrous thornless
Buds Blunt to acute
Leaves Opposite entire oblong to egg-shape 1-5 inches long
Flower 5-lobe tubular sometimes fragrant growing in leaf axils white to yellow
Fruit Re rarely yellow juicy few-see e berry July through September
Flowering Period May through June
Morrowrsquos Honeysuckle Lonicera orrowii
Leaves an young twigs ensely owny Leafy bracts beneath flowers not glan ular Leaves broa est below the mi le Flowers white fa ing to yellow
Tartarian Honeysuckle Lonicera tartarica
Un ersi es of leaves an young twigs are hairless Flowers usually pink-re Only species that has hollow pith
Amur Honeysuckle Lonicera aackii
Upper surface of leaves are shiny Bark is gray or tan an exfoliates somewhat in vertical strips Flowers white fa ing to yellow
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 51
JAPANESE KNOTWEED Polygonu cuspidatu
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T is species is pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Woo lan s open spaces itches roa si e itches e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall Fast growing aggressive easily sprea s an repro uces vegetatively
Twigs Greenish hollow jointe bamboo-like Stems often persist into winter
Leaves Alternate large untoothe broa ly ovate 3-7 inches long with pointe tips an square bases
Flower Many small whitish flowers growing in slen er finger-like clusters in the leaf axils
Flowering Period August to September
Fruit White papery win - isperse x-shape in cross-section
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 52
MALEBERRY Lyonia ligustrina
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s rich woo s gentle slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall often forming thickets
Bark Light gray shre y shaggy Younger bark appearing slightly hairy ol er bark gray with white lenticels
Twigs Yellow-brown to ash-gray mottle with black Flowering twigs leafless
Buds No terminal bu Lateral bu s flattene re oval pointe with a single re ish scale
Leaves Alternate elliptic to oblong stalke up to 3 inches long pointe at both en s minutely toothe Rough above slightly-hairy beneath
Flower Small roun white flowers in clusters up to 6 inches long
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Greenish-gray to brown small roun capsules with 5 partitions No larger than flower Crow e in groups on the stem persisting through winter Dry brown po s resembling blueberries
Similar Species Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium cor mbosum) Maleberry can be istinguishe by its flattene re bu s lateral rather than terminal clusters an by capsules of fruit instea of berries
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 53
MEADOWSWEET Spiraea latifolia
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t 2-3 feet tall forming large ense colonies
Bark Thin peeling in filmy layers
Twigs Smooth slen er light re ish-brown to purple more or less angle Unbranche (except occasionally towar the top where branching may occur)
Buds Many small smooth oval with several scales
Leaves Alternate oblong narrow toothe short-stalke tapering to the base with pointe to roun tips Up to 3 inches long an 1 frac12 inches wi e
Flower Pyrami clusters of white to pinkish 5-parte small flowers occurring at tip of stem
Flowering Period July into September
Fruit Small har smooth cluster of 5-6 tiny po s persisting over winter in the inflorescence giving it a ark-brown color
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 54
MULTIFLORA ROSE Rosa ultiflora
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T is species is pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Generalist Variety of soil moisture an light con itions
Heig t Up to 9 feet tall Shrubby arching
Bark Green Ol er stems turn woo y
Twigs Long arching with stiff re-curve thorns tips root to form new plants
Leaves Alternate pinnately compoun 7-9 toothe leaflets each leaflet about 1 inch long Fringe stipule at the base of leaf stem
Flower Dense clusters of fragrant white or occasionally pink 5-petale flowers up to 1 frac12 inch wi e Persist into winter
Flowering Period May through June
Fruit Small roun har re berry calle a ldquohiprdquo Smallest hip of any rose in New Englan persists into winter
Similar Species Multiflora rose can be istinguishe from other roses by the presence of a fringe stipule on the leaf petiole
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 55
NORTHERN WILD RAISIN WITHEROD VIBURNUM Viburnu cassinoides
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s valleys gentle slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall usually up to 7
Bark Smooth grayish-brown
Twigs Slen er long flexible ull pale grayish to light-brown Slightly hairy Somewhat angle with in istinct lenticels
Buds Covere by a single pair of scales Terminal bu s long yellow or gol en 2 light-brown scales split curve Flower bu s large an flask-shape
Leaves Opposite lanceolate to oval loosely toothe up to 4 inches long on short stalks tapering to an abrupt point Dark green above ull green below leathery
Flower Many small white 5-lobe flowers in short-stalke flat-toppe clusters at the tips of the twigs
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Fleshy blue-black berry-like approximately frac14 inch wi e containing a flat see Dull re as maturing
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 56
SHADBUSHSERVICEBERRY A elchier canadensis
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains rich woo s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 25 feet tall usually growing in thickets
Bark Gray smooth thin vertical fissures separating smooth flat areas in ol er trees
Twigs Ranci taste an smell (slight taste of bitter almon s) Slen er grayish often covere by a gray skin smooth Lenticels are scattere minute ots
Buds Terminal bu s long narrow greenish-yellow or purple
Leaves Alternate oblong finely-toothe broa est above the mi le Veins curve When half grown with white felt or wooly hairs beneath Up to frac34 inch long roun e at the tip an base
Flower Many me ium-size 5-petalle white flowers approximately frac34 inch wi e on stalks in clusters appearing when leaves are half grown
Flowering Period April through June
Fruit Dark-purple to black berries
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 57
SHEEP LAURELLAMBKILL Kal ia angustifolia
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 3 feet tall usually forming thickets
Bark Re ish brown
Twigs Pale brown smooth
Buds Nake no scales or only 2 showing
Leaves Evergreen Occasionally opposite but usually in whorls of 3 Elliptic to oblong on very short stems crow e on the branch opposite in threes Bright green above pale or whitene beneath Both surfaces smooth
Flower Small eep pink to re ish-purple 5-lobe approximately 1 frac12 inch wi e in clusters among the leaves
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Small brownish roun capsule with 5 partitions in clusters that persist over winter
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 58
SILKY DOGWOOD Cornus a o u
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall forming ense thickets
Twigs Much branching lower portion of the stem light brown upper portions becoming streake with re One-an two-year ol branches completely re an velvety Twigs mo erate to slen er with spongy chocolate-brown piths
Buds Smooth hairy
Leaves Opposite ovate to elliptic roun e at base with pointe tips Veins branching off mi vein that follow up the smooth leaf without reaching e ge Up to 5 inches long an half as wi e roun e to somewhat we ge-shape at the base an abruptly pointe at the tip pubescent beneath on short to mo erate stalks turning re in autumn
Flower Many small white 4-petalle flowers in broa flat-toppe clusters up to 3 inches wi e at the tips of branches
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Blue or blueish-white berries
Similar Species Re Osier Dogwoo (Cornus stolonifera)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 59
SPECKLED ALDER Alnus rugosa
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 25 feet tall often branching from the base
Bark Brown with whitish horizontal lenticels
Twigs Olive-brown to re ish brown smooth owny with greenish triangular pith
Buds Stalke re ish covere by 2-3 scales equal in length coate with grayish or brownish own no terminal bu
Leaves Alternate oval or roun e broa est below the mi le 2-4 inches long Doubly toothe or wavy Green above pale beneath Leaf base roun e or heart-shape Up to 6 inches long an 3 inches wi e
Flower Develop long before the leaves Male catkins long finger-like rooping Female catkins upright in clusters stalke resembling a small pine cone arching appearing below male
Flowering Period April through June before leaves emerge
Fruit Female catkins ripening into frac12 inch cylin rical cones persistent in winter
Comments Distinguishing features are the conspicuous white lenticels on the trunk an on the twigs the short thick stalks of the ldquoconesrdquo an the conspicuous net venation of the leaves In winter the immature female spikes roop
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 60
SPICEBUSH Lindera benzoin
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains rich woo s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Smooth grayish-brown
Twigs Younger growth is green with white lines an specks while ol er portions with smooth gray-brown bark
Buds Leaf bu s small pointe Flower bu s larger stalke Spherical arrange on one si e of a leaf bu above the scar
Leaves Alternate obovate to ovate somewhat pointe up to 4 inches long an 2 inches wi e
Flower Small yellow Male an female occur in clusters on separate plants
Flowering Period April through May
Fruit Fleshy re an berry-like up to frac12 inch long containing one large see
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 61
STEEPLEBUSH Spiraea to entosa
Status Native
Habitat Wet mea ows marshes shrub wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 3 frac12 feet tall
Bark Thin hairy peeling shre ing into strips
Buds Lateral bu s covere with wool No terminal bu
Leaves Alternate simple toothe up to 2 inches long white or woolly beneath with brownish rusty or tawny hairs
Flower Small 5-petale eep pink or rose colore flowers in ense steeple-like terminal spike up to 6 inches long
Flowering Period July into September
Fruit One-celle capsules persistent into winter
Similar Species The pinker plants are often confuse with purple loosestrife Steeplebush has alternate leaves whereas purple loosestrife has opposite or whorle leaves The stems of Steeplebush ten to be roun in cross-section whereas the stems of purple loosestrife are square in cross section (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 62
SWEET PEPPERBUSH Clethera alnifolia
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Dark grayish or blackish Branches of previous year shre y or flaky
Twigs Slen er roun an slightly owny on new twigs with large white pith
Buds Lateral bu s small an obscure Terminal bu s are owny large an pointe
Leaves Alternate egg-shape to oblong small broa est above mi le sharply-toothe except at base Straight-veine both si es smooth an green abruptly blunt-pointe Up to 4 frac12 inches long an 1 frac12 inches wi e
Flower Many small 5-petale fragrant white flowers occurring on terminal spike
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Small tan roun capsule each with 3 hairy partitions resembling peppercorns persisting into winter
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 63
WINTERBERRY HOLLYBLACK ALDER Ilex verticillata
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Gray smooth
Twigs Slen er ark purple-gray with many small lenticels
Buds Tiny blunt at tip iverging from the twig Crow e upper bu s larger Terminal bu present
Leaves Alternate ovate thick ull-green above owny beneath coarse-toothe prominent veins Broa est at or above the mi le pointe at both en s
Flower Very small greenish or yellowish white Male an female flower son separate plants 6-8 petals in clusters seate irectly on stem frac14 inch in iameter of very short stalks
Flowering Period May through August
Fruit Bright re berry-like with 3-5 bony nuts borne singly or in clusters approximately frac14 inch wi e containing several see s persisting into winter
Value Extremely showy in late fall an early winter when covere with their bright re fruit these shrubs are either male or female Attractive to bir s
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 64
WITCH HAZEL Ha a elis virginiana
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 30 feet tall
Bark Mottle light-brown to gray smooth to scaly
Twigs Zigzag smooth to slightly hairy Short shoots light orange brown with rusty or gray hairs Some brown warts but lenticels in istinct
Buds Lateral bu s flattene with rusty brown hairs Terminal bu stalke curve or sickle-shape
Leaves Roun e to oval wavy lopsi e toothe in shallow roun e lobes Main veins prominent 5-7 nerves One-si e at base
Flower Bright yellow crinkle curving petals persisting into winter remaining attache to twig
Flowering Period August into November
Fruit Woo y hairy light-brown 2-see e po with 4 well-space curve points splitting open an ejecting black see s forcibly ripening a year after flowers Open po s remain on stem
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 65
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 66
Climbin Vines
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 67
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 68
CLIMBINGORIENTAL BITTERSWEET
Celast us o biculatus
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire
Habitat Disturbe areas roa si es fiel s forests an e ges of streams an rivers
Hei ht 40-65 feet long eci uous woo y vine Very aggressive climbs up an over trees an chokes them
Stem Tanish furrowe
Leaves Alternate ovate bluntly toothe 3-4 inches long tapere at the base
Flower Small greenish clusters in the leaf axils
Flowerin Period April through May
Fruit Bright-yellow splitting open to reveal showy orangere fruit
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 69
POISON IVY
Toxicodend on adicans
Status Native
Habitat Generalist Variety of soil moisture an light con itions Foun in recent clear-cuts
Hei ht Upright eci uous shrub trailing vine or climbing plant Shrub can grow up to 6 feet tall but this plant is taller as a vine
Leaves Long-stalke compoun leaves ivi e into 3 leaflets each leaflet having a longer stalk than the si e leaflets
Flowers Small yellowish flowers with 5 petals occurring on lateral clusters
Flowerin Period May through July Poison i y showing fruit
Fruit Greenish to grayish-white berries lacking hairs Pro uce in late summer an can persist throughout winter
CAUTION
TOUCHING OR BURNING ANY PART OF THIS PLANT CAN CAUSE SEVERE SKIN IRRITATION
Poison i y as a tree-climbing ine Poison i y in autumn
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 70
RIVERBANK GRAPE
Vitis ipa ia
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Hei ht Up to 60 feet tall
Bark Re ish-brown in loose strips Pith with thin firm tissue
Leaves Alternate coarse-toothe up to 7 inches long with usually 3-5 lobes an narrow-pointe leaves
Flowers Inconspicuous in branche clusters
Flowerin Period May through July
Fruit Purplish-black to black grapes up to frac12 inch wi e with whitish waxy covering
Similar Species Forest grape (Vitis ulpina) occurs in similar habitats but its leaves have broa teeth an are not usually lobe an its grapes are black an lacking waxy coating
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 71
VIRGINIA CREEPER
Pa thenosisus quinquefolia
Status Native
Habitat Wi e range of con itions ry san y soil to moist nutrient-rich soil sha e sun
Stem Woo y stem persisting into winter
Leaves Alternate palmately compoun with 3-7 but usually 5 leaflets Leaflets 6-12 centimeters long with toothe margins Turn eep-re in the fall
Flower Inconspicuous green-white
Fruit Small blue-black berries appearing in autumn
Comments Climbs by ten rils that have oval a hesive isks at their tips
Similar Species Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) has compoun leaves with 3 leaflets but the terminal leaflet is attache to a short-stalk Poison ivy also climbs by aerial roots not by a hesive isks
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 72
The Ca opy Trees
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 73
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 74
AMERICAN BASSWOODLINDEN Tilia am ricana
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s valleys gentle slopes
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray ri ge when ol
Twigs Alternate stout zigzag greenish-gray smooth or owny
Buds Re ish-brown frac12 inch long lopsi e No terminal bu
Leaves Alternate large up to 8 inches long sharply toothe Unequally heart-shape at base
Flowers 5 cream-colore fragrant yellow petals Approximately frac12 inch across
Floweri g Period Early summer
Fruit Stalke cluster of small pale green nuts attache to a leafy wing
AMERICAN BEECH Fagus grandifolia
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s uplan s well- raine lowlan s
Height Up to 90 feet tall
Bark Smooth an light blue-gray when young an ol
Twigs Alternate slen er greenish-brown hairy
Buds Slen er sharp-pointe approximately frac34 inch long chestnut brown with overlapping scales
Leaves Alternate simple egg-shape pointe with parallel veins terminating in teeth Shiny papery-smooth up to 5 inches long Dry leaves remain on tree in winter Yellow in autumn
Flowers Inconspicuous slen er catkins in a roun e hea both sexes occur on the same tree
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Prickly 4-valve fruit capsule bearing 2 triangular nuts Nut is sweet an e ible
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 75
AMERICAN HORNBEAM IRONWOODBLUE BEECH Carpinus caroliniana
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s foreste wetlan s e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 40 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray-green furrowe flute (muscular) wavy
Twigs Slen er ark re ish-brown shiny an smooth or slightly -hairy
Buds Oval re ish brown angle scaly
Leaves Alternate simple oblong sharply an finely oubly-toothe margins up to 4 inches long an 2 inches wi e entirely smooth above slightly owny beneath Orange or scarlet in autumn
Flowers Very small male an female flowers occur in separate spikes Male catkins 1 inch female small appearing with leaves
Floweri g Period April through May before leaf-out
Fruit Nutlet in the axil of a 3-lobe leaf-like bract the bracts clustere in a loose terminal spike up to 2 inches long
BLACK BIRCHSWEET BIRCH B tula l nta
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s
Height Up to 60 feet tall
Bark Smooth ark brown Long horizontal lenticels resembling cherry Ol er trees with very ark thick plates
Twigs Smooth slen er light re ish-brown with very fine horizontal lines Smells an tastes of wintergreen
Buds Sharp re ish brown long terminal bu absent on long shoots Bu scales owny on margins
Leaves Alternate simple heart-shape sharply ouble-or single-toothe smooth above with tufts of white hair on the veins beneath ull ark green Wintergreen o or an taste
Flower Male an female flowers occur in separate catkins on the same tree male catkins present uring the winter
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Catkins cylin rical short scales smooth
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 76
BLACK CHERRY Prunus s rotina
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s on many sites
Height Up to 60 feet tall
Bark Dark re ish-brown smooth with narrow horizontal lenticels on young trees becoming roughene an scaly on ol er trees Resembles black birch
Twigs Slen er re ish-brown often gray an peeling Ranci o or an taste Often with black knot swellings on branches with narrow lenticels
Buds Bright light re ish-brown 4 scales appear as none Terminal bu larger than laterals
Leaves Alternate simple elliptic Smooth an shiny above finely-toothe turning inwar Brown wool on 13 of mi rib beneath Yellow to brown in autumn
Flower White 5-petalle elongate clusters appearing when leaves are frac12 grown in clusters at the en s of twigs up to 4 inches long
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit E ible cherries ark re ish-purple becoming black with small stone Appearing June-October
BOX ELDERASH-LEAVED MAPLE Ac r n gundo
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s lowlan s floo plains
Height Up to 40 feet tall
Bark Thin grayish to light-brown with furrowe narrow ri ges similar to Norway maple
Twigs Stout green to purplish-green brightly colore often re Covere with whitish bloom the first year which rea ily rubs off
Buds Short-stalke re ish usually wooly or owny whitish ensely hairy
Leaves Opposite compoun palm-like with 3-5 veiny leaflets up to 5 inches long on short stalks Very variable in shape sharp margins with coarse teeth Light green above pale green an hairy along veins beneath Stalk swollen at base
Flower Small yellowish to greenish Male an female flowers occur in rooping clusters on separate trees appearing slightly before leaf-out
Floweri g Period April through May at or before leaf-out
Fruit A typical flattene v-shape winge samara
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 77
EASTERN COTTONWOOD Populus d ltoid s
Status Native
Habitat Floo plains streambanks valleys
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Greenish-yellow on young trees gray an furrowe on ol er trees
Twigs Smooth yellow-brown mo erately stout
Buds Brown shiny approximately frac12 to 1 inch long 6-7 scales heavy sticky fragrant yellow resin insi e
Leaves Alternate simple large triangular coarse roun e teeth up to 6 inches long an often nearly as wi e Dark green an shiny above lighter beneath with veins prominent on both surfaces Stems flattene at base of leaves Leaves from sprouts very large Yellow in autumn
Flower Drooping loosely groupe catkins Male an female flowers occur in rooping spikes on separate trees Before the leaves unfol the male crow e into rather thick re ish spikes the female crow e into narrower greenish yellow spikes
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Short-stalke capsule with 4 partitions approximately frac14 inch long
EASTERN HEMLOCK Tsuga canad nsis
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s ravines foreste wetlan s
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Cinnamon-re to gray tinge with purple narrow ri ges
Twigs Alternate yellow to grayish brown very hairy flattene
Buds Approximately frac12 to frac34 inch wi e oval chestnut brown hairy scales
Needles Narrow approximately frac12 inch long Short shiny ark-green above tapering whitish-green with 2 white lines beneath appearing as a broa stripe Stalke at base persistent comb-like arrangement on twig
Fruit Small oval cones frac12 to frac34 inch long on slen er stalks Cone scales as wi e as long Male cones are small structures in clusters in leaf axils an o not persist Female cones have brown scales are at twig en s an persist
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 78
EASTERN WHITE PINE Pinus strobus
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s bogs ravines cool sha y north slopes
Height Up to 120 feet tall
Bark Smooth thin greenish when young becoming ark brown eeply-furrowe an blocky when ol er
Twigs Smooth slen er green or light yellowish-green resinous
Buds Sharp-pointe yellowish-brown
Leaves In clusters of 5 (the only five-nee le pine in the East) soft slen er bluish-green Retaine to en of the secon growing season 3 year nee les yellow in October 2-5 inches long
Fruit Large tapering cylin rical cones falling when ripe (August-September) Require two seasons to mature 4 to 8 inches long
GREEN ASH Fraxinus p nnsylvanica
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains streambanks
Height Up to 80 feet tall
Bark Young twigs gray thin hairless Ol er stems gray with shallow grooves ri ges an furrows
Twigs Stout gray terminal bu present conical the first pair of lateral bu s place some istance below the terminal
Leaves Opposite pinnately-compoun with 5-9 (usually 7) leaflets Shiny green on top occasionally hairy on bottom with saw-toothe margins Bright yellow in autumn
Flower Inconspicuous small cluster of greenish petal-free stalke flowers with male an female flowers occur on separate trees
Floweri g Period April to June as leaves emerge
Fruit Samara with a broa wing an in istinct see portion
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 79
RED MAPLE Ac r rubrum
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s rich woo s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 75 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray often satiny on young trees becoming arker scaly rough separating an forming long scales often up-curling in ol er trees
Twigs Current years growth re Ol er twigs light gray smooth
Buds Sharp ark re with prominent overlapping scales
Leaves Opposite simple usually 3-lobe (sometimes 5) with sharp angles between lobes an with sharp irregular teeth Dark green above gray-green beneath approximately 3-4 inches long Yellow or scarlet in autumn
Flower Re or yellow with petals appearing long before the leaves emerge Male an female flowers occur on separate trees
Floweri g Period March through May before leaf-bu s open
Fruit A ouble-winge v-shape re samara up to 1 inch long
Matures in late spring falls an germinates at once
RED OAK Qu rcus rubra
Status Native
Habitat Bottomlan s moist slopes
Height Up to 90 feet tall
Bark Smooth greenish-brown on young stems becoming broken into ri ges re ish-brown har with eep furrows when ol er Inner bark re ish
Twigs Alternate strongly ri ge or flute Re ish brown or black smooth
Buds Smooth brown blunt-pointe in clusters at en s of twigs Larger than other oaks except black frac14 inch long roun e on the si es Terminal bu s have slight rusty hairs
Leaves Spikes on tips of lobes Mostly 3 pairs V-shape space between lobes (typically 7-11) triangular in outline smooth on both si es
Flower Long sprea ing strings
Fruit Acorn maturing in secon year Cup embracing 13 to frac12 the acorn Oval to cylin rical short shallow Acorns large bitter ine ible insi es pale yellow
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 80
SHAGBARK HICKORY Carya ovata
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s valleys uplan slopes
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Smooth when young splitting into long plates that curve outwar free at both en s when ol er
Twigs Re ish-brown very stout tough an har to break Soli pith
Buds Dark brown long-pointe approximately frac12 inch or more wi e Scales remaining over winter
Leaves Alternate compoun 4-6 inches long 5 (rarely 7) leaflets with the 3 upper leaflets much larger an longer than the lower terminal leaflet Slightly toothe with a tuft of hair on each tooth
Flower Male an female flowers occur on same tree Male flowers are 3-branche catkins female flowers are in short spikes
Floweri g Period Early spring before leaf-out
Fruit Thick globe-like husks split away when ripe Nut with 4 angles whitish brown shell thick sweet kernel
SILVER MAPLE Ac r saccharinium
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 80 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray (like beech) in young trees breaking into long thin scaly plates curving away at en s when ol er
Twigs V-shape point upwar at tip rooping Orange-brown to re Ba o or when bruise
Buds Terminal bu small blunt re
Leaves Opposite simple approximately 5 inches wi e Deeply cleft 5-lobe sharply toothe Green above silver-white beneath Very silvery un er water Downy beneath when young Pale yellow in autumn
Flower Small re or greenish yellow No petals occurring long before the leaves Some trees have only male flowers
Floweri g Period February through May before leaf-out
Fruit Occurring in late spring The see germinates at once flattene winge fruit the largest of the native maples up to 2 inches long
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 81
SWAMP WHITE OAK Qu rcus bicolor
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 70 feet tall
Bark Flaky light grayish-brown peeling in ragge papery scales Furrowe at base of tree in long flat scaly ri ges
Twigs Slen er to stout straw-brown to yellow-green Bark peels from twig (only oak where this occurs)
Buds Small roun terminal bu s orange-brown blunt-pointe smooth Lateral bu s small an crow e
Leaves Alternate simple oval light-green above with hairs beneath wi est above the mi le strongly tapere towar the we ge-shape base Margin shallowly lobe Yellow or brown in autumn
Flower Male an female flowers occur separately on the same tree the male in catkins the female in short spikes
Fruit Oval light-brown nut approximately 1 inch long enclose for about frac12 its length by a cap Occurring singly or often in pairs at the en of a short stalk Some of the cups usually persist in winter
SYCAMOREPLANETREEBUTTONBALL Platanus occid ntalis
Status Native
Habitat Floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Creamy white on young branches turning re -brown-gray then breaking in large thin plates exposing whitish inner bark giving a white-washe appearance
Twigs Slen er smooth yellow-brown slightly zigzag swollen at joints
Buds No terminal bu Lateral bu s long conical resinous shiny ark re -brown covere by a single cap-like scale Pointing outwar enclose by bases of leaf stalks until the leaves fall
Leaves Alternate simple large with 3-5 pointe lobes maple-like pubescent beneath when young with long pointe teeth
Flower Small inconspicuous Male an female flowers occur separately in roun hea s on the same tree
Floweri g Period April through June
Fruit Large roun balls approximately frac14 inch long an 1 inch wi e with bristly hairs at base containing many see s Occurring singly on long stalks Remains on tree until spring
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 82
TAMARACHLARCH Larix laricina
Status Native
Habitat Bogs foreste wetlan s wet peaty soils
Height Up to 80 feet tall
Bark Thin re ish brown scaly Young branches grayish or pale orange-brown
Twigs Smooth brownish many leaf scars
Buds Dark re ish-brown roun resinous
Leaves Deci uous nee les pale blueish-green approximately 1 inch long flexible triangular Yellow in autumn before ropping off
Flower Occur separately as small cones on the same tree Male flowers are yellow Female flowers are rose re both appearing in March through April
Fruit Small oval cones frac12 to frac34 inch wi e with 20 scales Cone scales concave smooth often shining longer than broa chestnut brown smooth on the outsi e
WHITE ASH Fraxinus am ricana
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s valleys slopes foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Light or ark gray Smooth when young groove when ol er Longitu inal ri ges forming iamon -shape patterns separate by narrow interlacing ri ges
Twigs Opposite light greenish-brown with small white lenticles an a slight bloom Soli pith
Buds Roun e rusty to ark-brown rough hairy First pair of lateral bu s at the same level irectly below the terminal
Leaves Opposite pinnately compoun stalke oval to lanceolate 8 to 12 inches long with 5 to 9 leaflets (mostly 7) Smooth or slightly wavy-toothe Yellowish to maroon in the autumn
Flowers Small inconspicuous male an female flowers occur on separate trees appearing with the leaves Purplish in crow e clusters
Floweri g Period April through May before leaf-out
Fruit Cylin rical light-brown enclosing a see an a flattene elongate wing 2-3 times long as the bo y 1-2 inches wi e in rooping clusters
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 83
WHITE OAK Qu rcus alba
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s a jacent slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 90 feet tall
Bark Gray thin on young trees an flaky irregularly-plate or groove when ol er
Twigs Purplish-gray to greenish-re mo erately stout smooth
Buds Blunt smooth brownish at tips of twigs in clusters
Leaves Alternate simple 4-10 prominent roun e lobes variable in epth Re ish to violet in autumn Brown ea leaves remain on tree in winter
Flowers Both sexes occur on the same tree Male flowers in clusters of hanging bea s Female flowers are few in angles of new leaves Greenish yellowish or re ish
Fruit Maturing in one season Acorn cup with wart-like scales Cup shorter than nut Sweet an e ible
WHITE SPRUCE Pic a glauca
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s a jacent slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 70 feet tall
Bark Thin scaly grayish-brown silvery on freshly expose areas
Twigs Pale gray to yellow-brown no hairs or fuzz
Buds Oval ragge brown smooth
Leaves frac12 to 1 inch blueish-green slight-bloom pungent o or when crushe sharp line of white ots in each groove Ten ency to mass towar the upper si e of the twig
Flowers Occur separately as small cones on the same tree Male flowers are yellowish re Female flowers are greenish re purplish
Co e Cylin rical 2 inches long Immature cones have thin scales an are soft an flexible Mature cones are light chestnut brown
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 84
YELLOW BIRCH B tula l nta
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains ravines cool rich woo s of higher elevations
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Peeling in thin ribbon-like strips when young that roll back in curls Shiny yellow or silvery gray rough an platy when ol er
Twigs Stout bronze or bright-brown shiny Smooth or sparsely hairy Wintergreen o or an taste
Buds Sharp re ish-brown oppresse terminal bu absent oval with chestnut-brown scales
Leaves Alternate simple long oval sharply ouble-toothe Dull an ark-green above lighter beneath with slight hairs in veins base roun e to near heart-shape up to 5 inches long
Flower Male an female flowers in separate catkins on the same tree Male catkins present in winter Male flowers are yellow small narrow in a rooping catkin at branch tips Female flowers are green an in broa er upright catkins place back from the tip that matures into a brown cone
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Catkins roun e roun scales somewhat hairy erect on twig frac34 inch long persist into winter
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 85
Appendix A Other Helpful Field Guides
The Boo of Swamp and Bog Trees Shrubs and Wildflowers of Eastern Freshwater Wetlands by John Eastman 1995 Stackpole Books ISBN 0-8117-2518-9
A Field Guide to Coastal Wetland Plants of the Northeastern United States by Ralph W Tiner Jr 1987 University of Massachusetts Press ISBN 0-870-23538-9
Freshwater Wetlands - A Guide to Common Indicator Plants of the Northeast by Dennis W Magee 1981 University of Massachusetts Press ISBN 0-87023-317-3
Northeastern Wetland Flora Field Office Guide to Plant Species by USDA ndash NRCSNortheastern National Technical Center Chester Pennsylvania
Plants in Wetlands A Redington Field Guide to Biological Interactions by Charles B Re ington 1994 Ken allHunt Publishing Company ISBN 0-84038-983-3
Pond and Broo by Michael J Ca uto 1990 ISBN 0-87451-509-1
Pond Life A Golden Guide by George K Rei 1987 Gol en Books ISBN 0-30724-017-7
Through The Loo ing Glass by Susan Borman Robert Korth Jo Temte 19971999 Wisconsin Lakes Partnership ISBN 0-93231-032-X
Wetland Planting Guide for Northeast United States by Gwen olyn A Thunhorst 1993 Environmental Concern Inc ISBN 1-88322-602-3
Wetlands - National Audubon Society Nature Guides by William A Niering 1985 Alfre A Knopf New York ISBN 0-39473-147-6
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 86
Appendix B Glossary of Terms
Alternate Leaves arising singly along the stem not in pairs or whorls
Annual Living or growing for only one year or season
Axil The angle where two structures join for example where a leaf joins the stem
Axillary Occurring in or growing from an axil
Basal Locate at or arising from the base of a plant or a plant part
Berry A small juicy fleshy fruit containing one to many see s
Capsule A ry fruit containing two to many see s an opening by valves slits or pores
Cat in Scaly spike of inconspicuous flowers lacking petals
Ciliate Bearing margine hairs
Clasping Leaves that partially encircle the stem at the base
Compound (Leaf) Divi e into two or more istinct separate parts (leaflets)
Cone A har woo y globose to cylin ric arrangement of bracts or scales in the axils of which the repro uctive structures are foun
Deciduous Falling from the plant after maturity each year
Elliptic Broa est at the mi le gra ually tapering to both en s
Emergent Roote in shallow water with most of the plant growing above the surface
Emersed Raise out of the water as in the flowers or fruits of some floating plants
Entire (Leaf) Having a continuoussmooth margin unbroken by toothing or ivisions
Evergreen Remaining green throughout the winter
Fibrous Referring to a cluster of slen er roots all with the same iameter
Frond The leaf of a fern
Furrowed Groove
Glabrous Without hairs or scales
Globose Shape like a globe roun
Head A group of flowers tightly crowne together in a more or less roun e structure
Herbaceous A plant that ies back to the groun at the en of the growing season or a plant part that is leaf-like in color an texture
Inflorescence The entire flower cluster
Lanceolate Lance-shape broa est near the base gra ually tapering to the narrower apex
Leaflet One of the segments of a compoun leaf
Lenticels The small corky pores or narrow lines on the surface of stems of woo y plants that allow the interchange of gases between the interior tissue an surroun ing air A small opening in a stem
Lip The upper an lower parts of certain tubular flowers
Lobe The in ente part of a leaf or flower not ivi e into istinct an separate parts but still interconnecte to similar parts of the leaf or flower
MidribMidvein The central or main vein of a leaf
Native A species that originate in a certain place or region in igenous
Node The place on the stem where leaves or branches are attache
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 87
Non-Native Not originating in a certain geographic location than where they are foun
Nut A har ry one-see e fruit not opening at maturity
Nutlet A small nut
Oblong Broa est at the mi le an tapering to both en s but broa er than elliptic
Opposite Leaves arising in pairs on either si e of a stem
Oval Broa ly elliptic
Ovate Broa ly roun e at the base becoming narrowe above
Palmate Having three or more veins lobes or leaflets arising from one point
Panicle A compoun loosely branche flower cluster
Parallel Veined Having veins all parallel as oppose to in a network
Perennial Living for two or more years
Petal One segment of the series of floral leaves lying just insi e the sepals often the most conspicuous
Petiole The stalk-like part of the leaf attaching it to the stem
Pinnate Divi e once along an elongate axis into istinct segments
Pith The soft tissue at the center of a plantrsquos stem it may be soli or hollow at maturity
Pod A fruiting structure containing the mature see s
Pubescent Covere in fine short hairs
Recurved Curving ownwar
Rhizome A horizontal usually un ergroun stem that often sen s out roots an shoots from its no es
Ribbed Bearing ri ges
Root The escen ing axis of the plant usually growing in an opposite irection from the stem
Samara A winge fruit
Scale A mo ifie leaf or thin flattene structure
Sepal One segment of the outer series of floral leaves often green in color but occasionally of a ifferent color an petal-like
Serrate With sharp forwar -pointing teeth on the margin
Sessile Without a stalk
Sheath The base of a leaf that encircles the stem
Simple (Leaf) A leaf compose of a single bla e
Smooth Not rough to the touch
Spi e An elongate cluster of sessile flowers
Shrub A woo y plant smaller than a tree with several stems or trunks arising from a single base a bush
Simple Leaf A leaf with a single bla e
Succulent Juicy an fleshy
Tendril A evice usually coile that enables some vines to climb
Toothed With teeth along the margin
Tuber A thickene part of an un ergroun root or rhizome serving for foo storage an often for propagation
Whorled (Leaf) Arrange in a group of three or more leaves branches or pe icles at the no e on the stem
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 88
Appendix C Leaf Shapes amp Arrangements
Peterson Lee Allen ldquoA Fie d Guide to Edib e Wi d P ants of Eastern and Centra North Americardquo Houghton Mifflin Company 1977
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 89
Appendix D Native ShorelandRiparian Buffer Plantings for New Hampshire
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 90
Native ShorelandRiparian Buffer Plantings for New Hampshire The p otected sho eland is the a ea of land that exists between the efe ence line of a wate body and 250 feet f om the efe ence line
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees
Ame ican Basswood (Ame ican Linden)
Tilia am ricana Medium-La ge 60-100rsquo
Mode ate Deep FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Rich woods valleys gentle slopes
Wildlife Pileated woodpecke wood duck othe bi ds dee abbit squi el
Food Seeds twigs
Ame ican Beech Fagus grandifolia Medium-La ge 60-90rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Rich woods well-d ained lowlands
Wildlife Blue jay chickadees nuthatches quail uffed g ouse tufted titmouse wild tu key wood duck woodpecke s bea chipmunk dee fox po cupine snowshoe ha e squi el
Food Nuts buds sap
Ame ican Hopho nbeam (I onwood)
Ostrya virginiana Small 20-40rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Rich woods Wildlife Downy woodpecke mockingbi d pu ple finch ing-necked pheasant ose-b easted g osbeak uffed g ouse wild tu key wood quail dee abbit squi el
Food Nuts buds seeds
Ame ican Ho nbeam (Blue BeechMusclewood)
Carpinus caroliniana
SmallSh ubby 20-40rsquo
Slow Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods fo ested wetlands avines st eambanks
Wildlife Quail uffed g ouse wood duck beave dee squi el
Food Seeds buds
Ame ican Mountain Ash
Sorbus am ricana Small Up to 25rsquo
Fast Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full-Sun
D y Moist Fo ested wetlands ich woods Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe catbi d ceda waxwing g osbeak mockingbi d obin th ushes wild tu key bea
Food F uit twigs
Balsam Fi Abi s balsam a Small-Medium 40-60rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands st eambanks ich woods
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse songbi ds small mammals moose
Food Seeds
Balsam Popla Populus balsam a Medium 60-80rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun Moist Floodplains ive banks st eambanks valleys
Wildlife Beave dee mouse snowshoe ha e
Food Buds catkins twigs foliage
Big-Toothed Aspen Populus grandid ntata
Small-Medium 30-60rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Sandy upland soils floodplain st eams with quaking aspen
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee evening g osbeak pu ple finch uffed g ouse yellow-bellied sapsucke dee
Food Buds catkins ba k twigs and foliage
Black Ash Fraxinus nigra Medium 60-80rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands st eambanks Wildlife Songbi ds wood duck dee moose small mammals
Food F uit twigs young leaves
Black Bi ch (Sweet Bi ch)
B tula l nta Medium 40-60rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade
Page 1
Moist Cool moist uplands ich woods
Wildlife G ouse dee abbit
Food Buds catkins seeds
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees (Continued)
Black Che y Prunus s rotina Medium 40-60rsquo
Mode ate Deep Tap oot
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Rich woods on many sites except ve y d y soils
Wildlife Bluebi d blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing common c ow easte n kingbi d evening g osbeak mockingbi d no the n flicke no the n o iole obin uffed g ouse spa ows th ushes vee y vi eo yellow-bellied sapsucke bea chipmunk dee fox accoon squi el
Food Be ies buds sap
Black Gum (Tupelo)
Nyssa sylvatica Medium 50-60
Slow No Info mation Available
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Fo ested wetlands floodplains Wildlife Bluebi d ca dinal catbi d chickadee c ow finches malla ds obin uby-th oated hummingbi d uffed g ouse vi eo wild tu key woodpecke s wood duck honeybees bea chipmunk dee opossum squi el
Food Seeds sap necta
Black Sp uce Pic a mariana Small Up to 25rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs fo ested wetlands lake and pond sho es
Wildlife Songbi ds uffed g ouse sp uce g ouse chipmunk cottontail dee po cupine squi el
Food Seeds twigs necta ba k
Black Willow Salix nigra Small-Medium Up to 50rsquo
Ve y Fast Ve y Shallow
Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands lowlands floodplains
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Buds catkins
Box Elde Ac r n gundo Medium 40-70rsquo
Ve y Fast Deep Late al
Full Sun D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands lowlands floodplains
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Seeds
Easte n Cottonwood Populus d ltoid s Medium-La ge 80-100rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Floodplains st eambanks valleys
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse
Food Catkins
Easte n Hemlock Tsuga canad nsis Medium-La ge 80-100rsquo
Mode ate Shallow Late al
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Acidic Cool moist uplands avines ock outc ops st eambanks
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee blue and g een wa ble s c ossbill hawks juncos pine siskin uffed g ouse vee y wild tu key dee chipmunk cottontail po cupine squi el white-footed mouse
Food Twigs foliage seeds
Easte n White Pine Pinus strobus La ge 70-120rsquo
Mode ate Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Well-D ained
Fo ested wetlands bogs avines cool shady no th slopes
Wildlife B own c eepe chickadee c ossbill g osbeak junco nuthatch pine wa ble spa ows sp uce g ouse wild tu key woodpecke s beave chipmunk dee snowshoe ha e squi el
Food Seeds foliage twigs excellent winte food
G ay Bi ch (Wi e Bi ch)
B tula populifolia Small 20-35rsquo
Fast Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Pionee Species poo est of ste ile soils sandy o g avelly slopes
Wildlife Ame ican goldfinch blue jay chickadee no the n junco pine siskin ed-tailed hawk uffed g ouse spa ows vi eo yellow-bellied sapsucke woodpecke s snowshoe ha e
Food Seeds buds
Page 2
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees (Continued)
G een Ash Fraxinus p nnsylvanica
Medium-La ge 60-80rsquo
Fast Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks neve on d y soils
Wildlife Ca dinal finches evening g osbeak mou ning dove ed-winged blackbi d wood duck beave chipmunk dee po cupine squi el
Food Seeds foliage
No the n White Ceda (A bo vitae)
Thuja occid ntalis Medium 30-60rsquo
Slow to Mode ate
Shallow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs wetlands ich woods Wildlife Songbi ds small mammals dee
Food Seeds needles
QuakingT embling Aspen (Popla )
Populus tr muloid s
Small-Medium 30-60rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Pionee Species d y open woods sandy o g avelly slopes
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse beave dee po cupine snowshoe ha e
Food Buds catkins ba k twigs and foliage
Red Maple Ac r rubrum Medium 40-75rsquo
Mode ate to Fast
Ve y Shallow
Full Sun D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands st eambanks lakesho es ich woods
Wildlife Ca dinal chickadee evening and pine g osbeaks finches obin yellow-bellied sapsucke beave chipmunk dee opossum squi el snowshoe ha e
Food Seeds buds ba k twigs sap
Red Oak Qu rcus rubra Medium 60-90rsquo
Mode ate Deep Late al
FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Bottomlands moist slopes Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe ducks hawks quail nuthatch uffed g ouse towhee wild tu key woodpecke bea chipmunk dee gophe opossum accoon squi el
Food Aco ns
Shagba k Hicko y Carya ovata La ge 70-100rsquo
Fast Deep Tap oot
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Rich woods valleys upland slopes
Wildlife Ca dinal field spa ows pine wa ble ose-b easted g osbeak ufous-sided towhee white-b easted nuthatch wild tu key wood duck yellow- umped wa ble chipmunks squi els
Food Nuts
Silve Maple Ac r sacharinium Medium 60-80rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands ive banks floodplains st eambanks
Wildlife Ca dinal goldfinch evening and pine g osbeaks no the n o iole
Food Seeds buds
St iped Maple (Moosewood Moose Maple)
Ac rp nsylvanicum SmallSh ubby 20-30rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t-Shade Moist Rich woods cool moist sites Wildlife Ruffed g ouse beave dee moose po cupine abbit
Food Buds ba k sama as
Suga Maple Ac r saccharum Medium-La ge 60-100rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Valleys and uplands tole ates almost all soil types
Wildlife Ca dinal goldfinch g osbeak ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse vi eo beave chipmunk po cupine B owse fo dee abbit snowshoe ha e
Food Seeds twigs ba k
Page 3
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees (Continued)
Swamp White Oak Qu rcus bicolor Medium 60-70rsquo
Fast No Info mation Available
FullPa t Shade Moist Fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks
Wildlife Ba ed owl blue jay ca dinal b own th ashe g ouse malla ds nuthatch quail ed-bellied woodpecke ed-tailed hawk uffed g ouse sta ling towhee wild tu key yellow-th oated wable w en beave chipmunk cottontail dee gophe opossum accoon squi el white-footed mouse wild tu key
Food Aco ns
Sweet Gum Liquidambar styraciflua
Medium-La ge 60-100rsquo
Mode ate No Info mation Available
Full Sun Moist Valleys Lowe slopes mixed woodlands
Wildlife Mou ning dove finches junco w en beave chipmunk squi el
Food Seeds
Sycamo e (Planet eeButtonwood)
Platanus occid ntalis
La ge 80-100rsquo
Slow No Info mation Available
FullPa t Shade o Full-Sun
D y o Moist Floodplains lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Finches chipmunk squi el
Food Seeds
Tama ack (Ame icanEaste n La ch)
Larix laricina Small-Medium 40-80rsquo
Va iable Mode ate Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs swamps wet peaty soils d ie upland loamy soils
Wildlife Blue jay kinglets pheasant ed c ossbill obin uffed g ouse sp uce g ouse yellow-bellied sapsucke chipmunk dee po cupine ed squi el snowshoe ha e
Food Needles twigs inne ba k seeds
White Ash Fraxinus am ricana
Medium-La ge 70-100rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods valleys slopes fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks
Wildlife Finches g osbeaks ed-winged blackbi d wood duck dee squi el
Food Seeds foliage
White Bi ch (Pape Bi ch)
B tula papyrif ra Medium 50-75rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Fo ested wetlands ich woods Wildlife G ouse siskins
Food Seeds buds
White Oak Qu rcus alba Medium-La ge 50-90rsquo
Mode ate Deep FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Deep ich well-d ained
St eambanks lakesho es gentle slopes adapts to almost any condition
Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe nuthatch quail uffed g ouse towhee wild tu key wood duck woodpecke chipmunk bea dee gophe opossum accoon squi el
Food Aco ns
White Sp uce Pic a glauca Medium 40-70rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist St eambanks lakesho es ich woods adjacent slopes
Wildlife Fishe s ma tens snowshoe ha e voles
Food Seeds
Yellow Bi ch (Sweet Bi ch)
B tula all ghani nsis
Medium-La ge 70-100rsquo
Slow Shallow Mode ate
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Fo ested wetlands floodplains avines cool ich woods of high elevations
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee common edpoll goldfinch pine siskins ed-shoulde ed hawk ing-necked pheasant uffed g ouse wild tu key wood duck yellow-bellied sapsucke beave chipmunk dee po cupine squi el snowshow ha e
Food Catkins buds ba k twigs foliage seeds
Page 4
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs
Ame ican Hazelnut Corylus am ricana Medium 5-10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Bo de s of woods hillsides thickets
Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe ceda waxwing hai y woodpecke ing-necked pheasant uffed g ouse chipmunk dee abbit squi el
Food Nuts be ies foliage
Beaked Hazelnut Corylus cornuta Small 6-10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y D y places Wildlife Bi ds mammals
Food Beaked nuts
Black Chokebe y Aronia m loncarpa
Medium Up to 10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Ceda waxwing chickadees uffed g ouse sha p-tailed g ouse dee abbit squi el
Food Be ies buds
Buttonbush C phalanthus occid ntalis
Medium 6-12rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
St eambanks lakesho es ponds sh ub and fo ested wetlands
Wildlife Ducks ails uby-th oated hummingbi d beave dee musk at butte flies honeybees and othe insects
Food F uit twigs leaves seeds necta
Chokeche y Prunus virginiana Small 3-6rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist With Aspen d y soils Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe catbi d c ow easte n kingbi d evening g osbeak o ioles pileated woodpecke ing-necked pheasant obin ose g osbeak uffed g ouse th ushes yellow-bellied sapsucke abbit squi el
Food Be ies buds foliage
Elde be y Sambucus canad nsis
Small-Medium 3-12rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods sh ub and fo ested wetlands ma shes
Wildlife Bluebi ds blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d g osbeak indigo bunting pileated woodpecke inged-neck pheasant obin ose-b easted g osbeak uffed g ouse th ushes wild tu key woodpecke chipmunk dee abbit squi el
Food Be ies necta twigs bugs
G ay Dogwood (Red-Panicle Dogwood)
Cornus rac mosa Medium 10-15rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Roadsides thickets wetlands Wildlife Blue jay ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing easte n kingbi d finch flycatche g osbeak hai y woodpecke no the n flicke phoebe pileated woodpecke pine g osbeak pine wa ble ed-bellied woodpecke ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse sta ling swamp spa ow tufted titmouse vee y vi eo wild tu key wood duck wood th ush woodcock yellow-bellied sapsucke chipmunk dee ed fox abbit squi el
Food Be ies twigs
Highbush Bluebe y Vaccinium corymbosum
Medium 5-15rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Baltimo e o iole bluebi d blue jay ca dinal chickadee g ay catbi d kingbi d o ioles phoebe ed-bellied woodpecke ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse ufos-sided towhee sca let tanage tufted titmouse vee y wild tu key woodpecke s wood th ush black bee chipmunk dee musk at abbit squi el white-footed mouse
Food Be ies foliage twigs buds
Hobblebush Viburnum alnifolium
Medium Up to 10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Cool moist avines shady lakesho es
Wildlife B own th ashe ca dinal ceda waxwing evening g osbeak obin
Food F uit
Page 5
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs (Continued)
Junipe Junip rus communis
Small 1-4rsquo
Slow Full Sun D y D y open land Wildlife Ceda waxwing finches g osbeaks g ouse pheasant obin dee abbit moose
Food Twigs foliage f uit
Lowbush Bluebe y Vaccinium angustifolium
1-2rsquo Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Bogs d y sandy flats ocky slopes
Wildlife Blue jay g ouse kingbi d o iole obin tanage s woodpecke s squi el
Food Be ies foliage twigs
Malebe y Lyonia ligustris Up to 10rsquo Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods gentle slopes
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food F uit
Mapleleaf Vibu num Viburnum ac rifolium
Small 3-6rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Rich woods Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food F uit
Mountain Lau el Kalmia latifolia Up to 20rsquo Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Mixed uplands acid soils Wildlife Ruffed g ouse dee
Food Foliage buds twigs necta
Nannybe y Viburnum l ntago Medium-La ge 10-25rsquo
Mode ate FallPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Rich woods Wildlife Songbi ds mammals
Food Be ies
No the n A owwood Viburnum r cognitum
Medium 10-15rsquo
Mode ate FallPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse songbi ds bea chipmunks accoon squi el skunk white-footed mouse
Food Be ies
No the n Wild Raisin (Withe od Vibu num)
Viburnum nudum varcassinoid s
Medium 6-10
Mode ate FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands valleys slopes st eambanks
Wildlife B own th ashe ceda waxwing flycatche uffed g ouse vee y woodcock yellow-wa ble chipmunk dee musk at squi el snowshoe ha e
Food Ba k twigs buds
Pussy Willow Salix discolor Medium-La ge Up to 15rsquo
Fast Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks lakesho es
Wildlife Ame ican goldfinch uffed g ouse beave ha e abbits squi el
Food Buds catkins twigs ba k
Raspbe y Rubus ida us Small Up to 6rsquo
Fast FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Thickets edges of woods Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food F uits
Red Osie Dogwood Cornus stolonif ra Small-Medium 4-8rsquo
Fast FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods st eambanks lakesho es
Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing downy woodpecke easte n kingbi d finches no the n flicke pine wa ble pu ple finch inged-neck pheasant uffed g ouse vi eo wild tu key woodpecke s wood duck chipmunk dee abbit squi el
Food Be ies twigs
Rhodo a Rhodod ndron canad ns
Small 3-4rsquo
Slow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs slopes ocky summits Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Leaves
Page 6
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs (Continued)
Shadbush (Se vicebe yJunebe y)
Am lanchi r spp La ge 15-25rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks ich woods
Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing g ay catbi d junco o ioles ed squi el obin uffed g ouse sca let tanage th ushes vee y woodpecke s beave dee ed squi el skunk
Food Be ies twigs
Silky Dogwood Cornus amomum Medium 6-10rsquo
Fast FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks
Wildlife Baltimo e o iole black-capped chickadee blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing downy woodpecke easte n kingbi d flycatche mockingbi d no the n flicke pine wa ble pu ple finch ed-bellied woodpecke inged-necl pheasant obin ose-b easted g osbeak uffed g ouse song spa ow sta lings tufted-titmouse wild tu key wood duck wood th ush vee y chipmunk dee abbit accoon skunk squi el white-footed mouse
Food Be ies buds twigs
Speckled Alde Alnus rugosa La ge 15-25rsquo
Fast Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks lakesho es
Wildlife Alde flycatche catbi d goldfinch malla ds pheasant pine siskin ed-winged blackbi d uffed g ouse swamp spa ow yellow-bellied flycatche woodcock bea beave dee cottontail moose musk at snowshoe ha e
Food Buds twigs ba k leaves
Spicebush Lind ra b nzoin Small-La ge 6-17rsquo
Mode ate Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Catbi d kingbi d pheasant quail obin uffed g ouse vee y vi eo wood th ush swallowtail butte flies dee musk at
Food F uit buds twigs leaves
Swamp Azalea Rhodod ndron viscosum
Up to 5rsquo Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Hummingbi d butte flies and othe insects dee
Food Leaves necta
Swamp Blackbe y Rubus hispidus Small Up to 6rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal ceda waxwing g ackle g ay catbi d g osbeak mockingbi d o iole tanage ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse ufus-sided th ushes towhee vee y wild tu key woodcock woodpecke s wood th ush chipmunk cottontail dee accoon skunk squi el
Food F uit canes
Sweet Gale Myrica gal Small 1-4rsquo
Slow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee catbi d common yellowth oat phoebe pied-billed g ebe uffed g ouse t ee swallow tufted titmouse wild tu key dee musk at
Food Buds leaves
Sweet Peppe bush Cl thra alnifolia Medium 3-10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Butte flies and othe insects
Food F uit seeds necta
Winte be y Holly (Black Alde )
Il x v rticillata Medium 6-10rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eamabanks
Wildlife Ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing chickadees finches flicke s uffed g ouse th ushes vi eo woodpecke s bea cottontail dee moose skunk white-footed mouse
Food Be ies twigs leaves
Page 7
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs (Continued)
Witch Hazel Hammam lis virginiana
La ge 20-30rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist D y o ich woods Wildlife Ca dinal ing-necked pheasant uffed g ouse wild tu key dee squi els
Food Seeds buds twigs ba k
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
GroundcoverHerbaceous Perennials
Boneset Eupatorium p rfoliatum
4-6rsquo Full Sun D y o Moist Wet meadows ma shes pond edges
Wildlife Malla ds uffed g ouse swamp spa ow wild tu key butte flies and othe insects
Food Necta
Blue Flag I is Iris v rsicolor 2-3rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Ma shes lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Blue-winged teal uby-th oated hummingbi d wood duck butte flies and othe insects musk at
Food Necta shoots
Bunchbe y Cornus canad nsis 3-8rdquo FullPa t Shade Moist Cool moist woods Wildlife Sha p-tailed g ouse sp uce-g ouse moose
Food F uit buds
Ca dinal Flowe Lob lia cardinalis 2-4rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Damp sites st eambanks Wildlife Ruby-th oated hummingbi ds butte flies and othe insects bea dee
Food Necta
Cattail (B oad-Leaf) Typha latifolia Up to 10rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Ma shes lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Blue-winged teal black-c owned night he on ed-winged blackbi d king ail least and Ame ican bitte n malla ds ma sh w en swamp spa ow Vi ginia ail chipmunk dee musk at
Food Seed heads
Ch istmas Fe n Polystichium acrostichoid s
Up to 1rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Rich woods Wildlife Ruffed g ouse box tu tle chipmunk abbit
Food F onds filldeheads
Cinnamon Fe n Osmunda cinnamom a
Up to 3rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife B own th ashe uby-th oated hummingbi d uffed g ouse yellow th oat chipmunk dee white-footed mouse vole
Food F onds filldeheads
Foamflowe Tiar lla cordifolia Up to 1rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Rich woods Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Leaves
Golden od (Rough o G ass-Leaved)
Solidago spp 1-5rsquo Full Sun D y o Moist Wet meadows ma shes damp swales
Wildlife Goldfinch junco uffed g ouse swamp spa ow butte flies and othe insects cottontail meadow mice
Food Seeds necta
Page 8
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
GroundcoverHerbaceous Perennials (Continued)
Hay-Scented Fe n D nnsta dtia punctiloula
Up to 2rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Woodlands hillside pastu es Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds filldeheads
Inte upted Fe n Osmunda punctiloula
3-4rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Woodland edges stony d y soil Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds filldeheads
Jewelweed (Spotted-Touch-Me-Not)
Impati ns cap nsis 2-5rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks
Wildlife Ring-necked pheasant uffed g ouse uby-th oated hummingbi d vee y butte flies and othe insects white-footed mouse
Food Necta seeds
Joe Pye Weed Eupatorium purpur um
2-6rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Wet meadows ma shes sho es Wildlife Ruby-th oated hummingbi d swamp spa ow butte flies and othe insects cottontail musk at accoon
Food Necta
New England Aste Ast r nova -anglia
Up to 5rsquo Full Sun D y o Moist Wet meadows wetlands Wildlife Songbi ds butte flies and othe insects Food Necta seeds
Ost ich Fe n Pt r tis p nsylvanica
Up to 6rsquo FullPa t Shade Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds fiddleheads
Pa t idgebe y Mitch lla r p ns Up to 1rsquo FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Rich woods Wildlife G ouse mammals
Food Be ies
Rattlesnake Manna G ass
Glyc ria canad nsis
Up to 3rsquo Full Sun Moist Ma shes bogs fo ested wetlands lakesho es
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Seeds
Rice Cutg ass L rsia oryzoid s Up to 5rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
P ima ily f esh ma shes Wildlife Dee musk at moose
Food Seeds foliage
Rive bank G ape (Vine) Vistis riparia Up to 25rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist St eambanks Wildlife Pileated woodpecke uffed g ouse wild tu key wood duck va ious mammals
Food F uit
Royal Fe n Osmunda r galis Up to 5rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds fiddleheads
Sensitive Fe n Onocl a s nsibilis Up to 3rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Black-capped chickadee uffed g ouse bea dee
Food Buds foliage
Sheep Lau el Kalmia angustifolia
Up to 4rsquo FallPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo est wetlands fieldspastu es
Poisonous to livestock
Swamp Milkweed Ascl pias incarnata
Up to 2rsquo FallPa t Shade Moist Wet meadows wetlands thickets sho es
Wildlife Black duck malla ds ed-winged blackbi d uby-th oated hummingbi d Mona ch butte fly othe butte flies and insects musk at Food Necta seeds
Page 9
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
GroundcoverHerbaceous Perennials (Continued)
Sweet Fe n Componia p rigrina
1-3rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Open d y sandy soils and pastu es
Wildlife Flicke s sha p-tailed g ouse dee moose
Food F uit
Tall Meadow Rue Thalictrum polyganum
2-8rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Wetlands wet meadows st eamsides
Wildlife Bees butte flies
Food Necta
Tussock Sedge Car x stricta Up to 4rdquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Ma shes ich woods Wildlife Finches uffed g ouse snipe spa ows dee
Food Seeds foliage
Twinflowe Linna a bor alis Up to 6rdquo FullPa t Shade Moist Rich woods Wildlife Mammals
Food Foliage
Vi ginia C eepe (Vine) Parth nocissus quinqu folia
Up to 25rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Woods ocky banks Wildlife Bluebi d g eat-c ested flycatche ed-eyes vi eo pileated woodpecke
Food Be ies
Who led Loosest ife Lysimachia quadrifolia
Up to 4rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist D y o moist open woods thickets
Wildlife Mammals
Food Foliage
Wild Sa sapa illa Aralia nudicanlis 8-15rdquo FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Upland woods Wildlife Mammals
Food Foliage seeds be ies
Winte g een (Teabe yChecke be y)
Gaulth ria procumb ns
Up to 4rdquo Full Sun D y Oak woods sandy soils Wildlife Pa t idge uffed g ouse songbi ds chipmunk dee moose
Food F uit foliage
References
Baldwin Hen y Ives ldquoFor st L av s How to Id ntify Tr s and Shrubs of North rn N w Englandrdquo Pete E Randall Publishe 1993
Connecticut Rive Joint Commission ldquoRiparian Buff rs for th Conn cticut Riv r Wat rsh drdquo 2000 httpwwwc jco gpdffilesPlant20listspdf
Ha low William M ldquoTr s of th East rn and C ntral Unit d Stat s and Canadardquo Dove Publications 1942
New Hampshi e Depa tment of Envi onmental Se vices Th Critical Edg Appendix D 1998
New Hampshi e Depa tment of Resou ces and Economic Development Division of Fo ests and Lands State Fo est Nu su y ldquoWildlif Cons rvation Sp ci s D scriptionsrdquo 2001
Nie ing William A ldquoNational Audubon Soci ty Natur Guid s W tlandsrdquo Chanticlee P ess Inc 1997
Redington Cha les B ldquoPlants in W tland Fi ld Guid to Biological Int ractionssrdquo KendallHunt Publishing Company 1994
Sutton Ann and My on ldquoNational Audubon Soci ty Natur Guid s East rn For stsrdquo Alf ed A Knopf Inc 1997
Unive sity of New Hampshi e Coope ative Extension ldquoTr s and Shrubs in N w Hampshir A Guid book for Natural B auty Proj ctsrdquo Bulletin 163
Unive sity of New Hampshi e Coope ative Extension ldquoN w Hampshir rsquos Nativ Tr s Shrubs and Vin s with Wildlif Valu rdquo
Compiled by
Jen D ociak New Hampshi e Depa tment of Envi onmental Se vices Wate Division Wate shed Management Bu eau
Ma ch 2006
Page 10
A Fiel Gui e to Common Riparian
Plants of New Hampshire 1
A Fiel Gui e to Common Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 1
Acknowledgements
All specimen scans and habitat photos by Jen Drociak unless otherwise noted
Layout and design by Jen Drociak
A very special thank-you to Pat Gruttemeyer Amy Smagula and Michele Tremblay for their editorial assistance and to Amy Smagula and Jody Connor for their content contribution
Dedicated to Gordon Russell Director Emeritus Piscataquog Watershed Association who guided me on my first plant identification survey along the banks of the Piscataqoug River in 1997
References
Borman Susan Korth Robert Temte Jo Through the Looking Glass A Field Guide to Aquatic Plants Wisconsin Lake Partnership 1999
Magee Dennis W Freshwater Wetlands A Guide to Common Indicator Plants of the Northeast University of Massachusetts Press 1981
New Hampshire Department of Agriculture Markets amp Food and New Hampshire Invasive Species Committee Guide to Invasive Upland Plant Species in New Hampshire NH Department of Agriculture Markets amp Food 2005
Niering William A National Audubon Society Nature Guides Wetlands Chanticleer Press Inc 1997
New England Wildflower Society Field Manual of Invasive Plants of the Northeast 200
Northeastern Wetland Flora Field Office Guide to Plant Species USDA ndash NRCSNortheastern National Technical Center Chester Pennsylvania
Peterson Lee Allen A Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants of Eastern and Central North America Houghton Mifflin Company 1977
Redington Charles B Plants in Wetlands Field Guide to Biological Interactions KendallHunt Publishing Company 199
Smagula Amy Connor Jody Aquatic Plants amp Algae of New Hampshirersquos Lakes and Ponds New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services 2007
Tiner RW Jr Field Guide to Nontidal Wetland Identification Maryland Department of Natural Resources Annapolis MD and US Fish and Wildlife Service Newton Corner MA 1988
Uva Richard Neal Joseph C DiTomaso Joseph M Weeds of the Northeast Cornell University 1997
A Fiel Gui e to Common Riparian
Plants of New Hampshire 1
Introduction
Riparian Area An area f land and vegetati n adjacent t a stream that has a direct effect n the stream This includes w dlands vegetati n and fl dplains
Purpos of This Guid
This fi ld guid provid s bri f simpl and asy id ntification of common aquatic and riparian plants shrubs and tr s of N w Hampshir Although information in this guid is drawn from s v ral sourc s it is not int nd d to b a compr h nsiv listing of all th aquatic and riparian plant sp ci s in N w Hampshir Hop fully it will provid th casual obs rv r with aid in id ntification of th most fr qu ntly ncount r d sp ci s and r f r nc s to assist in furth r mor d tail d studi s for thos wishing to know mor about riparian cosyst ms Us of additional fi ld guid s to suppl m nt this on and to id ntify plants not includ d in this guid is sugg st d Oth r h lpful fi ld guid s can b found in App ndix A
How to Id ntify Plants
Th r ar s v ral ways to id ntify plants In fi ld guid s th y ar typically id ntifi d by photos drawings and d scriptions In th fi ld th y can also b id ntifi d by touch tast sm ll color and form Th ir branching habit l af form and v in patt rn can also aid in id ntification Plants can also xhibit diff r nt charact ristics during diff r nt tim s of th y ar In addition it is us ful to know th ir habitat or plac wh r th y grow
Organization of This Guid
This fi ld guid is organiz d into six s ctions
In th Wat r Subm rg d Aquatic Plants Plants that hav most of th ir l av s growing und r wat r som floating l av s may also b pr s nt Th y ar found from shallow to d p zon s
On th Wat r Floating Plants Plants that ar root d with floating broad l av s
On th Edg Em rg nt H rbac ous Plants Plants that hav l av s that xt nd abov th wat rrsquos surfac and ar usually found in shallow wat r
F rns Non-flow ring plants that b ar spor s rath r than s ds with flatt n d l af-lik ldquofrondsrdquo that ar furth r divid d
Woody Shrubs Woody plants which ar g n rally short r than tr s and small r in trunk siz Th y hav clust rs of st ms rising dir ctly from th ground and g n rally hav a ldquobushyrdquo app aranc with no sp cial crown shap
Climbing Vin s Plants with a w ak st m that d riv support from climbing twining or cr ping along a surfac
Th Canopy (Tr s) Woody plants that usually grow from th ground with a singl r ct st m or trunk Th main st m may b massiv and is oft n unbranch d for s v ral f t abov th ground Tr s can r ach a consid rabl h ight at maturity
A plant sp ci s will oft n hav s v ral common nam s This fi ld guid is organiz d alphab tically by th pr f rr d or most-us d common nam with th Latinsci ntific nam b low
Plant sp ci s d scriptions includ th following
Status Wh th r th plant is nativ or non-nativ xoticinvasiv Thos plants that ar non-nativ xoticinvasiv which ar also prohibit d in N w Hampshir ar id ntifi d as such
Habitat D scrib s th b st conditions for growth of this plant and wh r to locat it
H ight D scrib s how tall or long th plant grows
Bark In th Woody Shrub and Tr s ctions d scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th bark
Buds In th Woody Shrub and Tr s ctions d scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th buds
St m In th Woody Shrub s ction d scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th st m
L av s D scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th l av s
Flow rs D scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th flow rs
Flow ring P riod D scrib s th tim of y ar in which th flow rs bloom
Fruit D scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th fruit
Twigs In th Woody Shrub and Tr s ctions d scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th twigs
Valu Explains th worth of th plant to th oth r m mb rs of th cosyst m
Similar Sp ci s D scrib s th uniqu f atur s to h lp distinguish this plant from oth rs Additional information about som of th r lat d plants is also provid d
In addition app ndic s to this fi ld guid includ
App ndix A Oth r H lpful Fi ld Guid s
App ndix B Glossary of T rms
App ndix C L af Shap s and Arrang m nts
App ndix D Nativ Shor landRiparian Buff r Plantings for N w Hampshir
For Mor Information on Exotic Sp ci s
Additional information on xotic aquatic plants can b obtain d by contacting
N w Hampshir D partm nt of Environm ntal S rvic s Exotic Sp ci s Program 29 Haz n Driv PO Box 95
Concord NH 03302 (603) 271-2248
httpwwwd snhgovWMBExoticSp ci s
Whil additional information on xotic t rr strial plants can b obtain d by contacting
N w Hampshir D partm nt of Agricultur Mark ts amp Food Invasiv Sp ci s Program
25 Capitol Str t S cond Floor Concord NH 03302
(603) 271-2561 httpnhgovagricdivisionsplant_industryplants_ins ctshtm
Enjoy a Riparian Riv r-Walk
I hop this fi ld guid will inspir you to incr as your int r st and knowl dg of aquatic plants and th ir r lationship in riparian nvironm nts Riv rs and str ams ar fragil cosyst ms of natural b auty and intrigu I ncourag you to njoy a riparian ldquoriv r-walkrdquo during ach s ason and not only study th v g tativ communiti s but th ir int raction with both t rr strial and aquatic ins cts fish and oth r wildlif
Jen Dr ciak
Table of Contents
In The ater Submerged Aquatic Plantshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 01
Bladde wo t (Utric laria v lgaris)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 03
CoontailHo nwo t (Ceratophyll m demers m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 04
Milfoil (Myriophyll m heterophyll m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 05
Wate weedDitchmoss (Elodea canadensis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 06
Wild Cele yTape G ass (Vallisneria americana)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 07
On the ater Floating Aquatic Plantshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 09
Floating Hea t (Nymphoides cordata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 14
Wate shield (Brasenia schreberi)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 13
White Pond Lily (Nymphea ordorata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 11
Yellow Pond Lily (N phar variegata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 12
Duckweed (Lemna spp)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 15
Wate meal (Wolffia spp)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 16
On The Edge Emergent Herbaceous Plantshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 17
A ow A um (Peltandra virginica)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 19
A owheadDuck Potato (Sagittaria latifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 20
Blue Flag I is (Iris versicolor)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 21
Blue Ve vain (Verbena hastata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 22
BonesetTho oughwo t (E patori m perfoliat m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 23
Bu - eed (Spargani m e rycarp m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 24
Ca dinal Flowe (Lobelia cardinalis) helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 25
Cattail (B oad-Leaf) (Typha latifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 26
Common Reed (Phragmites a stralis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 27
JewelweedSpotted Touch-Me-Not (Impatiens capensis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 28
Joe Pye Weed (E patori m mac lat m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 29
Picke elweed (Pontedaria cordata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 30
Pu ple Loosest ife (Lythr m salicaria)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 31
Reed Cana y G ass (Phalaris ar ndinacea)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 32
Soft-Stem Bul ush (Scrip s valid s)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 33
Swamp Loosest ifeWate Willow (Decodon verticillat s)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 34
Th ee-Way Sedge (D lichi m ar ndinace m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 35
Wool G ass (Scirp s cyperin s)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 36
Fernshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 37
Cinnamon Fe n (Osm nda cinnamomea)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 39
Ost ich Fe n (Pteretis pensylvanica)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 40
Royal Fe n (Osm nda regalis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 41
Sensitive Fe n (Onoclea sensibilis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 42
oody Shrubshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 43
A ow-wood (No the n) (Vib rn m recognit m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 45
Buttonbush (Cephalanth s occidentalis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 46
Elde be yBlack-Be ied Elde (Samb c s canadensis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 47
Glossy Bucktho n (Rhamn s frang la)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 48
Highbush Bluebe y (Vaccini m corymbos m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 49
A Field Guide to Common Ripa ian Plants of New Hampshi e 1
Hobblebush (Vib rn m alnifoli m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 50
Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 51
Japanese Knotweed (Polygon m c spidat m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 52
Malebe y (Lyonia lig strina)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 53
Meadowsweet (Spiraea latifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 54
Multiflo a Rose (Rosa m ltiflora)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 55
No the n Wild RaisinWith od Vibu num (Vib rn m cassinoides)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 56
ShadbushSe vicebe yJunebe y (Amelanchier arborea)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 57
Sheep Lau elLambkill (Kalmia ang stifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 58
Silky Dogwood (Corn s amom m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 59
Specked Alde (Aln s r gosa)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 60
Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 61
Steeplebush (Spiraea tomentosa)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 62
Sweet Peppe bush (Clethera alnifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 63
Winte be y HollyBlack Alde (Ilex verticillata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 64
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 65
Climbing Vineshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 67
Climbing Bitte sweet (Celastr s orbic lat s)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 69
Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 70
Rive bank G ape (Vitis riparia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 71
Vi ginia C eepe (Parthenosis s q inq efolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 72
The Canopy Treeshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 73
Ame ican BasswoodLinden (Tilia americana)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 75
Ame ican Beech (Fag s grandifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 76
Ame ican Ho nbeamI onwoodBlue Beech (Carpin s caroliniana)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 77
Black Bi chSweet Bi ch (Bet la lenta)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 78
Black Che y (Pr n s serotina)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 79
Box Elde Ash-Leaved Maple (Acer neg ndo)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 80
Easte n Cottonwood (Pop l s deltoides)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 81
Easte n Hemlock (Ts ga canadensis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 82
Easte n White Pine (Pin s strob s)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 83
G een Ash (Fraxin s pennsylvanica)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 84
Red Maple (Acer r br m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 85
Red Oak (Q erc s r bra)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 86
Shagba k Hicko y (Carya ovata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 87
Silve Maple (Acer saccharini m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 88
Swamp White Oak (Q erc s bicolor)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 89
Sycamo ePlanet ee (Platan s occidentalis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 90
Tama ackLa ch (Larix laricina)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 91
White Ash (Fraxin s americana)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 92
White Oak (Q erc s alba)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 93
White Sp uce (Picea gla ca)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 94
Yellow Bi ch (Bet la l tea)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 95
Appendices
Appendix A Othe Helpful Field Guideshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 96
Appendix B Glossa y of Te mshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 97
Appendix C Leaf Shapes amp A angementshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 99
Appendix D Native Sho elandRipa ian Buffe Plantings fo New Hampshi ehelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 100
A Field Guide to Common Ripa ian
Plants of New Hampshi e 1
In The ater Submerged Aquatic Plants
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 1
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic
an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 2
BLADDER ORT
Utricu aria spp
Status Native Approximately 10 species in New Hampshire
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers bogs
Height 2-3 feet long
Stem Long slen er flexible branche typically becoming etache from roots an free-floating
Leaves Alternate filamentous finely-forke with attache ldquobla ersrdquo
Flower Stalks occurring at irregular intervals along stem Each stalk bearing 6-20 small pink to yellow two-lippe ldquosnap ragon-likerdquo flowers an emerging several inches out of the water or mu
Flowering Period June into September
Fruit Capsule containing many see s
Value Provi es foo an cover for fish Since they are free-floating they can grow in areas with very loose se iment provi ing nee e fish habitat in areas that are not rea ily colonize by roote plants
Similar Species Fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) coontail (Ceratophyllum spp) milfoil (Myriophyllum spp) Bla erwort may be istinguishe from these plants by the alternate forke leaves branching from the base into 2 main ivisions an presence of the ldquobla ersrdquo on the leaves (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Bla erwort may resemble the milfoils but there are two istinguishing features One is the bla ers on the leaves the other is that milfoils have feather-like leaves that have one central leaf stem with nearly opposite unbranche leaflets The leaflets of bla erwort are more branche an forke (Smagula an Connor 2007)
This carnivorous plant has trigger hairs on each bla er that open a trap- oor an suck in water along with the organism that triggere the reaction These organisms can range from insect larvae to tiny zooplankton Once insi e the bla ers the organism is igeste by enzymes foun there Special cells then take the igeste material from the bla ers an move it to the stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 3
COONTAILHORN ORT
Ceratophy um demersum
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Height Variable accor ing to water epth
Stem Long toothe trailing much branche
Leaves Whorle smooth up to 1 frac12 inches long 3 forks nearly threa -like flattene an toothe segments
Flower Tiny purplish-green foun where the leaf attaches to the stem an stays entirely submerge Male an female occurring separately
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Dark brown see approximately frac14 inch long with two spines at the base an one at the tip
Value The stiff whorls of leaves offer habitat for many species especially uring the winter when many other plants are re uce to roots an rhizomes Both foliage an fruit are graze by waterfowl Bushy stems are home to many invertebrates an provi e important shelter an foraging opportunities for fish
Similar Species Mermai -wee (Proserpina a palustris) fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) Coontail may be istinguishe from these plants by its whorle toothe leaves its tiny sessile axillary flowers an beake fruits (Smagula an Connor 2007)
The whorle leaves often cause the plant to be confuse with water milfoil This plant has a plastic-like feel an leaves ten to be thickly clustere at the tips of the stems The leaves are completely whorle aroun the stem an forke milfoil leaves are istinctly feather-like (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 4
VARIABLE ATER MILFOIL
Myriophy um heterophy um
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Height Slen er flexible long (up to 15 feet) Tip often emerging above water when flowering Data from a University of New Hampshire stu y can suggest that variable water milfoil can grow an inch per ay
Stem Roun thick re ish If broken in half the stem resembles a ldquowheel spokerdquo
Leaves Mostly submerge opposite or in whorls of 4 to 6 an can grow up to 2 inches long Leaves on upper stem are whorle an may be whorle or alternate on lower stem Emerge leaves occurring only towar the stem tips
Flower Small inconspicuous brownish occurring singly in the axils of the upper leaves usually above water uring flowering
Flowering Period In July flowers emerge from the water an are in a spike up to 6 inches tall Can also form a succulent amphibious form when water levels rece e
Fruit Very small four-lobe nutlike
Similar Species Mermai -wee (Proserpina a palustris) fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) coontail (Ceratophyllum spp) Variable milfoil may be istinguishe from these plants by the numerous scattere finely pinnately issecte leaves an floating or upright stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)
The plant is more robust than the other water milfoil species It has a very thick an heavy stem It can only be positively i entifie with the flower present or by DNA analysis (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Fragments of variable milfoil are ma e by passing boats wave action an auto-fragmentation These fragments may float freely an sprea for one or two weeks as they generate roots Once roots make contact with se iment the fragment attaches the roots sprea laterally an expan the footprint of the colony With one fragment an entire colony can arise Colonies can outcompete native plants re ucing bio iversity (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 5
ATER EEDDITCHMOSS
E odea Canadensis E nutta ii
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Height Up to 2 feet long occasionally forming ense colonies
Stem Slen er smooth branche
Leaves Long upper an mi le leaves in whorls of 3 with very finely-toothe margins Those of the male plants linear or lanceolate pointe at the tip up to frac12 inch long Those of the female plants broa ly lanceolate roun e or slightly pointe at the tip up to 58 inch long
Flower Green or white with 3 petals
Flowering Period July to September
Fruit A few to many-see e cylin rical capsule
Value Branching stems offer valuable habitat an grazing opportunities for fish Also provi es foo for muskrats an waterfowl They can eat the plant itself or fee on a wi e variety of invertebrates that use the plant as habitat
Similar Species Commonly mistaken for its invasive relative Brazillian elo ea It can be istinguishe by its smooth leaf margins
There are two common species of waterwee in New Hampshire E anadensis an Enuttalii Elodea anadensis ten s to have slightly broa er leaves with blunt tips whereas Enuttalii ten s to have thinner more nee le-like leaves that are pointe at the tips (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Enuttalii can be foun in alkaline to aci ic environments an E anadensis can be foun in alkaline or neutral systems (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 6
ILD CELERYTAPE GRASS
Va isneria americana
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers In water 4 - 6 feet eep
Height 1-3 feet long
Stem Slen er embe e horizontally in the mu near the surface an usually rooting at intervals
Leaves Narrow ribbon-like 1-3 feet in length with a light-colore center stripe mostly submerge with the tips floating
Flower Unisexual the female flower solitary an floating at the surface at the en of a long stalk The male flower on another plant submerge an attache to a short stalk near the bottom breaking off an floating to the surface at flowering time
Flowering Period July to October
Fruit Cylin rical po up to 2 inches long attache to a long stalk which coils up rawing the fruit un er water to mature
Value Source of foo for waterfowl All portions of the plant are consume foliage rhizomes tubers an fruit Muskrat are also known to graze on it Be s provi e sha e shelter an foo for fish
Similar Species Often confuse with the submerge leaves of bur-ree Tape grass can be istinguishe by its heavy air-fille leaves vertically veine centers an lightly veine e ges Unlike bur-ree this plant has no rib on the back of the leaf
Photo ourtesy of Amy Smagula
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 7
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic
an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 8
On The ater
Floating Aquatic Plants
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 9
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 10
FLOATING HEART
Nyphoi es cor ata
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Roun in cross section
Leaves Small heart-shape re ish to purple Approximately 1 ndash 1 frac12 inches wi e
Flower Small white 5 petals
Flowering Period Mi -summer
Similar Species The leaves are often confuse with those of the yellow water lily but are only about the size of a half- ollar an the shape resembles a heart with the same soft V-shape of the yellow water lily Floating heart has a small white flower that can be foun in mi -summer yellow water lily has a large yellow flower that blooms most of the summer (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 11
ATERSHIELD
Brasenia schreberi
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Roun in cross section Attache to the center of the un ersi e of the leaf
Leaves Oval Un ersi es are ark pink Leaves approximately 4 inches wi e Un ersi e of the leaves an stem have a jelly-like coating that protects them from being eaten by insects
Flower Small ark pink to purple 6 petals
Flowering Period July
Similar Species Resembles the leaves of the water lily as well as those of floating heart
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 12
HITE ATER LILY
Nymphea or orata
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Roun in cross section attache to the center of the un ersi e of the leaf
Leaves Roun with a V-shape notch on one si e Up to 12 inches wi e
Flower Large white sweet-smelling Up to 4 inches wi e
Flowering Period June - September
Similar Species White water lily can be istinguishe from the yellow water lily an floating heart by the V-shape notch near the stem attachment an the more roun e shape of the leaf
Both the yellow water lily an floating heart have a more roun e heart-shape notch Yellow water lily leaves are much more oval than the white water lily which has a circular leaf Floating heart leaves are no more than a few inches in length (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 13
YELLO ATER LILY
Nuphar variegata
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Triangular in cross section attache to the lobe en of the un ersi e of the leaf
Leaves Giant floating Up to 12 to 15 inches wi e
Flower Yellow flower petals appear cuppe aroun the inner flower parts an o not open completely like those of the white water lily
Flowering Period June ndash September
Similar Species Often confuse with floating heart an white water lily though floating heart is much smaller in leaf length an wi th The white water lily also has a much more roun e leaf with a sharp V-shape notch (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 14
DUCK EED
Lemna spp
Status Native
Habitat Surfaces of some lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers an often in stagnant waters of wetlan areas
Stem No true stems
Leaves This plant has no true leaves or stems an only has a flat green plant bo y calle a thallus They are very small only about 116 of an inch wi e (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Duckwee s blanket the water surface in colonies There may be one or more roots hanging into the water but the plant is free-floating
Flower This plant rarely flowers
Similar Species Many people think that ense growths of uckwee resemble an algae bloom (Smagula an Connor 2007)
ATERMEAL
Wolfifa spp
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem No true stems
Leaves Elliptical an flat
Flower This plant rarely flowers but is consi ere the worl rsquos smallest flowering plant
Similar Species Unlike uckwee this plant completely lacks roots an must be inspecte closely to etect this ifference Watermeal may also resemble an algae bloom but can be istinguishe by simply touching the waterrsquos surface to see if tiny plants are stuck to your fingers (watermeal) or if the water has a slimy film (algae) It is commonly foun growing along with uckwee (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Photo co rtesy of Amy Smag la
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 15
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 16
On the dge mergent Herbaceous Plants
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 17
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 18
ARROW ARUM
Peltan ra virginica
Status Native
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In mu or shallow water
Height Up to 2 feet tall growing in loose colonies
Stem Lacking a true stem Leaf an flower stalks arising from a thick root
Leaves Large arrow-shape Lower lobes separating an tapering to the tips Each lobe an the main stem have one prominent central vein from which other smaller veins originate The smaller veins are parallel to one another Leaf bla e with a vein running along the entire outline just insi e the margin
Flower Vertically-curle green Very small spathe almost completely covering the thin whitish fleshy spike White male flowers above green female flowers sheath tapering to the base an tip green outsi e an white insi e Flowering cluster at the en of a long nake stalk
Flowering Period May to July
Fruit Easily i entifie in the fall by its cluster of greenish-brown berries enclose in a green leathery case the stalk curve ownwar at maturity
Similar Species Arrowhea (Sagattaria latifolia) Arrow Arum may be istinguishe by its 3 prominent veins
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 19
ARROWH ADDUCK-POTATO
Sagittaria spp
Status Native There are several species in New Hampshire Slatifolia and Sgraminea are the most common
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In mu or completely submerge
Height Up to 1 frac12 feet tall
Stem Lacking an upright visible stem Leaves an flowering stalk arising from a fibrous roote base Several un ergroun runners each giving rise to a tuber the size of a small potato up to 2 inches wi e
Leaves Shape is variable within an between species Leaves can be broa ly or narrowly arrow-shape lance-shape or tape-like Leaves appear to clasp the base of the flowering stalk Leaf veins all originate from the point where the stem connects to the leaf an ra iate outwar from that point
Flower White petals in whorls of three with a yellow center up to 1 frac12 inch wi e Male flowers at the top with female ones lower on the flower stalk
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Flat winge crow e in a flattene hea up to frac12 inch wi e Ball-shape fruit clusters of green nutlets
Value Known as ldquo uck potatoesrdquo Arrowhea pro uces e ible starchy tubers beneath the mu eaten by ucks an muskrats
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 20
BLU -FLAG IRIS
Iris versicolor
Status Native
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In less than 3 feet of water
Height Up to 3 feet tall Growing in small colonies
Stem Upright robust flattene on one si e simple or with one or two branches from creeping rhizomes embe e in the mu Rhizome very shallow an sometimes expose above the se iment
Leaves Appearing basal but actually alternate bluish-green swor -like an up to 14 inches long an frac34 inch wi e ascen ing in a flat plane or fan-like arrangement Flower stalks are taller than the leaves
Flower Large purplish-blue stalke with 3 larger outer rooping petals whitish towar the base an 3 upright smaller petals in the center
Flowering Period June through July
Fruit Capsule up to 2 frac12 inches long with 3 roun e e ges contains numerous flattene see s often persisting into winter
Value Provi es foo an cover for waterfowl an wil life
Similar Species Leaves may be confuse with those of cattail (Typha spp)or sweet flag (Acorus calmus) Blue flag iris may be istinguishe by blueish-green leaves arrange in flat plane
Photo co rtesy of Amy Smag la
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 21
BLU V RVAIN
Verbena hastata
Status Native
Habitat E ges of pon s marshes streams an rivers
Height Up to 4 feet tall growing in small colonies
Stem Rough four-si e fairly straight arising from a fibrous roote base
Leaves Up to 6 inches long stalke toothe tapere at the tip with a rough surface
Flower 5 small blue petals in a pencil-like spike occurring singly or in clusters with in ivi ual flowers blooming perio ically from the base to the top of spike
Flowering Period July into October
Fruit Separating into four nutlets
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 22
BON S T THOROUGHWORT
Eupatorium perfoliatum
Status Native
Habitat Wet mea ows marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall Branche growing in small colonies
Stem Upright robust lightly- owny arising from a fibrous roote base
Leaves Opposite lanceolate tapering an pointe at the tip toothe with the base clasping the stem Heavily veine Up to 8 inches long an 2 inches wi e at the base
Flower Whitish in 3-4 terminal clusters up to 8 inches long
Flowering Period Late July through October
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 23
BUR-R D
Sparganium eurycarpum
Status Native
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Emergent in shallow water up to 1 foot eep or submerge in water up to 4 feet eep
Height Up to 3 feet tall
Stem Upright stout smooth arising from rhizomes embe e horizontally in the mu a few inches beneath the surface Zigzag stalks
Leaves Alternate linear up to 4 feet long Emergent stem leaves narrow up to 1 frac12 feet tall triangular in cross-section an ri ge on their back si e Certain species are erect while others are floating an ribbon-like
Flower Lower bulbs or burs are clusters of greenish female
flowers Upper smaller burs are white male flowers
Flowering Period June through August
Fruit A burr-like hea on a short or long stalk
Value Colonies provi e nesting sites for waterfowl an shorebir s The fruit is eaten by a variety of waterfowl an the whole plant is graze by muskrat an eer
Similar Species This plant is easily confuse with wil celery (Vallisneria americana) if the leaves are tape-like or with young cattail (Typha spp) if leaves are emergent For the floating form bur-ree has a ri ge own the back of the long leaf When erect an emergent leaves are shorter in height than those of cattail with a istinct ri ge or almost triangular cross section When in fruit the spiky burr-like fruit is istinctive (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 24
CARDINAL FLOW R
Lobelia car inalis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s sha e e ges streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall often growing in large colonies
Stem Smooth stout arising from a horizontal rhizome embe e shallowly in mu
Leaves Alternate lanceolate to oblong toothe tapering at both en s Lower leaves short-stalke upper leaves stalkless Up to 6 inches long an 1 frac12 inches wi e Smooth to slightly owny thin
Flower Long bright-re 2-lippe tubular flower occurring on terminal spike with the upper lip 2-lobe an lower lip 3-lobe
Flowering Period July into October
Fruit Many-see e capsule with two portions
Value Car inal flower is pollinate mostly by hummingbir s since most insects fin it ifficult to navigate the long tubular flowers
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 25
BROAD-L AF CATTAIL
Typha latifolia
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet swales e ges of lakes an pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 10 feet tall
Stem Upright stiff growing in ense stan s from thick extensively -creeping un ergroun rhizomes
Leaves Green or bluish-green upright linear 2-6 feet long an up to 1 inch wi e arising from base or alternating along the stem Leaves have a spongy feel
Flower Many small flowers packe into tight cigar-like clusters creating a lower female spike toppe by a smaller male spike with no gap between the two flower types Female spike persists turning into the familiar ark brown ldquotailrdquo
Flowering Period June into August
Fruit Small see -like surroun e by many bristles attache to the base
Value Provi es nesting habitat for many bir s such as the re -winge blackbir Shoots an rhizomes are eaten by muskrats an geese Submerse stalks provi e spawning habitat an shelter for fish One of only a few plants where all parts are e ible to humans
Similar Species Narrow-leaf cattail (Typha angustifolia) has narrower leaves a narrower fruiting hea an a gap between the male an female flower clusters
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 26
COMMON R D
Phragmites australis
Status Most stands are Non-Native xotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire Phragmites australis has been present in wetlan s for millennia but a non-native European species has crossbre with P australis an has forme an invasive plant
Habitat Fresh an brackish marshes e ges of lakes an pon s streams rivers an in roa si e itches Full to partial sun
Height Upright 4-14 feet tall usually forming ense colonies
Stem Calle ldquoculmsrdquo are large hollow an grow up to 1 inch wi e
Leaves Bluish-green lanceolate close together an usually sticking out from stems at a large angle up to 2 feet long an 1 inch wi e
Flower Clusters frac12 - 1 foot long often purple when young an whitish an fluffy when ol
Flowering Period Late July to October
Fruit Rarely pro uces see but sprea s vigorously by rhizomes often running over the surface of the groun
Value This plant has little to offer to bir s an mammals besi es cover Phragmites often outcompetes other native wetlan plants thus limiting the plant iversity an foo source value of the wetlan The only animal that fee s on this to any extent is the muskrat (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Similar Species Sometimes confuse with ree canary grass since they both form ense stan s at isturbe sites Ree canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) can be istinguishe by its shorter an narrower leaves spikelets with only one flower an its shorter height
How To Distinguish Native From Non-Native Phragmites
Stems Stems on the non-native variety are typically green but may have a little purple color along the no es Stems on
the native variety have some chestnut or purple color where leaves are pulle back exposing the stem Stems of the native variety are also often shiny an black spots often appear late in the growing season
Leaf Collars Leaf collars on the non-native variety are always green while leaf collars on the native variety may be
purple
Leaf Sheaths On fall stems the leaf sheaths on the non-native variety remain attache Leaf sheaths on the native variety are lost or very loosely attache so leaves rop off the native plants before the intro uce plants This is the best
in icator base seasonal changes that istinguishes native or non-native varieties
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 27
J W LW DSPOTT D TOUCH-M NOT
Impatiens capensis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 4 feet tall Often growing in ense colonies
Stem Upright smooth slightly branching hollow somewhat succulent slightly translucent
Leaves Alternate egg-shape toothe on stalks up to 4 inches long Silvery appearance when hel un er water an appear completely ry upon removal Size an color of foliage vary with ifferences in light exposure an available moisture
Flower Few to several angling orange-yellow three-petale tubularfunnel-shape flowers with re ish brown spots an curve spur at their en s
Flowering Period June through September
Fruit Flat green capsules approximately 1 inch long which at maturity burst when touche ejecting ark-brown see s
Value Especially a apte to hummingbir pollination but bees an butterflies are also important pollinators
The sap from this plant has been clinically proven to relieve skin rashes Jewelwee can be applie to the affecte part of the bo y an neutralizes the urishol oil pro uce by poison ivy an poison oak (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 28
JO PY W D
Eupatorium maculatum
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 6 feet tall Branche growing in small to me ium-size colonies
Stem Stout smooth purple or purple-spotte somewhat rough towar the top arising from a fibrous roote base
Leaves Lanceolate toothe rough short-stalke with large single mi -vein Up to 8 inches long an 2 frac12 inches wi e tapere at the base an tip in whorls of 3-7
Flower Small rose-purple in ense flat-toppe clusters at the top of the stem an at the en s of the branches
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Angular nutlet with a plume of fine bristles at the top
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 29
PICK R LW D
Ponte aria cor ata
Status Native
Habitat Marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 3 feet tall often growing in ense colonies
Stem Upright stout smooth arising from a rhizome bearing one leaf an one terminal spike
Leaves Basal an alternate very large arrowhea to heart-shape glossy with prominent parallel veins blunt tip on a spongy leaf stalk
Flower Many small tubular violet-blue flowers approximately frac12 inch long on solitary spike with a sheath at the base
Flowering Period June through August
Fruit Small bla er-like with toothe ri ges containing one see
Value See s are consume by waterfowl an muskrats Networks of rhizomes an leaves also offer sha e an shelter for fish
Similar Species This plant can be istinguishe from its close look-alikes arrow arum an arrowhea by its light bluish-purple flower spike Bases of the leaves are more roun e whereas arrowhea an arrow arum leaves are more pointe (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 30
PURPL LOOS STRIF
Lythrum salicaria
Status Non-Native xotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire
Habitat Marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams rivers an in roa si e itches Full to partial sun
Height 2-6 feet tall
Stem Upright smooth to slightly- owny Square four-si e almost woo y
Leaves Opposite to whorle lanceolate often with heart-shape bases somewhat clasping stem sometimes in whorls of 3 Gra ually tapering to a point 3 to 4 inches long an frac12 to 1 inch wi e
Flower 5-7 purple petals in a ense terminal spike
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Many-see e capsule
Value Little wil life value See s are low in nutrition an roots are too woo y The flowers are attractive to insects They pro uce nectar an are regularly visite by honeybees
This plant outcompetes other wetlan plants which are beneficial foo sources for wil life an insects It repro uces by pro ucing millions of see s per plant an quickly takes over the lan scape when intro uce It also sprea s by rhizome (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 31
R D CANARY GRASS
Phalaris arun inacea
Status Non-Native xotic Invasive
Habitat Swales marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Although it is usually a shoreline plant it can survive in knee- eep water by sprouting ldquowater rootsrdquo on the submerse portion of the stem Forms ense stan s in isturbe areas where clearing gra ing siltation filling or other isruptions have create an opening with moist soil
Height Up to 7 feet tall Often growing in ense colonies
Stem Upright stiff from extensively-creeping rhizomes
Leaves Alternate upright grayish-green open sheath an ligule at the leaf axis Bla es fairly long an narrow up to 12 inches long an frac34 inches wi e
Flower Green to greenish-purple spikelets single-flowere lanceolate ense Terminal inflorescence up to 7 inches long branche an compresse early in the season but opening after fertilization
Flowering Period June through August
Value Low foo value Provi es summer cover an habitat for waterfowl at isturbe sites However it ten s to mat own in winter provi ing little winter cover for wil life
Similar Species Sometimes confuse with bluejoint grass (Calamagrostis canadensis) However the spikelets of bluejoint are in a loose open arrangement an the no es have a bluish to purplish cast
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 32
SOFT-ST MM D BULRUSH
Scirpus vali us
Status Native
Habitat Wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Usually growing in water less than 5 feet eep Ten s to be foun on ldquomuckierrdquo substrate an will grow in stagnant water
Height Usually up to 5 feet but can grow up to 10 feet tall Often growing in extensive colonies
Stem Upright grayish-green often arching up to frac34 inch thick at the base arising from stout re ish rhizomes Soft roun tapering to a point
Leaves No apparent leaves
Flowers Inconspicuous many-stalke bu like spikelets covere by re ish-brown scales locate imme iately below the top of stem Clusters mostly rooping but not in higher salinity areas
Flowering Period June into September
Fruit See -like nutlet with 4-6 bristles attache to the base
Value Provi es habitat for invertebrates an shelter for young fish Nutlets consume by a variety of waterfowl marsh bir s an uplan bir s Stems an rhizomes eaten by geese an muskrat Also provi es nesting material an cover for waterfowl marsh bir s an muskrat
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 33
SWAMP LOOS STRIF WAT R WILLOW
Deco on verticillatus
Status Native shrub becoming herbaceous towar the tips
Habitat Wetlan s bogs e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Shallow water with muck or peat se iment Can form floating mats in areas of very soft se iment
Height Up to 5 feet tall
Stem Ri gi woo y smooth to slightly- owny 3-9 feet long The lower rooting stems are spongy an buttresse giving rise to new arching stems
Leaves Opposite or in whorls of 3 gra ually tapering to a point 3-4 inches long an frac12 to 1 inch wi e sessile or short-stalke
Flower Pinkish-purple bell-shape with 5-7 sepals an 5 petals forming showy clusters in the axils of the mi le to upper leaves
Flowering Period July through August
Fruit Small brownish capsule with 3-5 partitions the clusters sometimes persisting above the leaf scars throughout winter
Value The many intertwining arching stems may form sizable clusters at the e ges of lakes an sluggish streams or floating bog mats Wherever a stem touches the water air-fille spongy tissue may evelop This tissue buoys the stem so that it may root an form a new arching stem
Similar Species May be confuse with the invasive purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) Swamp loosestrife can be istinguishe by the arching stems an showy axillary flower clusters as well as the roun stem instea of the square stem of purple loosestrife (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 34
THR -WAY S DG
Dulichium arun inaceum
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Extensive be s can be foun in shallow (less than 3 feet) water Grows in a variety of se iment types an can tolerate some turbi ity
Height Up to 3 feet tall solitary or in small colonies
Stem Roun hollow jointe arising from a horizontal rhizome
Leaves Linear up to 4 inches long an 38 inch wi e with a conspicuous sheath the latter close except at the top
When looking own upon the plant the leaves are line up an appear to ra iate from three angles away from the main stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Flower Inconspicuous flattene linear sessile spikelets in the axils or two-ranke scales of the brownish spikelets 8-10 along the axillary stalk
Flowering Period July through October
Fruit Flattene brownish see -like nutlet toppe with a beak
Value Eaten occasionally by a variety of ucks an geese Rhizomes an shoots also graze by muskrats
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 35
WOOL GRASS
Scirpus cyperinus
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall growing in small colonies
Stem Upright robust roun to triangular especially at the base
Leaves Elongate from base of stem up to 2 feet long Leaves imme iately below the flower are in clusters of 3-5 an may reach 5 inches long an roop at the tips
Flower Clusters of 6-12 spikelets at en s of rooping stems Flower clusters up to 12 inches long much branche
Flowering Period August through September
Fruit Whitish see -like nutlet with bristles much longer than the scales attache to the base the bristles impart the wooly appearance to the spikelets
Value Provi es foo an cover for waterfowl an other wil life
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 36
Ferns
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 37
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 38
INNAMON FERN
Osmund cinn mome
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Often growing near somewhat similar an relate interrupte fern (Polys ichum aros ichoides)
Height Up to 3 feet tall
Stem Upright stout smooth green an covere with cinnamon-colore wooly stalk
Leaves Sterile (vegetative) fron s up to 3 feet high upright to slightly arche lance-shape with 20+ opposite leaflets Fertile fron s o not persist through the summer whereas vegetative fron s remain until first frost
Reproduction Club-like fertile fron with groups of spore cases on leaflets that hug the main axis
Fruiting Period Spring
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 39
OSTRI H FERN
Pteretis pensylv nic
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 6 feet tall forming tussocks or clumps
Stem Stout nake for up 1 foot from the base green flattene an black at the base covere with papery brown scales Arising from a forking shallowly-embe e rhizome an giving rise to stout black scaly runners
Leaves Sterile fron s forming circles gra ually narrowe at the base an abruptly narrowe to the tip Fertile fron s up to 2 feet tall an 2 inches wi e nake for approximately half their length the nake portions shiny brown crow e sprea ing or ascen ing branches often overlapping or twiste light green at first turning ark green an eventually brown
Reproduction Leaf segments with spore cases beneath become rolle into small har berry-like structures joine along the branches of the fertile fron
Fruiting Period July ndash August Persisting over winter
Similar Species Cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea) Ostrich fern may be istinguishe by the gra ually narrow base an papery scales rather than cinnamon-colore pubescence on the stalk
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 40
ROYAL FERN
Osmund reg lis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall growing in scattere groups
Stem Somewhat stout nake for approximately half its length greenish or re ish arising from a stout creeping rhizome
Leaves Fron s with 5-7 pairs of nearly opposite oblong ascen ing ivisions The lowest pair slightly shorter than the others each ivision ivi e into finely toothe oblong blunt alternate segments 10-14 on each si e Fertile fron s terminate by a panicle appearing as a ense cluster of light brown structures
Reproduction Spore cases clustere along short nake leaf segments in a terminal panicle an often at the tips of some of the ivisions One of several ferns that pro uce their spores on mo ifie leaflets not on the un ersi e of the fron s
Fruiting Period Spring an early summer
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 41
SENSITIVE FERN
Onocle sensibilis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 3 feet tall Growing solitary or scattere
Stem Upright stout nake for nearly half its length arising from a creeping rhizome
Leaves Sterile fron s up to 3 feet tall the bla e with up to 16 pairs of wi e segments having wavy margins Fertile fron s shorter the berry-like structures clustere in stiffly erect ivisions the entire structure appearing spike-like
Reproduction Leaf segments with spore cases beneath which have become rolle into small har black berry-like structures appearing July through August an persisting over winter
Fruiting Period July into October
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 42
Woody S rubs
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 43
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 44
NORTHERN ARROW-WOOD Viburnu recognitu
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 15 feet tall forming thickets
Bark Smooth an gray with a white pith
Twigs Brownish-gray hairless highly branche long straight slen er arrow-like smooth
Buds Re ish-brown with 2 pairs of scales Opposite pointe approximately frac14 inch long roun e scales with fringe of minute hairs along the bor ers
Leaves Opposite egg-shape to roun with saw-like coarse teeth 1-2 inches long an 3 inches wi e tapering to a point with very prominent smooth veins
Flower Numerous small white-petale flowers on short stalks in a somewhat ense terminal flat cluster
Flowering Period June through July
Fruit Fleshy blue-black berry-like approximately 13 inch wi e containing a flattene see appearing in August
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 45
BUTTONBUSH Cephalanthus occidentalis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 12 feet tall typically 3-5 feet tall
Bark Smooth an grayish when young flaky an grayish when ol er Light-brown pith
Twigs Slen er roun or angle grayish-brown to purplish marke with light elongate lenticels
Buds Small in epresse areas surroun e by bark
Leaves Opposite or in whorls of 3-4 Shiny ark-green above lighter green an slightly owny beneath Leathery smooth oblong to oval 3-6 inches long broa at the base pointe at tips often with short re stalks
Flower Densely clustere spherical creamy white ball-shape flowers long-stalke often in groups of 3 1- 1 frac12 inch wi e Ripe hea s brownish fragrant
Flowering Period July through August
Fruit Small triangular-shape capsules greenish in ball-like hea s like the flowers Persist into winter
Value Butterfly an moth species are often foun fee ing on the sweet nectar of the tubular flowers because of their long curle mouthparts Caterpillar pupas are often foun on buttonbush because of the foo association with larvae an a ults (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 46
ELDERBERRYBLACK-BERRIED ELDER Sa bucus canadensis
Elderberr showing fruit
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 12 feet tall often forming thickets
Bark Green
Twigs Pale yellow-brown to light-brown with numerous large raise lenticels Ill-smelling when bruise Flute or square pith very thick white an soft
Buds Small roun to oval covere with brownish scales
Leaves Opposite pinnately compoun with 5 to 11 leaflets usually 7 Lanceolate to ovate abruptly narrowing at the tip Sharply-toothe Lower leaflets often 3-parte Smooth above smooth or owny on veins beneath
Flower Small white nicely-scente flowers with 5 white petals in a flat-toppe cluster up to 6 inches wi e generally with 5 main branches
Flowering Period Late June through July
Fruit Juicy purplish-black berries in flat-toppe clusters containing many see s appearing late August to early October
Value Pro uces fruit that makes tasty jelly an wine It is also an important foo source for many songbir s
Elderberr showing flowers
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 47
GLOSSY BUCKTHORN Rha nus frangula
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T is species is pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Generalist Full-sun or sha e moist ry aci ic or basic soils Woo lan bor ers foreste wetlan s floo plain forests
Heig t Up to 20 feet tall
Twigs Grayish with whitish lenticels
Buds Nake owny up to frac14 inch long
Leaves Alternate whorle oblong 4-5 inches long an 3-4 inches wi e Long growing season leafing out in May an hol ing its leaves into November
Flower Small greenish-white in small clusters in the leaf axis
Flowering Period May through September Flowers an fruits continuously from May through September Plants often isplay bu s flowers immature fruit an mature fruit simultaneously
Fruit Berry with 2-3 pits approximately frac14 inch wi e turning from green to re an eventually blue-black Often all three colore berries are on the plant at the same time Sometimes ifficult to recognize in a foreste situation ue to its non- escript appearance but easily recognize July through September ue to masses of berries
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 48
HIGHBUSH BLUEBERRY Vacciniu cory bosu
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s rich woo s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 15 feet tall often forming thickets
Bark Rough brown Stem an larger branches shre y
Twigs On some bushes re ish-brown on other bushes they are yellow Covere with small warty lenticels zigzagge or angle
Buds Flower bu s re plump pointe with spine-like pointe scales Leaf bu s smaller two outer scales with hair-like point
Leaves Alternate pointe on both en s green on both si es untoothe Lower si e slightly wooly on the veins Up to 3 inches long an 1 frac12 inch wi e Deep re in autumn
Flower Cylin rical white or pink up to frac12 inch long an frac14 inch wi e in ense terminal or lateral clusters
Flowering Period April through June appearing when leaves are only half grown
Fruit Blue-black berry up to frac12 inch wi e with whitish bloom sweet in clusters
Value Berries eaten by numerous bir s an wil life
Similar Species Maleberry (L onia ligustrina) Highbush blueberry can be istinguishe by its terminal clusters of fruit an by berries rather than capsules for fruit
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 49
HOBBLEBUSH Viburnu alnifoliu
Status Native
Habitat Cool moist ravines e ges of rivers an streams
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Light brown with wavy grooves
Twigs Tough stout olive-brown to light purplish-brown Coate with rusty brown hairs towar the tip
Buds Large long in pairs light-brown covere with velvety fuzz Flower bu s roun e an occur only at tips of twigs
Leaves Very large 4-8 inches long Almost roun finely toothe heart-shape at base Hairy beneath rusty veins much branche Brownish hairs on stalks
Flower Large white clusters with 5 petals appearing before leaves are fully grown
Flowering Period May through June
Fruit Re berries turning black Stones with a groove on each e ge
Similar Species Likely to be confuse with ogwoo s Viburnum leaves are nearly always toothe or lobe while ogwoo leaves are smooth untoothe an veins are parallel
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 50
HONEYSUCKLE Lonicera spp
(L orrowii L tatarica L aackii)
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T ese species are pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Fiel s roa si es fence-rows he ge-rows e ges of woo s
Heig t 10 to 15 feet tall
Bark Tan to brown shre e in appearance
Twigs Generally glabrous thornless
Buds Blunt to acute
Leaves Opposite entire oblong to egg-shape 1-5 inches long
Flower 5-lobe tubular sometimes fragrant growing in leaf axils white to yellow
Fruit Re rarely yellow juicy few-see e berry July through September
Flowering Period May through June
Morrowrsquos Honeysuckle Lonicera orrowii
Leaves an young twigs ensely owny Leafy bracts beneath flowers not glan ular Leaves broa est below the mi le Flowers white fa ing to yellow
Tartarian Honeysuckle Lonicera tartarica
Un ersi es of leaves an young twigs are hairless Flowers usually pink-re Only species that has hollow pith
Amur Honeysuckle Lonicera aackii
Upper surface of leaves are shiny Bark is gray or tan an exfoliates somewhat in vertical strips Flowers white fa ing to yellow
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 51
JAPANESE KNOTWEED Polygonu cuspidatu
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T is species is pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Woo lan s open spaces itches roa si e itches e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall Fast growing aggressive easily sprea s an repro uces vegetatively
Twigs Greenish hollow jointe bamboo-like Stems often persist into winter
Leaves Alternate large untoothe broa ly ovate 3-7 inches long with pointe tips an square bases
Flower Many small whitish flowers growing in slen er finger-like clusters in the leaf axils
Flowering Period August to September
Fruit White papery win - isperse x-shape in cross-section
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 52
MALEBERRY Lyonia ligustrina
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s rich woo s gentle slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall often forming thickets
Bark Light gray shre y shaggy Younger bark appearing slightly hairy ol er bark gray with white lenticels
Twigs Yellow-brown to ash-gray mottle with black Flowering twigs leafless
Buds No terminal bu Lateral bu s flattene re oval pointe with a single re ish scale
Leaves Alternate elliptic to oblong stalke up to 3 inches long pointe at both en s minutely toothe Rough above slightly-hairy beneath
Flower Small roun white flowers in clusters up to 6 inches long
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Greenish-gray to brown small roun capsules with 5 partitions No larger than flower Crow e in groups on the stem persisting through winter Dry brown po s resembling blueberries
Similar Species Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium cor mbosum) Maleberry can be istinguishe by its flattene re bu s lateral rather than terminal clusters an by capsules of fruit instea of berries
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 53
MEADOWSWEET Spiraea latifolia
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t 2-3 feet tall forming large ense colonies
Bark Thin peeling in filmy layers
Twigs Smooth slen er light re ish-brown to purple more or less angle Unbranche (except occasionally towar the top where branching may occur)
Buds Many small smooth oval with several scales
Leaves Alternate oblong narrow toothe short-stalke tapering to the base with pointe to roun tips Up to 3 inches long an 1 frac12 inches wi e
Flower Pyrami clusters of white to pinkish 5-parte small flowers occurring at tip of stem
Flowering Period July into September
Fruit Small har smooth cluster of 5-6 tiny po s persisting over winter in the inflorescence giving it a ark-brown color
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 54
MULTIFLORA ROSE Rosa ultiflora
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T is species is pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Generalist Variety of soil moisture an light con itions
Heig t Up to 9 feet tall Shrubby arching
Bark Green Ol er stems turn woo y
Twigs Long arching with stiff re-curve thorns tips root to form new plants
Leaves Alternate pinnately compoun 7-9 toothe leaflets each leaflet about 1 inch long Fringe stipule at the base of leaf stem
Flower Dense clusters of fragrant white or occasionally pink 5-petale flowers up to 1 frac12 inch wi e Persist into winter
Flowering Period May through June
Fruit Small roun har re berry calle a ldquohiprdquo Smallest hip of any rose in New Englan persists into winter
Similar Species Multiflora rose can be istinguishe from other roses by the presence of a fringe stipule on the leaf petiole
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 55
NORTHERN WILD RAISIN WITHEROD VIBURNUM Viburnu cassinoides
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s valleys gentle slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall usually up to 7
Bark Smooth grayish-brown
Twigs Slen er long flexible ull pale grayish to light-brown Slightly hairy Somewhat angle with in istinct lenticels
Buds Covere by a single pair of scales Terminal bu s long yellow or gol en 2 light-brown scales split curve Flower bu s large an flask-shape
Leaves Opposite lanceolate to oval loosely toothe up to 4 inches long on short stalks tapering to an abrupt point Dark green above ull green below leathery
Flower Many small white 5-lobe flowers in short-stalke flat-toppe clusters at the tips of the twigs
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Fleshy blue-black berry-like approximately frac14 inch wi e containing a flat see Dull re as maturing
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 56
SHADBUSHSERVICEBERRY A elchier canadensis
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains rich woo s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 25 feet tall usually growing in thickets
Bark Gray smooth thin vertical fissures separating smooth flat areas in ol er trees
Twigs Ranci taste an smell (slight taste of bitter almon s) Slen er grayish often covere by a gray skin smooth Lenticels are scattere minute ots
Buds Terminal bu s long narrow greenish-yellow or purple
Leaves Alternate oblong finely-toothe broa est above the mi le Veins curve When half grown with white felt or wooly hairs beneath Up to frac34 inch long roun e at the tip an base
Flower Many me ium-size 5-petalle white flowers approximately frac34 inch wi e on stalks in clusters appearing when leaves are half grown
Flowering Period April through June
Fruit Dark-purple to black berries
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 57
SHEEP LAURELLAMBKILL Kal ia angustifolia
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 3 feet tall usually forming thickets
Bark Re ish brown
Twigs Pale brown smooth
Buds Nake no scales or only 2 showing
Leaves Evergreen Occasionally opposite but usually in whorls of 3 Elliptic to oblong on very short stems crow e on the branch opposite in threes Bright green above pale or whitene beneath Both surfaces smooth
Flower Small eep pink to re ish-purple 5-lobe approximately 1 frac12 inch wi e in clusters among the leaves
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Small brownish roun capsule with 5 partitions in clusters that persist over winter
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 58
SILKY DOGWOOD Cornus a o u
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall forming ense thickets
Twigs Much branching lower portion of the stem light brown upper portions becoming streake with re One-an two-year ol branches completely re an velvety Twigs mo erate to slen er with spongy chocolate-brown piths
Buds Smooth hairy
Leaves Opposite ovate to elliptic roun e at base with pointe tips Veins branching off mi vein that follow up the smooth leaf without reaching e ge Up to 5 inches long an half as wi e roun e to somewhat we ge-shape at the base an abruptly pointe at the tip pubescent beneath on short to mo erate stalks turning re in autumn
Flower Many small white 4-petalle flowers in broa flat-toppe clusters up to 3 inches wi e at the tips of branches
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Blue or blueish-white berries
Similar Species Re Osier Dogwoo (Cornus stolonifera)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 59
SPECKLED ALDER Alnus rugosa
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 25 feet tall often branching from the base
Bark Brown with whitish horizontal lenticels
Twigs Olive-brown to re ish brown smooth owny with greenish triangular pith
Buds Stalke re ish covere by 2-3 scales equal in length coate with grayish or brownish own no terminal bu
Leaves Alternate oval or roun e broa est below the mi le 2-4 inches long Doubly toothe or wavy Green above pale beneath Leaf base roun e or heart-shape Up to 6 inches long an 3 inches wi e
Flower Develop long before the leaves Male catkins long finger-like rooping Female catkins upright in clusters stalke resembling a small pine cone arching appearing below male
Flowering Period April through June before leaves emerge
Fruit Female catkins ripening into frac12 inch cylin rical cones persistent in winter
Comments Distinguishing features are the conspicuous white lenticels on the trunk an on the twigs the short thick stalks of the ldquoconesrdquo an the conspicuous net venation of the leaves In winter the immature female spikes roop
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 60
SPICEBUSH Lindera benzoin
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains rich woo s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Smooth grayish-brown
Twigs Younger growth is green with white lines an specks while ol er portions with smooth gray-brown bark
Buds Leaf bu s small pointe Flower bu s larger stalke Spherical arrange on one si e of a leaf bu above the scar
Leaves Alternate obovate to ovate somewhat pointe up to 4 inches long an 2 inches wi e
Flower Small yellow Male an female occur in clusters on separate plants
Flowering Period April through May
Fruit Fleshy re an berry-like up to frac12 inch long containing one large see
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 61
STEEPLEBUSH Spiraea to entosa
Status Native
Habitat Wet mea ows marshes shrub wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 3 frac12 feet tall
Bark Thin hairy peeling shre ing into strips
Buds Lateral bu s covere with wool No terminal bu
Leaves Alternate simple toothe up to 2 inches long white or woolly beneath with brownish rusty or tawny hairs
Flower Small 5-petale eep pink or rose colore flowers in ense steeple-like terminal spike up to 6 inches long
Flowering Period July into September
Fruit One-celle capsules persistent into winter
Similar Species The pinker plants are often confuse with purple loosestrife Steeplebush has alternate leaves whereas purple loosestrife has opposite or whorle leaves The stems of Steeplebush ten to be roun in cross-section whereas the stems of purple loosestrife are square in cross section (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 62
SWEET PEPPERBUSH Clethera alnifolia
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Dark grayish or blackish Branches of previous year shre y or flaky
Twigs Slen er roun an slightly owny on new twigs with large white pith
Buds Lateral bu s small an obscure Terminal bu s are owny large an pointe
Leaves Alternate egg-shape to oblong small broa est above mi le sharply-toothe except at base Straight-veine both si es smooth an green abruptly blunt-pointe Up to 4 frac12 inches long an 1 frac12 inches wi e
Flower Many small 5-petale fragrant white flowers occurring on terminal spike
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Small tan roun capsule each with 3 hairy partitions resembling peppercorns persisting into winter
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 63
WINTERBERRY HOLLYBLACK ALDER Ilex verticillata
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Gray smooth
Twigs Slen er ark purple-gray with many small lenticels
Buds Tiny blunt at tip iverging from the twig Crow e upper bu s larger Terminal bu present
Leaves Alternate ovate thick ull-green above owny beneath coarse-toothe prominent veins Broa est at or above the mi le pointe at both en s
Flower Very small greenish or yellowish white Male an female flower son separate plants 6-8 petals in clusters seate irectly on stem frac14 inch in iameter of very short stalks
Flowering Period May through August
Fruit Bright re berry-like with 3-5 bony nuts borne singly or in clusters approximately frac14 inch wi e containing several see s persisting into winter
Value Extremely showy in late fall an early winter when covere with their bright re fruit these shrubs are either male or female Attractive to bir s
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 64
WITCH HAZEL Ha a elis virginiana
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 30 feet tall
Bark Mottle light-brown to gray smooth to scaly
Twigs Zigzag smooth to slightly hairy Short shoots light orange brown with rusty or gray hairs Some brown warts but lenticels in istinct
Buds Lateral bu s flattene with rusty brown hairs Terminal bu stalke curve or sickle-shape
Leaves Roun e to oval wavy lopsi e toothe in shallow roun e lobes Main veins prominent 5-7 nerves One-si e at base
Flower Bright yellow crinkle curving petals persisting into winter remaining attache to twig
Flowering Period August into November
Fruit Woo y hairy light-brown 2-see e po with 4 well-space curve points splitting open an ejecting black see s forcibly ripening a year after flowers Open po s remain on stem
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 65
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 66
Climbin Vines
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 67
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 68
CLIMBINGORIENTAL BITTERSWEET
Celast us o biculatus
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire
Habitat Disturbe areas roa si es fiel s forests an e ges of streams an rivers
Hei ht 40-65 feet long eci uous woo y vine Very aggressive climbs up an over trees an chokes them
Stem Tanish furrowe
Leaves Alternate ovate bluntly toothe 3-4 inches long tapere at the base
Flower Small greenish clusters in the leaf axils
Flowerin Period April through May
Fruit Bright-yellow splitting open to reveal showy orangere fruit
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 69
POISON IVY
Toxicodend on adicans
Status Native
Habitat Generalist Variety of soil moisture an light con itions Foun in recent clear-cuts
Hei ht Upright eci uous shrub trailing vine or climbing plant Shrub can grow up to 6 feet tall but this plant is taller as a vine
Leaves Long-stalke compoun leaves ivi e into 3 leaflets each leaflet having a longer stalk than the si e leaflets
Flowers Small yellowish flowers with 5 petals occurring on lateral clusters
Flowerin Period May through July Poison i y showing fruit
Fruit Greenish to grayish-white berries lacking hairs Pro uce in late summer an can persist throughout winter
CAUTION
TOUCHING OR BURNING ANY PART OF THIS PLANT CAN CAUSE SEVERE SKIN IRRITATION
Poison i y as a tree-climbing ine Poison i y in autumn
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 70
RIVERBANK GRAPE
Vitis ipa ia
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Hei ht Up to 60 feet tall
Bark Re ish-brown in loose strips Pith with thin firm tissue
Leaves Alternate coarse-toothe up to 7 inches long with usually 3-5 lobes an narrow-pointe leaves
Flowers Inconspicuous in branche clusters
Flowerin Period May through July
Fruit Purplish-black to black grapes up to frac12 inch wi e with whitish waxy covering
Similar Species Forest grape (Vitis ulpina) occurs in similar habitats but its leaves have broa teeth an are not usually lobe an its grapes are black an lacking waxy coating
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 71
VIRGINIA CREEPER
Pa thenosisus quinquefolia
Status Native
Habitat Wi e range of con itions ry san y soil to moist nutrient-rich soil sha e sun
Stem Woo y stem persisting into winter
Leaves Alternate palmately compoun with 3-7 but usually 5 leaflets Leaflets 6-12 centimeters long with toothe margins Turn eep-re in the fall
Flower Inconspicuous green-white
Fruit Small blue-black berries appearing in autumn
Comments Climbs by ten rils that have oval a hesive isks at their tips
Similar Species Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) has compoun leaves with 3 leaflets but the terminal leaflet is attache to a short-stalk Poison ivy also climbs by aerial roots not by a hesive isks
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 72
The Ca opy Trees
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 73
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 74
AMERICAN BASSWOODLINDEN Tilia am ricana
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s valleys gentle slopes
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray ri ge when ol
Twigs Alternate stout zigzag greenish-gray smooth or owny
Buds Re ish-brown frac12 inch long lopsi e No terminal bu
Leaves Alternate large up to 8 inches long sharply toothe Unequally heart-shape at base
Flowers 5 cream-colore fragrant yellow petals Approximately frac12 inch across
Floweri g Period Early summer
Fruit Stalke cluster of small pale green nuts attache to a leafy wing
AMERICAN BEECH Fagus grandifolia
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s uplan s well- raine lowlan s
Height Up to 90 feet tall
Bark Smooth an light blue-gray when young an ol
Twigs Alternate slen er greenish-brown hairy
Buds Slen er sharp-pointe approximately frac34 inch long chestnut brown with overlapping scales
Leaves Alternate simple egg-shape pointe with parallel veins terminating in teeth Shiny papery-smooth up to 5 inches long Dry leaves remain on tree in winter Yellow in autumn
Flowers Inconspicuous slen er catkins in a roun e hea both sexes occur on the same tree
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Prickly 4-valve fruit capsule bearing 2 triangular nuts Nut is sweet an e ible
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 75
AMERICAN HORNBEAM IRONWOODBLUE BEECH Carpinus caroliniana
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s foreste wetlan s e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 40 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray-green furrowe flute (muscular) wavy
Twigs Slen er ark re ish-brown shiny an smooth or slightly -hairy
Buds Oval re ish brown angle scaly
Leaves Alternate simple oblong sharply an finely oubly-toothe margins up to 4 inches long an 2 inches wi e entirely smooth above slightly owny beneath Orange or scarlet in autumn
Flowers Very small male an female flowers occur in separate spikes Male catkins 1 inch female small appearing with leaves
Floweri g Period April through May before leaf-out
Fruit Nutlet in the axil of a 3-lobe leaf-like bract the bracts clustere in a loose terminal spike up to 2 inches long
BLACK BIRCHSWEET BIRCH B tula l nta
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s
Height Up to 60 feet tall
Bark Smooth ark brown Long horizontal lenticels resembling cherry Ol er trees with very ark thick plates
Twigs Smooth slen er light re ish-brown with very fine horizontal lines Smells an tastes of wintergreen
Buds Sharp re ish brown long terminal bu absent on long shoots Bu scales owny on margins
Leaves Alternate simple heart-shape sharply ouble-or single-toothe smooth above with tufts of white hair on the veins beneath ull ark green Wintergreen o or an taste
Flower Male an female flowers occur in separate catkins on the same tree male catkins present uring the winter
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Catkins cylin rical short scales smooth
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 76
BLACK CHERRY Prunus s rotina
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s on many sites
Height Up to 60 feet tall
Bark Dark re ish-brown smooth with narrow horizontal lenticels on young trees becoming roughene an scaly on ol er trees Resembles black birch
Twigs Slen er re ish-brown often gray an peeling Ranci o or an taste Often with black knot swellings on branches with narrow lenticels
Buds Bright light re ish-brown 4 scales appear as none Terminal bu larger than laterals
Leaves Alternate simple elliptic Smooth an shiny above finely-toothe turning inwar Brown wool on 13 of mi rib beneath Yellow to brown in autumn
Flower White 5-petalle elongate clusters appearing when leaves are frac12 grown in clusters at the en s of twigs up to 4 inches long
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit E ible cherries ark re ish-purple becoming black with small stone Appearing June-October
BOX ELDERASH-LEAVED MAPLE Ac r n gundo
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s lowlan s floo plains
Height Up to 40 feet tall
Bark Thin grayish to light-brown with furrowe narrow ri ges similar to Norway maple
Twigs Stout green to purplish-green brightly colore often re Covere with whitish bloom the first year which rea ily rubs off
Buds Short-stalke re ish usually wooly or owny whitish ensely hairy
Leaves Opposite compoun palm-like with 3-5 veiny leaflets up to 5 inches long on short stalks Very variable in shape sharp margins with coarse teeth Light green above pale green an hairy along veins beneath Stalk swollen at base
Flower Small yellowish to greenish Male an female flowers occur in rooping clusters on separate trees appearing slightly before leaf-out
Floweri g Period April through May at or before leaf-out
Fruit A typical flattene v-shape winge samara
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 77
EASTERN COTTONWOOD Populus d ltoid s
Status Native
Habitat Floo plains streambanks valleys
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Greenish-yellow on young trees gray an furrowe on ol er trees
Twigs Smooth yellow-brown mo erately stout
Buds Brown shiny approximately frac12 to 1 inch long 6-7 scales heavy sticky fragrant yellow resin insi e
Leaves Alternate simple large triangular coarse roun e teeth up to 6 inches long an often nearly as wi e Dark green an shiny above lighter beneath with veins prominent on both surfaces Stems flattene at base of leaves Leaves from sprouts very large Yellow in autumn
Flower Drooping loosely groupe catkins Male an female flowers occur in rooping spikes on separate trees Before the leaves unfol the male crow e into rather thick re ish spikes the female crow e into narrower greenish yellow spikes
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Short-stalke capsule with 4 partitions approximately frac14 inch long
EASTERN HEMLOCK Tsuga canad nsis
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s ravines foreste wetlan s
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Cinnamon-re to gray tinge with purple narrow ri ges
Twigs Alternate yellow to grayish brown very hairy flattene
Buds Approximately frac12 to frac34 inch wi e oval chestnut brown hairy scales
Needles Narrow approximately frac12 inch long Short shiny ark-green above tapering whitish-green with 2 white lines beneath appearing as a broa stripe Stalke at base persistent comb-like arrangement on twig
Fruit Small oval cones frac12 to frac34 inch long on slen er stalks Cone scales as wi e as long Male cones are small structures in clusters in leaf axils an o not persist Female cones have brown scales are at twig en s an persist
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 78
EASTERN WHITE PINE Pinus strobus
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s bogs ravines cool sha y north slopes
Height Up to 120 feet tall
Bark Smooth thin greenish when young becoming ark brown eeply-furrowe an blocky when ol er
Twigs Smooth slen er green or light yellowish-green resinous
Buds Sharp-pointe yellowish-brown
Leaves In clusters of 5 (the only five-nee le pine in the East) soft slen er bluish-green Retaine to en of the secon growing season 3 year nee les yellow in October 2-5 inches long
Fruit Large tapering cylin rical cones falling when ripe (August-September) Require two seasons to mature 4 to 8 inches long
GREEN ASH Fraxinus p nnsylvanica
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains streambanks
Height Up to 80 feet tall
Bark Young twigs gray thin hairless Ol er stems gray with shallow grooves ri ges an furrows
Twigs Stout gray terminal bu present conical the first pair of lateral bu s place some istance below the terminal
Leaves Opposite pinnately-compoun with 5-9 (usually 7) leaflets Shiny green on top occasionally hairy on bottom with saw-toothe margins Bright yellow in autumn
Flower Inconspicuous small cluster of greenish petal-free stalke flowers with male an female flowers occur on separate trees
Floweri g Period April to June as leaves emerge
Fruit Samara with a broa wing an in istinct see portion
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 79
RED MAPLE Ac r rubrum
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s rich woo s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 75 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray often satiny on young trees becoming arker scaly rough separating an forming long scales often up-curling in ol er trees
Twigs Current years growth re Ol er twigs light gray smooth
Buds Sharp ark re with prominent overlapping scales
Leaves Opposite simple usually 3-lobe (sometimes 5) with sharp angles between lobes an with sharp irregular teeth Dark green above gray-green beneath approximately 3-4 inches long Yellow or scarlet in autumn
Flower Re or yellow with petals appearing long before the leaves emerge Male an female flowers occur on separate trees
Floweri g Period March through May before leaf-bu s open
Fruit A ouble-winge v-shape re samara up to 1 inch long
Matures in late spring falls an germinates at once
RED OAK Qu rcus rubra
Status Native
Habitat Bottomlan s moist slopes
Height Up to 90 feet tall
Bark Smooth greenish-brown on young stems becoming broken into ri ges re ish-brown har with eep furrows when ol er Inner bark re ish
Twigs Alternate strongly ri ge or flute Re ish brown or black smooth
Buds Smooth brown blunt-pointe in clusters at en s of twigs Larger than other oaks except black frac14 inch long roun e on the si es Terminal bu s have slight rusty hairs
Leaves Spikes on tips of lobes Mostly 3 pairs V-shape space between lobes (typically 7-11) triangular in outline smooth on both si es
Flower Long sprea ing strings
Fruit Acorn maturing in secon year Cup embracing 13 to frac12 the acorn Oval to cylin rical short shallow Acorns large bitter ine ible insi es pale yellow
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 80
SHAGBARK HICKORY Carya ovata
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s valleys uplan slopes
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Smooth when young splitting into long plates that curve outwar free at both en s when ol er
Twigs Re ish-brown very stout tough an har to break Soli pith
Buds Dark brown long-pointe approximately frac12 inch or more wi e Scales remaining over winter
Leaves Alternate compoun 4-6 inches long 5 (rarely 7) leaflets with the 3 upper leaflets much larger an longer than the lower terminal leaflet Slightly toothe with a tuft of hair on each tooth
Flower Male an female flowers occur on same tree Male flowers are 3-branche catkins female flowers are in short spikes
Floweri g Period Early spring before leaf-out
Fruit Thick globe-like husks split away when ripe Nut with 4 angles whitish brown shell thick sweet kernel
SILVER MAPLE Ac r saccharinium
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 80 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray (like beech) in young trees breaking into long thin scaly plates curving away at en s when ol er
Twigs V-shape point upwar at tip rooping Orange-brown to re Ba o or when bruise
Buds Terminal bu small blunt re
Leaves Opposite simple approximately 5 inches wi e Deeply cleft 5-lobe sharply toothe Green above silver-white beneath Very silvery un er water Downy beneath when young Pale yellow in autumn
Flower Small re or greenish yellow No petals occurring long before the leaves Some trees have only male flowers
Floweri g Period February through May before leaf-out
Fruit Occurring in late spring The see germinates at once flattene winge fruit the largest of the native maples up to 2 inches long
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 81
SWAMP WHITE OAK Qu rcus bicolor
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 70 feet tall
Bark Flaky light grayish-brown peeling in ragge papery scales Furrowe at base of tree in long flat scaly ri ges
Twigs Slen er to stout straw-brown to yellow-green Bark peels from twig (only oak where this occurs)
Buds Small roun terminal bu s orange-brown blunt-pointe smooth Lateral bu s small an crow e
Leaves Alternate simple oval light-green above with hairs beneath wi est above the mi le strongly tapere towar the we ge-shape base Margin shallowly lobe Yellow or brown in autumn
Flower Male an female flowers occur separately on the same tree the male in catkins the female in short spikes
Fruit Oval light-brown nut approximately 1 inch long enclose for about frac12 its length by a cap Occurring singly or often in pairs at the en of a short stalk Some of the cups usually persist in winter
SYCAMOREPLANETREEBUTTONBALL Platanus occid ntalis
Status Native
Habitat Floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Creamy white on young branches turning re -brown-gray then breaking in large thin plates exposing whitish inner bark giving a white-washe appearance
Twigs Slen er smooth yellow-brown slightly zigzag swollen at joints
Buds No terminal bu Lateral bu s long conical resinous shiny ark re -brown covere by a single cap-like scale Pointing outwar enclose by bases of leaf stalks until the leaves fall
Leaves Alternate simple large with 3-5 pointe lobes maple-like pubescent beneath when young with long pointe teeth
Flower Small inconspicuous Male an female flowers occur separately in roun hea s on the same tree
Floweri g Period April through June
Fruit Large roun balls approximately frac14 inch long an 1 inch wi e with bristly hairs at base containing many see s Occurring singly on long stalks Remains on tree until spring
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 82
TAMARACHLARCH Larix laricina
Status Native
Habitat Bogs foreste wetlan s wet peaty soils
Height Up to 80 feet tall
Bark Thin re ish brown scaly Young branches grayish or pale orange-brown
Twigs Smooth brownish many leaf scars
Buds Dark re ish-brown roun resinous
Leaves Deci uous nee les pale blueish-green approximately 1 inch long flexible triangular Yellow in autumn before ropping off
Flower Occur separately as small cones on the same tree Male flowers are yellow Female flowers are rose re both appearing in March through April
Fruit Small oval cones frac12 to frac34 inch wi e with 20 scales Cone scales concave smooth often shining longer than broa chestnut brown smooth on the outsi e
WHITE ASH Fraxinus am ricana
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s valleys slopes foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Light or ark gray Smooth when young groove when ol er Longitu inal ri ges forming iamon -shape patterns separate by narrow interlacing ri ges
Twigs Opposite light greenish-brown with small white lenticles an a slight bloom Soli pith
Buds Roun e rusty to ark-brown rough hairy First pair of lateral bu s at the same level irectly below the terminal
Leaves Opposite pinnately compoun stalke oval to lanceolate 8 to 12 inches long with 5 to 9 leaflets (mostly 7) Smooth or slightly wavy-toothe Yellowish to maroon in the autumn
Flowers Small inconspicuous male an female flowers occur on separate trees appearing with the leaves Purplish in crow e clusters
Floweri g Period April through May before leaf-out
Fruit Cylin rical light-brown enclosing a see an a flattene elongate wing 2-3 times long as the bo y 1-2 inches wi e in rooping clusters
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 83
WHITE OAK Qu rcus alba
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s a jacent slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 90 feet tall
Bark Gray thin on young trees an flaky irregularly-plate or groove when ol er
Twigs Purplish-gray to greenish-re mo erately stout smooth
Buds Blunt smooth brownish at tips of twigs in clusters
Leaves Alternate simple 4-10 prominent roun e lobes variable in epth Re ish to violet in autumn Brown ea leaves remain on tree in winter
Flowers Both sexes occur on the same tree Male flowers in clusters of hanging bea s Female flowers are few in angles of new leaves Greenish yellowish or re ish
Fruit Maturing in one season Acorn cup with wart-like scales Cup shorter than nut Sweet an e ible
WHITE SPRUCE Pic a glauca
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s a jacent slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 70 feet tall
Bark Thin scaly grayish-brown silvery on freshly expose areas
Twigs Pale gray to yellow-brown no hairs or fuzz
Buds Oval ragge brown smooth
Leaves frac12 to 1 inch blueish-green slight-bloom pungent o or when crushe sharp line of white ots in each groove Ten ency to mass towar the upper si e of the twig
Flowers Occur separately as small cones on the same tree Male flowers are yellowish re Female flowers are greenish re purplish
Co e Cylin rical 2 inches long Immature cones have thin scales an are soft an flexible Mature cones are light chestnut brown
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 84
YELLOW BIRCH B tula l nta
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains ravines cool rich woo s of higher elevations
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Peeling in thin ribbon-like strips when young that roll back in curls Shiny yellow or silvery gray rough an platy when ol er
Twigs Stout bronze or bright-brown shiny Smooth or sparsely hairy Wintergreen o or an taste
Buds Sharp re ish-brown oppresse terminal bu absent oval with chestnut-brown scales
Leaves Alternate simple long oval sharply ouble-toothe Dull an ark-green above lighter beneath with slight hairs in veins base roun e to near heart-shape up to 5 inches long
Flower Male an female flowers in separate catkins on the same tree Male catkins present in winter Male flowers are yellow small narrow in a rooping catkin at branch tips Female flowers are green an in broa er upright catkins place back from the tip that matures into a brown cone
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Catkins roun e roun scales somewhat hairy erect on twig frac34 inch long persist into winter
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 85
Appendix A Other Helpful Field Guides
The Boo of Swamp and Bog Trees Shrubs and Wildflowers of Eastern Freshwater Wetlands by John Eastman 1995 Stackpole Books ISBN 0-8117-2518-9
A Field Guide to Coastal Wetland Plants of the Northeastern United States by Ralph W Tiner Jr 1987 University of Massachusetts Press ISBN 0-870-23538-9
Freshwater Wetlands - A Guide to Common Indicator Plants of the Northeast by Dennis W Magee 1981 University of Massachusetts Press ISBN 0-87023-317-3
Northeastern Wetland Flora Field Office Guide to Plant Species by USDA ndash NRCSNortheastern National Technical Center Chester Pennsylvania
Plants in Wetlands A Redington Field Guide to Biological Interactions by Charles B Re ington 1994 Ken allHunt Publishing Company ISBN 0-84038-983-3
Pond and Broo by Michael J Ca uto 1990 ISBN 0-87451-509-1
Pond Life A Golden Guide by George K Rei 1987 Gol en Books ISBN 0-30724-017-7
Through The Loo ing Glass by Susan Borman Robert Korth Jo Temte 19971999 Wisconsin Lakes Partnership ISBN 0-93231-032-X
Wetland Planting Guide for Northeast United States by Gwen olyn A Thunhorst 1993 Environmental Concern Inc ISBN 1-88322-602-3
Wetlands - National Audubon Society Nature Guides by William A Niering 1985 Alfre A Knopf New York ISBN 0-39473-147-6
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 86
Appendix B Glossary of Terms
Alternate Leaves arising singly along the stem not in pairs or whorls
Annual Living or growing for only one year or season
Axil The angle where two structures join for example where a leaf joins the stem
Axillary Occurring in or growing from an axil
Basal Locate at or arising from the base of a plant or a plant part
Berry A small juicy fleshy fruit containing one to many see s
Capsule A ry fruit containing two to many see s an opening by valves slits or pores
Cat in Scaly spike of inconspicuous flowers lacking petals
Ciliate Bearing margine hairs
Clasping Leaves that partially encircle the stem at the base
Compound (Leaf) Divi e into two or more istinct separate parts (leaflets)
Cone A har woo y globose to cylin ric arrangement of bracts or scales in the axils of which the repro uctive structures are foun
Deciduous Falling from the plant after maturity each year
Elliptic Broa est at the mi le gra ually tapering to both en s
Emergent Roote in shallow water with most of the plant growing above the surface
Emersed Raise out of the water as in the flowers or fruits of some floating plants
Entire (Leaf) Having a continuoussmooth margin unbroken by toothing or ivisions
Evergreen Remaining green throughout the winter
Fibrous Referring to a cluster of slen er roots all with the same iameter
Frond The leaf of a fern
Furrowed Groove
Glabrous Without hairs or scales
Globose Shape like a globe roun
Head A group of flowers tightly crowne together in a more or less roun e structure
Herbaceous A plant that ies back to the groun at the en of the growing season or a plant part that is leaf-like in color an texture
Inflorescence The entire flower cluster
Lanceolate Lance-shape broa est near the base gra ually tapering to the narrower apex
Leaflet One of the segments of a compoun leaf
Lenticels The small corky pores or narrow lines on the surface of stems of woo y plants that allow the interchange of gases between the interior tissue an surroun ing air A small opening in a stem
Lip The upper an lower parts of certain tubular flowers
Lobe The in ente part of a leaf or flower not ivi e into istinct an separate parts but still interconnecte to similar parts of the leaf or flower
MidribMidvein The central or main vein of a leaf
Native A species that originate in a certain place or region in igenous
Node The place on the stem where leaves or branches are attache
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 87
Non-Native Not originating in a certain geographic location than where they are foun
Nut A har ry one-see e fruit not opening at maturity
Nutlet A small nut
Oblong Broa est at the mi le an tapering to both en s but broa er than elliptic
Opposite Leaves arising in pairs on either si e of a stem
Oval Broa ly elliptic
Ovate Broa ly roun e at the base becoming narrowe above
Palmate Having three or more veins lobes or leaflets arising from one point
Panicle A compoun loosely branche flower cluster
Parallel Veined Having veins all parallel as oppose to in a network
Perennial Living for two or more years
Petal One segment of the series of floral leaves lying just insi e the sepals often the most conspicuous
Petiole The stalk-like part of the leaf attaching it to the stem
Pinnate Divi e once along an elongate axis into istinct segments
Pith The soft tissue at the center of a plantrsquos stem it may be soli or hollow at maturity
Pod A fruiting structure containing the mature see s
Pubescent Covere in fine short hairs
Recurved Curving ownwar
Rhizome A horizontal usually un ergroun stem that often sen s out roots an shoots from its no es
Ribbed Bearing ri ges
Root The escen ing axis of the plant usually growing in an opposite irection from the stem
Samara A winge fruit
Scale A mo ifie leaf or thin flattene structure
Sepal One segment of the outer series of floral leaves often green in color but occasionally of a ifferent color an petal-like
Serrate With sharp forwar -pointing teeth on the margin
Sessile Without a stalk
Sheath The base of a leaf that encircles the stem
Simple (Leaf) A leaf compose of a single bla e
Smooth Not rough to the touch
Spi e An elongate cluster of sessile flowers
Shrub A woo y plant smaller than a tree with several stems or trunks arising from a single base a bush
Simple Leaf A leaf with a single bla e
Succulent Juicy an fleshy
Tendril A evice usually coile that enables some vines to climb
Toothed With teeth along the margin
Tuber A thickene part of an un ergroun root or rhizome serving for foo storage an often for propagation
Whorled (Leaf) Arrange in a group of three or more leaves branches or pe icles at the no e on the stem
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 88
Appendix C Leaf Shapes amp Arrangements
Peterson Lee Allen ldquoA Fie d Guide to Edib e Wi d P ants of Eastern and Centra North Americardquo Houghton Mifflin Company 1977
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 89
Appendix D Native ShorelandRiparian Buffer Plantings for New Hampshire
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 90
Native ShorelandRiparian Buffer Plantings for New Hampshire The p otected sho eland is the a ea of land that exists between the efe ence line of a wate body and 250 feet f om the efe ence line
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees
Ame ican Basswood (Ame ican Linden)
Tilia am ricana Medium-La ge 60-100rsquo
Mode ate Deep FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Rich woods valleys gentle slopes
Wildlife Pileated woodpecke wood duck othe bi ds dee abbit squi el
Food Seeds twigs
Ame ican Beech Fagus grandifolia Medium-La ge 60-90rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Rich woods well-d ained lowlands
Wildlife Blue jay chickadees nuthatches quail uffed g ouse tufted titmouse wild tu key wood duck woodpecke s bea chipmunk dee fox po cupine snowshoe ha e squi el
Food Nuts buds sap
Ame ican Hopho nbeam (I onwood)
Ostrya virginiana Small 20-40rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Rich woods Wildlife Downy woodpecke mockingbi d pu ple finch ing-necked pheasant ose-b easted g osbeak uffed g ouse wild tu key wood quail dee abbit squi el
Food Nuts buds seeds
Ame ican Ho nbeam (Blue BeechMusclewood)
Carpinus caroliniana
SmallSh ubby 20-40rsquo
Slow Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods fo ested wetlands avines st eambanks
Wildlife Quail uffed g ouse wood duck beave dee squi el
Food Seeds buds
Ame ican Mountain Ash
Sorbus am ricana Small Up to 25rsquo
Fast Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full-Sun
D y Moist Fo ested wetlands ich woods Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe catbi d ceda waxwing g osbeak mockingbi d obin th ushes wild tu key bea
Food F uit twigs
Balsam Fi Abi s balsam a Small-Medium 40-60rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands st eambanks ich woods
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse songbi ds small mammals moose
Food Seeds
Balsam Popla Populus balsam a Medium 60-80rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun Moist Floodplains ive banks st eambanks valleys
Wildlife Beave dee mouse snowshoe ha e
Food Buds catkins twigs foliage
Big-Toothed Aspen Populus grandid ntata
Small-Medium 30-60rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Sandy upland soils floodplain st eams with quaking aspen
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee evening g osbeak pu ple finch uffed g ouse yellow-bellied sapsucke dee
Food Buds catkins ba k twigs and foliage
Black Ash Fraxinus nigra Medium 60-80rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands st eambanks Wildlife Songbi ds wood duck dee moose small mammals
Food F uit twigs young leaves
Black Bi ch (Sweet Bi ch)
B tula l nta Medium 40-60rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade
Page 1
Moist Cool moist uplands ich woods
Wildlife G ouse dee abbit
Food Buds catkins seeds
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees (Continued)
Black Che y Prunus s rotina Medium 40-60rsquo
Mode ate Deep Tap oot
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Rich woods on many sites except ve y d y soils
Wildlife Bluebi d blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing common c ow easte n kingbi d evening g osbeak mockingbi d no the n flicke no the n o iole obin uffed g ouse spa ows th ushes vee y vi eo yellow-bellied sapsucke bea chipmunk dee fox accoon squi el
Food Be ies buds sap
Black Gum (Tupelo)
Nyssa sylvatica Medium 50-60
Slow No Info mation Available
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Fo ested wetlands floodplains Wildlife Bluebi d ca dinal catbi d chickadee c ow finches malla ds obin uby-th oated hummingbi d uffed g ouse vi eo wild tu key woodpecke s wood duck honeybees bea chipmunk dee opossum squi el
Food Seeds sap necta
Black Sp uce Pic a mariana Small Up to 25rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs fo ested wetlands lake and pond sho es
Wildlife Songbi ds uffed g ouse sp uce g ouse chipmunk cottontail dee po cupine squi el
Food Seeds twigs necta ba k
Black Willow Salix nigra Small-Medium Up to 50rsquo
Ve y Fast Ve y Shallow
Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands lowlands floodplains
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Buds catkins
Box Elde Ac r n gundo Medium 40-70rsquo
Ve y Fast Deep Late al
Full Sun D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands lowlands floodplains
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Seeds
Easte n Cottonwood Populus d ltoid s Medium-La ge 80-100rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Floodplains st eambanks valleys
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse
Food Catkins
Easte n Hemlock Tsuga canad nsis Medium-La ge 80-100rsquo
Mode ate Shallow Late al
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Acidic Cool moist uplands avines ock outc ops st eambanks
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee blue and g een wa ble s c ossbill hawks juncos pine siskin uffed g ouse vee y wild tu key dee chipmunk cottontail po cupine squi el white-footed mouse
Food Twigs foliage seeds
Easte n White Pine Pinus strobus La ge 70-120rsquo
Mode ate Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Well-D ained
Fo ested wetlands bogs avines cool shady no th slopes
Wildlife B own c eepe chickadee c ossbill g osbeak junco nuthatch pine wa ble spa ows sp uce g ouse wild tu key woodpecke s beave chipmunk dee snowshoe ha e squi el
Food Seeds foliage twigs excellent winte food
G ay Bi ch (Wi e Bi ch)
B tula populifolia Small 20-35rsquo
Fast Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Pionee Species poo est of ste ile soils sandy o g avelly slopes
Wildlife Ame ican goldfinch blue jay chickadee no the n junco pine siskin ed-tailed hawk uffed g ouse spa ows vi eo yellow-bellied sapsucke woodpecke s snowshoe ha e
Food Seeds buds
Page 2
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees (Continued)
G een Ash Fraxinus p nnsylvanica
Medium-La ge 60-80rsquo
Fast Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks neve on d y soils
Wildlife Ca dinal finches evening g osbeak mou ning dove ed-winged blackbi d wood duck beave chipmunk dee po cupine squi el
Food Seeds foliage
No the n White Ceda (A bo vitae)
Thuja occid ntalis Medium 30-60rsquo
Slow to Mode ate
Shallow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs wetlands ich woods Wildlife Songbi ds small mammals dee
Food Seeds needles
QuakingT embling Aspen (Popla )
Populus tr muloid s
Small-Medium 30-60rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Pionee Species d y open woods sandy o g avelly slopes
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse beave dee po cupine snowshoe ha e
Food Buds catkins ba k twigs and foliage
Red Maple Ac r rubrum Medium 40-75rsquo
Mode ate to Fast
Ve y Shallow
Full Sun D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands st eambanks lakesho es ich woods
Wildlife Ca dinal chickadee evening and pine g osbeaks finches obin yellow-bellied sapsucke beave chipmunk dee opossum squi el snowshoe ha e
Food Seeds buds ba k twigs sap
Red Oak Qu rcus rubra Medium 60-90rsquo
Mode ate Deep Late al
FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Bottomlands moist slopes Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe ducks hawks quail nuthatch uffed g ouse towhee wild tu key woodpecke bea chipmunk dee gophe opossum accoon squi el
Food Aco ns
Shagba k Hicko y Carya ovata La ge 70-100rsquo
Fast Deep Tap oot
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Rich woods valleys upland slopes
Wildlife Ca dinal field spa ows pine wa ble ose-b easted g osbeak ufous-sided towhee white-b easted nuthatch wild tu key wood duck yellow- umped wa ble chipmunks squi els
Food Nuts
Silve Maple Ac r sacharinium Medium 60-80rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands ive banks floodplains st eambanks
Wildlife Ca dinal goldfinch evening and pine g osbeaks no the n o iole
Food Seeds buds
St iped Maple (Moosewood Moose Maple)
Ac rp nsylvanicum SmallSh ubby 20-30rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t-Shade Moist Rich woods cool moist sites Wildlife Ruffed g ouse beave dee moose po cupine abbit
Food Buds ba k sama as
Suga Maple Ac r saccharum Medium-La ge 60-100rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Valleys and uplands tole ates almost all soil types
Wildlife Ca dinal goldfinch g osbeak ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse vi eo beave chipmunk po cupine B owse fo dee abbit snowshoe ha e
Food Seeds twigs ba k
Page 3
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees (Continued)
Swamp White Oak Qu rcus bicolor Medium 60-70rsquo
Fast No Info mation Available
FullPa t Shade Moist Fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks
Wildlife Ba ed owl blue jay ca dinal b own th ashe g ouse malla ds nuthatch quail ed-bellied woodpecke ed-tailed hawk uffed g ouse sta ling towhee wild tu key yellow-th oated wable w en beave chipmunk cottontail dee gophe opossum accoon squi el white-footed mouse wild tu key
Food Aco ns
Sweet Gum Liquidambar styraciflua
Medium-La ge 60-100rsquo
Mode ate No Info mation Available
Full Sun Moist Valleys Lowe slopes mixed woodlands
Wildlife Mou ning dove finches junco w en beave chipmunk squi el
Food Seeds
Sycamo e (Planet eeButtonwood)
Platanus occid ntalis
La ge 80-100rsquo
Slow No Info mation Available
FullPa t Shade o Full-Sun
D y o Moist Floodplains lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Finches chipmunk squi el
Food Seeds
Tama ack (Ame icanEaste n La ch)
Larix laricina Small-Medium 40-80rsquo
Va iable Mode ate Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs swamps wet peaty soils d ie upland loamy soils
Wildlife Blue jay kinglets pheasant ed c ossbill obin uffed g ouse sp uce g ouse yellow-bellied sapsucke chipmunk dee po cupine ed squi el snowshoe ha e
Food Needles twigs inne ba k seeds
White Ash Fraxinus am ricana
Medium-La ge 70-100rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods valleys slopes fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks
Wildlife Finches g osbeaks ed-winged blackbi d wood duck dee squi el
Food Seeds foliage
White Bi ch (Pape Bi ch)
B tula papyrif ra Medium 50-75rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Fo ested wetlands ich woods Wildlife G ouse siskins
Food Seeds buds
White Oak Qu rcus alba Medium-La ge 50-90rsquo
Mode ate Deep FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Deep ich well-d ained
St eambanks lakesho es gentle slopes adapts to almost any condition
Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe nuthatch quail uffed g ouse towhee wild tu key wood duck woodpecke chipmunk bea dee gophe opossum accoon squi el
Food Aco ns
White Sp uce Pic a glauca Medium 40-70rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist St eambanks lakesho es ich woods adjacent slopes
Wildlife Fishe s ma tens snowshoe ha e voles
Food Seeds
Yellow Bi ch (Sweet Bi ch)
B tula all ghani nsis
Medium-La ge 70-100rsquo
Slow Shallow Mode ate
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Fo ested wetlands floodplains avines cool ich woods of high elevations
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee common edpoll goldfinch pine siskins ed-shoulde ed hawk ing-necked pheasant uffed g ouse wild tu key wood duck yellow-bellied sapsucke beave chipmunk dee po cupine squi el snowshow ha e
Food Catkins buds ba k twigs foliage seeds
Page 4
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs
Ame ican Hazelnut Corylus am ricana Medium 5-10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Bo de s of woods hillsides thickets
Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe ceda waxwing hai y woodpecke ing-necked pheasant uffed g ouse chipmunk dee abbit squi el
Food Nuts be ies foliage
Beaked Hazelnut Corylus cornuta Small 6-10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y D y places Wildlife Bi ds mammals
Food Beaked nuts
Black Chokebe y Aronia m loncarpa
Medium Up to 10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Ceda waxwing chickadees uffed g ouse sha p-tailed g ouse dee abbit squi el
Food Be ies buds
Buttonbush C phalanthus occid ntalis
Medium 6-12rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
St eambanks lakesho es ponds sh ub and fo ested wetlands
Wildlife Ducks ails uby-th oated hummingbi d beave dee musk at butte flies honeybees and othe insects
Food F uit twigs leaves seeds necta
Chokeche y Prunus virginiana Small 3-6rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist With Aspen d y soils Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe catbi d c ow easte n kingbi d evening g osbeak o ioles pileated woodpecke ing-necked pheasant obin ose g osbeak uffed g ouse th ushes yellow-bellied sapsucke abbit squi el
Food Be ies buds foliage
Elde be y Sambucus canad nsis
Small-Medium 3-12rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods sh ub and fo ested wetlands ma shes
Wildlife Bluebi ds blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d g osbeak indigo bunting pileated woodpecke inged-neck pheasant obin ose-b easted g osbeak uffed g ouse th ushes wild tu key woodpecke chipmunk dee abbit squi el
Food Be ies necta twigs bugs
G ay Dogwood (Red-Panicle Dogwood)
Cornus rac mosa Medium 10-15rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Roadsides thickets wetlands Wildlife Blue jay ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing easte n kingbi d finch flycatche g osbeak hai y woodpecke no the n flicke phoebe pileated woodpecke pine g osbeak pine wa ble ed-bellied woodpecke ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse sta ling swamp spa ow tufted titmouse vee y vi eo wild tu key wood duck wood th ush woodcock yellow-bellied sapsucke chipmunk dee ed fox abbit squi el
Food Be ies twigs
Highbush Bluebe y Vaccinium corymbosum
Medium 5-15rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Baltimo e o iole bluebi d blue jay ca dinal chickadee g ay catbi d kingbi d o ioles phoebe ed-bellied woodpecke ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse ufos-sided towhee sca let tanage tufted titmouse vee y wild tu key woodpecke s wood th ush black bee chipmunk dee musk at abbit squi el white-footed mouse
Food Be ies foliage twigs buds
Hobblebush Viburnum alnifolium
Medium Up to 10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Cool moist avines shady lakesho es
Wildlife B own th ashe ca dinal ceda waxwing evening g osbeak obin
Food F uit
Page 5
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs (Continued)
Junipe Junip rus communis
Small 1-4rsquo
Slow Full Sun D y D y open land Wildlife Ceda waxwing finches g osbeaks g ouse pheasant obin dee abbit moose
Food Twigs foliage f uit
Lowbush Bluebe y Vaccinium angustifolium
1-2rsquo Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Bogs d y sandy flats ocky slopes
Wildlife Blue jay g ouse kingbi d o iole obin tanage s woodpecke s squi el
Food Be ies foliage twigs
Malebe y Lyonia ligustris Up to 10rsquo Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods gentle slopes
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food F uit
Mapleleaf Vibu num Viburnum ac rifolium
Small 3-6rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Rich woods Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food F uit
Mountain Lau el Kalmia latifolia Up to 20rsquo Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Mixed uplands acid soils Wildlife Ruffed g ouse dee
Food Foliage buds twigs necta
Nannybe y Viburnum l ntago Medium-La ge 10-25rsquo
Mode ate FallPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Rich woods Wildlife Songbi ds mammals
Food Be ies
No the n A owwood Viburnum r cognitum
Medium 10-15rsquo
Mode ate FallPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse songbi ds bea chipmunks accoon squi el skunk white-footed mouse
Food Be ies
No the n Wild Raisin (Withe od Vibu num)
Viburnum nudum varcassinoid s
Medium 6-10
Mode ate FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands valleys slopes st eambanks
Wildlife B own th ashe ceda waxwing flycatche uffed g ouse vee y woodcock yellow-wa ble chipmunk dee musk at squi el snowshoe ha e
Food Ba k twigs buds
Pussy Willow Salix discolor Medium-La ge Up to 15rsquo
Fast Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks lakesho es
Wildlife Ame ican goldfinch uffed g ouse beave ha e abbits squi el
Food Buds catkins twigs ba k
Raspbe y Rubus ida us Small Up to 6rsquo
Fast FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Thickets edges of woods Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food F uits
Red Osie Dogwood Cornus stolonif ra Small-Medium 4-8rsquo
Fast FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods st eambanks lakesho es
Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing downy woodpecke easte n kingbi d finches no the n flicke pine wa ble pu ple finch inged-neck pheasant uffed g ouse vi eo wild tu key woodpecke s wood duck chipmunk dee abbit squi el
Food Be ies twigs
Rhodo a Rhodod ndron canad ns
Small 3-4rsquo
Slow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs slopes ocky summits Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Leaves
Page 6
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs (Continued)
Shadbush (Se vicebe yJunebe y)
Am lanchi r spp La ge 15-25rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks ich woods
Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing g ay catbi d junco o ioles ed squi el obin uffed g ouse sca let tanage th ushes vee y woodpecke s beave dee ed squi el skunk
Food Be ies twigs
Silky Dogwood Cornus amomum Medium 6-10rsquo
Fast FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks
Wildlife Baltimo e o iole black-capped chickadee blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing downy woodpecke easte n kingbi d flycatche mockingbi d no the n flicke pine wa ble pu ple finch ed-bellied woodpecke inged-necl pheasant obin ose-b easted g osbeak uffed g ouse song spa ow sta lings tufted-titmouse wild tu key wood duck wood th ush vee y chipmunk dee abbit accoon skunk squi el white-footed mouse
Food Be ies buds twigs
Speckled Alde Alnus rugosa La ge 15-25rsquo
Fast Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks lakesho es
Wildlife Alde flycatche catbi d goldfinch malla ds pheasant pine siskin ed-winged blackbi d uffed g ouse swamp spa ow yellow-bellied flycatche woodcock bea beave dee cottontail moose musk at snowshoe ha e
Food Buds twigs ba k leaves
Spicebush Lind ra b nzoin Small-La ge 6-17rsquo
Mode ate Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Catbi d kingbi d pheasant quail obin uffed g ouse vee y vi eo wood th ush swallowtail butte flies dee musk at
Food F uit buds twigs leaves
Swamp Azalea Rhodod ndron viscosum
Up to 5rsquo Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Hummingbi d butte flies and othe insects dee
Food Leaves necta
Swamp Blackbe y Rubus hispidus Small Up to 6rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal ceda waxwing g ackle g ay catbi d g osbeak mockingbi d o iole tanage ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse ufus-sided th ushes towhee vee y wild tu key woodcock woodpecke s wood th ush chipmunk cottontail dee accoon skunk squi el
Food F uit canes
Sweet Gale Myrica gal Small 1-4rsquo
Slow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee catbi d common yellowth oat phoebe pied-billed g ebe uffed g ouse t ee swallow tufted titmouse wild tu key dee musk at
Food Buds leaves
Sweet Peppe bush Cl thra alnifolia Medium 3-10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Butte flies and othe insects
Food F uit seeds necta
Winte be y Holly (Black Alde )
Il x v rticillata Medium 6-10rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eamabanks
Wildlife Ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing chickadees finches flicke s uffed g ouse th ushes vi eo woodpecke s bea cottontail dee moose skunk white-footed mouse
Food Be ies twigs leaves
Page 7
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs (Continued)
Witch Hazel Hammam lis virginiana
La ge 20-30rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist D y o ich woods Wildlife Ca dinal ing-necked pheasant uffed g ouse wild tu key dee squi els
Food Seeds buds twigs ba k
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
GroundcoverHerbaceous Perennials
Boneset Eupatorium p rfoliatum
4-6rsquo Full Sun D y o Moist Wet meadows ma shes pond edges
Wildlife Malla ds uffed g ouse swamp spa ow wild tu key butte flies and othe insects
Food Necta
Blue Flag I is Iris v rsicolor 2-3rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Ma shes lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Blue-winged teal uby-th oated hummingbi d wood duck butte flies and othe insects musk at
Food Necta shoots
Bunchbe y Cornus canad nsis 3-8rdquo FullPa t Shade Moist Cool moist woods Wildlife Sha p-tailed g ouse sp uce-g ouse moose
Food F uit buds
Ca dinal Flowe Lob lia cardinalis 2-4rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Damp sites st eambanks Wildlife Ruby-th oated hummingbi ds butte flies and othe insects bea dee
Food Necta
Cattail (B oad-Leaf) Typha latifolia Up to 10rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Ma shes lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Blue-winged teal black-c owned night he on ed-winged blackbi d king ail least and Ame ican bitte n malla ds ma sh w en swamp spa ow Vi ginia ail chipmunk dee musk at
Food Seed heads
Ch istmas Fe n Polystichium acrostichoid s
Up to 1rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Rich woods Wildlife Ruffed g ouse box tu tle chipmunk abbit
Food F onds filldeheads
Cinnamon Fe n Osmunda cinnamom a
Up to 3rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife B own th ashe uby-th oated hummingbi d uffed g ouse yellow th oat chipmunk dee white-footed mouse vole
Food F onds filldeheads
Foamflowe Tiar lla cordifolia Up to 1rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Rich woods Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Leaves
Golden od (Rough o G ass-Leaved)
Solidago spp 1-5rsquo Full Sun D y o Moist Wet meadows ma shes damp swales
Wildlife Goldfinch junco uffed g ouse swamp spa ow butte flies and othe insects cottontail meadow mice
Food Seeds necta
Page 8
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
GroundcoverHerbaceous Perennials (Continued)
Hay-Scented Fe n D nnsta dtia punctiloula
Up to 2rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Woodlands hillside pastu es Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds filldeheads
Inte upted Fe n Osmunda punctiloula
3-4rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Woodland edges stony d y soil Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds filldeheads
Jewelweed (Spotted-Touch-Me-Not)
Impati ns cap nsis 2-5rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks
Wildlife Ring-necked pheasant uffed g ouse uby-th oated hummingbi d vee y butte flies and othe insects white-footed mouse
Food Necta seeds
Joe Pye Weed Eupatorium purpur um
2-6rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Wet meadows ma shes sho es Wildlife Ruby-th oated hummingbi d swamp spa ow butte flies and othe insects cottontail musk at accoon
Food Necta
New England Aste Ast r nova -anglia
Up to 5rsquo Full Sun D y o Moist Wet meadows wetlands Wildlife Songbi ds butte flies and othe insects Food Necta seeds
Ost ich Fe n Pt r tis p nsylvanica
Up to 6rsquo FullPa t Shade Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds fiddleheads
Pa t idgebe y Mitch lla r p ns Up to 1rsquo FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Rich woods Wildlife G ouse mammals
Food Be ies
Rattlesnake Manna G ass
Glyc ria canad nsis
Up to 3rsquo Full Sun Moist Ma shes bogs fo ested wetlands lakesho es
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Seeds
Rice Cutg ass L rsia oryzoid s Up to 5rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
P ima ily f esh ma shes Wildlife Dee musk at moose
Food Seeds foliage
Rive bank G ape (Vine) Vistis riparia Up to 25rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist St eambanks Wildlife Pileated woodpecke uffed g ouse wild tu key wood duck va ious mammals
Food F uit
Royal Fe n Osmunda r galis Up to 5rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds fiddleheads
Sensitive Fe n Onocl a s nsibilis Up to 3rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Black-capped chickadee uffed g ouse bea dee
Food Buds foliage
Sheep Lau el Kalmia angustifolia
Up to 4rsquo FallPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo est wetlands fieldspastu es
Poisonous to livestock
Swamp Milkweed Ascl pias incarnata
Up to 2rsquo FallPa t Shade Moist Wet meadows wetlands thickets sho es
Wildlife Black duck malla ds ed-winged blackbi d uby-th oated hummingbi d Mona ch butte fly othe butte flies and insects musk at Food Necta seeds
Page 9
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
GroundcoverHerbaceous Perennials (Continued)
Sweet Fe n Componia p rigrina
1-3rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Open d y sandy soils and pastu es
Wildlife Flicke s sha p-tailed g ouse dee moose
Food F uit
Tall Meadow Rue Thalictrum polyganum
2-8rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Wetlands wet meadows st eamsides
Wildlife Bees butte flies
Food Necta
Tussock Sedge Car x stricta Up to 4rdquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Ma shes ich woods Wildlife Finches uffed g ouse snipe spa ows dee
Food Seeds foliage
Twinflowe Linna a bor alis Up to 6rdquo FullPa t Shade Moist Rich woods Wildlife Mammals
Food Foliage
Vi ginia C eepe (Vine) Parth nocissus quinqu folia
Up to 25rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Woods ocky banks Wildlife Bluebi d g eat-c ested flycatche ed-eyes vi eo pileated woodpecke
Food Be ies
Who led Loosest ife Lysimachia quadrifolia
Up to 4rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist D y o moist open woods thickets
Wildlife Mammals
Food Foliage
Wild Sa sapa illa Aralia nudicanlis 8-15rdquo FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Upland woods Wildlife Mammals
Food Foliage seeds be ies
Winte g een (Teabe yChecke be y)
Gaulth ria procumb ns
Up to 4rdquo Full Sun D y Oak woods sandy soils Wildlife Pa t idge uffed g ouse songbi ds chipmunk dee moose
Food F uit foliage
References
Baldwin Hen y Ives ldquoFor st L av s How to Id ntify Tr s and Shrubs of North rn N w Englandrdquo Pete E Randall Publishe 1993
Connecticut Rive Joint Commission ldquoRiparian Buff rs for th Conn cticut Riv r Wat rsh drdquo 2000 httpwwwc jco gpdffilesPlant20listspdf
Ha low William M ldquoTr s of th East rn and C ntral Unit d Stat s and Canadardquo Dove Publications 1942
New Hampshi e Depa tment of Envi onmental Se vices Th Critical Edg Appendix D 1998
New Hampshi e Depa tment of Resou ces and Economic Development Division of Fo ests and Lands State Fo est Nu su y ldquoWildlif Cons rvation Sp ci s D scriptionsrdquo 2001
Nie ing William A ldquoNational Audubon Soci ty Natur Guid s W tlandsrdquo Chanticlee P ess Inc 1997
Redington Cha les B ldquoPlants in W tland Fi ld Guid to Biological Int ractionssrdquo KendallHunt Publishing Company 1994
Sutton Ann and My on ldquoNational Audubon Soci ty Natur Guid s East rn For stsrdquo Alf ed A Knopf Inc 1997
Unive sity of New Hampshi e Coope ative Extension ldquoTr s and Shrubs in N w Hampshir A Guid book for Natural B auty Proj ctsrdquo Bulletin 163
Unive sity of New Hampshi e Coope ative Extension ldquoN w Hampshir rsquos Nativ Tr s Shrubs and Vin s with Wildlif Valu rdquo
Compiled by
Jen D ociak New Hampshi e Depa tment of Envi onmental Se vices Wate Division Wate shed Management Bu eau
Ma ch 2006
Page 10
A Fiel Gui e to Common Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 1
Acknowledgements
All specimen scans and habitat photos by Jen Drociak unless otherwise noted
Layout and design by Jen Drociak
A very special thank-you to Pat Gruttemeyer Amy Smagula and Michele Tremblay for their editorial assistance and to Amy Smagula and Jody Connor for their content contribution
Dedicated to Gordon Russell Director Emeritus Piscataquog Watershed Association who guided me on my first plant identification survey along the banks of the Piscataqoug River in 1997
References
Borman Susan Korth Robert Temte Jo Through the Looking Glass A Field Guide to Aquatic Plants Wisconsin Lake Partnership 1999
Magee Dennis W Freshwater Wetlands A Guide to Common Indicator Plants of the Northeast University of Massachusetts Press 1981
New Hampshire Department of Agriculture Markets amp Food and New Hampshire Invasive Species Committee Guide to Invasive Upland Plant Species in New Hampshire NH Department of Agriculture Markets amp Food 2005
Niering William A National Audubon Society Nature Guides Wetlands Chanticleer Press Inc 1997
New England Wildflower Society Field Manual of Invasive Plants of the Northeast 200
Northeastern Wetland Flora Field Office Guide to Plant Species USDA ndash NRCSNortheastern National Technical Center Chester Pennsylvania
Peterson Lee Allen A Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants of Eastern and Central North America Houghton Mifflin Company 1977
Redington Charles B Plants in Wetlands Field Guide to Biological Interactions KendallHunt Publishing Company 199
Smagula Amy Connor Jody Aquatic Plants amp Algae of New Hampshirersquos Lakes and Ponds New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services 2007
Tiner RW Jr Field Guide to Nontidal Wetland Identification Maryland Department of Natural Resources Annapolis MD and US Fish and Wildlife Service Newton Corner MA 1988
Uva Richard Neal Joseph C DiTomaso Joseph M Weeds of the Northeast Cornell University 1997
A Fiel Gui e to Common Riparian
Plants of New Hampshire 1
Introduction
Riparian Area An area f land and vegetati n adjacent t a stream that has a direct effect n the stream This includes w dlands vegetati n and fl dplains
Purpos of This Guid
This fi ld guid provid s bri f simpl and asy id ntification of common aquatic and riparian plants shrubs and tr s of N w Hampshir Although information in this guid is drawn from s v ral sourc s it is not int nd d to b a compr h nsiv listing of all th aquatic and riparian plant sp ci s in N w Hampshir Hop fully it will provid th casual obs rv r with aid in id ntification of th most fr qu ntly ncount r d sp ci s and r f r nc s to assist in furth r mor d tail d studi s for thos wishing to know mor about riparian cosyst ms Us of additional fi ld guid s to suppl m nt this on and to id ntify plants not includ d in this guid is sugg st d Oth r h lpful fi ld guid s can b found in App ndix A
How to Id ntify Plants
Th r ar s v ral ways to id ntify plants In fi ld guid s th y ar typically id ntifi d by photos drawings and d scriptions In th fi ld th y can also b id ntifi d by touch tast sm ll color and form Th ir branching habit l af form and v in patt rn can also aid in id ntification Plants can also xhibit diff r nt charact ristics during diff r nt tim s of th y ar In addition it is us ful to know th ir habitat or plac wh r th y grow
Organization of This Guid
This fi ld guid is organiz d into six s ctions
In th Wat r Subm rg d Aquatic Plants Plants that hav most of th ir l av s growing und r wat r som floating l av s may also b pr s nt Th y ar found from shallow to d p zon s
On th Wat r Floating Plants Plants that ar root d with floating broad l av s
On th Edg Em rg nt H rbac ous Plants Plants that hav l av s that xt nd abov th wat rrsquos surfac and ar usually found in shallow wat r
F rns Non-flow ring plants that b ar spor s rath r than s ds with flatt n d l af-lik ldquofrondsrdquo that ar furth r divid d
Woody Shrubs Woody plants which ar g n rally short r than tr s and small r in trunk siz Th y hav clust rs of st ms rising dir ctly from th ground and g n rally hav a ldquobushyrdquo app aranc with no sp cial crown shap
Climbing Vin s Plants with a w ak st m that d riv support from climbing twining or cr ping along a surfac
Th Canopy (Tr s) Woody plants that usually grow from th ground with a singl r ct st m or trunk Th main st m may b massiv and is oft n unbranch d for s v ral f t abov th ground Tr s can r ach a consid rabl h ight at maturity
A plant sp ci s will oft n hav s v ral common nam s This fi ld guid is organiz d alphab tically by th pr f rr d or most-us d common nam with th Latinsci ntific nam b low
Plant sp ci s d scriptions includ th following
Status Wh th r th plant is nativ or non-nativ xoticinvasiv Thos plants that ar non-nativ xoticinvasiv which ar also prohibit d in N w Hampshir ar id ntifi d as such
Habitat D scrib s th b st conditions for growth of this plant and wh r to locat it
H ight D scrib s how tall or long th plant grows
Bark In th Woody Shrub and Tr s ctions d scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th bark
Buds In th Woody Shrub and Tr s ctions d scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th buds
St m In th Woody Shrub s ction d scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th st m
L av s D scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th l av s
Flow rs D scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th flow rs
Flow ring P riod D scrib s th tim of y ar in which th flow rs bloom
Fruit D scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th fruit
Twigs In th Woody Shrub and Tr s ctions d scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th twigs
Valu Explains th worth of th plant to th oth r m mb rs of th cosyst m
Similar Sp ci s D scrib s th uniqu f atur s to h lp distinguish this plant from oth rs Additional information about som of th r lat d plants is also provid d
In addition app ndic s to this fi ld guid includ
App ndix A Oth r H lpful Fi ld Guid s
App ndix B Glossary of T rms
App ndix C L af Shap s and Arrang m nts
App ndix D Nativ Shor landRiparian Buff r Plantings for N w Hampshir
For Mor Information on Exotic Sp ci s
Additional information on xotic aquatic plants can b obtain d by contacting
N w Hampshir D partm nt of Environm ntal S rvic s Exotic Sp ci s Program 29 Haz n Driv PO Box 95
Concord NH 03302 (603) 271-2248
httpwwwd snhgovWMBExoticSp ci s
Whil additional information on xotic t rr strial plants can b obtain d by contacting
N w Hampshir D partm nt of Agricultur Mark ts amp Food Invasiv Sp ci s Program
25 Capitol Str t S cond Floor Concord NH 03302
(603) 271-2561 httpnhgovagricdivisionsplant_industryplants_ins ctshtm
Enjoy a Riparian Riv r-Walk
I hop this fi ld guid will inspir you to incr as your int r st and knowl dg of aquatic plants and th ir r lationship in riparian nvironm nts Riv rs and str ams ar fragil cosyst ms of natural b auty and intrigu I ncourag you to njoy a riparian ldquoriv r-walkrdquo during ach s ason and not only study th v g tativ communiti s but th ir int raction with both t rr strial and aquatic ins cts fish and oth r wildlif
Jen Dr ciak
Table of Contents
In The ater Submerged Aquatic Plantshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 01
Bladde wo t (Utric laria v lgaris)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 03
CoontailHo nwo t (Ceratophyll m demers m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 04
Milfoil (Myriophyll m heterophyll m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 05
Wate weedDitchmoss (Elodea canadensis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 06
Wild Cele yTape G ass (Vallisneria americana)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 07
On the ater Floating Aquatic Plantshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 09
Floating Hea t (Nymphoides cordata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 14
Wate shield (Brasenia schreberi)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 13
White Pond Lily (Nymphea ordorata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 11
Yellow Pond Lily (N phar variegata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 12
Duckweed (Lemna spp)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 15
Wate meal (Wolffia spp)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 16
On The Edge Emergent Herbaceous Plantshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 17
A ow A um (Peltandra virginica)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 19
A owheadDuck Potato (Sagittaria latifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 20
Blue Flag I is (Iris versicolor)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 21
Blue Ve vain (Verbena hastata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 22
BonesetTho oughwo t (E patori m perfoliat m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 23
Bu - eed (Spargani m e rycarp m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 24
Ca dinal Flowe (Lobelia cardinalis) helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 25
Cattail (B oad-Leaf) (Typha latifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 26
Common Reed (Phragmites a stralis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 27
JewelweedSpotted Touch-Me-Not (Impatiens capensis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 28
Joe Pye Weed (E patori m mac lat m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 29
Picke elweed (Pontedaria cordata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 30
Pu ple Loosest ife (Lythr m salicaria)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 31
Reed Cana y G ass (Phalaris ar ndinacea)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 32
Soft-Stem Bul ush (Scrip s valid s)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 33
Swamp Loosest ifeWate Willow (Decodon verticillat s)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 34
Th ee-Way Sedge (D lichi m ar ndinace m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 35
Wool G ass (Scirp s cyperin s)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 36
Fernshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 37
Cinnamon Fe n (Osm nda cinnamomea)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 39
Ost ich Fe n (Pteretis pensylvanica)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 40
Royal Fe n (Osm nda regalis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 41
Sensitive Fe n (Onoclea sensibilis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 42
oody Shrubshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 43
A ow-wood (No the n) (Vib rn m recognit m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 45
Buttonbush (Cephalanth s occidentalis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 46
Elde be yBlack-Be ied Elde (Samb c s canadensis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 47
Glossy Bucktho n (Rhamn s frang la)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 48
Highbush Bluebe y (Vaccini m corymbos m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 49
A Field Guide to Common Ripa ian Plants of New Hampshi e 1
Hobblebush (Vib rn m alnifoli m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 50
Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 51
Japanese Knotweed (Polygon m c spidat m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 52
Malebe y (Lyonia lig strina)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 53
Meadowsweet (Spiraea latifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 54
Multiflo a Rose (Rosa m ltiflora)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 55
No the n Wild RaisinWith od Vibu num (Vib rn m cassinoides)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 56
ShadbushSe vicebe yJunebe y (Amelanchier arborea)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 57
Sheep Lau elLambkill (Kalmia ang stifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 58
Silky Dogwood (Corn s amom m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 59
Specked Alde (Aln s r gosa)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 60
Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 61
Steeplebush (Spiraea tomentosa)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 62
Sweet Peppe bush (Clethera alnifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 63
Winte be y HollyBlack Alde (Ilex verticillata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 64
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 65
Climbing Vineshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 67
Climbing Bitte sweet (Celastr s orbic lat s)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 69
Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 70
Rive bank G ape (Vitis riparia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 71
Vi ginia C eepe (Parthenosis s q inq efolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 72
The Canopy Treeshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 73
Ame ican BasswoodLinden (Tilia americana)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 75
Ame ican Beech (Fag s grandifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 76
Ame ican Ho nbeamI onwoodBlue Beech (Carpin s caroliniana)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 77
Black Bi chSweet Bi ch (Bet la lenta)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 78
Black Che y (Pr n s serotina)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 79
Box Elde Ash-Leaved Maple (Acer neg ndo)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 80
Easte n Cottonwood (Pop l s deltoides)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 81
Easte n Hemlock (Ts ga canadensis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 82
Easte n White Pine (Pin s strob s)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 83
G een Ash (Fraxin s pennsylvanica)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 84
Red Maple (Acer r br m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 85
Red Oak (Q erc s r bra)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 86
Shagba k Hicko y (Carya ovata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 87
Silve Maple (Acer saccharini m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 88
Swamp White Oak (Q erc s bicolor)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 89
Sycamo ePlanet ee (Platan s occidentalis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 90
Tama ackLa ch (Larix laricina)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 91
White Ash (Fraxin s americana)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 92
White Oak (Q erc s alba)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 93
White Sp uce (Picea gla ca)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 94
Yellow Bi ch (Bet la l tea)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 95
Appendices
Appendix A Othe Helpful Field Guideshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 96
Appendix B Glossa y of Te mshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 97
Appendix C Leaf Shapes amp A angementshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 99
Appendix D Native Sho elandRipa ian Buffe Plantings fo New Hampshi ehelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 100
A Field Guide to Common Ripa ian
Plants of New Hampshi e 1
In The ater Submerged Aquatic Plants
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 1
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic
an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 2
BLADDER ORT
Utricu aria spp
Status Native Approximately 10 species in New Hampshire
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers bogs
Height 2-3 feet long
Stem Long slen er flexible branche typically becoming etache from roots an free-floating
Leaves Alternate filamentous finely-forke with attache ldquobla ersrdquo
Flower Stalks occurring at irregular intervals along stem Each stalk bearing 6-20 small pink to yellow two-lippe ldquosnap ragon-likerdquo flowers an emerging several inches out of the water or mu
Flowering Period June into September
Fruit Capsule containing many see s
Value Provi es foo an cover for fish Since they are free-floating they can grow in areas with very loose se iment provi ing nee e fish habitat in areas that are not rea ily colonize by roote plants
Similar Species Fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) coontail (Ceratophyllum spp) milfoil (Myriophyllum spp) Bla erwort may be istinguishe from these plants by the alternate forke leaves branching from the base into 2 main ivisions an presence of the ldquobla ersrdquo on the leaves (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Bla erwort may resemble the milfoils but there are two istinguishing features One is the bla ers on the leaves the other is that milfoils have feather-like leaves that have one central leaf stem with nearly opposite unbranche leaflets The leaflets of bla erwort are more branche an forke (Smagula an Connor 2007)
This carnivorous plant has trigger hairs on each bla er that open a trap- oor an suck in water along with the organism that triggere the reaction These organisms can range from insect larvae to tiny zooplankton Once insi e the bla ers the organism is igeste by enzymes foun there Special cells then take the igeste material from the bla ers an move it to the stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 3
COONTAILHORN ORT
Ceratophy um demersum
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Height Variable accor ing to water epth
Stem Long toothe trailing much branche
Leaves Whorle smooth up to 1 frac12 inches long 3 forks nearly threa -like flattene an toothe segments
Flower Tiny purplish-green foun where the leaf attaches to the stem an stays entirely submerge Male an female occurring separately
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Dark brown see approximately frac14 inch long with two spines at the base an one at the tip
Value The stiff whorls of leaves offer habitat for many species especially uring the winter when many other plants are re uce to roots an rhizomes Both foliage an fruit are graze by waterfowl Bushy stems are home to many invertebrates an provi e important shelter an foraging opportunities for fish
Similar Species Mermai -wee (Proserpina a palustris) fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) Coontail may be istinguishe from these plants by its whorle toothe leaves its tiny sessile axillary flowers an beake fruits (Smagula an Connor 2007)
The whorle leaves often cause the plant to be confuse with water milfoil This plant has a plastic-like feel an leaves ten to be thickly clustere at the tips of the stems The leaves are completely whorle aroun the stem an forke milfoil leaves are istinctly feather-like (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 4
VARIABLE ATER MILFOIL
Myriophy um heterophy um
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Height Slen er flexible long (up to 15 feet) Tip often emerging above water when flowering Data from a University of New Hampshire stu y can suggest that variable water milfoil can grow an inch per ay
Stem Roun thick re ish If broken in half the stem resembles a ldquowheel spokerdquo
Leaves Mostly submerge opposite or in whorls of 4 to 6 an can grow up to 2 inches long Leaves on upper stem are whorle an may be whorle or alternate on lower stem Emerge leaves occurring only towar the stem tips
Flower Small inconspicuous brownish occurring singly in the axils of the upper leaves usually above water uring flowering
Flowering Period In July flowers emerge from the water an are in a spike up to 6 inches tall Can also form a succulent amphibious form when water levels rece e
Fruit Very small four-lobe nutlike
Similar Species Mermai -wee (Proserpina a palustris) fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) coontail (Ceratophyllum spp) Variable milfoil may be istinguishe from these plants by the numerous scattere finely pinnately issecte leaves an floating or upright stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)
The plant is more robust than the other water milfoil species It has a very thick an heavy stem It can only be positively i entifie with the flower present or by DNA analysis (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Fragments of variable milfoil are ma e by passing boats wave action an auto-fragmentation These fragments may float freely an sprea for one or two weeks as they generate roots Once roots make contact with se iment the fragment attaches the roots sprea laterally an expan the footprint of the colony With one fragment an entire colony can arise Colonies can outcompete native plants re ucing bio iversity (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 5
ATER EEDDITCHMOSS
E odea Canadensis E nutta ii
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Height Up to 2 feet long occasionally forming ense colonies
Stem Slen er smooth branche
Leaves Long upper an mi le leaves in whorls of 3 with very finely-toothe margins Those of the male plants linear or lanceolate pointe at the tip up to frac12 inch long Those of the female plants broa ly lanceolate roun e or slightly pointe at the tip up to 58 inch long
Flower Green or white with 3 petals
Flowering Period July to September
Fruit A few to many-see e cylin rical capsule
Value Branching stems offer valuable habitat an grazing opportunities for fish Also provi es foo for muskrats an waterfowl They can eat the plant itself or fee on a wi e variety of invertebrates that use the plant as habitat
Similar Species Commonly mistaken for its invasive relative Brazillian elo ea It can be istinguishe by its smooth leaf margins
There are two common species of waterwee in New Hampshire E anadensis an Enuttalii Elodea anadensis ten s to have slightly broa er leaves with blunt tips whereas Enuttalii ten s to have thinner more nee le-like leaves that are pointe at the tips (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Enuttalii can be foun in alkaline to aci ic environments an E anadensis can be foun in alkaline or neutral systems (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 6
ILD CELERYTAPE GRASS
Va isneria americana
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers In water 4 - 6 feet eep
Height 1-3 feet long
Stem Slen er embe e horizontally in the mu near the surface an usually rooting at intervals
Leaves Narrow ribbon-like 1-3 feet in length with a light-colore center stripe mostly submerge with the tips floating
Flower Unisexual the female flower solitary an floating at the surface at the en of a long stalk The male flower on another plant submerge an attache to a short stalk near the bottom breaking off an floating to the surface at flowering time
Flowering Period July to October
Fruit Cylin rical po up to 2 inches long attache to a long stalk which coils up rawing the fruit un er water to mature
Value Source of foo for waterfowl All portions of the plant are consume foliage rhizomes tubers an fruit Muskrat are also known to graze on it Be s provi e sha e shelter an foo for fish
Similar Species Often confuse with the submerge leaves of bur-ree Tape grass can be istinguishe by its heavy air-fille leaves vertically veine centers an lightly veine e ges Unlike bur-ree this plant has no rib on the back of the leaf
Photo ourtesy of Amy Smagula
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 7
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic
an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 8
On The ater
Floating Aquatic Plants
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 9
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 10
FLOATING HEART
Nyphoi es cor ata
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Roun in cross section
Leaves Small heart-shape re ish to purple Approximately 1 ndash 1 frac12 inches wi e
Flower Small white 5 petals
Flowering Period Mi -summer
Similar Species The leaves are often confuse with those of the yellow water lily but are only about the size of a half- ollar an the shape resembles a heart with the same soft V-shape of the yellow water lily Floating heart has a small white flower that can be foun in mi -summer yellow water lily has a large yellow flower that blooms most of the summer (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 11
ATERSHIELD
Brasenia schreberi
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Roun in cross section Attache to the center of the un ersi e of the leaf
Leaves Oval Un ersi es are ark pink Leaves approximately 4 inches wi e Un ersi e of the leaves an stem have a jelly-like coating that protects them from being eaten by insects
Flower Small ark pink to purple 6 petals
Flowering Period July
Similar Species Resembles the leaves of the water lily as well as those of floating heart
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 12
HITE ATER LILY
Nymphea or orata
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Roun in cross section attache to the center of the un ersi e of the leaf
Leaves Roun with a V-shape notch on one si e Up to 12 inches wi e
Flower Large white sweet-smelling Up to 4 inches wi e
Flowering Period June - September
Similar Species White water lily can be istinguishe from the yellow water lily an floating heart by the V-shape notch near the stem attachment an the more roun e shape of the leaf
Both the yellow water lily an floating heart have a more roun e heart-shape notch Yellow water lily leaves are much more oval than the white water lily which has a circular leaf Floating heart leaves are no more than a few inches in length (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 13
YELLO ATER LILY
Nuphar variegata
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Triangular in cross section attache to the lobe en of the un ersi e of the leaf
Leaves Giant floating Up to 12 to 15 inches wi e
Flower Yellow flower petals appear cuppe aroun the inner flower parts an o not open completely like those of the white water lily
Flowering Period June ndash September
Similar Species Often confuse with floating heart an white water lily though floating heart is much smaller in leaf length an wi th The white water lily also has a much more roun e leaf with a sharp V-shape notch (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 14
DUCK EED
Lemna spp
Status Native
Habitat Surfaces of some lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers an often in stagnant waters of wetlan areas
Stem No true stems
Leaves This plant has no true leaves or stems an only has a flat green plant bo y calle a thallus They are very small only about 116 of an inch wi e (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Duckwee s blanket the water surface in colonies There may be one or more roots hanging into the water but the plant is free-floating
Flower This plant rarely flowers
Similar Species Many people think that ense growths of uckwee resemble an algae bloom (Smagula an Connor 2007)
ATERMEAL
Wolfifa spp
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem No true stems
Leaves Elliptical an flat
Flower This plant rarely flowers but is consi ere the worl rsquos smallest flowering plant
Similar Species Unlike uckwee this plant completely lacks roots an must be inspecte closely to etect this ifference Watermeal may also resemble an algae bloom but can be istinguishe by simply touching the waterrsquos surface to see if tiny plants are stuck to your fingers (watermeal) or if the water has a slimy film (algae) It is commonly foun growing along with uckwee (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Photo co rtesy of Amy Smag la
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 15
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 16
On the dge mergent Herbaceous Plants
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 17
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 18
ARROW ARUM
Peltan ra virginica
Status Native
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In mu or shallow water
Height Up to 2 feet tall growing in loose colonies
Stem Lacking a true stem Leaf an flower stalks arising from a thick root
Leaves Large arrow-shape Lower lobes separating an tapering to the tips Each lobe an the main stem have one prominent central vein from which other smaller veins originate The smaller veins are parallel to one another Leaf bla e with a vein running along the entire outline just insi e the margin
Flower Vertically-curle green Very small spathe almost completely covering the thin whitish fleshy spike White male flowers above green female flowers sheath tapering to the base an tip green outsi e an white insi e Flowering cluster at the en of a long nake stalk
Flowering Period May to July
Fruit Easily i entifie in the fall by its cluster of greenish-brown berries enclose in a green leathery case the stalk curve ownwar at maturity
Similar Species Arrowhea (Sagattaria latifolia) Arrow Arum may be istinguishe by its 3 prominent veins
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 19
ARROWH ADDUCK-POTATO
Sagittaria spp
Status Native There are several species in New Hampshire Slatifolia and Sgraminea are the most common
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In mu or completely submerge
Height Up to 1 frac12 feet tall
Stem Lacking an upright visible stem Leaves an flowering stalk arising from a fibrous roote base Several un ergroun runners each giving rise to a tuber the size of a small potato up to 2 inches wi e
Leaves Shape is variable within an between species Leaves can be broa ly or narrowly arrow-shape lance-shape or tape-like Leaves appear to clasp the base of the flowering stalk Leaf veins all originate from the point where the stem connects to the leaf an ra iate outwar from that point
Flower White petals in whorls of three with a yellow center up to 1 frac12 inch wi e Male flowers at the top with female ones lower on the flower stalk
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Flat winge crow e in a flattene hea up to frac12 inch wi e Ball-shape fruit clusters of green nutlets
Value Known as ldquo uck potatoesrdquo Arrowhea pro uces e ible starchy tubers beneath the mu eaten by ucks an muskrats
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 20
BLU -FLAG IRIS
Iris versicolor
Status Native
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In less than 3 feet of water
Height Up to 3 feet tall Growing in small colonies
Stem Upright robust flattene on one si e simple or with one or two branches from creeping rhizomes embe e in the mu Rhizome very shallow an sometimes expose above the se iment
Leaves Appearing basal but actually alternate bluish-green swor -like an up to 14 inches long an frac34 inch wi e ascen ing in a flat plane or fan-like arrangement Flower stalks are taller than the leaves
Flower Large purplish-blue stalke with 3 larger outer rooping petals whitish towar the base an 3 upright smaller petals in the center
Flowering Period June through July
Fruit Capsule up to 2 frac12 inches long with 3 roun e e ges contains numerous flattene see s often persisting into winter
Value Provi es foo an cover for waterfowl an wil life
Similar Species Leaves may be confuse with those of cattail (Typha spp)or sweet flag (Acorus calmus) Blue flag iris may be istinguishe by blueish-green leaves arrange in flat plane
Photo co rtesy of Amy Smag la
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 21
BLU V RVAIN
Verbena hastata
Status Native
Habitat E ges of pon s marshes streams an rivers
Height Up to 4 feet tall growing in small colonies
Stem Rough four-si e fairly straight arising from a fibrous roote base
Leaves Up to 6 inches long stalke toothe tapere at the tip with a rough surface
Flower 5 small blue petals in a pencil-like spike occurring singly or in clusters with in ivi ual flowers blooming perio ically from the base to the top of spike
Flowering Period July into October
Fruit Separating into four nutlets
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 22
BON S T THOROUGHWORT
Eupatorium perfoliatum
Status Native
Habitat Wet mea ows marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall Branche growing in small colonies
Stem Upright robust lightly- owny arising from a fibrous roote base
Leaves Opposite lanceolate tapering an pointe at the tip toothe with the base clasping the stem Heavily veine Up to 8 inches long an 2 inches wi e at the base
Flower Whitish in 3-4 terminal clusters up to 8 inches long
Flowering Period Late July through October
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 23
BUR-R D
Sparganium eurycarpum
Status Native
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Emergent in shallow water up to 1 foot eep or submerge in water up to 4 feet eep
Height Up to 3 feet tall
Stem Upright stout smooth arising from rhizomes embe e horizontally in the mu a few inches beneath the surface Zigzag stalks
Leaves Alternate linear up to 4 feet long Emergent stem leaves narrow up to 1 frac12 feet tall triangular in cross-section an ri ge on their back si e Certain species are erect while others are floating an ribbon-like
Flower Lower bulbs or burs are clusters of greenish female
flowers Upper smaller burs are white male flowers
Flowering Period June through August
Fruit A burr-like hea on a short or long stalk
Value Colonies provi e nesting sites for waterfowl an shorebir s The fruit is eaten by a variety of waterfowl an the whole plant is graze by muskrat an eer
Similar Species This plant is easily confuse with wil celery (Vallisneria americana) if the leaves are tape-like or with young cattail (Typha spp) if leaves are emergent For the floating form bur-ree has a ri ge own the back of the long leaf When erect an emergent leaves are shorter in height than those of cattail with a istinct ri ge or almost triangular cross section When in fruit the spiky burr-like fruit is istinctive (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 24
CARDINAL FLOW R
Lobelia car inalis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s sha e e ges streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall often growing in large colonies
Stem Smooth stout arising from a horizontal rhizome embe e shallowly in mu
Leaves Alternate lanceolate to oblong toothe tapering at both en s Lower leaves short-stalke upper leaves stalkless Up to 6 inches long an 1 frac12 inches wi e Smooth to slightly owny thin
Flower Long bright-re 2-lippe tubular flower occurring on terminal spike with the upper lip 2-lobe an lower lip 3-lobe
Flowering Period July into October
Fruit Many-see e capsule with two portions
Value Car inal flower is pollinate mostly by hummingbir s since most insects fin it ifficult to navigate the long tubular flowers
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 25
BROAD-L AF CATTAIL
Typha latifolia
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet swales e ges of lakes an pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 10 feet tall
Stem Upright stiff growing in ense stan s from thick extensively -creeping un ergroun rhizomes
Leaves Green or bluish-green upright linear 2-6 feet long an up to 1 inch wi e arising from base or alternating along the stem Leaves have a spongy feel
Flower Many small flowers packe into tight cigar-like clusters creating a lower female spike toppe by a smaller male spike with no gap between the two flower types Female spike persists turning into the familiar ark brown ldquotailrdquo
Flowering Period June into August
Fruit Small see -like surroun e by many bristles attache to the base
Value Provi es nesting habitat for many bir s such as the re -winge blackbir Shoots an rhizomes are eaten by muskrats an geese Submerse stalks provi e spawning habitat an shelter for fish One of only a few plants where all parts are e ible to humans
Similar Species Narrow-leaf cattail (Typha angustifolia) has narrower leaves a narrower fruiting hea an a gap between the male an female flower clusters
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 26
COMMON R D
Phragmites australis
Status Most stands are Non-Native xotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire Phragmites australis has been present in wetlan s for millennia but a non-native European species has crossbre with P australis an has forme an invasive plant
Habitat Fresh an brackish marshes e ges of lakes an pon s streams rivers an in roa si e itches Full to partial sun
Height Upright 4-14 feet tall usually forming ense colonies
Stem Calle ldquoculmsrdquo are large hollow an grow up to 1 inch wi e
Leaves Bluish-green lanceolate close together an usually sticking out from stems at a large angle up to 2 feet long an 1 inch wi e
Flower Clusters frac12 - 1 foot long often purple when young an whitish an fluffy when ol
Flowering Period Late July to October
Fruit Rarely pro uces see but sprea s vigorously by rhizomes often running over the surface of the groun
Value This plant has little to offer to bir s an mammals besi es cover Phragmites often outcompetes other native wetlan plants thus limiting the plant iversity an foo source value of the wetlan The only animal that fee s on this to any extent is the muskrat (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Similar Species Sometimes confuse with ree canary grass since they both form ense stan s at isturbe sites Ree canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) can be istinguishe by its shorter an narrower leaves spikelets with only one flower an its shorter height
How To Distinguish Native From Non-Native Phragmites
Stems Stems on the non-native variety are typically green but may have a little purple color along the no es Stems on
the native variety have some chestnut or purple color where leaves are pulle back exposing the stem Stems of the native variety are also often shiny an black spots often appear late in the growing season
Leaf Collars Leaf collars on the non-native variety are always green while leaf collars on the native variety may be
purple
Leaf Sheaths On fall stems the leaf sheaths on the non-native variety remain attache Leaf sheaths on the native variety are lost or very loosely attache so leaves rop off the native plants before the intro uce plants This is the best
in icator base seasonal changes that istinguishes native or non-native varieties
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 27
J W LW DSPOTT D TOUCH-M NOT
Impatiens capensis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 4 feet tall Often growing in ense colonies
Stem Upright smooth slightly branching hollow somewhat succulent slightly translucent
Leaves Alternate egg-shape toothe on stalks up to 4 inches long Silvery appearance when hel un er water an appear completely ry upon removal Size an color of foliage vary with ifferences in light exposure an available moisture
Flower Few to several angling orange-yellow three-petale tubularfunnel-shape flowers with re ish brown spots an curve spur at their en s
Flowering Period June through September
Fruit Flat green capsules approximately 1 inch long which at maturity burst when touche ejecting ark-brown see s
Value Especially a apte to hummingbir pollination but bees an butterflies are also important pollinators
The sap from this plant has been clinically proven to relieve skin rashes Jewelwee can be applie to the affecte part of the bo y an neutralizes the urishol oil pro uce by poison ivy an poison oak (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 28
JO PY W D
Eupatorium maculatum
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 6 feet tall Branche growing in small to me ium-size colonies
Stem Stout smooth purple or purple-spotte somewhat rough towar the top arising from a fibrous roote base
Leaves Lanceolate toothe rough short-stalke with large single mi -vein Up to 8 inches long an 2 frac12 inches wi e tapere at the base an tip in whorls of 3-7
Flower Small rose-purple in ense flat-toppe clusters at the top of the stem an at the en s of the branches
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Angular nutlet with a plume of fine bristles at the top
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 29
PICK R LW D
Ponte aria cor ata
Status Native
Habitat Marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 3 feet tall often growing in ense colonies
Stem Upright stout smooth arising from a rhizome bearing one leaf an one terminal spike
Leaves Basal an alternate very large arrowhea to heart-shape glossy with prominent parallel veins blunt tip on a spongy leaf stalk
Flower Many small tubular violet-blue flowers approximately frac12 inch long on solitary spike with a sheath at the base
Flowering Period June through August
Fruit Small bla er-like with toothe ri ges containing one see
Value See s are consume by waterfowl an muskrats Networks of rhizomes an leaves also offer sha e an shelter for fish
Similar Species This plant can be istinguishe from its close look-alikes arrow arum an arrowhea by its light bluish-purple flower spike Bases of the leaves are more roun e whereas arrowhea an arrow arum leaves are more pointe (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 30
PURPL LOOS STRIF
Lythrum salicaria
Status Non-Native xotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire
Habitat Marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams rivers an in roa si e itches Full to partial sun
Height 2-6 feet tall
Stem Upright smooth to slightly- owny Square four-si e almost woo y
Leaves Opposite to whorle lanceolate often with heart-shape bases somewhat clasping stem sometimes in whorls of 3 Gra ually tapering to a point 3 to 4 inches long an frac12 to 1 inch wi e
Flower 5-7 purple petals in a ense terminal spike
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Many-see e capsule
Value Little wil life value See s are low in nutrition an roots are too woo y The flowers are attractive to insects They pro uce nectar an are regularly visite by honeybees
This plant outcompetes other wetlan plants which are beneficial foo sources for wil life an insects It repro uces by pro ucing millions of see s per plant an quickly takes over the lan scape when intro uce It also sprea s by rhizome (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 31
R D CANARY GRASS
Phalaris arun inacea
Status Non-Native xotic Invasive
Habitat Swales marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Although it is usually a shoreline plant it can survive in knee- eep water by sprouting ldquowater rootsrdquo on the submerse portion of the stem Forms ense stan s in isturbe areas where clearing gra ing siltation filling or other isruptions have create an opening with moist soil
Height Up to 7 feet tall Often growing in ense colonies
Stem Upright stiff from extensively-creeping rhizomes
Leaves Alternate upright grayish-green open sheath an ligule at the leaf axis Bla es fairly long an narrow up to 12 inches long an frac34 inches wi e
Flower Green to greenish-purple spikelets single-flowere lanceolate ense Terminal inflorescence up to 7 inches long branche an compresse early in the season but opening after fertilization
Flowering Period June through August
Value Low foo value Provi es summer cover an habitat for waterfowl at isturbe sites However it ten s to mat own in winter provi ing little winter cover for wil life
Similar Species Sometimes confuse with bluejoint grass (Calamagrostis canadensis) However the spikelets of bluejoint are in a loose open arrangement an the no es have a bluish to purplish cast
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 32
SOFT-ST MM D BULRUSH
Scirpus vali us
Status Native
Habitat Wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Usually growing in water less than 5 feet eep Ten s to be foun on ldquomuckierrdquo substrate an will grow in stagnant water
Height Usually up to 5 feet but can grow up to 10 feet tall Often growing in extensive colonies
Stem Upright grayish-green often arching up to frac34 inch thick at the base arising from stout re ish rhizomes Soft roun tapering to a point
Leaves No apparent leaves
Flowers Inconspicuous many-stalke bu like spikelets covere by re ish-brown scales locate imme iately below the top of stem Clusters mostly rooping but not in higher salinity areas
Flowering Period June into September
Fruit See -like nutlet with 4-6 bristles attache to the base
Value Provi es habitat for invertebrates an shelter for young fish Nutlets consume by a variety of waterfowl marsh bir s an uplan bir s Stems an rhizomes eaten by geese an muskrat Also provi es nesting material an cover for waterfowl marsh bir s an muskrat
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 33
SWAMP LOOS STRIF WAT R WILLOW
Deco on verticillatus
Status Native shrub becoming herbaceous towar the tips
Habitat Wetlan s bogs e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Shallow water with muck or peat se iment Can form floating mats in areas of very soft se iment
Height Up to 5 feet tall
Stem Ri gi woo y smooth to slightly- owny 3-9 feet long The lower rooting stems are spongy an buttresse giving rise to new arching stems
Leaves Opposite or in whorls of 3 gra ually tapering to a point 3-4 inches long an frac12 to 1 inch wi e sessile or short-stalke
Flower Pinkish-purple bell-shape with 5-7 sepals an 5 petals forming showy clusters in the axils of the mi le to upper leaves
Flowering Period July through August
Fruit Small brownish capsule with 3-5 partitions the clusters sometimes persisting above the leaf scars throughout winter
Value The many intertwining arching stems may form sizable clusters at the e ges of lakes an sluggish streams or floating bog mats Wherever a stem touches the water air-fille spongy tissue may evelop This tissue buoys the stem so that it may root an form a new arching stem
Similar Species May be confuse with the invasive purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) Swamp loosestrife can be istinguishe by the arching stems an showy axillary flower clusters as well as the roun stem instea of the square stem of purple loosestrife (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 34
THR -WAY S DG
Dulichium arun inaceum
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Extensive be s can be foun in shallow (less than 3 feet) water Grows in a variety of se iment types an can tolerate some turbi ity
Height Up to 3 feet tall solitary or in small colonies
Stem Roun hollow jointe arising from a horizontal rhizome
Leaves Linear up to 4 inches long an 38 inch wi e with a conspicuous sheath the latter close except at the top
When looking own upon the plant the leaves are line up an appear to ra iate from three angles away from the main stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Flower Inconspicuous flattene linear sessile spikelets in the axils or two-ranke scales of the brownish spikelets 8-10 along the axillary stalk
Flowering Period July through October
Fruit Flattene brownish see -like nutlet toppe with a beak
Value Eaten occasionally by a variety of ucks an geese Rhizomes an shoots also graze by muskrats
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 35
WOOL GRASS
Scirpus cyperinus
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall growing in small colonies
Stem Upright robust roun to triangular especially at the base
Leaves Elongate from base of stem up to 2 feet long Leaves imme iately below the flower are in clusters of 3-5 an may reach 5 inches long an roop at the tips
Flower Clusters of 6-12 spikelets at en s of rooping stems Flower clusters up to 12 inches long much branche
Flowering Period August through September
Fruit Whitish see -like nutlet with bristles much longer than the scales attache to the base the bristles impart the wooly appearance to the spikelets
Value Provi es foo an cover for waterfowl an other wil life
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 36
Ferns
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 37
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 38
INNAMON FERN
Osmund cinn mome
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Often growing near somewhat similar an relate interrupte fern (Polys ichum aros ichoides)
Height Up to 3 feet tall
Stem Upright stout smooth green an covere with cinnamon-colore wooly stalk
Leaves Sterile (vegetative) fron s up to 3 feet high upright to slightly arche lance-shape with 20+ opposite leaflets Fertile fron s o not persist through the summer whereas vegetative fron s remain until first frost
Reproduction Club-like fertile fron with groups of spore cases on leaflets that hug the main axis
Fruiting Period Spring
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 39
OSTRI H FERN
Pteretis pensylv nic
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 6 feet tall forming tussocks or clumps
Stem Stout nake for up 1 foot from the base green flattene an black at the base covere with papery brown scales Arising from a forking shallowly-embe e rhizome an giving rise to stout black scaly runners
Leaves Sterile fron s forming circles gra ually narrowe at the base an abruptly narrowe to the tip Fertile fron s up to 2 feet tall an 2 inches wi e nake for approximately half their length the nake portions shiny brown crow e sprea ing or ascen ing branches often overlapping or twiste light green at first turning ark green an eventually brown
Reproduction Leaf segments with spore cases beneath become rolle into small har berry-like structures joine along the branches of the fertile fron
Fruiting Period July ndash August Persisting over winter
Similar Species Cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea) Ostrich fern may be istinguishe by the gra ually narrow base an papery scales rather than cinnamon-colore pubescence on the stalk
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 40
ROYAL FERN
Osmund reg lis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall growing in scattere groups
Stem Somewhat stout nake for approximately half its length greenish or re ish arising from a stout creeping rhizome
Leaves Fron s with 5-7 pairs of nearly opposite oblong ascen ing ivisions The lowest pair slightly shorter than the others each ivision ivi e into finely toothe oblong blunt alternate segments 10-14 on each si e Fertile fron s terminate by a panicle appearing as a ense cluster of light brown structures
Reproduction Spore cases clustere along short nake leaf segments in a terminal panicle an often at the tips of some of the ivisions One of several ferns that pro uce their spores on mo ifie leaflets not on the un ersi e of the fron s
Fruiting Period Spring an early summer
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 41
SENSITIVE FERN
Onocle sensibilis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 3 feet tall Growing solitary or scattere
Stem Upright stout nake for nearly half its length arising from a creeping rhizome
Leaves Sterile fron s up to 3 feet tall the bla e with up to 16 pairs of wi e segments having wavy margins Fertile fron s shorter the berry-like structures clustere in stiffly erect ivisions the entire structure appearing spike-like
Reproduction Leaf segments with spore cases beneath which have become rolle into small har black berry-like structures appearing July through August an persisting over winter
Fruiting Period July into October
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 42
Woody S rubs
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 43
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 44
NORTHERN ARROW-WOOD Viburnu recognitu
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 15 feet tall forming thickets
Bark Smooth an gray with a white pith
Twigs Brownish-gray hairless highly branche long straight slen er arrow-like smooth
Buds Re ish-brown with 2 pairs of scales Opposite pointe approximately frac14 inch long roun e scales with fringe of minute hairs along the bor ers
Leaves Opposite egg-shape to roun with saw-like coarse teeth 1-2 inches long an 3 inches wi e tapering to a point with very prominent smooth veins
Flower Numerous small white-petale flowers on short stalks in a somewhat ense terminal flat cluster
Flowering Period June through July
Fruit Fleshy blue-black berry-like approximately 13 inch wi e containing a flattene see appearing in August
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 45
BUTTONBUSH Cephalanthus occidentalis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 12 feet tall typically 3-5 feet tall
Bark Smooth an grayish when young flaky an grayish when ol er Light-brown pith
Twigs Slen er roun or angle grayish-brown to purplish marke with light elongate lenticels
Buds Small in epresse areas surroun e by bark
Leaves Opposite or in whorls of 3-4 Shiny ark-green above lighter green an slightly owny beneath Leathery smooth oblong to oval 3-6 inches long broa at the base pointe at tips often with short re stalks
Flower Densely clustere spherical creamy white ball-shape flowers long-stalke often in groups of 3 1- 1 frac12 inch wi e Ripe hea s brownish fragrant
Flowering Period July through August
Fruit Small triangular-shape capsules greenish in ball-like hea s like the flowers Persist into winter
Value Butterfly an moth species are often foun fee ing on the sweet nectar of the tubular flowers because of their long curle mouthparts Caterpillar pupas are often foun on buttonbush because of the foo association with larvae an a ults (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 46
ELDERBERRYBLACK-BERRIED ELDER Sa bucus canadensis
Elderberr showing fruit
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 12 feet tall often forming thickets
Bark Green
Twigs Pale yellow-brown to light-brown with numerous large raise lenticels Ill-smelling when bruise Flute or square pith very thick white an soft
Buds Small roun to oval covere with brownish scales
Leaves Opposite pinnately compoun with 5 to 11 leaflets usually 7 Lanceolate to ovate abruptly narrowing at the tip Sharply-toothe Lower leaflets often 3-parte Smooth above smooth or owny on veins beneath
Flower Small white nicely-scente flowers with 5 white petals in a flat-toppe cluster up to 6 inches wi e generally with 5 main branches
Flowering Period Late June through July
Fruit Juicy purplish-black berries in flat-toppe clusters containing many see s appearing late August to early October
Value Pro uces fruit that makes tasty jelly an wine It is also an important foo source for many songbir s
Elderberr showing flowers
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 47
GLOSSY BUCKTHORN Rha nus frangula
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T is species is pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Generalist Full-sun or sha e moist ry aci ic or basic soils Woo lan bor ers foreste wetlan s floo plain forests
Heig t Up to 20 feet tall
Twigs Grayish with whitish lenticels
Buds Nake owny up to frac14 inch long
Leaves Alternate whorle oblong 4-5 inches long an 3-4 inches wi e Long growing season leafing out in May an hol ing its leaves into November
Flower Small greenish-white in small clusters in the leaf axis
Flowering Period May through September Flowers an fruits continuously from May through September Plants often isplay bu s flowers immature fruit an mature fruit simultaneously
Fruit Berry with 2-3 pits approximately frac14 inch wi e turning from green to re an eventually blue-black Often all three colore berries are on the plant at the same time Sometimes ifficult to recognize in a foreste situation ue to its non- escript appearance but easily recognize July through September ue to masses of berries
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 48
HIGHBUSH BLUEBERRY Vacciniu cory bosu
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s rich woo s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 15 feet tall often forming thickets
Bark Rough brown Stem an larger branches shre y
Twigs On some bushes re ish-brown on other bushes they are yellow Covere with small warty lenticels zigzagge or angle
Buds Flower bu s re plump pointe with spine-like pointe scales Leaf bu s smaller two outer scales with hair-like point
Leaves Alternate pointe on both en s green on both si es untoothe Lower si e slightly wooly on the veins Up to 3 inches long an 1 frac12 inch wi e Deep re in autumn
Flower Cylin rical white or pink up to frac12 inch long an frac14 inch wi e in ense terminal or lateral clusters
Flowering Period April through June appearing when leaves are only half grown
Fruit Blue-black berry up to frac12 inch wi e with whitish bloom sweet in clusters
Value Berries eaten by numerous bir s an wil life
Similar Species Maleberry (L onia ligustrina) Highbush blueberry can be istinguishe by its terminal clusters of fruit an by berries rather than capsules for fruit
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 49
HOBBLEBUSH Viburnu alnifoliu
Status Native
Habitat Cool moist ravines e ges of rivers an streams
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Light brown with wavy grooves
Twigs Tough stout olive-brown to light purplish-brown Coate with rusty brown hairs towar the tip
Buds Large long in pairs light-brown covere with velvety fuzz Flower bu s roun e an occur only at tips of twigs
Leaves Very large 4-8 inches long Almost roun finely toothe heart-shape at base Hairy beneath rusty veins much branche Brownish hairs on stalks
Flower Large white clusters with 5 petals appearing before leaves are fully grown
Flowering Period May through June
Fruit Re berries turning black Stones with a groove on each e ge
Similar Species Likely to be confuse with ogwoo s Viburnum leaves are nearly always toothe or lobe while ogwoo leaves are smooth untoothe an veins are parallel
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 50
HONEYSUCKLE Lonicera spp
(L orrowii L tatarica L aackii)
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T ese species are pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Fiel s roa si es fence-rows he ge-rows e ges of woo s
Heig t 10 to 15 feet tall
Bark Tan to brown shre e in appearance
Twigs Generally glabrous thornless
Buds Blunt to acute
Leaves Opposite entire oblong to egg-shape 1-5 inches long
Flower 5-lobe tubular sometimes fragrant growing in leaf axils white to yellow
Fruit Re rarely yellow juicy few-see e berry July through September
Flowering Period May through June
Morrowrsquos Honeysuckle Lonicera orrowii
Leaves an young twigs ensely owny Leafy bracts beneath flowers not glan ular Leaves broa est below the mi le Flowers white fa ing to yellow
Tartarian Honeysuckle Lonicera tartarica
Un ersi es of leaves an young twigs are hairless Flowers usually pink-re Only species that has hollow pith
Amur Honeysuckle Lonicera aackii
Upper surface of leaves are shiny Bark is gray or tan an exfoliates somewhat in vertical strips Flowers white fa ing to yellow
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 51
JAPANESE KNOTWEED Polygonu cuspidatu
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T is species is pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Woo lan s open spaces itches roa si e itches e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall Fast growing aggressive easily sprea s an repro uces vegetatively
Twigs Greenish hollow jointe bamboo-like Stems often persist into winter
Leaves Alternate large untoothe broa ly ovate 3-7 inches long with pointe tips an square bases
Flower Many small whitish flowers growing in slen er finger-like clusters in the leaf axils
Flowering Period August to September
Fruit White papery win - isperse x-shape in cross-section
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 52
MALEBERRY Lyonia ligustrina
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s rich woo s gentle slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall often forming thickets
Bark Light gray shre y shaggy Younger bark appearing slightly hairy ol er bark gray with white lenticels
Twigs Yellow-brown to ash-gray mottle with black Flowering twigs leafless
Buds No terminal bu Lateral bu s flattene re oval pointe with a single re ish scale
Leaves Alternate elliptic to oblong stalke up to 3 inches long pointe at both en s minutely toothe Rough above slightly-hairy beneath
Flower Small roun white flowers in clusters up to 6 inches long
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Greenish-gray to brown small roun capsules with 5 partitions No larger than flower Crow e in groups on the stem persisting through winter Dry brown po s resembling blueberries
Similar Species Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium cor mbosum) Maleberry can be istinguishe by its flattene re bu s lateral rather than terminal clusters an by capsules of fruit instea of berries
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 53
MEADOWSWEET Spiraea latifolia
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t 2-3 feet tall forming large ense colonies
Bark Thin peeling in filmy layers
Twigs Smooth slen er light re ish-brown to purple more or less angle Unbranche (except occasionally towar the top where branching may occur)
Buds Many small smooth oval with several scales
Leaves Alternate oblong narrow toothe short-stalke tapering to the base with pointe to roun tips Up to 3 inches long an 1 frac12 inches wi e
Flower Pyrami clusters of white to pinkish 5-parte small flowers occurring at tip of stem
Flowering Period July into September
Fruit Small har smooth cluster of 5-6 tiny po s persisting over winter in the inflorescence giving it a ark-brown color
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 54
MULTIFLORA ROSE Rosa ultiflora
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T is species is pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Generalist Variety of soil moisture an light con itions
Heig t Up to 9 feet tall Shrubby arching
Bark Green Ol er stems turn woo y
Twigs Long arching with stiff re-curve thorns tips root to form new plants
Leaves Alternate pinnately compoun 7-9 toothe leaflets each leaflet about 1 inch long Fringe stipule at the base of leaf stem
Flower Dense clusters of fragrant white or occasionally pink 5-petale flowers up to 1 frac12 inch wi e Persist into winter
Flowering Period May through June
Fruit Small roun har re berry calle a ldquohiprdquo Smallest hip of any rose in New Englan persists into winter
Similar Species Multiflora rose can be istinguishe from other roses by the presence of a fringe stipule on the leaf petiole
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 55
NORTHERN WILD RAISIN WITHEROD VIBURNUM Viburnu cassinoides
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s valleys gentle slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall usually up to 7
Bark Smooth grayish-brown
Twigs Slen er long flexible ull pale grayish to light-brown Slightly hairy Somewhat angle with in istinct lenticels
Buds Covere by a single pair of scales Terminal bu s long yellow or gol en 2 light-brown scales split curve Flower bu s large an flask-shape
Leaves Opposite lanceolate to oval loosely toothe up to 4 inches long on short stalks tapering to an abrupt point Dark green above ull green below leathery
Flower Many small white 5-lobe flowers in short-stalke flat-toppe clusters at the tips of the twigs
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Fleshy blue-black berry-like approximately frac14 inch wi e containing a flat see Dull re as maturing
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 56
SHADBUSHSERVICEBERRY A elchier canadensis
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains rich woo s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 25 feet tall usually growing in thickets
Bark Gray smooth thin vertical fissures separating smooth flat areas in ol er trees
Twigs Ranci taste an smell (slight taste of bitter almon s) Slen er grayish often covere by a gray skin smooth Lenticels are scattere minute ots
Buds Terminal bu s long narrow greenish-yellow or purple
Leaves Alternate oblong finely-toothe broa est above the mi le Veins curve When half grown with white felt or wooly hairs beneath Up to frac34 inch long roun e at the tip an base
Flower Many me ium-size 5-petalle white flowers approximately frac34 inch wi e on stalks in clusters appearing when leaves are half grown
Flowering Period April through June
Fruit Dark-purple to black berries
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 57
SHEEP LAURELLAMBKILL Kal ia angustifolia
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 3 feet tall usually forming thickets
Bark Re ish brown
Twigs Pale brown smooth
Buds Nake no scales or only 2 showing
Leaves Evergreen Occasionally opposite but usually in whorls of 3 Elliptic to oblong on very short stems crow e on the branch opposite in threes Bright green above pale or whitene beneath Both surfaces smooth
Flower Small eep pink to re ish-purple 5-lobe approximately 1 frac12 inch wi e in clusters among the leaves
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Small brownish roun capsule with 5 partitions in clusters that persist over winter
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 58
SILKY DOGWOOD Cornus a o u
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall forming ense thickets
Twigs Much branching lower portion of the stem light brown upper portions becoming streake with re One-an two-year ol branches completely re an velvety Twigs mo erate to slen er with spongy chocolate-brown piths
Buds Smooth hairy
Leaves Opposite ovate to elliptic roun e at base with pointe tips Veins branching off mi vein that follow up the smooth leaf without reaching e ge Up to 5 inches long an half as wi e roun e to somewhat we ge-shape at the base an abruptly pointe at the tip pubescent beneath on short to mo erate stalks turning re in autumn
Flower Many small white 4-petalle flowers in broa flat-toppe clusters up to 3 inches wi e at the tips of branches
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Blue or blueish-white berries
Similar Species Re Osier Dogwoo (Cornus stolonifera)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 59
SPECKLED ALDER Alnus rugosa
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 25 feet tall often branching from the base
Bark Brown with whitish horizontal lenticels
Twigs Olive-brown to re ish brown smooth owny with greenish triangular pith
Buds Stalke re ish covere by 2-3 scales equal in length coate with grayish or brownish own no terminal bu
Leaves Alternate oval or roun e broa est below the mi le 2-4 inches long Doubly toothe or wavy Green above pale beneath Leaf base roun e or heart-shape Up to 6 inches long an 3 inches wi e
Flower Develop long before the leaves Male catkins long finger-like rooping Female catkins upright in clusters stalke resembling a small pine cone arching appearing below male
Flowering Period April through June before leaves emerge
Fruit Female catkins ripening into frac12 inch cylin rical cones persistent in winter
Comments Distinguishing features are the conspicuous white lenticels on the trunk an on the twigs the short thick stalks of the ldquoconesrdquo an the conspicuous net venation of the leaves In winter the immature female spikes roop
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 60
SPICEBUSH Lindera benzoin
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains rich woo s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Smooth grayish-brown
Twigs Younger growth is green with white lines an specks while ol er portions with smooth gray-brown bark
Buds Leaf bu s small pointe Flower bu s larger stalke Spherical arrange on one si e of a leaf bu above the scar
Leaves Alternate obovate to ovate somewhat pointe up to 4 inches long an 2 inches wi e
Flower Small yellow Male an female occur in clusters on separate plants
Flowering Period April through May
Fruit Fleshy re an berry-like up to frac12 inch long containing one large see
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 61
STEEPLEBUSH Spiraea to entosa
Status Native
Habitat Wet mea ows marshes shrub wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 3 frac12 feet tall
Bark Thin hairy peeling shre ing into strips
Buds Lateral bu s covere with wool No terminal bu
Leaves Alternate simple toothe up to 2 inches long white or woolly beneath with brownish rusty or tawny hairs
Flower Small 5-petale eep pink or rose colore flowers in ense steeple-like terminal spike up to 6 inches long
Flowering Period July into September
Fruit One-celle capsules persistent into winter
Similar Species The pinker plants are often confuse with purple loosestrife Steeplebush has alternate leaves whereas purple loosestrife has opposite or whorle leaves The stems of Steeplebush ten to be roun in cross-section whereas the stems of purple loosestrife are square in cross section (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 62
SWEET PEPPERBUSH Clethera alnifolia
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Dark grayish or blackish Branches of previous year shre y or flaky
Twigs Slen er roun an slightly owny on new twigs with large white pith
Buds Lateral bu s small an obscure Terminal bu s are owny large an pointe
Leaves Alternate egg-shape to oblong small broa est above mi le sharply-toothe except at base Straight-veine both si es smooth an green abruptly blunt-pointe Up to 4 frac12 inches long an 1 frac12 inches wi e
Flower Many small 5-petale fragrant white flowers occurring on terminal spike
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Small tan roun capsule each with 3 hairy partitions resembling peppercorns persisting into winter
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 63
WINTERBERRY HOLLYBLACK ALDER Ilex verticillata
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Gray smooth
Twigs Slen er ark purple-gray with many small lenticels
Buds Tiny blunt at tip iverging from the twig Crow e upper bu s larger Terminal bu present
Leaves Alternate ovate thick ull-green above owny beneath coarse-toothe prominent veins Broa est at or above the mi le pointe at both en s
Flower Very small greenish or yellowish white Male an female flower son separate plants 6-8 petals in clusters seate irectly on stem frac14 inch in iameter of very short stalks
Flowering Period May through August
Fruit Bright re berry-like with 3-5 bony nuts borne singly or in clusters approximately frac14 inch wi e containing several see s persisting into winter
Value Extremely showy in late fall an early winter when covere with their bright re fruit these shrubs are either male or female Attractive to bir s
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 64
WITCH HAZEL Ha a elis virginiana
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 30 feet tall
Bark Mottle light-brown to gray smooth to scaly
Twigs Zigzag smooth to slightly hairy Short shoots light orange brown with rusty or gray hairs Some brown warts but lenticels in istinct
Buds Lateral bu s flattene with rusty brown hairs Terminal bu stalke curve or sickle-shape
Leaves Roun e to oval wavy lopsi e toothe in shallow roun e lobes Main veins prominent 5-7 nerves One-si e at base
Flower Bright yellow crinkle curving petals persisting into winter remaining attache to twig
Flowering Period August into November
Fruit Woo y hairy light-brown 2-see e po with 4 well-space curve points splitting open an ejecting black see s forcibly ripening a year after flowers Open po s remain on stem
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 65
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 66
Climbin Vines
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 67
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 68
CLIMBINGORIENTAL BITTERSWEET
Celast us o biculatus
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire
Habitat Disturbe areas roa si es fiel s forests an e ges of streams an rivers
Hei ht 40-65 feet long eci uous woo y vine Very aggressive climbs up an over trees an chokes them
Stem Tanish furrowe
Leaves Alternate ovate bluntly toothe 3-4 inches long tapere at the base
Flower Small greenish clusters in the leaf axils
Flowerin Period April through May
Fruit Bright-yellow splitting open to reveal showy orangere fruit
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 69
POISON IVY
Toxicodend on adicans
Status Native
Habitat Generalist Variety of soil moisture an light con itions Foun in recent clear-cuts
Hei ht Upright eci uous shrub trailing vine or climbing plant Shrub can grow up to 6 feet tall but this plant is taller as a vine
Leaves Long-stalke compoun leaves ivi e into 3 leaflets each leaflet having a longer stalk than the si e leaflets
Flowers Small yellowish flowers with 5 petals occurring on lateral clusters
Flowerin Period May through July Poison i y showing fruit
Fruit Greenish to grayish-white berries lacking hairs Pro uce in late summer an can persist throughout winter
CAUTION
TOUCHING OR BURNING ANY PART OF THIS PLANT CAN CAUSE SEVERE SKIN IRRITATION
Poison i y as a tree-climbing ine Poison i y in autumn
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 70
RIVERBANK GRAPE
Vitis ipa ia
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Hei ht Up to 60 feet tall
Bark Re ish-brown in loose strips Pith with thin firm tissue
Leaves Alternate coarse-toothe up to 7 inches long with usually 3-5 lobes an narrow-pointe leaves
Flowers Inconspicuous in branche clusters
Flowerin Period May through July
Fruit Purplish-black to black grapes up to frac12 inch wi e with whitish waxy covering
Similar Species Forest grape (Vitis ulpina) occurs in similar habitats but its leaves have broa teeth an are not usually lobe an its grapes are black an lacking waxy coating
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 71
VIRGINIA CREEPER
Pa thenosisus quinquefolia
Status Native
Habitat Wi e range of con itions ry san y soil to moist nutrient-rich soil sha e sun
Stem Woo y stem persisting into winter
Leaves Alternate palmately compoun with 3-7 but usually 5 leaflets Leaflets 6-12 centimeters long with toothe margins Turn eep-re in the fall
Flower Inconspicuous green-white
Fruit Small blue-black berries appearing in autumn
Comments Climbs by ten rils that have oval a hesive isks at their tips
Similar Species Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) has compoun leaves with 3 leaflets but the terminal leaflet is attache to a short-stalk Poison ivy also climbs by aerial roots not by a hesive isks
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 72
The Ca opy Trees
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 73
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 74
AMERICAN BASSWOODLINDEN Tilia am ricana
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s valleys gentle slopes
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray ri ge when ol
Twigs Alternate stout zigzag greenish-gray smooth or owny
Buds Re ish-brown frac12 inch long lopsi e No terminal bu
Leaves Alternate large up to 8 inches long sharply toothe Unequally heart-shape at base
Flowers 5 cream-colore fragrant yellow petals Approximately frac12 inch across
Floweri g Period Early summer
Fruit Stalke cluster of small pale green nuts attache to a leafy wing
AMERICAN BEECH Fagus grandifolia
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s uplan s well- raine lowlan s
Height Up to 90 feet tall
Bark Smooth an light blue-gray when young an ol
Twigs Alternate slen er greenish-brown hairy
Buds Slen er sharp-pointe approximately frac34 inch long chestnut brown with overlapping scales
Leaves Alternate simple egg-shape pointe with parallel veins terminating in teeth Shiny papery-smooth up to 5 inches long Dry leaves remain on tree in winter Yellow in autumn
Flowers Inconspicuous slen er catkins in a roun e hea both sexes occur on the same tree
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Prickly 4-valve fruit capsule bearing 2 triangular nuts Nut is sweet an e ible
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 75
AMERICAN HORNBEAM IRONWOODBLUE BEECH Carpinus caroliniana
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s foreste wetlan s e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 40 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray-green furrowe flute (muscular) wavy
Twigs Slen er ark re ish-brown shiny an smooth or slightly -hairy
Buds Oval re ish brown angle scaly
Leaves Alternate simple oblong sharply an finely oubly-toothe margins up to 4 inches long an 2 inches wi e entirely smooth above slightly owny beneath Orange or scarlet in autumn
Flowers Very small male an female flowers occur in separate spikes Male catkins 1 inch female small appearing with leaves
Floweri g Period April through May before leaf-out
Fruit Nutlet in the axil of a 3-lobe leaf-like bract the bracts clustere in a loose terminal spike up to 2 inches long
BLACK BIRCHSWEET BIRCH B tula l nta
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s
Height Up to 60 feet tall
Bark Smooth ark brown Long horizontal lenticels resembling cherry Ol er trees with very ark thick plates
Twigs Smooth slen er light re ish-brown with very fine horizontal lines Smells an tastes of wintergreen
Buds Sharp re ish brown long terminal bu absent on long shoots Bu scales owny on margins
Leaves Alternate simple heart-shape sharply ouble-or single-toothe smooth above with tufts of white hair on the veins beneath ull ark green Wintergreen o or an taste
Flower Male an female flowers occur in separate catkins on the same tree male catkins present uring the winter
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Catkins cylin rical short scales smooth
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 76
BLACK CHERRY Prunus s rotina
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s on many sites
Height Up to 60 feet tall
Bark Dark re ish-brown smooth with narrow horizontal lenticels on young trees becoming roughene an scaly on ol er trees Resembles black birch
Twigs Slen er re ish-brown often gray an peeling Ranci o or an taste Often with black knot swellings on branches with narrow lenticels
Buds Bright light re ish-brown 4 scales appear as none Terminal bu larger than laterals
Leaves Alternate simple elliptic Smooth an shiny above finely-toothe turning inwar Brown wool on 13 of mi rib beneath Yellow to brown in autumn
Flower White 5-petalle elongate clusters appearing when leaves are frac12 grown in clusters at the en s of twigs up to 4 inches long
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit E ible cherries ark re ish-purple becoming black with small stone Appearing June-October
BOX ELDERASH-LEAVED MAPLE Ac r n gundo
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s lowlan s floo plains
Height Up to 40 feet tall
Bark Thin grayish to light-brown with furrowe narrow ri ges similar to Norway maple
Twigs Stout green to purplish-green brightly colore often re Covere with whitish bloom the first year which rea ily rubs off
Buds Short-stalke re ish usually wooly or owny whitish ensely hairy
Leaves Opposite compoun palm-like with 3-5 veiny leaflets up to 5 inches long on short stalks Very variable in shape sharp margins with coarse teeth Light green above pale green an hairy along veins beneath Stalk swollen at base
Flower Small yellowish to greenish Male an female flowers occur in rooping clusters on separate trees appearing slightly before leaf-out
Floweri g Period April through May at or before leaf-out
Fruit A typical flattene v-shape winge samara
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 77
EASTERN COTTONWOOD Populus d ltoid s
Status Native
Habitat Floo plains streambanks valleys
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Greenish-yellow on young trees gray an furrowe on ol er trees
Twigs Smooth yellow-brown mo erately stout
Buds Brown shiny approximately frac12 to 1 inch long 6-7 scales heavy sticky fragrant yellow resin insi e
Leaves Alternate simple large triangular coarse roun e teeth up to 6 inches long an often nearly as wi e Dark green an shiny above lighter beneath with veins prominent on both surfaces Stems flattene at base of leaves Leaves from sprouts very large Yellow in autumn
Flower Drooping loosely groupe catkins Male an female flowers occur in rooping spikes on separate trees Before the leaves unfol the male crow e into rather thick re ish spikes the female crow e into narrower greenish yellow spikes
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Short-stalke capsule with 4 partitions approximately frac14 inch long
EASTERN HEMLOCK Tsuga canad nsis
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s ravines foreste wetlan s
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Cinnamon-re to gray tinge with purple narrow ri ges
Twigs Alternate yellow to grayish brown very hairy flattene
Buds Approximately frac12 to frac34 inch wi e oval chestnut brown hairy scales
Needles Narrow approximately frac12 inch long Short shiny ark-green above tapering whitish-green with 2 white lines beneath appearing as a broa stripe Stalke at base persistent comb-like arrangement on twig
Fruit Small oval cones frac12 to frac34 inch long on slen er stalks Cone scales as wi e as long Male cones are small structures in clusters in leaf axils an o not persist Female cones have brown scales are at twig en s an persist
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 78
EASTERN WHITE PINE Pinus strobus
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s bogs ravines cool sha y north slopes
Height Up to 120 feet tall
Bark Smooth thin greenish when young becoming ark brown eeply-furrowe an blocky when ol er
Twigs Smooth slen er green or light yellowish-green resinous
Buds Sharp-pointe yellowish-brown
Leaves In clusters of 5 (the only five-nee le pine in the East) soft slen er bluish-green Retaine to en of the secon growing season 3 year nee les yellow in October 2-5 inches long
Fruit Large tapering cylin rical cones falling when ripe (August-September) Require two seasons to mature 4 to 8 inches long
GREEN ASH Fraxinus p nnsylvanica
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains streambanks
Height Up to 80 feet tall
Bark Young twigs gray thin hairless Ol er stems gray with shallow grooves ri ges an furrows
Twigs Stout gray terminal bu present conical the first pair of lateral bu s place some istance below the terminal
Leaves Opposite pinnately-compoun with 5-9 (usually 7) leaflets Shiny green on top occasionally hairy on bottom with saw-toothe margins Bright yellow in autumn
Flower Inconspicuous small cluster of greenish petal-free stalke flowers with male an female flowers occur on separate trees
Floweri g Period April to June as leaves emerge
Fruit Samara with a broa wing an in istinct see portion
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 79
RED MAPLE Ac r rubrum
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s rich woo s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 75 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray often satiny on young trees becoming arker scaly rough separating an forming long scales often up-curling in ol er trees
Twigs Current years growth re Ol er twigs light gray smooth
Buds Sharp ark re with prominent overlapping scales
Leaves Opposite simple usually 3-lobe (sometimes 5) with sharp angles between lobes an with sharp irregular teeth Dark green above gray-green beneath approximately 3-4 inches long Yellow or scarlet in autumn
Flower Re or yellow with petals appearing long before the leaves emerge Male an female flowers occur on separate trees
Floweri g Period March through May before leaf-bu s open
Fruit A ouble-winge v-shape re samara up to 1 inch long
Matures in late spring falls an germinates at once
RED OAK Qu rcus rubra
Status Native
Habitat Bottomlan s moist slopes
Height Up to 90 feet tall
Bark Smooth greenish-brown on young stems becoming broken into ri ges re ish-brown har with eep furrows when ol er Inner bark re ish
Twigs Alternate strongly ri ge or flute Re ish brown or black smooth
Buds Smooth brown blunt-pointe in clusters at en s of twigs Larger than other oaks except black frac14 inch long roun e on the si es Terminal bu s have slight rusty hairs
Leaves Spikes on tips of lobes Mostly 3 pairs V-shape space between lobes (typically 7-11) triangular in outline smooth on both si es
Flower Long sprea ing strings
Fruit Acorn maturing in secon year Cup embracing 13 to frac12 the acorn Oval to cylin rical short shallow Acorns large bitter ine ible insi es pale yellow
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 80
SHAGBARK HICKORY Carya ovata
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s valleys uplan slopes
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Smooth when young splitting into long plates that curve outwar free at both en s when ol er
Twigs Re ish-brown very stout tough an har to break Soli pith
Buds Dark brown long-pointe approximately frac12 inch or more wi e Scales remaining over winter
Leaves Alternate compoun 4-6 inches long 5 (rarely 7) leaflets with the 3 upper leaflets much larger an longer than the lower terminal leaflet Slightly toothe with a tuft of hair on each tooth
Flower Male an female flowers occur on same tree Male flowers are 3-branche catkins female flowers are in short spikes
Floweri g Period Early spring before leaf-out
Fruit Thick globe-like husks split away when ripe Nut with 4 angles whitish brown shell thick sweet kernel
SILVER MAPLE Ac r saccharinium
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 80 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray (like beech) in young trees breaking into long thin scaly plates curving away at en s when ol er
Twigs V-shape point upwar at tip rooping Orange-brown to re Ba o or when bruise
Buds Terminal bu small blunt re
Leaves Opposite simple approximately 5 inches wi e Deeply cleft 5-lobe sharply toothe Green above silver-white beneath Very silvery un er water Downy beneath when young Pale yellow in autumn
Flower Small re or greenish yellow No petals occurring long before the leaves Some trees have only male flowers
Floweri g Period February through May before leaf-out
Fruit Occurring in late spring The see germinates at once flattene winge fruit the largest of the native maples up to 2 inches long
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 81
SWAMP WHITE OAK Qu rcus bicolor
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 70 feet tall
Bark Flaky light grayish-brown peeling in ragge papery scales Furrowe at base of tree in long flat scaly ri ges
Twigs Slen er to stout straw-brown to yellow-green Bark peels from twig (only oak where this occurs)
Buds Small roun terminal bu s orange-brown blunt-pointe smooth Lateral bu s small an crow e
Leaves Alternate simple oval light-green above with hairs beneath wi est above the mi le strongly tapere towar the we ge-shape base Margin shallowly lobe Yellow or brown in autumn
Flower Male an female flowers occur separately on the same tree the male in catkins the female in short spikes
Fruit Oval light-brown nut approximately 1 inch long enclose for about frac12 its length by a cap Occurring singly or often in pairs at the en of a short stalk Some of the cups usually persist in winter
SYCAMOREPLANETREEBUTTONBALL Platanus occid ntalis
Status Native
Habitat Floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Creamy white on young branches turning re -brown-gray then breaking in large thin plates exposing whitish inner bark giving a white-washe appearance
Twigs Slen er smooth yellow-brown slightly zigzag swollen at joints
Buds No terminal bu Lateral bu s long conical resinous shiny ark re -brown covere by a single cap-like scale Pointing outwar enclose by bases of leaf stalks until the leaves fall
Leaves Alternate simple large with 3-5 pointe lobes maple-like pubescent beneath when young with long pointe teeth
Flower Small inconspicuous Male an female flowers occur separately in roun hea s on the same tree
Floweri g Period April through June
Fruit Large roun balls approximately frac14 inch long an 1 inch wi e with bristly hairs at base containing many see s Occurring singly on long stalks Remains on tree until spring
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 82
TAMARACHLARCH Larix laricina
Status Native
Habitat Bogs foreste wetlan s wet peaty soils
Height Up to 80 feet tall
Bark Thin re ish brown scaly Young branches grayish or pale orange-brown
Twigs Smooth brownish many leaf scars
Buds Dark re ish-brown roun resinous
Leaves Deci uous nee les pale blueish-green approximately 1 inch long flexible triangular Yellow in autumn before ropping off
Flower Occur separately as small cones on the same tree Male flowers are yellow Female flowers are rose re both appearing in March through April
Fruit Small oval cones frac12 to frac34 inch wi e with 20 scales Cone scales concave smooth often shining longer than broa chestnut brown smooth on the outsi e
WHITE ASH Fraxinus am ricana
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s valleys slopes foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Light or ark gray Smooth when young groove when ol er Longitu inal ri ges forming iamon -shape patterns separate by narrow interlacing ri ges
Twigs Opposite light greenish-brown with small white lenticles an a slight bloom Soli pith
Buds Roun e rusty to ark-brown rough hairy First pair of lateral bu s at the same level irectly below the terminal
Leaves Opposite pinnately compoun stalke oval to lanceolate 8 to 12 inches long with 5 to 9 leaflets (mostly 7) Smooth or slightly wavy-toothe Yellowish to maroon in the autumn
Flowers Small inconspicuous male an female flowers occur on separate trees appearing with the leaves Purplish in crow e clusters
Floweri g Period April through May before leaf-out
Fruit Cylin rical light-brown enclosing a see an a flattene elongate wing 2-3 times long as the bo y 1-2 inches wi e in rooping clusters
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 83
WHITE OAK Qu rcus alba
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s a jacent slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 90 feet tall
Bark Gray thin on young trees an flaky irregularly-plate or groove when ol er
Twigs Purplish-gray to greenish-re mo erately stout smooth
Buds Blunt smooth brownish at tips of twigs in clusters
Leaves Alternate simple 4-10 prominent roun e lobes variable in epth Re ish to violet in autumn Brown ea leaves remain on tree in winter
Flowers Both sexes occur on the same tree Male flowers in clusters of hanging bea s Female flowers are few in angles of new leaves Greenish yellowish or re ish
Fruit Maturing in one season Acorn cup with wart-like scales Cup shorter than nut Sweet an e ible
WHITE SPRUCE Pic a glauca
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s a jacent slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 70 feet tall
Bark Thin scaly grayish-brown silvery on freshly expose areas
Twigs Pale gray to yellow-brown no hairs or fuzz
Buds Oval ragge brown smooth
Leaves frac12 to 1 inch blueish-green slight-bloom pungent o or when crushe sharp line of white ots in each groove Ten ency to mass towar the upper si e of the twig
Flowers Occur separately as small cones on the same tree Male flowers are yellowish re Female flowers are greenish re purplish
Co e Cylin rical 2 inches long Immature cones have thin scales an are soft an flexible Mature cones are light chestnut brown
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 84
YELLOW BIRCH B tula l nta
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains ravines cool rich woo s of higher elevations
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Peeling in thin ribbon-like strips when young that roll back in curls Shiny yellow or silvery gray rough an platy when ol er
Twigs Stout bronze or bright-brown shiny Smooth or sparsely hairy Wintergreen o or an taste
Buds Sharp re ish-brown oppresse terminal bu absent oval with chestnut-brown scales
Leaves Alternate simple long oval sharply ouble-toothe Dull an ark-green above lighter beneath with slight hairs in veins base roun e to near heart-shape up to 5 inches long
Flower Male an female flowers in separate catkins on the same tree Male catkins present in winter Male flowers are yellow small narrow in a rooping catkin at branch tips Female flowers are green an in broa er upright catkins place back from the tip that matures into a brown cone
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Catkins roun e roun scales somewhat hairy erect on twig frac34 inch long persist into winter
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 85
Appendix A Other Helpful Field Guides
The Boo of Swamp and Bog Trees Shrubs and Wildflowers of Eastern Freshwater Wetlands by John Eastman 1995 Stackpole Books ISBN 0-8117-2518-9
A Field Guide to Coastal Wetland Plants of the Northeastern United States by Ralph W Tiner Jr 1987 University of Massachusetts Press ISBN 0-870-23538-9
Freshwater Wetlands - A Guide to Common Indicator Plants of the Northeast by Dennis W Magee 1981 University of Massachusetts Press ISBN 0-87023-317-3
Northeastern Wetland Flora Field Office Guide to Plant Species by USDA ndash NRCSNortheastern National Technical Center Chester Pennsylvania
Plants in Wetlands A Redington Field Guide to Biological Interactions by Charles B Re ington 1994 Ken allHunt Publishing Company ISBN 0-84038-983-3
Pond and Broo by Michael J Ca uto 1990 ISBN 0-87451-509-1
Pond Life A Golden Guide by George K Rei 1987 Gol en Books ISBN 0-30724-017-7
Through The Loo ing Glass by Susan Borman Robert Korth Jo Temte 19971999 Wisconsin Lakes Partnership ISBN 0-93231-032-X
Wetland Planting Guide for Northeast United States by Gwen olyn A Thunhorst 1993 Environmental Concern Inc ISBN 1-88322-602-3
Wetlands - National Audubon Society Nature Guides by William A Niering 1985 Alfre A Knopf New York ISBN 0-39473-147-6
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 86
Appendix B Glossary of Terms
Alternate Leaves arising singly along the stem not in pairs or whorls
Annual Living or growing for only one year or season
Axil The angle where two structures join for example where a leaf joins the stem
Axillary Occurring in or growing from an axil
Basal Locate at or arising from the base of a plant or a plant part
Berry A small juicy fleshy fruit containing one to many see s
Capsule A ry fruit containing two to many see s an opening by valves slits or pores
Cat in Scaly spike of inconspicuous flowers lacking petals
Ciliate Bearing margine hairs
Clasping Leaves that partially encircle the stem at the base
Compound (Leaf) Divi e into two or more istinct separate parts (leaflets)
Cone A har woo y globose to cylin ric arrangement of bracts or scales in the axils of which the repro uctive structures are foun
Deciduous Falling from the plant after maturity each year
Elliptic Broa est at the mi le gra ually tapering to both en s
Emergent Roote in shallow water with most of the plant growing above the surface
Emersed Raise out of the water as in the flowers or fruits of some floating plants
Entire (Leaf) Having a continuoussmooth margin unbroken by toothing or ivisions
Evergreen Remaining green throughout the winter
Fibrous Referring to a cluster of slen er roots all with the same iameter
Frond The leaf of a fern
Furrowed Groove
Glabrous Without hairs or scales
Globose Shape like a globe roun
Head A group of flowers tightly crowne together in a more or less roun e structure
Herbaceous A plant that ies back to the groun at the en of the growing season or a plant part that is leaf-like in color an texture
Inflorescence The entire flower cluster
Lanceolate Lance-shape broa est near the base gra ually tapering to the narrower apex
Leaflet One of the segments of a compoun leaf
Lenticels The small corky pores or narrow lines on the surface of stems of woo y plants that allow the interchange of gases between the interior tissue an surroun ing air A small opening in a stem
Lip The upper an lower parts of certain tubular flowers
Lobe The in ente part of a leaf or flower not ivi e into istinct an separate parts but still interconnecte to similar parts of the leaf or flower
MidribMidvein The central or main vein of a leaf
Native A species that originate in a certain place or region in igenous
Node The place on the stem where leaves or branches are attache
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 87
Non-Native Not originating in a certain geographic location than where they are foun
Nut A har ry one-see e fruit not opening at maturity
Nutlet A small nut
Oblong Broa est at the mi le an tapering to both en s but broa er than elliptic
Opposite Leaves arising in pairs on either si e of a stem
Oval Broa ly elliptic
Ovate Broa ly roun e at the base becoming narrowe above
Palmate Having three or more veins lobes or leaflets arising from one point
Panicle A compoun loosely branche flower cluster
Parallel Veined Having veins all parallel as oppose to in a network
Perennial Living for two or more years
Petal One segment of the series of floral leaves lying just insi e the sepals often the most conspicuous
Petiole The stalk-like part of the leaf attaching it to the stem
Pinnate Divi e once along an elongate axis into istinct segments
Pith The soft tissue at the center of a plantrsquos stem it may be soli or hollow at maturity
Pod A fruiting structure containing the mature see s
Pubescent Covere in fine short hairs
Recurved Curving ownwar
Rhizome A horizontal usually un ergroun stem that often sen s out roots an shoots from its no es
Ribbed Bearing ri ges
Root The escen ing axis of the plant usually growing in an opposite irection from the stem
Samara A winge fruit
Scale A mo ifie leaf or thin flattene structure
Sepal One segment of the outer series of floral leaves often green in color but occasionally of a ifferent color an petal-like
Serrate With sharp forwar -pointing teeth on the margin
Sessile Without a stalk
Sheath The base of a leaf that encircles the stem
Simple (Leaf) A leaf compose of a single bla e
Smooth Not rough to the touch
Spi e An elongate cluster of sessile flowers
Shrub A woo y plant smaller than a tree with several stems or trunks arising from a single base a bush
Simple Leaf A leaf with a single bla e
Succulent Juicy an fleshy
Tendril A evice usually coile that enables some vines to climb
Toothed With teeth along the margin
Tuber A thickene part of an un ergroun root or rhizome serving for foo storage an often for propagation
Whorled (Leaf) Arrange in a group of three or more leaves branches or pe icles at the no e on the stem
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 88
Appendix C Leaf Shapes amp Arrangements
Peterson Lee Allen ldquoA Fie d Guide to Edib e Wi d P ants of Eastern and Centra North Americardquo Houghton Mifflin Company 1977
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 89
Appendix D Native ShorelandRiparian Buffer Plantings for New Hampshire
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 90
Native ShorelandRiparian Buffer Plantings for New Hampshire The p otected sho eland is the a ea of land that exists between the efe ence line of a wate body and 250 feet f om the efe ence line
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees
Ame ican Basswood (Ame ican Linden)
Tilia am ricana Medium-La ge 60-100rsquo
Mode ate Deep FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Rich woods valleys gentle slopes
Wildlife Pileated woodpecke wood duck othe bi ds dee abbit squi el
Food Seeds twigs
Ame ican Beech Fagus grandifolia Medium-La ge 60-90rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Rich woods well-d ained lowlands
Wildlife Blue jay chickadees nuthatches quail uffed g ouse tufted titmouse wild tu key wood duck woodpecke s bea chipmunk dee fox po cupine snowshoe ha e squi el
Food Nuts buds sap
Ame ican Hopho nbeam (I onwood)
Ostrya virginiana Small 20-40rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Rich woods Wildlife Downy woodpecke mockingbi d pu ple finch ing-necked pheasant ose-b easted g osbeak uffed g ouse wild tu key wood quail dee abbit squi el
Food Nuts buds seeds
Ame ican Ho nbeam (Blue BeechMusclewood)
Carpinus caroliniana
SmallSh ubby 20-40rsquo
Slow Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods fo ested wetlands avines st eambanks
Wildlife Quail uffed g ouse wood duck beave dee squi el
Food Seeds buds
Ame ican Mountain Ash
Sorbus am ricana Small Up to 25rsquo
Fast Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full-Sun
D y Moist Fo ested wetlands ich woods Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe catbi d ceda waxwing g osbeak mockingbi d obin th ushes wild tu key bea
Food F uit twigs
Balsam Fi Abi s balsam a Small-Medium 40-60rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands st eambanks ich woods
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse songbi ds small mammals moose
Food Seeds
Balsam Popla Populus balsam a Medium 60-80rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun Moist Floodplains ive banks st eambanks valleys
Wildlife Beave dee mouse snowshoe ha e
Food Buds catkins twigs foliage
Big-Toothed Aspen Populus grandid ntata
Small-Medium 30-60rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Sandy upland soils floodplain st eams with quaking aspen
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee evening g osbeak pu ple finch uffed g ouse yellow-bellied sapsucke dee
Food Buds catkins ba k twigs and foliage
Black Ash Fraxinus nigra Medium 60-80rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands st eambanks Wildlife Songbi ds wood duck dee moose small mammals
Food F uit twigs young leaves
Black Bi ch (Sweet Bi ch)
B tula l nta Medium 40-60rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade
Page 1
Moist Cool moist uplands ich woods
Wildlife G ouse dee abbit
Food Buds catkins seeds
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees (Continued)
Black Che y Prunus s rotina Medium 40-60rsquo
Mode ate Deep Tap oot
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Rich woods on many sites except ve y d y soils
Wildlife Bluebi d blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing common c ow easte n kingbi d evening g osbeak mockingbi d no the n flicke no the n o iole obin uffed g ouse spa ows th ushes vee y vi eo yellow-bellied sapsucke bea chipmunk dee fox accoon squi el
Food Be ies buds sap
Black Gum (Tupelo)
Nyssa sylvatica Medium 50-60
Slow No Info mation Available
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Fo ested wetlands floodplains Wildlife Bluebi d ca dinal catbi d chickadee c ow finches malla ds obin uby-th oated hummingbi d uffed g ouse vi eo wild tu key woodpecke s wood duck honeybees bea chipmunk dee opossum squi el
Food Seeds sap necta
Black Sp uce Pic a mariana Small Up to 25rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs fo ested wetlands lake and pond sho es
Wildlife Songbi ds uffed g ouse sp uce g ouse chipmunk cottontail dee po cupine squi el
Food Seeds twigs necta ba k
Black Willow Salix nigra Small-Medium Up to 50rsquo
Ve y Fast Ve y Shallow
Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands lowlands floodplains
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Buds catkins
Box Elde Ac r n gundo Medium 40-70rsquo
Ve y Fast Deep Late al
Full Sun D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands lowlands floodplains
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Seeds
Easte n Cottonwood Populus d ltoid s Medium-La ge 80-100rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Floodplains st eambanks valleys
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse
Food Catkins
Easte n Hemlock Tsuga canad nsis Medium-La ge 80-100rsquo
Mode ate Shallow Late al
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Acidic Cool moist uplands avines ock outc ops st eambanks
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee blue and g een wa ble s c ossbill hawks juncos pine siskin uffed g ouse vee y wild tu key dee chipmunk cottontail po cupine squi el white-footed mouse
Food Twigs foliage seeds
Easte n White Pine Pinus strobus La ge 70-120rsquo
Mode ate Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Well-D ained
Fo ested wetlands bogs avines cool shady no th slopes
Wildlife B own c eepe chickadee c ossbill g osbeak junco nuthatch pine wa ble spa ows sp uce g ouse wild tu key woodpecke s beave chipmunk dee snowshoe ha e squi el
Food Seeds foliage twigs excellent winte food
G ay Bi ch (Wi e Bi ch)
B tula populifolia Small 20-35rsquo
Fast Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Pionee Species poo est of ste ile soils sandy o g avelly slopes
Wildlife Ame ican goldfinch blue jay chickadee no the n junco pine siskin ed-tailed hawk uffed g ouse spa ows vi eo yellow-bellied sapsucke woodpecke s snowshoe ha e
Food Seeds buds
Page 2
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees (Continued)
G een Ash Fraxinus p nnsylvanica
Medium-La ge 60-80rsquo
Fast Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks neve on d y soils
Wildlife Ca dinal finches evening g osbeak mou ning dove ed-winged blackbi d wood duck beave chipmunk dee po cupine squi el
Food Seeds foliage
No the n White Ceda (A bo vitae)
Thuja occid ntalis Medium 30-60rsquo
Slow to Mode ate
Shallow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs wetlands ich woods Wildlife Songbi ds small mammals dee
Food Seeds needles
QuakingT embling Aspen (Popla )
Populus tr muloid s
Small-Medium 30-60rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Pionee Species d y open woods sandy o g avelly slopes
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse beave dee po cupine snowshoe ha e
Food Buds catkins ba k twigs and foliage
Red Maple Ac r rubrum Medium 40-75rsquo
Mode ate to Fast
Ve y Shallow
Full Sun D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands st eambanks lakesho es ich woods
Wildlife Ca dinal chickadee evening and pine g osbeaks finches obin yellow-bellied sapsucke beave chipmunk dee opossum squi el snowshoe ha e
Food Seeds buds ba k twigs sap
Red Oak Qu rcus rubra Medium 60-90rsquo
Mode ate Deep Late al
FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Bottomlands moist slopes Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe ducks hawks quail nuthatch uffed g ouse towhee wild tu key woodpecke bea chipmunk dee gophe opossum accoon squi el
Food Aco ns
Shagba k Hicko y Carya ovata La ge 70-100rsquo
Fast Deep Tap oot
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Rich woods valleys upland slopes
Wildlife Ca dinal field spa ows pine wa ble ose-b easted g osbeak ufous-sided towhee white-b easted nuthatch wild tu key wood duck yellow- umped wa ble chipmunks squi els
Food Nuts
Silve Maple Ac r sacharinium Medium 60-80rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands ive banks floodplains st eambanks
Wildlife Ca dinal goldfinch evening and pine g osbeaks no the n o iole
Food Seeds buds
St iped Maple (Moosewood Moose Maple)
Ac rp nsylvanicum SmallSh ubby 20-30rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t-Shade Moist Rich woods cool moist sites Wildlife Ruffed g ouse beave dee moose po cupine abbit
Food Buds ba k sama as
Suga Maple Ac r saccharum Medium-La ge 60-100rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Valleys and uplands tole ates almost all soil types
Wildlife Ca dinal goldfinch g osbeak ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse vi eo beave chipmunk po cupine B owse fo dee abbit snowshoe ha e
Food Seeds twigs ba k
Page 3
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees (Continued)
Swamp White Oak Qu rcus bicolor Medium 60-70rsquo
Fast No Info mation Available
FullPa t Shade Moist Fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks
Wildlife Ba ed owl blue jay ca dinal b own th ashe g ouse malla ds nuthatch quail ed-bellied woodpecke ed-tailed hawk uffed g ouse sta ling towhee wild tu key yellow-th oated wable w en beave chipmunk cottontail dee gophe opossum accoon squi el white-footed mouse wild tu key
Food Aco ns
Sweet Gum Liquidambar styraciflua
Medium-La ge 60-100rsquo
Mode ate No Info mation Available
Full Sun Moist Valleys Lowe slopes mixed woodlands
Wildlife Mou ning dove finches junco w en beave chipmunk squi el
Food Seeds
Sycamo e (Planet eeButtonwood)
Platanus occid ntalis
La ge 80-100rsquo
Slow No Info mation Available
FullPa t Shade o Full-Sun
D y o Moist Floodplains lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Finches chipmunk squi el
Food Seeds
Tama ack (Ame icanEaste n La ch)
Larix laricina Small-Medium 40-80rsquo
Va iable Mode ate Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs swamps wet peaty soils d ie upland loamy soils
Wildlife Blue jay kinglets pheasant ed c ossbill obin uffed g ouse sp uce g ouse yellow-bellied sapsucke chipmunk dee po cupine ed squi el snowshoe ha e
Food Needles twigs inne ba k seeds
White Ash Fraxinus am ricana
Medium-La ge 70-100rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods valleys slopes fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks
Wildlife Finches g osbeaks ed-winged blackbi d wood duck dee squi el
Food Seeds foliage
White Bi ch (Pape Bi ch)
B tula papyrif ra Medium 50-75rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Fo ested wetlands ich woods Wildlife G ouse siskins
Food Seeds buds
White Oak Qu rcus alba Medium-La ge 50-90rsquo
Mode ate Deep FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Deep ich well-d ained
St eambanks lakesho es gentle slopes adapts to almost any condition
Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe nuthatch quail uffed g ouse towhee wild tu key wood duck woodpecke chipmunk bea dee gophe opossum accoon squi el
Food Aco ns
White Sp uce Pic a glauca Medium 40-70rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist St eambanks lakesho es ich woods adjacent slopes
Wildlife Fishe s ma tens snowshoe ha e voles
Food Seeds
Yellow Bi ch (Sweet Bi ch)
B tula all ghani nsis
Medium-La ge 70-100rsquo
Slow Shallow Mode ate
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Fo ested wetlands floodplains avines cool ich woods of high elevations
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee common edpoll goldfinch pine siskins ed-shoulde ed hawk ing-necked pheasant uffed g ouse wild tu key wood duck yellow-bellied sapsucke beave chipmunk dee po cupine squi el snowshow ha e
Food Catkins buds ba k twigs foliage seeds
Page 4
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs
Ame ican Hazelnut Corylus am ricana Medium 5-10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Bo de s of woods hillsides thickets
Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe ceda waxwing hai y woodpecke ing-necked pheasant uffed g ouse chipmunk dee abbit squi el
Food Nuts be ies foliage
Beaked Hazelnut Corylus cornuta Small 6-10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y D y places Wildlife Bi ds mammals
Food Beaked nuts
Black Chokebe y Aronia m loncarpa
Medium Up to 10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Ceda waxwing chickadees uffed g ouse sha p-tailed g ouse dee abbit squi el
Food Be ies buds
Buttonbush C phalanthus occid ntalis
Medium 6-12rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
St eambanks lakesho es ponds sh ub and fo ested wetlands
Wildlife Ducks ails uby-th oated hummingbi d beave dee musk at butte flies honeybees and othe insects
Food F uit twigs leaves seeds necta
Chokeche y Prunus virginiana Small 3-6rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist With Aspen d y soils Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe catbi d c ow easte n kingbi d evening g osbeak o ioles pileated woodpecke ing-necked pheasant obin ose g osbeak uffed g ouse th ushes yellow-bellied sapsucke abbit squi el
Food Be ies buds foliage
Elde be y Sambucus canad nsis
Small-Medium 3-12rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods sh ub and fo ested wetlands ma shes
Wildlife Bluebi ds blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d g osbeak indigo bunting pileated woodpecke inged-neck pheasant obin ose-b easted g osbeak uffed g ouse th ushes wild tu key woodpecke chipmunk dee abbit squi el
Food Be ies necta twigs bugs
G ay Dogwood (Red-Panicle Dogwood)
Cornus rac mosa Medium 10-15rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Roadsides thickets wetlands Wildlife Blue jay ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing easte n kingbi d finch flycatche g osbeak hai y woodpecke no the n flicke phoebe pileated woodpecke pine g osbeak pine wa ble ed-bellied woodpecke ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse sta ling swamp spa ow tufted titmouse vee y vi eo wild tu key wood duck wood th ush woodcock yellow-bellied sapsucke chipmunk dee ed fox abbit squi el
Food Be ies twigs
Highbush Bluebe y Vaccinium corymbosum
Medium 5-15rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Baltimo e o iole bluebi d blue jay ca dinal chickadee g ay catbi d kingbi d o ioles phoebe ed-bellied woodpecke ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse ufos-sided towhee sca let tanage tufted titmouse vee y wild tu key woodpecke s wood th ush black bee chipmunk dee musk at abbit squi el white-footed mouse
Food Be ies foliage twigs buds
Hobblebush Viburnum alnifolium
Medium Up to 10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Cool moist avines shady lakesho es
Wildlife B own th ashe ca dinal ceda waxwing evening g osbeak obin
Food F uit
Page 5
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs (Continued)
Junipe Junip rus communis
Small 1-4rsquo
Slow Full Sun D y D y open land Wildlife Ceda waxwing finches g osbeaks g ouse pheasant obin dee abbit moose
Food Twigs foliage f uit
Lowbush Bluebe y Vaccinium angustifolium
1-2rsquo Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Bogs d y sandy flats ocky slopes
Wildlife Blue jay g ouse kingbi d o iole obin tanage s woodpecke s squi el
Food Be ies foliage twigs
Malebe y Lyonia ligustris Up to 10rsquo Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods gentle slopes
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food F uit
Mapleleaf Vibu num Viburnum ac rifolium
Small 3-6rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Rich woods Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food F uit
Mountain Lau el Kalmia latifolia Up to 20rsquo Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Mixed uplands acid soils Wildlife Ruffed g ouse dee
Food Foliage buds twigs necta
Nannybe y Viburnum l ntago Medium-La ge 10-25rsquo
Mode ate FallPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Rich woods Wildlife Songbi ds mammals
Food Be ies
No the n A owwood Viburnum r cognitum
Medium 10-15rsquo
Mode ate FallPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse songbi ds bea chipmunks accoon squi el skunk white-footed mouse
Food Be ies
No the n Wild Raisin (Withe od Vibu num)
Viburnum nudum varcassinoid s
Medium 6-10
Mode ate FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands valleys slopes st eambanks
Wildlife B own th ashe ceda waxwing flycatche uffed g ouse vee y woodcock yellow-wa ble chipmunk dee musk at squi el snowshoe ha e
Food Ba k twigs buds
Pussy Willow Salix discolor Medium-La ge Up to 15rsquo
Fast Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks lakesho es
Wildlife Ame ican goldfinch uffed g ouse beave ha e abbits squi el
Food Buds catkins twigs ba k
Raspbe y Rubus ida us Small Up to 6rsquo
Fast FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Thickets edges of woods Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food F uits
Red Osie Dogwood Cornus stolonif ra Small-Medium 4-8rsquo
Fast FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods st eambanks lakesho es
Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing downy woodpecke easte n kingbi d finches no the n flicke pine wa ble pu ple finch inged-neck pheasant uffed g ouse vi eo wild tu key woodpecke s wood duck chipmunk dee abbit squi el
Food Be ies twigs
Rhodo a Rhodod ndron canad ns
Small 3-4rsquo
Slow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs slopes ocky summits Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Leaves
Page 6
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs (Continued)
Shadbush (Se vicebe yJunebe y)
Am lanchi r spp La ge 15-25rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks ich woods
Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing g ay catbi d junco o ioles ed squi el obin uffed g ouse sca let tanage th ushes vee y woodpecke s beave dee ed squi el skunk
Food Be ies twigs
Silky Dogwood Cornus amomum Medium 6-10rsquo
Fast FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks
Wildlife Baltimo e o iole black-capped chickadee blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing downy woodpecke easte n kingbi d flycatche mockingbi d no the n flicke pine wa ble pu ple finch ed-bellied woodpecke inged-necl pheasant obin ose-b easted g osbeak uffed g ouse song spa ow sta lings tufted-titmouse wild tu key wood duck wood th ush vee y chipmunk dee abbit accoon skunk squi el white-footed mouse
Food Be ies buds twigs
Speckled Alde Alnus rugosa La ge 15-25rsquo
Fast Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks lakesho es
Wildlife Alde flycatche catbi d goldfinch malla ds pheasant pine siskin ed-winged blackbi d uffed g ouse swamp spa ow yellow-bellied flycatche woodcock bea beave dee cottontail moose musk at snowshoe ha e
Food Buds twigs ba k leaves
Spicebush Lind ra b nzoin Small-La ge 6-17rsquo
Mode ate Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Catbi d kingbi d pheasant quail obin uffed g ouse vee y vi eo wood th ush swallowtail butte flies dee musk at
Food F uit buds twigs leaves
Swamp Azalea Rhodod ndron viscosum
Up to 5rsquo Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Hummingbi d butte flies and othe insects dee
Food Leaves necta
Swamp Blackbe y Rubus hispidus Small Up to 6rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal ceda waxwing g ackle g ay catbi d g osbeak mockingbi d o iole tanage ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse ufus-sided th ushes towhee vee y wild tu key woodcock woodpecke s wood th ush chipmunk cottontail dee accoon skunk squi el
Food F uit canes
Sweet Gale Myrica gal Small 1-4rsquo
Slow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee catbi d common yellowth oat phoebe pied-billed g ebe uffed g ouse t ee swallow tufted titmouse wild tu key dee musk at
Food Buds leaves
Sweet Peppe bush Cl thra alnifolia Medium 3-10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Butte flies and othe insects
Food F uit seeds necta
Winte be y Holly (Black Alde )
Il x v rticillata Medium 6-10rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eamabanks
Wildlife Ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing chickadees finches flicke s uffed g ouse th ushes vi eo woodpecke s bea cottontail dee moose skunk white-footed mouse
Food Be ies twigs leaves
Page 7
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs (Continued)
Witch Hazel Hammam lis virginiana
La ge 20-30rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist D y o ich woods Wildlife Ca dinal ing-necked pheasant uffed g ouse wild tu key dee squi els
Food Seeds buds twigs ba k
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
GroundcoverHerbaceous Perennials
Boneset Eupatorium p rfoliatum
4-6rsquo Full Sun D y o Moist Wet meadows ma shes pond edges
Wildlife Malla ds uffed g ouse swamp spa ow wild tu key butte flies and othe insects
Food Necta
Blue Flag I is Iris v rsicolor 2-3rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Ma shes lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Blue-winged teal uby-th oated hummingbi d wood duck butte flies and othe insects musk at
Food Necta shoots
Bunchbe y Cornus canad nsis 3-8rdquo FullPa t Shade Moist Cool moist woods Wildlife Sha p-tailed g ouse sp uce-g ouse moose
Food F uit buds
Ca dinal Flowe Lob lia cardinalis 2-4rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Damp sites st eambanks Wildlife Ruby-th oated hummingbi ds butte flies and othe insects bea dee
Food Necta
Cattail (B oad-Leaf) Typha latifolia Up to 10rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Ma shes lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Blue-winged teal black-c owned night he on ed-winged blackbi d king ail least and Ame ican bitte n malla ds ma sh w en swamp spa ow Vi ginia ail chipmunk dee musk at
Food Seed heads
Ch istmas Fe n Polystichium acrostichoid s
Up to 1rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Rich woods Wildlife Ruffed g ouse box tu tle chipmunk abbit
Food F onds filldeheads
Cinnamon Fe n Osmunda cinnamom a
Up to 3rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife B own th ashe uby-th oated hummingbi d uffed g ouse yellow th oat chipmunk dee white-footed mouse vole
Food F onds filldeheads
Foamflowe Tiar lla cordifolia Up to 1rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Rich woods Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Leaves
Golden od (Rough o G ass-Leaved)
Solidago spp 1-5rsquo Full Sun D y o Moist Wet meadows ma shes damp swales
Wildlife Goldfinch junco uffed g ouse swamp spa ow butte flies and othe insects cottontail meadow mice
Food Seeds necta
Page 8
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
GroundcoverHerbaceous Perennials (Continued)
Hay-Scented Fe n D nnsta dtia punctiloula
Up to 2rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Woodlands hillside pastu es Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds filldeheads
Inte upted Fe n Osmunda punctiloula
3-4rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Woodland edges stony d y soil Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds filldeheads
Jewelweed (Spotted-Touch-Me-Not)
Impati ns cap nsis 2-5rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks
Wildlife Ring-necked pheasant uffed g ouse uby-th oated hummingbi d vee y butte flies and othe insects white-footed mouse
Food Necta seeds
Joe Pye Weed Eupatorium purpur um
2-6rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Wet meadows ma shes sho es Wildlife Ruby-th oated hummingbi d swamp spa ow butte flies and othe insects cottontail musk at accoon
Food Necta
New England Aste Ast r nova -anglia
Up to 5rsquo Full Sun D y o Moist Wet meadows wetlands Wildlife Songbi ds butte flies and othe insects Food Necta seeds
Ost ich Fe n Pt r tis p nsylvanica
Up to 6rsquo FullPa t Shade Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds fiddleheads
Pa t idgebe y Mitch lla r p ns Up to 1rsquo FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Rich woods Wildlife G ouse mammals
Food Be ies
Rattlesnake Manna G ass
Glyc ria canad nsis
Up to 3rsquo Full Sun Moist Ma shes bogs fo ested wetlands lakesho es
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Seeds
Rice Cutg ass L rsia oryzoid s Up to 5rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
P ima ily f esh ma shes Wildlife Dee musk at moose
Food Seeds foliage
Rive bank G ape (Vine) Vistis riparia Up to 25rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist St eambanks Wildlife Pileated woodpecke uffed g ouse wild tu key wood duck va ious mammals
Food F uit
Royal Fe n Osmunda r galis Up to 5rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds fiddleheads
Sensitive Fe n Onocl a s nsibilis Up to 3rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Black-capped chickadee uffed g ouse bea dee
Food Buds foliage
Sheep Lau el Kalmia angustifolia
Up to 4rsquo FallPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo est wetlands fieldspastu es
Poisonous to livestock
Swamp Milkweed Ascl pias incarnata
Up to 2rsquo FallPa t Shade Moist Wet meadows wetlands thickets sho es
Wildlife Black duck malla ds ed-winged blackbi d uby-th oated hummingbi d Mona ch butte fly othe butte flies and insects musk at Food Necta seeds
Page 9
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
GroundcoverHerbaceous Perennials (Continued)
Sweet Fe n Componia p rigrina
1-3rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Open d y sandy soils and pastu es
Wildlife Flicke s sha p-tailed g ouse dee moose
Food F uit
Tall Meadow Rue Thalictrum polyganum
2-8rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Wetlands wet meadows st eamsides
Wildlife Bees butte flies
Food Necta
Tussock Sedge Car x stricta Up to 4rdquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Ma shes ich woods Wildlife Finches uffed g ouse snipe spa ows dee
Food Seeds foliage
Twinflowe Linna a bor alis Up to 6rdquo FullPa t Shade Moist Rich woods Wildlife Mammals
Food Foliage
Vi ginia C eepe (Vine) Parth nocissus quinqu folia
Up to 25rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Woods ocky banks Wildlife Bluebi d g eat-c ested flycatche ed-eyes vi eo pileated woodpecke
Food Be ies
Who led Loosest ife Lysimachia quadrifolia
Up to 4rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist D y o moist open woods thickets
Wildlife Mammals
Food Foliage
Wild Sa sapa illa Aralia nudicanlis 8-15rdquo FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Upland woods Wildlife Mammals
Food Foliage seeds be ies
Winte g een (Teabe yChecke be y)
Gaulth ria procumb ns
Up to 4rdquo Full Sun D y Oak woods sandy soils Wildlife Pa t idge uffed g ouse songbi ds chipmunk dee moose
Food F uit foliage
References
Baldwin Hen y Ives ldquoFor st L av s How to Id ntify Tr s and Shrubs of North rn N w Englandrdquo Pete E Randall Publishe 1993
Connecticut Rive Joint Commission ldquoRiparian Buff rs for th Conn cticut Riv r Wat rsh drdquo 2000 httpwwwc jco gpdffilesPlant20listspdf
Ha low William M ldquoTr s of th East rn and C ntral Unit d Stat s and Canadardquo Dove Publications 1942
New Hampshi e Depa tment of Envi onmental Se vices Th Critical Edg Appendix D 1998
New Hampshi e Depa tment of Resou ces and Economic Development Division of Fo ests and Lands State Fo est Nu su y ldquoWildlif Cons rvation Sp ci s D scriptionsrdquo 2001
Nie ing William A ldquoNational Audubon Soci ty Natur Guid s W tlandsrdquo Chanticlee P ess Inc 1997
Redington Cha les B ldquoPlants in W tland Fi ld Guid to Biological Int ractionssrdquo KendallHunt Publishing Company 1994
Sutton Ann and My on ldquoNational Audubon Soci ty Natur Guid s East rn For stsrdquo Alf ed A Knopf Inc 1997
Unive sity of New Hampshi e Coope ative Extension ldquoTr s and Shrubs in N w Hampshir A Guid book for Natural B auty Proj ctsrdquo Bulletin 163
Unive sity of New Hampshi e Coope ative Extension ldquoN w Hampshir rsquos Nativ Tr s Shrubs and Vin s with Wildlif Valu rdquo
Compiled by
Jen D ociak New Hampshi e Depa tment of Envi onmental Se vices Wate Division Wate shed Management Bu eau
Ma ch 2006
Page 10
A Fiel Gui e to Common Riparian
Plants of New Hampshire 1
Introduction
Riparian Area An area f land and vegetati n adjacent t a stream that has a direct effect n the stream This includes w dlands vegetati n and fl dplains
Purpos of This Guid
This fi ld guid provid s bri f simpl and asy id ntification of common aquatic and riparian plants shrubs and tr s of N w Hampshir Although information in this guid is drawn from s v ral sourc s it is not int nd d to b a compr h nsiv listing of all th aquatic and riparian plant sp ci s in N w Hampshir Hop fully it will provid th casual obs rv r with aid in id ntification of th most fr qu ntly ncount r d sp ci s and r f r nc s to assist in furth r mor d tail d studi s for thos wishing to know mor about riparian cosyst ms Us of additional fi ld guid s to suppl m nt this on and to id ntify plants not includ d in this guid is sugg st d Oth r h lpful fi ld guid s can b found in App ndix A
How to Id ntify Plants
Th r ar s v ral ways to id ntify plants In fi ld guid s th y ar typically id ntifi d by photos drawings and d scriptions In th fi ld th y can also b id ntifi d by touch tast sm ll color and form Th ir branching habit l af form and v in patt rn can also aid in id ntification Plants can also xhibit diff r nt charact ristics during diff r nt tim s of th y ar In addition it is us ful to know th ir habitat or plac wh r th y grow
Organization of This Guid
This fi ld guid is organiz d into six s ctions
In th Wat r Subm rg d Aquatic Plants Plants that hav most of th ir l av s growing und r wat r som floating l av s may also b pr s nt Th y ar found from shallow to d p zon s
On th Wat r Floating Plants Plants that ar root d with floating broad l av s
On th Edg Em rg nt H rbac ous Plants Plants that hav l av s that xt nd abov th wat rrsquos surfac and ar usually found in shallow wat r
F rns Non-flow ring plants that b ar spor s rath r than s ds with flatt n d l af-lik ldquofrondsrdquo that ar furth r divid d
Woody Shrubs Woody plants which ar g n rally short r than tr s and small r in trunk siz Th y hav clust rs of st ms rising dir ctly from th ground and g n rally hav a ldquobushyrdquo app aranc with no sp cial crown shap
Climbing Vin s Plants with a w ak st m that d riv support from climbing twining or cr ping along a surfac
Th Canopy (Tr s) Woody plants that usually grow from th ground with a singl r ct st m or trunk Th main st m may b massiv and is oft n unbranch d for s v ral f t abov th ground Tr s can r ach a consid rabl h ight at maturity
A plant sp ci s will oft n hav s v ral common nam s This fi ld guid is organiz d alphab tically by th pr f rr d or most-us d common nam with th Latinsci ntific nam b low
Plant sp ci s d scriptions includ th following
Status Wh th r th plant is nativ or non-nativ xoticinvasiv Thos plants that ar non-nativ xoticinvasiv which ar also prohibit d in N w Hampshir ar id ntifi d as such
Habitat D scrib s th b st conditions for growth of this plant and wh r to locat it
H ight D scrib s how tall or long th plant grows
Bark In th Woody Shrub and Tr s ctions d scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th bark
Buds In th Woody Shrub and Tr s ctions d scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th buds
St m In th Woody Shrub s ction d scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th st m
L av s D scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th l av s
Flow rs D scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th flow rs
Flow ring P riod D scrib s th tim of y ar in which th flow rs bloom
Fruit D scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th fruit
Twigs In th Woody Shrub and Tr s ctions d scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th twigs
Valu Explains th worth of th plant to th oth r m mb rs of th cosyst m
Similar Sp ci s D scrib s th uniqu f atur s to h lp distinguish this plant from oth rs Additional information about som of th r lat d plants is also provid d
In addition app ndic s to this fi ld guid includ
App ndix A Oth r H lpful Fi ld Guid s
App ndix B Glossary of T rms
App ndix C L af Shap s and Arrang m nts
App ndix D Nativ Shor landRiparian Buff r Plantings for N w Hampshir
For Mor Information on Exotic Sp ci s
Additional information on xotic aquatic plants can b obtain d by contacting
N w Hampshir D partm nt of Environm ntal S rvic s Exotic Sp ci s Program 29 Haz n Driv PO Box 95
Concord NH 03302 (603) 271-2248
httpwwwd snhgovWMBExoticSp ci s
Whil additional information on xotic t rr strial plants can b obtain d by contacting
N w Hampshir D partm nt of Agricultur Mark ts amp Food Invasiv Sp ci s Program
25 Capitol Str t S cond Floor Concord NH 03302
(603) 271-2561 httpnhgovagricdivisionsplant_industryplants_ins ctshtm
Enjoy a Riparian Riv r-Walk
I hop this fi ld guid will inspir you to incr as your int r st and knowl dg of aquatic plants and th ir r lationship in riparian nvironm nts Riv rs and str ams ar fragil cosyst ms of natural b auty and intrigu I ncourag you to njoy a riparian ldquoriv r-walkrdquo during ach s ason and not only study th v g tativ communiti s but th ir int raction with both t rr strial and aquatic ins cts fish and oth r wildlif
Jen Dr ciak
Table of Contents
In The ater Submerged Aquatic Plantshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 01
Bladde wo t (Utric laria v lgaris)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 03
CoontailHo nwo t (Ceratophyll m demers m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 04
Milfoil (Myriophyll m heterophyll m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 05
Wate weedDitchmoss (Elodea canadensis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 06
Wild Cele yTape G ass (Vallisneria americana)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 07
On the ater Floating Aquatic Plantshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 09
Floating Hea t (Nymphoides cordata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 14
Wate shield (Brasenia schreberi)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 13
White Pond Lily (Nymphea ordorata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 11
Yellow Pond Lily (N phar variegata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 12
Duckweed (Lemna spp)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 15
Wate meal (Wolffia spp)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 16
On The Edge Emergent Herbaceous Plantshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 17
A ow A um (Peltandra virginica)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 19
A owheadDuck Potato (Sagittaria latifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 20
Blue Flag I is (Iris versicolor)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 21
Blue Ve vain (Verbena hastata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 22
BonesetTho oughwo t (E patori m perfoliat m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 23
Bu - eed (Spargani m e rycarp m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 24
Ca dinal Flowe (Lobelia cardinalis) helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 25
Cattail (B oad-Leaf) (Typha latifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 26
Common Reed (Phragmites a stralis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 27
JewelweedSpotted Touch-Me-Not (Impatiens capensis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 28
Joe Pye Weed (E patori m mac lat m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 29
Picke elweed (Pontedaria cordata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 30
Pu ple Loosest ife (Lythr m salicaria)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 31
Reed Cana y G ass (Phalaris ar ndinacea)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 32
Soft-Stem Bul ush (Scrip s valid s)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 33
Swamp Loosest ifeWate Willow (Decodon verticillat s)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 34
Th ee-Way Sedge (D lichi m ar ndinace m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 35
Wool G ass (Scirp s cyperin s)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 36
Fernshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 37
Cinnamon Fe n (Osm nda cinnamomea)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 39
Ost ich Fe n (Pteretis pensylvanica)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 40
Royal Fe n (Osm nda regalis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 41
Sensitive Fe n (Onoclea sensibilis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 42
oody Shrubshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 43
A ow-wood (No the n) (Vib rn m recognit m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 45
Buttonbush (Cephalanth s occidentalis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 46
Elde be yBlack-Be ied Elde (Samb c s canadensis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 47
Glossy Bucktho n (Rhamn s frang la)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 48
Highbush Bluebe y (Vaccini m corymbos m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 49
A Field Guide to Common Ripa ian Plants of New Hampshi e 1
Hobblebush (Vib rn m alnifoli m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 50
Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 51
Japanese Knotweed (Polygon m c spidat m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 52
Malebe y (Lyonia lig strina)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 53
Meadowsweet (Spiraea latifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 54
Multiflo a Rose (Rosa m ltiflora)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 55
No the n Wild RaisinWith od Vibu num (Vib rn m cassinoides)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 56
ShadbushSe vicebe yJunebe y (Amelanchier arborea)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 57
Sheep Lau elLambkill (Kalmia ang stifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 58
Silky Dogwood (Corn s amom m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 59
Specked Alde (Aln s r gosa)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 60
Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 61
Steeplebush (Spiraea tomentosa)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 62
Sweet Peppe bush (Clethera alnifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 63
Winte be y HollyBlack Alde (Ilex verticillata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 64
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 65
Climbing Vineshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 67
Climbing Bitte sweet (Celastr s orbic lat s)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 69
Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 70
Rive bank G ape (Vitis riparia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 71
Vi ginia C eepe (Parthenosis s q inq efolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 72
The Canopy Treeshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 73
Ame ican BasswoodLinden (Tilia americana)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 75
Ame ican Beech (Fag s grandifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 76
Ame ican Ho nbeamI onwoodBlue Beech (Carpin s caroliniana)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 77
Black Bi chSweet Bi ch (Bet la lenta)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 78
Black Che y (Pr n s serotina)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 79
Box Elde Ash-Leaved Maple (Acer neg ndo)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 80
Easte n Cottonwood (Pop l s deltoides)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 81
Easte n Hemlock (Ts ga canadensis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 82
Easte n White Pine (Pin s strob s)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 83
G een Ash (Fraxin s pennsylvanica)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 84
Red Maple (Acer r br m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 85
Red Oak (Q erc s r bra)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 86
Shagba k Hicko y (Carya ovata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 87
Silve Maple (Acer saccharini m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 88
Swamp White Oak (Q erc s bicolor)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 89
Sycamo ePlanet ee (Platan s occidentalis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 90
Tama ackLa ch (Larix laricina)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 91
White Ash (Fraxin s americana)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 92
White Oak (Q erc s alba)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 93
White Sp uce (Picea gla ca)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 94
Yellow Bi ch (Bet la l tea)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 95
Appendices
Appendix A Othe Helpful Field Guideshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 96
Appendix B Glossa y of Te mshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 97
Appendix C Leaf Shapes amp A angementshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 99
Appendix D Native Sho elandRipa ian Buffe Plantings fo New Hampshi ehelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 100
A Field Guide to Common Ripa ian
Plants of New Hampshi e 1
In The ater Submerged Aquatic Plants
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 1
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic
an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 2
BLADDER ORT
Utricu aria spp
Status Native Approximately 10 species in New Hampshire
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers bogs
Height 2-3 feet long
Stem Long slen er flexible branche typically becoming etache from roots an free-floating
Leaves Alternate filamentous finely-forke with attache ldquobla ersrdquo
Flower Stalks occurring at irregular intervals along stem Each stalk bearing 6-20 small pink to yellow two-lippe ldquosnap ragon-likerdquo flowers an emerging several inches out of the water or mu
Flowering Period June into September
Fruit Capsule containing many see s
Value Provi es foo an cover for fish Since they are free-floating they can grow in areas with very loose se iment provi ing nee e fish habitat in areas that are not rea ily colonize by roote plants
Similar Species Fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) coontail (Ceratophyllum spp) milfoil (Myriophyllum spp) Bla erwort may be istinguishe from these plants by the alternate forke leaves branching from the base into 2 main ivisions an presence of the ldquobla ersrdquo on the leaves (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Bla erwort may resemble the milfoils but there are two istinguishing features One is the bla ers on the leaves the other is that milfoils have feather-like leaves that have one central leaf stem with nearly opposite unbranche leaflets The leaflets of bla erwort are more branche an forke (Smagula an Connor 2007)
This carnivorous plant has trigger hairs on each bla er that open a trap- oor an suck in water along with the organism that triggere the reaction These organisms can range from insect larvae to tiny zooplankton Once insi e the bla ers the organism is igeste by enzymes foun there Special cells then take the igeste material from the bla ers an move it to the stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 3
COONTAILHORN ORT
Ceratophy um demersum
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Height Variable accor ing to water epth
Stem Long toothe trailing much branche
Leaves Whorle smooth up to 1 frac12 inches long 3 forks nearly threa -like flattene an toothe segments
Flower Tiny purplish-green foun where the leaf attaches to the stem an stays entirely submerge Male an female occurring separately
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Dark brown see approximately frac14 inch long with two spines at the base an one at the tip
Value The stiff whorls of leaves offer habitat for many species especially uring the winter when many other plants are re uce to roots an rhizomes Both foliage an fruit are graze by waterfowl Bushy stems are home to many invertebrates an provi e important shelter an foraging opportunities for fish
Similar Species Mermai -wee (Proserpina a palustris) fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) Coontail may be istinguishe from these plants by its whorle toothe leaves its tiny sessile axillary flowers an beake fruits (Smagula an Connor 2007)
The whorle leaves often cause the plant to be confuse with water milfoil This plant has a plastic-like feel an leaves ten to be thickly clustere at the tips of the stems The leaves are completely whorle aroun the stem an forke milfoil leaves are istinctly feather-like (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 4
VARIABLE ATER MILFOIL
Myriophy um heterophy um
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Height Slen er flexible long (up to 15 feet) Tip often emerging above water when flowering Data from a University of New Hampshire stu y can suggest that variable water milfoil can grow an inch per ay
Stem Roun thick re ish If broken in half the stem resembles a ldquowheel spokerdquo
Leaves Mostly submerge opposite or in whorls of 4 to 6 an can grow up to 2 inches long Leaves on upper stem are whorle an may be whorle or alternate on lower stem Emerge leaves occurring only towar the stem tips
Flower Small inconspicuous brownish occurring singly in the axils of the upper leaves usually above water uring flowering
Flowering Period In July flowers emerge from the water an are in a spike up to 6 inches tall Can also form a succulent amphibious form when water levels rece e
Fruit Very small four-lobe nutlike
Similar Species Mermai -wee (Proserpina a palustris) fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) coontail (Ceratophyllum spp) Variable milfoil may be istinguishe from these plants by the numerous scattere finely pinnately issecte leaves an floating or upright stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)
The plant is more robust than the other water milfoil species It has a very thick an heavy stem It can only be positively i entifie with the flower present or by DNA analysis (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Fragments of variable milfoil are ma e by passing boats wave action an auto-fragmentation These fragments may float freely an sprea for one or two weeks as they generate roots Once roots make contact with se iment the fragment attaches the roots sprea laterally an expan the footprint of the colony With one fragment an entire colony can arise Colonies can outcompete native plants re ucing bio iversity (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 5
ATER EEDDITCHMOSS
E odea Canadensis E nutta ii
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Height Up to 2 feet long occasionally forming ense colonies
Stem Slen er smooth branche
Leaves Long upper an mi le leaves in whorls of 3 with very finely-toothe margins Those of the male plants linear or lanceolate pointe at the tip up to frac12 inch long Those of the female plants broa ly lanceolate roun e or slightly pointe at the tip up to 58 inch long
Flower Green or white with 3 petals
Flowering Period July to September
Fruit A few to many-see e cylin rical capsule
Value Branching stems offer valuable habitat an grazing opportunities for fish Also provi es foo for muskrats an waterfowl They can eat the plant itself or fee on a wi e variety of invertebrates that use the plant as habitat
Similar Species Commonly mistaken for its invasive relative Brazillian elo ea It can be istinguishe by its smooth leaf margins
There are two common species of waterwee in New Hampshire E anadensis an Enuttalii Elodea anadensis ten s to have slightly broa er leaves with blunt tips whereas Enuttalii ten s to have thinner more nee le-like leaves that are pointe at the tips (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Enuttalii can be foun in alkaline to aci ic environments an E anadensis can be foun in alkaline or neutral systems (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 6
ILD CELERYTAPE GRASS
Va isneria americana
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers In water 4 - 6 feet eep
Height 1-3 feet long
Stem Slen er embe e horizontally in the mu near the surface an usually rooting at intervals
Leaves Narrow ribbon-like 1-3 feet in length with a light-colore center stripe mostly submerge with the tips floating
Flower Unisexual the female flower solitary an floating at the surface at the en of a long stalk The male flower on another plant submerge an attache to a short stalk near the bottom breaking off an floating to the surface at flowering time
Flowering Period July to October
Fruit Cylin rical po up to 2 inches long attache to a long stalk which coils up rawing the fruit un er water to mature
Value Source of foo for waterfowl All portions of the plant are consume foliage rhizomes tubers an fruit Muskrat are also known to graze on it Be s provi e sha e shelter an foo for fish
Similar Species Often confuse with the submerge leaves of bur-ree Tape grass can be istinguishe by its heavy air-fille leaves vertically veine centers an lightly veine e ges Unlike bur-ree this plant has no rib on the back of the leaf
Photo ourtesy of Amy Smagula
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 7
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic
an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 8
On The ater
Floating Aquatic Plants
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 9
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 10
FLOATING HEART
Nyphoi es cor ata
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Roun in cross section
Leaves Small heart-shape re ish to purple Approximately 1 ndash 1 frac12 inches wi e
Flower Small white 5 petals
Flowering Period Mi -summer
Similar Species The leaves are often confuse with those of the yellow water lily but are only about the size of a half- ollar an the shape resembles a heart with the same soft V-shape of the yellow water lily Floating heart has a small white flower that can be foun in mi -summer yellow water lily has a large yellow flower that blooms most of the summer (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 11
ATERSHIELD
Brasenia schreberi
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Roun in cross section Attache to the center of the un ersi e of the leaf
Leaves Oval Un ersi es are ark pink Leaves approximately 4 inches wi e Un ersi e of the leaves an stem have a jelly-like coating that protects them from being eaten by insects
Flower Small ark pink to purple 6 petals
Flowering Period July
Similar Species Resembles the leaves of the water lily as well as those of floating heart
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 12
HITE ATER LILY
Nymphea or orata
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Roun in cross section attache to the center of the un ersi e of the leaf
Leaves Roun with a V-shape notch on one si e Up to 12 inches wi e
Flower Large white sweet-smelling Up to 4 inches wi e
Flowering Period June - September
Similar Species White water lily can be istinguishe from the yellow water lily an floating heart by the V-shape notch near the stem attachment an the more roun e shape of the leaf
Both the yellow water lily an floating heart have a more roun e heart-shape notch Yellow water lily leaves are much more oval than the white water lily which has a circular leaf Floating heart leaves are no more than a few inches in length (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 13
YELLO ATER LILY
Nuphar variegata
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Triangular in cross section attache to the lobe en of the un ersi e of the leaf
Leaves Giant floating Up to 12 to 15 inches wi e
Flower Yellow flower petals appear cuppe aroun the inner flower parts an o not open completely like those of the white water lily
Flowering Period June ndash September
Similar Species Often confuse with floating heart an white water lily though floating heart is much smaller in leaf length an wi th The white water lily also has a much more roun e leaf with a sharp V-shape notch (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 14
DUCK EED
Lemna spp
Status Native
Habitat Surfaces of some lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers an often in stagnant waters of wetlan areas
Stem No true stems
Leaves This plant has no true leaves or stems an only has a flat green plant bo y calle a thallus They are very small only about 116 of an inch wi e (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Duckwee s blanket the water surface in colonies There may be one or more roots hanging into the water but the plant is free-floating
Flower This plant rarely flowers
Similar Species Many people think that ense growths of uckwee resemble an algae bloom (Smagula an Connor 2007)
ATERMEAL
Wolfifa spp
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem No true stems
Leaves Elliptical an flat
Flower This plant rarely flowers but is consi ere the worl rsquos smallest flowering plant
Similar Species Unlike uckwee this plant completely lacks roots an must be inspecte closely to etect this ifference Watermeal may also resemble an algae bloom but can be istinguishe by simply touching the waterrsquos surface to see if tiny plants are stuck to your fingers (watermeal) or if the water has a slimy film (algae) It is commonly foun growing along with uckwee (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Photo co rtesy of Amy Smag la
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 15
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 16
On the dge mergent Herbaceous Plants
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 17
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 18
ARROW ARUM
Peltan ra virginica
Status Native
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In mu or shallow water
Height Up to 2 feet tall growing in loose colonies
Stem Lacking a true stem Leaf an flower stalks arising from a thick root
Leaves Large arrow-shape Lower lobes separating an tapering to the tips Each lobe an the main stem have one prominent central vein from which other smaller veins originate The smaller veins are parallel to one another Leaf bla e with a vein running along the entire outline just insi e the margin
Flower Vertically-curle green Very small spathe almost completely covering the thin whitish fleshy spike White male flowers above green female flowers sheath tapering to the base an tip green outsi e an white insi e Flowering cluster at the en of a long nake stalk
Flowering Period May to July
Fruit Easily i entifie in the fall by its cluster of greenish-brown berries enclose in a green leathery case the stalk curve ownwar at maturity
Similar Species Arrowhea (Sagattaria latifolia) Arrow Arum may be istinguishe by its 3 prominent veins
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 19
ARROWH ADDUCK-POTATO
Sagittaria spp
Status Native There are several species in New Hampshire Slatifolia and Sgraminea are the most common
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In mu or completely submerge
Height Up to 1 frac12 feet tall
Stem Lacking an upright visible stem Leaves an flowering stalk arising from a fibrous roote base Several un ergroun runners each giving rise to a tuber the size of a small potato up to 2 inches wi e
Leaves Shape is variable within an between species Leaves can be broa ly or narrowly arrow-shape lance-shape or tape-like Leaves appear to clasp the base of the flowering stalk Leaf veins all originate from the point where the stem connects to the leaf an ra iate outwar from that point
Flower White petals in whorls of three with a yellow center up to 1 frac12 inch wi e Male flowers at the top with female ones lower on the flower stalk
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Flat winge crow e in a flattene hea up to frac12 inch wi e Ball-shape fruit clusters of green nutlets
Value Known as ldquo uck potatoesrdquo Arrowhea pro uces e ible starchy tubers beneath the mu eaten by ucks an muskrats
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 20
BLU -FLAG IRIS
Iris versicolor
Status Native
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In less than 3 feet of water
Height Up to 3 feet tall Growing in small colonies
Stem Upright robust flattene on one si e simple or with one or two branches from creeping rhizomes embe e in the mu Rhizome very shallow an sometimes expose above the se iment
Leaves Appearing basal but actually alternate bluish-green swor -like an up to 14 inches long an frac34 inch wi e ascen ing in a flat plane or fan-like arrangement Flower stalks are taller than the leaves
Flower Large purplish-blue stalke with 3 larger outer rooping petals whitish towar the base an 3 upright smaller petals in the center
Flowering Period June through July
Fruit Capsule up to 2 frac12 inches long with 3 roun e e ges contains numerous flattene see s often persisting into winter
Value Provi es foo an cover for waterfowl an wil life
Similar Species Leaves may be confuse with those of cattail (Typha spp)or sweet flag (Acorus calmus) Blue flag iris may be istinguishe by blueish-green leaves arrange in flat plane
Photo co rtesy of Amy Smag la
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 21
BLU V RVAIN
Verbena hastata
Status Native
Habitat E ges of pon s marshes streams an rivers
Height Up to 4 feet tall growing in small colonies
Stem Rough four-si e fairly straight arising from a fibrous roote base
Leaves Up to 6 inches long stalke toothe tapere at the tip with a rough surface
Flower 5 small blue petals in a pencil-like spike occurring singly or in clusters with in ivi ual flowers blooming perio ically from the base to the top of spike
Flowering Period July into October
Fruit Separating into four nutlets
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 22
BON S T THOROUGHWORT
Eupatorium perfoliatum
Status Native
Habitat Wet mea ows marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall Branche growing in small colonies
Stem Upright robust lightly- owny arising from a fibrous roote base
Leaves Opposite lanceolate tapering an pointe at the tip toothe with the base clasping the stem Heavily veine Up to 8 inches long an 2 inches wi e at the base
Flower Whitish in 3-4 terminal clusters up to 8 inches long
Flowering Period Late July through October
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 23
BUR-R D
Sparganium eurycarpum
Status Native
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Emergent in shallow water up to 1 foot eep or submerge in water up to 4 feet eep
Height Up to 3 feet tall
Stem Upright stout smooth arising from rhizomes embe e horizontally in the mu a few inches beneath the surface Zigzag stalks
Leaves Alternate linear up to 4 feet long Emergent stem leaves narrow up to 1 frac12 feet tall triangular in cross-section an ri ge on their back si e Certain species are erect while others are floating an ribbon-like
Flower Lower bulbs or burs are clusters of greenish female
flowers Upper smaller burs are white male flowers
Flowering Period June through August
Fruit A burr-like hea on a short or long stalk
Value Colonies provi e nesting sites for waterfowl an shorebir s The fruit is eaten by a variety of waterfowl an the whole plant is graze by muskrat an eer
Similar Species This plant is easily confuse with wil celery (Vallisneria americana) if the leaves are tape-like or with young cattail (Typha spp) if leaves are emergent For the floating form bur-ree has a ri ge own the back of the long leaf When erect an emergent leaves are shorter in height than those of cattail with a istinct ri ge or almost triangular cross section When in fruit the spiky burr-like fruit is istinctive (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 24
CARDINAL FLOW R
Lobelia car inalis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s sha e e ges streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall often growing in large colonies
Stem Smooth stout arising from a horizontal rhizome embe e shallowly in mu
Leaves Alternate lanceolate to oblong toothe tapering at both en s Lower leaves short-stalke upper leaves stalkless Up to 6 inches long an 1 frac12 inches wi e Smooth to slightly owny thin
Flower Long bright-re 2-lippe tubular flower occurring on terminal spike with the upper lip 2-lobe an lower lip 3-lobe
Flowering Period July into October
Fruit Many-see e capsule with two portions
Value Car inal flower is pollinate mostly by hummingbir s since most insects fin it ifficult to navigate the long tubular flowers
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 25
BROAD-L AF CATTAIL
Typha latifolia
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet swales e ges of lakes an pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 10 feet tall
Stem Upright stiff growing in ense stan s from thick extensively -creeping un ergroun rhizomes
Leaves Green or bluish-green upright linear 2-6 feet long an up to 1 inch wi e arising from base or alternating along the stem Leaves have a spongy feel
Flower Many small flowers packe into tight cigar-like clusters creating a lower female spike toppe by a smaller male spike with no gap between the two flower types Female spike persists turning into the familiar ark brown ldquotailrdquo
Flowering Period June into August
Fruit Small see -like surroun e by many bristles attache to the base
Value Provi es nesting habitat for many bir s such as the re -winge blackbir Shoots an rhizomes are eaten by muskrats an geese Submerse stalks provi e spawning habitat an shelter for fish One of only a few plants where all parts are e ible to humans
Similar Species Narrow-leaf cattail (Typha angustifolia) has narrower leaves a narrower fruiting hea an a gap between the male an female flower clusters
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 26
COMMON R D
Phragmites australis
Status Most stands are Non-Native xotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire Phragmites australis has been present in wetlan s for millennia but a non-native European species has crossbre with P australis an has forme an invasive plant
Habitat Fresh an brackish marshes e ges of lakes an pon s streams rivers an in roa si e itches Full to partial sun
Height Upright 4-14 feet tall usually forming ense colonies
Stem Calle ldquoculmsrdquo are large hollow an grow up to 1 inch wi e
Leaves Bluish-green lanceolate close together an usually sticking out from stems at a large angle up to 2 feet long an 1 inch wi e
Flower Clusters frac12 - 1 foot long often purple when young an whitish an fluffy when ol
Flowering Period Late July to October
Fruit Rarely pro uces see but sprea s vigorously by rhizomes often running over the surface of the groun
Value This plant has little to offer to bir s an mammals besi es cover Phragmites often outcompetes other native wetlan plants thus limiting the plant iversity an foo source value of the wetlan The only animal that fee s on this to any extent is the muskrat (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Similar Species Sometimes confuse with ree canary grass since they both form ense stan s at isturbe sites Ree canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) can be istinguishe by its shorter an narrower leaves spikelets with only one flower an its shorter height
How To Distinguish Native From Non-Native Phragmites
Stems Stems on the non-native variety are typically green but may have a little purple color along the no es Stems on
the native variety have some chestnut or purple color where leaves are pulle back exposing the stem Stems of the native variety are also often shiny an black spots often appear late in the growing season
Leaf Collars Leaf collars on the non-native variety are always green while leaf collars on the native variety may be
purple
Leaf Sheaths On fall stems the leaf sheaths on the non-native variety remain attache Leaf sheaths on the native variety are lost or very loosely attache so leaves rop off the native plants before the intro uce plants This is the best
in icator base seasonal changes that istinguishes native or non-native varieties
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 27
J W LW DSPOTT D TOUCH-M NOT
Impatiens capensis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 4 feet tall Often growing in ense colonies
Stem Upright smooth slightly branching hollow somewhat succulent slightly translucent
Leaves Alternate egg-shape toothe on stalks up to 4 inches long Silvery appearance when hel un er water an appear completely ry upon removal Size an color of foliage vary with ifferences in light exposure an available moisture
Flower Few to several angling orange-yellow three-petale tubularfunnel-shape flowers with re ish brown spots an curve spur at their en s
Flowering Period June through September
Fruit Flat green capsules approximately 1 inch long which at maturity burst when touche ejecting ark-brown see s
Value Especially a apte to hummingbir pollination but bees an butterflies are also important pollinators
The sap from this plant has been clinically proven to relieve skin rashes Jewelwee can be applie to the affecte part of the bo y an neutralizes the urishol oil pro uce by poison ivy an poison oak (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 28
JO PY W D
Eupatorium maculatum
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 6 feet tall Branche growing in small to me ium-size colonies
Stem Stout smooth purple or purple-spotte somewhat rough towar the top arising from a fibrous roote base
Leaves Lanceolate toothe rough short-stalke with large single mi -vein Up to 8 inches long an 2 frac12 inches wi e tapere at the base an tip in whorls of 3-7
Flower Small rose-purple in ense flat-toppe clusters at the top of the stem an at the en s of the branches
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Angular nutlet with a plume of fine bristles at the top
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 29
PICK R LW D
Ponte aria cor ata
Status Native
Habitat Marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 3 feet tall often growing in ense colonies
Stem Upright stout smooth arising from a rhizome bearing one leaf an one terminal spike
Leaves Basal an alternate very large arrowhea to heart-shape glossy with prominent parallel veins blunt tip on a spongy leaf stalk
Flower Many small tubular violet-blue flowers approximately frac12 inch long on solitary spike with a sheath at the base
Flowering Period June through August
Fruit Small bla er-like with toothe ri ges containing one see
Value See s are consume by waterfowl an muskrats Networks of rhizomes an leaves also offer sha e an shelter for fish
Similar Species This plant can be istinguishe from its close look-alikes arrow arum an arrowhea by its light bluish-purple flower spike Bases of the leaves are more roun e whereas arrowhea an arrow arum leaves are more pointe (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 30
PURPL LOOS STRIF
Lythrum salicaria
Status Non-Native xotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire
Habitat Marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams rivers an in roa si e itches Full to partial sun
Height 2-6 feet tall
Stem Upright smooth to slightly- owny Square four-si e almost woo y
Leaves Opposite to whorle lanceolate often with heart-shape bases somewhat clasping stem sometimes in whorls of 3 Gra ually tapering to a point 3 to 4 inches long an frac12 to 1 inch wi e
Flower 5-7 purple petals in a ense terminal spike
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Many-see e capsule
Value Little wil life value See s are low in nutrition an roots are too woo y The flowers are attractive to insects They pro uce nectar an are regularly visite by honeybees
This plant outcompetes other wetlan plants which are beneficial foo sources for wil life an insects It repro uces by pro ucing millions of see s per plant an quickly takes over the lan scape when intro uce It also sprea s by rhizome (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 31
R D CANARY GRASS
Phalaris arun inacea
Status Non-Native xotic Invasive
Habitat Swales marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Although it is usually a shoreline plant it can survive in knee- eep water by sprouting ldquowater rootsrdquo on the submerse portion of the stem Forms ense stan s in isturbe areas where clearing gra ing siltation filling or other isruptions have create an opening with moist soil
Height Up to 7 feet tall Often growing in ense colonies
Stem Upright stiff from extensively-creeping rhizomes
Leaves Alternate upright grayish-green open sheath an ligule at the leaf axis Bla es fairly long an narrow up to 12 inches long an frac34 inches wi e
Flower Green to greenish-purple spikelets single-flowere lanceolate ense Terminal inflorescence up to 7 inches long branche an compresse early in the season but opening after fertilization
Flowering Period June through August
Value Low foo value Provi es summer cover an habitat for waterfowl at isturbe sites However it ten s to mat own in winter provi ing little winter cover for wil life
Similar Species Sometimes confuse with bluejoint grass (Calamagrostis canadensis) However the spikelets of bluejoint are in a loose open arrangement an the no es have a bluish to purplish cast
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 32
SOFT-ST MM D BULRUSH
Scirpus vali us
Status Native
Habitat Wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Usually growing in water less than 5 feet eep Ten s to be foun on ldquomuckierrdquo substrate an will grow in stagnant water
Height Usually up to 5 feet but can grow up to 10 feet tall Often growing in extensive colonies
Stem Upright grayish-green often arching up to frac34 inch thick at the base arising from stout re ish rhizomes Soft roun tapering to a point
Leaves No apparent leaves
Flowers Inconspicuous many-stalke bu like spikelets covere by re ish-brown scales locate imme iately below the top of stem Clusters mostly rooping but not in higher salinity areas
Flowering Period June into September
Fruit See -like nutlet with 4-6 bristles attache to the base
Value Provi es habitat for invertebrates an shelter for young fish Nutlets consume by a variety of waterfowl marsh bir s an uplan bir s Stems an rhizomes eaten by geese an muskrat Also provi es nesting material an cover for waterfowl marsh bir s an muskrat
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 33
SWAMP LOOS STRIF WAT R WILLOW
Deco on verticillatus
Status Native shrub becoming herbaceous towar the tips
Habitat Wetlan s bogs e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Shallow water with muck or peat se iment Can form floating mats in areas of very soft se iment
Height Up to 5 feet tall
Stem Ri gi woo y smooth to slightly- owny 3-9 feet long The lower rooting stems are spongy an buttresse giving rise to new arching stems
Leaves Opposite or in whorls of 3 gra ually tapering to a point 3-4 inches long an frac12 to 1 inch wi e sessile or short-stalke
Flower Pinkish-purple bell-shape with 5-7 sepals an 5 petals forming showy clusters in the axils of the mi le to upper leaves
Flowering Period July through August
Fruit Small brownish capsule with 3-5 partitions the clusters sometimes persisting above the leaf scars throughout winter
Value The many intertwining arching stems may form sizable clusters at the e ges of lakes an sluggish streams or floating bog mats Wherever a stem touches the water air-fille spongy tissue may evelop This tissue buoys the stem so that it may root an form a new arching stem
Similar Species May be confuse with the invasive purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) Swamp loosestrife can be istinguishe by the arching stems an showy axillary flower clusters as well as the roun stem instea of the square stem of purple loosestrife (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 34
THR -WAY S DG
Dulichium arun inaceum
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Extensive be s can be foun in shallow (less than 3 feet) water Grows in a variety of se iment types an can tolerate some turbi ity
Height Up to 3 feet tall solitary or in small colonies
Stem Roun hollow jointe arising from a horizontal rhizome
Leaves Linear up to 4 inches long an 38 inch wi e with a conspicuous sheath the latter close except at the top
When looking own upon the plant the leaves are line up an appear to ra iate from three angles away from the main stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Flower Inconspicuous flattene linear sessile spikelets in the axils or two-ranke scales of the brownish spikelets 8-10 along the axillary stalk
Flowering Period July through October
Fruit Flattene brownish see -like nutlet toppe with a beak
Value Eaten occasionally by a variety of ucks an geese Rhizomes an shoots also graze by muskrats
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 35
WOOL GRASS
Scirpus cyperinus
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall growing in small colonies
Stem Upright robust roun to triangular especially at the base
Leaves Elongate from base of stem up to 2 feet long Leaves imme iately below the flower are in clusters of 3-5 an may reach 5 inches long an roop at the tips
Flower Clusters of 6-12 spikelets at en s of rooping stems Flower clusters up to 12 inches long much branche
Flowering Period August through September
Fruit Whitish see -like nutlet with bristles much longer than the scales attache to the base the bristles impart the wooly appearance to the spikelets
Value Provi es foo an cover for waterfowl an other wil life
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 36
Ferns
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 37
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 38
INNAMON FERN
Osmund cinn mome
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Often growing near somewhat similar an relate interrupte fern (Polys ichum aros ichoides)
Height Up to 3 feet tall
Stem Upright stout smooth green an covere with cinnamon-colore wooly stalk
Leaves Sterile (vegetative) fron s up to 3 feet high upright to slightly arche lance-shape with 20+ opposite leaflets Fertile fron s o not persist through the summer whereas vegetative fron s remain until first frost
Reproduction Club-like fertile fron with groups of spore cases on leaflets that hug the main axis
Fruiting Period Spring
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 39
OSTRI H FERN
Pteretis pensylv nic
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 6 feet tall forming tussocks or clumps
Stem Stout nake for up 1 foot from the base green flattene an black at the base covere with papery brown scales Arising from a forking shallowly-embe e rhizome an giving rise to stout black scaly runners
Leaves Sterile fron s forming circles gra ually narrowe at the base an abruptly narrowe to the tip Fertile fron s up to 2 feet tall an 2 inches wi e nake for approximately half their length the nake portions shiny brown crow e sprea ing or ascen ing branches often overlapping or twiste light green at first turning ark green an eventually brown
Reproduction Leaf segments with spore cases beneath become rolle into small har berry-like structures joine along the branches of the fertile fron
Fruiting Period July ndash August Persisting over winter
Similar Species Cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea) Ostrich fern may be istinguishe by the gra ually narrow base an papery scales rather than cinnamon-colore pubescence on the stalk
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 40
ROYAL FERN
Osmund reg lis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall growing in scattere groups
Stem Somewhat stout nake for approximately half its length greenish or re ish arising from a stout creeping rhizome
Leaves Fron s with 5-7 pairs of nearly opposite oblong ascen ing ivisions The lowest pair slightly shorter than the others each ivision ivi e into finely toothe oblong blunt alternate segments 10-14 on each si e Fertile fron s terminate by a panicle appearing as a ense cluster of light brown structures
Reproduction Spore cases clustere along short nake leaf segments in a terminal panicle an often at the tips of some of the ivisions One of several ferns that pro uce their spores on mo ifie leaflets not on the un ersi e of the fron s
Fruiting Period Spring an early summer
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 41
SENSITIVE FERN
Onocle sensibilis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 3 feet tall Growing solitary or scattere
Stem Upright stout nake for nearly half its length arising from a creeping rhizome
Leaves Sterile fron s up to 3 feet tall the bla e with up to 16 pairs of wi e segments having wavy margins Fertile fron s shorter the berry-like structures clustere in stiffly erect ivisions the entire structure appearing spike-like
Reproduction Leaf segments with spore cases beneath which have become rolle into small har black berry-like structures appearing July through August an persisting over winter
Fruiting Period July into October
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 42
Woody S rubs
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 43
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 44
NORTHERN ARROW-WOOD Viburnu recognitu
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 15 feet tall forming thickets
Bark Smooth an gray with a white pith
Twigs Brownish-gray hairless highly branche long straight slen er arrow-like smooth
Buds Re ish-brown with 2 pairs of scales Opposite pointe approximately frac14 inch long roun e scales with fringe of minute hairs along the bor ers
Leaves Opposite egg-shape to roun with saw-like coarse teeth 1-2 inches long an 3 inches wi e tapering to a point with very prominent smooth veins
Flower Numerous small white-petale flowers on short stalks in a somewhat ense terminal flat cluster
Flowering Period June through July
Fruit Fleshy blue-black berry-like approximately 13 inch wi e containing a flattene see appearing in August
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 45
BUTTONBUSH Cephalanthus occidentalis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 12 feet tall typically 3-5 feet tall
Bark Smooth an grayish when young flaky an grayish when ol er Light-brown pith
Twigs Slen er roun or angle grayish-brown to purplish marke with light elongate lenticels
Buds Small in epresse areas surroun e by bark
Leaves Opposite or in whorls of 3-4 Shiny ark-green above lighter green an slightly owny beneath Leathery smooth oblong to oval 3-6 inches long broa at the base pointe at tips often with short re stalks
Flower Densely clustere spherical creamy white ball-shape flowers long-stalke often in groups of 3 1- 1 frac12 inch wi e Ripe hea s brownish fragrant
Flowering Period July through August
Fruit Small triangular-shape capsules greenish in ball-like hea s like the flowers Persist into winter
Value Butterfly an moth species are often foun fee ing on the sweet nectar of the tubular flowers because of their long curle mouthparts Caterpillar pupas are often foun on buttonbush because of the foo association with larvae an a ults (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 46
ELDERBERRYBLACK-BERRIED ELDER Sa bucus canadensis
Elderberr showing fruit
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 12 feet tall often forming thickets
Bark Green
Twigs Pale yellow-brown to light-brown with numerous large raise lenticels Ill-smelling when bruise Flute or square pith very thick white an soft
Buds Small roun to oval covere with brownish scales
Leaves Opposite pinnately compoun with 5 to 11 leaflets usually 7 Lanceolate to ovate abruptly narrowing at the tip Sharply-toothe Lower leaflets often 3-parte Smooth above smooth or owny on veins beneath
Flower Small white nicely-scente flowers with 5 white petals in a flat-toppe cluster up to 6 inches wi e generally with 5 main branches
Flowering Period Late June through July
Fruit Juicy purplish-black berries in flat-toppe clusters containing many see s appearing late August to early October
Value Pro uces fruit that makes tasty jelly an wine It is also an important foo source for many songbir s
Elderberr showing flowers
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 47
GLOSSY BUCKTHORN Rha nus frangula
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T is species is pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Generalist Full-sun or sha e moist ry aci ic or basic soils Woo lan bor ers foreste wetlan s floo plain forests
Heig t Up to 20 feet tall
Twigs Grayish with whitish lenticels
Buds Nake owny up to frac14 inch long
Leaves Alternate whorle oblong 4-5 inches long an 3-4 inches wi e Long growing season leafing out in May an hol ing its leaves into November
Flower Small greenish-white in small clusters in the leaf axis
Flowering Period May through September Flowers an fruits continuously from May through September Plants often isplay bu s flowers immature fruit an mature fruit simultaneously
Fruit Berry with 2-3 pits approximately frac14 inch wi e turning from green to re an eventually blue-black Often all three colore berries are on the plant at the same time Sometimes ifficult to recognize in a foreste situation ue to its non- escript appearance but easily recognize July through September ue to masses of berries
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 48
HIGHBUSH BLUEBERRY Vacciniu cory bosu
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s rich woo s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 15 feet tall often forming thickets
Bark Rough brown Stem an larger branches shre y
Twigs On some bushes re ish-brown on other bushes they are yellow Covere with small warty lenticels zigzagge or angle
Buds Flower bu s re plump pointe with spine-like pointe scales Leaf bu s smaller two outer scales with hair-like point
Leaves Alternate pointe on both en s green on both si es untoothe Lower si e slightly wooly on the veins Up to 3 inches long an 1 frac12 inch wi e Deep re in autumn
Flower Cylin rical white or pink up to frac12 inch long an frac14 inch wi e in ense terminal or lateral clusters
Flowering Period April through June appearing when leaves are only half grown
Fruit Blue-black berry up to frac12 inch wi e with whitish bloom sweet in clusters
Value Berries eaten by numerous bir s an wil life
Similar Species Maleberry (L onia ligustrina) Highbush blueberry can be istinguishe by its terminal clusters of fruit an by berries rather than capsules for fruit
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 49
HOBBLEBUSH Viburnu alnifoliu
Status Native
Habitat Cool moist ravines e ges of rivers an streams
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Light brown with wavy grooves
Twigs Tough stout olive-brown to light purplish-brown Coate with rusty brown hairs towar the tip
Buds Large long in pairs light-brown covere with velvety fuzz Flower bu s roun e an occur only at tips of twigs
Leaves Very large 4-8 inches long Almost roun finely toothe heart-shape at base Hairy beneath rusty veins much branche Brownish hairs on stalks
Flower Large white clusters with 5 petals appearing before leaves are fully grown
Flowering Period May through June
Fruit Re berries turning black Stones with a groove on each e ge
Similar Species Likely to be confuse with ogwoo s Viburnum leaves are nearly always toothe or lobe while ogwoo leaves are smooth untoothe an veins are parallel
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 50
HONEYSUCKLE Lonicera spp
(L orrowii L tatarica L aackii)
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T ese species are pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Fiel s roa si es fence-rows he ge-rows e ges of woo s
Heig t 10 to 15 feet tall
Bark Tan to brown shre e in appearance
Twigs Generally glabrous thornless
Buds Blunt to acute
Leaves Opposite entire oblong to egg-shape 1-5 inches long
Flower 5-lobe tubular sometimes fragrant growing in leaf axils white to yellow
Fruit Re rarely yellow juicy few-see e berry July through September
Flowering Period May through June
Morrowrsquos Honeysuckle Lonicera orrowii
Leaves an young twigs ensely owny Leafy bracts beneath flowers not glan ular Leaves broa est below the mi le Flowers white fa ing to yellow
Tartarian Honeysuckle Lonicera tartarica
Un ersi es of leaves an young twigs are hairless Flowers usually pink-re Only species that has hollow pith
Amur Honeysuckle Lonicera aackii
Upper surface of leaves are shiny Bark is gray or tan an exfoliates somewhat in vertical strips Flowers white fa ing to yellow
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 51
JAPANESE KNOTWEED Polygonu cuspidatu
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T is species is pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Woo lan s open spaces itches roa si e itches e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall Fast growing aggressive easily sprea s an repro uces vegetatively
Twigs Greenish hollow jointe bamboo-like Stems often persist into winter
Leaves Alternate large untoothe broa ly ovate 3-7 inches long with pointe tips an square bases
Flower Many small whitish flowers growing in slen er finger-like clusters in the leaf axils
Flowering Period August to September
Fruit White papery win - isperse x-shape in cross-section
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 52
MALEBERRY Lyonia ligustrina
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s rich woo s gentle slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall often forming thickets
Bark Light gray shre y shaggy Younger bark appearing slightly hairy ol er bark gray with white lenticels
Twigs Yellow-brown to ash-gray mottle with black Flowering twigs leafless
Buds No terminal bu Lateral bu s flattene re oval pointe with a single re ish scale
Leaves Alternate elliptic to oblong stalke up to 3 inches long pointe at both en s minutely toothe Rough above slightly-hairy beneath
Flower Small roun white flowers in clusters up to 6 inches long
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Greenish-gray to brown small roun capsules with 5 partitions No larger than flower Crow e in groups on the stem persisting through winter Dry brown po s resembling blueberries
Similar Species Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium cor mbosum) Maleberry can be istinguishe by its flattene re bu s lateral rather than terminal clusters an by capsules of fruit instea of berries
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 53
MEADOWSWEET Spiraea latifolia
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t 2-3 feet tall forming large ense colonies
Bark Thin peeling in filmy layers
Twigs Smooth slen er light re ish-brown to purple more or less angle Unbranche (except occasionally towar the top where branching may occur)
Buds Many small smooth oval with several scales
Leaves Alternate oblong narrow toothe short-stalke tapering to the base with pointe to roun tips Up to 3 inches long an 1 frac12 inches wi e
Flower Pyrami clusters of white to pinkish 5-parte small flowers occurring at tip of stem
Flowering Period July into September
Fruit Small har smooth cluster of 5-6 tiny po s persisting over winter in the inflorescence giving it a ark-brown color
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 54
MULTIFLORA ROSE Rosa ultiflora
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T is species is pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Generalist Variety of soil moisture an light con itions
Heig t Up to 9 feet tall Shrubby arching
Bark Green Ol er stems turn woo y
Twigs Long arching with stiff re-curve thorns tips root to form new plants
Leaves Alternate pinnately compoun 7-9 toothe leaflets each leaflet about 1 inch long Fringe stipule at the base of leaf stem
Flower Dense clusters of fragrant white or occasionally pink 5-petale flowers up to 1 frac12 inch wi e Persist into winter
Flowering Period May through June
Fruit Small roun har re berry calle a ldquohiprdquo Smallest hip of any rose in New Englan persists into winter
Similar Species Multiflora rose can be istinguishe from other roses by the presence of a fringe stipule on the leaf petiole
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 55
NORTHERN WILD RAISIN WITHEROD VIBURNUM Viburnu cassinoides
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s valleys gentle slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall usually up to 7
Bark Smooth grayish-brown
Twigs Slen er long flexible ull pale grayish to light-brown Slightly hairy Somewhat angle with in istinct lenticels
Buds Covere by a single pair of scales Terminal bu s long yellow or gol en 2 light-brown scales split curve Flower bu s large an flask-shape
Leaves Opposite lanceolate to oval loosely toothe up to 4 inches long on short stalks tapering to an abrupt point Dark green above ull green below leathery
Flower Many small white 5-lobe flowers in short-stalke flat-toppe clusters at the tips of the twigs
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Fleshy blue-black berry-like approximately frac14 inch wi e containing a flat see Dull re as maturing
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 56
SHADBUSHSERVICEBERRY A elchier canadensis
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains rich woo s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 25 feet tall usually growing in thickets
Bark Gray smooth thin vertical fissures separating smooth flat areas in ol er trees
Twigs Ranci taste an smell (slight taste of bitter almon s) Slen er grayish often covere by a gray skin smooth Lenticels are scattere minute ots
Buds Terminal bu s long narrow greenish-yellow or purple
Leaves Alternate oblong finely-toothe broa est above the mi le Veins curve When half grown with white felt or wooly hairs beneath Up to frac34 inch long roun e at the tip an base
Flower Many me ium-size 5-petalle white flowers approximately frac34 inch wi e on stalks in clusters appearing when leaves are half grown
Flowering Period April through June
Fruit Dark-purple to black berries
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 57
SHEEP LAURELLAMBKILL Kal ia angustifolia
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 3 feet tall usually forming thickets
Bark Re ish brown
Twigs Pale brown smooth
Buds Nake no scales or only 2 showing
Leaves Evergreen Occasionally opposite but usually in whorls of 3 Elliptic to oblong on very short stems crow e on the branch opposite in threes Bright green above pale or whitene beneath Both surfaces smooth
Flower Small eep pink to re ish-purple 5-lobe approximately 1 frac12 inch wi e in clusters among the leaves
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Small brownish roun capsule with 5 partitions in clusters that persist over winter
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 58
SILKY DOGWOOD Cornus a o u
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall forming ense thickets
Twigs Much branching lower portion of the stem light brown upper portions becoming streake with re One-an two-year ol branches completely re an velvety Twigs mo erate to slen er with spongy chocolate-brown piths
Buds Smooth hairy
Leaves Opposite ovate to elliptic roun e at base with pointe tips Veins branching off mi vein that follow up the smooth leaf without reaching e ge Up to 5 inches long an half as wi e roun e to somewhat we ge-shape at the base an abruptly pointe at the tip pubescent beneath on short to mo erate stalks turning re in autumn
Flower Many small white 4-petalle flowers in broa flat-toppe clusters up to 3 inches wi e at the tips of branches
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Blue or blueish-white berries
Similar Species Re Osier Dogwoo (Cornus stolonifera)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 59
SPECKLED ALDER Alnus rugosa
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 25 feet tall often branching from the base
Bark Brown with whitish horizontal lenticels
Twigs Olive-brown to re ish brown smooth owny with greenish triangular pith
Buds Stalke re ish covere by 2-3 scales equal in length coate with grayish or brownish own no terminal bu
Leaves Alternate oval or roun e broa est below the mi le 2-4 inches long Doubly toothe or wavy Green above pale beneath Leaf base roun e or heart-shape Up to 6 inches long an 3 inches wi e
Flower Develop long before the leaves Male catkins long finger-like rooping Female catkins upright in clusters stalke resembling a small pine cone arching appearing below male
Flowering Period April through June before leaves emerge
Fruit Female catkins ripening into frac12 inch cylin rical cones persistent in winter
Comments Distinguishing features are the conspicuous white lenticels on the trunk an on the twigs the short thick stalks of the ldquoconesrdquo an the conspicuous net venation of the leaves In winter the immature female spikes roop
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 60
SPICEBUSH Lindera benzoin
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains rich woo s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Smooth grayish-brown
Twigs Younger growth is green with white lines an specks while ol er portions with smooth gray-brown bark
Buds Leaf bu s small pointe Flower bu s larger stalke Spherical arrange on one si e of a leaf bu above the scar
Leaves Alternate obovate to ovate somewhat pointe up to 4 inches long an 2 inches wi e
Flower Small yellow Male an female occur in clusters on separate plants
Flowering Period April through May
Fruit Fleshy re an berry-like up to frac12 inch long containing one large see
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 61
STEEPLEBUSH Spiraea to entosa
Status Native
Habitat Wet mea ows marshes shrub wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 3 frac12 feet tall
Bark Thin hairy peeling shre ing into strips
Buds Lateral bu s covere with wool No terminal bu
Leaves Alternate simple toothe up to 2 inches long white or woolly beneath with brownish rusty or tawny hairs
Flower Small 5-petale eep pink or rose colore flowers in ense steeple-like terminal spike up to 6 inches long
Flowering Period July into September
Fruit One-celle capsules persistent into winter
Similar Species The pinker plants are often confuse with purple loosestrife Steeplebush has alternate leaves whereas purple loosestrife has opposite or whorle leaves The stems of Steeplebush ten to be roun in cross-section whereas the stems of purple loosestrife are square in cross section (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 62
SWEET PEPPERBUSH Clethera alnifolia
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Dark grayish or blackish Branches of previous year shre y or flaky
Twigs Slen er roun an slightly owny on new twigs with large white pith
Buds Lateral bu s small an obscure Terminal bu s are owny large an pointe
Leaves Alternate egg-shape to oblong small broa est above mi le sharply-toothe except at base Straight-veine both si es smooth an green abruptly blunt-pointe Up to 4 frac12 inches long an 1 frac12 inches wi e
Flower Many small 5-petale fragrant white flowers occurring on terminal spike
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Small tan roun capsule each with 3 hairy partitions resembling peppercorns persisting into winter
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 63
WINTERBERRY HOLLYBLACK ALDER Ilex verticillata
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Gray smooth
Twigs Slen er ark purple-gray with many small lenticels
Buds Tiny blunt at tip iverging from the twig Crow e upper bu s larger Terminal bu present
Leaves Alternate ovate thick ull-green above owny beneath coarse-toothe prominent veins Broa est at or above the mi le pointe at both en s
Flower Very small greenish or yellowish white Male an female flower son separate plants 6-8 petals in clusters seate irectly on stem frac14 inch in iameter of very short stalks
Flowering Period May through August
Fruit Bright re berry-like with 3-5 bony nuts borne singly or in clusters approximately frac14 inch wi e containing several see s persisting into winter
Value Extremely showy in late fall an early winter when covere with their bright re fruit these shrubs are either male or female Attractive to bir s
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 64
WITCH HAZEL Ha a elis virginiana
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 30 feet tall
Bark Mottle light-brown to gray smooth to scaly
Twigs Zigzag smooth to slightly hairy Short shoots light orange brown with rusty or gray hairs Some brown warts but lenticels in istinct
Buds Lateral bu s flattene with rusty brown hairs Terminal bu stalke curve or sickle-shape
Leaves Roun e to oval wavy lopsi e toothe in shallow roun e lobes Main veins prominent 5-7 nerves One-si e at base
Flower Bright yellow crinkle curving petals persisting into winter remaining attache to twig
Flowering Period August into November
Fruit Woo y hairy light-brown 2-see e po with 4 well-space curve points splitting open an ejecting black see s forcibly ripening a year after flowers Open po s remain on stem
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 65
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 66
Climbin Vines
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 67
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 68
CLIMBINGORIENTAL BITTERSWEET
Celast us o biculatus
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire
Habitat Disturbe areas roa si es fiel s forests an e ges of streams an rivers
Hei ht 40-65 feet long eci uous woo y vine Very aggressive climbs up an over trees an chokes them
Stem Tanish furrowe
Leaves Alternate ovate bluntly toothe 3-4 inches long tapere at the base
Flower Small greenish clusters in the leaf axils
Flowerin Period April through May
Fruit Bright-yellow splitting open to reveal showy orangere fruit
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 69
POISON IVY
Toxicodend on adicans
Status Native
Habitat Generalist Variety of soil moisture an light con itions Foun in recent clear-cuts
Hei ht Upright eci uous shrub trailing vine or climbing plant Shrub can grow up to 6 feet tall but this plant is taller as a vine
Leaves Long-stalke compoun leaves ivi e into 3 leaflets each leaflet having a longer stalk than the si e leaflets
Flowers Small yellowish flowers with 5 petals occurring on lateral clusters
Flowerin Period May through July Poison i y showing fruit
Fruit Greenish to grayish-white berries lacking hairs Pro uce in late summer an can persist throughout winter
CAUTION
TOUCHING OR BURNING ANY PART OF THIS PLANT CAN CAUSE SEVERE SKIN IRRITATION
Poison i y as a tree-climbing ine Poison i y in autumn
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 70
RIVERBANK GRAPE
Vitis ipa ia
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Hei ht Up to 60 feet tall
Bark Re ish-brown in loose strips Pith with thin firm tissue
Leaves Alternate coarse-toothe up to 7 inches long with usually 3-5 lobes an narrow-pointe leaves
Flowers Inconspicuous in branche clusters
Flowerin Period May through July
Fruit Purplish-black to black grapes up to frac12 inch wi e with whitish waxy covering
Similar Species Forest grape (Vitis ulpina) occurs in similar habitats but its leaves have broa teeth an are not usually lobe an its grapes are black an lacking waxy coating
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 71
VIRGINIA CREEPER
Pa thenosisus quinquefolia
Status Native
Habitat Wi e range of con itions ry san y soil to moist nutrient-rich soil sha e sun
Stem Woo y stem persisting into winter
Leaves Alternate palmately compoun with 3-7 but usually 5 leaflets Leaflets 6-12 centimeters long with toothe margins Turn eep-re in the fall
Flower Inconspicuous green-white
Fruit Small blue-black berries appearing in autumn
Comments Climbs by ten rils that have oval a hesive isks at their tips
Similar Species Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) has compoun leaves with 3 leaflets but the terminal leaflet is attache to a short-stalk Poison ivy also climbs by aerial roots not by a hesive isks
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 72
The Ca opy Trees
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 73
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 74
AMERICAN BASSWOODLINDEN Tilia am ricana
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s valleys gentle slopes
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray ri ge when ol
Twigs Alternate stout zigzag greenish-gray smooth or owny
Buds Re ish-brown frac12 inch long lopsi e No terminal bu
Leaves Alternate large up to 8 inches long sharply toothe Unequally heart-shape at base
Flowers 5 cream-colore fragrant yellow petals Approximately frac12 inch across
Floweri g Period Early summer
Fruit Stalke cluster of small pale green nuts attache to a leafy wing
AMERICAN BEECH Fagus grandifolia
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s uplan s well- raine lowlan s
Height Up to 90 feet tall
Bark Smooth an light blue-gray when young an ol
Twigs Alternate slen er greenish-brown hairy
Buds Slen er sharp-pointe approximately frac34 inch long chestnut brown with overlapping scales
Leaves Alternate simple egg-shape pointe with parallel veins terminating in teeth Shiny papery-smooth up to 5 inches long Dry leaves remain on tree in winter Yellow in autumn
Flowers Inconspicuous slen er catkins in a roun e hea both sexes occur on the same tree
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Prickly 4-valve fruit capsule bearing 2 triangular nuts Nut is sweet an e ible
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 75
AMERICAN HORNBEAM IRONWOODBLUE BEECH Carpinus caroliniana
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s foreste wetlan s e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 40 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray-green furrowe flute (muscular) wavy
Twigs Slen er ark re ish-brown shiny an smooth or slightly -hairy
Buds Oval re ish brown angle scaly
Leaves Alternate simple oblong sharply an finely oubly-toothe margins up to 4 inches long an 2 inches wi e entirely smooth above slightly owny beneath Orange or scarlet in autumn
Flowers Very small male an female flowers occur in separate spikes Male catkins 1 inch female small appearing with leaves
Floweri g Period April through May before leaf-out
Fruit Nutlet in the axil of a 3-lobe leaf-like bract the bracts clustere in a loose terminal spike up to 2 inches long
BLACK BIRCHSWEET BIRCH B tula l nta
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s
Height Up to 60 feet tall
Bark Smooth ark brown Long horizontal lenticels resembling cherry Ol er trees with very ark thick plates
Twigs Smooth slen er light re ish-brown with very fine horizontal lines Smells an tastes of wintergreen
Buds Sharp re ish brown long terminal bu absent on long shoots Bu scales owny on margins
Leaves Alternate simple heart-shape sharply ouble-or single-toothe smooth above with tufts of white hair on the veins beneath ull ark green Wintergreen o or an taste
Flower Male an female flowers occur in separate catkins on the same tree male catkins present uring the winter
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Catkins cylin rical short scales smooth
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 76
BLACK CHERRY Prunus s rotina
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s on many sites
Height Up to 60 feet tall
Bark Dark re ish-brown smooth with narrow horizontal lenticels on young trees becoming roughene an scaly on ol er trees Resembles black birch
Twigs Slen er re ish-brown often gray an peeling Ranci o or an taste Often with black knot swellings on branches with narrow lenticels
Buds Bright light re ish-brown 4 scales appear as none Terminal bu larger than laterals
Leaves Alternate simple elliptic Smooth an shiny above finely-toothe turning inwar Brown wool on 13 of mi rib beneath Yellow to brown in autumn
Flower White 5-petalle elongate clusters appearing when leaves are frac12 grown in clusters at the en s of twigs up to 4 inches long
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit E ible cherries ark re ish-purple becoming black with small stone Appearing June-October
BOX ELDERASH-LEAVED MAPLE Ac r n gundo
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s lowlan s floo plains
Height Up to 40 feet tall
Bark Thin grayish to light-brown with furrowe narrow ri ges similar to Norway maple
Twigs Stout green to purplish-green brightly colore often re Covere with whitish bloom the first year which rea ily rubs off
Buds Short-stalke re ish usually wooly or owny whitish ensely hairy
Leaves Opposite compoun palm-like with 3-5 veiny leaflets up to 5 inches long on short stalks Very variable in shape sharp margins with coarse teeth Light green above pale green an hairy along veins beneath Stalk swollen at base
Flower Small yellowish to greenish Male an female flowers occur in rooping clusters on separate trees appearing slightly before leaf-out
Floweri g Period April through May at or before leaf-out
Fruit A typical flattene v-shape winge samara
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 77
EASTERN COTTONWOOD Populus d ltoid s
Status Native
Habitat Floo plains streambanks valleys
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Greenish-yellow on young trees gray an furrowe on ol er trees
Twigs Smooth yellow-brown mo erately stout
Buds Brown shiny approximately frac12 to 1 inch long 6-7 scales heavy sticky fragrant yellow resin insi e
Leaves Alternate simple large triangular coarse roun e teeth up to 6 inches long an often nearly as wi e Dark green an shiny above lighter beneath with veins prominent on both surfaces Stems flattene at base of leaves Leaves from sprouts very large Yellow in autumn
Flower Drooping loosely groupe catkins Male an female flowers occur in rooping spikes on separate trees Before the leaves unfol the male crow e into rather thick re ish spikes the female crow e into narrower greenish yellow spikes
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Short-stalke capsule with 4 partitions approximately frac14 inch long
EASTERN HEMLOCK Tsuga canad nsis
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s ravines foreste wetlan s
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Cinnamon-re to gray tinge with purple narrow ri ges
Twigs Alternate yellow to grayish brown very hairy flattene
Buds Approximately frac12 to frac34 inch wi e oval chestnut brown hairy scales
Needles Narrow approximately frac12 inch long Short shiny ark-green above tapering whitish-green with 2 white lines beneath appearing as a broa stripe Stalke at base persistent comb-like arrangement on twig
Fruit Small oval cones frac12 to frac34 inch long on slen er stalks Cone scales as wi e as long Male cones are small structures in clusters in leaf axils an o not persist Female cones have brown scales are at twig en s an persist
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 78
EASTERN WHITE PINE Pinus strobus
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s bogs ravines cool sha y north slopes
Height Up to 120 feet tall
Bark Smooth thin greenish when young becoming ark brown eeply-furrowe an blocky when ol er
Twigs Smooth slen er green or light yellowish-green resinous
Buds Sharp-pointe yellowish-brown
Leaves In clusters of 5 (the only five-nee le pine in the East) soft slen er bluish-green Retaine to en of the secon growing season 3 year nee les yellow in October 2-5 inches long
Fruit Large tapering cylin rical cones falling when ripe (August-September) Require two seasons to mature 4 to 8 inches long
GREEN ASH Fraxinus p nnsylvanica
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains streambanks
Height Up to 80 feet tall
Bark Young twigs gray thin hairless Ol er stems gray with shallow grooves ri ges an furrows
Twigs Stout gray terminal bu present conical the first pair of lateral bu s place some istance below the terminal
Leaves Opposite pinnately-compoun with 5-9 (usually 7) leaflets Shiny green on top occasionally hairy on bottom with saw-toothe margins Bright yellow in autumn
Flower Inconspicuous small cluster of greenish petal-free stalke flowers with male an female flowers occur on separate trees
Floweri g Period April to June as leaves emerge
Fruit Samara with a broa wing an in istinct see portion
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 79
RED MAPLE Ac r rubrum
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s rich woo s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 75 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray often satiny on young trees becoming arker scaly rough separating an forming long scales often up-curling in ol er trees
Twigs Current years growth re Ol er twigs light gray smooth
Buds Sharp ark re with prominent overlapping scales
Leaves Opposite simple usually 3-lobe (sometimes 5) with sharp angles between lobes an with sharp irregular teeth Dark green above gray-green beneath approximately 3-4 inches long Yellow or scarlet in autumn
Flower Re or yellow with petals appearing long before the leaves emerge Male an female flowers occur on separate trees
Floweri g Period March through May before leaf-bu s open
Fruit A ouble-winge v-shape re samara up to 1 inch long
Matures in late spring falls an germinates at once
RED OAK Qu rcus rubra
Status Native
Habitat Bottomlan s moist slopes
Height Up to 90 feet tall
Bark Smooth greenish-brown on young stems becoming broken into ri ges re ish-brown har with eep furrows when ol er Inner bark re ish
Twigs Alternate strongly ri ge or flute Re ish brown or black smooth
Buds Smooth brown blunt-pointe in clusters at en s of twigs Larger than other oaks except black frac14 inch long roun e on the si es Terminal bu s have slight rusty hairs
Leaves Spikes on tips of lobes Mostly 3 pairs V-shape space between lobes (typically 7-11) triangular in outline smooth on both si es
Flower Long sprea ing strings
Fruit Acorn maturing in secon year Cup embracing 13 to frac12 the acorn Oval to cylin rical short shallow Acorns large bitter ine ible insi es pale yellow
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 80
SHAGBARK HICKORY Carya ovata
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s valleys uplan slopes
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Smooth when young splitting into long plates that curve outwar free at both en s when ol er
Twigs Re ish-brown very stout tough an har to break Soli pith
Buds Dark brown long-pointe approximately frac12 inch or more wi e Scales remaining over winter
Leaves Alternate compoun 4-6 inches long 5 (rarely 7) leaflets with the 3 upper leaflets much larger an longer than the lower terminal leaflet Slightly toothe with a tuft of hair on each tooth
Flower Male an female flowers occur on same tree Male flowers are 3-branche catkins female flowers are in short spikes
Floweri g Period Early spring before leaf-out
Fruit Thick globe-like husks split away when ripe Nut with 4 angles whitish brown shell thick sweet kernel
SILVER MAPLE Ac r saccharinium
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 80 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray (like beech) in young trees breaking into long thin scaly plates curving away at en s when ol er
Twigs V-shape point upwar at tip rooping Orange-brown to re Ba o or when bruise
Buds Terminal bu small blunt re
Leaves Opposite simple approximately 5 inches wi e Deeply cleft 5-lobe sharply toothe Green above silver-white beneath Very silvery un er water Downy beneath when young Pale yellow in autumn
Flower Small re or greenish yellow No petals occurring long before the leaves Some trees have only male flowers
Floweri g Period February through May before leaf-out
Fruit Occurring in late spring The see germinates at once flattene winge fruit the largest of the native maples up to 2 inches long
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 81
SWAMP WHITE OAK Qu rcus bicolor
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 70 feet tall
Bark Flaky light grayish-brown peeling in ragge papery scales Furrowe at base of tree in long flat scaly ri ges
Twigs Slen er to stout straw-brown to yellow-green Bark peels from twig (only oak where this occurs)
Buds Small roun terminal bu s orange-brown blunt-pointe smooth Lateral bu s small an crow e
Leaves Alternate simple oval light-green above with hairs beneath wi est above the mi le strongly tapere towar the we ge-shape base Margin shallowly lobe Yellow or brown in autumn
Flower Male an female flowers occur separately on the same tree the male in catkins the female in short spikes
Fruit Oval light-brown nut approximately 1 inch long enclose for about frac12 its length by a cap Occurring singly or often in pairs at the en of a short stalk Some of the cups usually persist in winter
SYCAMOREPLANETREEBUTTONBALL Platanus occid ntalis
Status Native
Habitat Floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Creamy white on young branches turning re -brown-gray then breaking in large thin plates exposing whitish inner bark giving a white-washe appearance
Twigs Slen er smooth yellow-brown slightly zigzag swollen at joints
Buds No terminal bu Lateral bu s long conical resinous shiny ark re -brown covere by a single cap-like scale Pointing outwar enclose by bases of leaf stalks until the leaves fall
Leaves Alternate simple large with 3-5 pointe lobes maple-like pubescent beneath when young with long pointe teeth
Flower Small inconspicuous Male an female flowers occur separately in roun hea s on the same tree
Floweri g Period April through June
Fruit Large roun balls approximately frac14 inch long an 1 inch wi e with bristly hairs at base containing many see s Occurring singly on long stalks Remains on tree until spring
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 82
TAMARACHLARCH Larix laricina
Status Native
Habitat Bogs foreste wetlan s wet peaty soils
Height Up to 80 feet tall
Bark Thin re ish brown scaly Young branches grayish or pale orange-brown
Twigs Smooth brownish many leaf scars
Buds Dark re ish-brown roun resinous
Leaves Deci uous nee les pale blueish-green approximately 1 inch long flexible triangular Yellow in autumn before ropping off
Flower Occur separately as small cones on the same tree Male flowers are yellow Female flowers are rose re both appearing in March through April
Fruit Small oval cones frac12 to frac34 inch wi e with 20 scales Cone scales concave smooth often shining longer than broa chestnut brown smooth on the outsi e
WHITE ASH Fraxinus am ricana
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s valleys slopes foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Light or ark gray Smooth when young groove when ol er Longitu inal ri ges forming iamon -shape patterns separate by narrow interlacing ri ges
Twigs Opposite light greenish-brown with small white lenticles an a slight bloom Soli pith
Buds Roun e rusty to ark-brown rough hairy First pair of lateral bu s at the same level irectly below the terminal
Leaves Opposite pinnately compoun stalke oval to lanceolate 8 to 12 inches long with 5 to 9 leaflets (mostly 7) Smooth or slightly wavy-toothe Yellowish to maroon in the autumn
Flowers Small inconspicuous male an female flowers occur on separate trees appearing with the leaves Purplish in crow e clusters
Floweri g Period April through May before leaf-out
Fruit Cylin rical light-brown enclosing a see an a flattene elongate wing 2-3 times long as the bo y 1-2 inches wi e in rooping clusters
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 83
WHITE OAK Qu rcus alba
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s a jacent slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 90 feet tall
Bark Gray thin on young trees an flaky irregularly-plate or groove when ol er
Twigs Purplish-gray to greenish-re mo erately stout smooth
Buds Blunt smooth brownish at tips of twigs in clusters
Leaves Alternate simple 4-10 prominent roun e lobes variable in epth Re ish to violet in autumn Brown ea leaves remain on tree in winter
Flowers Both sexes occur on the same tree Male flowers in clusters of hanging bea s Female flowers are few in angles of new leaves Greenish yellowish or re ish
Fruit Maturing in one season Acorn cup with wart-like scales Cup shorter than nut Sweet an e ible
WHITE SPRUCE Pic a glauca
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s a jacent slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 70 feet tall
Bark Thin scaly grayish-brown silvery on freshly expose areas
Twigs Pale gray to yellow-brown no hairs or fuzz
Buds Oval ragge brown smooth
Leaves frac12 to 1 inch blueish-green slight-bloom pungent o or when crushe sharp line of white ots in each groove Ten ency to mass towar the upper si e of the twig
Flowers Occur separately as small cones on the same tree Male flowers are yellowish re Female flowers are greenish re purplish
Co e Cylin rical 2 inches long Immature cones have thin scales an are soft an flexible Mature cones are light chestnut brown
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 84
YELLOW BIRCH B tula l nta
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains ravines cool rich woo s of higher elevations
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Peeling in thin ribbon-like strips when young that roll back in curls Shiny yellow or silvery gray rough an platy when ol er
Twigs Stout bronze or bright-brown shiny Smooth or sparsely hairy Wintergreen o or an taste
Buds Sharp re ish-brown oppresse terminal bu absent oval with chestnut-brown scales
Leaves Alternate simple long oval sharply ouble-toothe Dull an ark-green above lighter beneath with slight hairs in veins base roun e to near heart-shape up to 5 inches long
Flower Male an female flowers in separate catkins on the same tree Male catkins present in winter Male flowers are yellow small narrow in a rooping catkin at branch tips Female flowers are green an in broa er upright catkins place back from the tip that matures into a brown cone
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Catkins roun e roun scales somewhat hairy erect on twig frac34 inch long persist into winter
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 85
Appendix A Other Helpful Field Guides
The Boo of Swamp and Bog Trees Shrubs and Wildflowers of Eastern Freshwater Wetlands by John Eastman 1995 Stackpole Books ISBN 0-8117-2518-9
A Field Guide to Coastal Wetland Plants of the Northeastern United States by Ralph W Tiner Jr 1987 University of Massachusetts Press ISBN 0-870-23538-9
Freshwater Wetlands - A Guide to Common Indicator Plants of the Northeast by Dennis W Magee 1981 University of Massachusetts Press ISBN 0-87023-317-3
Northeastern Wetland Flora Field Office Guide to Plant Species by USDA ndash NRCSNortheastern National Technical Center Chester Pennsylvania
Plants in Wetlands A Redington Field Guide to Biological Interactions by Charles B Re ington 1994 Ken allHunt Publishing Company ISBN 0-84038-983-3
Pond and Broo by Michael J Ca uto 1990 ISBN 0-87451-509-1
Pond Life A Golden Guide by George K Rei 1987 Gol en Books ISBN 0-30724-017-7
Through The Loo ing Glass by Susan Borman Robert Korth Jo Temte 19971999 Wisconsin Lakes Partnership ISBN 0-93231-032-X
Wetland Planting Guide for Northeast United States by Gwen olyn A Thunhorst 1993 Environmental Concern Inc ISBN 1-88322-602-3
Wetlands - National Audubon Society Nature Guides by William A Niering 1985 Alfre A Knopf New York ISBN 0-39473-147-6
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 86
Appendix B Glossary of Terms
Alternate Leaves arising singly along the stem not in pairs or whorls
Annual Living or growing for only one year or season
Axil The angle where two structures join for example where a leaf joins the stem
Axillary Occurring in or growing from an axil
Basal Locate at or arising from the base of a plant or a plant part
Berry A small juicy fleshy fruit containing one to many see s
Capsule A ry fruit containing two to many see s an opening by valves slits or pores
Cat in Scaly spike of inconspicuous flowers lacking petals
Ciliate Bearing margine hairs
Clasping Leaves that partially encircle the stem at the base
Compound (Leaf) Divi e into two or more istinct separate parts (leaflets)
Cone A har woo y globose to cylin ric arrangement of bracts or scales in the axils of which the repro uctive structures are foun
Deciduous Falling from the plant after maturity each year
Elliptic Broa est at the mi le gra ually tapering to both en s
Emergent Roote in shallow water with most of the plant growing above the surface
Emersed Raise out of the water as in the flowers or fruits of some floating plants
Entire (Leaf) Having a continuoussmooth margin unbroken by toothing or ivisions
Evergreen Remaining green throughout the winter
Fibrous Referring to a cluster of slen er roots all with the same iameter
Frond The leaf of a fern
Furrowed Groove
Glabrous Without hairs or scales
Globose Shape like a globe roun
Head A group of flowers tightly crowne together in a more or less roun e structure
Herbaceous A plant that ies back to the groun at the en of the growing season or a plant part that is leaf-like in color an texture
Inflorescence The entire flower cluster
Lanceolate Lance-shape broa est near the base gra ually tapering to the narrower apex
Leaflet One of the segments of a compoun leaf
Lenticels The small corky pores or narrow lines on the surface of stems of woo y plants that allow the interchange of gases between the interior tissue an surroun ing air A small opening in a stem
Lip The upper an lower parts of certain tubular flowers
Lobe The in ente part of a leaf or flower not ivi e into istinct an separate parts but still interconnecte to similar parts of the leaf or flower
MidribMidvein The central or main vein of a leaf
Native A species that originate in a certain place or region in igenous
Node The place on the stem where leaves or branches are attache
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 87
Non-Native Not originating in a certain geographic location than where they are foun
Nut A har ry one-see e fruit not opening at maturity
Nutlet A small nut
Oblong Broa est at the mi le an tapering to both en s but broa er than elliptic
Opposite Leaves arising in pairs on either si e of a stem
Oval Broa ly elliptic
Ovate Broa ly roun e at the base becoming narrowe above
Palmate Having three or more veins lobes or leaflets arising from one point
Panicle A compoun loosely branche flower cluster
Parallel Veined Having veins all parallel as oppose to in a network
Perennial Living for two or more years
Petal One segment of the series of floral leaves lying just insi e the sepals often the most conspicuous
Petiole The stalk-like part of the leaf attaching it to the stem
Pinnate Divi e once along an elongate axis into istinct segments
Pith The soft tissue at the center of a plantrsquos stem it may be soli or hollow at maturity
Pod A fruiting structure containing the mature see s
Pubescent Covere in fine short hairs
Recurved Curving ownwar
Rhizome A horizontal usually un ergroun stem that often sen s out roots an shoots from its no es
Ribbed Bearing ri ges
Root The escen ing axis of the plant usually growing in an opposite irection from the stem
Samara A winge fruit
Scale A mo ifie leaf or thin flattene structure
Sepal One segment of the outer series of floral leaves often green in color but occasionally of a ifferent color an petal-like
Serrate With sharp forwar -pointing teeth on the margin
Sessile Without a stalk
Sheath The base of a leaf that encircles the stem
Simple (Leaf) A leaf compose of a single bla e
Smooth Not rough to the touch
Spi e An elongate cluster of sessile flowers
Shrub A woo y plant smaller than a tree with several stems or trunks arising from a single base a bush
Simple Leaf A leaf with a single bla e
Succulent Juicy an fleshy
Tendril A evice usually coile that enables some vines to climb
Toothed With teeth along the margin
Tuber A thickene part of an un ergroun root or rhizome serving for foo storage an often for propagation
Whorled (Leaf) Arrange in a group of three or more leaves branches or pe icles at the no e on the stem
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 88
Appendix C Leaf Shapes amp Arrangements
Peterson Lee Allen ldquoA Fie d Guide to Edib e Wi d P ants of Eastern and Centra North Americardquo Houghton Mifflin Company 1977
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 89
Appendix D Native ShorelandRiparian Buffer Plantings for New Hampshire
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 90
Native ShorelandRiparian Buffer Plantings for New Hampshire The p otected sho eland is the a ea of land that exists between the efe ence line of a wate body and 250 feet f om the efe ence line
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees
Ame ican Basswood (Ame ican Linden)
Tilia am ricana Medium-La ge 60-100rsquo
Mode ate Deep FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Rich woods valleys gentle slopes
Wildlife Pileated woodpecke wood duck othe bi ds dee abbit squi el
Food Seeds twigs
Ame ican Beech Fagus grandifolia Medium-La ge 60-90rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Rich woods well-d ained lowlands
Wildlife Blue jay chickadees nuthatches quail uffed g ouse tufted titmouse wild tu key wood duck woodpecke s bea chipmunk dee fox po cupine snowshoe ha e squi el
Food Nuts buds sap
Ame ican Hopho nbeam (I onwood)
Ostrya virginiana Small 20-40rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Rich woods Wildlife Downy woodpecke mockingbi d pu ple finch ing-necked pheasant ose-b easted g osbeak uffed g ouse wild tu key wood quail dee abbit squi el
Food Nuts buds seeds
Ame ican Ho nbeam (Blue BeechMusclewood)
Carpinus caroliniana
SmallSh ubby 20-40rsquo
Slow Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods fo ested wetlands avines st eambanks
Wildlife Quail uffed g ouse wood duck beave dee squi el
Food Seeds buds
Ame ican Mountain Ash
Sorbus am ricana Small Up to 25rsquo
Fast Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full-Sun
D y Moist Fo ested wetlands ich woods Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe catbi d ceda waxwing g osbeak mockingbi d obin th ushes wild tu key bea
Food F uit twigs
Balsam Fi Abi s balsam a Small-Medium 40-60rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands st eambanks ich woods
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse songbi ds small mammals moose
Food Seeds
Balsam Popla Populus balsam a Medium 60-80rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun Moist Floodplains ive banks st eambanks valleys
Wildlife Beave dee mouse snowshoe ha e
Food Buds catkins twigs foliage
Big-Toothed Aspen Populus grandid ntata
Small-Medium 30-60rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Sandy upland soils floodplain st eams with quaking aspen
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee evening g osbeak pu ple finch uffed g ouse yellow-bellied sapsucke dee
Food Buds catkins ba k twigs and foliage
Black Ash Fraxinus nigra Medium 60-80rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands st eambanks Wildlife Songbi ds wood duck dee moose small mammals
Food F uit twigs young leaves
Black Bi ch (Sweet Bi ch)
B tula l nta Medium 40-60rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade
Page 1
Moist Cool moist uplands ich woods
Wildlife G ouse dee abbit
Food Buds catkins seeds
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees (Continued)
Black Che y Prunus s rotina Medium 40-60rsquo
Mode ate Deep Tap oot
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Rich woods on many sites except ve y d y soils
Wildlife Bluebi d blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing common c ow easte n kingbi d evening g osbeak mockingbi d no the n flicke no the n o iole obin uffed g ouse spa ows th ushes vee y vi eo yellow-bellied sapsucke bea chipmunk dee fox accoon squi el
Food Be ies buds sap
Black Gum (Tupelo)
Nyssa sylvatica Medium 50-60
Slow No Info mation Available
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Fo ested wetlands floodplains Wildlife Bluebi d ca dinal catbi d chickadee c ow finches malla ds obin uby-th oated hummingbi d uffed g ouse vi eo wild tu key woodpecke s wood duck honeybees bea chipmunk dee opossum squi el
Food Seeds sap necta
Black Sp uce Pic a mariana Small Up to 25rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs fo ested wetlands lake and pond sho es
Wildlife Songbi ds uffed g ouse sp uce g ouse chipmunk cottontail dee po cupine squi el
Food Seeds twigs necta ba k
Black Willow Salix nigra Small-Medium Up to 50rsquo
Ve y Fast Ve y Shallow
Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands lowlands floodplains
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Buds catkins
Box Elde Ac r n gundo Medium 40-70rsquo
Ve y Fast Deep Late al
Full Sun D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands lowlands floodplains
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Seeds
Easte n Cottonwood Populus d ltoid s Medium-La ge 80-100rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Floodplains st eambanks valleys
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse
Food Catkins
Easte n Hemlock Tsuga canad nsis Medium-La ge 80-100rsquo
Mode ate Shallow Late al
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Acidic Cool moist uplands avines ock outc ops st eambanks
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee blue and g een wa ble s c ossbill hawks juncos pine siskin uffed g ouse vee y wild tu key dee chipmunk cottontail po cupine squi el white-footed mouse
Food Twigs foliage seeds
Easte n White Pine Pinus strobus La ge 70-120rsquo
Mode ate Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Well-D ained
Fo ested wetlands bogs avines cool shady no th slopes
Wildlife B own c eepe chickadee c ossbill g osbeak junco nuthatch pine wa ble spa ows sp uce g ouse wild tu key woodpecke s beave chipmunk dee snowshoe ha e squi el
Food Seeds foliage twigs excellent winte food
G ay Bi ch (Wi e Bi ch)
B tula populifolia Small 20-35rsquo
Fast Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Pionee Species poo est of ste ile soils sandy o g avelly slopes
Wildlife Ame ican goldfinch blue jay chickadee no the n junco pine siskin ed-tailed hawk uffed g ouse spa ows vi eo yellow-bellied sapsucke woodpecke s snowshoe ha e
Food Seeds buds
Page 2
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees (Continued)
G een Ash Fraxinus p nnsylvanica
Medium-La ge 60-80rsquo
Fast Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks neve on d y soils
Wildlife Ca dinal finches evening g osbeak mou ning dove ed-winged blackbi d wood duck beave chipmunk dee po cupine squi el
Food Seeds foliage
No the n White Ceda (A bo vitae)
Thuja occid ntalis Medium 30-60rsquo
Slow to Mode ate
Shallow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs wetlands ich woods Wildlife Songbi ds small mammals dee
Food Seeds needles
QuakingT embling Aspen (Popla )
Populus tr muloid s
Small-Medium 30-60rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Pionee Species d y open woods sandy o g avelly slopes
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse beave dee po cupine snowshoe ha e
Food Buds catkins ba k twigs and foliage
Red Maple Ac r rubrum Medium 40-75rsquo
Mode ate to Fast
Ve y Shallow
Full Sun D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands st eambanks lakesho es ich woods
Wildlife Ca dinal chickadee evening and pine g osbeaks finches obin yellow-bellied sapsucke beave chipmunk dee opossum squi el snowshoe ha e
Food Seeds buds ba k twigs sap
Red Oak Qu rcus rubra Medium 60-90rsquo
Mode ate Deep Late al
FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Bottomlands moist slopes Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe ducks hawks quail nuthatch uffed g ouse towhee wild tu key woodpecke bea chipmunk dee gophe opossum accoon squi el
Food Aco ns
Shagba k Hicko y Carya ovata La ge 70-100rsquo
Fast Deep Tap oot
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Rich woods valleys upland slopes
Wildlife Ca dinal field spa ows pine wa ble ose-b easted g osbeak ufous-sided towhee white-b easted nuthatch wild tu key wood duck yellow- umped wa ble chipmunks squi els
Food Nuts
Silve Maple Ac r sacharinium Medium 60-80rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands ive banks floodplains st eambanks
Wildlife Ca dinal goldfinch evening and pine g osbeaks no the n o iole
Food Seeds buds
St iped Maple (Moosewood Moose Maple)
Ac rp nsylvanicum SmallSh ubby 20-30rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t-Shade Moist Rich woods cool moist sites Wildlife Ruffed g ouse beave dee moose po cupine abbit
Food Buds ba k sama as
Suga Maple Ac r saccharum Medium-La ge 60-100rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Valleys and uplands tole ates almost all soil types
Wildlife Ca dinal goldfinch g osbeak ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse vi eo beave chipmunk po cupine B owse fo dee abbit snowshoe ha e
Food Seeds twigs ba k
Page 3
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees (Continued)
Swamp White Oak Qu rcus bicolor Medium 60-70rsquo
Fast No Info mation Available
FullPa t Shade Moist Fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks
Wildlife Ba ed owl blue jay ca dinal b own th ashe g ouse malla ds nuthatch quail ed-bellied woodpecke ed-tailed hawk uffed g ouse sta ling towhee wild tu key yellow-th oated wable w en beave chipmunk cottontail dee gophe opossum accoon squi el white-footed mouse wild tu key
Food Aco ns
Sweet Gum Liquidambar styraciflua
Medium-La ge 60-100rsquo
Mode ate No Info mation Available
Full Sun Moist Valleys Lowe slopes mixed woodlands
Wildlife Mou ning dove finches junco w en beave chipmunk squi el
Food Seeds
Sycamo e (Planet eeButtonwood)
Platanus occid ntalis
La ge 80-100rsquo
Slow No Info mation Available
FullPa t Shade o Full-Sun
D y o Moist Floodplains lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Finches chipmunk squi el
Food Seeds
Tama ack (Ame icanEaste n La ch)
Larix laricina Small-Medium 40-80rsquo
Va iable Mode ate Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs swamps wet peaty soils d ie upland loamy soils
Wildlife Blue jay kinglets pheasant ed c ossbill obin uffed g ouse sp uce g ouse yellow-bellied sapsucke chipmunk dee po cupine ed squi el snowshoe ha e
Food Needles twigs inne ba k seeds
White Ash Fraxinus am ricana
Medium-La ge 70-100rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods valleys slopes fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks
Wildlife Finches g osbeaks ed-winged blackbi d wood duck dee squi el
Food Seeds foliage
White Bi ch (Pape Bi ch)
B tula papyrif ra Medium 50-75rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Fo ested wetlands ich woods Wildlife G ouse siskins
Food Seeds buds
White Oak Qu rcus alba Medium-La ge 50-90rsquo
Mode ate Deep FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Deep ich well-d ained
St eambanks lakesho es gentle slopes adapts to almost any condition
Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe nuthatch quail uffed g ouse towhee wild tu key wood duck woodpecke chipmunk bea dee gophe opossum accoon squi el
Food Aco ns
White Sp uce Pic a glauca Medium 40-70rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist St eambanks lakesho es ich woods adjacent slopes
Wildlife Fishe s ma tens snowshoe ha e voles
Food Seeds
Yellow Bi ch (Sweet Bi ch)
B tula all ghani nsis
Medium-La ge 70-100rsquo
Slow Shallow Mode ate
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Fo ested wetlands floodplains avines cool ich woods of high elevations
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee common edpoll goldfinch pine siskins ed-shoulde ed hawk ing-necked pheasant uffed g ouse wild tu key wood duck yellow-bellied sapsucke beave chipmunk dee po cupine squi el snowshow ha e
Food Catkins buds ba k twigs foliage seeds
Page 4
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs
Ame ican Hazelnut Corylus am ricana Medium 5-10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Bo de s of woods hillsides thickets
Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe ceda waxwing hai y woodpecke ing-necked pheasant uffed g ouse chipmunk dee abbit squi el
Food Nuts be ies foliage
Beaked Hazelnut Corylus cornuta Small 6-10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y D y places Wildlife Bi ds mammals
Food Beaked nuts
Black Chokebe y Aronia m loncarpa
Medium Up to 10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Ceda waxwing chickadees uffed g ouse sha p-tailed g ouse dee abbit squi el
Food Be ies buds
Buttonbush C phalanthus occid ntalis
Medium 6-12rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
St eambanks lakesho es ponds sh ub and fo ested wetlands
Wildlife Ducks ails uby-th oated hummingbi d beave dee musk at butte flies honeybees and othe insects
Food F uit twigs leaves seeds necta
Chokeche y Prunus virginiana Small 3-6rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist With Aspen d y soils Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe catbi d c ow easte n kingbi d evening g osbeak o ioles pileated woodpecke ing-necked pheasant obin ose g osbeak uffed g ouse th ushes yellow-bellied sapsucke abbit squi el
Food Be ies buds foliage
Elde be y Sambucus canad nsis
Small-Medium 3-12rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods sh ub and fo ested wetlands ma shes
Wildlife Bluebi ds blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d g osbeak indigo bunting pileated woodpecke inged-neck pheasant obin ose-b easted g osbeak uffed g ouse th ushes wild tu key woodpecke chipmunk dee abbit squi el
Food Be ies necta twigs bugs
G ay Dogwood (Red-Panicle Dogwood)
Cornus rac mosa Medium 10-15rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Roadsides thickets wetlands Wildlife Blue jay ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing easte n kingbi d finch flycatche g osbeak hai y woodpecke no the n flicke phoebe pileated woodpecke pine g osbeak pine wa ble ed-bellied woodpecke ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse sta ling swamp spa ow tufted titmouse vee y vi eo wild tu key wood duck wood th ush woodcock yellow-bellied sapsucke chipmunk dee ed fox abbit squi el
Food Be ies twigs
Highbush Bluebe y Vaccinium corymbosum
Medium 5-15rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Baltimo e o iole bluebi d blue jay ca dinal chickadee g ay catbi d kingbi d o ioles phoebe ed-bellied woodpecke ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse ufos-sided towhee sca let tanage tufted titmouse vee y wild tu key woodpecke s wood th ush black bee chipmunk dee musk at abbit squi el white-footed mouse
Food Be ies foliage twigs buds
Hobblebush Viburnum alnifolium
Medium Up to 10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Cool moist avines shady lakesho es
Wildlife B own th ashe ca dinal ceda waxwing evening g osbeak obin
Food F uit
Page 5
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs (Continued)
Junipe Junip rus communis
Small 1-4rsquo
Slow Full Sun D y D y open land Wildlife Ceda waxwing finches g osbeaks g ouse pheasant obin dee abbit moose
Food Twigs foliage f uit
Lowbush Bluebe y Vaccinium angustifolium
1-2rsquo Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Bogs d y sandy flats ocky slopes
Wildlife Blue jay g ouse kingbi d o iole obin tanage s woodpecke s squi el
Food Be ies foliage twigs
Malebe y Lyonia ligustris Up to 10rsquo Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods gentle slopes
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food F uit
Mapleleaf Vibu num Viburnum ac rifolium
Small 3-6rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Rich woods Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food F uit
Mountain Lau el Kalmia latifolia Up to 20rsquo Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Mixed uplands acid soils Wildlife Ruffed g ouse dee
Food Foliage buds twigs necta
Nannybe y Viburnum l ntago Medium-La ge 10-25rsquo
Mode ate FallPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Rich woods Wildlife Songbi ds mammals
Food Be ies
No the n A owwood Viburnum r cognitum
Medium 10-15rsquo
Mode ate FallPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse songbi ds bea chipmunks accoon squi el skunk white-footed mouse
Food Be ies
No the n Wild Raisin (Withe od Vibu num)
Viburnum nudum varcassinoid s
Medium 6-10
Mode ate FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands valleys slopes st eambanks
Wildlife B own th ashe ceda waxwing flycatche uffed g ouse vee y woodcock yellow-wa ble chipmunk dee musk at squi el snowshoe ha e
Food Ba k twigs buds
Pussy Willow Salix discolor Medium-La ge Up to 15rsquo
Fast Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks lakesho es
Wildlife Ame ican goldfinch uffed g ouse beave ha e abbits squi el
Food Buds catkins twigs ba k
Raspbe y Rubus ida us Small Up to 6rsquo
Fast FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Thickets edges of woods Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food F uits
Red Osie Dogwood Cornus stolonif ra Small-Medium 4-8rsquo
Fast FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods st eambanks lakesho es
Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing downy woodpecke easte n kingbi d finches no the n flicke pine wa ble pu ple finch inged-neck pheasant uffed g ouse vi eo wild tu key woodpecke s wood duck chipmunk dee abbit squi el
Food Be ies twigs
Rhodo a Rhodod ndron canad ns
Small 3-4rsquo
Slow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs slopes ocky summits Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Leaves
Page 6
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs (Continued)
Shadbush (Se vicebe yJunebe y)
Am lanchi r spp La ge 15-25rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks ich woods
Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing g ay catbi d junco o ioles ed squi el obin uffed g ouse sca let tanage th ushes vee y woodpecke s beave dee ed squi el skunk
Food Be ies twigs
Silky Dogwood Cornus amomum Medium 6-10rsquo
Fast FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks
Wildlife Baltimo e o iole black-capped chickadee blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing downy woodpecke easte n kingbi d flycatche mockingbi d no the n flicke pine wa ble pu ple finch ed-bellied woodpecke inged-necl pheasant obin ose-b easted g osbeak uffed g ouse song spa ow sta lings tufted-titmouse wild tu key wood duck wood th ush vee y chipmunk dee abbit accoon skunk squi el white-footed mouse
Food Be ies buds twigs
Speckled Alde Alnus rugosa La ge 15-25rsquo
Fast Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks lakesho es
Wildlife Alde flycatche catbi d goldfinch malla ds pheasant pine siskin ed-winged blackbi d uffed g ouse swamp spa ow yellow-bellied flycatche woodcock bea beave dee cottontail moose musk at snowshoe ha e
Food Buds twigs ba k leaves
Spicebush Lind ra b nzoin Small-La ge 6-17rsquo
Mode ate Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Catbi d kingbi d pheasant quail obin uffed g ouse vee y vi eo wood th ush swallowtail butte flies dee musk at
Food F uit buds twigs leaves
Swamp Azalea Rhodod ndron viscosum
Up to 5rsquo Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Hummingbi d butte flies and othe insects dee
Food Leaves necta
Swamp Blackbe y Rubus hispidus Small Up to 6rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal ceda waxwing g ackle g ay catbi d g osbeak mockingbi d o iole tanage ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse ufus-sided th ushes towhee vee y wild tu key woodcock woodpecke s wood th ush chipmunk cottontail dee accoon skunk squi el
Food F uit canes
Sweet Gale Myrica gal Small 1-4rsquo
Slow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee catbi d common yellowth oat phoebe pied-billed g ebe uffed g ouse t ee swallow tufted titmouse wild tu key dee musk at
Food Buds leaves
Sweet Peppe bush Cl thra alnifolia Medium 3-10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Butte flies and othe insects
Food F uit seeds necta
Winte be y Holly (Black Alde )
Il x v rticillata Medium 6-10rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eamabanks
Wildlife Ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing chickadees finches flicke s uffed g ouse th ushes vi eo woodpecke s bea cottontail dee moose skunk white-footed mouse
Food Be ies twigs leaves
Page 7
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs (Continued)
Witch Hazel Hammam lis virginiana
La ge 20-30rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist D y o ich woods Wildlife Ca dinal ing-necked pheasant uffed g ouse wild tu key dee squi els
Food Seeds buds twigs ba k
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
GroundcoverHerbaceous Perennials
Boneset Eupatorium p rfoliatum
4-6rsquo Full Sun D y o Moist Wet meadows ma shes pond edges
Wildlife Malla ds uffed g ouse swamp spa ow wild tu key butte flies and othe insects
Food Necta
Blue Flag I is Iris v rsicolor 2-3rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Ma shes lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Blue-winged teal uby-th oated hummingbi d wood duck butte flies and othe insects musk at
Food Necta shoots
Bunchbe y Cornus canad nsis 3-8rdquo FullPa t Shade Moist Cool moist woods Wildlife Sha p-tailed g ouse sp uce-g ouse moose
Food F uit buds
Ca dinal Flowe Lob lia cardinalis 2-4rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Damp sites st eambanks Wildlife Ruby-th oated hummingbi ds butte flies and othe insects bea dee
Food Necta
Cattail (B oad-Leaf) Typha latifolia Up to 10rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Ma shes lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Blue-winged teal black-c owned night he on ed-winged blackbi d king ail least and Ame ican bitte n malla ds ma sh w en swamp spa ow Vi ginia ail chipmunk dee musk at
Food Seed heads
Ch istmas Fe n Polystichium acrostichoid s
Up to 1rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Rich woods Wildlife Ruffed g ouse box tu tle chipmunk abbit
Food F onds filldeheads
Cinnamon Fe n Osmunda cinnamom a
Up to 3rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife B own th ashe uby-th oated hummingbi d uffed g ouse yellow th oat chipmunk dee white-footed mouse vole
Food F onds filldeheads
Foamflowe Tiar lla cordifolia Up to 1rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Rich woods Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Leaves
Golden od (Rough o G ass-Leaved)
Solidago spp 1-5rsquo Full Sun D y o Moist Wet meadows ma shes damp swales
Wildlife Goldfinch junco uffed g ouse swamp spa ow butte flies and othe insects cottontail meadow mice
Food Seeds necta
Page 8
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
GroundcoverHerbaceous Perennials (Continued)
Hay-Scented Fe n D nnsta dtia punctiloula
Up to 2rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Woodlands hillside pastu es Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds filldeheads
Inte upted Fe n Osmunda punctiloula
3-4rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Woodland edges stony d y soil Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds filldeheads
Jewelweed (Spotted-Touch-Me-Not)
Impati ns cap nsis 2-5rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks
Wildlife Ring-necked pheasant uffed g ouse uby-th oated hummingbi d vee y butte flies and othe insects white-footed mouse
Food Necta seeds
Joe Pye Weed Eupatorium purpur um
2-6rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Wet meadows ma shes sho es Wildlife Ruby-th oated hummingbi d swamp spa ow butte flies and othe insects cottontail musk at accoon
Food Necta
New England Aste Ast r nova -anglia
Up to 5rsquo Full Sun D y o Moist Wet meadows wetlands Wildlife Songbi ds butte flies and othe insects Food Necta seeds
Ost ich Fe n Pt r tis p nsylvanica
Up to 6rsquo FullPa t Shade Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds fiddleheads
Pa t idgebe y Mitch lla r p ns Up to 1rsquo FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Rich woods Wildlife G ouse mammals
Food Be ies
Rattlesnake Manna G ass
Glyc ria canad nsis
Up to 3rsquo Full Sun Moist Ma shes bogs fo ested wetlands lakesho es
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Seeds
Rice Cutg ass L rsia oryzoid s Up to 5rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
P ima ily f esh ma shes Wildlife Dee musk at moose
Food Seeds foliage
Rive bank G ape (Vine) Vistis riparia Up to 25rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist St eambanks Wildlife Pileated woodpecke uffed g ouse wild tu key wood duck va ious mammals
Food F uit
Royal Fe n Osmunda r galis Up to 5rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds fiddleheads
Sensitive Fe n Onocl a s nsibilis Up to 3rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Black-capped chickadee uffed g ouse bea dee
Food Buds foliage
Sheep Lau el Kalmia angustifolia
Up to 4rsquo FallPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo est wetlands fieldspastu es
Poisonous to livestock
Swamp Milkweed Ascl pias incarnata
Up to 2rsquo FallPa t Shade Moist Wet meadows wetlands thickets sho es
Wildlife Black duck malla ds ed-winged blackbi d uby-th oated hummingbi d Mona ch butte fly othe butte flies and insects musk at Food Necta seeds
Page 9
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
GroundcoverHerbaceous Perennials (Continued)
Sweet Fe n Componia p rigrina
1-3rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Open d y sandy soils and pastu es
Wildlife Flicke s sha p-tailed g ouse dee moose
Food F uit
Tall Meadow Rue Thalictrum polyganum
2-8rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Wetlands wet meadows st eamsides
Wildlife Bees butte flies
Food Necta
Tussock Sedge Car x stricta Up to 4rdquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Ma shes ich woods Wildlife Finches uffed g ouse snipe spa ows dee
Food Seeds foliage
Twinflowe Linna a bor alis Up to 6rdquo FullPa t Shade Moist Rich woods Wildlife Mammals
Food Foliage
Vi ginia C eepe (Vine) Parth nocissus quinqu folia
Up to 25rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Woods ocky banks Wildlife Bluebi d g eat-c ested flycatche ed-eyes vi eo pileated woodpecke
Food Be ies
Who led Loosest ife Lysimachia quadrifolia
Up to 4rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist D y o moist open woods thickets
Wildlife Mammals
Food Foliage
Wild Sa sapa illa Aralia nudicanlis 8-15rdquo FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Upland woods Wildlife Mammals
Food Foliage seeds be ies
Winte g een (Teabe yChecke be y)
Gaulth ria procumb ns
Up to 4rdquo Full Sun D y Oak woods sandy soils Wildlife Pa t idge uffed g ouse songbi ds chipmunk dee moose
Food F uit foliage
References
Baldwin Hen y Ives ldquoFor st L av s How to Id ntify Tr s and Shrubs of North rn N w Englandrdquo Pete E Randall Publishe 1993
Connecticut Rive Joint Commission ldquoRiparian Buff rs for th Conn cticut Riv r Wat rsh drdquo 2000 httpwwwc jco gpdffilesPlant20listspdf
Ha low William M ldquoTr s of th East rn and C ntral Unit d Stat s and Canadardquo Dove Publications 1942
New Hampshi e Depa tment of Envi onmental Se vices Th Critical Edg Appendix D 1998
New Hampshi e Depa tment of Resou ces and Economic Development Division of Fo ests and Lands State Fo est Nu su y ldquoWildlif Cons rvation Sp ci s D scriptionsrdquo 2001
Nie ing William A ldquoNational Audubon Soci ty Natur Guid s W tlandsrdquo Chanticlee P ess Inc 1997
Redington Cha les B ldquoPlants in W tland Fi ld Guid to Biological Int ractionssrdquo KendallHunt Publishing Company 1994
Sutton Ann and My on ldquoNational Audubon Soci ty Natur Guid s East rn For stsrdquo Alf ed A Knopf Inc 1997
Unive sity of New Hampshi e Coope ative Extension ldquoTr s and Shrubs in N w Hampshir A Guid book for Natural B auty Proj ctsrdquo Bulletin 163
Unive sity of New Hampshi e Coope ative Extension ldquoN w Hampshir rsquos Nativ Tr s Shrubs and Vin s with Wildlif Valu rdquo
Compiled by
Jen D ociak New Hampshi e Depa tment of Envi onmental Se vices Wate Division Wate shed Management Bu eau
Ma ch 2006
Page 10
Introduction
Riparian Area An area f land and vegetati n adjacent t a stream that has a direct effect n the stream This includes w dlands vegetati n and fl dplains
Purpos of This Guid
This fi ld guid provid s bri f simpl and asy id ntification of common aquatic and riparian plants shrubs and tr s of N w Hampshir Although information in this guid is drawn from s v ral sourc s it is not int nd d to b a compr h nsiv listing of all th aquatic and riparian plant sp ci s in N w Hampshir Hop fully it will provid th casual obs rv r with aid in id ntification of th most fr qu ntly ncount r d sp ci s and r f r nc s to assist in furth r mor d tail d studi s for thos wishing to know mor about riparian cosyst ms Us of additional fi ld guid s to suppl m nt this on and to id ntify plants not includ d in this guid is sugg st d Oth r h lpful fi ld guid s can b found in App ndix A
How to Id ntify Plants
Th r ar s v ral ways to id ntify plants In fi ld guid s th y ar typically id ntifi d by photos drawings and d scriptions In th fi ld th y can also b id ntifi d by touch tast sm ll color and form Th ir branching habit l af form and v in patt rn can also aid in id ntification Plants can also xhibit diff r nt charact ristics during diff r nt tim s of th y ar In addition it is us ful to know th ir habitat or plac wh r th y grow
Organization of This Guid
This fi ld guid is organiz d into six s ctions
In th Wat r Subm rg d Aquatic Plants Plants that hav most of th ir l av s growing und r wat r som floating l av s may also b pr s nt Th y ar found from shallow to d p zon s
On th Wat r Floating Plants Plants that ar root d with floating broad l av s
On th Edg Em rg nt H rbac ous Plants Plants that hav l av s that xt nd abov th wat rrsquos surfac and ar usually found in shallow wat r
F rns Non-flow ring plants that b ar spor s rath r than s ds with flatt n d l af-lik ldquofrondsrdquo that ar furth r divid d
Woody Shrubs Woody plants which ar g n rally short r than tr s and small r in trunk siz Th y hav clust rs of st ms rising dir ctly from th ground and g n rally hav a ldquobushyrdquo app aranc with no sp cial crown shap
Climbing Vin s Plants with a w ak st m that d riv support from climbing twining or cr ping along a surfac
Th Canopy (Tr s) Woody plants that usually grow from th ground with a singl r ct st m or trunk Th main st m may b massiv and is oft n unbranch d for s v ral f t abov th ground Tr s can r ach a consid rabl h ight at maturity
A plant sp ci s will oft n hav s v ral common nam s This fi ld guid is organiz d alphab tically by th pr f rr d or most-us d common nam with th Latinsci ntific nam b low
Plant sp ci s d scriptions includ th following
Status Wh th r th plant is nativ or non-nativ xoticinvasiv Thos plants that ar non-nativ xoticinvasiv which ar also prohibit d in N w Hampshir ar id ntifi d as such
Habitat D scrib s th b st conditions for growth of this plant and wh r to locat it
H ight D scrib s how tall or long th plant grows
Bark In th Woody Shrub and Tr s ctions d scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th bark
Buds In th Woody Shrub and Tr s ctions d scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th buds
St m In th Woody Shrub s ction d scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th st m
L av s D scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th l av s
Flow rs D scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th flow rs
Flow ring P riod D scrib s th tim of y ar in which th flow rs bloom
Fruit D scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th fruit
Twigs In th Woody Shrub and Tr s ctions d scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th twigs
Valu Explains th worth of th plant to th oth r m mb rs of th cosyst m
Similar Sp ci s D scrib s th uniqu f atur s to h lp distinguish this plant from oth rs Additional information about som of th r lat d plants is also provid d
In addition app ndic s to this fi ld guid includ
App ndix A Oth r H lpful Fi ld Guid s
App ndix B Glossary of T rms
App ndix C L af Shap s and Arrang m nts
App ndix D Nativ Shor landRiparian Buff r Plantings for N w Hampshir
For Mor Information on Exotic Sp ci s
Additional information on xotic aquatic plants can b obtain d by contacting
N w Hampshir D partm nt of Environm ntal S rvic s Exotic Sp ci s Program 29 Haz n Driv PO Box 95
Concord NH 03302 (603) 271-2248
httpwwwd snhgovWMBExoticSp ci s
Whil additional information on xotic t rr strial plants can b obtain d by contacting
N w Hampshir D partm nt of Agricultur Mark ts amp Food Invasiv Sp ci s Program
25 Capitol Str t S cond Floor Concord NH 03302
(603) 271-2561 httpnhgovagricdivisionsplant_industryplants_ins ctshtm
Enjoy a Riparian Riv r-Walk
I hop this fi ld guid will inspir you to incr as your int r st and knowl dg of aquatic plants and th ir r lationship in riparian nvironm nts Riv rs and str ams ar fragil cosyst ms of natural b auty and intrigu I ncourag you to njoy a riparian ldquoriv r-walkrdquo during ach s ason and not only study th v g tativ communiti s but th ir int raction with both t rr strial and aquatic ins cts fish and oth r wildlif
Jen Dr ciak
Table of Contents
In The ater Submerged Aquatic Plantshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 01
Bladde wo t (Utric laria v lgaris)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 03
CoontailHo nwo t (Ceratophyll m demers m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 04
Milfoil (Myriophyll m heterophyll m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 05
Wate weedDitchmoss (Elodea canadensis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 06
Wild Cele yTape G ass (Vallisneria americana)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 07
On the ater Floating Aquatic Plantshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 09
Floating Hea t (Nymphoides cordata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 14
Wate shield (Brasenia schreberi)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 13
White Pond Lily (Nymphea ordorata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 11
Yellow Pond Lily (N phar variegata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 12
Duckweed (Lemna spp)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 15
Wate meal (Wolffia spp)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 16
On The Edge Emergent Herbaceous Plantshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 17
A ow A um (Peltandra virginica)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 19
A owheadDuck Potato (Sagittaria latifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 20
Blue Flag I is (Iris versicolor)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 21
Blue Ve vain (Verbena hastata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 22
BonesetTho oughwo t (E patori m perfoliat m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 23
Bu - eed (Spargani m e rycarp m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 24
Ca dinal Flowe (Lobelia cardinalis) helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 25
Cattail (B oad-Leaf) (Typha latifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 26
Common Reed (Phragmites a stralis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 27
JewelweedSpotted Touch-Me-Not (Impatiens capensis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 28
Joe Pye Weed (E patori m mac lat m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 29
Picke elweed (Pontedaria cordata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 30
Pu ple Loosest ife (Lythr m salicaria)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 31
Reed Cana y G ass (Phalaris ar ndinacea)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 32
Soft-Stem Bul ush (Scrip s valid s)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 33
Swamp Loosest ifeWate Willow (Decodon verticillat s)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 34
Th ee-Way Sedge (D lichi m ar ndinace m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 35
Wool G ass (Scirp s cyperin s)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 36
Fernshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 37
Cinnamon Fe n (Osm nda cinnamomea)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 39
Ost ich Fe n (Pteretis pensylvanica)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 40
Royal Fe n (Osm nda regalis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 41
Sensitive Fe n (Onoclea sensibilis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 42
oody Shrubshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 43
A ow-wood (No the n) (Vib rn m recognit m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 45
Buttonbush (Cephalanth s occidentalis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 46
Elde be yBlack-Be ied Elde (Samb c s canadensis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 47
Glossy Bucktho n (Rhamn s frang la)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 48
Highbush Bluebe y (Vaccini m corymbos m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 49
A Field Guide to Common Ripa ian Plants of New Hampshi e 1
Hobblebush (Vib rn m alnifoli m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 50
Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 51
Japanese Knotweed (Polygon m c spidat m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 52
Malebe y (Lyonia lig strina)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 53
Meadowsweet (Spiraea latifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 54
Multiflo a Rose (Rosa m ltiflora)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 55
No the n Wild RaisinWith od Vibu num (Vib rn m cassinoides)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 56
ShadbushSe vicebe yJunebe y (Amelanchier arborea)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 57
Sheep Lau elLambkill (Kalmia ang stifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 58
Silky Dogwood (Corn s amom m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 59
Specked Alde (Aln s r gosa)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 60
Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 61
Steeplebush (Spiraea tomentosa)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 62
Sweet Peppe bush (Clethera alnifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 63
Winte be y HollyBlack Alde (Ilex verticillata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 64
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 65
Climbing Vineshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 67
Climbing Bitte sweet (Celastr s orbic lat s)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 69
Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 70
Rive bank G ape (Vitis riparia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 71
Vi ginia C eepe (Parthenosis s q inq efolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 72
The Canopy Treeshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 73
Ame ican BasswoodLinden (Tilia americana)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 75
Ame ican Beech (Fag s grandifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 76
Ame ican Ho nbeamI onwoodBlue Beech (Carpin s caroliniana)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 77
Black Bi chSweet Bi ch (Bet la lenta)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 78
Black Che y (Pr n s serotina)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 79
Box Elde Ash-Leaved Maple (Acer neg ndo)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 80
Easte n Cottonwood (Pop l s deltoides)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 81
Easte n Hemlock (Ts ga canadensis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 82
Easte n White Pine (Pin s strob s)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 83
G een Ash (Fraxin s pennsylvanica)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 84
Red Maple (Acer r br m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 85
Red Oak (Q erc s r bra)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 86
Shagba k Hicko y (Carya ovata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 87
Silve Maple (Acer saccharini m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 88
Swamp White Oak (Q erc s bicolor)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 89
Sycamo ePlanet ee (Platan s occidentalis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 90
Tama ackLa ch (Larix laricina)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 91
White Ash (Fraxin s americana)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 92
White Oak (Q erc s alba)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 93
White Sp uce (Picea gla ca)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 94
Yellow Bi ch (Bet la l tea)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 95
Appendices
Appendix A Othe Helpful Field Guideshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 96
Appendix B Glossa y of Te mshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 97
Appendix C Leaf Shapes amp A angementshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 99
Appendix D Native Sho elandRipa ian Buffe Plantings fo New Hampshi ehelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 100
A Field Guide to Common Ripa ian
Plants of New Hampshi e 1
In The ater Submerged Aquatic Plants
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 1
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic
an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 2
BLADDER ORT
Utricu aria spp
Status Native Approximately 10 species in New Hampshire
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers bogs
Height 2-3 feet long
Stem Long slen er flexible branche typically becoming etache from roots an free-floating
Leaves Alternate filamentous finely-forke with attache ldquobla ersrdquo
Flower Stalks occurring at irregular intervals along stem Each stalk bearing 6-20 small pink to yellow two-lippe ldquosnap ragon-likerdquo flowers an emerging several inches out of the water or mu
Flowering Period June into September
Fruit Capsule containing many see s
Value Provi es foo an cover for fish Since they are free-floating they can grow in areas with very loose se iment provi ing nee e fish habitat in areas that are not rea ily colonize by roote plants
Similar Species Fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) coontail (Ceratophyllum spp) milfoil (Myriophyllum spp) Bla erwort may be istinguishe from these plants by the alternate forke leaves branching from the base into 2 main ivisions an presence of the ldquobla ersrdquo on the leaves (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Bla erwort may resemble the milfoils but there are two istinguishing features One is the bla ers on the leaves the other is that milfoils have feather-like leaves that have one central leaf stem with nearly opposite unbranche leaflets The leaflets of bla erwort are more branche an forke (Smagula an Connor 2007)
This carnivorous plant has trigger hairs on each bla er that open a trap- oor an suck in water along with the organism that triggere the reaction These organisms can range from insect larvae to tiny zooplankton Once insi e the bla ers the organism is igeste by enzymes foun there Special cells then take the igeste material from the bla ers an move it to the stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 3
COONTAILHORN ORT
Ceratophy um demersum
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Height Variable accor ing to water epth
Stem Long toothe trailing much branche
Leaves Whorle smooth up to 1 frac12 inches long 3 forks nearly threa -like flattene an toothe segments
Flower Tiny purplish-green foun where the leaf attaches to the stem an stays entirely submerge Male an female occurring separately
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Dark brown see approximately frac14 inch long with two spines at the base an one at the tip
Value The stiff whorls of leaves offer habitat for many species especially uring the winter when many other plants are re uce to roots an rhizomes Both foliage an fruit are graze by waterfowl Bushy stems are home to many invertebrates an provi e important shelter an foraging opportunities for fish
Similar Species Mermai -wee (Proserpina a palustris) fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) Coontail may be istinguishe from these plants by its whorle toothe leaves its tiny sessile axillary flowers an beake fruits (Smagula an Connor 2007)
The whorle leaves often cause the plant to be confuse with water milfoil This plant has a plastic-like feel an leaves ten to be thickly clustere at the tips of the stems The leaves are completely whorle aroun the stem an forke milfoil leaves are istinctly feather-like (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 4
VARIABLE ATER MILFOIL
Myriophy um heterophy um
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Height Slen er flexible long (up to 15 feet) Tip often emerging above water when flowering Data from a University of New Hampshire stu y can suggest that variable water milfoil can grow an inch per ay
Stem Roun thick re ish If broken in half the stem resembles a ldquowheel spokerdquo
Leaves Mostly submerge opposite or in whorls of 4 to 6 an can grow up to 2 inches long Leaves on upper stem are whorle an may be whorle or alternate on lower stem Emerge leaves occurring only towar the stem tips
Flower Small inconspicuous brownish occurring singly in the axils of the upper leaves usually above water uring flowering
Flowering Period In July flowers emerge from the water an are in a spike up to 6 inches tall Can also form a succulent amphibious form when water levels rece e
Fruit Very small four-lobe nutlike
Similar Species Mermai -wee (Proserpina a palustris) fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) coontail (Ceratophyllum spp) Variable milfoil may be istinguishe from these plants by the numerous scattere finely pinnately issecte leaves an floating or upright stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)
The plant is more robust than the other water milfoil species It has a very thick an heavy stem It can only be positively i entifie with the flower present or by DNA analysis (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Fragments of variable milfoil are ma e by passing boats wave action an auto-fragmentation These fragments may float freely an sprea for one or two weeks as they generate roots Once roots make contact with se iment the fragment attaches the roots sprea laterally an expan the footprint of the colony With one fragment an entire colony can arise Colonies can outcompete native plants re ucing bio iversity (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 5
ATER EEDDITCHMOSS
E odea Canadensis E nutta ii
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Height Up to 2 feet long occasionally forming ense colonies
Stem Slen er smooth branche
Leaves Long upper an mi le leaves in whorls of 3 with very finely-toothe margins Those of the male plants linear or lanceolate pointe at the tip up to frac12 inch long Those of the female plants broa ly lanceolate roun e or slightly pointe at the tip up to 58 inch long
Flower Green or white with 3 petals
Flowering Period July to September
Fruit A few to many-see e cylin rical capsule
Value Branching stems offer valuable habitat an grazing opportunities for fish Also provi es foo for muskrats an waterfowl They can eat the plant itself or fee on a wi e variety of invertebrates that use the plant as habitat
Similar Species Commonly mistaken for its invasive relative Brazillian elo ea It can be istinguishe by its smooth leaf margins
There are two common species of waterwee in New Hampshire E anadensis an Enuttalii Elodea anadensis ten s to have slightly broa er leaves with blunt tips whereas Enuttalii ten s to have thinner more nee le-like leaves that are pointe at the tips (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Enuttalii can be foun in alkaline to aci ic environments an E anadensis can be foun in alkaline or neutral systems (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 6
ILD CELERYTAPE GRASS
Va isneria americana
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers In water 4 - 6 feet eep
Height 1-3 feet long
Stem Slen er embe e horizontally in the mu near the surface an usually rooting at intervals
Leaves Narrow ribbon-like 1-3 feet in length with a light-colore center stripe mostly submerge with the tips floating
Flower Unisexual the female flower solitary an floating at the surface at the en of a long stalk The male flower on another plant submerge an attache to a short stalk near the bottom breaking off an floating to the surface at flowering time
Flowering Period July to October
Fruit Cylin rical po up to 2 inches long attache to a long stalk which coils up rawing the fruit un er water to mature
Value Source of foo for waterfowl All portions of the plant are consume foliage rhizomes tubers an fruit Muskrat are also known to graze on it Be s provi e sha e shelter an foo for fish
Similar Species Often confuse with the submerge leaves of bur-ree Tape grass can be istinguishe by its heavy air-fille leaves vertically veine centers an lightly veine e ges Unlike bur-ree this plant has no rib on the back of the leaf
Photo ourtesy of Amy Smagula
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 7
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic
an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 8
On The ater
Floating Aquatic Plants
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 9
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 10
FLOATING HEART
Nyphoi es cor ata
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Roun in cross section
Leaves Small heart-shape re ish to purple Approximately 1 ndash 1 frac12 inches wi e
Flower Small white 5 petals
Flowering Period Mi -summer
Similar Species The leaves are often confuse with those of the yellow water lily but are only about the size of a half- ollar an the shape resembles a heart with the same soft V-shape of the yellow water lily Floating heart has a small white flower that can be foun in mi -summer yellow water lily has a large yellow flower that blooms most of the summer (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 11
ATERSHIELD
Brasenia schreberi
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Roun in cross section Attache to the center of the un ersi e of the leaf
Leaves Oval Un ersi es are ark pink Leaves approximately 4 inches wi e Un ersi e of the leaves an stem have a jelly-like coating that protects them from being eaten by insects
Flower Small ark pink to purple 6 petals
Flowering Period July
Similar Species Resembles the leaves of the water lily as well as those of floating heart
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 12
HITE ATER LILY
Nymphea or orata
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Roun in cross section attache to the center of the un ersi e of the leaf
Leaves Roun with a V-shape notch on one si e Up to 12 inches wi e
Flower Large white sweet-smelling Up to 4 inches wi e
Flowering Period June - September
Similar Species White water lily can be istinguishe from the yellow water lily an floating heart by the V-shape notch near the stem attachment an the more roun e shape of the leaf
Both the yellow water lily an floating heart have a more roun e heart-shape notch Yellow water lily leaves are much more oval than the white water lily which has a circular leaf Floating heart leaves are no more than a few inches in length (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 13
YELLO ATER LILY
Nuphar variegata
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Triangular in cross section attache to the lobe en of the un ersi e of the leaf
Leaves Giant floating Up to 12 to 15 inches wi e
Flower Yellow flower petals appear cuppe aroun the inner flower parts an o not open completely like those of the white water lily
Flowering Period June ndash September
Similar Species Often confuse with floating heart an white water lily though floating heart is much smaller in leaf length an wi th The white water lily also has a much more roun e leaf with a sharp V-shape notch (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 14
DUCK EED
Lemna spp
Status Native
Habitat Surfaces of some lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers an often in stagnant waters of wetlan areas
Stem No true stems
Leaves This plant has no true leaves or stems an only has a flat green plant bo y calle a thallus They are very small only about 116 of an inch wi e (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Duckwee s blanket the water surface in colonies There may be one or more roots hanging into the water but the plant is free-floating
Flower This plant rarely flowers
Similar Species Many people think that ense growths of uckwee resemble an algae bloom (Smagula an Connor 2007)
ATERMEAL
Wolfifa spp
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem No true stems
Leaves Elliptical an flat
Flower This plant rarely flowers but is consi ere the worl rsquos smallest flowering plant
Similar Species Unlike uckwee this plant completely lacks roots an must be inspecte closely to etect this ifference Watermeal may also resemble an algae bloom but can be istinguishe by simply touching the waterrsquos surface to see if tiny plants are stuck to your fingers (watermeal) or if the water has a slimy film (algae) It is commonly foun growing along with uckwee (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Photo co rtesy of Amy Smag la
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 15
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 16
On the dge mergent Herbaceous Plants
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 17
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 18
ARROW ARUM
Peltan ra virginica
Status Native
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In mu or shallow water
Height Up to 2 feet tall growing in loose colonies
Stem Lacking a true stem Leaf an flower stalks arising from a thick root
Leaves Large arrow-shape Lower lobes separating an tapering to the tips Each lobe an the main stem have one prominent central vein from which other smaller veins originate The smaller veins are parallel to one another Leaf bla e with a vein running along the entire outline just insi e the margin
Flower Vertically-curle green Very small spathe almost completely covering the thin whitish fleshy spike White male flowers above green female flowers sheath tapering to the base an tip green outsi e an white insi e Flowering cluster at the en of a long nake stalk
Flowering Period May to July
Fruit Easily i entifie in the fall by its cluster of greenish-brown berries enclose in a green leathery case the stalk curve ownwar at maturity
Similar Species Arrowhea (Sagattaria latifolia) Arrow Arum may be istinguishe by its 3 prominent veins
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 19
ARROWH ADDUCK-POTATO
Sagittaria spp
Status Native There are several species in New Hampshire Slatifolia and Sgraminea are the most common
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In mu or completely submerge
Height Up to 1 frac12 feet tall
Stem Lacking an upright visible stem Leaves an flowering stalk arising from a fibrous roote base Several un ergroun runners each giving rise to a tuber the size of a small potato up to 2 inches wi e
Leaves Shape is variable within an between species Leaves can be broa ly or narrowly arrow-shape lance-shape or tape-like Leaves appear to clasp the base of the flowering stalk Leaf veins all originate from the point where the stem connects to the leaf an ra iate outwar from that point
Flower White petals in whorls of three with a yellow center up to 1 frac12 inch wi e Male flowers at the top with female ones lower on the flower stalk
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Flat winge crow e in a flattene hea up to frac12 inch wi e Ball-shape fruit clusters of green nutlets
Value Known as ldquo uck potatoesrdquo Arrowhea pro uces e ible starchy tubers beneath the mu eaten by ucks an muskrats
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 20
BLU -FLAG IRIS
Iris versicolor
Status Native
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In less than 3 feet of water
Height Up to 3 feet tall Growing in small colonies
Stem Upright robust flattene on one si e simple or with one or two branches from creeping rhizomes embe e in the mu Rhizome very shallow an sometimes expose above the se iment
Leaves Appearing basal but actually alternate bluish-green swor -like an up to 14 inches long an frac34 inch wi e ascen ing in a flat plane or fan-like arrangement Flower stalks are taller than the leaves
Flower Large purplish-blue stalke with 3 larger outer rooping petals whitish towar the base an 3 upright smaller petals in the center
Flowering Period June through July
Fruit Capsule up to 2 frac12 inches long with 3 roun e e ges contains numerous flattene see s often persisting into winter
Value Provi es foo an cover for waterfowl an wil life
Similar Species Leaves may be confuse with those of cattail (Typha spp)or sweet flag (Acorus calmus) Blue flag iris may be istinguishe by blueish-green leaves arrange in flat plane
Photo co rtesy of Amy Smag la
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 21
BLU V RVAIN
Verbena hastata
Status Native
Habitat E ges of pon s marshes streams an rivers
Height Up to 4 feet tall growing in small colonies
Stem Rough four-si e fairly straight arising from a fibrous roote base
Leaves Up to 6 inches long stalke toothe tapere at the tip with a rough surface
Flower 5 small blue petals in a pencil-like spike occurring singly or in clusters with in ivi ual flowers blooming perio ically from the base to the top of spike
Flowering Period July into October
Fruit Separating into four nutlets
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 22
BON S T THOROUGHWORT
Eupatorium perfoliatum
Status Native
Habitat Wet mea ows marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall Branche growing in small colonies
Stem Upright robust lightly- owny arising from a fibrous roote base
Leaves Opposite lanceolate tapering an pointe at the tip toothe with the base clasping the stem Heavily veine Up to 8 inches long an 2 inches wi e at the base
Flower Whitish in 3-4 terminal clusters up to 8 inches long
Flowering Period Late July through October
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 23
BUR-R D
Sparganium eurycarpum
Status Native
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Emergent in shallow water up to 1 foot eep or submerge in water up to 4 feet eep
Height Up to 3 feet tall
Stem Upright stout smooth arising from rhizomes embe e horizontally in the mu a few inches beneath the surface Zigzag stalks
Leaves Alternate linear up to 4 feet long Emergent stem leaves narrow up to 1 frac12 feet tall triangular in cross-section an ri ge on their back si e Certain species are erect while others are floating an ribbon-like
Flower Lower bulbs or burs are clusters of greenish female
flowers Upper smaller burs are white male flowers
Flowering Period June through August
Fruit A burr-like hea on a short or long stalk
Value Colonies provi e nesting sites for waterfowl an shorebir s The fruit is eaten by a variety of waterfowl an the whole plant is graze by muskrat an eer
Similar Species This plant is easily confuse with wil celery (Vallisneria americana) if the leaves are tape-like or with young cattail (Typha spp) if leaves are emergent For the floating form bur-ree has a ri ge own the back of the long leaf When erect an emergent leaves are shorter in height than those of cattail with a istinct ri ge or almost triangular cross section When in fruit the spiky burr-like fruit is istinctive (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 24
CARDINAL FLOW R
Lobelia car inalis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s sha e e ges streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall often growing in large colonies
Stem Smooth stout arising from a horizontal rhizome embe e shallowly in mu
Leaves Alternate lanceolate to oblong toothe tapering at both en s Lower leaves short-stalke upper leaves stalkless Up to 6 inches long an 1 frac12 inches wi e Smooth to slightly owny thin
Flower Long bright-re 2-lippe tubular flower occurring on terminal spike with the upper lip 2-lobe an lower lip 3-lobe
Flowering Period July into October
Fruit Many-see e capsule with two portions
Value Car inal flower is pollinate mostly by hummingbir s since most insects fin it ifficult to navigate the long tubular flowers
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 25
BROAD-L AF CATTAIL
Typha latifolia
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet swales e ges of lakes an pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 10 feet tall
Stem Upright stiff growing in ense stan s from thick extensively -creeping un ergroun rhizomes
Leaves Green or bluish-green upright linear 2-6 feet long an up to 1 inch wi e arising from base or alternating along the stem Leaves have a spongy feel
Flower Many small flowers packe into tight cigar-like clusters creating a lower female spike toppe by a smaller male spike with no gap between the two flower types Female spike persists turning into the familiar ark brown ldquotailrdquo
Flowering Period June into August
Fruit Small see -like surroun e by many bristles attache to the base
Value Provi es nesting habitat for many bir s such as the re -winge blackbir Shoots an rhizomes are eaten by muskrats an geese Submerse stalks provi e spawning habitat an shelter for fish One of only a few plants where all parts are e ible to humans
Similar Species Narrow-leaf cattail (Typha angustifolia) has narrower leaves a narrower fruiting hea an a gap between the male an female flower clusters
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 26
COMMON R D
Phragmites australis
Status Most stands are Non-Native xotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire Phragmites australis has been present in wetlan s for millennia but a non-native European species has crossbre with P australis an has forme an invasive plant
Habitat Fresh an brackish marshes e ges of lakes an pon s streams rivers an in roa si e itches Full to partial sun
Height Upright 4-14 feet tall usually forming ense colonies
Stem Calle ldquoculmsrdquo are large hollow an grow up to 1 inch wi e
Leaves Bluish-green lanceolate close together an usually sticking out from stems at a large angle up to 2 feet long an 1 inch wi e
Flower Clusters frac12 - 1 foot long often purple when young an whitish an fluffy when ol
Flowering Period Late July to October
Fruit Rarely pro uces see but sprea s vigorously by rhizomes often running over the surface of the groun
Value This plant has little to offer to bir s an mammals besi es cover Phragmites often outcompetes other native wetlan plants thus limiting the plant iversity an foo source value of the wetlan The only animal that fee s on this to any extent is the muskrat (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Similar Species Sometimes confuse with ree canary grass since they both form ense stan s at isturbe sites Ree canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) can be istinguishe by its shorter an narrower leaves spikelets with only one flower an its shorter height
How To Distinguish Native From Non-Native Phragmites
Stems Stems on the non-native variety are typically green but may have a little purple color along the no es Stems on
the native variety have some chestnut or purple color where leaves are pulle back exposing the stem Stems of the native variety are also often shiny an black spots often appear late in the growing season
Leaf Collars Leaf collars on the non-native variety are always green while leaf collars on the native variety may be
purple
Leaf Sheaths On fall stems the leaf sheaths on the non-native variety remain attache Leaf sheaths on the native variety are lost or very loosely attache so leaves rop off the native plants before the intro uce plants This is the best
in icator base seasonal changes that istinguishes native or non-native varieties
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 27
J W LW DSPOTT D TOUCH-M NOT
Impatiens capensis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 4 feet tall Often growing in ense colonies
Stem Upright smooth slightly branching hollow somewhat succulent slightly translucent
Leaves Alternate egg-shape toothe on stalks up to 4 inches long Silvery appearance when hel un er water an appear completely ry upon removal Size an color of foliage vary with ifferences in light exposure an available moisture
Flower Few to several angling orange-yellow three-petale tubularfunnel-shape flowers with re ish brown spots an curve spur at their en s
Flowering Period June through September
Fruit Flat green capsules approximately 1 inch long which at maturity burst when touche ejecting ark-brown see s
Value Especially a apte to hummingbir pollination but bees an butterflies are also important pollinators
The sap from this plant has been clinically proven to relieve skin rashes Jewelwee can be applie to the affecte part of the bo y an neutralizes the urishol oil pro uce by poison ivy an poison oak (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 28
JO PY W D
Eupatorium maculatum
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 6 feet tall Branche growing in small to me ium-size colonies
Stem Stout smooth purple or purple-spotte somewhat rough towar the top arising from a fibrous roote base
Leaves Lanceolate toothe rough short-stalke with large single mi -vein Up to 8 inches long an 2 frac12 inches wi e tapere at the base an tip in whorls of 3-7
Flower Small rose-purple in ense flat-toppe clusters at the top of the stem an at the en s of the branches
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Angular nutlet with a plume of fine bristles at the top
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 29
PICK R LW D
Ponte aria cor ata
Status Native
Habitat Marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 3 feet tall often growing in ense colonies
Stem Upright stout smooth arising from a rhizome bearing one leaf an one terminal spike
Leaves Basal an alternate very large arrowhea to heart-shape glossy with prominent parallel veins blunt tip on a spongy leaf stalk
Flower Many small tubular violet-blue flowers approximately frac12 inch long on solitary spike with a sheath at the base
Flowering Period June through August
Fruit Small bla er-like with toothe ri ges containing one see
Value See s are consume by waterfowl an muskrats Networks of rhizomes an leaves also offer sha e an shelter for fish
Similar Species This plant can be istinguishe from its close look-alikes arrow arum an arrowhea by its light bluish-purple flower spike Bases of the leaves are more roun e whereas arrowhea an arrow arum leaves are more pointe (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 30
PURPL LOOS STRIF
Lythrum salicaria
Status Non-Native xotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire
Habitat Marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams rivers an in roa si e itches Full to partial sun
Height 2-6 feet tall
Stem Upright smooth to slightly- owny Square four-si e almost woo y
Leaves Opposite to whorle lanceolate often with heart-shape bases somewhat clasping stem sometimes in whorls of 3 Gra ually tapering to a point 3 to 4 inches long an frac12 to 1 inch wi e
Flower 5-7 purple petals in a ense terminal spike
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Many-see e capsule
Value Little wil life value See s are low in nutrition an roots are too woo y The flowers are attractive to insects They pro uce nectar an are regularly visite by honeybees
This plant outcompetes other wetlan plants which are beneficial foo sources for wil life an insects It repro uces by pro ucing millions of see s per plant an quickly takes over the lan scape when intro uce It also sprea s by rhizome (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 31
R D CANARY GRASS
Phalaris arun inacea
Status Non-Native xotic Invasive
Habitat Swales marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Although it is usually a shoreline plant it can survive in knee- eep water by sprouting ldquowater rootsrdquo on the submerse portion of the stem Forms ense stan s in isturbe areas where clearing gra ing siltation filling or other isruptions have create an opening with moist soil
Height Up to 7 feet tall Often growing in ense colonies
Stem Upright stiff from extensively-creeping rhizomes
Leaves Alternate upright grayish-green open sheath an ligule at the leaf axis Bla es fairly long an narrow up to 12 inches long an frac34 inches wi e
Flower Green to greenish-purple spikelets single-flowere lanceolate ense Terminal inflorescence up to 7 inches long branche an compresse early in the season but opening after fertilization
Flowering Period June through August
Value Low foo value Provi es summer cover an habitat for waterfowl at isturbe sites However it ten s to mat own in winter provi ing little winter cover for wil life
Similar Species Sometimes confuse with bluejoint grass (Calamagrostis canadensis) However the spikelets of bluejoint are in a loose open arrangement an the no es have a bluish to purplish cast
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 32
SOFT-ST MM D BULRUSH
Scirpus vali us
Status Native
Habitat Wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Usually growing in water less than 5 feet eep Ten s to be foun on ldquomuckierrdquo substrate an will grow in stagnant water
Height Usually up to 5 feet but can grow up to 10 feet tall Often growing in extensive colonies
Stem Upright grayish-green often arching up to frac34 inch thick at the base arising from stout re ish rhizomes Soft roun tapering to a point
Leaves No apparent leaves
Flowers Inconspicuous many-stalke bu like spikelets covere by re ish-brown scales locate imme iately below the top of stem Clusters mostly rooping but not in higher salinity areas
Flowering Period June into September
Fruit See -like nutlet with 4-6 bristles attache to the base
Value Provi es habitat for invertebrates an shelter for young fish Nutlets consume by a variety of waterfowl marsh bir s an uplan bir s Stems an rhizomes eaten by geese an muskrat Also provi es nesting material an cover for waterfowl marsh bir s an muskrat
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 33
SWAMP LOOS STRIF WAT R WILLOW
Deco on verticillatus
Status Native shrub becoming herbaceous towar the tips
Habitat Wetlan s bogs e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Shallow water with muck or peat se iment Can form floating mats in areas of very soft se iment
Height Up to 5 feet tall
Stem Ri gi woo y smooth to slightly- owny 3-9 feet long The lower rooting stems are spongy an buttresse giving rise to new arching stems
Leaves Opposite or in whorls of 3 gra ually tapering to a point 3-4 inches long an frac12 to 1 inch wi e sessile or short-stalke
Flower Pinkish-purple bell-shape with 5-7 sepals an 5 petals forming showy clusters in the axils of the mi le to upper leaves
Flowering Period July through August
Fruit Small brownish capsule with 3-5 partitions the clusters sometimes persisting above the leaf scars throughout winter
Value The many intertwining arching stems may form sizable clusters at the e ges of lakes an sluggish streams or floating bog mats Wherever a stem touches the water air-fille spongy tissue may evelop This tissue buoys the stem so that it may root an form a new arching stem
Similar Species May be confuse with the invasive purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) Swamp loosestrife can be istinguishe by the arching stems an showy axillary flower clusters as well as the roun stem instea of the square stem of purple loosestrife (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 34
THR -WAY S DG
Dulichium arun inaceum
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Extensive be s can be foun in shallow (less than 3 feet) water Grows in a variety of se iment types an can tolerate some turbi ity
Height Up to 3 feet tall solitary or in small colonies
Stem Roun hollow jointe arising from a horizontal rhizome
Leaves Linear up to 4 inches long an 38 inch wi e with a conspicuous sheath the latter close except at the top
When looking own upon the plant the leaves are line up an appear to ra iate from three angles away from the main stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Flower Inconspicuous flattene linear sessile spikelets in the axils or two-ranke scales of the brownish spikelets 8-10 along the axillary stalk
Flowering Period July through October
Fruit Flattene brownish see -like nutlet toppe with a beak
Value Eaten occasionally by a variety of ucks an geese Rhizomes an shoots also graze by muskrats
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 35
WOOL GRASS
Scirpus cyperinus
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall growing in small colonies
Stem Upright robust roun to triangular especially at the base
Leaves Elongate from base of stem up to 2 feet long Leaves imme iately below the flower are in clusters of 3-5 an may reach 5 inches long an roop at the tips
Flower Clusters of 6-12 spikelets at en s of rooping stems Flower clusters up to 12 inches long much branche
Flowering Period August through September
Fruit Whitish see -like nutlet with bristles much longer than the scales attache to the base the bristles impart the wooly appearance to the spikelets
Value Provi es foo an cover for waterfowl an other wil life
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 36
Ferns
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 37
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 38
INNAMON FERN
Osmund cinn mome
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Often growing near somewhat similar an relate interrupte fern (Polys ichum aros ichoides)
Height Up to 3 feet tall
Stem Upright stout smooth green an covere with cinnamon-colore wooly stalk
Leaves Sterile (vegetative) fron s up to 3 feet high upright to slightly arche lance-shape with 20+ opposite leaflets Fertile fron s o not persist through the summer whereas vegetative fron s remain until first frost
Reproduction Club-like fertile fron with groups of spore cases on leaflets that hug the main axis
Fruiting Period Spring
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 39
OSTRI H FERN
Pteretis pensylv nic
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 6 feet tall forming tussocks or clumps
Stem Stout nake for up 1 foot from the base green flattene an black at the base covere with papery brown scales Arising from a forking shallowly-embe e rhizome an giving rise to stout black scaly runners
Leaves Sterile fron s forming circles gra ually narrowe at the base an abruptly narrowe to the tip Fertile fron s up to 2 feet tall an 2 inches wi e nake for approximately half their length the nake portions shiny brown crow e sprea ing or ascen ing branches often overlapping or twiste light green at first turning ark green an eventually brown
Reproduction Leaf segments with spore cases beneath become rolle into small har berry-like structures joine along the branches of the fertile fron
Fruiting Period July ndash August Persisting over winter
Similar Species Cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea) Ostrich fern may be istinguishe by the gra ually narrow base an papery scales rather than cinnamon-colore pubescence on the stalk
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 40
ROYAL FERN
Osmund reg lis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall growing in scattere groups
Stem Somewhat stout nake for approximately half its length greenish or re ish arising from a stout creeping rhizome
Leaves Fron s with 5-7 pairs of nearly opposite oblong ascen ing ivisions The lowest pair slightly shorter than the others each ivision ivi e into finely toothe oblong blunt alternate segments 10-14 on each si e Fertile fron s terminate by a panicle appearing as a ense cluster of light brown structures
Reproduction Spore cases clustere along short nake leaf segments in a terminal panicle an often at the tips of some of the ivisions One of several ferns that pro uce their spores on mo ifie leaflets not on the un ersi e of the fron s
Fruiting Period Spring an early summer
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 41
SENSITIVE FERN
Onocle sensibilis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 3 feet tall Growing solitary or scattere
Stem Upright stout nake for nearly half its length arising from a creeping rhizome
Leaves Sterile fron s up to 3 feet tall the bla e with up to 16 pairs of wi e segments having wavy margins Fertile fron s shorter the berry-like structures clustere in stiffly erect ivisions the entire structure appearing spike-like
Reproduction Leaf segments with spore cases beneath which have become rolle into small har black berry-like structures appearing July through August an persisting over winter
Fruiting Period July into October
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 42
Woody S rubs
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 43
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 44
NORTHERN ARROW-WOOD Viburnu recognitu
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 15 feet tall forming thickets
Bark Smooth an gray with a white pith
Twigs Brownish-gray hairless highly branche long straight slen er arrow-like smooth
Buds Re ish-brown with 2 pairs of scales Opposite pointe approximately frac14 inch long roun e scales with fringe of minute hairs along the bor ers
Leaves Opposite egg-shape to roun with saw-like coarse teeth 1-2 inches long an 3 inches wi e tapering to a point with very prominent smooth veins
Flower Numerous small white-petale flowers on short stalks in a somewhat ense terminal flat cluster
Flowering Period June through July
Fruit Fleshy blue-black berry-like approximately 13 inch wi e containing a flattene see appearing in August
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 45
BUTTONBUSH Cephalanthus occidentalis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 12 feet tall typically 3-5 feet tall
Bark Smooth an grayish when young flaky an grayish when ol er Light-brown pith
Twigs Slen er roun or angle grayish-brown to purplish marke with light elongate lenticels
Buds Small in epresse areas surroun e by bark
Leaves Opposite or in whorls of 3-4 Shiny ark-green above lighter green an slightly owny beneath Leathery smooth oblong to oval 3-6 inches long broa at the base pointe at tips often with short re stalks
Flower Densely clustere spherical creamy white ball-shape flowers long-stalke often in groups of 3 1- 1 frac12 inch wi e Ripe hea s brownish fragrant
Flowering Period July through August
Fruit Small triangular-shape capsules greenish in ball-like hea s like the flowers Persist into winter
Value Butterfly an moth species are often foun fee ing on the sweet nectar of the tubular flowers because of their long curle mouthparts Caterpillar pupas are often foun on buttonbush because of the foo association with larvae an a ults (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 46
ELDERBERRYBLACK-BERRIED ELDER Sa bucus canadensis
Elderberr showing fruit
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 12 feet tall often forming thickets
Bark Green
Twigs Pale yellow-brown to light-brown with numerous large raise lenticels Ill-smelling when bruise Flute or square pith very thick white an soft
Buds Small roun to oval covere with brownish scales
Leaves Opposite pinnately compoun with 5 to 11 leaflets usually 7 Lanceolate to ovate abruptly narrowing at the tip Sharply-toothe Lower leaflets often 3-parte Smooth above smooth or owny on veins beneath
Flower Small white nicely-scente flowers with 5 white petals in a flat-toppe cluster up to 6 inches wi e generally with 5 main branches
Flowering Period Late June through July
Fruit Juicy purplish-black berries in flat-toppe clusters containing many see s appearing late August to early October
Value Pro uces fruit that makes tasty jelly an wine It is also an important foo source for many songbir s
Elderberr showing flowers
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 47
GLOSSY BUCKTHORN Rha nus frangula
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T is species is pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Generalist Full-sun or sha e moist ry aci ic or basic soils Woo lan bor ers foreste wetlan s floo plain forests
Heig t Up to 20 feet tall
Twigs Grayish with whitish lenticels
Buds Nake owny up to frac14 inch long
Leaves Alternate whorle oblong 4-5 inches long an 3-4 inches wi e Long growing season leafing out in May an hol ing its leaves into November
Flower Small greenish-white in small clusters in the leaf axis
Flowering Period May through September Flowers an fruits continuously from May through September Plants often isplay bu s flowers immature fruit an mature fruit simultaneously
Fruit Berry with 2-3 pits approximately frac14 inch wi e turning from green to re an eventually blue-black Often all three colore berries are on the plant at the same time Sometimes ifficult to recognize in a foreste situation ue to its non- escript appearance but easily recognize July through September ue to masses of berries
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 48
HIGHBUSH BLUEBERRY Vacciniu cory bosu
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s rich woo s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 15 feet tall often forming thickets
Bark Rough brown Stem an larger branches shre y
Twigs On some bushes re ish-brown on other bushes they are yellow Covere with small warty lenticels zigzagge or angle
Buds Flower bu s re plump pointe with spine-like pointe scales Leaf bu s smaller two outer scales with hair-like point
Leaves Alternate pointe on both en s green on both si es untoothe Lower si e slightly wooly on the veins Up to 3 inches long an 1 frac12 inch wi e Deep re in autumn
Flower Cylin rical white or pink up to frac12 inch long an frac14 inch wi e in ense terminal or lateral clusters
Flowering Period April through June appearing when leaves are only half grown
Fruit Blue-black berry up to frac12 inch wi e with whitish bloom sweet in clusters
Value Berries eaten by numerous bir s an wil life
Similar Species Maleberry (L onia ligustrina) Highbush blueberry can be istinguishe by its terminal clusters of fruit an by berries rather than capsules for fruit
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 49
HOBBLEBUSH Viburnu alnifoliu
Status Native
Habitat Cool moist ravines e ges of rivers an streams
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Light brown with wavy grooves
Twigs Tough stout olive-brown to light purplish-brown Coate with rusty brown hairs towar the tip
Buds Large long in pairs light-brown covere with velvety fuzz Flower bu s roun e an occur only at tips of twigs
Leaves Very large 4-8 inches long Almost roun finely toothe heart-shape at base Hairy beneath rusty veins much branche Brownish hairs on stalks
Flower Large white clusters with 5 petals appearing before leaves are fully grown
Flowering Period May through June
Fruit Re berries turning black Stones with a groove on each e ge
Similar Species Likely to be confuse with ogwoo s Viburnum leaves are nearly always toothe or lobe while ogwoo leaves are smooth untoothe an veins are parallel
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 50
HONEYSUCKLE Lonicera spp
(L orrowii L tatarica L aackii)
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T ese species are pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Fiel s roa si es fence-rows he ge-rows e ges of woo s
Heig t 10 to 15 feet tall
Bark Tan to brown shre e in appearance
Twigs Generally glabrous thornless
Buds Blunt to acute
Leaves Opposite entire oblong to egg-shape 1-5 inches long
Flower 5-lobe tubular sometimes fragrant growing in leaf axils white to yellow
Fruit Re rarely yellow juicy few-see e berry July through September
Flowering Period May through June
Morrowrsquos Honeysuckle Lonicera orrowii
Leaves an young twigs ensely owny Leafy bracts beneath flowers not glan ular Leaves broa est below the mi le Flowers white fa ing to yellow
Tartarian Honeysuckle Lonicera tartarica
Un ersi es of leaves an young twigs are hairless Flowers usually pink-re Only species that has hollow pith
Amur Honeysuckle Lonicera aackii
Upper surface of leaves are shiny Bark is gray or tan an exfoliates somewhat in vertical strips Flowers white fa ing to yellow
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 51
JAPANESE KNOTWEED Polygonu cuspidatu
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T is species is pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Woo lan s open spaces itches roa si e itches e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall Fast growing aggressive easily sprea s an repro uces vegetatively
Twigs Greenish hollow jointe bamboo-like Stems often persist into winter
Leaves Alternate large untoothe broa ly ovate 3-7 inches long with pointe tips an square bases
Flower Many small whitish flowers growing in slen er finger-like clusters in the leaf axils
Flowering Period August to September
Fruit White papery win - isperse x-shape in cross-section
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 52
MALEBERRY Lyonia ligustrina
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s rich woo s gentle slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall often forming thickets
Bark Light gray shre y shaggy Younger bark appearing slightly hairy ol er bark gray with white lenticels
Twigs Yellow-brown to ash-gray mottle with black Flowering twigs leafless
Buds No terminal bu Lateral bu s flattene re oval pointe with a single re ish scale
Leaves Alternate elliptic to oblong stalke up to 3 inches long pointe at both en s minutely toothe Rough above slightly-hairy beneath
Flower Small roun white flowers in clusters up to 6 inches long
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Greenish-gray to brown small roun capsules with 5 partitions No larger than flower Crow e in groups on the stem persisting through winter Dry brown po s resembling blueberries
Similar Species Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium cor mbosum) Maleberry can be istinguishe by its flattene re bu s lateral rather than terminal clusters an by capsules of fruit instea of berries
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 53
MEADOWSWEET Spiraea latifolia
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t 2-3 feet tall forming large ense colonies
Bark Thin peeling in filmy layers
Twigs Smooth slen er light re ish-brown to purple more or less angle Unbranche (except occasionally towar the top where branching may occur)
Buds Many small smooth oval with several scales
Leaves Alternate oblong narrow toothe short-stalke tapering to the base with pointe to roun tips Up to 3 inches long an 1 frac12 inches wi e
Flower Pyrami clusters of white to pinkish 5-parte small flowers occurring at tip of stem
Flowering Period July into September
Fruit Small har smooth cluster of 5-6 tiny po s persisting over winter in the inflorescence giving it a ark-brown color
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 54
MULTIFLORA ROSE Rosa ultiflora
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T is species is pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Generalist Variety of soil moisture an light con itions
Heig t Up to 9 feet tall Shrubby arching
Bark Green Ol er stems turn woo y
Twigs Long arching with stiff re-curve thorns tips root to form new plants
Leaves Alternate pinnately compoun 7-9 toothe leaflets each leaflet about 1 inch long Fringe stipule at the base of leaf stem
Flower Dense clusters of fragrant white or occasionally pink 5-petale flowers up to 1 frac12 inch wi e Persist into winter
Flowering Period May through June
Fruit Small roun har re berry calle a ldquohiprdquo Smallest hip of any rose in New Englan persists into winter
Similar Species Multiflora rose can be istinguishe from other roses by the presence of a fringe stipule on the leaf petiole
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 55
NORTHERN WILD RAISIN WITHEROD VIBURNUM Viburnu cassinoides
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s valleys gentle slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall usually up to 7
Bark Smooth grayish-brown
Twigs Slen er long flexible ull pale grayish to light-brown Slightly hairy Somewhat angle with in istinct lenticels
Buds Covere by a single pair of scales Terminal bu s long yellow or gol en 2 light-brown scales split curve Flower bu s large an flask-shape
Leaves Opposite lanceolate to oval loosely toothe up to 4 inches long on short stalks tapering to an abrupt point Dark green above ull green below leathery
Flower Many small white 5-lobe flowers in short-stalke flat-toppe clusters at the tips of the twigs
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Fleshy blue-black berry-like approximately frac14 inch wi e containing a flat see Dull re as maturing
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 56
SHADBUSHSERVICEBERRY A elchier canadensis
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains rich woo s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 25 feet tall usually growing in thickets
Bark Gray smooth thin vertical fissures separating smooth flat areas in ol er trees
Twigs Ranci taste an smell (slight taste of bitter almon s) Slen er grayish often covere by a gray skin smooth Lenticels are scattere minute ots
Buds Terminal bu s long narrow greenish-yellow or purple
Leaves Alternate oblong finely-toothe broa est above the mi le Veins curve When half grown with white felt or wooly hairs beneath Up to frac34 inch long roun e at the tip an base
Flower Many me ium-size 5-petalle white flowers approximately frac34 inch wi e on stalks in clusters appearing when leaves are half grown
Flowering Period April through June
Fruit Dark-purple to black berries
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 57
SHEEP LAURELLAMBKILL Kal ia angustifolia
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 3 feet tall usually forming thickets
Bark Re ish brown
Twigs Pale brown smooth
Buds Nake no scales or only 2 showing
Leaves Evergreen Occasionally opposite but usually in whorls of 3 Elliptic to oblong on very short stems crow e on the branch opposite in threes Bright green above pale or whitene beneath Both surfaces smooth
Flower Small eep pink to re ish-purple 5-lobe approximately 1 frac12 inch wi e in clusters among the leaves
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Small brownish roun capsule with 5 partitions in clusters that persist over winter
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 58
SILKY DOGWOOD Cornus a o u
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall forming ense thickets
Twigs Much branching lower portion of the stem light brown upper portions becoming streake with re One-an two-year ol branches completely re an velvety Twigs mo erate to slen er with spongy chocolate-brown piths
Buds Smooth hairy
Leaves Opposite ovate to elliptic roun e at base with pointe tips Veins branching off mi vein that follow up the smooth leaf without reaching e ge Up to 5 inches long an half as wi e roun e to somewhat we ge-shape at the base an abruptly pointe at the tip pubescent beneath on short to mo erate stalks turning re in autumn
Flower Many small white 4-petalle flowers in broa flat-toppe clusters up to 3 inches wi e at the tips of branches
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Blue or blueish-white berries
Similar Species Re Osier Dogwoo (Cornus stolonifera)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 59
SPECKLED ALDER Alnus rugosa
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 25 feet tall often branching from the base
Bark Brown with whitish horizontal lenticels
Twigs Olive-brown to re ish brown smooth owny with greenish triangular pith
Buds Stalke re ish covere by 2-3 scales equal in length coate with grayish or brownish own no terminal bu
Leaves Alternate oval or roun e broa est below the mi le 2-4 inches long Doubly toothe or wavy Green above pale beneath Leaf base roun e or heart-shape Up to 6 inches long an 3 inches wi e
Flower Develop long before the leaves Male catkins long finger-like rooping Female catkins upright in clusters stalke resembling a small pine cone arching appearing below male
Flowering Period April through June before leaves emerge
Fruit Female catkins ripening into frac12 inch cylin rical cones persistent in winter
Comments Distinguishing features are the conspicuous white lenticels on the trunk an on the twigs the short thick stalks of the ldquoconesrdquo an the conspicuous net venation of the leaves In winter the immature female spikes roop
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 60
SPICEBUSH Lindera benzoin
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains rich woo s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Smooth grayish-brown
Twigs Younger growth is green with white lines an specks while ol er portions with smooth gray-brown bark
Buds Leaf bu s small pointe Flower bu s larger stalke Spherical arrange on one si e of a leaf bu above the scar
Leaves Alternate obovate to ovate somewhat pointe up to 4 inches long an 2 inches wi e
Flower Small yellow Male an female occur in clusters on separate plants
Flowering Period April through May
Fruit Fleshy re an berry-like up to frac12 inch long containing one large see
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 61
STEEPLEBUSH Spiraea to entosa
Status Native
Habitat Wet mea ows marshes shrub wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 3 frac12 feet tall
Bark Thin hairy peeling shre ing into strips
Buds Lateral bu s covere with wool No terminal bu
Leaves Alternate simple toothe up to 2 inches long white or woolly beneath with brownish rusty or tawny hairs
Flower Small 5-petale eep pink or rose colore flowers in ense steeple-like terminal spike up to 6 inches long
Flowering Period July into September
Fruit One-celle capsules persistent into winter
Similar Species The pinker plants are often confuse with purple loosestrife Steeplebush has alternate leaves whereas purple loosestrife has opposite or whorle leaves The stems of Steeplebush ten to be roun in cross-section whereas the stems of purple loosestrife are square in cross section (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 62
SWEET PEPPERBUSH Clethera alnifolia
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Dark grayish or blackish Branches of previous year shre y or flaky
Twigs Slen er roun an slightly owny on new twigs with large white pith
Buds Lateral bu s small an obscure Terminal bu s are owny large an pointe
Leaves Alternate egg-shape to oblong small broa est above mi le sharply-toothe except at base Straight-veine both si es smooth an green abruptly blunt-pointe Up to 4 frac12 inches long an 1 frac12 inches wi e
Flower Many small 5-petale fragrant white flowers occurring on terminal spike
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Small tan roun capsule each with 3 hairy partitions resembling peppercorns persisting into winter
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 63
WINTERBERRY HOLLYBLACK ALDER Ilex verticillata
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Gray smooth
Twigs Slen er ark purple-gray with many small lenticels
Buds Tiny blunt at tip iverging from the twig Crow e upper bu s larger Terminal bu present
Leaves Alternate ovate thick ull-green above owny beneath coarse-toothe prominent veins Broa est at or above the mi le pointe at both en s
Flower Very small greenish or yellowish white Male an female flower son separate plants 6-8 petals in clusters seate irectly on stem frac14 inch in iameter of very short stalks
Flowering Period May through August
Fruit Bright re berry-like with 3-5 bony nuts borne singly or in clusters approximately frac14 inch wi e containing several see s persisting into winter
Value Extremely showy in late fall an early winter when covere with their bright re fruit these shrubs are either male or female Attractive to bir s
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 64
WITCH HAZEL Ha a elis virginiana
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 30 feet tall
Bark Mottle light-brown to gray smooth to scaly
Twigs Zigzag smooth to slightly hairy Short shoots light orange brown with rusty or gray hairs Some brown warts but lenticels in istinct
Buds Lateral bu s flattene with rusty brown hairs Terminal bu stalke curve or sickle-shape
Leaves Roun e to oval wavy lopsi e toothe in shallow roun e lobes Main veins prominent 5-7 nerves One-si e at base
Flower Bright yellow crinkle curving petals persisting into winter remaining attache to twig
Flowering Period August into November
Fruit Woo y hairy light-brown 2-see e po with 4 well-space curve points splitting open an ejecting black see s forcibly ripening a year after flowers Open po s remain on stem
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 65
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 66
Climbin Vines
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 67
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 68
CLIMBINGORIENTAL BITTERSWEET
Celast us o biculatus
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire
Habitat Disturbe areas roa si es fiel s forests an e ges of streams an rivers
Hei ht 40-65 feet long eci uous woo y vine Very aggressive climbs up an over trees an chokes them
Stem Tanish furrowe
Leaves Alternate ovate bluntly toothe 3-4 inches long tapere at the base
Flower Small greenish clusters in the leaf axils
Flowerin Period April through May
Fruit Bright-yellow splitting open to reveal showy orangere fruit
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 69
POISON IVY
Toxicodend on adicans
Status Native
Habitat Generalist Variety of soil moisture an light con itions Foun in recent clear-cuts
Hei ht Upright eci uous shrub trailing vine or climbing plant Shrub can grow up to 6 feet tall but this plant is taller as a vine
Leaves Long-stalke compoun leaves ivi e into 3 leaflets each leaflet having a longer stalk than the si e leaflets
Flowers Small yellowish flowers with 5 petals occurring on lateral clusters
Flowerin Period May through July Poison i y showing fruit
Fruit Greenish to grayish-white berries lacking hairs Pro uce in late summer an can persist throughout winter
CAUTION
TOUCHING OR BURNING ANY PART OF THIS PLANT CAN CAUSE SEVERE SKIN IRRITATION
Poison i y as a tree-climbing ine Poison i y in autumn
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 70
RIVERBANK GRAPE
Vitis ipa ia
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Hei ht Up to 60 feet tall
Bark Re ish-brown in loose strips Pith with thin firm tissue
Leaves Alternate coarse-toothe up to 7 inches long with usually 3-5 lobes an narrow-pointe leaves
Flowers Inconspicuous in branche clusters
Flowerin Period May through July
Fruit Purplish-black to black grapes up to frac12 inch wi e with whitish waxy covering
Similar Species Forest grape (Vitis ulpina) occurs in similar habitats but its leaves have broa teeth an are not usually lobe an its grapes are black an lacking waxy coating
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 71
VIRGINIA CREEPER
Pa thenosisus quinquefolia
Status Native
Habitat Wi e range of con itions ry san y soil to moist nutrient-rich soil sha e sun
Stem Woo y stem persisting into winter
Leaves Alternate palmately compoun with 3-7 but usually 5 leaflets Leaflets 6-12 centimeters long with toothe margins Turn eep-re in the fall
Flower Inconspicuous green-white
Fruit Small blue-black berries appearing in autumn
Comments Climbs by ten rils that have oval a hesive isks at their tips
Similar Species Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) has compoun leaves with 3 leaflets but the terminal leaflet is attache to a short-stalk Poison ivy also climbs by aerial roots not by a hesive isks
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 72
The Ca opy Trees
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 73
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 74
AMERICAN BASSWOODLINDEN Tilia am ricana
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s valleys gentle slopes
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray ri ge when ol
Twigs Alternate stout zigzag greenish-gray smooth or owny
Buds Re ish-brown frac12 inch long lopsi e No terminal bu
Leaves Alternate large up to 8 inches long sharply toothe Unequally heart-shape at base
Flowers 5 cream-colore fragrant yellow petals Approximately frac12 inch across
Floweri g Period Early summer
Fruit Stalke cluster of small pale green nuts attache to a leafy wing
AMERICAN BEECH Fagus grandifolia
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s uplan s well- raine lowlan s
Height Up to 90 feet tall
Bark Smooth an light blue-gray when young an ol
Twigs Alternate slen er greenish-brown hairy
Buds Slen er sharp-pointe approximately frac34 inch long chestnut brown with overlapping scales
Leaves Alternate simple egg-shape pointe with parallel veins terminating in teeth Shiny papery-smooth up to 5 inches long Dry leaves remain on tree in winter Yellow in autumn
Flowers Inconspicuous slen er catkins in a roun e hea both sexes occur on the same tree
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Prickly 4-valve fruit capsule bearing 2 triangular nuts Nut is sweet an e ible
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 75
AMERICAN HORNBEAM IRONWOODBLUE BEECH Carpinus caroliniana
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s foreste wetlan s e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 40 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray-green furrowe flute (muscular) wavy
Twigs Slen er ark re ish-brown shiny an smooth or slightly -hairy
Buds Oval re ish brown angle scaly
Leaves Alternate simple oblong sharply an finely oubly-toothe margins up to 4 inches long an 2 inches wi e entirely smooth above slightly owny beneath Orange or scarlet in autumn
Flowers Very small male an female flowers occur in separate spikes Male catkins 1 inch female small appearing with leaves
Floweri g Period April through May before leaf-out
Fruit Nutlet in the axil of a 3-lobe leaf-like bract the bracts clustere in a loose terminal spike up to 2 inches long
BLACK BIRCHSWEET BIRCH B tula l nta
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s
Height Up to 60 feet tall
Bark Smooth ark brown Long horizontal lenticels resembling cherry Ol er trees with very ark thick plates
Twigs Smooth slen er light re ish-brown with very fine horizontal lines Smells an tastes of wintergreen
Buds Sharp re ish brown long terminal bu absent on long shoots Bu scales owny on margins
Leaves Alternate simple heart-shape sharply ouble-or single-toothe smooth above with tufts of white hair on the veins beneath ull ark green Wintergreen o or an taste
Flower Male an female flowers occur in separate catkins on the same tree male catkins present uring the winter
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Catkins cylin rical short scales smooth
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 76
BLACK CHERRY Prunus s rotina
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s on many sites
Height Up to 60 feet tall
Bark Dark re ish-brown smooth with narrow horizontal lenticels on young trees becoming roughene an scaly on ol er trees Resembles black birch
Twigs Slen er re ish-brown often gray an peeling Ranci o or an taste Often with black knot swellings on branches with narrow lenticels
Buds Bright light re ish-brown 4 scales appear as none Terminal bu larger than laterals
Leaves Alternate simple elliptic Smooth an shiny above finely-toothe turning inwar Brown wool on 13 of mi rib beneath Yellow to brown in autumn
Flower White 5-petalle elongate clusters appearing when leaves are frac12 grown in clusters at the en s of twigs up to 4 inches long
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit E ible cherries ark re ish-purple becoming black with small stone Appearing June-October
BOX ELDERASH-LEAVED MAPLE Ac r n gundo
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s lowlan s floo plains
Height Up to 40 feet tall
Bark Thin grayish to light-brown with furrowe narrow ri ges similar to Norway maple
Twigs Stout green to purplish-green brightly colore often re Covere with whitish bloom the first year which rea ily rubs off
Buds Short-stalke re ish usually wooly or owny whitish ensely hairy
Leaves Opposite compoun palm-like with 3-5 veiny leaflets up to 5 inches long on short stalks Very variable in shape sharp margins with coarse teeth Light green above pale green an hairy along veins beneath Stalk swollen at base
Flower Small yellowish to greenish Male an female flowers occur in rooping clusters on separate trees appearing slightly before leaf-out
Floweri g Period April through May at or before leaf-out
Fruit A typical flattene v-shape winge samara
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 77
EASTERN COTTONWOOD Populus d ltoid s
Status Native
Habitat Floo plains streambanks valleys
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Greenish-yellow on young trees gray an furrowe on ol er trees
Twigs Smooth yellow-brown mo erately stout
Buds Brown shiny approximately frac12 to 1 inch long 6-7 scales heavy sticky fragrant yellow resin insi e
Leaves Alternate simple large triangular coarse roun e teeth up to 6 inches long an often nearly as wi e Dark green an shiny above lighter beneath with veins prominent on both surfaces Stems flattene at base of leaves Leaves from sprouts very large Yellow in autumn
Flower Drooping loosely groupe catkins Male an female flowers occur in rooping spikes on separate trees Before the leaves unfol the male crow e into rather thick re ish spikes the female crow e into narrower greenish yellow spikes
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Short-stalke capsule with 4 partitions approximately frac14 inch long
EASTERN HEMLOCK Tsuga canad nsis
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s ravines foreste wetlan s
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Cinnamon-re to gray tinge with purple narrow ri ges
Twigs Alternate yellow to grayish brown very hairy flattene
Buds Approximately frac12 to frac34 inch wi e oval chestnut brown hairy scales
Needles Narrow approximately frac12 inch long Short shiny ark-green above tapering whitish-green with 2 white lines beneath appearing as a broa stripe Stalke at base persistent comb-like arrangement on twig
Fruit Small oval cones frac12 to frac34 inch long on slen er stalks Cone scales as wi e as long Male cones are small structures in clusters in leaf axils an o not persist Female cones have brown scales are at twig en s an persist
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 78
EASTERN WHITE PINE Pinus strobus
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s bogs ravines cool sha y north slopes
Height Up to 120 feet tall
Bark Smooth thin greenish when young becoming ark brown eeply-furrowe an blocky when ol er
Twigs Smooth slen er green or light yellowish-green resinous
Buds Sharp-pointe yellowish-brown
Leaves In clusters of 5 (the only five-nee le pine in the East) soft slen er bluish-green Retaine to en of the secon growing season 3 year nee les yellow in October 2-5 inches long
Fruit Large tapering cylin rical cones falling when ripe (August-September) Require two seasons to mature 4 to 8 inches long
GREEN ASH Fraxinus p nnsylvanica
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains streambanks
Height Up to 80 feet tall
Bark Young twigs gray thin hairless Ol er stems gray with shallow grooves ri ges an furrows
Twigs Stout gray terminal bu present conical the first pair of lateral bu s place some istance below the terminal
Leaves Opposite pinnately-compoun with 5-9 (usually 7) leaflets Shiny green on top occasionally hairy on bottom with saw-toothe margins Bright yellow in autumn
Flower Inconspicuous small cluster of greenish petal-free stalke flowers with male an female flowers occur on separate trees
Floweri g Period April to June as leaves emerge
Fruit Samara with a broa wing an in istinct see portion
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 79
RED MAPLE Ac r rubrum
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s rich woo s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 75 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray often satiny on young trees becoming arker scaly rough separating an forming long scales often up-curling in ol er trees
Twigs Current years growth re Ol er twigs light gray smooth
Buds Sharp ark re with prominent overlapping scales
Leaves Opposite simple usually 3-lobe (sometimes 5) with sharp angles between lobes an with sharp irregular teeth Dark green above gray-green beneath approximately 3-4 inches long Yellow or scarlet in autumn
Flower Re or yellow with petals appearing long before the leaves emerge Male an female flowers occur on separate trees
Floweri g Period March through May before leaf-bu s open
Fruit A ouble-winge v-shape re samara up to 1 inch long
Matures in late spring falls an germinates at once
RED OAK Qu rcus rubra
Status Native
Habitat Bottomlan s moist slopes
Height Up to 90 feet tall
Bark Smooth greenish-brown on young stems becoming broken into ri ges re ish-brown har with eep furrows when ol er Inner bark re ish
Twigs Alternate strongly ri ge or flute Re ish brown or black smooth
Buds Smooth brown blunt-pointe in clusters at en s of twigs Larger than other oaks except black frac14 inch long roun e on the si es Terminal bu s have slight rusty hairs
Leaves Spikes on tips of lobes Mostly 3 pairs V-shape space between lobes (typically 7-11) triangular in outline smooth on both si es
Flower Long sprea ing strings
Fruit Acorn maturing in secon year Cup embracing 13 to frac12 the acorn Oval to cylin rical short shallow Acorns large bitter ine ible insi es pale yellow
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 80
SHAGBARK HICKORY Carya ovata
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s valleys uplan slopes
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Smooth when young splitting into long plates that curve outwar free at both en s when ol er
Twigs Re ish-brown very stout tough an har to break Soli pith
Buds Dark brown long-pointe approximately frac12 inch or more wi e Scales remaining over winter
Leaves Alternate compoun 4-6 inches long 5 (rarely 7) leaflets with the 3 upper leaflets much larger an longer than the lower terminal leaflet Slightly toothe with a tuft of hair on each tooth
Flower Male an female flowers occur on same tree Male flowers are 3-branche catkins female flowers are in short spikes
Floweri g Period Early spring before leaf-out
Fruit Thick globe-like husks split away when ripe Nut with 4 angles whitish brown shell thick sweet kernel
SILVER MAPLE Ac r saccharinium
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 80 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray (like beech) in young trees breaking into long thin scaly plates curving away at en s when ol er
Twigs V-shape point upwar at tip rooping Orange-brown to re Ba o or when bruise
Buds Terminal bu small blunt re
Leaves Opposite simple approximately 5 inches wi e Deeply cleft 5-lobe sharply toothe Green above silver-white beneath Very silvery un er water Downy beneath when young Pale yellow in autumn
Flower Small re or greenish yellow No petals occurring long before the leaves Some trees have only male flowers
Floweri g Period February through May before leaf-out
Fruit Occurring in late spring The see germinates at once flattene winge fruit the largest of the native maples up to 2 inches long
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 81
SWAMP WHITE OAK Qu rcus bicolor
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 70 feet tall
Bark Flaky light grayish-brown peeling in ragge papery scales Furrowe at base of tree in long flat scaly ri ges
Twigs Slen er to stout straw-brown to yellow-green Bark peels from twig (only oak where this occurs)
Buds Small roun terminal bu s orange-brown blunt-pointe smooth Lateral bu s small an crow e
Leaves Alternate simple oval light-green above with hairs beneath wi est above the mi le strongly tapere towar the we ge-shape base Margin shallowly lobe Yellow or brown in autumn
Flower Male an female flowers occur separately on the same tree the male in catkins the female in short spikes
Fruit Oval light-brown nut approximately 1 inch long enclose for about frac12 its length by a cap Occurring singly or often in pairs at the en of a short stalk Some of the cups usually persist in winter
SYCAMOREPLANETREEBUTTONBALL Platanus occid ntalis
Status Native
Habitat Floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Creamy white on young branches turning re -brown-gray then breaking in large thin plates exposing whitish inner bark giving a white-washe appearance
Twigs Slen er smooth yellow-brown slightly zigzag swollen at joints
Buds No terminal bu Lateral bu s long conical resinous shiny ark re -brown covere by a single cap-like scale Pointing outwar enclose by bases of leaf stalks until the leaves fall
Leaves Alternate simple large with 3-5 pointe lobes maple-like pubescent beneath when young with long pointe teeth
Flower Small inconspicuous Male an female flowers occur separately in roun hea s on the same tree
Floweri g Period April through June
Fruit Large roun balls approximately frac14 inch long an 1 inch wi e with bristly hairs at base containing many see s Occurring singly on long stalks Remains on tree until spring
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 82
TAMARACHLARCH Larix laricina
Status Native
Habitat Bogs foreste wetlan s wet peaty soils
Height Up to 80 feet tall
Bark Thin re ish brown scaly Young branches grayish or pale orange-brown
Twigs Smooth brownish many leaf scars
Buds Dark re ish-brown roun resinous
Leaves Deci uous nee les pale blueish-green approximately 1 inch long flexible triangular Yellow in autumn before ropping off
Flower Occur separately as small cones on the same tree Male flowers are yellow Female flowers are rose re both appearing in March through April
Fruit Small oval cones frac12 to frac34 inch wi e with 20 scales Cone scales concave smooth often shining longer than broa chestnut brown smooth on the outsi e
WHITE ASH Fraxinus am ricana
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s valleys slopes foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Light or ark gray Smooth when young groove when ol er Longitu inal ri ges forming iamon -shape patterns separate by narrow interlacing ri ges
Twigs Opposite light greenish-brown with small white lenticles an a slight bloom Soli pith
Buds Roun e rusty to ark-brown rough hairy First pair of lateral bu s at the same level irectly below the terminal
Leaves Opposite pinnately compoun stalke oval to lanceolate 8 to 12 inches long with 5 to 9 leaflets (mostly 7) Smooth or slightly wavy-toothe Yellowish to maroon in the autumn
Flowers Small inconspicuous male an female flowers occur on separate trees appearing with the leaves Purplish in crow e clusters
Floweri g Period April through May before leaf-out
Fruit Cylin rical light-brown enclosing a see an a flattene elongate wing 2-3 times long as the bo y 1-2 inches wi e in rooping clusters
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 83
WHITE OAK Qu rcus alba
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s a jacent slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 90 feet tall
Bark Gray thin on young trees an flaky irregularly-plate or groove when ol er
Twigs Purplish-gray to greenish-re mo erately stout smooth
Buds Blunt smooth brownish at tips of twigs in clusters
Leaves Alternate simple 4-10 prominent roun e lobes variable in epth Re ish to violet in autumn Brown ea leaves remain on tree in winter
Flowers Both sexes occur on the same tree Male flowers in clusters of hanging bea s Female flowers are few in angles of new leaves Greenish yellowish or re ish
Fruit Maturing in one season Acorn cup with wart-like scales Cup shorter than nut Sweet an e ible
WHITE SPRUCE Pic a glauca
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s a jacent slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 70 feet tall
Bark Thin scaly grayish-brown silvery on freshly expose areas
Twigs Pale gray to yellow-brown no hairs or fuzz
Buds Oval ragge brown smooth
Leaves frac12 to 1 inch blueish-green slight-bloom pungent o or when crushe sharp line of white ots in each groove Ten ency to mass towar the upper si e of the twig
Flowers Occur separately as small cones on the same tree Male flowers are yellowish re Female flowers are greenish re purplish
Co e Cylin rical 2 inches long Immature cones have thin scales an are soft an flexible Mature cones are light chestnut brown
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 84
YELLOW BIRCH B tula l nta
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains ravines cool rich woo s of higher elevations
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Peeling in thin ribbon-like strips when young that roll back in curls Shiny yellow or silvery gray rough an platy when ol er
Twigs Stout bronze or bright-brown shiny Smooth or sparsely hairy Wintergreen o or an taste
Buds Sharp re ish-brown oppresse terminal bu absent oval with chestnut-brown scales
Leaves Alternate simple long oval sharply ouble-toothe Dull an ark-green above lighter beneath with slight hairs in veins base roun e to near heart-shape up to 5 inches long
Flower Male an female flowers in separate catkins on the same tree Male catkins present in winter Male flowers are yellow small narrow in a rooping catkin at branch tips Female flowers are green an in broa er upright catkins place back from the tip that matures into a brown cone
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Catkins roun e roun scales somewhat hairy erect on twig frac34 inch long persist into winter
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 85
Appendix A Other Helpful Field Guides
The Boo of Swamp and Bog Trees Shrubs and Wildflowers of Eastern Freshwater Wetlands by John Eastman 1995 Stackpole Books ISBN 0-8117-2518-9
A Field Guide to Coastal Wetland Plants of the Northeastern United States by Ralph W Tiner Jr 1987 University of Massachusetts Press ISBN 0-870-23538-9
Freshwater Wetlands - A Guide to Common Indicator Plants of the Northeast by Dennis W Magee 1981 University of Massachusetts Press ISBN 0-87023-317-3
Northeastern Wetland Flora Field Office Guide to Plant Species by USDA ndash NRCSNortheastern National Technical Center Chester Pennsylvania
Plants in Wetlands A Redington Field Guide to Biological Interactions by Charles B Re ington 1994 Ken allHunt Publishing Company ISBN 0-84038-983-3
Pond and Broo by Michael J Ca uto 1990 ISBN 0-87451-509-1
Pond Life A Golden Guide by George K Rei 1987 Gol en Books ISBN 0-30724-017-7
Through The Loo ing Glass by Susan Borman Robert Korth Jo Temte 19971999 Wisconsin Lakes Partnership ISBN 0-93231-032-X
Wetland Planting Guide for Northeast United States by Gwen olyn A Thunhorst 1993 Environmental Concern Inc ISBN 1-88322-602-3
Wetlands - National Audubon Society Nature Guides by William A Niering 1985 Alfre A Knopf New York ISBN 0-39473-147-6
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 86
Appendix B Glossary of Terms
Alternate Leaves arising singly along the stem not in pairs or whorls
Annual Living or growing for only one year or season
Axil The angle where two structures join for example where a leaf joins the stem
Axillary Occurring in or growing from an axil
Basal Locate at or arising from the base of a plant or a plant part
Berry A small juicy fleshy fruit containing one to many see s
Capsule A ry fruit containing two to many see s an opening by valves slits or pores
Cat in Scaly spike of inconspicuous flowers lacking petals
Ciliate Bearing margine hairs
Clasping Leaves that partially encircle the stem at the base
Compound (Leaf) Divi e into two or more istinct separate parts (leaflets)
Cone A har woo y globose to cylin ric arrangement of bracts or scales in the axils of which the repro uctive structures are foun
Deciduous Falling from the plant after maturity each year
Elliptic Broa est at the mi le gra ually tapering to both en s
Emergent Roote in shallow water with most of the plant growing above the surface
Emersed Raise out of the water as in the flowers or fruits of some floating plants
Entire (Leaf) Having a continuoussmooth margin unbroken by toothing or ivisions
Evergreen Remaining green throughout the winter
Fibrous Referring to a cluster of slen er roots all with the same iameter
Frond The leaf of a fern
Furrowed Groove
Glabrous Without hairs or scales
Globose Shape like a globe roun
Head A group of flowers tightly crowne together in a more or less roun e structure
Herbaceous A plant that ies back to the groun at the en of the growing season or a plant part that is leaf-like in color an texture
Inflorescence The entire flower cluster
Lanceolate Lance-shape broa est near the base gra ually tapering to the narrower apex
Leaflet One of the segments of a compoun leaf
Lenticels The small corky pores or narrow lines on the surface of stems of woo y plants that allow the interchange of gases between the interior tissue an surroun ing air A small opening in a stem
Lip The upper an lower parts of certain tubular flowers
Lobe The in ente part of a leaf or flower not ivi e into istinct an separate parts but still interconnecte to similar parts of the leaf or flower
MidribMidvein The central or main vein of a leaf
Native A species that originate in a certain place or region in igenous
Node The place on the stem where leaves or branches are attache
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 87
Non-Native Not originating in a certain geographic location than where they are foun
Nut A har ry one-see e fruit not opening at maturity
Nutlet A small nut
Oblong Broa est at the mi le an tapering to both en s but broa er than elliptic
Opposite Leaves arising in pairs on either si e of a stem
Oval Broa ly elliptic
Ovate Broa ly roun e at the base becoming narrowe above
Palmate Having three or more veins lobes or leaflets arising from one point
Panicle A compoun loosely branche flower cluster
Parallel Veined Having veins all parallel as oppose to in a network
Perennial Living for two or more years
Petal One segment of the series of floral leaves lying just insi e the sepals often the most conspicuous
Petiole The stalk-like part of the leaf attaching it to the stem
Pinnate Divi e once along an elongate axis into istinct segments
Pith The soft tissue at the center of a plantrsquos stem it may be soli or hollow at maturity
Pod A fruiting structure containing the mature see s
Pubescent Covere in fine short hairs
Recurved Curving ownwar
Rhizome A horizontal usually un ergroun stem that often sen s out roots an shoots from its no es
Ribbed Bearing ri ges
Root The escen ing axis of the plant usually growing in an opposite irection from the stem
Samara A winge fruit
Scale A mo ifie leaf or thin flattene structure
Sepal One segment of the outer series of floral leaves often green in color but occasionally of a ifferent color an petal-like
Serrate With sharp forwar -pointing teeth on the margin
Sessile Without a stalk
Sheath The base of a leaf that encircles the stem
Simple (Leaf) A leaf compose of a single bla e
Smooth Not rough to the touch
Spi e An elongate cluster of sessile flowers
Shrub A woo y plant smaller than a tree with several stems or trunks arising from a single base a bush
Simple Leaf A leaf with a single bla e
Succulent Juicy an fleshy
Tendril A evice usually coile that enables some vines to climb
Toothed With teeth along the margin
Tuber A thickene part of an un ergroun root or rhizome serving for foo storage an often for propagation
Whorled (Leaf) Arrange in a group of three or more leaves branches or pe icles at the no e on the stem
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 88
Appendix C Leaf Shapes amp Arrangements
Peterson Lee Allen ldquoA Fie d Guide to Edib e Wi d P ants of Eastern and Centra North Americardquo Houghton Mifflin Company 1977
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 89
Appendix D Native ShorelandRiparian Buffer Plantings for New Hampshire
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 90
Native ShorelandRiparian Buffer Plantings for New Hampshire The p otected sho eland is the a ea of land that exists between the efe ence line of a wate body and 250 feet f om the efe ence line
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees
Ame ican Basswood (Ame ican Linden)
Tilia am ricana Medium-La ge 60-100rsquo
Mode ate Deep FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Rich woods valleys gentle slopes
Wildlife Pileated woodpecke wood duck othe bi ds dee abbit squi el
Food Seeds twigs
Ame ican Beech Fagus grandifolia Medium-La ge 60-90rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Rich woods well-d ained lowlands
Wildlife Blue jay chickadees nuthatches quail uffed g ouse tufted titmouse wild tu key wood duck woodpecke s bea chipmunk dee fox po cupine snowshoe ha e squi el
Food Nuts buds sap
Ame ican Hopho nbeam (I onwood)
Ostrya virginiana Small 20-40rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Rich woods Wildlife Downy woodpecke mockingbi d pu ple finch ing-necked pheasant ose-b easted g osbeak uffed g ouse wild tu key wood quail dee abbit squi el
Food Nuts buds seeds
Ame ican Ho nbeam (Blue BeechMusclewood)
Carpinus caroliniana
SmallSh ubby 20-40rsquo
Slow Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods fo ested wetlands avines st eambanks
Wildlife Quail uffed g ouse wood duck beave dee squi el
Food Seeds buds
Ame ican Mountain Ash
Sorbus am ricana Small Up to 25rsquo
Fast Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full-Sun
D y Moist Fo ested wetlands ich woods Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe catbi d ceda waxwing g osbeak mockingbi d obin th ushes wild tu key bea
Food F uit twigs
Balsam Fi Abi s balsam a Small-Medium 40-60rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands st eambanks ich woods
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse songbi ds small mammals moose
Food Seeds
Balsam Popla Populus balsam a Medium 60-80rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun Moist Floodplains ive banks st eambanks valleys
Wildlife Beave dee mouse snowshoe ha e
Food Buds catkins twigs foliage
Big-Toothed Aspen Populus grandid ntata
Small-Medium 30-60rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Sandy upland soils floodplain st eams with quaking aspen
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee evening g osbeak pu ple finch uffed g ouse yellow-bellied sapsucke dee
Food Buds catkins ba k twigs and foliage
Black Ash Fraxinus nigra Medium 60-80rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands st eambanks Wildlife Songbi ds wood duck dee moose small mammals
Food F uit twigs young leaves
Black Bi ch (Sweet Bi ch)
B tula l nta Medium 40-60rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade
Page 1
Moist Cool moist uplands ich woods
Wildlife G ouse dee abbit
Food Buds catkins seeds
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees (Continued)
Black Che y Prunus s rotina Medium 40-60rsquo
Mode ate Deep Tap oot
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Rich woods on many sites except ve y d y soils
Wildlife Bluebi d blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing common c ow easte n kingbi d evening g osbeak mockingbi d no the n flicke no the n o iole obin uffed g ouse spa ows th ushes vee y vi eo yellow-bellied sapsucke bea chipmunk dee fox accoon squi el
Food Be ies buds sap
Black Gum (Tupelo)
Nyssa sylvatica Medium 50-60
Slow No Info mation Available
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Fo ested wetlands floodplains Wildlife Bluebi d ca dinal catbi d chickadee c ow finches malla ds obin uby-th oated hummingbi d uffed g ouse vi eo wild tu key woodpecke s wood duck honeybees bea chipmunk dee opossum squi el
Food Seeds sap necta
Black Sp uce Pic a mariana Small Up to 25rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs fo ested wetlands lake and pond sho es
Wildlife Songbi ds uffed g ouse sp uce g ouse chipmunk cottontail dee po cupine squi el
Food Seeds twigs necta ba k
Black Willow Salix nigra Small-Medium Up to 50rsquo
Ve y Fast Ve y Shallow
Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands lowlands floodplains
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Buds catkins
Box Elde Ac r n gundo Medium 40-70rsquo
Ve y Fast Deep Late al
Full Sun D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands lowlands floodplains
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Seeds
Easte n Cottonwood Populus d ltoid s Medium-La ge 80-100rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Floodplains st eambanks valleys
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse
Food Catkins
Easte n Hemlock Tsuga canad nsis Medium-La ge 80-100rsquo
Mode ate Shallow Late al
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Acidic Cool moist uplands avines ock outc ops st eambanks
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee blue and g een wa ble s c ossbill hawks juncos pine siskin uffed g ouse vee y wild tu key dee chipmunk cottontail po cupine squi el white-footed mouse
Food Twigs foliage seeds
Easte n White Pine Pinus strobus La ge 70-120rsquo
Mode ate Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Well-D ained
Fo ested wetlands bogs avines cool shady no th slopes
Wildlife B own c eepe chickadee c ossbill g osbeak junco nuthatch pine wa ble spa ows sp uce g ouse wild tu key woodpecke s beave chipmunk dee snowshoe ha e squi el
Food Seeds foliage twigs excellent winte food
G ay Bi ch (Wi e Bi ch)
B tula populifolia Small 20-35rsquo
Fast Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Pionee Species poo est of ste ile soils sandy o g avelly slopes
Wildlife Ame ican goldfinch blue jay chickadee no the n junco pine siskin ed-tailed hawk uffed g ouse spa ows vi eo yellow-bellied sapsucke woodpecke s snowshoe ha e
Food Seeds buds
Page 2
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees (Continued)
G een Ash Fraxinus p nnsylvanica
Medium-La ge 60-80rsquo
Fast Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks neve on d y soils
Wildlife Ca dinal finches evening g osbeak mou ning dove ed-winged blackbi d wood duck beave chipmunk dee po cupine squi el
Food Seeds foliage
No the n White Ceda (A bo vitae)
Thuja occid ntalis Medium 30-60rsquo
Slow to Mode ate
Shallow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs wetlands ich woods Wildlife Songbi ds small mammals dee
Food Seeds needles
QuakingT embling Aspen (Popla )
Populus tr muloid s
Small-Medium 30-60rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Pionee Species d y open woods sandy o g avelly slopes
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse beave dee po cupine snowshoe ha e
Food Buds catkins ba k twigs and foliage
Red Maple Ac r rubrum Medium 40-75rsquo
Mode ate to Fast
Ve y Shallow
Full Sun D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands st eambanks lakesho es ich woods
Wildlife Ca dinal chickadee evening and pine g osbeaks finches obin yellow-bellied sapsucke beave chipmunk dee opossum squi el snowshoe ha e
Food Seeds buds ba k twigs sap
Red Oak Qu rcus rubra Medium 60-90rsquo
Mode ate Deep Late al
FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Bottomlands moist slopes Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe ducks hawks quail nuthatch uffed g ouse towhee wild tu key woodpecke bea chipmunk dee gophe opossum accoon squi el
Food Aco ns
Shagba k Hicko y Carya ovata La ge 70-100rsquo
Fast Deep Tap oot
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Rich woods valleys upland slopes
Wildlife Ca dinal field spa ows pine wa ble ose-b easted g osbeak ufous-sided towhee white-b easted nuthatch wild tu key wood duck yellow- umped wa ble chipmunks squi els
Food Nuts
Silve Maple Ac r sacharinium Medium 60-80rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands ive banks floodplains st eambanks
Wildlife Ca dinal goldfinch evening and pine g osbeaks no the n o iole
Food Seeds buds
St iped Maple (Moosewood Moose Maple)
Ac rp nsylvanicum SmallSh ubby 20-30rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t-Shade Moist Rich woods cool moist sites Wildlife Ruffed g ouse beave dee moose po cupine abbit
Food Buds ba k sama as
Suga Maple Ac r saccharum Medium-La ge 60-100rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Valleys and uplands tole ates almost all soil types
Wildlife Ca dinal goldfinch g osbeak ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse vi eo beave chipmunk po cupine B owse fo dee abbit snowshoe ha e
Food Seeds twigs ba k
Page 3
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees (Continued)
Swamp White Oak Qu rcus bicolor Medium 60-70rsquo
Fast No Info mation Available
FullPa t Shade Moist Fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks
Wildlife Ba ed owl blue jay ca dinal b own th ashe g ouse malla ds nuthatch quail ed-bellied woodpecke ed-tailed hawk uffed g ouse sta ling towhee wild tu key yellow-th oated wable w en beave chipmunk cottontail dee gophe opossum accoon squi el white-footed mouse wild tu key
Food Aco ns
Sweet Gum Liquidambar styraciflua
Medium-La ge 60-100rsquo
Mode ate No Info mation Available
Full Sun Moist Valleys Lowe slopes mixed woodlands
Wildlife Mou ning dove finches junco w en beave chipmunk squi el
Food Seeds
Sycamo e (Planet eeButtonwood)
Platanus occid ntalis
La ge 80-100rsquo
Slow No Info mation Available
FullPa t Shade o Full-Sun
D y o Moist Floodplains lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Finches chipmunk squi el
Food Seeds
Tama ack (Ame icanEaste n La ch)
Larix laricina Small-Medium 40-80rsquo
Va iable Mode ate Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs swamps wet peaty soils d ie upland loamy soils
Wildlife Blue jay kinglets pheasant ed c ossbill obin uffed g ouse sp uce g ouse yellow-bellied sapsucke chipmunk dee po cupine ed squi el snowshoe ha e
Food Needles twigs inne ba k seeds
White Ash Fraxinus am ricana
Medium-La ge 70-100rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods valleys slopes fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks
Wildlife Finches g osbeaks ed-winged blackbi d wood duck dee squi el
Food Seeds foliage
White Bi ch (Pape Bi ch)
B tula papyrif ra Medium 50-75rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Fo ested wetlands ich woods Wildlife G ouse siskins
Food Seeds buds
White Oak Qu rcus alba Medium-La ge 50-90rsquo
Mode ate Deep FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Deep ich well-d ained
St eambanks lakesho es gentle slopes adapts to almost any condition
Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe nuthatch quail uffed g ouse towhee wild tu key wood duck woodpecke chipmunk bea dee gophe opossum accoon squi el
Food Aco ns
White Sp uce Pic a glauca Medium 40-70rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist St eambanks lakesho es ich woods adjacent slopes
Wildlife Fishe s ma tens snowshoe ha e voles
Food Seeds
Yellow Bi ch (Sweet Bi ch)
B tula all ghani nsis
Medium-La ge 70-100rsquo
Slow Shallow Mode ate
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Fo ested wetlands floodplains avines cool ich woods of high elevations
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee common edpoll goldfinch pine siskins ed-shoulde ed hawk ing-necked pheasant uffed g ouse wild tu key wood duck yellow-bellied sapsucke beave chipmunk dee po cupine squi el snowshow ha e
Food Catkins buds ba k twigs foliage seeds
Page 4
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs
Ame ican Hazelnut Corylus am ricana Medium 5-10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Bo de s of woods hillsides thickets
Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe ceda waxwing hai y woodpecke ing-necked pheasant uffed g ouse chipmunk dee abbit squi el
Food Nuts be ies foliage
Beaked Hazelnut Corylus cornuta Small 6-10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y D y places Wildlife Bi ds mammals
Food Beaked nuts
Black Chokebe y Aronia m loncarpa
Medium Up to 10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Ceda waxwing chickadees uffed g ouse sha p-tailed g ouse dee abbit squi el
Food Be ies buds
Buttonbush C phalanthus occid ntalis
Medium 6-12rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
St eambanks lakesho es ponds sh ub and fo ested wetlands
Wildlife Ducks ails uby-th oated hummingbi d beave dee musk at butte flies honeybees and othe insects
Food F uit twigs leaves seeds necta
Chokeche y Prunus virginiana Small 3-6rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist With Aspen d y soils Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe catbi d c ow easte n kingbi d evening g osbeak o ioles pileated woodpecke ing-necked pheasant obin ose g osbeak uffed g ouse th ushes yellow-bellied sapsucke abbit squi el
Food Be ies buds foliage
Elde be y Sambucus canad nsis
Small-Medium 3-12rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods sh ub and fo ested wetlands ma shes
Wildlife Bluebi ds blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d g osbeak indigo bunting pileated woodpecke inged-neck pheasant obin ose-b easted g osbeak uffed g ouse th ushes wild tu key woodpecke chipmunk dee abbit squi el
Food Be ies necta twigs bugs
G ay Dogwood (Red-Panicle Dogwood)
Cornus rac mosa Medium 10-15rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Roadsides thickets wetlands Wildlife Blue jay ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing easte n kingbi d finch flycatche g osbeak hai y woodpecke no the n flicke phoebe pileated woodpecke pine g osbeak pine wa ble ed-bellied woodpecke ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse sta ling swamp spa ow tufted titmouse vee y vi eo wild tu key wood duck wood th ush woodcock yellow-bellied sapsucke chipmunk dee ed fox abbit squi el
Food Be ies twigs
Highbush Bluebe y Vaccinium corymbosum
Medium 5-15rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Baltimo e o iole bluebi d blue jay ca dinal chickadee g ay catbi d kingbi d o ioles phoebe ed-bellied woodpecke ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse ufos-sided towhee sca let tanage tufted titmouse vee y wild tu key woodpecke s wood th ush black bee chipmunk dee musk at abbit squi el white-footed mouse
Food Be ies foliage twigs buds
Hobblebush Viburnum alnifolium
Medium Up to 10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Cool moist avines shady lakesho es
Wildlife B own th ashe ca dinal ceda waxwing evening g osbeak obin
Food F uit
Page 5
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs (Continued)
Junipe Junip rus communis
Small 1-4rsquo
Slow Full Sun D y D y open land Wildlife Ceda waxwing finches g osbeaks g ouse pheasant obin dee abbit moose
Food Twigs foliage f uit
Lowbush Bluebe y Vaccinium angustifolium
1-2rsquo Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Bogs d y sandy flats ocky slopes
Wildlife Blue jay g ouse kingbi d o iole obin tanage s woodpecke s squi el
Food Be ies foliage twigs
Malebe y Lyonia ligustris Up to 10rsquo Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods gentle slopes
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food F uit
Mapleleaf Vibu num Viburnum ac rifolium
Small 3-6rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Rich woods Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food F uit
Mountain Lau el Kalmia latifolia Up to 20rsquo Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Mixed uplands acid soils Wildlife Ruffed g ouse dee
Food Foliage buds twigs necta
Nannybe y Viburnum l ntago Medium-La ge 10-25rsquo
Mode ate FallPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Rich woods Wildlife Songbi ds mammals
Food Be ies
No the n A owwood Viburnum r cognitum
Medium 10-15rsquo
Mode ate FallPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse songbi ds bea chipmunks accoon squi el skunk white-footed mouse
Food Be ies
No the n Wild Raisin (Withe od Vibu num)
Viburnum nudum varcassinoid s
Medium 6-10
Mode ate FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands valleys slopes st eambanks
Wildlife B own th ashe ceda waxwing flycatche uffed g ouse vee y woodcock yellow-wa ble chipmunk dee musk at squi el snowshoe ha e
Food Ba k twigs buds
Pussy Willow Salix discolor Medium-La ge Up to 15rsquo
Fast Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks lakesho es
Wildlife Ame ican goldfinch uffed g ouse beave ha e abbits squi el
Food Buds catkins twigs ba k
Raspbe y Rubus ida us Small Up to 6rsquo
Fast FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Thickets edges of woods Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food F uits
Red Osie Dogwood Cornus stolonif ra Small-Medium 4-8rsquo
Fast FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods st eambanks lakesho es
Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing downy woodpecke easte n kingbi d finches no the n flicke pine wa ble pu ple finch inged-neck pheasant uffed g ouse vi eo wild tu key woodpecke s wood duck chipmunk dee abbit squi el
Food Be ies twigs
Rhodo a Rhodod ndron canad ns
Small 3-4rsquo
Slow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs slopes ocky summits Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Leaves
Page 6
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs (Continued)
Shadbush (Se vicebe yJunebe y)
Am lanchi r spp La ge 15-25rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks ich woods
Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing g ay catbi d junco o ioles ed squi el obin uffed g ouse sca let tanage th ushes vee y woodpecke s beave dee ed squi el skunk
Food Be ies twigs
Silky Dogwood Cornus amomum Medium 6-10rsquo
Fast FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks
Wildlife Baltimo e o iole black-capped chickadee blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing downy woodpecke easte n kingbi d flycatche mockingbi d no the n flicke pine wa ble pu ple finch ed-bellied woodpecke inged-necl pheasant obin ose-b easted g osbeak uffed g ouse song spa ow sta lings tufted-titmouse wild tu key wood duck wood th ush vee y chipmunk dee abbit accoon skunk squi el white-footed mouse
Food Be ies buds twigs
Speckled Alde Alnus rugosa La ge 15-25rsquo
Fast Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks lakesho es
Wildlife Alde flycatche catbi d goldfinch malla ds pheasant pine siskin ed-winged blackbi d uffed g ouse swamp spa ow yellow-bellied flycatche woodcock bea beave dee cottontail moose musk at snowshoe ha e
Food Buds twigs ba k leaves
Spicebush Lind ra b nzoin Small-La ge 6-17rsquo
Mode ate Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Catbi d kingbi d pheasant quail obin uffed g ouse vee y vi eo wood th ush swallowtail butte flies dee musk at
Food F uit buds twigs leaves
Swamp Azalea Rhodod ndron viscosum
Up to 5rsquo Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Hummingbi d butte flies and othe insects dee
Food Leaves necta
Swamp Blackbe y Rubus hispidus Small Up to 6rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal ceda waxwing g ackle g ay catbi d g osbeak mockingbi d o iole tanage ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse ufus-sided th ushes towhee vee y wild tu key woodcock woodpecke s wood th ush chipmunk cottontail dee accoon skunk squi el
Food F uit canes
Sweet Gale Myrica gal Small 1-4rsquo
Slow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee catbi d common yellowth oat phoebe pied-billed g ebe uffed g ouse t ee swallow tufted titmouse wild tu key dee musk at
Food Buds leaves
Sweet Peppe bush Cl thra alnifolia Medium 3-10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Butte flies and othe insects
Food F uit seeds necta
Winte be y Holly (Black Alde )
Il x v rticillata Medium 6-10rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eamabanks
Wildlife Ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing chickadees finches flicke s uffed g ouse th ushes vi eo woodpecke s bea cottontail dee moose skunk white-footed mouse
Food Be ies twigs leaves
Page 7
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs (Continued)
Witch Hazel Hammam lis virginiana
La ge 20-30rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist D y o ich woods Wildlife Ca dinal ing-necked pheasant uffed g ouse wild tu key dee squi els
Food Seeds buds twigs ba k
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
GroundcoverHerbaceous Perennials
Boneset Eupatorium p rfoliatum
4-6rsquo Full Sun D y o Moist Wet meadows ma shes pond edges
Wildlife Malla ds uffed g ouse swamp spa ow wild tu key butte flies and othe insects
Food Necta
Blue Flag I is Iris v rsicolor 2-3rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Ma shes lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Blue-winged teal uby-th oated hummingbi d wood duck butte flies and othe insects musk at
Food Necta shoots
Bunchbe y Cornus canad nsis 3-8rdquo FullPa t Shade Moist Cool moist woods Wildlife Sha p-tailed g ouse sp uce-g ouse moose
Food F uit buds
Ca dinal Flowe Lob lia cardinalis 2-4rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Damp sites st eambanks Wildlife Ruby-th oated hummingbi ds butte flies and othe insects bea dee
Food Necta
Cattail (B oad-Leaf) Typha latifolia Up to 10rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Ma shes lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Blue-winged teal black-c owned night he on ed-winged blackbi d king ail least and Ame ican bitte n malla ds ma sh w en swamp spa ow Vi ginia ail chipmunk dee musk at
Food Seed heads
Ch istmas Fe n Polystichium acrostichoid s
Up to 1rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Rich woods Wildlife Ruffed g ouse box tu tle chipmunk abbit
Food F onds filldeheads
Cinnamon Fe n Osmunda cinnamom a
Up to 3rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife B own th ashe uby-th oated hummingbi d uffed g ouse yellow th oat chipmunk dee white-footed mouse vole
Food F onds filldeheads
Foamflowe Tiar lla cordifolia Up to 1rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Rich woods Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Leaves
Golden od (Rough o G ass-Leaved)
Solidago spp 1-5rsquo Full Sun D y o Moist Wet meadows ma shes damp swales
Wildlife Goldfinch junco uffed g ouse swamp spa ow butte flies and othe insects cottontail meadow mice
Food Seeds necta
Page 8
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
GroundcoverHerbaceous Perennials (Continued)
Hay-Scented Fe n D nnsta dtia punctiloula
Up to 2rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Woodlands hillside pastu es Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds filldeheads
Inte upted Fe n Osmunda punctiloula
3-4rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Woodland edges stony d y soil Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds filldeheads
Jewelweed (Spotted-Touch-Me-Not)
Impati ns cap nsis 2-5rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks
Wildlife Ring-necked pheasant uffed g ouse uby-th oated hummingbi d vee y butte flies and othe insects white-footed mouse
Food Necta seeds
Joe Pye Weed Eupatorium purpur um
2-6rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Wet meadows ma shes sho es Wildlife Ruby-th oated hummingbi d swamp spa ow butte flies and othe insects cottontail musk at accoon
Food Necta
New England Aste Ast r nova -anglia
Up to 5rsquo Full Sun D y o Moist Wet meadows wetlands Wildlife Songbi ds butte flies and othe insects Food Necta seeds
Ost ich Fe n Pt r tis p nsylvanica
Up to 6rsquo FullPa t Shade Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds fiddleheads
Pa t idgebe y Mitch lla r p ns Up to 1rsquo FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Rich woods Wildlife G ouse mammals
Food Be ies
Rattlesnake Manna G ass
Glyc ria canad nsis
Up to 3rsquo Full Sun Moist Ma shes bogs fo ested wetlands lakesho es
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Seeds
Rice Cutg ass L rsia oryzoid s Up to 5rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
P ima ily f esh ma shes Wildlife Dee musk at moose
Food Seeds foliage
Rive bank G ape (Vine) Vistis riparia Up to 25rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist St eambanks Wildlife Pileated woodpecke uffed g ouse wild tu key wood duck va ious mammals
Food F uit
Royal Fe n Osmunda r galis Up to 5rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds fiddleheads
Sensitive Fe n Onocl a s nsibilis Up to 3rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Black-capped chickadee uffed g ouse bea dee
Food Buds foliage
Sheep Lau el Kalmia angustifolia
Up to 4rsquo FallPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo est wetlands fieldspastu es
Poisonous to livestock
Swamp Milkweed Ascl pias incarnata
Up to 2rsquo FallPa t Shade Moist Wet meadows wetlands thickets sho es
Wildlife Black duck malla ds ed-winged blackbi d uby-th oated hummingbi d Mona ch butte fly othe butte flies and insects musk at Food Necta seeds
Page 9
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
GroundcoverHerbaceous Perennials (Continued)
Sweet Fe n Componia p rigrina
1-3rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Open d y sandy soils and pastu es
Wildlife Flicke s sha p-tailed g ouse dee moose
Food F uit
Tall Meadow Rue Thalictrum polyganum
2-8rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Wetlands wet meadows st eamsides
Wildlife Bees butte flies
Food Necta
Tussock Sedge Car x stricta Up to 4rdquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Ma shes ich woods Wildlife Finches uffed g ouse snipe spa ows dee
Food Seeds foliage
Twinflowe Linna a bor alis Up to 6rdquo FullPa t Shade Moist Rich woods Wildlife Mammals
Food Foliage
Vi ginia C eepe (Vine) Parth nocissus quinqu folia
Up to 25rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Woods ocky banks Wildlife Bluebi d g eat-c ested flycatche ed-eyes vi eo pileated woodpecke
Food Be ies
Who led Loosest ife Lysimachia quadrifolia
Up to 4rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist D y o moist open woods thickets
Wildlife Mammals
Food Foliage
Wild Sa sapa illa Aralia nudicanlis 8-15rdquo FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Upland woods Wildlife Mammals
Food Foliage seeds be ies
Winte g een (Teabe yChecke be y)
Gaulth ria procumb ns
Up to 4rdquo Full Sun D y Oak woods sandy soils Wildlife Pa t idge uffed g ouse songbi ds chipmunk dee moose
Food F uit foliage
References
Baldwin Hen y Ives ldquoFor st L av s How to Id ntify Tr s and Shrubs of North rn N w Englandrdquo Pete E Randall Publishe 1993
Connecticut Rive Joint Commission ldquoRiparian Buff rs for th Conn cticut Riv r Wat rsh drdquo 2000 httpwwwc jco gpdffilesPlant20listspdf
Ha low William M ldquoTr s of th East rn and C ntral Unit d Stat s and Canadardquo Dove Publications 1942
New Hampshi e Depa tment of Envi onmental Se vices Th Critical Edg Appendix D 1998
New Hampshi e Depa tment of Resou ces and Economic Development Division of Fo ests and Lands State Fo est Nu su y ldquoWildlif Cons rvation Sp ci s D scriptionsrdquo 2001
Nie ing William A ldquoNational Audubon Soci ty Natur Guid s W tlandsrdquo Chanticlee P ess Inc 1997
Redington Cha les B ldquoPlants in W tland Fi ld Guid to Biological Int ractionssrdquo KendallHunt Publishing Company 1994
Sutton Ann and My on ldquoNational Audubon Soci ty Natur Guid s East rn For stsrdquo Alf ed A Knopf Inc 1997
Unive sity of New Hampshi e Coope ative Extension ldquoTr s and Shrubs in N w Hampshir A Guid book for Natural B auty Proj ctsrdquo Bulletin 163
Unive sity of New Hampshi e Coope ative Extension ldquoN w Hampshir rsquos Nativ Tr s Shrubs and Vin s with Wildlif Valu rdquo
Compiled by
Jen D ociak New Hampshi e Depa tment of Envi onmental Se vices Wate Division Wate shed Management Bu eau
Ma ch 2006
Page 10
Status Wh th r th plant is nativ or non-nativ xoticinvasiv Thos plants that ar non-nativ xoticinvasiv which ar also prohibit d in N w Hampshir ar id ntifi d as such
Habitat D scrib s th b st conditions for growth of this plant and wh r to locat it
H ight D scrib s how tall or long th plant grows
Bark In th Woody Shrub and Tr s ctions d scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th bark
Buds In th Woody Shrub and Tr s ctions d scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th buds
St m In th Woody Shrub s ction d scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th st m
L av s D scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th l av s
Flow rs D scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th flow rs
Flow ring P riod D scrib s th tim of y ar in which th flow rs bloom
Fruit D scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th fruit
Twigs In th Woody Shrub and Tr s ctions d scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th twigs
Valu Explains th worth of th plant to th oth r m mb rs of th cosyst m
Similar Sp ci s D scrib s th uniqu f atur s to h lp distinguish this plant from oth rs Additional information about som of th r lat d plants is also provid d
In addition app ndic s to this fi ld guid includ
App ndix A Oth r H lpful Fi ld Guid s
App ndix B Glossary of T rms
App ndix C L af Shap s and Arrang m nts
App ndix D Nativ Shor landRiparian Buff r Plantings for N w Hampshir
For Mor Information on Exotic Sp ci s
Additional information on xotic aquatic plants can b obtain d by contacting
N w Hampshir D partm nt of Environm ntal S rvic s Exotic Sp ci s Program 29 Haz n Driv PO Box 95
Concord NH 03302 (603) 271-2248
httpwwwd snhgovWMBExoticSp ci s
Whil additional information on xotic t rr strial plants can b obtain d by contacting
N w Hampshir D partm nt of Agricultur Mark ts amp Food Invasiv Sp ci s Program
25 Capitol Str t S cond Floor Concord NH 03302
(603) 271-2561 httpnhgovagricdivisionsplant_industryplants_ins ctshtm
Enjoy a Riparian Riv r-Walk
I hop this fi ld guid will inspir you to incr as your int r st and knowl dg of aquatic plants and th ir r lationship in riparian nvironm nts Riv rs and str ams ar fragil cosyst ms of natural b auty and intrigu I ncourag you to njoy a riparian ldquoriv r-walkrdquo during ach s ason and not only study th v g tativ communiti s but th ir int raction with both t rr strial and aquatic ins cts fish and oth r wildlif
Jen Dr ciak
Table of Contents
In The ater Submerged Aquatic Plantshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 01
Bladde wo t (Utric laria v lgaris)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 03
CoontailHo nwo t (Ceratophyll m demers m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 04
Milfoil (Myriophyll m heterophyll m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 05
Wate weedDitchmoss (Elodea canadensis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 06
Wild Cele yTape G ass (Vallisneria americana)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 07
On the ater Floating Aquatic Plantshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 09
Floating Hea t (Nymphoides cordata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 14
Wate shield (Brasenia schreberi)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 13
White Pond Lily (Nymphea ordorata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 11
Yellow Pond Lily (N phar variegata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 12
Duckweed (Lemna spp)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 15
Wate meal (Wolffia spp)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 16
On The Edge Emergent Herbaceous Plantshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 17
A ow A um (Peltandra virginica)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 19
A owheadDuck Potato (Sagittaria latifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 20
Blue Flag I is (Iris versicolor)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 21
Blue Ve vain (Verbena hastata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 22
BonesetTho oughwo t (E patori m perfoliat m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 23
Bu - eed (Spargani m e rycarp m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 24
Ca dinal Flowe (Lobelia cardinalis) helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 25
Cattail (B oad-Leaf) (Typha latifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 26
Common Reed (Phragmites a stralis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 27
JewelweedSpotted Touch-Me-Not (Impatiens capensis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 28
Joe Pye Weed (E patori m mac lat m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 29
Picke elweed (Pontedaria cordata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 30
Pu ple Loosest ife (Lythr m salicaria)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 31
Reed Cana y G ass (Phalaris ar ndinacea)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 32
Soft-Stem Bul ush (Scrip s valid s)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 33
Swamp Loosest ifeWate Willow (Decodon verticillat s)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 34
Th ee-Way Sedge (D lichi m ar ndinace m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 35
Wool G ass (Scirp s cyperin s)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 36
Fernshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 37
Cinnamon Fe n (Osm nda cinnamomea)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 39
Ost ich Fe n (Pteretis pensylvanica)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 40
Royal Fe n (Osm nda regalis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 41
Sensitive Fe n (Onoclea sensibilis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 42
oody Shrubshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 43
A ow-wood (No the n) (Vib rn m recognit m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 45
Buttonbush (Cephalanth s occidentalis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 46
Elde be yBlack-Be ied Elde (Samb c s canadensis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 47
Glossy Bucktho n (Rhamn s frang la)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 48
Highbush Bluebe y (Vaccini m corymbos m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 49
A Field Guide to Common Ripa ian Plants of New Hampshi e 1
Hobblebush (Vib rn m alnifoli m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 50
Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 51
Japanese Knotweed (Polygon m c spidat m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 52
Malebe y (Lyonia lig strina)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 53
Meadowsweet (Spiraea latifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 54
Multiflo a Rose (Rosa m ltiflora)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 55
No the n Wild RaisinWith od Vibu num (Vib rn m cassinoides)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 56
ShadbushSe vicebe yJunebe y (Amelanchier arborea)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 57
Sheep Lau elLambkill (Kalmia ang stifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 58
Silky Dogwood (Corn s amom m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 59
Specked Alde (Aln s r gosa)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 60
Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 61
Steeplebush (Spiraea tomentosa)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 62
Sweet Peppe bush (Clethera alnifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 63
Winte be y HollyBlack Alde (Ilex verticillata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 64
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 65
Climbing Vineshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 67
Climbing Bitte sweet (Celastr s orbic lat s)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 69
Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 70
Rive bank G ape (Vitis riparia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 71
Vi ginia C eepe (Parthenosis s q inq efolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 72
The Canopy Treeshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 73
Ame ican BasswoodLinden (Tilia americana)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 75
Ame ican Beech (Fag s grandifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 76
Ame ican Ho nbeamI onwoodBlue Beech (Carpin s caroliniana)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 77
Black Bi chSweet Bi ch (Bet la lenta)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 78
Black Che y (Pr n s serotina)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 79
Box Elde Ash-Leaved Maple (Acer neg ndo)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 80
Easte n Cottonwood (Pop l s deltoides)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 81
Easte n Hemlock (Ts ga canadensis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 82
Easte n White Pine (Pin s strob s)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 83
G een Ash (Fraxin s pennsylvanica)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 84
Red Maple (Acer r br m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 85
Red Oak (Q erc s r bra)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 86
Shagba k Hicko y (Carya ovata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 87
Silve Maple (Acer saccharini m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 88
Swamp White Oak (Q erc s bicolor)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 89
Sycamo ePlanet ee (Platan s occidentalis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 90
Tama ackLa ch (Larix laricina)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 91
White Ash (Fraxin s americana)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 92
White Oak (Q erc s alba)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 93
White Sp uce (Picea gla ca)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 94
Yellow Bi ch (Bet la l tea)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 95
Appendices
Appendix A Othe Helpful Field Guideshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 96
Appendix B Glossa y of Te mshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 97
Appendix C Leaf Shapes amp A angementshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 99
Appendix D Native Sho elandRipa ian Buffe Plantings fo New Hampshi ehelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 100
A Field Guide to Common Ripa ian
Plants of New Hampshi e 1
In The ater Submerged Aquatic Plants
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 1
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic
an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 2
BLADDER ORT
Utricu aria spp
Status Native Approximately 10 species in New Hampshire
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers bogs
Height 2-3 feet long
Stem Long slen er flexible branche typically becoming etache from roots an free-floating
Leaves Alternate filamentous finely-forke with attache ldquobla ersrdquo
Flower Stalks occurring at irregular intervals along stem Each stalk bearing 6-20 small pink to yellow two-lippe ldquosnap ragon-likerdquo flowers an emerging several inches out of the water or mu
Flowering Period June into September
Fruit Capsule containing many see s
Value Provi es foo an cover for fish Since they are free-floating they can grow in areas with very loose se iment provi ing nee e fish habitat in areas that are not rea ily colonize by roote plants
Similar Species Fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) coontail (Ceratophyllum spp) milfoil (Myriophyllum spp) Bla erwort may be istinguishe from these plants by the alternate forke leaves branching from the base into 2 main ivisions an presence of the ldquobla ersrdquo on the leaves (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Bla erwort may resemble the milfoils but there are two istinguishing features One is the bla ers on the leaves the other is that milfoils have feather-like leaves that have one central leaf stem with nearly opposite unbranche leaflets The leaflets of bla erwort are more branche an forke (Smagula an Connor 2007)
This carnivorous plant has trigger hairs on each bla er that open a trap- oor an suck in water along with the organism that triggere the reaction These organisms can range from insect larvae to tiny zooplankton Once insi e the bla ers the organism is igeste by enzymes foun there Special cells then take the igeste material from the bla ers an move it to the stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 3
COONTAILHORN ORT
Ceratophy um demersum
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Height Variable accor ing to water epth
Stem Long toothe trailing much branche
Leaves Whorle smooth up to 1 frac12 inches long 3 forks nearly threa -like flattene an toothe segments
Flower Tiny purplish-green foun where the leaf attaches to the stem an stays entirely submerge Male an female occurring separately
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Dark brown see approximately frac14 inch long with two spines at the base an one at the tip
Value The stiff whorls of leaves offer habitat for many species especially uring the winter when many other plants are re uce to roots an rhizomes Both foliage an fruit are graze by waterfowl Bushy stems are home to many invertebrates an provi e important shelter an foraging opportunities for fish
Similar Species Mermai -wee (Proserpina a palustris) fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) Coontail may be istinguishe from these plants by its whorle toothe leaves its tiny sessile axillary flowers an beake fruits (Smagula an Connor 2007)
The whorle leaves often cause the plant to be confuse with water milfoil This plant has a plastic-like feel an leaves ten to be thickly clustere at the tips of the stems The leaves are completely whorle aroun the stem an forke milfoil leaves are istinctly feather-like (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 4
VARIABLE ATER MILFOIL
Myriophy um heterophy um
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Height Slen er flexible long (up to 15 feet) Tip often emerging above water when flowering Data from a University of New Hampshire stu y can suggest that variable water milfoil can grow an inch per ay
Stem Roun thick re ish If broken in half the stem resembles a ldquowheel spokerdquo
Leaves Mostly submerge opposite or in whorls of 4 to 6 an can grow up to 2 inches long Leaves on upper stem are whorle an may be whorle or alternate on lower stem Emerge leaves occurring only towar the stem tips
Flower Small inconspicuous brownish occurring singly in the axils of the upper leaves usually above water uring flowering
Flowering Period In July flowers emerge from the water an are in a spike up to 6 inches tall Can also form a succulent amphibious form when water levels rece e
Fruit Very small four-lobe nutlike
Similar Species Mermai -wee (Proserpina a palustris) fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) coontail (Ceratophyllum spp) Variable milfoil may be istinguishe from these plants by the numerous scattere finely pinnately issecte leaves an floating or upright stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)
The plant is more robust than the other water milfoil species It has a very thick an heavy stem It can only be positively i entifie with the flower present or by DNA analysis (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Fragments of variable milfoil are ma e by passing boats wave action an auto-fragmentation These fragments may float freely an sprea for one or two weeks as they generate roots Once roots make contact with se iment the fragment attaches the roots sprea laterally an expan the footprint of the colony With one fragment an entire colony can arise Colonies can outcompete native plants re ucing bio iversity (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 5
ATER EEDDITCHMOSS
E odea Canadensis E nutta ii
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Height Up to 2 feet long occasionally forming ense colonies
Stem Slen er smooth branche
Leaves Long upper an mi le leaves in whorls of 3 with very finely-toothe margins Those of the male plants linear or lanceolate pointe at the tip up to frac12 inch long Those of the female plants broa ly lanceolate roun e or slightly pointe at the tip up to 58 inch long
Flower Green or white with 3 petals
Flowering Period July to September
Fruit A few to many-see e cylin rical capsule
Value Branching stems offer valuable habitat an grazing opportunities for fish Also provi es foo for muskrats an waterfowl They can eat the plant itself or fee on a wi e variety of invertebrates that use the plant as habitat
Similar Species Commonly mistaken for its invasive relative Brazillian elo ea It can be istinguishe by its smooth leaf margins
There are two common species of waterwee in New Hampshire E anadensis an Enuttalii Elodea anadensis ten s to have slightly broa er leaves with blunt tips whereas Enuttalii ten s to have thinner more nee le-like leaves that are pointe at the tips (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Enuttalii can be foun in alkaline to aci ic environments an E anadensis can be foun in alkaline or neutral systems (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 6
ILD CELERYTAPE GRASS
Va isneria americana
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers In water 4 - 6 feet eep
Height 1-3 feet long
Stem Slen er embe e horizontally in the mu near the surface an usually rooting at intervals
Leaves Narrow ribbon-like 1-3 feet in length with a light-colore center stripe mostly submerge with the tips floating
Flower Unisexual the female flower solitary an floating at the surface at the en of a long stalk The male flower on another plant submerge an attache to a short stalk near the bottom breaking off an floating to the surface at flowering time
Flowering Period July to October
Fruit Cylin rical po up to 2 inches long attache to a long stalk which coils up rawing the fruit un er water to mature
Value Source of foo for waterfowl All portions of the plant are consume foliage rhizomes tubers an fruit Muskrat are also known to graze on it Be s provi e sha e shelter an foo for fish
Similar Species Often confuse with the submerge leaves of bur-ree Tape grass can be istinguishe by its heavy air-fille leaves vertically veine centers an lightly veine e ges Unlike bur-ree this plant has no rib on the back of the leaf
Photo ourtesy of Amy Smagula
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 7
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic
an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 8
On The ater
Floating Aquatic Plants
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 9
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 10
FLOATING HEART
Nyphoi es cor ata
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Roun in cross section
Leaves Small heart-shape re ish to purple Approximately 1 ndash 1 frac12 inches wi e
Flower Small white 5 petals
Flowering Period Mi -summer
Similar Species The leaves are often confuse with those of the yellow water lily but are only about the size of a half- ollar an the shape resembles a heart with the same soft V-shape of the yellow water lily Floating heart has a small white flower that can be foun in mi -summer yellow water lily has a large yellow flower that blooms most of the summer (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 11
ATERSHIELD
Brasenia schreberi
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Roun in cross section Attache to the center of the un ersi e of the leaf
Leaves Oval Un ersi es are ark pink Leaves approximately 4 inches wi e Un ersi e of the leaves an stem have a jelly-like coating that protects them from being eaten by insects
Flower Small ark pink to purple 6 petals
Flowering Period July
Similar Species Resembles the leaves of the water lily as well as those of floating heart
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 12
HITE ATER LILY
Nymphea or orata
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Roun in cross section attache to the center of the un ersi e of the leaf
Leaves Roun with a V-shape notch on one si e Up to 12 inches wi e
Flower Large white sweet-smelling Up to 4 inches wi e
Flowering Period June - September
Similar Species White water lily can be istinguishe from the yellow water lily an floating heart by the V-shape notch near the stem attachment an the more roun e shape of the leaf
Both the yellow water lily an floating heart have a more roun e heart-shape notch Yellow water lily leaves are much more oval than the white water lily which has a circular leaf Floating heart leaves are no more than a few inches in length (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 13
YELLO ATER LILY
Nuphar variegata
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Triangular in cross section attache to the lobe en of the un ersi e of the leaf
Leaves Giant floating Up to 12 to 15 inches wi e
Flower Yellow flower petals appear cuppe aroun the inner flower parts an o not open completely like those of the white water lily
Flowering Period June ndash September
Similar Species Often confuse with floating heart an white water lily though floating heart is much smaller in leaf length an wi th The white water lily also has a much more roun e leaf with a sharp V-shape notch (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 14
DUCK EED
Lemna spp
Status Native
Habitat Surfaces of some lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers an often in stagnant waters of wetlan areas
Stem No true stems
Leaves This plant has no true leaves or stems an only has a flat green plant bo y calle a thallus They are very small only about 116 of an inch wi e (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Duckwee s blanket the water surface in colonies There may be one or more roots hanging into the water but the plant is free-floating
Flower This plant rarely flowers
Similar Species Many people think that ense growths of uckwee resemble an algae bloom (Smagula an Connor 2007)
ATERMEAL
Wolfifa spp
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem No true stems
Leaves Elliptical an flat
Flower This plant rarely flowers but is consi ere the worl rsquos smallest flowering plant
Similar Species Unlike uckwee this plant completely lacks roots an must be inspecte closely to etect this ifference Watermeal may also resemble an algae bloom but can be istinguishe by simply touching the waterrsquos surface to see if tiny plants are stuck to your fingers (watermeal) or if the water has a slimy film (algae) It is commonly foun growing along with uckwee (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Photo co rtesy of Amy Smag la
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 15
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 16
On the dge mergent Herbaceous Plants
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 17
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 18
ARROW ARUM
Peltan ra virginica
Status Native
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In mu or shallow water
Height Up to 2 feet tall growing in loose colonies
Stem Lacking a true stem Leaf an flower stalks arising from a thick root
Leaves Large arrow-shape Lower lobes separating an tapering to the tips Each lobe an the main stem have one prominent central vein from which other smaller veins originate The smaller veins are parallel to one another Leaf bla e with a vein running along the entire outline just insi e the margin
Flower Vertically-curle green Very small spathe almost completely covering the thin whitish fleshy spike White male flowers above green female flowers sheath tapering to the base an tip green outsi e an white insi e Flowering cluster at the en of a long nake stalk
Flowering Period May to July
Fruit Easily i entifie in the fall by its cluster of greenish-brown berries enclose in a green leathery case the stalk curve ownwar at maturity
Similar Species Arrowhea (Sagattaria latifolia) Arrow Arum may be istinguishe by its 3 prominent veins
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 19
ARROWH ADDUCK-POTATO
Sagittaria spp
Status Native There are several species in New Hampshire Slatifolia and Sgraminea are the most common
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In mu or completely submerge
Height Up to 1 frac12 feet tall
Stem Lacking an upright visible stem Leaves an flowering stalk arising from a fibrous roote base Several un ergroun runners each giving rise to a tuber the size of a small potato up to 2 inches wi e
Leaves Shape is variable within an between species Leaves can be broa ly or narrowly arrow-shape lance-shape or tape-like Leaves appear to clasp the base of the flowering stalk Leaf veins all originate from the point where the stem connects to the leaf an ra iate outwar from that point
Flower White petals in whorls of three with a yellow center up to 1 frac12 inch wi e Male flowers at the top with female ones lower on the flower stalk
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Flat winge crow e in a flattene hea up to frac12 inch wi e Ball-shape fruit clusters of green nutlets
Value Known as ldquo uck potatoesrdquo Arrowhea pro uces e ible starchy tubers beneath the mu eaten by ucks an muskrats
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 20
BLU -FLAG IRIS
Iris versicolor
Status Native
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In less than 3 feet of water
Height Up to 3 feet tall Growing in small colonies
Stem Upright robust flattene on one si e simple or with one or two branches from creeping rhizomes embe e in the mu Rhizome very shallow an sometimes expose above the se iment
Leaves Appearing basal but actually alternate bluish-green swor -like an up to 14 inches long an frac34 inch wi e ascen ing in a flat plane or fan-like arrangement Flower stalks are taller than the leaves
Flower Large purplish-blue stalke with 3 larger outer rooping petals whitish towar the base an 3 upright smaller petals in the center
Flowering Period June through July
Fruit Capsule up to 2 frac12 inches long with 3 roun e e ges contains numerous flattene see s often persisting into winter
Value Provi es foo an cover for waterfowl an wil life
Similar Species Leaves may be confuse with those of cattail (Typha spp)or sweet flag (Acorus calmus) Blue flag iris may be istinguishe by blueish-green leaves arrange in flat plane
Photo co rtesy of Amy Smag la
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 21
BLU V RVAIN
Verbena hastata
Status Native
Habitat E ges of pon s marshes streams an rivers
Height Up to 4 feet tall growing in small colonies
Stem Rough four-si e fairly straight arising from a fibrous roote base
Leaves Up to 6 inches long stalke toothe tapere at the tip with a rough surface
Flower 5 small blue petals in a pencil-like spike occurring singly or in clusters with in ivi ual flowers blooming perio ically from the base to the top of spike
Flowering Period July into October
Fruit Separating into four nutlets
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 22
BON S T THOROUGHWORT
Eupatorium perfoliatum
Status Native
Habitat Wet mea ows marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall Branche growing in small colonies
Stem Upright robust lightly- owny arising from a fibrous roote base
Leaves Opposite lanceolate tapering an pointe at the tip toothe with the base clasping the stem Heavily veine Up to 8 inches long an 2 inches wi e at the base
Flower Whitish in 3-4 terminal clusters up to 8 inches long
Flowering Period Late July through October
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 23
BUR-R D
Sparganium eurycarpum
Status Native
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Emergent in shallow water up to 1 foot eep or submerge in water up to 4 feet eep
Height Up to 3 feet tall
Stem Upright stout smooth arising from rhizomes embe e horizontally in the mu a few inches beneath the surface Zigzag stalks
Leaves Alternate linear up to 4 feet long Emergent stem leaves narrow up to 1 frac12 feet tall triangular in cross-section an ri ge on their back si e Certain species are erect while others are floating an ribbon-like
Flower Lower bulbs or burs are clusters of greenish female
flowers Upper smaller burs are white male flowers
Flowering Period June through August
Fruit A burr-like hea on a short or long stalk
Value Colonies provi e nesting sites for waterfowl an shorebir s The fruit is eaten by a variety of waterfowl an the whole plant is graze by muskrat an eer
Similar Species This plant is easily confuse with wil celery (Vallisneria americana) if the leaves are tape-like or with young cattail (Typha spp) if leaves are emergent For the floating form bur-ree has a ri ge own the back of the long leaf When erect an emergent leaves are shorter in height than those of cattail with a istinct ri ge or almost triangular cross section When in fruit the spiky burr-like fruit is istinctive (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 24
CARDINAL FLOW R
Lobelia car inalis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s sha e e ges streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall often growing in large colonies
Stem Smooth stout arising from a horizontal rhizome embe e shallowly in mu
Leaves Alternate lanceolate to oblong toothe tapering at both en s Lower leaves short-stalke upper leaves stalkless Up to 6 inches long an 1 frac12 inches wi e Smooth to slightly owny thin
Flower Long bright-re 2-lippe tubular flower occurring on terminal spike with the upper lip 2-lobe an lower lip 3-lobe
Flowering Period July into October
Fruit Many-see e capsule with two portions
Value Car inal flower is pollinate mostly by hummingbir s since most insects fin it ifficult to navigate the long tubular flowers
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 25
BROAD-L AF CATTAIL
Typha latifolia
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet swales e ges of lakes an pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 10 feet tall
Stem Upright stiff growing in ense stan s from thick extensively -creeping un ergroun rhizomes
Leaves Green or bluish-green upright linear 2-6 feet long an up to 1 inch wi e arising from base or alternating along the stem Leaves have a spongy feel
Flower Many small flowers packe into tight cigar-like clusters creating a lower female spike toppe by a smaller male spike with no gap between the two flower types Female spike persists turning into the familiar ark brown ldquotailrdquo
Flowering Period June into August
Fruit Small see -like surroun e by many bristles attache to the base
Value Provi es nesting habitat for many bir s such as the re -winge blackbir Shoots an rhizomes are eaten by muskrats an geese Submerse stalks provi e spawning habitat an shelter for fish One of only a few plants where all parts are e ible to humans
Similar Species Narrow-leaf cattail (Typha angustifolia) has narrower leaves a narrower fruiting hea an a gap between the male an female flower clusters
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 26
COMMON R D
Phragmites australis
Status Most stands are Non-Native xotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire Phragmites australis has been present in wetlan s for millennia but a non-native European species has crossbre with P australis an has forme an invasive plant
Habitat Fresh an brackish marshes e ges of lakes an pon s streams rivers an in roa si e itches Full to partial sun
Height Upright 4-14 feet tall usually forming ense colonies
Stem Calle ldquoculmsrdquo are large hollow an grow up to 1 inch wi e
Leaves Bluish-green lanceolate close together an usually sticking out from stems at a large angle up to 2 feet long an 1 inch wi e
Flower Clusters frac12 - 1 foot long often purple when young an whitish an fluffy when ol
Flowering Period Late July to October
Fruit Rarely pro uces see but sprea s vigorously by rhizomes often running over the surface of the groun
Value This plant has little to offer to bir s an mammals besi es cover Phragmites often outcompetes other native wetlan plants thus limiting the plant iversity an foo source value of the wetlan The only animal that fee s on this to any extent is the muskrat (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Similar Species Sometimes confuse with ree canary grass since they both form ense stan s at isturbe sites Ree canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) can be istinguishe by its shorter an narrower leaves spikelets with only one flower an its shorter height
How To Distinguish Native From Non-Native Phragmites
Stems Stems on the non-native variety are typically green but may have a little purple color along the no es Stems on
the native variety have some chestnut or purple color where leaves are pulle back exposing the stem Stems of the native variety are also often shiny an black spots often appear late in the growing season
Leaf Collars Leaf collars on the non-native variety are always green while leaf collars on the native variety may be
purple
Leaf Sheaths On fall stems the leaf sheaths on the non-native variety remain attache Leaf sheaths on the native variety are lost or very loosely attache so leaves rop off the native plants before the intro uce plants This is the best
in icator base seasonal changes that istinguishes native or non-native varieties
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 27
J W LW DSPOTT D TOUCH-M NOT
Impatiens capensis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 4 feet tall Often growing in ense colonies
Stem Upright smooth slightly branching hollow somewhat succulent slightly translucent
Leaves Alternate egg-shape toothe on stalks up to 4 inches long Silvery appearance when hel un er water an appear completely ry upon removal Size an color of foliage vary with ifferences in light exposure an available moisture
Flower Few to several angling orange-yellow three-petale tubularfunnel-shape flowers with re ish brown spots an curve spur at their en s
Flowering Period June through September
Fruit Flat green capsules approximately 1 inch long which at maturity burst when touche ejecting ark-brown see s
Value Especially a apte to hummingbir pollination but bees an butterflies are also important pollinators
The sap from this plant has been clinically proven to relieve skin rashes Jewelwee can be applie to the affecte part of the bo y an neutralizes the urishol oil pro uce by poison ivy an poison oak (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 28
JO PY W D
Eupatorium maculatum
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 6 feet tall Branche growing in small to me ium-size colonies
Stem Stout smooth purple or purple-spotte somewhat rough towar the top arising from a fibrous roote base
Leaves Lanceolate toothe rough short-stalke with large single mi -vein Up to 8 inches long an 2 frac12 inches wi e tapere at the base an tip in whorls of 3-7
Flower Small rose-purple in ense flat-toppe clusters at the top of the stem an at the en s of the branches
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Angular nutlet with a plume of fine bristles at the top
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 29
PICK R LW D
Ponte aria cor ata
Status Native
Habitat Marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 3 feet tall often growing in ense colonies
Stem Upright stout smooth arising from a rhizome bearing one leaf an one terminal spike
Leaves Basal an alternate very large arrowhea to heart-shape glossy with prominent parallel veins blunt tip on a spongy leaf stalk
Flower Many small tubular violet-blue flowers approximately frac12 inch long on solitary spike with a sheath at the base
Flowering Period June through August
Fruit Small bla er-like with toothe ri ges containing one see
Value See s are consume by waterfowl an muskrats Networks of rhizomes an leaves also offer sha e an shelter for fish
Similar Species This plant can be istinguishe from its close look-alikes arrow arum an arrowhea by its light bluish-purple flower spike Bases of the leaves are more roun e whereas arrowhea an arrow arum leaves are more pointe (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 30
PURPL LOOS STRIF
Lythrum salicaria
Status Non-Native xotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire
Habitat Marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams rivers an in roa si e itches Full to partial sun
Height 2-6 feet tall
Stem Upright smooth to slightly- owny Square four-si e almost woo y
Leaves Opposite to whorle lanceolate often with heart-shape bases somewhat clasping stem sometimes in whorls of 3 Gra ually tapering to a point 3 to 4 inches long an frac12 to 1 inch wi e
Flower 5-7 purple petals in a ense terminal spike
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Many-see e capsule
Value Little wil life value See s are low in nutrition an roots are too woo y The flowers are attractive to insects They pro uce nectar an are regularly visite by honeybees
This plant outcompetes other wetlan plants which are beneficial foo sources for wil life an insects It repro uces by pro ucing millions of see s per plant an quickly takes over the lan scape when intro uce It also sprea s by rhizome (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 31
R D CANARY GRASS
Phalaris arun inacea
Status Non-Native xotic Invasive
Habitat Swales marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Although it is usually a shoreline plant it can survive in knee- eep water by sprouting ldquowater rootsrdquo on the submerse portion of the stem Forms ense stan s in isturbe areas where clearing gra ing siltation filling or other isruptions have create an opening with moist soil
Height Up to 7 feet tall Often growing in ense colonies
Stem Upright stiff from extensively-creeping rhizomes
Leaves Alternate upright grayish-green open sheath an ligule at the leaf axis Bla es fairly long an narrow up to 12 inches long an frac34 inches wi e
Flower Green to greenish-purple spikelets single-flowere lanceolate ense Terminal inflorescence up to 7 inches long branche an compresse early in the season but opening after fertilization
Flowering Period June through August
Value Low foo value Provi es summer cover an habitat for waterfowl at isturbe sites However it ten s to mat own in winter provi ing little winter cover for wil life
Similar Species Sometimes confuse with bluejoint grass (Calamagrostis canadensis) However the spikelets of bluejoint are in a loose open arrangement an the no es have a bluish to purplish cast
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 32
SOFT-ST MM D BULRUSH
Scirpus vali us
Status Native
Habitat Wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Usually growing in water less than 5 feet eep Ten s to be foun on ldquomuckierrdquo substrate an will grow in stagnant water
Height Usually up to 5 feet but can grow up to 10 feet tall Often growing in extensive colonies
Stem Upright grayish-green often arching up to frac34 inch thick at the base arising from stout re ish rhizomes Soft roun tapering to a point
Leaves No apparent leaves
Flowers Inconspicuous many-stalke bu like spikelets covere by re ish-brown scales locate imme iately below the top of stem Clusters mostly rooping but not in higher salinity areas
Flowering Period June into September
Fruit See -like nutlet with 4-6 bristles attache to the base
Value Provi es habitat for invertebrates an shelter for young fish Nutlets consume by a variety of waterfowl marsh bir s an uplan bir s Stems an rhizomes eaten by geese an muskrat Also provi es nesting material an cover for waterfowl marsh bir s an muskrat
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 33
SWAMP LOOS STRIF WAT R WILLOW
Deco on verticillatus
Status Native shrub becoming herbaceous towar the tips
Habitat Wetlan s bogs e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Shallow water with muck or peat se iment Can form floating mats in areas of very soft se iment
Height Up to 5 feet tall
Stem Ri gi woo y smooth to slightly- owny 3-9 feet long The lower rooting stems are spongy an buttresse giving rise to new arching stems
Leaves Opposite or in whorls of 3 gra ually tapering to a point 3-4 inches long an frac12 to 1 inch wi e sessile or short-stalke
Flower Pinkish-purple bell-shape with 5-7 sepals an 5 petals forming showy clusters in the axils of the mi le to upper leaves
Flowering Period July through August
Fruit Small brownish capsule with 3-5 partitions the clusters sometimes persisting above the leaf scars throughout winter
Value The many intertwining arching stems may form sizable clusters at the e ges of lakes an sluggish streams or floating bog mats Wherever a stem touches the water air-fille spongy tissue may evelop This tissue buoys the stem so that it may root an form a new arching stem
Similar Species May be confuse with the invasive purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) Swamp loosestrife can be istinguishe by the arching stems an showy axillary flower clusters as well as the roun stem instea of the square stem of purple loosestrife (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 34
THR -WAY S DG
Dulichium arun inaceum
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Extensive be s can be foun in shallow (less than 3 feet) water Grows in a variety of se iment types an can tolerate some turbi ity
Height Up to 3 feet tall solitary or in small colonies
Stem Roun hollow jointe arising from a horizontal rhizome
Leaves Linear up to 4 inches long an 38 inch wi e with a conspicuous sheath the latter close except at the top
When looking own upon the plant the leaves are line up an appear to ra iate from three angles away from the main stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Flower Inconspicuous flattene linear sessile spikelets in the axils or two-ranke scales of the brownish spikelets 8-10 along the axillary stalk
Flowering Period July through October
Fruit Flattene brownish see -like nutlet toppe with a beak
Value Eaten occasionally by a variety of ucks an geese Rhizomes an shoots also graze by muskrats
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 35
WOOL GRASS
Scirpus cyperinus
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall growing in small colonies
Stem Upright robust roun to triangular especially at the base
Leaves Elongate from base of stem up to 2 feet long Leaves imme iately below the flower are in clusters of 3-5 an may reach 5 inches long an roop at the tips
Flower Clusters of 6-12 spikelets at en s of rooping stems Flower clusters up to 12 inches long much branche
Flowering Period August through September
Fruit Whitish see -like nutlet with bristles much longer than the scales attache to the base the bristles impart the wooly appearance to the spikelets
Value Provi es foo an cover for waterfowl an other wil life
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 36
Ferns
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 37
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 38
INNAMON FERN
Osmund cinn mome
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Often growing near somewhat similar an relate interrupte fern (Polys ichum aros ichoides)
Height Up to 3 feet tall
Stem Upright stout smooth green an covere with cinnamon-colore wooly stalk
Leaves Sterile (vegetative) fron s up to 3 feet high upright to slightly arche lance-shape with 20+ opposite leaflets Fertile fron s o not persist through the summer whereas vegetative fron s remain until first frost
Reproduction Club-like fertile fron with groups of spore cases on leaflets that hug the main axis
Fruiting Period Spring
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 39
OSTRI H FERN
Pteretis pensylv nic
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 6 feet tall forming tussocks or clumps
Stem Stout nake for up 1 foot from the base green flattene an black at the base covere with papery brown scales Arising from a forking shallowly-embe e rhizome an giving rise to stout black scaly runners
Leaves Sterile fron s forming circles gra ually narrowe at the base an abruptly narrowe to the tip Fertile fron s up to 2 feet tall an 2 inches wi e nake for approximately half their length the nake portions shiny brown crow e sprea ing or ascen ing branches often overlapping or twiste light green at first turning ark green an eventually brown
Reproduction Leaf segments with spore cases beneath become rolle into small har berry-like structures joine along the branches of the fertile fron
Fruiting Period July ndash August Persisting over winter
Similar Species Cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea) Ostrich fern may be istinguishe by the gra ually narrow base an papery scales rather than cinnamon-colore pubescence on the stalk
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 40
ROYAL FERN
Osmund reg lis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall growing in scattere groups
Stem Somewhat stout nake for approximately half its length greenish or re ish arising from a stout creeping rhizome
Leaves Fron s with 5-7 pairs of nearly opposite oblong ascen ing ivisions The lowest pair slightly shorter than the others each ivision ivi e into finely toothe oblong blunt alternate segments 10-14 on each si e Fertile fron s terminate by a panicle appearing as a ense cluster of light brown structures
Reproduction Spore cases clustere along short nake leaf segments in a terminal panicle an often at the tips of some of the ivisions One of several ferns that pro uce their spores on mo ifie leaflets not on the un ersi e of the fron s
Fruiting Period Spring an early summer
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 41
SENSITIVE FERN
Onocle sensibilis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 3 feet tall Growing solitary or scattere
Stem Upright stout nake for nearly half its length arising from a creeping rhizome
Leaves Sterile fron s up to 3 feet tall the bla e with up to 16 pairs of wi e segments having wavy margins Fertile fron s shorter the berry-like structures clustere in stiffly erect ivisions the entire structure appearing spike-like
Reproduction Leaf segments with spore cases beneath which have become rolle into small har black berry-like structures appearing July through August an persisting over winter
Fruiting Period July into October
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 42
Woody S rubs
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 43
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 44
NORTHERN ARROW-WOOD Viburnu recognitu
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 15 feet tall forming thickets
Bark Smooth an gray with a white pith
Twigs Brownish-gray hairless highly branche long straight slen er arrow-like smooth
Buds Re ish-brown with 2 pairs of scales Opposite pointe approximately frac14 inch long roun e scales with fringe of minute hairs along the bor ers
Leaves Opposite egg-shape to roun with saw-like coarse teeth 1-2 inches long an 3 inches wi e tapering to a point with very prominent smooth veins
Flower Numerous small white-petale flowers on short stalks in a somewhat ense terminal flat cluster
Flowering Period June through July
Fruit Fleshy blue-black berry-like approximately 13 inch wi e containing a flattene see appearing in August
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 45
BUTTONBUSH Cephalanthus occidentalis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 12 feet tall typically 3-5 feet tall
Bark Smooth an grayish when young flaky an grayish when ol er Light-brown pith
Twigs Slen er roun or angle grayish-brown to purplish marke with light elongate lenticels
Buds Small in epresse areas surroun e by bark
Leaves Opposite or in whorls of 3-4 Shiny ark-green above lighter green an slightly owny beneath Leathery smooth oblong to oval 3-6 inches long broa at the base pointe at tips often with short re stalks
Flower Densely clustere spherical creamy white ball-shape flowers long-stalke often in groups of 3 1- 1 frac12 inch wi e Ripe hea s brownish fragrant
Flowering Period July through August
Fruit Small triangular-shape capsules greenish in ball-like hea s like the flowers Persist into winter
Value Butterfly an moth species are often foun fee ing on the sweet nectar of the tubular flowers because of their long curle mouthparts Caterpillar pupas are often foun on buttonbush because of the foo association with larvae an a ults (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 46
ELDERBERRYBLACK-BERRIED ELDER Sa bucus canadensis
Elderberr showing fruit
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 12 feet tall often forming thickets
Bark Green
Twigs Pale yellow-brown to light-brown with numerous large raise lenticels Ill-smelling when bruise Flute or square pith very thick white an soft
Buds Small roun to oval covere with brownish scales
Leaves Opposite pinnately compoun with 5 to 11 leaflets usually 7 Lanceolate to ovate abruptly narrowing at the tip Sharply-toothe Lower leaflets often 3-parte Smooth above smooth or owny on veins beneath
Flower Small white nicely-scente flowers with 5 white petals in a flat-toppe cluster up to 6 inches wi e generally with 5 main branches
Flowering Period Late June through July
Fruit Juicy purplish-black berries in flat-toppe clusters containing many see s appearing late August to early October
Value Pro uces fruit that makes tasty jelly an wine It is also an important foo source for many songbir s
Elderberr showing flowers
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 47
GLOSSY BUCKTHORN Rha nus frangula
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T is species is pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Generalist Full-sun or sha e moist ry aci ic or basic soils Woo lan bor ers foreste wetlan s floo plain forests
Heig t Up to 20 feet tall
Twigs Grayish with whitish lenticels
Buds Nake owny up to frac14 inch long
Leaves Alternate whorle oblong 4-5 inches long an 3-4 inches wi e Long growing season leafing out in May an hol ing its leaves into November
Flower Small greenish-white in small clusters in the leaf axis
Flowering Period May through September Flowers an fruits continuously from May through September Plants often isplay bu s flowers immature fruit an mature fruit simultaneously
Fruit Berry with 2-3 pits approximately frac14 inch wi e turning from green to re an eventually blue-black Often all three colore berries are on the plant at the same time Sometimes ifficult to recognize in a foreste situation ue to its non- escript appearance but easily recognize July through September ue to masses of berries
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 48
HIGHBUSH BLUEBERRY Vacciniu cory bosu
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s rich woo s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 15 feet tall often forming thickets
Bark Rough brown Stem an larger branches shre y
Twigs On some bushes re ish-brown on other bushes they are yellow Covere with small warty lenticels zigzagge or angle
Buds Flower bu s re plump pointe with spine-like pointe scales Leaf bu s smaller two outer scales with hair-like point
Leaves Alternate pointe on both en s green on both si es untoothe Lower si e slightly wooly on the veins Up to 3 inches long an 1 frac12 inch wi e Deep re in autumn
Flower Cylin rical white or pink up to frac12 inch long an frac14 inch wi e in ense terminal or lateral clusters
Flowering Period April through June appearing when leaves are only half grown
Fruit Blue-black berry up to frac12 inch wi e with whitish bloom sweet in clusters
Value Berries eaten by numerous bir s an wil life
Similar Species Maleberry (L onia ligustrina) Highbush blueberry can be istinguishe by its terminal clusters of fruit an by berries rather than capsules for fruit
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 49
HOBBLEBUSH Viburnu alnifoliu
Status Native
Habitat Cool moist ravines e ges of rivers an streams
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Light brown with wavy grooves
Twigs Tough stout olive-brown to light purplish-brown Coate with rusty brown hairs towar the tip
Buds Large long in pairs light-brown covere with velvety fuzz Flower bu s roun e an occur only at tips of twigs
Leaves Very large 4-8 inches long Almost roun finely toothe heart-shape at base Hairy beneath rusty veins much branche Brownish hairs on stalks
Flower Large white clusters with 5 petals appearing before leaves are fully grown
Flowering Period May through June
Fruit Re berries turning black Stones with a groove on each e ge
Similar Species Likely to be confuse with ogwoo s Viburnum leaves are nearly always toothe or lobe while ogwoo leaves are smooth untoothe an veins are parallel
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 50
HONEYSUCKLE Lonicera spp
(L orrowii L tatarica L aackii)
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T ese species are pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Fiel s roa si es fence-rows he ge-rows e ges of woo s
Heig t 10 to 15 feet tall
Bark Tan to brown shre e in appearance
Twigs Generally glabrous thornless
Buds Blunt to acute
Leaves Opposite entire oblong to egg-shape 1-5 inches long
Flower 5-lobe tubular sometimes fragrant growing in leaf axils white to yellow
Fruit Re rarely yellow juicy few-see e berry July through September
Flowering Period May through June
Morrowrsquos Honeysuckle Lonicera orrowii
Leaves an young twigs ensely owny Leafy bracts beneath flowers not glan ular Leaves broa est below the mi le Flowers white fa ing to yellow
Tartarian Honeysuckle Lonicera tartarica
Un ersi es of leaves an young twigs are hairless Flowers usually pink-re Only species that has hollow pith
Amur Honeysuckle Lonicera aackii
Upper surface of leaves are shiny Bark is gray or tan an exfoliates somewhat in vertical strips Flowers white fa ing to yellow
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 51
JAPANESE KNOTWEED Polygonu cuspidatu
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T is species is pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Woo lan s open spaces itches roa si e itches e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall Fast growing aggressive easily sprea s an repro uces vegetatively
Twigs Greenish hollow jointe bamboo-like Stems often persist into winter
Leaves Alternate large untoothe broa ly ovate 3-7 inches long with pointe tips an square bases
Flower Many small whitish flowers growing in slen er finger-like clusters in the leaf axils
Flowering Period August to September
Fruit White papery win - isperse x-shape in cross-section
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 52
MALEBERRY Lyonia ligustrina
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s rich woo s gentle slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall often forming thickets
Bark Light gray shre y shaggy Younger bark appearing slightly hairy ol er bark gray with white lenticels
Twigs Yellow-brown to ash-gray mottle with black Flowering twigs leafless
Buds No terminal bu Lateral bu s flattene re oval pointe with a single re ish scale
Leaves Alternate elliptic to oblong stalke up to 3 inches long pointe at both en s minutely toothe Rough above slightly-hairy beneath
Flower Small roun white flowers in clusters up to 6 inches long
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Greenish-gray to brown small roun capsules with 5 partitions No larger than flower Crow e in groups on the stem persisting through winter Dry brown po s resembling blueberries
Similar Species Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium cor mbosum) Maleberry can be istinguishe by its flattene re bu s lateral rather than terminal clusters an by capsules of fruit instea of berries
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 53
MEADOWSWEET Spiraea latifolia
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t 2-3 feet tall forming large ense colonies
Bark Thin peeling in filmy layers
Twigs Smooth slen er light re ish-brown to purple more or less angle Unbranche (except occasionally towar the top where branching may occur)
Buds Many small smooth oval with several scales
Leaves Alternate oblong narrow toothe short-stalke tapering to the base with pointe to roun tips Up to 3 inches long an 1 frac12 inches wi e
Flower Pyrami clusters of white to pinkish 5-parte small flowers occurring at tip of stem
Flowering Period July into September
Fruit Small har smooth cluster of 5-6 tiny po s persisting over winter in the inflorescence giving it a ark-brown color
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 54
MULTIFLORA ROSE Rosa ultiflora
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T is species is pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Generalist Variety of soil moisture an light con itions
Heig t Up to 9 feet tall Shrubby arching
Bark Green Ol er stems turn woo y
Twigs Long arching with stiff re-curve thorns tips root to form new plants
Leaves Alternate pinnately compoun 7-9 toothe leaflets each leaflet about 1 inch long Fringe stipule at the base of leaf stem
Flower Dense clusters of fragrant white or occasionally pink 5-petale flowers up to 1 frac12 inch wi e Persist into winter
Flowering Period May through June
Fruit Small roun har re berry calle a ldquohiprdquo Smallest hip of any rose in New Englan persists into winter
Similar Species Multiflora rose can be istinguishe from other roses by the presence of a fringe stipule on the leaf petiole
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 55
NORTHERN WILD RAISIN WITHEROD VIBURNUM Viburnu cassinoides
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s valleys gentle slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall usually up to 7
Bark Smooth grayish-brown
Twigs Slen er long flexible ull pale grayish to light-brown Slightly hairy Somewhat angle with in istinct lenticels
Buds Covere by a single pair of scales Terminal bu s long yellow or gol en 2 light-brown scales split curve Flower bu s large an flask-shape
Leaves Opposite lanceolate to oval loosely toothe up to 4 inches long on short stalks tapering to an abrupt point Dark green above ull green below leathery
Flower Many small white 5-lobe flowers in short-stalke flat-toppe clusters at the tips of the twigs
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Fleshy blue-black berry-like approximately frac14 inch wi e containing a flat see Dull re as maturing
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 56
SHADBUSHSERVICEBERRY A elchier canadensis
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains rich woo s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 25 feet tall usually growing in thickets
Bark Gray smooth thin vertical fissures separating smooth flat areas in ol er trees
Twigs Ranci taste an smell (slight taste of bitter almon s) Slen er grayish often covere by a gray skin smooth Lenticels are scattere minute ots
Buds Terminal bu s long narrow greenish-yellow or purple
Leaves Alternate oblong finely-toothe broa est above the mi le Veins curve When half grown with white felt or wooly hairs beneath Up to frac34 inch long roun e at the tip an base
Flower Many me ium-size 5-petalle white flowers approximately frac34 inch wi e on stalks in clusters appearing when leaves are half grown
Flowering Period April through June
Fruit Dark-purple to black berries
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 57
SHEEP LAURELLAMBKILL Kal ia angustifolia
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 3 feet tall usually forming thickets
Bark Re ish brown
Twigs Pale brown smooth
Buds Nake no scales or only 2 showing
Leaves Evergreen Occasionally opposite but usually in whorls of 3 Elliptic to oblong on very short stems crow e on the branch opposite in threes Bright green above pale or whitene beneath Both surfaces smooth
Flower Small eep pink to re ish-purple 5-lobe approximately 1 frac12 inch wi e in clusters among the leaves
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Small brownish roun capsule with 5 partitions in clusters that persist over winter
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 58
SILKY DOGWOOD Cornus a o u
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall forming ense thickets
Twigs Much branching lower portion of the stem light brown upper portions becoming streake with re One-an two-year ol branches completely re an velvety Twigs mo erate to slen er with spongy chocolate-brown piths
Buds Smooth hairy
Leaves Opposite ovate to elliptic roun e at base with pointe tips Veins branching off mi vein that follow up the smooth leaf without reaching e ge Up to 5 inches long an half as wi e roun e to somewhat we ge-shape at the base an abruptly pointe at the tip pubescent beneath on short to mo erate stalks turning re in autumn
Flower Many small white 4-petalle flowers in broa flat-toppe clusters up to 3 inches wi e at the tips of branches
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Blue or blueish-white berries
Similar Species Re Osier Dogwoo (Cornus stolonifera)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 59
SPECKLED ALDER Alnus rugosa
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 25 feet tall often branching from the base
Bark Brown with whitish horizontal lenticels
Twigs Olive-brown to re ish brown smooth owny with greenish triangular pith
Buds Stalke re ish covere by 2-3 scales equal in length coate with grayish or brownish own no terminal bu
Leaves Alternate oval or roun e broa est below the mi le 2-4 inches long Doubly toothe or wavy Green above pale beneath Leaf base roun e or heart-shape Up to 6 inches long an 3 inches wi e
Flower Develop long before the leaves Male catkins long finger-like rooping Female catkins upright in clusters stalke resembling a small pine cone arching appearing below male
Flowering Period April through June before leaves emerge
Fruit Female catkins ripening into frac12 inch cylin rical cones persistent in winter
Comments Distinguishing features are the conspicuous white lenticels on the trunk an on the twigs the short thick stalks of the ldquoconesrdquo an the conspicuous net venation of the leaves In winter the immature female spikes roop
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 60
SPICEBUSH Lindera benzoin
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains rich woo s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Smooth grayish-brown
Twigs Younger growth is green with white lines an specks while ol er portions with smooth gray-brown bark
Buds Leaf bu s small pointe Flower bu s larger stalke Spherical arrange on one si e of a leaf bu above the scar
Leaves Alternate obovate to ovate somewhat pointe up to 4 inches long an 2 inches wi e
Flower Small yellow Male an female occur in clusters on separate plants
Flowering Period April through May
Fruit Fleshy re an berry-like up to frac12 inch long containing one large see
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 61
STEEPLEBUSH Spiraea to entosa
Status Native
Habitat Wet mea ows marshes shrub wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 3 frac12 feet tall
Bark Thin hairy peeling shre ing into strips
Buds Lateral bu s covere with wool No terminal bu
Leaves Alternate simple toothe up to 2 inches long white or woolly beneath with brownish rusty or tawny hairs
Flower Small 5-petale eep pink or rose colore flowers in ense steeple-like terminal spike up to 6 inches long
Flowering Period July into September
Fruit One-celle capsules persistent into winter
Similar Species The pinker plants are often confuse with purple loosestrife Steeplebush has alternate leaves whereas purple loosestrife has opposite or whorle leaves The stems of Steeplebush ten to be roun in cross-section whereas the stems of purple loosestrife are square in cross section (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 62
SWEET PEPPERBUSH Clethera alnifolia
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Dark grayish or blackish Branches of previous year shre y or flaky
Twigs Slen er roun an slightly owny on new twigs with large white pith
Buds Lateral bu s small an obscure Terminal bu s are owny large an pointe
Leaves Alternate egg-shape to oblong small broa est above mi le sharply-toothe except at base Straight-veine both si es smooth an green abruptly blunt-pointe Up to 4 frac12 inches long an 1 frac12 inches wi e
Flower Many small 5-petale fragrant white flowers occurring on terminal spike
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Small tan roun capsule each with 3 hairy partitions resembling peppercorns persisting into winter
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 63
WINTERBERRY HOLLYBLACK ALDER Ilex verticillata
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Gray smooth
Twigs Slen er ark purple-gray with many small lenticels
Buds Tiny blunt at tip iverging from the twig Crow e upper bu s larger Terminal bu present
Leaves Alternate ovate thick ull-green above owny beneath coarse-toothe prominent veins Broa est at or above the mi le pointe at both en s
Flower Very small greenish or yellowish white Male an female flower son separate plants 6-8 petals in clusters seate irectly on stem frac14 inch in iameter of very short stalks
Flowering Period May through August
Fruit Bright re berry-like with 3-5 bony nuts borne singly or in clusters approximately frac14 inch wi e containing several see s persisting into winter
Value Extremely showy in late fall an early winter when covere with their bright re fruit these shrubs are either male or female Attractive to bir s
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 64
WITCH HAZEL Ha a elis virginiana
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 30 feet tall
Bark Mottle light-brown to gray smooth to scaly
Twigs Zigzag smooth to slightly hairy Short shoots light orange brown with rusty or gray hairs Some brown warts but lenticels in istinct
Buds Lateral bu s flattene with rusty brown hairs Terminal bu stalke curve or sickle-shape
Leaves Roun e to oval wavy lopsi e toothe in shallow roun e lobes Main veins prominent 5-7 nerves One-si e at base
Flower Bright yellow crinkle curving petals persisting into winter remaining attache to twig
Flowering Period August into November
Fruit Woo y hairy light-brown 2-see e po with 4 well-space curve points splitting open an ejecting black see s forcibly ripening a year after flowers Open po s remain on stem
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 65
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 66
Climbin Vines
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 67
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 68
CLIMBINGORIENTAL BITTERSWEET
Celast us o biculatus
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire
Habitat Disturbe areas roa si es fiel s forests an e ges of streams an rivers
Hei ht 40-65 feet long eci uous woo y vine Very aggressive climbs up an over trees an chokes them
Stem Tanish furrowe
Leaves Alternate ovate bluntly toothe 3-4 inches long tapere at the base
Flower Small greenish clusters in the leaf axils
Flowerin Period April through May
Fruit Bright-yellow splitting open to reveal showy orangere fruit
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 69
POISON IVY
Toxicodend on adicans
Status Native
Habitat Generalist Variety of soil moisture an light con itions Foun in recent clear-cuts
Hei ht Upright eci uous shrub trailing vine or climbing plant Shrub can grow up to 6 feet tall but this plant is taller as a vine
Leaves Long-stalke compoun leaves ivi e into 3 leaflets each leaflet having a longer stalk than the si e leaflets
Flowers Small yellowish flowers with 5 petals occurring on lateral clusters
Flowerin Period May through July Poison i y showing fruit
Fruit Greenish to grayish-white berries lacking hairs Pro uce in late summer an can persist throughout winter
CAUTION
TOUCHING OR BURNING ANY PART OF THIS PLANT CAN CAUSE SEVERE SKIN IRRITATION
Poison i y as a tree-climbing ine Poison i y in autumn
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 70
RIVERBANK GRAPE
Vitis ipa ia
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Hei ht Up to 60 feet tall
Bark Re ish-brown in loose strips Pith with thin firm tissue
Leaves Alternate coarse-toothe up to 7 inches long with usually 3-5 lobes an narrow-pointe leaves
Flowers Inconspicuous in branche clusters
Flowerin Period May through July
Fruit Purplish-black to black grapes up to frac12 inch wi e with whitish waxy covering
Similar Species Forest grape (Vitis ulpina) occurs in similar habitats but its leaves have broa teeth an are not usually lobe an its grapes are black an lacking waxy coating
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 71
VIRGINIA CREEPER
Pa thenosisus quinquefolia
Status Native
Habitat Wi e range of con itions ry san y soil to moist nutrient-rich soil sha e sun
Stem Woo y stem persisting into winter
Leaves Alternate palmately compoun with 3-7 but usually 5 leaflets Leaflets 6-12 centimeters long with toothe margins Turn eep-re in the fall
Flower Inconspicuous green-white
Fruit Small blue-black berries appearing in autumn
Comments Climbs by ten rils that have oval a hesive isks at their tips
Similar Species Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) has compoun leaves with 3 leaflets but the terminal leaflet is attache to a short-stalk Poison ivy also climbs by aerial roots not by a hesive isks
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 72
The Ca opy Trees
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 73
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 74
AMERICAN BASSWOODLINDEN Tilia am ricana
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s valleys gentle slopes
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray ri ge when ol
Twigs Alternate stout zigzag greenish-gray smooth or owny
Buds Re ish-brown frac12 inch long lopsi e No terminal bu
Leaves Alternate large up to 8 inches long sharply toothe Unequally heart-shape at base
Flowers 5 cream-colore fragrant yellow petals Approximately frac12 inch across
Floweri g Period Early summer
Fruit Stalke cluster of small pale green nuts attache to a leafy wing
AMERICAN BEECH Fagus grandifolia
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s uplan s well- raine lowlan s
Height Up to 90 feet tall
Bark Smooth an light blue-gray when young an ol
Twigs Alternate slen er greenish-brown hairy
Buds Slen er sharp-pointe approximately frac34 inch long chestnut brown with overlapping scales
Leaves Alternate simple egg-shape pointe with parallel veins terminating in teeth Shiny papery-smooth up to 5 inches long Dry leaves remain on tree in winter Yellow in autumn
Flowers Inconspicuous slen er catkins in a roun e hea both sexes occur on the same tree
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Prickly 4-valve fruit capsule bearing 2 triangular nuts Nut is sweet an e ible
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 75
AMERICAN HORNBEAM IRONWOODBLUE BEECH Carpinus caroliniana
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s foreste wetlan s e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 40 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray-green furrowe flute (muscular) wavy
Twigs Slen er ark re ish-brown shiny an smooth or slightly -hairy
Buds Oval re ish brown angle scaly
Leaves Alternate simple oblong sharply an finely oubly-toothe margins up to 4 inches long an 2 inches wi e entirely smooth above slightly owny beneath Orange or scarlet in autumn
Flowers Very small male an female flowers occur in separate spikes Male catkins 1 inch female small appearing with leaves
Floweri g Period April through May before leaf-out
Fruit Nutlet in the axil of a 3-lobe leaf-like bract the bracts clustere in a loose terminal spike up to 2 inches long
BLACK BIRCHSWEET BIRCH B tula l nta
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s
Height Up to 60 feet tall
Bark Smooth ark brown Long horizontal lenticels resembling cherry Ol er trees with very ark thick plates
Twigs Smooth slen er light re ish-brown with very fine horizontal lines Smells an tastes of wintergreen
Buds Sharp re ish brown long terminal bu absent on long shoots Bu scales owny on margins
Leaves Alternate simple heart-shape sharply ouble-or single-toothe smooth above with tufts of white hair on the veins beneath ull ark green Wintergreen o or an taste
Flower Male an female flowers occur in separate catkins on the same tree male catkins present uring the winter
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Catkins cylin rical short scales smooth
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 76
BLACK CHERRY Prunus s rotina
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s on many sites
Height Up to 60 feet tall
Bark Dark re ish-brown smooth with narrow horizontal lenticels on young trees becoming roughene an scaly on ol er trees Resembles black birch
Twigs Slen er re ish-brown often gray an peeling Ranci o or an taste Often with black knot swellings on branches with narrow lenticels
Buds Bright light re ish-brown 4 scales appear as none Terminal bu larger than laterals
Leaves Alternate simple elliptic Smooth an shiny above finely-toothe turning inwar Brown wool on 13 of mi rib beneath Yellow to brown in autumn
Flower White 5-petalle elongate clusters appearing when leaves are frac12 grown in clusters at the en s of twigs up to 4 inches long
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit E ible cherries ark re ish-purple becoming black with small stone Appearing June-October
BOX ELDERASH-LEAVED MAPLE Ac r n gundo
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s lowlan s floo plains
Height Up to 40 feet tall
Bark Thin grayish to light-brown with furrowe narrow ri ges similar to Norway maple
Twigs Stout green to purplish-green brightly colore often re Covere with whitish bloom the first year which rea ily rubs off
Buds Short-stalke re ish usually wooly or owny whitish ensely hairy
Leaves Opposite compoun palm-like with 3-5 veiny leaflets up to 5 inches long on short stalks Very variable in shape sharp margins with coarse teeth Light green above pale green an hairy along veins beneath Stalk swollen at base
Flower Small yellowish to greenish Male an female flowers occur in rooping clusters on separate trees appearing slightly before leaf-out
Floweri g Period April through May at or before leaf-out
Fruit A typical flattene v-shape winge samara
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 77
EASTERN COTTONWOOD Populus d ltoid s
Status Native
Habitat Floo plains streambanks valleys
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Greenish-yellow on young trees gray an furrowe on ol er trees
Twigs Smooth yellow-brown mo erately stout
Buds Brown shiny approximately frac12 to 1 inch long 6-7 scales heavy sticky fragrant yellow resin insi e
Leaves Alternate simple large triangular coarse roun e teeth up to 6 inches long an often nearly as wi e Dark green an shiny above lighter beneath with veins prominent on both surfaces Stems flattene at base of leaves Leaves from sprouts very large Yellow in autumn
Flower Drooping loosely groupe catkins Male an female flowers occur in rooping spikes on separate trees Before the leaves unfol the male crow e into rather thick re ish spikes the female crow e into narrower greenish yellow spikes
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Short-stalke capsule with 4 partitions approximately frac14 inch long
EASTERN HEMLOCK Tsuga canad nsis
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s ravines foreste wetlan s
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Cinnamon-re to gray tinge with purple narrow ri ges
Twigs Alternate yellow to grayish brown very hairy flattene
Buds Approximately frac12 to frac34 inch wi e oval chestnut brown hairy scales
Needles Narrow approximately frac12 inch long Short shiny ark-green above tapering whitish-green with 2 white lines beneath appearing as a broa stripe Stalke at base persistent comb-like arrangement on twig
Fruit Small oval cones frac12 to frac34 inch long on slen er stalks Cone scales as wi e as long Male cones are small structures in clusters in leaf axils an o not persist Female cones have brown scales are at twig en s an persist
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 78
EASTERN WHITE PINE Pinus strobus
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s bogs ravines cool sha y north slopes
Height Up to 120 feet tall
Bark Smooth thin greenish when young becoming ark brown eeply-furrowe an blocky when ol er
Twigs Smooth slen er green or light yellowish-green resinous
Buds Sharp-pointe yellowish-brown
Leaves In clusters of 5 (the only five-nee le pine in the East) soft slen er bluish-green Retaine to en of the secon growing season 3 year nee les yellow in October 2-5 inches long
Fruit Large tapering cylin rical cones falling when ripe (August-September) Require two seasons to mature 4 to 8 inches long
GREEN ASH Fraxinus p nnsylvanica
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains streambanks
Height Up to 80 feet tall
Bark Young twigs gray thin hairless Ol er stems gray with shallow grooves ri ges an furrows
Twigs Stout gray terminal bu present conical the first pair of lateral bu s place some istance below the terminal
Leaves Opposite pinnately-compoun with 5-9 (usually 7) leaflets Shiny green on top occasionally hairy on bottom with saw-toothe margins Bright yellow in autumn
Flower Inconspicuous small cluster of greenish petal-free stalke flowers with male an female flowers occur on separate trees
Floweri g Period April to June as leaves emerge
Fruit Samara with a broa wing an in istinct see portion
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 79
RED MAPLE Ac r rubrum
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s rich woo s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 75 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray often satiny on young trees becoming arker scaly rough separating an forming long scales often up-curling in ol er trees
Twigs Current years growth re Ol er twigs light gray smooth
Buds Sharp ark re with prominent overlapping scales
Leaves Opposite simple usually 3-lobe (sometimes 5) with sharp angles between lobes an with sharp irregular teeth Dark green above gray-green beneath approximately 3-4 inches long Yellow or scarlet in autumn
Flower Re or yellow with petals appearing long before the leaves emerge Male an female flowers occur on separate trees
Floweri g Period March through May before leaf-bu s open
Fruit A ouble-winge v-shape re samara up to 1 inch long
Matures in late spring falls an germinates at once
RED OAK Qu rcus rubra
Status Native
Habitat Bottomlan s moist slopes
Height Up to 90 feet tall
Bark Smooth greenish-brown on young stems becoming broken into ri ges re ish-brown har with eep furrows when ol er Inner bark re ish
Twigs Alternate strongly ri ge or flute Re ish brown or black smooth
Buds Smooth brown blunt-pointe in clusters at en s of twigs Larger than other oaks except black frac14 inch long roun e on the si es Terminal bu s have slight rusty hairs
Leaves Spikes on tips of lobes Mostly 3 pairs V-shape space between lobes (typically 7-11) triangular in outline smooth on both si es
Flower Long sprea ing strings
Fruit Acorn maturing in secon year Cup embracing 13 to frac12 the acorn Oval to cylin rical short shallow Acorns large bitter ine ible insi es pale yellow
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 80
SHAGBARK HICKORY Carya ovata
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s valleys uplan slopes
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Smooth when young splitting into long plates that curve outwar free at both en s when ol er
Twigs Re ish-brown very stout tough an har to break Soli pith
Buds Dark brown long-pointe approximately frac12 inch or more wi e Scales remaining over winter
Leaves Alternate compoun 4-6 inches long 5 (rarely 7) leaflets with the 3 upper leaflets much larger an longer than the lower terminal leaflet Slightly toothe with a tuft of hair on each tooth
Flower Male an female flowers occur on same tree Male flowers are 3-branche catkins female flowers are in short spikes
Floweri g Period Early spring before leaf-out
Fruit Thick globe-like husks split away when ripe Nut with 4 angles whitish brown shell thick sweet kernel
SILVER MAPLE Ac r saccharinium
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 80 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray (like beech) in young trees breaking into long thin scaly plates curving away at en s when ol er
Twigs V-shape point upwar at tip rooping Orange-brown to re Ba o or when bruise
Buds Terminal bu small blunt re
Leaves Opposite simple approximately 5 inches wi e Deeply cleft 5-lobe sharply toothe Green above silver-white beneath Very silvery un er water Downy beneath when young Pale yellow in autumn
Flower Small re or greenish yellow No petals occurring long before the leaves Some trees have only male flowers
Floweri g Period February through May before leaf-out
Fruit Occurring in late spring The see germinates at once flattene winge fruit the largest of the native maples up to 2 inches long
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 81
SWAMP WHITE OAK Qu rcus bicolor
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 70 feet tall
Bark Flaky light grayish-brown peeling in ragge papery scales Furrowe at base of tree in long flat scaly ri ges
Twigs Slen er to stout straw-brown to yellow-green Bark peels from twig (only oak where this occurs)
Buds Small roun terminal bu s orange-brown blunt-pointe smooth Lateral bu s small an crow e
Leaves Alternate simple oval light-green above with hairs beneath wi est above the mi le strongly tapere towar the we ge-shape base Margin shallowly lobe Yellow or brown in autumn
Flower Male an female flowers occur separately on the same tree the male in catkins the female in short spikes
Fruit Oval light-brown nut approximately 1 inch long enclose for about frac12 its length by a cap Occurring singly or often in pairs at the en of a short stalk Some of the cups usually persist in winter
SYCAMOREPLANETREEBUTTONBALL Platanus occid ntalis
Status Native
Habitat Floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Creamy white on young branches turning re -brown-gray then breaking in large thin plates exposing whitish inner bark giving a white-washe appearance
Twigs Slen er smooth yellow-brown slightly zigzag swollen at joints
Buds No terminal bu Lateral bu s long conical resinous shiny ark re -brown covere by a single cap-like scale Pointing outwar enclose by bases of leaf stalks until the leaves fall
Leaves Alternate simple large with 3-5 pointe lobes maple-like pubescent beneath when young with long pointe teeth
Flower Small inconspicuous Male an female flowers occur separately in roun hea s on the same tree
Floweri g Period April through June
Fruit Large roun balls approximately frac14 inch long an 1 inch wi e with bristly hairs at base containing many see s Occurring singly on long stalks Remains on tree until spring
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 82
TAMARACHLARCH Larix laricina
Status Native
Habitat Bogs foreste wetlan s wet peaty soils
Height Up to 80 feet tall
Bark Thin re ish brown scaly Young branches grayish or pale orange-brown
Twigs Smooth brownish many leaf scars
Buds Dark re ish-brown roun resinous
Leaves Deci uous nee les pale blueish-green approximately 1 inch long flexible triangular Yellow in autumn before ropping off
Flower Occur separately as small cones on the same tree Male flowers are yellow Female flowers are rose re both appearing in March through April
Fruit Small oval cones frac12 to frac34 inch wi e with 20 scales Cone scales concave smooth often shining longer than broa chestnut brown smooth on the outsi e
WHITE ASH Fraxinus am ricana
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s valleys slopes foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Light or ark gray Smooth when young groove when ol er Longitu inal ri ges forming iamon -shape patterns separate by narrow interlacing ri ges
Twigs Opposite light greenish-brown with small white lenticles an a slight bloom Soli pith
Buds Roun e rusty to ark-brown rough hairy First pair of lateral bu s at the same level irectly below the terminal
Leaves Opposite pinnately compoun stalke oval to lanceolate 8 to 12 inches long with 5 to 9 leaflets (mostly 7) Smooth or slightly wavy-toothe Yellowish to maroon in the autumn
Flowers Small inconspicuous male an female flowers occur on separate trees appearing with the leaves Purplish in crow e clusters
Floweri g Period April through May before leaf-out
Fruit Cylin rical light-brown enclosing a see an a flattene elongate wing 2-3 times long as the bo y 1-2 inches wi e in rooping clusters
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 83
WHITE OAK Qu rcus alba
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s a jacent slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 90 feet tall
Bark Gray thin on young trees an flaky irregularly-plate or groove when ol er
Twigs Purplish-gray to greenish-re mo erately stout smooth
Buds Blunt smooth brownish at tips of twigs in clusters
Leaves Alternate simple 4-10 prominent roun e lobes variable in epth Re ish to violet in autumn Brown ea leaves remain on tree in winter
Flowers Both sexes occur on the same tree Male flowers in clusters of hanging bea s Female flowers are few in angles of new leaves Greenish yellowish or re ish
Fruit Maturing in one season Acorn cup with wart-like scales Cup shorter than nut Sweet an e ible
WHITE SPRUCE Pic a glauca
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s a jacent slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 70 feet tall
Bark Thin scaly grayish-brown silvery on freshly expose areas
Twigs Pale gray to yellow-brown no hairs or fuzz
Buds Oval ragge brown smooth
Leaves frac12 to 1 inch blueish-green slight-bloom pungent o or when crushe sharp line of white ots in each groove Ten ency to mass towar the upper si e of the twig
Flowers Occur separately as small cones on the same tree Male flowers are yellowish re Female flowers are greenish re purplish
Co e Cylin rical 2 inches long Immature cones have thin scales an are soft an flexible Mature cones are light chestnut brown
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 84
YELLOW BIRCH B tula l nta
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains ravines cool rich woo s of higher elevations
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Peeling in thin ribbon-like strips when young that roll back in curls Shiny yellow or silvery gray rough an platy when ol er
Twigs Stout bronze or bright-brown shiny Smooth or sparsely hairy Wintergreen o or an taste
Buds Sharp re ish-brown oppresse terminal bu absent oval with chestnut-brown scales
Leaves Alternate simple long oval sharply ouble-toothe Dull an ark-green above lighter beneath with slight hairs in veins base roun e to near heart-shape up to 5 inches long
Flower Male an female flowers in separate catkins on the same tree Male catkins present in winter Male flowers are yellow small narrow in a rooping catkin at branch tips Female flowers are green an in broa er upright catkins place back from the tip that matures into a brown cone
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Catkins roun e roun scales somewhat hairy erect on twig frac34 inch long persist into winter
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 85
Appendix A Other Helpful Field Guides
The Boo of Swamp and Bog Trees Shrubs and Wildflowers of Eastern Freshwater Wetlands by John Eastman 1995 Stackpole Books ISBN 0-8117-2518-9
A Field Guide to Coastal Wetland Plants of the Northeastern United States by Ralph W Tiner Jr 1987 University of Massachusetts Press ISBN 0-870-23538-9
Freshwater Wetlands - A Guide to Common Indicator Plants of the Northeast by Dennis W Magee 1981 University of Massachusetts Press ISBN 0-87023-317-3
Northeastern Wetland Flora Field Office Guide to Plant Species by USDA ndash NRCSNortheastern National Technical Center Chester Pennsylvania
Plants in Wetlands A Redington Field Guide to Biological Interactions by Charles B Re ington 1994 Ken allHunt Publishing Company ISBN 0-84038-983-3
Pond and Broo by Michael J Ca uto 1990 ISBN 0-87451-509-1
Pond Life A Golden Guide by George K Rei 1987 Gol en Books ISBN 0-30724-017-7
Through The Loo ing Glass by Susan Borman Robert Korth Jo Temte 19971999 Wisconsin Lakes Partnership ISBN 0-93231-032-X
Wetland Planting Guide for Northeast United States by Gwen olyn A Thunhorst 1993 Environmental Concern Inc ISBN 1-88322-602-3
Wetlands - National Audubon Society Nature Guides by William A Niering 1985 Alfre A Knopf New York ISBN 0-39473-147-6
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 86
Appendix B Glossary of Terms
Alternate Leaves arising singly along the stem not in pairs or whorls
Annual Living or growing for only one year or season
Axil The angle where two structures join for example where a leaf joins the stem
Axillary Occurring in or growing from an axil
Basal Locate at or arising from the base of a plant or a plant part
Berry A small juicy fleshy fruit containing one to many see s
Capsule A ry fruit containing two to many see s an opening by valves slits or pores
Cat in Scaly spike of inconspicuous flowers lacking petals
Ciliate Bearing margine hairs
Clasping Leaves that partially encircle the stem at the base
Compound (Leaf) Divi e into two or more istinct separate parts (leaflets)
Cone A har woo y globose to cylin ric arrangement of bracts or scales in the axils of which the repro uctive structures are foun
Deciduous Falling from the plant after maturity each year
Elliptic Broa est at the mi le gra ually tapering to both en s
Emergent Roote in shallow water with most of the plant growing above the surface
Emersed Raise out of the water as in the flowers or fruits of some floating plants
Entire (Leaf) Having a continuoussmooth margin unbroken by toothing or ivisions
Evergreen Remaining green throughout the winter
Fibrous Referring to a cluster of slen er roots all with the same iameter
Frond The leaf of a fern
Furrowed Groove
Glabrous Without hairs or scales
Globose Shape like a globe roun
Head A group of flowers tightly crowne together in a more or less roun e structure
Herbaceous A plant that ies back to the groun at the en of the growing season or a plant part that is leaf-like in color an texture
Inflorescence The entire flower cluster
Lanceolate Lance-shape broa est near the base gra ually tapering to the narrower apex
Leaflet One of the segments of a compoun leaf
Lenticels The small corky pores or narrow lines on the surface of stems of woo y plants that allow the interchange of gases between the interior tissue an surroun ing air A small opening in a stem
Lip The upper an lower parts of certain tubular flowers
Lobe The in ente part of a leaf or flower not ivi e into istinct an separate parts but still interconnecte to similar parts of the leaf or flower
MidribMidvein The central or main vein of a leaf
Native A species that originate in a certain place or region in igenous
Node The place on the stem where leaves or branches are attache
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 87
Non-Native Not originating in a certain geographic location than where they are foun
Nut A har ry one-see e fruit not opening at maturity
Nutlet A small nut
Oblong Broa est at the mi le an tapering to both en s but broa er than elliptic
Opposite Leaves arising in pairs on either si e of a stem
Oval Broa ly elliptic
Ovate Broa ly roun e at the base becoming narrowe above
Palmate Having three or more veins lobes or leaflets arising from one point
Panicle A compoun loosely branche flower cluster
Parallel Veined Having veins all parallel as oppose to in a network
Perennial Living for two or more years
Petal One segment of the series of floral leaves lying just insi e the sepals often the most conspicuous
Petiole The stalk-like part of the leaf attaching it to the stem
Pinnate Divi e once along an elongate axis into istinct segments
Pith The soft tissue at the center of a plantrsquos stem it may be soli or hollow at maturity
Pod A fruiting structure containing the mature see s
Pubescent Covere in fine short hairs
Recurved Curving ownwar
Rhizome A horizontal usually un ergroun stem that often sen s out roots an shoots from its no es
Ribbed Bearing ri ges
Root The escen ing axis of the plant usually growing in an opposite irection from the stem
Samara A winge fruit
Scale A mo ifie leaf or thin flattene structure
Sepal One segment of the outer series of floral leaves often green in color but occasionally of a ifferent color an petal-like
Serrate With sharp forwar -pointing teeth on the margin
Sessile Without a stalk
Sheath The base of a leaf that encircles the stem
Simple (Leaf) A leaf compose of a single bla e
Smooth Not rough to the touch
Spi e An elongate cluster of sessile flowers
Shrub A woo y plant smaller than a tree with several stems or trunks arising from a single base a bush
Simple Leaf A leaf with a single bla e
Succulent Juicy an fleshy
Tendril A evice usually coile that enables some vines to climb
Toothed With teeth along the margin
Tuber A thickene part of an un ergroun root or rhizome serving for foo storage an often for propagation
Whorled (Leaf) Arrange in a group of three or more leaves branches or pe icles at the no e on the stem
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 88
Appendix C Leaf Shapes amp Arrangements
Peterson Lee Allen ldquoA Fie d Guide to Edib e Wi d P ants of Eastern and Centra North Americardquo Houghton Mifflin Company 1977
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 89
Appendix D Native ShorelandRiparian Buffer Plantings for New Hampshire
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 90
Native ShorelandRiparian Buffer Plantings for New Hampshire The p otected sho eland is the a ea of land that exists between the efe ence line of a wate body and 250 feet f om the efe ence line
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees
Ame ican Basswood (Ame ican Linden)
Tilia am ricana Medium-La ge 60-100rsquo
Mode ate Deep FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Rich woods valleys gentle slopes
Wildlife Pileated woodpecke wood duck othe bi ds dee abbit squi el
Food Seeds twigs
Ame ican Beech Fagus grandifolia Medium-La ge 60-90rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Rich woods well-d ained lowlands
Wildlife Blue jay chickadees nuthatches quail uffed g ouse tufted titmouse wild tu key wood duck woodpecke s bea chipmunk dee fox po cupine snowshoe ha e squi el
Food Nuts buds sap
Ame ican Hopho nbeam (I onwood)
Ostrya virginiana Small 20-40rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Rich woods Wildlife Downy woodpecke mockingbi d pu ple finch ing-necked pheasant ose-b easted g osbeak uffed g ouse wild tu key wood quail dee abbit squi el
Food Nuts buds seeds
Ame ican Ho nbeam (Blue BeechMusclewood)
Carpinus caroliniana
SmallSh ubby 20-40rsquo
Slow Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods fo ested wetlands avines st eambanks
Wildlife Quail uffed g ouse wood duck beave dee squi el
Food Seeds buds
Ame ican Mountain Ash
Sorbus am ricana Small Up to 25rsquo
Fast Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full-Sun
D y Moist Fo ested wetlands ich woods Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe catbi d ceda waxwing g osbeak mockingbi d obin th ushes wild tu key bea
Food F uit twigs
Balsam Fi Abi s balsam a Small-Medium 40-60rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands st eambanks ich woods
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse songbi ds small mammals moose
Food Seeds
Balsam Popla Populus balsam a Medium 60-80rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun Moist Floodplains ive banks st eambanks valleys
Wildlife Beave dee mouse snowshoe ha e
Food Buds catkins twigs foliage
Big-Toothed Aspen Populus grandid ntata
Small-Medium 30-60rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Sandy upland soils floodplain st eams with quaking aspen
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee evening g osbeak pu ple finch uffed g ouse yellow-bellied sapsucke dee
Food Buds catkins ba k twigs and foliage
Black Ash Fraxinus nigra Medium 60-80rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands st eambanks Wildlife Songbi ds wood duck dee moose small mammals
Food F uit twigs young leaves
Black Bi ch (Sweet Bi ch)
B tula l nta Medium 40-60rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade
Page 1
Moist Cool moist uplands ich woods
Wildlife G ouse dee abbit
Food Buds catkins seeds
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees (Continued)
Black Che y Prunus s rotina Medium 40-60rsquo
Mode ate Deep Tap oot
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Rich woods on many sites except ve y d y soils
Wildlife Bluebi d blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing common c ow easte n kingbi d evening g osbeak mockingbi d no the n flicke no the n o iole obin uffed g ouse spa ows th ushes vee y vi eo yellow-bellied sapsucke bea chipmunk dee fox accoon squi el
Food Be ies buds sap
Black Gum (Tupelo)
Nyssa sylvatica Medium 50-60
Slow No Info mation Available
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Fo ested wetlands floodplains Wildlife Bluebi d ca dinal catbi d chickadee c ow finches malla ds obin uby-th oated hummingbi d uffed g ouse vi eo wild tu key woodpecke s wood duck honeybees bea chipmunk dee opossum squi el
Food Seeds sap necta
Black Sp uce Pic a mariana Small Up to 25rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs fo ested wetlands lake and pond sho es
Wildlife Songbi ds uffed g ouse sp uce g ouse chipmunk cottontail dee po cupine squi el
Food Seeds twigs necta ba k
Black Willow Salix nigra Small-Medium Up to 50rsquo
Ve y Fast Ve y Shallow
Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands lowlands floodplains
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Buds catkins
Box Elde Ac r n gundo Medium 40-70rsquo
Ve y Fast Deep Late al
Full Sun D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands lowlands floodplains
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Seeds
Easte n Cottonwood Populus d ltoid s Medium-La ge 80-100rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Floodplains st eambanks valleys
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse
Food Catkins
Easte n Hemlock Tsuga canad nsis Medium-La ge 80-100rsquo
Mode ate Shallow Late al
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Acidic Cool moist uplands avines ock outc ops st eambanks
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee blue and g een wa ble s c ossbill hawks juncos pine siskin uffed g ouse vee y wild tu key dee chipmunk cottontail po cupine squi el white-footed mouse
Food Twigs foliage seeds
Easte n White Pine Pinus strobus La ge 70-120rsquo
Mode ate Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Well-D ained
Fo ested wetlands bogs avines cool shady no th slopes
Wildlife B own c eepe chickadee c ossbill g osbeak junco nuthatch pine wa ble spa ows sp uce g ouse wild tu key woodpecke s beave chipmunk dee snowshoe ha e squi el
Food Seeds foliage twigs excellent winte food
G ay Bi ch (Wi e Bi ch)
B tula populifolia Small 20-35rsquo
Fast Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Pionee Species poo est of ste ile soils sandy o g avelly slopes
Wildlife Ame ican goldfinch blue jay chickadee no the n junco pine siskin ed-tailed hawk uffed g ouse spa ows vi eo yellow-bellied sapsucke woodpecke s snowshoe ha e
Food Seeds buds
Page 2
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees (Continued)
G een Ash Fraxinus p nnsylvanica
Medium-La ge 60-80rsquo
Fast Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks neve on d y soils
Wildlife Ca dinal finches evening g osbeak mou ning dove ed-winged blackbi d wood duck beave chipmunk dee po cupine squi el
Food Seeds foliage
No the n White Ceda (A bo vitae)
Thuja occid ntalis Medium 30-60rsquo
Slow to Mode ate
Shallow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs wetlands ich woods Wildlife Songbi ds small mammals dee
Food Seeds needles
QuakingT embling Aspen (Popla )
Populus tr muloid s
Small-Medium 30-60rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Pionee Species d y open woods sandy o g avelly slopes
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse beave dee po cupine snowshoe ha e
Food Buds catkins ba k twigs and foliage
Red Maple Ac r rubrum Medium 40-75rsquo
Mode ate to Fast
Ve y Shallow
Full Sun D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands st eambanks lakesho es ich woods
Wildlife Ca dinal chickadee evening and pine g osbeaks finches obin yellow-bellied sapsucke beave chipmunk dee opossum squi el snowshoe ha e
Food Seeds buds ba k twigs sap
Red Oak Qu rcus rubra Medium 60-90rsquo
Mode ate Deep Late al
FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Bottomlands moist slopes Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe ducks hawks quail nuthatch uffed g ouse towhee wild tu key woodpecke bea chipmunk dee gophe opossum accoon squi el
Food Aco ns
Shagba k Hicko y Carya ovata La ge 70-100rsquo
Fast Deep Tap oot
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Rich woods valleys upland slopes
Wildlife Ca dinal field spa ows pine wa ble ose-b easted g osbeak ufous-sided towhee white-b easted nuthatch wild tu key wood duck yellow- umped wa ble chipmunks squi els
Food Nuts
Silve Maple Ac r sacharinium Medium 60-80rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands ive banks floodplains st eambanks
Wildlife Ca dinal goldfinch evening and pine g osbeaks no the n o iole
Food Seeds buds
St iped Maple (Moosewood Moose Maple)
Ac rp nsylvanicum SmallSh ubby 20-30rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t-Shade Moist Rich woods cool moist sites Wildlife Ruffed g ouse beave dee moose po cupine abbit
Food Buds ba k sama as
Suga Maple Ac r saccharum Medium-La ge 60-100rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Valleys and uplands tole ates almost all soil types
Wildlife Ca dinal goldfinch g osbeak ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse vi eo beave chipmunk po cupine B owse fo dee abbit snowshoe ha e
Food Seeds twigs ba k
Page 3
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees (Continued)
Swamp White Oak Qu rcus bicolor Medium 60-70rsquo
Fast No Info mation Available
FullPa t Shade Moist Fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks
Wildlife Ba ed owl blue jay ca dinal b own th ashe g ouse malla ds nuthatch quail ed-bellied woodpecke ed-tailed hawk uffed g ouse sta ling towhee wild tu key yellow-th oated wable w en beave chipmunk cottontail dee gophe opossum accoon squi el white-footed mouse wild tu key
Food Aco ns
Sweet Gum Liquidambar styraciflua
Medium-La ge 60-100rsquo
Mode ate No Info mation Available
Full Sun Moist Valleys Lowe slopes mixed woodlands
Wildlife Mou ning dove finches junco w en beave chipmunk squi el
Food Seeds
Sycamo e (Planet eeButtonwood)
Platanus occid ntalis
La ge 80-100rsquo
Slow No Info mation Available
FullPa t Shade o Full-Sun
D y o Moist Floodplains lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Finches chipmunk squi el
Food Seeds
Tama ack (Ame icanEaste n La ch)
Larix laricina Small-Medium 40-80rsquo
Va iable Mode ate Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs swamps wet peaty soils d ie upland loamy soils
Wildlife Blue jay kinglets pheasant ed c ossbill obin uffed g ouse sp uce g ouse yellow-bellied sapsucke chipmunk dee po cupine ed squi el snowshoe ha e
Food Needles twigs inne ba k seeds
White Ash Fraxinus am ricana
Medium-La ge 70-100rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods valleys slopes fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks
Wildlife Finches g osbeaks ed-winged blackbi d wood duck dee squi el
Food Seeds foliage
White Bi ch (Pape Bi ch)
B tula papyrif ra Medium 50-75rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Fo ested wetlands ich woods Wildlife G ouse siskins
Food Seeds buds
White Oak Qu rcus alba Medium-La ge 50-90rsquo
Mode ate Deep FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Deep ich well-d ained
St eambanks lakesho es gentle slopes adapts to almost any condition
Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe nuthatch quail uffed g ouse towhee wild tu key wood duck woodpecke chipmunk bea dee gophe opossum accoon squi el
Food Aco ns
White Sp uce Pic a glauca Medium 40-70rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist St eambanks lakesho es ich woods adjacent slopes
Wildlife Fishe s ma tens snowshoe ha e voles
Food Seeds
Yellow Bi ch (Sweet Bi ch)
B tula all ghani nsis
Medium-La ge 70-100rsquo
Slow Shallow Mode ate
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Fo ested wetlands floodplains avines cool ich woods of high elevations
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee common edpoll goldfinch pine siskins ed-shoulde ed hawk ing-necked pheasant uffed g ouse wild tu key wood duck yellow-bellied sapsucke beave chipmunk dee po cupine squi el snowshow ha e
Food Catkins buds ba k twigs foliage seeds
Page 4
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs
Ame ican Hazelnut Corylus am ricana Medium 5-10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Bo de s of woods hillsides thickets
Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe ceda waxwing hai y woodpecke ing-necked pheasant uffed g ouse chipmunk dee abbit squi el
Food Nuts be ies foliage
Beaked Hazelnut Corylus cornuta Small 6-10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y D y places Wildlife Bi ds mammals
Food Beaked nuts
Black Chokebe y Aronia m loncarpa
Medium Up to 10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Ceda waxwing chickadees uffed g ouse sha p-tailed g ouse dee abbit squi el
Food Be ies buds
Buttonbush C phalanthus occid ntalis
Medium 6-12rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
St eambanks lakesho es ponds sh ub and fo ested wetlands
Wildlife Ducks ails uby-th oated hummingbi d beave dee musk at butte flies honeybees and othe insects
Food F uit twigs leaves seeds necta
Chokeche y Prunus virginiana Small 3-6rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist With Aspen d y soils Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe catbi d c ow easte n kingbi d evening g osbeak o ioles pileated woodpecke ing-necked pheasant obin ose g osbeak uffed g ouse th ushes yellow-bellied sapsucke abbit squi el
Food Be ies buds foliage
Elde be y Sambucus canad nsis
Small-Medium 3-12rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods sh ub and fo ested wetlands ma shes
Wildlife Bluebi ds blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d g osbeak indigo bunting pileated woodpecke inged-neck pheasant obin ose-b easted g osbeak uffed g ouse th ushes wild tu key woodpecke chipmunk dee abbit squi el
Food Be ies necta twigs bugs
G ay Dogwood (Red-Panicle Dogwood)
Cornus rac mosa Medium 10-15rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Roadsides thickets wetlands Wildlife Blue jay ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing easte n kingbi d finch flycatche g osbeak hai y woodpecke no the n flicke phoebe pileated woodpecke pine g osbeak pine wa ble ed-bellied woodpecke ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse sta ling swamp spa ow tufted titmouse vee y vi eo wild tu key wood duck wood th ush woodcock yellow-bellied sapsucke chipmunk dee ed fox abbit squi el
Food Be ies twigs
Highbush Bluebe y Vaccinium corymbosum
Medium 5-15rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Baltimo e o iole bluebi d blue jay ca dinal chickadee g ay catbi d kingbi d o ioles phoebe ed-bellied woodpecke ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse ufos-sided towhee sca let tanage tufted titmouse vee y wild tu key woodpecke s wood th ush black bee chipmunk dee musk at abbit squi el white-footed mouse
Food Be ies foliage twigs buds
Hobblebush Viburnum alnifolium
Medium Up to 10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Cool moist avines shady lakesho es
Wildlife B own th ashe ca dinal ceda waxwing evening g osbeak obin
Food F uit
Page 5
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs (Continued)
Junipe Junip rus communis
Small 1-4rsquo
Slow Full Sun D y D y open land Wildlife Ceda waxwing finches g osbeaks g ouse pheasant obin dee abbit moose
Food Twigs foliage f uit
Lowbush Bluebe y Vaccinium angustifolium
1-2rsquo Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Bogs d y sandy flats ocky slopes
Wildlife Blue jay g ouse kingbi d o iole obin tanage s woodpecke s squi el
Food Be ies foliage twigs
Malebe y Lyonia ligustris Up to 10rsquo Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods gentle slopes
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food F uit
Mapleleaf Vibu num Viburnum ac rifolium
Small 3-6rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Rich woods Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food F uit
Mountain Lau el Kalmia latifolia Up to 20rsquo Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Mixed uplands acid soils Wildlife Ruffed g ouse dee
Food Foliage buds twigs necta
Nannybe y Viburnum l ntago Medium-La ge 10-25rsquo
Mode ate FallPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Rich woods Wildlife Songbi ds mammals
Food Be ies
No the n A owwood Viburnum r cognitum
Medium 10-15rsquo
Mode ate FallPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse songbi ds bea chipmunks accoon squi el skunk white-footed mouse
Food Be ies
No the n Wild Raisin (Withe od Vibu num)
Viburnum nudum varcassinoid s
Medium 6-10
Mode ate FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands valleys slopes st eambanks
Wildlife B own th ashe ceda waxwing flycatche uffed g ouse vee y woodcock yellow-wa ble chipmunk dee musk at squi el snowshoe ha e
Food Ba k twigs buds
Pussy Willow Salix discolor Medium-La ge Up to 15rsquo
Fast Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks lakesho es
Wildlife Ame ican goldfinch uffed g ouse beave ha e abbits squi el
Food Buds catkins twigs ba k
Raspbe y Rubus ida us Small Up to 6rsquo
Fast FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Thickets edges of woods Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food F uits
Red Osie Dogwood Cornus stolonif ra Small-Medium 4-8rsquo
Fast FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods st eambanks lakesho es
Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing downy woodpecke easte n kingbi d finches no the n flicke pine wa ble pu ple finch inged-neck pheasant uffed g ouse vi eo wild tu key woodpecke s wood duck chipmunk dee abbit squi el
Food Be ies twigs
Rhodo a Rhodod ndron canad ns
Small 3-4rsquo
Slow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs slopes ocky summits Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Leaves
Page 6
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs (Continued)
Shadbush (Se vicebe yJunebe y)
Am lanchi r spp La ge 15-25rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks ich woods
Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing g ay catbi d junco o ioles ed squi el obin uffed g ouse sca let tanage th ushes vee y woodpecke s beave dee ed squi el skunk
Food Be ies twigs
Silky Dogwood Cornus amomum Medium 6-10rsquo
Fast FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks
Wildlife Baltimo e o iole black-capped chickadee blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing downy woodpecke easte n kingbi d flycatche mockingbi d no the n flicke pine wa ble pu ple finch ed-bellied woodpecke inged-necl pheasant obin ose-b easted g osbeak uffed g ouse song spa ow sta lings tufted-titmouse wild tu key wood duck wood th ush vee y chipmunk dee abbit accoon skunk squi el white-footed mouse
Food Be ies buds twigs
Speckled Alde Alnus rugosa La ge 15-25rsquo
Fast Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks lakesho es
Wildlife Alde flycatche catbi d goldfinch malla ds pheasant pine siskin ed-winged blackbi d uffed g ouse swamp spa ow yellow-bellied flycatche woodcock bea beave dee cottontail moose musk at snowshoe ha e
Food Buds twigs ba k leaves
Spicebush Lind ra b nzoin Small-La ge 6-17rsquo
Mode ate Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Catbi d kingbi d pheasant quail obin uffed g ouse vee y vi eo wood th ush swallowtail butte flies dee musk at
Food F uit buds twigs leaves
Swamp Azalea Rhodod ndron viscosum
Up to 5rsquo Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Hummingbi d butte flies and othe insects dee
Food Leaves necta
Swamp Blackbe y Rubus hispidus Small Up to 6rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal ceda waxwing g ackle g ay catbi d g osbeak mockingbi d o iole tanage ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse ufus-sided th ushes towhee vee y wild tu key woodcock woodpecke s wood th ush chipmunk cottontail dee accoon skunk squi el
Food F uit canes
Sweet Gale Myrica gal Small 1-4rsquo
Slow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee catbi d common yellowth oat phoebe pied-billed g ebe uffed g ouse t ee swallow tufted titmouse wild tu key dee musk at
Food Buds leaves
Sweet Peppe bush Cl thra alnifolia Medium 3-10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Butte flies and othe insects
Food F uit seeds necta
Winte be y Holly (Black Alde )
Il x v rticillata Medium 6-10rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eamabanks
Wildlife Ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing chickadees finches flicke s uffed g ouse th ushes vi eo woodpecke s bea cottontail dee moose skunk white-footed mouse
Food Be ies twigs leaves
Page 7
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs (Continued)
Witch Hazel Hammam lis virginiana
La ge 20-30rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist D y o ich woods Wildlife Ca dinal ing-necked pheasant uffed g ouse wild tu key dee squi els
Food Seeds buds twigs ba k
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
GroundcoverHerbaceous Perennials
Boneset Eupatorium p rfoliatum
4-6rsquo Full Sun D y o Moist Wet meadows ma shes pond edges
Wildlife Malla ds uffed g ouse swamp spa ow wild tu key butte flies and othe insects
Food Necta
Blue Flag I is Iris v rsicolor 2-3rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Ma shes lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Blue-winged teal uby-th oated hummingbi d wood duck butte flies and othe insects musk at
Food Necta shoots
Bunchbe y Cornus canad nsis 3-8rdquo FullPa t Shade Moist Cool moist woods Wildlife Sha p-tailed g ouse sp uce-g ouse moose
Food F uit buds
Ca dinal Flowe Lob lia cardinalis 2-4rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Damp sites st eambanks Wildlife Ruby-th oated hummingbi ds butte flies and othe insects bea dee
Food Necta
Cattail (B oad-Leaf) Typha latifolia Up to 10rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Ma shes lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Blue-winged teal black-c owned night he on ed-winged blackbi d king ail least and Ame ican bitte n malla ds ma sh w en swamp spa ow Vi ginia ail chipmunk dee musk at
Food Seed heads
Ch istmas Fe n Polystichium acrostichoid s
Up to 1rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Rich woods Wildlife Ruffed g ouse box tu tle chipmunk abbit
Food F onds filldeheads
Cinnamon Fe n Osmunda cinnamom a
Up to 3rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife B own th ashe uby-th oated hummingbi d uffed g ouse yellow th oat chipmunk dee white-footed mouse vole
Food F onds filldeheads
Foamflowe Tiar lla cordifolia Up to 1rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Rich woods Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Leaves
Golden od (Rough o G ass-Leaved)
Solidago spp 1-5rsquo Full Sun D y o Moist Wet meadows ma shes damp swales
Wildlife Goldfinch junco uffed g ouse swamp spa ow butte flies and othe insects cottontail meadow mice
Food Seeds necta
Page 8
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
GroundcoverHerbaceous Perennials (Continued)
Hay-Scented Fe n D nnsta dtia punctiloula
Up to 2rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Woodlands hillside pastu es Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds filldeheads
Inte upted Fe n Osmunda punctiloula
3-4rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Woodland edges stony d y soil Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds filldeheads
Jewelweed (Spotted-Touch-Me-Not)
Impati ns cap nsis 2-5rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks
Wildlife Ring-necked pheasant uffed g ouse uby-th oated hummingbi d vee y butte flies and othe insects white-footed mouse
Food Necta seeds
Joe Pye Weed Eupatorium purpur um
2-6rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Wet meadows ma shes sho es Wildlife Ruby-th oated hummingbi d swamp spa ow butte flies and othe insects cottontail musk at accoon
Food Necta
New England Aste Ast r nova -anglia
Up to 5rsquo Full Sun D y o Moist Wet meadows wetlands Wildlife Songbi ds butte flies and othe insects Food Necta seeds
Ost ich Fe n Pt r tis p nsylvanica
Up to 6rsquo FullPa t Shade Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds fiddleheads
Pa t idgebe y Mitch lla r p ns Up to 1rsquo FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Rich woods Wildlife G ouse mammals
Food Be ies
Rattlesnake Manna G ass
Glyc ria canad nsis
Up to 3rsquo Full Sun Moist Ma shes bogs fo ested wetlands lakesho es
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Seeds
Rice Cutg ass L rsia oryzoid s Up to 5rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
P ima ily f esh ma shes Wildlife Dee musk at moose
Food Seeds foliage
Rive bank G ape (Vine) Vistis riparia Up to 25rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist St eambanks Wildlife Pileated woodpecke uffed g ouse wild tu key wood duck va ious mammals
Food F uit
Royal Fe n Osmunda r galis Up to 5rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds fiddleheads
Sensitive Fe n Onocl a s nsibilis Up to 3rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Black-capped chickadee uffed g ouse bea dee
Food Buds foliage
Sheep Lau el Kalmia angustifolia
Up to 4rsquo FallPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo est wetlands fieldspastu es
Poisonous to livestock
Swamp Milkweed Ascl pias incarnata
Up to 2rsquo FallPa t Shade Moist Wet meadows wetlands thickets sho es
Wildlife Black duck malla ds ed-winged blackbi d uby-th oated hummingbi d Mona ch butte fly othe butte flies and insects musk at Food Necta seeds
Page 9
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
GroundcoverHerbaceous Perennials (Continued)
Sweet Fe n Componia p rigrina
1-3rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Open d y sandy soils and pastu es
Wildlife Flicke s sha p-tailed g ouse dee moose
Food F uit
Tall Meadow Rue Thalictrum polyganum
2-8rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Wetlands wet meadows st eamsides
Wildlife Bees butte flies
Food Necta
Tussock Sedge Car x stricta Up to 4rdquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Ma shes ich woods Wildlife Finches uffed g ouse snipe spa ows dee
Food Seeds foliage
Twinflowe Linna a bor alis Up to 6rdquo FullPa t Shade Moist Rich woods Wildlife Mammals
Food Foliage
Vi ginia C eepe (Vine) Parth nocissus quinqu folia
Up to 25rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Woods ocky banks Wildlife Bluebi d g eat-c ested flycatche ed-eyes vi eo pileated woodpecke
Food Be ies
Who led Loosest ife Lysimachia quadrifolia
Up to 4rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist D y o moist open woods thickets
Wildlife Mammals
Food Foliage
Wild Sa sapa illa Aralia nudicanlis 8-15rdquo FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Upland woods Wildlife Mammals
Food Foliage seeds be ies
Winte g een (Teabe yChecke be y)
Gaulth ria procumb ns
Up to 4rdquo Full Sun D y Oak woods sandy soils Wildlife Pa t idge uffed g ouse songbi ds chipmunk dee moose
Food F uit foliage
References
Baldwin Hen y Ives ldquoFor st L av s How to Id ntify Tr s and Shrubs of North rn N w Englandrdquo Pete E Randall Publishe 1993
Connecticut Rive Joint Commission ldquoRiparian Buff rs for th Conn cticut Riv r Wat rsh drdquo 2000 httpwwwc jco gpdffilesPlant20listspdf
Ha low William M ldquoTr s of th East rn and C ntral Unit d Stat s and Canadardquo Dove Publications 1942
New Hampshi e Depa tment of Envi onmental Se vices Th Critical Edg Appendix D 1998
New Hampshi e Depa tment of Resou ces and Economic Development Division of Fo ests and Lands State Fo est Nu su y ldquoWildlif Cons rvation Sp ci s D scriptionsrdquo 2001
Nie ing William A ldquoNational Audubon Soci ty Natur Guid s W tlandsrdquo Chanticlee P ess Inc 1997
Redington Cha les B ldquoPlants in W tland Fi ld Guid to Biological Int ractionssrdquo KendallHunt Publishing Company 1994
Sutton Ann and My on ldquoNational Audubon Soci ty Natur Guid s East rn For stsrdquo Alf ed A Knopf Inc 1997
Unive sity of New Hampshi e Coope ative Extension ldquoTr s and Shrubs in N w Hampshir A Guid book for Natural B auty Proj ctsrdquo Bulletin 163
Unive sity of New Hampshi e Coope ative Extension ldquoN w Hampshir rsquos Nativ Tr s Shrubs and Vin s with Wildlif Valu rdquo
Compiled by
Jen D ociak New Hampshi e Depa tment of Envi onmental Se vices Wate Division Wate shed Management Bu eau
Ma ch 2006
Page 10
Table of Contents
In The ater Submerged Aquatic Plantshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 01
Bladde wo t (Utric laria v lgaris)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 03
CoontailHo nwo t (Ceratophyll m demers m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 04
Milfoil (Myriophyll m heterophyll m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 05
Wate weedDitchmoss (Elodea canadensis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 06
Wild Cele yTape G ass (Vallisneria americana)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 07
On the ater Floating Aquatic Plantshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 09
Floating Hea t (Nymphoides cordata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 14
Wate shield (Brasenia schreberi)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 13
White Pond Lily (Nymphea ordorata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 11
Yellow Pond Lily (N phar variegata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 12
Duckweed (Lemna spp)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 15
Wate meal (Wolffia spp)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 16
On The Edge Emergent Herbaceous Plantshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 17
A ow A um (Peltandra virginica)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 19
A owheadDuck Potato (Sagittaria latifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 20
Blue Flag I is (Iris versicolor)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 21
Blue Ve vain (Verbena hastata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 22
BonesetTho oughwo t (E patori m perfoliat m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 23
Bu - eed (Spargani m e rycarp m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 24
Ca dinal Flowe (Lobelia cardinalis) helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 25
Cattail (B oad-Leaf) (Typha latifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 26
Common Reed (Phragmites a stralis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 27
JewelweedSpotted Touch-Me-Not (Impatiens capensis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 28
Joe Pye Weed (E patori m mac lat m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 29
Picke elweed (Pontedaria cordata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 30
Pu ple Loosest ife (Lythr m salicaria)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 31
Reed Cana y G ass (Phalaris ar ndinacea)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 32
Soft-Stem Bul ush (Scrip s valid s)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 33
Swamp Loosest ifeWate Willow (Decodon verticillat s)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 34
Th ee-Way Sedge (D lichi m ar ndinace m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 35
Wool G ass (Scirp s cyperin s)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 36
Fernshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 37
Cinnamon Fe n (Osm nda cinnamomea)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 39
Ost ich Fe n (Pteretis pensylvanica)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 40
Royal Fe n (Osm nda regalis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 41
Sensitive Fe n (Onoclea sensibilis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 42
oody Shrubshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 43
A ow-wood (No the n) (Vib rn m recognit m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 45
Buttonbush (Cephalanth s occidentalis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 46
Elde be yBlack-Be ied Elde (Samb c s canadensis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 47
Glossy Bucktho n (Rhamn s frang la)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 48
Highbush Bluebe y (Vaccini m corymbos m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 49
A Field Guide to Common Ripa ian Plants of New Hampshi e 1
Hobblebush (Vib rn m alnifoli m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 50
Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 51
Japanese Knotweed (Polygon m c spidat m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 52
Malebe y (Lyonia lig strina)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 53
Meadowsweet (Spiraea latifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 54
Multiflo a Rose (Rosa m ltiflora)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 55
No the n Wild RaisinWith od Vibu num (Vib rn m cassinoides)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 56
ShadbushSe vicebe yJunebe y (Amelanchier arborea)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 57
Sheep Lau elLambkill (Kalmia ang stifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 58
Silky Dogwood (Corn s amom m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 59
Specked Alde (Aln s r gosa)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 60
Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 61
Steeplebush (Spiraea tomentosa)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 62
Sweet Peppe bush (Clethera alnifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 63
Winte be y HollyBlack Alde (Ilex verticillata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 64
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 65
Climbing Vineshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 67
Climbing Bitte sweet (Celastr s orbic lat s)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 69
Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 70
Rive bank G ape (Vitis riparia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 71
Vi ginia C eepe (Parthenosis s q inq efolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 72
The Canopy Treeshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 73
Ame ican BasswoodLinden (Tilia americana)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 75
Ame ican Beech (Fag s grandifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 76
Ame ican Ho nbeamI onwoodBlue Beech (Carpin s caroliniana)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 77
Black Bi chSweet Bi ch (Bet la lenta)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 78
Black Che y (Pr n s serotina)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 79
Box Elde Ash-Leaved Maple (Acer neg ndo)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 80
Easte n Cottonwood (Pop l s deltoides)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 81
Easte n Hemlock (Ts ga canadensis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 82
Easte n White Pine (Pin s strob s)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 83
G een Ash (Fraxin s pennsylvanica)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 84
Red Maple (Acer r br m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 85
Red Oak (Q erc s r bra)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 86
Shagba k Hicko y (Carya ovata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 87
Silve Maple (Acer saccharini m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 88
Swamp White Oak (Q erc s bicolor)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 89
Sycamo ePlanet ee (Platan s occidentalis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 90
Tama ackLa ch (Larix laricina)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 91
White Ash (Fraxin s americana)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 92
White Oak (Q erc s alba)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 93
White Sp uce (Picea gla ca)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 94
Yellow Bi ch (Bet la l tea)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 95
Appendices
Appendix A Othe Helpful Field Guideshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 96
Appendix B Glossa y of Te mshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 97
Appendix C Leaf Shapes amp A angementshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 99
Appendix D Native Sho elandRipa ian Buffe Plantings fo New Hampshi ehelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 100
A Field Guide to Common Ripa ian
Plants of New Hampshi e 1
In The ater Submerged Aquatic Plants
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 1
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic
an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 2
BLADDER ORT
Utricu aria spp
Status Native Approximately 10 species in New Hampshire
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers bogs
Height 2-3 feet long
Stem Long slen er flexible branche typically becoming etache from roots an free-floating
Leaves Alternate filamentous finely-forke with attache ldquobla ersrdquo
Flower Stalks occurring at irregular intervals along stem Each stalk bearing 6-20 small pink to yellow two-lippe ldquosnap ragon-likerdquo flowers an emerging several inches out of the water or mu
Flowering Period June into September
Fruit Capsule containing many see s
Value Provi es foo an cover for fish Since they are free-floating they can grow in areas with very loose se iment provi ing nee e fish habitat in areas that are not rea ily colonize by roote plants
Similar Species Fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) coontail (Ceratophyllum spp) milfoil (Myriophyllum spp) Bla erwort may be istinguishe from these plants by the alternate forke leaves branching from the base into 2 main ivisions an presence of the ldquobla ersrdquo on the leaves (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Bla erwort may resemble the milfoils but there are two istinguishing features One is the bla ers on the leaves the other is that milfoils have feather-like leaves that have one central leaf stem with nearly opposite unbranche leaflets The leaflets of bla erwort are more branche an forke (Smagula an Connor 2007)
This carnivorous plant has trigger hairs on each bla er that open a trap- oor an suck in water along with the organism that triggere the reaction These organisms can range from insect larvae to tiny zooplankton Once insi e the bla ers the organism is igeste by enzymes foun there Special cells then take the igeste material from the bla ers an move it to the stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 3
COONTAILHORN ORT
Ceratophy um demersum
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Height Variable accor ing to water epth
Stem Long toothe trailing much branche
Leaves Whorle smooth up to 1 frac12 inches long 3 forks nearly threa -like flattene an toothe segments
Flower Tiny purplish-green foun where the leaf attaches to the stem an stays entirely submerge Male an female occurring separately
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Dark brown see approximately frac14 inch long with two spines at the base an one at the tip
Value The stiff whorls of leaves offer habitat for many species especially uring the winter when many other plants are re uce to roots an rhizomes Both foliage an fruit are graze by waterfowl Bushy stems are home to many invertebrates an provi e important shelter an foraging opportunities for fish
Similar Species Mermai -wee (Proserpina a palustris) fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) Coontail may be istinguishe from these plants by its whorle toothe leaves its tiny sessile axillary flowers an beake fruits (Smagula an Connor 2007)
The whorle leaves often cause the plant to be confuse with water milfoil This plant has a plastic-like feel an leaves ten to be thickly clustere at the tips of the stems The leaves are completely whorle aroun the stem an forke milfoil leaves are istinctly feather-like (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 4
VARIABLE ATER MILFOIL
Myriophy um heterophy um
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Height Slen er flexible long (up to 15 feet) Tip often emerging above water when flowering Data from a University of New Hampshire stu y can suggest that variable water milfoil can grow an inch per ay
Stem Roun thick re ish If broken in half the stem resembles a ldquowheel spokerdquo
Leaves Mostly submerge opposite or in whorls of 4 to 6 an can grow up to 2 inches long Leaves on upper stem are whorle an may be whorle or alternate on lower stem Emerge leaves occurring only towar the stem tips
Flower Small inconspicuous brownish occurring singly in the axils of the upper leaves usually above water uring flowering
Flowering Period In July flowers emerge from the water an are in a spike up to 6 inches tall Can also form a succulent amphibious form when water levels rece e
Fruit Very small four-lobe nutlike
Similar Species Mermai -wee (Proserpina a palustris) fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) coontail (Ceratophyllum spp) Variable milfoil may be istinguishe from these plants by the numerous scattere finely pinnately issecte leaves an floating or upright stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)
The plant is more robust than the other water milfoil species It has a very thick an heavy stem It can only be positively i entifie with the flower present or by DNA analysis (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Fragments of variable milfoil are ma e by passing boats wave action an auto-fragmentation These fragments may float freely an sprea for one or two weeks as they generate roots Once roots make contact with se iment the fragment attaches the roots sprea laterally an expan the footprint of the colony With one fragment an entire colony can arise Colonies can outcompete native plants re ucing bio iversity (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 5
ATER EEDDITCHMOSS
E odea Canadensis E nutta ii
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Height Up to 2 feet long occasionally forming ense colonies
Stem Slen er smooth branche
Leaves Long upper an mi le leaves in whorls of 3 with very finely-toothe margins Those of the male plants linear or lanceolate pointe at the tip up to frac12 inch long Those of the female plants broa ly lanceolate roun e or slightly pointe at the tip up to 58 inch long
Flower Green or white with 3 petals
Flowering Period July to September
Fruit A few to many-see e cylin rical capsule
Value Branching stems offer valuable habitat an grazing opportunities for fish Also provi es foo for muskrats an waterfowl They can eat the plant itself or fee on a wi e variety of invertebrates that use the plant as habitat
Similar Species Commonly mistaken for its invasive relative Brazillian elo ea It can be istinguishe by its smooth leaf margins
There are two common species of waterwee in New Hampshire E anadensis an Enuttalii Elodea anadensis ten s to have slightly broa er leaves with blunt tips whereas Enuttalii ten s to have thinner more nee le-like leaves that are pointe at the tips (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Enuttalii can be foun in alkaline to aci ic environments an E anadensis can be foun in alkaline or neutral systems (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 6
ILD CELERYTAPE GRASS
Va isneria americana
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers In water 4 - 6 feet eep
Height 1-3 feet long
Stem Slen er embe e horizontally in the mu near the surface an usually rooting at intervals
Leaves Narrow ribbon-like 1-3 feet in length with a light-colore center stripe mostly submerge with the tips floating
Flower Unisexual the female flower solitary an floating at the surface at the en of a long stalk The male flower on another plant submerge an attache to a short stalk near the bottom breaking off an floating to the surface at flowering time
Flowering Period July to October
Fruit Cylin rical po up to 2 inches long attache to a long stalk which coils up rawing the fruit un er water to mature
Value Source of foo for waterfowl All portions of the plant are consume foliage rhizomes tubers an fruit Muskrat are also known to graze on it Be s provi e sha e shelter an foo for fish
Similar Species Often confuse with the submerge leaves of bur-ree Tape grass can be istinguishe by its heavy air-fille leaves vertically veine centers an lightly veine e ges Unlike bur-ree this plant has no rib on the back of the leaf
Photo ourtesy of Amy Smagula
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 7
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic
an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 8
On The ater
Floating Aquatic Plants
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 9
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 10
FLOATING HEART
Nyphoi es cor ata
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Roun in cross section
Leaves Small heart-shape re ish to purple Approximately 1 ndash 1 frac12 inches wi e
Flower Small white 5 petals
Flowering Period Mi -summer
Similar Species The leaves are often confuse with those of the yellow water lily but are only about the size of a half- ollar an the shape resembles a heart with the same soft V-shape of the yellow water lily Floating heart has a small white flower that can be foun in mi -summer yellow water lily has a large yellow flower that blooms most of the summer (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 11
ATERSHIELD
Brasenia schreberi
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Roun in cross section Attache to the center of the un ersi e of the leaf
Leaves Oval Un ersi es are ark pink Leaves approximately 4 inches wi e Un ersi e of the leaves an stem have a jelly-like coating that protects them from being eaten by insects
Flower Small ark pink to purple 6 petals
Flowering Period July
Similar Species Resembles the leaves of the water lily as well as those of floating heart
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 12
HITE ATER LILY
Nymphea or orata
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Roun in cross section attache to the center of the un ersi e of the leaf
Leaves Roun with a V-shape notch on one si e Up to 12 inches wi e
Flower Large white sweet-smelling Up to 4 inches wi e
Flowering Period June - September
Similar Species White water lily can be istinguishe from the yellow water lily an floating heart by the V-shape notch near the stem attachment an the more roun e shape of the leaf
Both the yellow water lily an floating heart have a more roun e heart-shape notch Yellow water lily leaves are much more oval than the white water lily which has a circular leaf Floating heart leaves are no more than a few inches in length (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 13
YELLO ATER LILY
Nuphar variegata
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Triangular in cross section attache to the lobe en of the un ersi e of the leaf
Leaves Giant floating Up to 12 to 15 inches wi e
Flower Yellow flower petals appear cuppe aroun the inner flower parts an o not open completely like those of the white water lily
Flowering Period June ndash September
Similar Species Often confuse with floating heart an white water lily though floating heart is much smaller in leaf length an wi th The white water lily also has a much more roun e leaf with a sharp V-shape notch (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 14
DUCK EED
Lemna spp
Status Native
Habitat Surfaces of some lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers an often in stagnant waters of wetlan areas
Stem No true stems
Leaves This plant has no true leaves or stems an only has a flat green plant bo y calle a thallus They are very small only about 116 of an inch wi e (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Duckwee s blanket the water surface in colonies There may be one or more roots hanging into the water but the plant is free-floating
Flower This plant rarely flowers
Similar Species Many people think that ense growths of uckwee resemble an algae bloom (Smagula an Connor 2007)
ATERMEAL
Wolfifa spp
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem No true stems
Leaves Elliptical an flat
Flower This plant rarely flowers but is consi ere the worl rsquos smallest flowering plant
Similar Species Unlike uckwee this plant completely lacks roots an must be inspecte closely to etect this ifference Watermeal may also resemble an algae bloom but can be istinguishe by simply touching the waterrsquos surface to see if tiny plants are stuck to your fingers (watermeal) or if the water has a slimy film (algae) It is commonly foun growing along with uckwee (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Photo co rtesy of Amy Smag la
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 15
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 16
On the dge mergent Herbaceous Plants
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 17
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 18
ARROW ARUM
Peltan ra virginica
Status Native
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In mu or shallow water
Height Up to 2 feet tall growing in loose colonies
Stem Lacking a true stem Leaf an flower stalks arising from a thick root
Leaves Large arrow-shape Lower lobes separating an tapering to the tips Each lobe an the main stem have one prominent central vein from which other smaller veins originate The smaller veins are parallel to one another Leaf bla e with a vein running along the entire outline just insi e the margin
Flower Vertically-curle green Very small spathe almost completely covering the thin whitish fleshy spike White male flowers above green female flowers sheath tapering to the base an tip green outsi e an white insi e Flowering cluster at the en of a long nake stalk
Flowering Period May to July
Fruit Easily i entifie in the fall by its cluster of greenish-brown berries enclose in a green leathery case the stalk curve ownwar at maturity
Similar Species Arrowhea (Sagattaria latifolia) Arrow Arum may be istinguishe by its 3 prominent veins
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 19
ARROWH ADDUCK-POTATO
Sagittaria spp
Status Native There are several species in New Hampshire Slatifolia and Sgraminea are the most common
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In mu or completely submerge
Height Up to 1 frac12 feet tall
Stem Lacking an upright visible stem Leaves an flowering stalk arising from a fibrous roote base Several un ergroun runners each giving rise to a tuber the size of a small potato up to 2 inches wi e
Leaves Shape is variable within an between species Leaves can be broa ly or narrowly arrow-shape lance-shape or tape-like Leaves appear to clasp the base of the flowering stalk Leaf veins all originate from the point where the stem connects to the leaf an ra iate outwar from that point
Flower White petals in whorls of three with a yellow center up to 1 frac12 inch wi e Male flowers at the top with female ones lower on the flower stalk
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Flat winge crow e in a flattene hea up to frac12 inch wi e Ball-shape fruit clusters of green nutlets
Value Known as ldquo uck potatoesrdquo Arrowhea pro uces e ible starchy tubers beneath the mu eaten by ucks an muskrats
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 20
BLU -FLAG IRIS
Iris versicolor
Status Native
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In less than 3 feet of water
Height Up to 3 feet tall Growing in small colonies
Stem Upright robust flattene on one si e simple or with one or two branches from creeping rhizomes embe e in the mu Rhizome very shallow an sometimes expose above the se iment
Leaves Appearing basal but actually alternate bluish-green swor -like an up to 14 inches long an frac34 inch wi e ascen ing in a flat plane or fan-like arrangement Flower stalks are taller than the leaves
Flower Large purplish-blue stalke with 3 larger outer rooping petals whitish towar the base an 3 upright smaller petals in the center
Flowering Period June through July
Fruit Capsule up to 2 frac12 inches long with 3 roun e e ges contains numerous flattene see s often persisting into winter
Value Provi es foo an cover for waterfowl an wil life
Similar Species Leaves may be confuse with those of cattail (Typha spp)or sweet flag (Acorus calmus) Blue flag iris may be istinguishe by blueish-green leaves arrange in flat plane
Photo co rtesy of Amy Smag la
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 21
BLU V RVAIN
Verbena hastata
Status Native
Habitat E ges of pon s marshes streams an rivers
Height Up to 4 feet tall growing in small colonies
Stem Rough four-si e fairly straight arising from a fibrous roote base
Leaves Up to 6 inches long stalke toothe tapere at the tip with a rough surface
Flower 5 small blue petals in a pencil-like spike occurring singly or in clusters with in ivi ual flowers blooming perio ically from the base to the top of spike
Flowering Period July into October
Fruit Separating into four nutlets
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 22
BON S T THOROUGHWORT
Eupatorium perfoliatum
Status Native
Habitat Wet mea ows marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall Branche growing in small colonies
Stem Upright robust lightly- owny arising from a fibrous roote base
Leaves Opposite lanceolate tapering an pointe at the tip toothe with the base clasping the stem Heavily veine Up to 8 inches long an 2 inches wi e at the base
Flower Whitish in 3-4 terminal clusters up to 8 inches long
Flowering Period Late July through October
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 23
BUR-R D
Sparganium eurycarpum
Status Native
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Emergent in shallow water up to 1 foot eep or submerge in water up to 4 feet eep
Height Up to 3 feet tall
Stem Upright stout smooth arising from rhizomes embe e horizontally in the mu a few inches beneath the surface Zigzag stalks
Leaves Alternate linear up to 4 feet long Emergent stem leaves narrow up to 1 frac12 feet tall triangular in cross-section an ri ge on their back si e Certain species are erect while others are floating an ribbon-like
Flower Lower bulbs or burs are clusters of greenish female
flowers Upper smaller burs are white male flowers
Flowering Period June through August
Fruit A burr-like hea on a short or long stalk
Value Colonies provi e nesting sites for waterfowl an shorebir s The fruit is eaten by a variety of waterfowl an the whole plant is graze by muskrat an eer
Similar Species This plant is easily confuse with wil celery (Vallisneria americana) if the leaves are tape-like or with young cattail (Typha spp) if leaves are emergent For the floating form bur-ree has a ri ge own the back of the long leaf When erect an emergent leaves are shorter in height than those of cattail with a istinct ri ge or almost triangular cross section When in fruit the spiky burr-like fruit is istinctive (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 24
CARDINAL FLOW R
Lobelia car inalis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s sha e e ges streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall often growing in large colonies
Stem Smooth stout arising from a horizontal rhizome embe e shallowly in mu
Leaves Alternate lanceolate to oblong toothe tapering at both en s Lower leaves short-stalke upper leaves stalkless Up to 6 inches long an 1 frac12 inches wi e Smooth to slightly owny thin
Flower Long bright-re 2-lippe tubular flower occurring on terminal spike with the upper lip 2-lobe an lower lip 3-lobe
Flowering Period July into October
Fruit Many-see e capsule with two portions
Value Car inal flower is pollinate mostly by hummingbir s since most insects fin it ifficult to navigate the long tubular flowers
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 25
BROAD-L AF CATTAIL
Typha latifolia
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet swales e ges of lakes an pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 10 feet tall
Stem Upright stiff growing in ense stan s from thick extensively -creeping un ergroun rhizomes
Leaves Green or bluish-green upright linear 2-6 feet long an up to 1 inch wi e arising from base or alternating along the stem Leaves have a spongy feel
Flower Many small flowers packe into tight cigar-like clusters creating a lower female spike toppe by a smaller male spike with no gap between the two flower types Female spike persists turning into the familiar ark brown ldquotailrdquo
Flowering Period June into August
Fruit Small see -like surroun e by many bristles attache to the base
Value Provi es nesting habitat for many bir s such as the re -winge blackbir Shoots an rhizomes are eaten by muskrats an geese Submerse stalks provi e spawning habitat an shelter for fish One of only a few plants where all parts are e ible to humans
Similar Species Narrow-leaf cattail (Typha angustifolia) has narrower leaves a narrower fruiting hea an a gap between the male an female flower clusters
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 26
COMMON R D
Phragmites australis
Status Most stands are Non-Native xotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire Phragmites australis has been present in wetlan s for millennia but a non-native European species has crossbre with P australis an has forme an invasive plant
Habitat Fresh an brackish marshes e ges of lakes an pon s streams rivers an in roa si e itches Full to partial sun
Height Upright 4-14 feet tall usually forming ense colonies
Stem Calle ldquoculmsrdquo are large hollow an grow up to 1 inch wi e
Leaves Bluish-green lanceolate close together an usually sticking out from stems at a large angle up to 2 feet long an 1 inch wi e
Flower Clusters frac12 - 1 foot long often purple when young an whitish an fluffy when ol
Flowering Period Late July to October
Fruit Rarely pro uces see but sprea s vigorously by rhizomes often running over the surface of the groun
Value This plant has little to offer to bir s an mammals besi es cover Phragmites often outcompetes other native wetlan plants thus limiting the plant iversity an foo source value of the wetlan The only animal that fee s on this to any extent is the muskrat (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Similar Species Sometimes confuse with ree canary grass since they both form ense stan s at isturbe sites Ree canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) can be istinguishe by its shorter an narrower leaves spikelets with only one flower an its shorter height
How To Distinguish Native From Non-Native Phragmites
Stems Stems on the non-native variety are typically green but may have a little purple color along the no es Stems on
the native variety have some chestnut or purple color where leaves are pulle back exposing the stem Stems of the native variety are also often shiny an black spots often appear late in the growing season
Leaf Collars Leaf collars on the non-native variety are always green while leaf collars on the native variety may be
purple
Leaf Sheaths On fall stems the leaf sheaths on the non-native variety remain attache Leaf sheaths on the native variety are lost or very loosely attache so leaves rop off the native plants before the intro uce plants This is the best
in icator base seasonal changes that istinguishes native or non-native varieties
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 27
J W LW DSPOTT D TOUCH-M NOT
Impatiens capensis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 4 feet tall Often growing in ense colonies
Stem Upright smooth slightly branching hollow somewhat succulent slightly translucent
Leaves Alternate egg-shape toothe on stalks up to 4 inches long Silvery appearance when hel un er water an appear completely ry upon removal Size an color of foliage vary with ifferences in light exposure an available moisture
Flower Few to several angling orange-yellow three-petale tubularfunnel-shape flowers with re ish brown spots an curve spur at their en s
Flowering Period June through September
Fruit Flat green capsules approximately 1 inch long which at maturity burst when touche ejecting ark-brown see s
Value Especially a apte to hummingbir pollination but bees an butterflies are also important pollinators
The sap from this plant has been clinically proven to relieve skin rashes Jewelwee can be applie to the affecte part of the bo y an neutralizes the urishol oil pro uce by poison ivy an poison oak (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 28
JO PY W D
Eupatorium maculatum
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 6 feet tall Branche growing in small to me ium-size colonies
Stem Stout smooth purple or purple-spotte somewhat rough towar the top arising from a fibrous roote base
Leaves Lanceolate toothe rough short-stalke with large single mi -vein Up to 8 inches long an 2 frac12 inches wi e tapere at the base an tip in whorls of 3-7
Flower Small rose-purple in ense flat-toppe clusters at the top of the stem an at the en s of the branches
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Angular nutlet with a plume of fine bristles at the top
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 29
PICK R LW D
Ponte aria cor ata
Status Native
Habitat Marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 3 feet tall often growing in ense colonies
Stem Upright stout smooth arising from a rhizome bearing one leaf an one terminal spike
Leaves Basal an alternate very large arrowhea to heart-shape glossy with prominent parallel veins blunt tip on a spongy leaf stalk
Flower Many small tubular violet-blue flowers approximately frac12 inch long on solitary spike with a sheath at the base
Flowering Period June through August
Fruit Small bla er-like with toothe ri ges containing one see
Value See s are consume by waterfowl an muskrats Networks of rhizomes an leaves also offer sha e an shelter for fish
Similar Species This plant can be istinguishe from its close look-alikes arrow arum an arrowhea by its light bluish-purple flower spike Bases of the leaves are more roun e whereas arrowhea an arrow arum leaves are more pointe (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 30
PURPL LOOS STRIF
Lythrum salicaria
Status Non-Native xotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire
Habitat Marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams rivers an in roa si e itches Full to partial sun
Height 2-6 feet tall
Stem Upright smooth to slightly- owny Square four-si e almost woo y
Leaves Opposite to whorle lanceolate often with heart-shape bases somewhat clasping stem sometimes in whorls of 3 Gra ually tapering to a point 3 to 4 inches long an frac12 to 1 inch wi e
Flower 5-7 purple petals in a ense terminal spike
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Many-see e capsule
Value Little wil life value See s are low in nutrition an roots are too woo y The flowers are attractive to insects They pro uce nectar an are regularly visite by honeybees
This plant outcompetes other wetlan plants which are beneficial foo sources for wil life an insects It repro uces by pro ucing millions of see s per plant an quickly takes over the lan scape when intro uce It also sprea s by rhizome (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 31
R D CANARY GRASS
Phalaris arun inacea
Status Non-Native xotic Invasive
Habitat Swales marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Although it is usually a shoreline plant it can survive in knee- eep water by sprouting ldquowater rootsrdquo on the submerse portion of the stem Forms ense stan s in isturbe areas where clearing gra ing siltation filling or other isruptions have create an opening with moist soil
Height Up to 7 feet tall Often growing in ense colonies
Stem Upright stiff from extensively-creeping rhizomes
Leaves Alternate upright grayish-green open sheath an ligule at the leaf axis Bla es fairly long an narrow up to 12 inches long an frac34 inches wi e
Flower Green to greenish-purple spikelets single-flowere lanceolate ense Terminal inflorescence up to 7 inches long branche an compresse early in the season but opening after fertilization
Flowering Period June through August
Value Low foo value Provi es summer cover an habitat for waterfowl at isturbe sites However it ten s to mat own in winter provi ing little winter cover for wil life
Similar Species Sometimes confuse with bluejoint grass (Calamagrostis canadensis) However the spikelets of bluejoint are in a loose open arrangement an the no es have a bluish to purplish cast
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 32
SOFT-ST MM D BULRUSH
Scirpus vali us
Status Native
Habitat Wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Usually growing in water less than 5 feet eep Ten s to be foun on ldquomuckierrdquo substrate an will grow in stagnant water
Height Usually up to 5 feet but can grow up to 10 feet tall Often growing in extensive colonies
Stem Upright grayish-green often arching up to frac34 inch thick at the base arising from stout re ish rhizomes Soft roun tapering to a point
Leaves No apparent leaves
Flowers Inconspicuous many-stalke bu like spikelets covere by re ish-brown scales locate imme iately below the top of stem Clusters mostly rooping but not in higher salinity areas
Flowering Period June into September
Fruit See -like nutlet with 4-6 bristles attache to the base
Value Provi es habitat for invertebrates an shelter for young fish Nutlets consume by a variety of waterfowl marsh bir s an uplan bir s Stems an rhizomes eaten by geese an muskrat Also provi es nesting material an cover for waterfowl marsh bir s an muskrat
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 33
SWAMP LOOS STRIF WAT R WILLOW
Deco on verticillatus
Status Native shrub becoming herbaceous towar the tips
Habitat Wetlan s bogs e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Shallow water with muck or peat se iment Can form floating mats in areas of very soft se iment
Height Up to 5 feet tall
Stem Ri gi woo y smooth to slightly- owny 3-9 feet long The lower rooting stems are spongy an buttresse giving rise to new arching stems
Leaves Opposite or in whorls of 3 gra ually tapering to a point 3-4 inches long an frac12 to 1 inch wi e sessile or short-stalke
Flower Pinkish-purple bell-shape with 5-7 sepals an 5 petals forming showy clusters in the axils of the mi le to upper leaves
Flowering Period July through August
Fruit Small brownish capsule with 3-5 partitions the clusters sometimes persisting above the leaf scars throughout winter
Value The many intertwining arching stems may form sizable clusters at the e ges of lakes an sluggish streams or floating bog mats Wherever a stem touches the water air-fille spongy tissue may evelop This tissue buoys the stem so that it may root an form a new arching stem
Similar Species May be confuse with the invasive purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) Swamp loosestrife can be istinguishe by the arching stems an showy axillary flower clusters as well as the roun stem instea of the square stem of purple loosestrife (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 34
THR -WAY S DG
Dulichium arun inaceum
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Extensive be s can be foun in shallow (less than 3 feet) water Grows in a variety of se iment types an can tolerate some turbi ity
Height Up to 3 feet tall solitary or in small colonies
Stem Roun hollow jointe arising from a horizontal rhizome
Leaves Linear up to 4 inches long an 38 inch wi e with a conspicuous sheath the latter close except at the top
When looking own upon the plant the leaves are line up an appear to ra iate from three angles away from the main stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Flower Inconspicuous flattene linear sessile spikelets in the axils or two-ranke scales of the brownish spikelets 8-10 along the axillary stalk
Flowering Period July through October
Fruit Flattene brownish see -like nutlet toppe with a beak
Value Eaten occasionally by a variety of ucks an geese Rhizomes an shoots also graze by muskrats
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 35
WOOL GRASS
Scirpus cyperinus
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall growing in small colonies
Stem Upright robust roun to triangular especially at the base
Leaves Elongate from base of stem up to 2 feet long Leaves imme iately below the flower are in clusters of 3-5 an may reach 5 inches long an roop at the tips
Flower Clusters of 6-12 spikelets at en s of rooping stems Flower clusters up to 12 inches long much branche
Flowering Period August through September
Fruit Whitish see -like nutlet with bristles much longer than the scales attache to the base the bristles impart the wooly appearance to the spikelets
Value Provi es foo an cover for waterfowl an other wil life
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 36
Ferns
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 37
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 38
INNAMON FERN
Osmund cinn mome
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Often growing near somewhat similar an relate interrupte fern (Polys ichum aros ichoides)
Height Up to 3 feet tall
Stem Upright stout smooth green an covere with cinnamon-colore wooly stalk
Leaves Sterile (vegetative) fron s up to 3 feet high upright to slightly arche lance-shape with 20+ opposite leaflets Fertile fron s o not persist through the summer whereas vegetative fron s remain until first frost
Reproduction Club-like fertile fron with groups of spore cases on leaflets that hug the main axis
Fruiting Period Spring
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 39
OSTRI H FERN
Pteretis pensylv nic
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 6 feet tall forming tussocks or clumps
Stem Stout nake for up 1 foot from the base green flattene an black at the base covere with papery brown scales Arising from a forking shallowly-embe e rhizome an giving rise to stout black scaly runners
Leaves Sterile fron s forming circles gra ually narrowe at the base an abruptly narrowe to the tip Fertile fron s up to 2 feet tall an 2 inches wi e nake for approximately half their length the nake portions shiny brown crow e sprea ing or ascen ing branches often overlapping or twiste light green at first turning ark green an eventually brown
Reproduction Leaf segments with spore cases beneath become rolle into small har berry-like structures joine along the branches of the fertile fron
Fruiting Period July ndash August Persisting over winter
Similar Species Cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea) Ostrich fern may be istinguishe by the gra ually narrow base an papery scales rather than cinnamon-colore pubescence on the stalk
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 40
ROYAL FERN
Osmund reg lis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall growing in scattere groups
Stem Somewhat stout nake for approximately half its length greenish or re ish arising from a stout creeping rhizome
Leaves Fron s with 5-7 pairs of nearly opposite oblong ascen ing ivisions The lowest pair slightly shorter than the others each ivision ivi e into finely toothe oblong blunt alternate segments 10-14 on each si e Fertile fron s terminate by a panicle appearing as a ense cluster of light brown structures
Reproduction Spore cases clustere along short nake leaf segments in a terminal panicle an often at the tips of some of the ivisions One of several ferns that pro uce their spores on mo ifie leaflets not on the un ersi e of the fron s
Fruiting Period Spring an early summer
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 41
SENSITIVE FERN
Onocle sensibilis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 3 feet tall Growing solitary or scattere
Stem Upright stout nake for nearly half its length arising from a creeping rhizome
Leaves Sterile fron s up to 3 feet tall the bla e with up to 16 pairs of wi e segments having wavy margins Fertile fron s shorter the berry-like structures clustere in stiffly erect ivisions the entire structure appearing spike-like
Reproduction Leaf segments with spore cases beneath which have become rolle into small har black berry-like structures appearing July through August an persisting over winter
Fruiting Period July into October
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 42
Woody S rubs
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 43
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 44
NORTHERN ARROW-WOOD Viburnu recognitu
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 15 feet tall forming thickets
Bark Smooth an gray with a white pith
Twigs Brownish-gray hairless highly branche long straight slen er arrow-like smooth
Buds Re ish-brown with 2 pairs of scales Opposite pointe approximately frac14 inch long roun e scales with fringe of minute hairs along the bor ers
Leaves Opposite egg-shape to roun with saw-like coarse teeth 1-2 inches long an 3 inches wi e tapering to a point with very prominent smooth veins
Flower Numerous small white-petale flowers on short stalks in a somewhat ense terminal flat cluster
Flowering Period June through July
Fruit Fleshy blue-black berry-like approximately 13 inch wi e containing a flattene see appearing in August
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 45
BUTTONBUSH Cephalanthus occidentalis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 12 feet tall typically 3-5 feet tall
Bark Smooth an grayish when young flaky an grayish when ol er Light-brown pith
Twigs Slen er roun or angle grayish-brown to purplish marke with light elongate lenticels
Buds Small in epresse areas surroun e by bark
Leaves Opposite or in whorls of 3-4 Shiny ark-green above lighter green an slightly owny beneath Leathery smooth oblong to oval 3-6 inches long broa at the base pointe at tips often with short re stalks
Flower Densely clustere spherical creamy white ball-shape flowers long-stalke often in groups of 3 1- 1 frac12 inch wi e Ripe hea s brownish fragrant
Flowering Period July through August
Fruit Small triangular-shape capsules greenish in ball-like hea s like the flowers Persist into winter
Value Butterfly an moth species are often foun fee ing on the sweet nectar of the tubular flowers because of their long curle mouthparts Caterpillar pupas are often foun on buttonbush because of the foo association with larvae an a ults (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 46
ELDERBERRYBLACK-BERRIED ELDER Sa bucus canadensis
Elderberr showing fruit
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 12 feet tall often forming thickets
Bark Green
Twigs Pale yellow-brown to light-brown with numerous large raise lenticels Ill-smelling when bruise Flute or square pith very thick white an soft
Buds Small roun to oval covere with brownish scales
Leaves Opposite pinnately compoun with 5 to 11 leaflets usually 7 Lanceolate to ovate abruptly narrowing at the tip Sharply-toothe Lower leaflets often 3-parte Smooth above smooth or owny on veins beneath
Flower Small white nicely-scente flowers with 5 white petals in a flat-toppe cluster up to 6 inches wi e generally with 5 main branches
Flowering Period Late June through July
Fruit Juicy purplish-black berries in flat-toppe clusters containing many see s appearing late August to early October
Value Pro uces fruit that makes tasty jelly an wine It is also an important foo source for many songbir s
Elderberr showing flowers
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 47
GLOSSY BUCKTHORN Rha nus frangula
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T is species is pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Generalist Full-sun or sha e moist ry aci ic or basic soils Woo lan bor ers foreste wetlan s floo plain forests
Heig t Up to 20 feet tall
Twigs Grayish with whitish lenticels
Buds Nake owny up to frac14 inch long
Leaves Alternate whorle oblong 4-5 inches long an 3-4 inches wi e Long growing season leafing out in May an hol ing its leaves into November
Flower Small greenish-white in small clusters in the leaf axis
Flowering Period May through September Flowers an fruits continuously from May through September Plants often isplay bu s flowers immature fruit an mature fruit simultaneously
Fruit Berry with 2-3 pits approximately frac14 inch wi e turning from green to re an eventually blue-black Often all three colore berries are on the plant at the same time Sometimes ifficult to recognize in a foreste situation ue to its non- escript appearance but easily recognize July through September ue to masses of berries
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 48
HIGHBUSH BLUEBERRY Vacciniu cory bosu
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s rich woo s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 15 feet tall often forming thickets
Bark Rough brown Stem an larger branches shre y
Twigs On some bushes re ish-brown on other bushes they are yellow Covere with small warty lenticels zigzagge or angle
Buds Flower bu s re plump pointe with spine-like pointe scales Leaf bu s smaller two outer scales with hair-like point
Leaves Alternate pointe on both en s green on both si es untoothe Lower si e slightly wooly on the veins Up to 3 inches long an 1 frac12 inch wi e Deep re in autumn
Flower Cylin rical white or pink up to frac12 inch long an frac14 inch wi e in ense terminal or lateral clusters
Flowering Period April through June appearing when leaves are only half grown
Fruit Blue-black berry up to frac12 inch wi e with whitish bloom sweet in clusters
Value Berries eaten by numerous bir s an wil life
Similar Species Maleberry (L onia ligustrina) Highbush blueberry can be istinguishe by its terminal clusters of fruit an by berries rather than capsules for fruit
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 49
HOBBLEBUSH Viburnu alnifoliu
Status Native
Habitat Cool moist ravines e ges of rivers an streams
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Light brown with wavy grooves
Twigs Tough stout olive-brown to light purplish-brown Coate with rusty brown hairs towar the tip
Buds Large long in pairs light-brown covere with velvety fuzz Flower bu s roun e an occur only at tips of twigs
Leaves Very large 4-8 inches long Almost roun finely toothe heart-shape at base Hairy beneath rusty veins much branche Brownish hairs on stalks
Flower Large white clusters with 5 petals appearing before leaves are fully grown
Flowering Period May through June
Fruit Re berries turning black Stones with a groove on each e ge
Similar Species Likely to be confuse with ogwoo s Viburnum leaves are nearly always toothe or lobe while ogwoo leaves are smooth untoothe an veins are parallel
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 50
HONEYSUCKLE Lonicera spp
(L orrowii L tatarica L aackii)
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T ese species are pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Fiel s roa si es fence-rows he ge-rows e ges of woo s
Heig t 10 to 15 feet tall
Bark Tan to brown shre e in appearance
Twigs Generally glabrous thornless
Buds Blunt to acute
Leaves Opposite entire oblong to egg-shape 1-5 inches long
Flower 5-lobe tubular sometimes fragrant growing in leaf axils white to yellow
Fruit Re rarely yellow juicy few-see e berry July through September
Flowering Period May through June
Morrowrsquos Honeysuckle Lonicera orrowii
Leaves an young twigs ensely owny Leafy bracts beneath flowers not glan ular Leaves broa est below the mi le Flowers white fa ing to yellow
Tartarian Honeysuckle Lonicera tartarica
Un ersi es of leaves an young twigs are hairless Flowers usually pink-re Only species that has hollow pith
Amur Honeysuckle Lonicera aackii
Upper surface of leaves are shiny Bark is gray or tan an exfoliates somewhat in vertical strips Flowers white fa ing to yellow
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 51
JAPANESE KNOTWEED Polygonu cuspidatu
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T is species is pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Woo lan s open spaces itches roa si e itches e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall Fast growing aggressive easily sprea s an repro uces vegetatively
Twigs Greenish hollow jointe bamboo-like Stems often persist into winter
Leaves Alternate large untoothe broa ly ovate 3-7 inches long with pointe tips an square bases
Flower Many small whitish flowers growing in slen er finger-like clusters in the leaf axils
Flowering Period August to September
Fruit White papery win - isperse x-shape in cross-section
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 52
MALEBERRY Lyonia ligustrina
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s rich woo s gentle slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall often forming thickets
Bark Light gray shre y shaggy Younger bark appearing slightly hairy ol er bark gray with white lenticels
Twigs Yellow-brown to ash-gray mottle with black Flowering twigs leafless
Buds No terminal bu Lateral bu s flattene re oval pointe with a single re ish scale
Leaves Alternate elliptic to oblong stalke up to 3 inches long pointe at both en s minutely toothe Rough above slightly-hairy beneath
Flower Small roun white flowers in clusters up to 6 inches long
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Greenish-gray to brown small roun capsules with 5 partitions No larger than flower Crow e in groups on the stem persisting through winter Dry brown po s resembling blueberries
Similar Species Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium cor mbosum) Maleberry can be istinguishe by its flattene re bu s lateral rather than terminal clusters an by capsules of fruit instea of berries
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 53
MEADOWSWEET Spiraea latifolia
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t 2-3 feet tall forming large ense colonies
Bark Thin peeling in filmy layers
Twigs Smooth slen er light re ish-brown to purple more or less angle Unbranche (except occasionally towar the top where branching may occur)
Buds Many small smooth oval with several scales
Leaves Alternate oblong narrow toothe short-stalke tapering to the base with pointe to roun tips Up to 3 inches long an 1 frac12 inches wi e
Flower Pyrami clusters of white to pinkish 5-parte small flowers occurring at tip of stem
Flowering Period July into September
Fruit Small har smooth cluster of 5-6 tiny po s persisting over winter in the inflorescence giving it a ark-brown color
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 54
MULTIFLORA ROSE Rosa ultiflora
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T is species is pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Generalist Variety of soil moisture an light con itions
Heig t Up to 9 feet tall Shrubby arching
Bark Green Ol er stems turn woo y
Twigs Long arching with stiff re-curve thorns tips root to form new plants
Leaves Alternate pinnately compoun 7-9 toothe leaflets each leaflet about 1 inch long Fringe stipule at the base of leaf stem
Flower Dense clusters of fragrant white or occasionally pink 5-petale flowers up to 1 frac12 inch wi e Persist into winter
Flowering Period May through June
Fruit Small roun har re berry calle a ldquohiprdquo Smallest hip of any rose in New Englan persists into winter
Similar Species Multiflora rose can be istinguishe from other roses by the presence of a fringe stipule on the leaf petiole
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 55
NORTHERN WILD RAISIN WITHEROD VIBURNUM Viburnu cassinoides
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s valleys gentle slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall usually up to 7
Bark Smooth grayish-brown
Twigs Slen er long flexible ull pale grayish to light-brown Slightly hairy Somewhat angle with in istinct lenticels
Buds Covere by a single pair of scales Terminal bu s long yellow or gol en 2 light-brown scales split curve Flower bu s large an flask-shape
Leaves Opposite lanceolate to oval loosely toothe up to 4 inches long on short stalks tapering to an abrupt point Dark green above ull green below leathery
Flower Many small white 5-lobe flowers in short-stalke flat-toppe clusters at the tips of the twigs
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Fleshy blue-black berry-like approximately frac14 inch wi e containing a flat see Dull re as maturing
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 56
SHADBUSHSERVICEBERRY A elchier canadensis
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains rich woo s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 25 feet tall usually growing in thickets
Bark Gray smooth thin vertical fissures separating smooth flat areas in ol er trees
Twigs Ranci taste an smell (slight taste of bitter almon s) Slen er grayish often covere by a gray skin smooth Lenticels are scattere minute ots
Buds Terminal bu s long narrow greenish-yellow or purple
Leaves Alternate oblong finely-toothe broa est above the mi le Veins curve When half grown with white felt or wooly hairs beneath Up to frac34 inch long roun e at the tip an base
Flower Many me ium-size 5-petalle white flowers approximately frac34 inch wi e on stalks in clusters appearing when leaves are half grown
Flowering Period April through June
Fruit Dark-purple to black berries
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 57
SHEEP LAURELLAMBKILL Kal ia angustifolia
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 3 feet tall usually forming thickets
Bark Re ish brown
Twigs Pale brown smooth
Buds Nake no scales or only 2 showing
Leaves Evergreen Occasionally opposite but usually in whorls of 3 Elliptic to oblong on very short stems crow e on the branch opposite in threes Bright green above pale or whitene beneath Both surfaces smooth
Flower Small eep pink to re ish-purple 5-lobe approximately 1 frac12 inch wi e in clusters among the leaves
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Small brownish roun capsule with 5 partitions in clusters that persist over winter
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 58
SILKY DOGWOOD Cornus a o u
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall forming ense thickets
Twigs Much branching lower portion of the stem light brown upper portions becoming streake with re One-an two-year ol branches completely re an velvety Twigs mo erate to slen er with spongy chocolate-brown piths
Buds Smooth hairy
Leaves Opposite ovate to elliptic roun e at base with pointe tips Veins branching off mi vein that follow up the smooth leaf without reaching e ge Up to 5 inches long an half as wi e roun e to somewhat we ge-shape at the base an abruptly pointe at the tip pubescent beneath on short to mo erate stalks turning re in autumn
Flower Many small white 4-petalle flowers in broa flat-toppe clusters up to 3 inches wi e at the tips of branches
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Blue or blueish-white berries
Similar Species Re Osier Dogwoo (Cornus stolonifera)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 59
SPECKLED ALDER Alnus rugosa
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 25 feet tall often branching from the base
Bark Brown with whitish horizontal lenticels
Twigs Olive-brown to re ish brown smooth owny with greenish triangular pith
Buds Stalke re ish covere by 2-3 scales equal in length coate with grayish or brownish own no terminal bu
Leaves Alternate oval or roun e broa est below the mi le 2-4 inches long Doubly toothe or wavy Green above pale beneath Leaf base roun e or heart-shape Up to 6 inches long an 3 inches wi e
Flower Develop long before the leaves Male catkins long finger-like rooping Female catkins upright in clusters stalke resembling a small pine cone arching appearing below male
Flowering Period April through June before leaves emerge
Fruit Female catkins ripening into frac12 inch cylin rical cones persistent in winter
Comments Distinguishing features are the conspicuous white lenticels on the trunk an on the twigs the short thick stalks of the ldquoconesrdquo an the conspicuous net venation of the leaves In winter the immature female spikes roop
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 60
SPICEBUSH Lindera benzoin
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains rich woo s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Smooth grayish-brown
Twigs Younger growth is green with white lines an specks while ol er portions with smooth gray-brown bark
Buds Leaf bu s small pointe Flower bu s larger stalke Spherical arrange on one si e of a leaf bu above the scar
Leaves Alternate obovate to ovate somewhat pointe up to 4 inches long an 2 inches wi e
Flower Small yellow Male an female occur in clusters on separate plants
Flowering Period April through May
Fruit Fleshy re an berry-like up to frac12 inch long containing one large see
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 61
STEEPLEBUSH Spiraea to entosa
Status Native
Habitat Wet mea ows marshes shrub wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 3 frac12 feet tall
Bark Thin hairy peeling shre ing into strips
Buds Lateral bu s covere with wool No terminal bu
Leaves Alternate simple toothe up to 2 inches long white or woolly beneath with brownish rusty or tawny hairs
Flower Small 5-petale eep pink or rose colore flowers in ense steeple-like terminal spike up to 6 inches long
Flowering Period July into September
Fruit One-celle capsules persistent into winter
Similar Species The pinker plants are often confuse with purple loosestrife Steeplebush has alternate leaves whereas purple loosestrife has opposite or whorle leaves The stems of Steeplebush ten to be roun in cross-section whereas the stems of purple loosestrife are square in cross section (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 62
SWEET PEPPERBUSH Clethera alnifolia
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Dark grayish or blackish Branches of previous year shre y or flaky
Twigs Slen er roun an slightly owny on new twigs with large white pith
Buds Lateral bu s small an obscure Terminal bu s are owny large an pointe
Leaves Alternate egg-shape to oblong small broa est above mi le sharply-toothe except at base Straight-veine both si es smooth an green abruptly blunt-pointe Up to 4 frac12 inches long an 1 frac12 inches wi e
Flower Many small 5-petale fragrant white flowers occurring on terminal spike
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Small tan roun capsule each with 3 hairy partitions resembling peppercorns persisting into winter
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 63
WINTERBERRY HOLLYBLACK ALDER Ilex verticillata
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Gray smooth
Twigs Slen er ark purple-gray with many small lenticels
Buds Tiny blunt at tip iverging from the twig Crow e upper bu s larger Terminal bu present
Leaves Alternate ovate thick ull-green above owny beneath coarse-toothe prominent veins Broa est at or above the mi le pointe at both en s
Flower Very small greenish or yellowish white Male an female flower son separate plants 6-8 petals in clusters seate irectly on stem frac14 inch in iameter of very short stalks
Flowering Period May through August
Fruit Bright re berry-like with 3-5 bony nuts borne singly or in clusters approximately frac14 inch wi e containing several see s persisting into winter
Value Extremely showy in late fall an early winter when covere with their bright re fruit these shrubs are either male or female Attractive to bir s
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 64
WITCH HAZEL Ha a elis virginiana
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 30 feet tall
Bark Mottle light-brown to gray smooth to scaly
Twigs Zigzag smooth to slightly hairy Short shoots light orange brown with rusty or gray hairs Some brown warts but lenticels in istinct
Buds Lateral bu s flattene with rusty brown hairs Terminal bu stalke curve or sickle-shape
Leaves Roun e to oval wavy lopsi e toothe in shallow roun e lobes Main veins prominent 5-7 nerves One-si e at base
Flower Bright yellow crinkle curving petals persisting into winter remaining attache to twig
Flowering Period August into November
Fruit Woo y hairy light-brown 2-see e po with 4 well-space curve points splitting open an ejecting black see s forcibly ripening a year after flowers Open po s remain on stem
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 65
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 66
Climbin Vines
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 67
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 68
CLIMBINGORIENTAL BITTERSWEET
Celast us o biculatus
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire
Habitat Disturbe areas roa si es fiel s forests an e ges of streams an rivers
Hei ht 40-65 feet long eci uous woo y vine Very aggressive climbs up an over trees an chokes them
Stem Tanish furrowe
Leaves Alternate ovate bluntly toothe 3-4 inches long tapere at the base
Flower Small greenish clusters in the leaf axils
Flowerin Period April through May
Fruit Bright-yellow splitting open to reveal showy orangere fruit
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 69
POISON IVY
Toxicodend on adicans
Status Native
Habitat Generalist Variety of soil moisture an light con itions Foun in recent clear-cuts
Hei ht Upright eci uous shrub trailing vine or climbing plant Shrub can grow up to 6 feet tall but this plant is taller as a vine
Leaves Long-stalke compoun leaves ivi e into 3 leaflets each leaflet having a longer stalk than the si e leaflets
Flowers Small yellowish flowers with 5 petals occurring on lateral clusters
Flowerin Period May through July Poison i y showing fruit
Fruit Greenish to grayish-white berries lacking hairs Pro uce in late summer an can persist throughout winter
CAUTION
TOUCHING OR BURNING ANY PART OF THIS PLANT CAN CAUSE SEVERE SKIN IRRITATION
Poison i y as a tree-climbing ine Poison i y in autumn
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 70
RIVERBANK GRAPE
Vitis ipa ia
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Hei ht Up to 60 feet tall
Bark Re ish-brown in loose strips Pith with thin firm tissue
Leaves Alternate coarse-toothe up to 7 inches long with usually 3-5 lobes an narrow-pointe leaves
Flowers Inconspicuous in branche clusters
Flowerin Period May through July
Fruit Purplish-black to black grapes up to frac12 inch wi e with whitish waxy covering
Similar Species Forest grape (Vitis ulpina) occurs in similar habitats but its leaves have broa teeth an are not usually lobe an its grapes are black an lacking waxy coating
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 71
VIRGINIA CREEPER
Pa thenosisus quinquefolia
Status Native
Habitat Wi e range of con itions ry san y soil to moist nutrient-rich soil sha e sun
Stem Woo y stem persisting into winter
Leaves Alternate palmately compoun with 3-7 but usually 5 leaflets Leaflets 6-12 centimeters long with toothe margins Turn eep-re in the fall
Flower Inconspicuous green-white
Fruit Small blue-black berries appearing in autumn
Comments Climbs by ten rils that have oval a hesive isks at their tips
Similar Species Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) has compoun leaves with 3 leaflets but the terminal leaflet is attache to a short-stalk Poison ivy also climbs by aerial roots not by a hesive isks
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 72
The Ca opy Trees
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 73
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 74
AMERICAN BASSWOODLINDEN Tilia am ricana
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s valleys gentle slopes
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray ri ge when ol
Twigs Alternate stout zigzag greenish-gray smooth or owny
Buds Re ish-brown frac12 inch long lopsi e No terminal bu
Leaves Alternate large up to 8 inches long sharply toothe Unequally heart-shape at base
Flowers 5 cream-colore fragrant yellow petals Approximately frac12 inch across
Floweri g Period Early summer
Fruit Stalke cluster of small pale green nuts attache to a leafy wing
AMERICAN BEECH Fagus grandifolia
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s uplan s well- raine lowlan s
Height Up to 90 feet tall
Bark Smooth an light blue-gray when young an ol
Twigs Alternate slen er greenish-brown hairy
Buds Slen er sharp-pointe approximately frac34 inch long chestnut brown with overlapping scales
Leaves Alternate simple egg-shape pointe with parallel veins terminating in teeth Shiny papery-smooth up to 5 inches long Dry leaves remain on tree in winter Yellow in autumn
Flowers Inconspicuous slen er catkins in a roun e hea both sexes occur on the same tree
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Prickly 4-valve fruit capsule bearing 2 triangular nuts Nut is sweet an e ible
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 75
AMERICAN HORNBEAM IRONWOODBLUE BEECH Carpinus caroliniana
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s foreste wetlan s e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 40 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray-green furrowe flute (muscular) wavy
Twigs Slen er ark re ish-brown shiny an smooth or slightly -hairy
Buds Oval re ish brown angle scaly
Leaves Alternate simple oblong sharply an finely oubly-toothe margins up to 4 inches long an 2 inches wi e entirely smooth above slightly owny beneath Orange or scarlet in autumn
Flowers Very small male an female flowers occur in separate spikes Male catkins 1 inch female small appearing with leaves
Floweri g Period April through May before leaf-out
Fruit Nutlet in the axil of a 3-lobe leaf-like bract the bracts clustere in a loose terminal spike up to 2 inches long
BLACK BIRCHSWEET BIRCH B tula l nta
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s
Height Up to 60 feet tall
Bark Smooth ark brown Long horizontal lenticels resembling cherry Ol er trees with very ark thick plates
Twigs Smooth slen er light re ish-brown with very fine horizontal lines Smells an tastes of wintergreen
Buds Sharp re ish brown long terminal bu absent on long shoots Bu scales owny on margins
Leaves Alternate simple heart-shape sharply ouble-or single-toothe smooth above with tufts of white hair on the veins beneath ull ark green Wintergreen o or an taste
Flower Male an female flowers occur in separate catkins on the same tree male catkins present uring the winter
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Catkins cylin rical short scales smooth
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 76
BLACK CHERRY Prunus s rotina
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s on many sites
Height Up to 60 feet tall
Bark Dark re ish-brown smooth with narrow horizontal lenticels on young trees becoming roughene an scaly on ol er trees Resembles black birch
Twigs Slen er re ish-brown often gray an peeling Ranci o or an taste Often with black knot swellings on branches with narrow lenticels
Buds Bright light re ish-brown 4 scales appear as none Terminal bu larger than laterals
Leaves Alternate simple elliptic Smooth an shiny above finely-toothe turning inwar Brown wool on 13 of mi rib beneath Yellow to brown in autumn
Flower White 5-petalle elongate clusters appearing when leaves are frac12 grown in clusters at the en s of twigs up to 4 inches long
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit E ible cherries ark re ish-purple becoming black with small stone Appearing June-October
BOX ELDERASH-LEAVED MAPLE Ac r n gundo
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s lowlan s floo plains
Height Up to 40 feet tall
Bark Thin grayish to light-brown with furrowe narrow ri ges similar to Norway maple
Twigs Stout green to purplish-green brightly colore often re Covere with whitish bloom the first year which rea ily rubs off
Buds Short-stalke re ish usually wooly or owny whitish ensely hairy
Leaves Opposite compoun palm-like with 3-5 veiny leaflets up to 5 inches long on short stalks Very variable in shape sharp margins with coarse teeth Light green above pale green an hairy along veins beneath Stalk swollen at base
Flower Small yellowish to greenish Male an female flowers occur in rooping clusters on separate trees appearing slightly before leaf-out
Floweri g Period April through May at or before leaf-out
Fruit A typical flattene v-shape winge samara
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 77
EASTERN COTTONWOOD Populus d ltoid s
Status Native
Habitat Floo plains streambanks valleys
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Greenish-yellow on young trees gray an furrowe on ol er trees
Twigs Smooth yellow-brown mo erately stout
Buds Brown shiny approximately frac12 to 1 inch long 6-7 scales heavy sticky fragrant yellow resin insi e
Leaves Alternate simple large triangular coarse roun e teeth up to 6 inches long an often nearly as wi e Dark green an shiny above lighter beneath with veins prominent on both surfaces Stems flattene at base of leaves Leaves from sprouts very large Yellow in autumn
Flower Drooping loosely groupe catkins Male an female flowers occur in rooping spikes on separate trees Before the leaves unfol the male crow e into rather thick re ish spikes the female crow e into narrower greenish yellow spikes
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Short-stalke capsule with 4 partitions approximately frac14 inch long
EASTERN HEMLOCK Tsuga canad nsis
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s ravines foreste wetlan s
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Cinnamon-re to gray tinge with purple narrow ri ges
Twigs Alternate yellow to grayish brown very hairy flattene
Buds Approximately frac12 to frac34 inch wi e oval chestnut brown hairy scales
Needles Narrow approximately frac12 inch long Short shiny ark-green above tapering whitish-green with 2 white lines beneath appearing as a broa stripe Stalke at base persistent comb-like arrangement on twig
Fruit Small oval cones frac12 to frac34 inch long on slen er stalks Cone scales as wi e as long Male cones are small structures in clusters in leaf axils an o not persist Female cones have brown scales are at twig en s an persist
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 78
EASTERN WHITE PINE Pinus strobus
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s bogs ravines cool sha y north slopes
Height Up to 120 feet tall
Bark Smooth thin greenish when young becoming ark brown eeply-furrowe an blocky when ol er
Twigs Smooth slen er green or light yellowish-green resinous
Buds Sharp-pointe yellowish-brown
Leaves In clusters of 5 (the only five-nee le pine in the East) soft slen er bluish-green Retaine to en of the secon growing season 3 year nee les yellow in October 2-5 inches long
Fruit Large tapering cylin rical cones falling when ripe (August-September) Require two seasons to mature 4 to 8 inches long
GREEN ASH Fraxinus p nnsylvanica
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains streambanks
Height Up to 80 feet tall
Bark Young twigs gray thin hairless Ol er stems gray with shallow grooves ri ges an furrows
Twigs Stout gray terminal bu present conical the first pair of lateral bu s place some istance below the terminal
Leaves Opposite pinnately-compoun with 5-9 (usually 7) leaflets Shiny green on top occasionally hairy on bottom with saw-toothe margins Bright yellow in autumn
Flower Inconspicuous small cluster of greenish petal-free stalke flowers with male an female flowers occur on separate trees
Floweri g Period April to June as leaves emerge
Fruit Samara with a broa wing an in istinct see portion
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 79
RED MAPLE Ac r rubrum
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s rich woo s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 75 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray often satiny on young trees becoming arker scaly rough separating an forming long scales often up-curling in ol er trees
Twigs Current years growth re Ol er twigs light gray smooth
Buds Sharp ark re with prominent overlapping scales
Leaves Opposite simple usually 3-lobe (sometimes 5) with sharp angles between lobes an with sharp irregular teeth Dark green above gray-green beneath approximately 3-4 inches long Yellow or scarlet in autumn
Flower Re or yellow with petals appearing long before the leaves emerge Male an female flowers occur on separate trees
Floweri g Period March through May before leaf-bu s open
Fruit A ouble-winge v-shape re samara up to 1 inch long
Matures in late spring falls an germinates at once
RED OAK Qu rcus rubra
Status Native
Habitat Bottomlan s moist slopes
Height Up to 90 feet tall
Bark Smooth greenish-brown on young stems becoming broken into ri ges re ish-brown har with eep furrows when ol er Inner bark re ish
Twigs Alternate strongly ri ge or flute Re ish brown or black smooth
Buds Smooth brown blunt-pointe in clusters at en s of twigs Larger than other oaks except black frac14 inch long roun e on the si es Terminal bu s have slight rusty hairs
Leaves Spikes on tips of lobes Mostly 3 pairs V-shape space between lobes (typically 7-11) triangular in outline smooth on both si es
Flower Long sprea ing strings
Fruit Acorn maturing in secon year Cup embracing 13 to frac12 the acorn Oval to cylin rical short shallow Acorns large bitter ine ible insi es pale yellow
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 80
SHAGBARK HICKORY Carya ovata
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s valleys uplan slopes
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Smooth when young splitting into long plates that curve outwar free at both en s when ol er
Twigs Re ish-brown very stout tough an har to break Soli pith
Buds Dark brown long-pointe approximately frac12 inch or more wi e Scales remaining over winter
Leaves Alternate compoun 4-6 inches long 5 (rarely 7) leaflets with the 3 upper leaflets much larger an longer than the lower terminal leaflet Slightly toothe with a tuft of hair on each tooth
Flower Male an female flowers occur on same tree Male flowers are 3-branche catkins female flowers are in short spikes
Floweri g Period Early spring before leaf-out
Fruit Thick globe-like husks split away when ripe Nut with 4 angles whitish brown shell thick sweet kernel
SILVER MAPLE Ac r saccharinium
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 80 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray (like beech) in young trees breaking into long thin scaly plates curving away at en s when ol er
Twigs V-shape point upwar at tip rooping Orange-brown to re Ba o or when bruise
Buds Terminal bu small blunt re
Leaves Opposite simple approximately 5 inches wi e Deeply cleft 5-lobe sharply toothe Green above silver-white beneath Very silvery un er water Downy beneath when young Pale yellow in autumn
Flower Small re or greenish yellow No petals occurring long before the leaves Some trees have only male flowers
Floweri g Period February through May before leaf-out
Fruit Occurring in late spring The see germinates at once flattene winge fruit the largest of the native maples up to 2 inches long
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 81
SWAMP WHITE OAK Qu rcus bicolor
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 70 feet tall
Bark Flaky light grayish-brown peeling in ragge papery scales Furrowe at base of tree in long flat scaly ri ges
Twigs Slen er to stout straw-brown to yellow-green Bark peels from twig (only oak where this occurs)
Buds Small roun terminal bu s orange-brown blunt-pointe smooth Lateral bu s small an crow e
Leaves Alternate simple oval light-green above with hairs beneath wi est above the mi le strongly tapere towar the we ge-shape base Margin shallowly lobe Yellow or brown in autumn
Flower Male an female flowers occur separately on the same tree the male in catkins the female in short spikes
Fruit Oval light-brown nut approximately 1 inch long enclose for about frac12 its length by a cap Occurring singly or often in pairs at the en of a short stalk Some of the cups usually persist in winter
SYCAMOREPLANETREEBUTTONBALL Platanus occid ntalis
Status Native
Habitat Floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Creamy white on young branches turning re -brown-gray then breaking in large thin plates exposing whitish inner bark giving a white-washe appearance
Twigs Slen er smooth yellow-brown slightly zigzag swollen at joints
Buds No terminal bu Lateral bu s long conical resinous shiny ark re -brown covere by a single cap-like scale Pointing outwar enclose by bases of leaf stalks until the leaves fall
Leaves Alternate simple large with 3-5 pointe lobes maple-like pubescent beneath when young with long pointe teeth
Flower Small inconspicuous Male an female flowers occur separately in roun hea s on the same tree
Floweri g Period April through June
Fruit Large roun balls approximately frac14 inch long an 1 inch wi e with bristly hairs at base containing many see s Occurring singly on long stalks Remains on tree until spring
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 82
TAMARACHLARCH Larix laricina
Status Native
Habitat Bogs foreste wetlan s wet peaty soils
Height Up to 80 feet tall
Bark Thin re ish brown scaly Young branches grayish or pale orange-brown
Twigs Smooth brownish many leaf scars
Buds Dark re ish-brown roun resinous
Leaves Deci uous nee les pale blueish-green approximately 1 inch long flexible triangular Yellow in autumn before ropping off
Flower Occur separately as small cones on the same tree Male flowers are yellow Female flowers are rose re both appearing in March through April
Fruit Small oval cones frac12 to frac34 inch wi e with 20 scales Cone scales concave smooth often shining longer than broa chestnut brown smooth on the outsi e
WHITE ASH Fraxinus am ricana
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s valleys slopes foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Light or ark gray Smooth when young groove when ol er Longitu inal ri ges forming iamon -shape patterns separate by narrow interlacing ri ges
Twigs Opposite light greenish-brown with small white lenticles an a slight bloom Soli pith
Buds Roun e rusty to ark-brown rough hairy First pair of lateral bu s at the same level irectly below the terminal
Leaves Opposite pinnately compoun stalke oval to lanceolate 8 to 12 inches long with 5 to 9 leaflets (mostly 7) Smooth or slightly wavy-toothe Yellowish to maroon in the autumn
Flowers Small inconspicuous male an female flowers occur on separate trees appearing with the leaves Purplish in crow e clusters
Floweri g Period April through May before leaf-out
Fruit Cylin rical light-brown enclosing a see an a flattene elongate wing 2-3 times long as the bo y 1-2 inches wi e in rooping clusters
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 83
WHITE OAK Qu rcus alba
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s a jacent slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 90 feet tall
Bark Gray thin on young trees an flaky irregularly-plate or groove when ol er
Twigs Purplish-gray to greenish-re mo erately stout smooth
Buds Blunt smooth brownish at tips of twigs in clusters
Leaves Alternate simple 4-10 prominent roun e lobes variable in epth Re ish to violet in autumn Brown ea leaves remain on tree in winter
Flowers Both sexes occur on the same tree Male flowers in clusters of hanging bea s Female flowers are few in angles of new leaves Greenish yellowish or re ish
Fruit Maturing in one season Acorn cup with wart-like scales Cup shorter than nut Sweet an e ible
WHITE SPRUCE Pic a glauca
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s a jacent slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 70 feet tall
Bark Thin scaly grayish-brown silvery on freshly expose areas
Twigs Pale gray to yellow-brown no hairs or fuzz
Buds Oval ragge brown smooth
Leaves frac12 to 1 inch blueish-green slight-bloom pungent o or when crushe sharp line of white ots in each groove Ten ency to mass towar the upper si e of the twig
Flowers Occur separately as small cones on the same tree Male flowers are yellowish re Female flowers are greenish re purplish
Co e Cylin rical 2 inches long Immature cones have thin scales an are soft an flexible Mature cones are light chestnut brown
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 84
YELLOW BIRCH B tula l nta
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains ravines cool rich woo s of higher elevations
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Peeling in thin ribbon-like strips when young that roll back in curls Shiny yellow or silvery gray rough an platy when ol er
Twigs Stout bronze or bright-brown shiny Smooth or sparsely hairy Wintergreen o or an taste
Buds Sharp re ish-brown oppresse terminal bu absent oval with chestnut-brown scales
Leaves Alternate simple long oval sharply ouble-toothe Dull an ark-green above lighter beneath with slight hairs in veins base roun e to near heart-shape up to 5 inches long
Flower Male an female flowers in separate catkins on the same tree Male catkins present in winter Male flowers are yellow small narrow in a rooping catkin at branch tips Female flowers are green an in broa er upright catkins place back from the tip that matures into a brown cone
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Catkins roun e roun scales somewhat hairy erect on twig frac34 inch long persist into winter
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 85
Appendix A Other Helpful Field Guides
The Boo of Swamp and Bog Trees Shrubs and Wildflowers of Eastern Freshwater Wetlands by John Eastman 1995 Stackpole Books ISBN 0-8117-2518-9
A Field Guide to Coastal Wetland Plants of the Northeastern United States by Ralph W Tiner Jr 1987 University of Massachusetts Press ISBN 0-870-23538-9
Freshwater Wetlands - A Guide to Common Indicator Plants of the Northeast by Dennis W Magee 1981 University of Massachusetts Press ISBN 0-87023-317-3
Northeastern Wetland Flora Field Office Guide to Plant Species by USDA ndash NRCSNortheastern National Technical Center Chester Pennsylvania
Plants in Wetlands A Redington Field Guide to Biological Interactions by Charles B Re ington 1994 Ken allHunt Publishing Company ISBN 0-84038-983-3
Pond and Broo by Michael J Ca uto 1990 ISBN 0-87451-509-1
Pond Life A Golden Guide by George K Rei 1987 Gol en Books ISBN 0-30724-017-7
Through The Loo ing Glass by Susan Borman Robert Korth Jo Temte 19971999 Wisconsin Lakes Partnership ISBN 0-93231-032-X
Wetland Planting Guide for Northeast United States by Gwen olyn A Thunhorst 1993 Environmental Concern Inc ISBN 1-88322-602-3
Wetlands - National Audubon Society Nature Guides by William A Niering 1985 Alfre A Knopf New York ISBN 0-39473-147-6
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 86
Appendix B Glossary of Terms
Alternate Leaves arising singly along the stem not in pairs or whorls
Annual Living or growing for only one year or season
Axil The angle where two structures join for example where a leaf joins the stem
Axillary Occurring in or growing from an axil
Basal Locate at or arising from the base of a plant or a plant part
Berry A small juicy fleshy fruit containing one to many see s
Capsule A ry fruit containing two to many see s an opening by valves slits or pores
Cat in Scaly spike of inconspicuous flowers lacking petals
Ciliate Bearing margine hairs
Clasping Leaves that partially encircle the stem at the base
Compound (Leaf) Divi e into two or more istinct separate parts (leaflets)
Cone A har woo y globose to cylin ric arrangement of bracts or scales in the axils of which the repro uctive structures are foun
Deciduous Falling from the plant after maturity each year
Elliptic Broa est at the mi le gra ually tapering to both en s
Emergent Roote in shallow water with most of the plant growing above the surface
Emersed Raise out of the water as in the flowers or fruits of some floating plants
Entire (Leaf) Having a continuoussmooth margin unbroken by toothing or ivisions
Evergreen Remaining green throughout the winter
Fibrous Referring to a cluster of slen er roots all with the same iameter
Frond The leaf of a fern
Furrowed Groove
Glabrous Without hairs or scales
Globose Shape like a globe roun
Head A group of flowers tightly crowne together in a more or less roun e structure
Herbaceous A plant that ies back to the groun at the en of the growing season or a plant part that is leaf-like in color an texture
Inflorescence The entire flower cluster
Lanceolate Lance-shape broa est near the base gra ually tapering to the narrower apex
Leaflet One of the segments of a compoun leaf
Lenticels The small corky pores or narrow lines on the surface of stems of woo y plants that allow the interchange of gases between the interior tissue an surroun ing air A small opening in a stem
Lip The upper an lower parts of certain tubular flowers
Lobe The in ente part of a leaf or flower not ivi e into istinct an separate parts but still interconnecte to similar parts of the leaf or flower
MidribMidvein The central or main vein of a leaf
Native A species that originate in a certain place or region in igenous
Node The place on the stem where leaves or branches are attache
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 87
Non-Native Not originating in a certain geographic location than where they are foun
Nut A har ry one-see e fruit not opening at maturity
Nutlet A small nut
Oblong Broa est at the mi le an tapering to both en s but broa er than elliptic
Opposite Leaves arising in pairs on either si e of a stem
Oval Broa ly elliptic
Ovate Broa ly roun e at the base becoming narrowe above
Palmate Having three or more veins lobes or leaflets arising from one point
Panicle A compoun loosely branche flower cluster
Parallel Veined Having veins all parallel as oppose to in a network
Perennial Living for two or more years
Petal One segment of the series of floral leaves lying just insi e the sepals often the most conspicuous
Petiole The stalk-like part of the leaf attaching it to the stem
Pinnate Divi e once along an elongate axis into istinct segments
Pith The soft tissue at the center of a plantrsquos stem it may be soli or hollow at maturity
Pod A fruiting structure containing the mature see s
Pubescent Covere in fine short hairs
Recurved Curving ownwar
Rhizome A horizontal usually un ergroun stem that often sen s out roots an shoots from its no es
Ribbed Bearing ri ges
Root The escen ing axis of the plant usually growing in an opposite irection from the stem
Samara A winge fruit
Scale A mo ifie leaf or thin flattene structure
Sepal One segment of the outer series of floral leaves often green in color but occasionally of a ifferent color an petal-like
Serrate With sharp forwar -pointing teeth on the margin
Sessile Without a stalk
Sheath The base of a leaf that encircles the stem
Simple (Leaf) A leaf compose of a single bla e
Smooth Not rough to the touch
Spi e An elongate cluster of sessile flowers
Shrub A woo y plant smaller than a tree with several stems or trunks arising from a single base a bush
Simple Leaf A leaf with a single bla e
Succulent Juicy an fleshy
Tendril A evice usually coile that enables some vines to climb
Toothed With teeth along the margin
Tuber A thickene part of an un ergroun root or rhizome serving for foo storage an often for propagation
Whorled (Leaf) Arrange in a group of three or more leaves branches or pe icles at the no e on the stem
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 88
Appendix C Leaf Shapes amp Arrangements
Peterson Lee Allen ldquoA Fie d Guide to Edib e Wi d P ants of Eastern and Centra North Americardquo Houghton Mifflin Company 1977
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 89
Appendix D Native ShorelandRiparian Buffer Plantings for New Hampshire
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 90
Native ShorelandRiparian Buffer Plantings for New Hampshire The p otected sho eland is the a ea of land that exists between the efe ence line of a wate body and 250 feet f om the efe ence line
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees
Ame ican Basswood (Ame ican Linden)
Tilia am ricana Medium-La ge 60-100rsquo
Mode ate Deep FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Rich woods valleys gentle slopes
Wildlife Pileated woodpecke wood duck othe bi ds dee abbit squi el
Food Seeds twigs
Ame ican Beech Fagus grandifolia Medium-La ge 60-90rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Rich woods well-d ained lowlands
Wildlife Blue jay chickadees nuthatches quail uffed g ouse tufted titmouse wild tu key wood duck woodpecke s bea chipmunk dee fox po cupine snowshoe ha e squi el
Food Nuts buds sap
Ame ican Hopho nbeam (I onwood)
Ostrya virginiana Small 20-40rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Rich woods Wildlife Downy woodpecke mockingbi d pu ple finch ing-necked pheasant ose-b easted g osbeak uffed g ouse wild tu key wood quail dee abbit squi el
Food Nuts buds seeds
Ame ican Ho nbeam (Blue BeechMusclewood)
Carpinus caroliniana
SmallSh ubby 20-40rsquo
Slow Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods fo ested wetlands avines st eambanks
Wildlife Quail uffed g ouse wood duck beave dee squi el
Food Seeds buds
Ame ican Mountain Ash
Sorbus am ricana Small Up to 25rsquo
Fast Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full-Sun
D y Moist Fo ested wetlands ich woods Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe catbi d ceda waxwing g osbeak mockingbi d obin th ushes wild tu key bea
Food F uit twigs
Balsam Fi Abi s balsam a Small-Medium 40-60rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands st eambanks ich woods
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse songbi ds small mammals moose
Food Seeds
Balsam Popla Populus balsam a Medium 60-80rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun Moist Floodplains ive banks st eambanks valleys
Wildlife Beave dee mouse snowshoe ha e
Food Buds catkins twigs foliage
Big-Toothed Aspen Populus grandid ntata
Small-Medium 30-60rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Sandy upland soils floodplain st eams with quaking aspen
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee evening g osbeak pu ple finch uffed g ouse yellow-bellied sapsucke dee
Food Buds catkins ba k twigs and foliage
Black Ash Fraxinus nigra Medium 60-80rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands st eambanks Wildlife Songbi ds wood duck dee moose small mammals
Food F uit twigs young leaves
Black Bi ch (Sweet Bi ch)
B tula l nta Medium 40-60rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade
Page 1
Moist Cool moist uplands ich woods
Wildlife G ouse dee abbit
Food Buds catkins seeds
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees (Continued)
Black Che y Prunus s rotina Medium 40-60rsquo
Mode ate Deep Tap oot
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Rich woods on many sites except ve y d y soils
Wildlife Bluebi d blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing common c ow easte n kingbi d evening g osbeak mockingbi d no the n flicke no the n o iole obin uffed g ouse spa ows th ushes vee y vi eo yellow-bellied sapsucke bea chipmunk dee fox accoon squi el
Food Be ies buds sap
Black Gum (Tupelo)
Nyssa sylvatica Medium 50-60
Slow No Info mation Available
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Fo ested wetlands floodplains Wildlife Bluebi d ca dinal catbi d chickadee c ow finches malla ds obin uby-th oated hummingbi d uffed g ouse vi eo wild tu key woodpecke s wood duck honeybees bea chipmunk dee opossum squi el
Food Seeds sap necta
Black Sp uce Pic a mariana Small Up to 25rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs fo ested wetlands lake and pond sho es
Wildlife Songbi ds uffed g ouse sp uce g ouse chipmunk cottontail dee po cupine squi el
Food Seeds twigs necta ba k
Black Willow Salix nigra Small-Medium Up to 50rsquo
Ve y Fast Ve y Shallow
Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands lowlands floodplains
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Buds catkins
Box Elde Ac r n gundo Medium 40-70rsquo
Ve y Fast Deep Late al
Full Sun D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands lowlands floodplains
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Seeds
Easte n Cottonwood Populus d ltoid s Medium-La ge 80-100rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Floodplains st eambanks valleys
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse
Food Catkins
Easte n Hemlock Tsuga canad nsis Medium-La ge 80-100rsquo
Mode ate Shallow Late al
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Acidic Cool moist uplands avines ock outc ops st eambanks
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee blue and g een wa ble s c ossbill hawks juncos pine siskin uffed g ouse vee y wild tu key dee chipmunk cottontail po cupine squi el white-footed mouse
Food Twigs foliage seeds
Easte n White Pine Pinus strobus La ge 70-120rsquo
Mode ate Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Well-D ained
Fo ested wetlands bogs avines cool shady no th slopes
Wildlife B own c eepe chickadee c ossbill g osbeak junco nuthatch pine wa ble spa ows sp uce g ouse wild tu key woodpecke s beave chipmunk dee snowshoe ha e squi el
Food Seeds foliage twigs excellent winte food
G ay Bi ch (Wi e Bi ch)
B tula populifolia Small 20-35rsquo
Fast Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Pionee Species poo est of ste ile soils sandy o g avelly slopes
Wildlife Ame ican goldfinch blue jay chickadee no the n junco pine siskin ed-tailed hawk uffed g ouse spa ows vi eo yellow-bellied sapsucke woodpecke s snowshoe ha e
Food Seeds buds
Page 2
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees (Continued)
G een Ash Fraxinus p nnsylvanica
Medium-La ge 60-80rsquo
Fast Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks neve on d y soils
Wildlife Ca dinal finches evening g osbeak mou ning dove ed-winged blackbi d wood duck beave chipmunk dee po cupine squi el
Food Seeds foliage
No the n White Ceda (A bo vitae)
Thuja occid ntalis Medium 30-60rsquo
Slow to Mode ate
Shallow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs wetlands ich woods Wildlife Songbi ds small mammals dee
Food Seeds needles
QuakingT embling Aspen (Popla )
Populus tr muloid s
Small-Medium 30-60rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Pionee Species d y open woods sandy o g avelly slopes
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse beave dee po cupine snowshoe ha e
Food Buds catkins ba k twigs and foliage
Red Maple Ac r rubrum Medium 40-75rsquo
Mode ate to Fast
Ve y Shallow
Full Sun D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands st eambanks lakesho es ich woods
Wildlife Ca dinal chickadee evening and pine g osbeaks finches obin yellow-bellied sapsucke beave chipmunk dee opossum squi el snowshoe ha e
Food Seeds buds ba k twigs sap
Red Oak Qu rcus rubra Medium 60-90rsquo
Mode ate Deep Late al
FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Bottomlands moist slopes Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe ducks hawks quail nuthatch uffed g ouse towhee wild tu key woodpecke bea chipmunk dee gophe opossum accoon squi el
Food Aco ns
Shagba k Hicko y Carya ovata La ge 70-100rsquo
Fast Deep Tap oot
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Rich woods valleys upland slopes
Wildlife Ca dinal field spa ows pine wa ble ose-b easted g osbeak ufous-sided towhee white-b easted nuthatch wild tu key wood duck yellow- umped wa ble chipmunks squi els
Food Nuts
Silve Maple Ac r sacharinium Medium 60-80rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands ive banks floodplains st eambanks
Wildlife Ca dinal goldfinch evening and pine g osbeaks no the n o iole
Food Seeds buds
St iped Maple (Moosewood Moose Maple)
Ac rp nsylvanicum SmallSh ubby 20-30rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t-Shade Moist Rich woods cool moist sites Wildlife Ruffed g ouse beave dee moose po cupine abbit
Food Buds ba k sama as
Suga Maple Ac r saccharum Medium-La ge 60-100rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Valleys and uplands tole ates almost all soil types
Wildlife Ca dinal goldfinch g osbeak ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse vi eo beave chipmunk po cupine B owse fo dee abbit snowshoe ha e
Food Seeds twigs ba k
Page 3
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees (Continued)
Swamp White Oak Qu rcus bicolor Medium 60-70rsquo
Fast No Info mation Available
FullPa t Shade Moist Fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks
Wildlife Ba ed owl blue jay ca dinal b own th ashe g ouse malla ds nuthatch quail ed-bellied woodpecke ed-tailed hawk uffed g ouse sta ling towhee wild tu key yellow-th oated wable w en beave chipmunk cottontail dee gophe opossum accoon squi el white-footed mouse wild tu key
Food Aco ns
Sweet Gum Liquidambar styraciflua
Medium-La ge 60-100rsquo
Mode ate No Info mation Available
Full Sun Moist Valleys Lowe slopes mixed woodlands
Wildlife Mou ning dove finches junco w en beave chipmunk squi el
Food Seeds
Sycamo e (Planet eeButtonwood)
Platanus occid ntalis
La ge 80-100rsquo
Slow No Info mation Available
FullPa t Shade o Full-Sun
D y o Moist Floodplains lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Finches chipmunk squi el
Food Seeds
Tama ack (Ame icanEaste n La ch)
Larix laricina Small-Medium 40-80rsquo
Va iable Mode ate Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs swamps wet peaty soils d ie upland loamy soils
Wildlife Blue jay kinglets pheasant ed c ossbill obin uffed g ouse sp uce g ouse yellow-bellied sapsucke chipmunk dee po cupine ed squi el snowshoe ha e
Food Needles twigs inne ba k seeds
White Ash Fraxinus am ricana
Medium-La ge 70-100rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods valleys slopes fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks
Wildlife Finches g osbeaks ed-winged blackbi d wood duck dee squi el
Food Seeds foliage
White Bi ch (Pape Bi ch)
B tula papyrif ra Medium 50-75rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Fo ested wetlands ich woods Wildlife G ouse siskins
Food Seeds buds
White Oak Qu rcus alba Medium-La ge 50-90rsquo
Mode ate Deep FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Deep ich well-d ained
St eambanks lakesho es gentle slopes adapts to almost any condition
Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe nuthatch quail uffed g ouse towhee wild tu key wood duck woodpecke chipmunk bea dee gophe opossum accoon squi el
Food Aco ns
White Sp uce Pic a glauca Medium 40-70rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist St eambanks lakesho es ich woods adjacent slopes
Wildlife Fishe s ma tens snowshoe ha e voles
Food Seeds
Yellow Bi ch (Sweet Bi ch)
B tula all ghani nsis
Medium-La ge 70-100rsquo
Slow Shallow Mode ate
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Fo ested wetlands floodplains avines cool ich woods of high elevations
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee common edpoll goldfinch pine siskins ed-shoulde ed hawk ing-necked pheasant uffed g ouse wild tu key wood duck yellow-bellied sapsucke beave chipmunk dee po cupine squi el snowshow ha e
Food Catkins buds ba k twigs foliage seeds
Page 4
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs
Ame ican Hazelnut Corylus am ricana Medium 5-10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Bo de s of woods hillsides thickets
Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe ceda waxwing hai y woodpecke ing-necked pheasant uffed g ouse chipmunk dee abbit squi el
Food Nuts be ies foliage
Beaked Hazelnut Corylus cornuta Small 6-10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y D y places Wildlife Bi ds mammals
Food Beaked nuts
Black Chokebe y Aronia m loncarpa
Medium Up to 10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Ceda waxwing chickadees uffed g ouse sha p-tailed g ouse dee abbit squi el
Food Be ies buds
Buttonbush C phalanthus occid ntalis
Medium 6-12rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
St eambanks lakesho es ponds sh ub and fo ested wetlands
Wildlife Ducks ails uby-th oated hummingbi d beave dee musk at butte flies honeybees and othe insects
Food F uit twigs leaves seeds necta
Chokeche y Prunus virginiana Small 3-6rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist With Aspen d y soils Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe catbi d c ow easte n kingbi d evening g osbeak o ioles pileated woodpecke ing-necked pheasant obin ose g osbeak uffed g ouse th ushes yellow-bellied sapsucke abbit squi el
Food Be ies buds foliage
Elde be y Sambucus canad nsis
Small-Medium 3-12rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods sh ub and fo ested wetlands ma shes
Wildlife Bluebi ds blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d g osbeak indigo bunting pileated woodpecke inged-neck pheasant obin ose-b easted g osbeak uffed g ouse th ushes wild tu key woodpecke chipmunk dee abbit squi el
Food Be ies necta twigs bugs
G ay Dogwood (Red-Panicle Dogwood)
Cornus rac mosa Medium 10-15rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Roadsides thickets wetlands Wildlife Blue jay ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing easte n kingbi d finch flycatche g osbeak hai y woodpecke no the n flicke phoebe pileated woodpecke pine g osbeak pine wa ble ed-bellied woodpecke ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse sta ling swamp spa ow tufted titmouse vee y vi eo wild tu key wood duck wood th ush woodcock yellow-bellied sapsucke chipmunk dee ed fox abbit squi el
Food Be ies twigs
Highbush Bluebe y Vaccinium corymbosum
Medium 5-15rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Baltimo e o iole bluebi d blue jay ca dinal chickadee g ay catbi d kingbi d o ioles phoebe ed-bellied woodpecke ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse ufos-sided towhee sca let tanage tufted titmouse vee y wild tu key woodpecke s wood th ush black bee chipmunk dee musk at abbit squi el white-footed mouse
Food Be ies foliage twigs buds
Hobblebush Viburnum alnifolium
Medium Up to 10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Cool moist avines shady lakesho es
Wildlife B own th ashe ca dinal ceda waxwing evening g osbeak obin
Food F uit
Page 5
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs (Continued)
Junipe Junip rus communis
Small 1-4rsquo
Slow Full Sun D y D y open land Wildlife Ceda waxwing finches g osbeaks g ouse pheasant obin dee abbit moose
Food Twigs foliage f uit
Lowbush Bluebe y Vaccinium angustifolium
1-2rsquo Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Bogs d y sandy flats ocky slopes
Wildlife Blue jay g ouse kingbi d o iole obin tanage s woodpecke s squi el
Food Be ies foliage twigs
Malebe y Lyonia ligustris Up to 10rsquo Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods gentle slopes
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food F uit
Mapleleaf Vibu num Viburnum ac rifolium
Small 3-6rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Rich woods Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food F uit
Mountain Lau el Kalmia latifolia Up to 20rsquo Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Mixed uplands acid soils Wildlife Ruffed g ouse dee
Food Foliage buds twigs necta
Nannybe y Viburnum l ntago Medium-La ge 10-25rsquo
Mode ate FallPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Rich woods Wildlife Songbi ds mammals
Food Be ies
No the n A owwood Viburnum r cognitum
Medium 10-15rsquo
Mode ate FallPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse songbi ds bea chipmunks accoon squi el skunk white-footed mouse
Food Be ies
No the n Wild Raisin (Withe od Vibu num)
Viburnum nudum varcassinoid s
Medium 6-10
Mode ate FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands valleys slopes st eambanks
Wildlife B own th ashe ceda waxwing flycatche uffed g ouse vee y woodcock yellow-wa ble chipmunk dee musk at squi el snowshoe ha e
Food Ba k twigs buds
Pussy Willow Salix discolor Medium-La ge Up to 15rsquo
Fast Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks lakesho es
Wildlife Ame ican goldfinch uffed g ouse beave ha e abbits squi el
Food Buds catkins twigs ba k
Raspbe y Rubus ida us Small Up to 6rsquo
Fast FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Thickets edges of woods Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food F uits
Red Osie Dogwood Cornus stolonif ra Small-Medium 4-8rsquo
Fast FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods st eambanks lakesho es
Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing downy woodpecke easte n kingbi d finches no the n flicke pine wa ble pu ple finch inged-neck pheasant uffed g ouse vi eo wild tu key woodpecke s wood duck chipmunk dee abbit squi el
Food Be ies twigs
Rhodo a Rhodod ndron canad ns
Small 3-4rsquo
Slow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs slopes ocky summits Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Leaves
Page 6
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs (Continued)
Shadbush (Se vicebe yJunebe y)
Am lanchi r spp La ge 15-25rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks ich woods
Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing g ay catbi d junco o ioles ed squi el obin uffed g ouse sca let tanage th ushes vee y woodpecke s beave dee ed squi el skunk
Food Be ies twigs
Silky Dogwood Cornus amomum Medium 6-10rsquo
Fast FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks
Wildlife Baltimo e o iole black-capped chickadee blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing downy woodpecke easte n kingbi d flycatche mockingbi d no the n flicke pine wa ble pu ple finch ed-bellied woodpecke inged-necl pheasant obin ose-b easted g osbeak uffed g ouse song spa ow sta lings tufted-titmouse wild tu key wood duck wood th ush vee y chipmunk dee abbit accoon skunk squi el white-footed mouse
Food Be ies buds twigs
Speckled Alde Alnus rugosa La ge 15-25rsquo
Fast Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks lakesho es
Wildlife Alde flycatche catbi d goldfinch malla ds pheasant pine siskin ed-winged blackbi d uffed g ouse swamp spa ow yellow-bellied flycatche woodcock bea beave dee cottontail moose musk at snowshoe ha e
Food Buds twigs ba k leaves
Spicebush Lind ra b nzoin Small-La ge 6-17rsquo
Mode ate Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Catbi d kingbi d pheasant quail obin uffed g ouse vee y vi eo wood th ush swallowtail butte flies dee musk at
Food F uit buds twigs leaves
Swamp Azalea Rhodod ndron viscosum
Up to 5rsquo Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Hummingbi d butte flies and othe insects dee
Food Leaves necta
Swamp Blackbe y Rubus hispidus Small Up to 6rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal ceda waxwing g ackle g ay catbi d g osbeak mockingbi d o iole tanage ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse ufus-sided th ushes towhee vee y wild tu key woodcock woodpecke s wood th ush chipmunk cottontail dee accoon skunk squi el
Food F uit canes
Sweet Gale Myrica gal Small 1-4rsquo
Slow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee catbi d common yellowth oat phoebe pied-billed g ebe uffed g ouse t ee swallow tufted titmouse wild tu key dee musk at
Food Buds leaves
Sweet Peppe bush Cl thra alnifolia Medium 3-10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Butte flies and othe insects
Food F uit seeds necta
Winte be y Holly (Black Alde )
Il x v rticillata Medium 6-10rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eamabanks
Wildlife Ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing chickadees finches flicke s uffed g ouse th ushes vi eo woodpecke s bea cottontail dee moose skunk white-footed mouse
Food Be ies twigs leaves
Page 7
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs (Continued)
Witch Hazel Hammam lis virginiana
La ge 20-30rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist D y o ich woods Wildlife Ca dinal ing-necked pheasant uffed g ouse wild tu key dee squi els
Food Seeds buds twigs ba k
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
GroundcoverHerbaceous Perennials
Boneset Eupatorium p rfoliatum
4-6rsquo Full Sun D y o Moist Wet meadows ma shes pond edges
Wildlife Malla ds uffed g ouse swamp spa ow wild tu key butte flies and othe insects
Food Necta
Blue Flag I is Iris v rsicolor 2-3rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Ma shes lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Blue-winged teal uby-th oated hummingbi d wood duck butte flies and othe insects musk at
Food Necta shoots
Bunchbe y Cornus canad nsis 3-8rdquo FullPa t Shade Moist Cool moist woods Wildlife Sha p-tailed g ouse sp uce-g ouse moose
Food F uit buds
Ca dinal Flowe Lob lia cardinalis 2-4rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Damp sites st eambanks Wildlife Ruby-th oated hummingbi ds butte flies and othe insects bea dee
Food Necta
Cattail (B oad-Leaf) Typha latifolia Up to 10rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Ma shes lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Blue-winged teal black-c owned night he on ed-winged blackbi d king ail least and Ame ican bitte n malla ds ma sh w en swamp spa ow Vi ginia ail chipmunk dee musk at
Food Seed heads
Ch istmas Fe n Polystichium acrostichoid s
Up to 1rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Rich woods Wildlife Ruffed g ouse box tu tle chipmunk abbit
Food F onds filldeheads
Cinnamon Fe n Osmunda cinnamom a
Up to 3rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife B own th ashe uby-th oated hummingbi d uffed g ouse yellow th oat chipmunk dee white-footed mouse vole
Food F onds filldeheads
Foamflowe Tiar lla cordifolia Up to 1rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Rich woods Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Leaves
Golden od (Rough o G ass-Leaved)
Solidago spp 1-5rsquo Full Sun D y o Moist Wet meadows ma shes damp swales
Wildlife Goldfinch junco uffed g ouse swamp spa ow butte flies and othe insects cottontail meadow mice
Food Seeds necta
Page 8
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
GroundcoverHerbaceous Perennials (Continued)
Hay-Scented Fe n D nnsta dtia punctiloula
Up to 2rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Woodlands hillside pastu es Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds filldeheads
Inte upted Fe n Osmunda punctiloula
3-4rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Woodland edges stony d y soil Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds filldeheads
Jewelweed (Spotted-Touch-Me-Not)
Impati ns cap nsis 2-5rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks
Wildlife Ring-necked pheasant uffed g ouse uby-th oated hummingbi d vee y butte flies and othe insects white-footed mouse
Food Necta seeds
Joe Pye Weed Eupatorium purpur um
2-6rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Wet meadows ma shes sho es Wildlife Ruby-th oated hummingbi d swamp spa ow butte flies and othe insects cottontail musk at accoon
Food Necta
New England Aste Ast r nova -anglia
Up to 5rsquo Full Sun D y o Moist Wet meadows wetlands Wildlife Songbi ds butte flies and othe insects Food Necta seeds
Ost ich Fe n Pt r tis p nsylvanica
Up to 6rsquo FullPa t Shade Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds fiddleheads
Pa t idgebe y Mitch lla r p ns Up to 1rsquo FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Rich woods Wildlife G ouse mammals
Food Be ies
Rattlesnake Manna G ass
Glyc ria canad nsis
Up to 3rsquo Full Sun Moist Ma shes bogs fo ested wetlands lakesho es
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Seeds
Rice Cutg ass L rsia oryzoid s Up to 5rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
P ima ily f esh ma shes Wildlife Dee musk at moose
Food Seeds foliage
Rive bank G ape (Vine) Vistis riparia Up to 25rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist St eambanks Wildlife Pileated woodpecke uffed g ouse wild tu key wood duck va ious mammals
Food F uit
Royal Fe n Osmunda r galis Up to 5rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds fiddleheads
Sensitive Fe n Onocl a s nsibilis Up to 3rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Black-capped chickadee uffed g ouse bea dee
Food Buds foliage
Sheep Lau el Kalmia angustifolia
Up to 4rsquo FallPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo est wetlands fieldspastu es
Poisonous to livestock
Swamp Milkweed Ascl pias incarnata
Up to 2rsquo FallPa t Shade Moist Wet meadows wetlands thickets sho es
Wildlife Black duck malla ds ed-winged blackbi d uby-th oated hummingbi d Mona ch butte fly othe butte flies and insects musk at Food Necta seeds
Page 9
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
GroundcoverHerbaceous Perennials (Continued)
Sweet Fe n Componia p rigrina
1-3rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Open d y sandy soils and pastu es
Wildlife Flicke s sha p-tailed g ouse dee moose
Food F uit
Tall Meadow Rue Thalictrum polyganum
2-8rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Wetlands wet meadows st eamsides
Wildlife Bees butte flies
Food Necta
Tussock Sedge Car x stricta Up to 4rdquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Ma shes ich woods Wildlife Finches uffed g ouse snipe spa ows dee
Food Seeds foliage
Twinflowe Linna a bor alis Up to 6rdquo FullPa t Shade Moist Rich woods Wildlife Mammals
Food Foliage
Vi ginia C eepe (Vine) Parth nocissus quinqu folia
Up to 25rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Woods ocky banks Wildlife Bluebi d g eat-c ested flycatche ed-eyes vi eo pileated woodpecke
Food Be ies
Who led Loosest ife Lysimachia quadrifolia
Up to 4rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist D y o moist open woods thickets
Wildlife Mammals
Food Foliage
Wild Sa sapa illa Aralia nudicanlis 8-15rdquo FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Upland woods Wildlife Mammals
Food Foliage seeds be ies
Winte g een (Teabe yChecke be y)
Gaulth ria procumb ns
Up to 4rdquo Full Sun D y Oak woods sandy soils Wildlife Pa t idge uffed g ouse songbi ds chipmunk dee moose
Food F uit foliage
References
Baldwin Hen y Ives ldquoFor st L av s How to Id ntify Tr s and Shrubs of North rn N w Englandrdquo Pete E Randall Publishe 1993
Connecticut Rive Joint Commission ldquoRiparian Buff rs for th Conn cticut Riv r Wat rsh drdquo 2000 httpwwwc jco gpdffilesPlant20listspdf
Ha low William M ldquoTr s of th East rn and C ntral Unit d Stat s and Canadardquo Dove Publications 1942
New Hampshi e Depa tment of Envi onmental Se vices Th Critical Edg Appendix D 1998
New Hampshi e Depa tment of Resou ces and Economic Development Division of Fo ests and Lands State Fo est Nu su y ldquoWildlif Cons rvation Sp ci s D scriptionsrdquo 2001
Nie ing William A ldquoNational Audubon Soci ty Natur Guid s W tlandsrdquo Chanticlee P ess Inc 1997
Redington Cha les B ldquoPlants in W tland Fi ld Guid to Biological Int ractionssrdquo KendallHunt Publishing Company 1994
Sutton Ann and My on ldquoNational Audubon Soci ty Natur Guid s East rn For stsrdquo Alf ed A Knopf Inc 1997
Unive sity of New Hampshi e Coope ative Extension ldquoTr s and Shrubs in N w Hampshir A Guid book for Natural B auty Proj ctsrdquo Bulletin 163
Unive sity of New Hampshi e Coope ative Extension ldquoN w Hampshir rsquos Nativ Tr s Shrubs and Vin s with Wildlif Valu rdquo
Compiled by
Jen D ociak New Hampshi e Depa tment of Envi onmental Se vices Wate Division Wate shed Management Bu eau
Ma ch 2006
Page 10
A Field Guide to Common Ripa ian Plants of New Hampshi e 1
Hobblebush (Vib rn m alnifoli m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 50
Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 51
Japanese Knotweed (Polygon m c spidat m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 52
Malebe y (Lyonia lig strina)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 53
Meadowsweet (Spiraea latifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 54
Multiflo a Rose (Rosa m ltiflora)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 55
No the n Wild RaisinWith od Vibu num (Vib rn m cassinoides)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 56
ShadbushSe vicebe yJunebe y (Amelanchier arborea)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 57
Sheep Lau elLambkill (Kalmia ang stifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 58
Silky Dogwood (Corn s amom m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 59
Specked Alde (Aln s r gosa)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 60
Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 61
Steeplebush (Spiraea tomentosa)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 62
Sweet Peppe bush (Clethera alnifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 63
Winte be y HollyBlack Alde (Ilex verticillata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 64
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 65
Climbing Vineshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 67
Climbing Bitte sweet (Celastr s orbic lat s)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 69
Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 70
Rive bank G ape (Vitis riparia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 71
Vi ginia C eepe (Parthenosis s q inq efolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 72
The Canopy Treeshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 73
Ame ican BasswoodLinden (Tilia americana)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 75
Ame ican Beech (Fag s grandifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 76
Ame ican Ho nbeamI onwoodBlue Beech (Carpin s caroliniana)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 77
Black Bi chSweet Bi ch (Bet la lenta)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 78
Black Che y (Pr n s serotina)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 79
Box Elde Ash-Leaved Maple (Acer neg ndo)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 80
Easte n Cottonwood (Pop l s deltoides)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 81
Easte n Hemlock (Ts ga canadensis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 82
Easte n White Pine (Pin s strob s)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 83
G een Ash (Fraxin s pennsylvanica)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 84
Red Maple (Acer r br m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 85
Red Oak (Q erc s r bra)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 86
Shagba k Hicko y (Carya ovata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 87
Silve Maple (Acer saccharini m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 88
Swamp White Oak (Q erc s bicolor)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 89
Sycamo ePlanet ee (Platan s occidentalis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 90
Tama ackLa ch (Larix laricina)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 91
White Ash (Fraxin s americana)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 92
White Oak (Q erc s alba)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 93
White Sp uce (Picea gla ca)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 94
Yellow Bi ch (Bet la l tea)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 95
Appendices
Appendix A Othe Helpful Field Guideshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 96
Appendix B Glossa y of Te mshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 97
Appendix C Leaf Shapes amp A angementshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 99
Appendix D Native Sho elandRipa ian Buffe Plantings fo New Hampshi ehelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 100
A Field Guide to Common Ripa ian
Plants of New Hampshi e 1
In The ater Submerged Aquatic Plants
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 1
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic
an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 2
BLADDER ORT
Utricu aria spp
Status Native Approximately 10 species in New Hampshire
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers bogs
Height 2-3 feet long
Stem Long slen er flexible branche typically becoming etache from roots an free-floating
Leaves Alternate filamentous finely-forke with attache ldquobla ersrdquo
Flower Stalks occurring at irregular intervals along stem Each stalk bearing 6-20 small pink to yellow two-lippe ldquosnap ragon-likerdquo flowers an emerging several inches out of the water or mu
Flowering Period June into September
Fruit Capsule containing many see s
Value Provi es foo an cover for fish Since they are free-floating they can grow in areas with very loose se iment provi ing nee e fish habitat in areas that are not rea ily colonize by roote plants
Similar Species Fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) coontail (Ceratophyllum spp) milfoil (Myriophyllum spp) Bla erwort may be istinguishe from these plants by the alternate forke leaves branching from the base into 2 main ivisions an presence of the ldquobla ersrdquo on the leaves (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Bla erwort may resemble the milfoils but there are two istinguishing features One is the bla ers on the leaves the other is that milfoils have feather-like leaves that have one central leaf stem with nearly opposite unbranche leaflets The leaflets of bla erwort are more branche an forke (Smagula an Connor 2007)
This carnivorous plant has trigger hairs on each bla er that open a trap- oor an suck in water along with the organism that triggere the reaction These organisms can range from insect larvae to tiny zooplankton Once insi e the bla ers the organism is igeste by enzymes foun there Special cells then take the igeste material from the bla ers an move it to the stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 3
COONTAILHORN ORT
Ceratophy um demersum
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Height Variable accor ing to water epth
Stem Long toothe trailing much branche
Leaves Whorle smooth up to 1 frac12 inches long 3 forks nearly threa -like flattene an toothe segments
Flower Tiny purplish-green foun where the leaf attaches to the stem an stays entirely submerge Male an female occurring separately
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Dark brown see approximately frac14 inch long with two spines at the base an one at the tip
Value The stiff whorls of leaves offer habitat for many species especially uring the winter when many other plants are re uce to roots an rhizomes Both foliage an fruit are graze by waterfowl Bushy stems are home to many invertebrates an provi e important shelter an foraging opportunities for fish
Similar Species Mermai -wee (Proserpina a palustris) fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) Coontail may be istinguishe from these plants by its whorle toothe leaves its tiny sessile axillary flowers an beake fruits (Smagula an Connor 2007)
The whorle leaves often cause the plant to be confuse with water milfoil This plant has a plastic-like feel an leaves ten to be thickly clustere at the tips of the stems The leaves are completely whorle aroun the stem an forke milfoil leaves are istinctly feather-like (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 4
VARIABLE ATER MILFOIL
Myriophy um heterophy um
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Height Slen er flexible long (up to 15 feet) Tip often emerging above water when flowering Data from a University of New Hampshire stu y can suggest that variable water milfoil can grow an inch per ay
Stem Roun thick re ish If broken in half the stem resembles a ldquowheel spokerdquo
Leaves Mostly submerge opposite or in whorls of 4 to 6 an can grow up to 2 inches long Leaves on upper stem are whorle an may be whorle or alternate on lower stem Emerge leaves occurring only towar the stem tips
Flower Small inconspicuous brownish occurring singly in the axils of the upper leaves usually above water uring flowering
Flowering Period In July flowers emerge from the water an are in a spike up to 6 inches tall Can also form a succulent amphibious form when water levels rece e
Fruit Very small four-lobe nutlike
Similar Species Mermai -wee (Proserpina a palustris) fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) coontail (Ceratophyllum spp) Variable milfoil may be istinguishe from these plants by the numerous scattere finely pinnately issecte leaves an floating or upright stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)
The plant is more robust than the other water milfoil species It has a very thick an heavy stem It can only be positively i entifie with the flower present or by DNA analysis (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Fragments of variable milfoil are ma e by passing boats wave action an auto-fragmentation These fragments may float freely an sprea for one or two weeks as they generate roots Once roots make contact with se iment the fragment attaches the roots sprea laterally an expan the footprint of the colony With one fragment an entire colony can arise Colonies can outcompete native plants re ucing bio iversity (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 5
ATER EEDDITCHMOSS
E odea Canadensis E nutta ii
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Height Up to 2 feet long occasionally forming ense colonies
Stem Slen er smooth branche
Leaves Long upper an mi le leaves in whorls of 3 with very finely-toothe margins Those of the male plants linear or lanceolate pointe at the tip up to frac12 inch long Those of the female plants broa ly lanceolate roun e or slightly pointe at the tip up to 58 inch long
Flower Green or white with 3 petals
Flowering Period July to September
Fruit A few to many-see e cylin rical capsule
Value Branching stems offer valuable habitat an grazing opportunities for fish Also provi es foo for muskrats an waterfowl They can eat the plant itself or fee on a wi e variety of invertebrates that use the plant as habitat
Similar Species Commonly mistaken for its invasive relative Brazillian elo ea It can be istinguishe by its smooth leaf margins
There are two common species of waterwee in New Hampshire E anadensis an Enuttalii Elodea anadensis ten s to have slightly broa er leaves with blunt tips whereas Enuttalii ten s to have thinner more nee le-like leaves that are pointe at the tips (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Enuttalii can be foun in alkaline to aci ic environments an E anadensis can be foun in alkaline or neutral systems (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 6
ILD CELERYTAPE GRASS
Va isneria americana
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers In water 4 - 6 feet eep
Height 1-3 feet long
Stem Slen er embe e horizontally in the mu near the surface an usually rooting at intervals
Leaves Narrow ribbon-like 1-3 feet in length with a light-colore center stripe mostly submerge with the tips floating
Flower Unisexual the female flower solitary an floating at the surface at the en of a long stalk The male flower on another plant submerge an attache to a short stalk near the bottom breaking off an floating to the surface at flowering time
Flowering Period July to October
Fruit Cylin rical po up to 2 inches long attache to a long stalk which coils up rawing the fruit un er water to mature
Value Source of foo for waterfowl All portions of the plant are consume foliage rhizomes tubers an fruit Muskrat are also known to graze on it Be s provi e sha e shelter an foo for fish
Similar Species Often confuse with the submerge leaves of bur-ree Tape grass can be istinguishe by its heavy air-fille leaves vertically veine centers an lightly veine e ges Unlike bur-ree this plant has no rib on the back of the leaf
Photo ourtesy of Amy Smagula
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 7
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic
an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 8
On The ater
Floating Aquatic Plants
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 9
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 10
FLOATING HEART
Nyphoi es cor ata
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Roun in cross section
Leaves Small heart-shape re ish to purple Approximately 1 ndash 1 frac12 inches wi e
Flower Small white 5 petals
Flowering Period Mi -summer
Similar Species The leaves are often confuse with those of the yellow water lily but are only about the size of a half- ollar an the shape resembles a heart with the same soft V-shape of the yellow water lily Floating heart has a small white flower that can be foun in mi -summer yellow water lily has a large yellow flower that blooms most of the summer (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 11
ATERSHIELD
Brasenia schreberi
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Roun in cross section Attache to the center of the un ersi e of the leaf
Leaves Oval Un ersi es are ark pink Leaves approximately 4 inches wi e Un ersi e of the leaves an stem have a jelly-like coating that protects them from being eaten by insects
Flower Small ark pink to purple 6 petals
Flowering Period July
Similar Species Resembles the leaves of the water lily as well as those of floating heart
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 12
HITE ATER LILY
Nymphea or orata
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Roun in cross section attache to the center of the un ersi e of the leaf
Leaves Roun with a V-shape notch on one si e Up to 12 inches wi e
Flower Large white sweet-smelling Up to 4 inches wi e
Flowering Period June - September
Similar Species White water lily can be istinguishe from the yellow water lily an floating heart by the V-shape notch near the stem attachment an the more roun e shape of the leaf
Both the yellow water lily an floating heart have a more roun e heart-shape notch Yellow water lily leaves are much more oval than the white water lily which has a circular leaf Floating heart leaves are no more than a few inches in length (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 13
YELLO ATER LILY
Nuphar variegata
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Triangular in cross section attache to the lobe en of the un ersi e of the leaf
Leaves Giant floating Up to 12 to 15 inches wi e
Flower Yellow flower petals appear cuppe aroun the inner flower parts an o not open completely like those of the white water lily
Flowering Period June ndash September
Similar Species Often confuse with floating heart an white water lily though floating heart is much smaller in leaf length an wi th The white water lily also has a much more roun e leaf with a sharp V-shape notch (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 14
DUCK EED
Lemna spp
Status Native
Habitat Surfaces of some lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers an often in stagnant waters of wetlan areas
Stem No true stems
Leaves This plant has no true leaves or stems an only has a flat green plant bo y calle a thallus They are very small only about 116 of an inch wi e (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Duckwee s blanket the water surface in colonies There may be one or more roots hanging into the water but the plant is free-floating
Flower This plant rarely flowers
Similar Species Many people think that ense growths of uckwee resemble an algae bloom (Smagula an Connor 2007)
ATERMEAL
Wolfifa spp
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem No true stems
Leaves Elliptical an flat
Flower This plant rarely flowers but is consi ere the worl rsquos smallest flowering plant
Similar Species Unlike uckwee this plant completely lacks roots an must be inspecte closely to etect this ifference Watermeal may also resemble an algae bloom but can be istinguishe by simply touching the waterrsquos surface to see if tiny plants are stuck to your fingers (watermeal) or if the water has a slimy film (algae) It is commonly foun growing along with uckwee (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Photo co rtesy of Amy Smag la
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 15
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 16
On the dge mergent Herbaceous Plants
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 17
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 18
ARROW ARUM
Peltan ra virginica
Status Native
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In mu or shallow water
Height Up to 2 feet tall growing in loose colonies
Stem Lacking a true stem Leaf an flower stalks arising from a thick root
Leaves Large arrow-shape Lower lobes separating an tapering to the tips Each lobe an the main stem have one prominent central vein from which other smaller veins originate The smaller veins are parallel to one another Leaf bla e with a vein running along the entire outline just insi e the margin
Flower Vertically-curle green Very small spathe almost completely covering the thin whitish fleshy spike White male flowers above green female flowers sheath tapering to the base an tip green outsi e an white insi e Flowering cluster at the en of a long nake stalk
Flowering Period May to July
Fruit Easily i entifie in the fall by its cluster of greenish-brown berries enclose in a green leathery case the stalk curve ownwar at maturity
Similar Species Arrowhea (Sagattaria latifolia) Arrow Arum may be istinguishe by its 3 prominent veins
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 19
ARROWH ADDUCK-POTATO
Sagittaria spp
Status Native There are several species in New Hampshire Slatifolia and Sgraminea are the most common
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In mu or completely submerge
Height Up to 1 frac12 feet tall
Stem Lacking an upright visible stem Leaves an flowering stalk arising from a fibrous roote base Several un ergroun runners each giving rise to a tuber the size of a small potato up to 2 inches wi e
Leaves Shape is variable within an between species Leaves can be broa ly or narrowly arrow-shape lance-shape or tape-like Leaves appear to clasp the base of the flowering stalk Leaf veins all originate from the point where the stem connects to the leaf an ra iate outwar from that point
Flower White petals in whorls of three with a yellow center up to 1 frac12 inch wi e Male flowers at the top with female ones lower on the flower stalk
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Flat winge crow e in a flattene hea up to frac12 inch wi e Ball-shape fruit clusters of green nutlets
Value Known as ldquo uck potatoesrdquo Arrowhea pro uces e ible starchy tubers beneath the mu eaten by ucks an muskrats
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 20
BLU -FLAG IRIS
Iris versicolor
Status Native
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In less than 3 feet of water
Height Up to 3 feet tall Growing in small colonies
Stem Upright robust flattene on one si e simple or with one or two branches from creeping rhizomes embe e in the mu Rhizome very shallow an sometimes expose above the se iment
Leaves Appearing basal but actually alternate bluish-green swor -like an up to 14 inches long an frac34 inch wi e ascen ing in a flat plane or fan-like arrangement Flower stalks are taller than the leaves
Flower Large purplish-blue stalke with 3 larger outer rooping petals whitish towar the base an 3 upright smaller petals in the center
Flowering Period June through July
Fruit Capsule up to 2 frac12 inches long with 3 roun e e ges contains numerous flattene see s often persisting into winter
Value Provi es foo an cover for waterfowl an wil life
Similar Species Leaves may be confuse with those of cattail (Typha spp)or sweet flag (Acorus calmus) Blue flag iris may be istinguishe by blueish-green leaves arrange in flat plane
Photo co rtesy of Amy Smag la
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 21
BLU V RVAIN
Verbena hastata
Status Native
Habitat E ges of pon s marshes streams an rivers
Height Up to 4 feet tall growing in small colonies
Stem Rough four-si e fairly straight arising from a fibrous roote base
Leaves Up to 6 inches long stalke toothe tapere at the tip with a rough surface
Flower 5 small blue petals in a pencil-like spike occurring singly or in clusters with in ivi ual flowers blooming perio ically from the base to the top of spike
Flowering Period July into October
Fruit Separating into four nutlets
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 22
BON S T THOROUGHWORT
Eupatorium perfoliatum
Status Native
Habitat Wet mea ows marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall Branche growing in small colonies
Stem Upright robust lightly- owny arising from a fibrous roote base
Leaves Opposite lanceolate tapering an pointe at the tip toothe with the base clasping the stem Heavily veine Up to 8 inches long an 2 inches wi e at the base
Flower Whitish in 3-4 terminal clusters up to 8 inches long
Flowering Period Late July through October
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 23
BUR-R D
Sparganium eurycarpum
Status Native
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Emergent in shallow water up to 1 foot eep or submerge in water up to 4 feet eep
Height Up to 3 feet tall
Stem Upright stout smooth arising from rhizomes embe e horizontally in the mu a few inches beneath the surface Zigzag stalks
Leaves Alternate linear up to 4 feet long Emergent stem leaves narrow up to 1 frac12 feet tall triangular in cross-section an ri ge on their back si e Certain species are erect while others are floating an ribbon-like
Flower Lower bulbs or burs are clusters of greenish female
flowers Upper smaller burs are white male flowers
Flowering Period June through August
Fruit A burr-like hea on a short or long stalk
Value Colonies provi e nesting sites for waterfowl an shorebir s The fruit is eaten by a variety of waterfowl an the whole plant is graze by muskrat an eer
Similar Species This plant is easily confuse with wil celery (Vallisneria americana) if the leaves are tape-like or with young cattail (Typha spp) if leaves are emergent For the floating form bur-ree has a ri ge own the back of the long leaf When erect an emergent leaves are shorter in height than those of cattail with a istinct ri ge or almost triangular cross section When in fruit the spiky burr-like fruit is istinctive (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 24
CARDINAL FLOW R
Lobelia car inalis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s sha e e ges streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall often growing in large colonies
Stem Smooth stout arising from a horizontal rhizome embe e shallowly in mu
Leaves Alternate lanceolate to oblong toothe tapering at both en s Lower leaves short-stalke upper leaves stalkless Up to 6 inches long an 1 frac12 inches wi e Smooth to slightly owny thin
Flower Long bright-re 2-lippe tubular flower occurring on terminal spike with the upper lip 2-lobe an lower lip 3-lobe
Flowering Period July into October
Fruit Many-see e capsule with two portions
Value Car inal flower is pollinate mostly by hummingbir s since most insects fin it ifficult to navigate the long tubular flowers
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 25
BROAD-L AF CATTAIL
Typha latifolia
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet swales e ges of lakes an pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 10 feet tall
Stem Upright stiff growing in ense stan s from thick extensively -creeping un ergroun rhizomes
Leaves Green or bluish-green upright linear 2-6 feet long an up to 1 inch wi e arising from base or alternating along the stem Leaves have a spongy feel
Flower Many small flowers packe into tight cigar-like clusters creating a lower female spike toppe by a smaller male spike with no gap between the two flower types Female spike persists turning into the familiar ark brown ldquotailrdquo
Flowering Period June into August
Fruit Small see -like surroun e by many bristles attache to the base
Value Provi es nesting habitat for many bir s such as the re -winge blackbir Shoots an rhizomes are eaten by muskrats an geese Submerse stalks provi e spawning habitat an shelter for fish One of only a few plants where all parts are e ible to humans
Similar Species Narrow-leaf cattail (Typha angustifolia) has narrower leaves a narrower fruiting hea an a gap between the male an female flower clusters
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 26
COMMON R D
Phragmites australis
Status Most stands are Non-Native xotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire Phragmites australis has been present in wetlan s for millennia but a non-native European species has crossbre with P australis an has forme an invasive plant
Habitat Fresh an brackish marshes e ges of lakes an pon s streams rivers an in roa si e itches Full to partial sun
Height Upright 4-14 feet tall usually forming ense colonies
Stem Calle ldquoculmsrdquo are large hollow an grow up to 1 inch wi e
Leaves Bluish-green lanceolate close together an usually sticking out from stems at a large angle up to 2 feet long an 1 inch wi e
Flower Clusters frac12 - 1 foot long often purple when young an whitish an fluffy when ol
Flowering Period Late July to October
Fruit Rarely pro uces see but sprea s vigorously by rhizomes often running over the surface of the groun
Value This plant has little to offer to bir s an mammals besi es cover Phragmites often outcompetes other native wetlan plants thus limiting the plant iversity an foo source value of the wetlan The only animal that fee s on this to any extent is the muskrat (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Similar Species Sometimes confuse with ree canary grass since they both form ense stan s at isturbe sites Ree canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) can be istinguishe by its shorter an narrower leaves spikelets with only one flower an its shorter height
How To Distinguish Native From Non-Native Phragmites
Stems Stems on the non-native variety are typically green but may have a little purple color along the no es Stems on
the native variety have some chestnut or purple color where leaves are pulle back exposing the stem Stems of the native variety are also often shiny an black spots often appear late in the growing season
Leaf Collars Leaf collars on the non-native variety are always green while leaf collars on the native variety may be
purple
Leaf Sheaths On fall stems the leaf sheaths on the non-native variety remain attache Leaf sheaths on the native variety are lost or very loosely attache so leaves rop off the native plants before the intro uce plants This is the best
in icator base seasonal changes that istinguishes native or non-native varieties
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 27
J W LW DSPOTT D TOUCH-M NOT
Impatiens capensis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 4 feet tall Often growing in ense colonies
Stem Upright smooth slightly branching hollow somewhat succulent slightly translucent
Leaves Alternate egg-shape toothe on stalks up to 4 inches long Silvery appearance when hel un er water an appear completely ry upon removal Size an color of foliage vary with ifferences in light exposure an available moisture
Flower Few to several angling orange-yellow three-petale tubularfunnel-shape flowers with re ish brown spots an curve spur at their en s
Flowering Period June through September
Fruit Flat green capsules approximately 1 inch long which at maturity burst when touche ejecting ark-brown see s
Value Especially a apte to hummingbir pollination but bees an butterflies are also important pollinators
The sap from this plant has been clinically proven to relieve skin rashes Jewelwee can be applie to the affecte part of the bo y an neutralizes the urishol oil pro uce by poison ivy an poison oak (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 28
JO PY W D
Eupatorium maculatum
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 6 feet tall Branche growing in small to me ium-size colonies
Stem Stout smooth purple or purple-spotte somewhat rough towar the top arising from a fibrous roote base
Leaves Lanceolate toothe rough short-stalke with large single mi -vein Up to 8 inches long an 2 frac12 inches wi e tapere at the base an tip in whorls of 3-7
Flower Small rose-purple in ense flat-toppe clusters at the top of the stem an at the en s of the branches
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Angular nutlet with a plume of fine bristles at the top
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 29
PICK R LW D
Ponte aria cor ata
Status Native
Habitat Marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 3 feet tall often growing in ense colonies
Stem Upright stout smooth arising from a rhizome bearing one leaf an one terminal spike
Leaves Basal an alternate very large arrowhea to heart-shape glossy with prominent parallel veins blunt tip on a spongy leaf stalk
Flower Many small tubular violet-blue flowers approximately frac12 inch long on solitary spike with a sheath at the base
Flowering Period June through August
Fruit Small bla er-like with toothe ri ges containing one see
Value See s are consume by waterfowl an muskrats Networks of rhizomes an leaves also offer sha e an shelter for fish
Similar Species This plant can be istinguishe from its close look-alikes arrow arum an arrowhea by its light bluish-purple flower spike Bases of the leaves are more roun e whereas arrowhea an arrow arum leaves are more pointe (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 30
PURPL LOOS STRIF
Lythrum salicaria
Status Non-Native xotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire
Habitat Marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams rivers an in roa si e itches Full to partial sun
Height 2-6 feet tall
Stem Upright smooth to slightly- owny Square four-si e almost woo y
Leaves Opposite to whorle lanceolate often with heart-shape bases somewhat clasping stem sometimes in whorls of 3 Gra ually tapering to a point 3 to 4 inches long an frac12 to 1 inch wi e
Flower 5-7 purple petals in a ense terminal spike
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Many-see e capsule
Value Little wil life value See s are low in nutrition an roots are too woo y The flowers are attractive to insects They pro uce nectar an are regularly visite by honeybees
This plant outcompetes other wetlan plants which are beneficial foo sources for wil life an insects It repro uces by pro ucing millions of see s per plant an quickly takes over the lan scape when intro uce It also sprea s by rhizome (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 31
R D CANARY GRASS
Phalaris arun inacea
Status Non-Native xotic Invasive
Habitat Swales marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Although it is usually a shoreline plant it can survive in knee- eep water by sprouting ldquowater rootsrdquo on the submerse portion of the stem Forms ense stan s in isturbe areas where clearing gra ing siltation filling or other isruptions have create an opening with moist soil
Height Up to 7 feet tall Often growing in ense colonies
Stem Upright stiff from extensively-creeping rhizomes
Leaves Alternate upright grayish-green open sheath an ligule at the leaf axis Bla es fairly long an narrow up to 12 inches long an frac34 inches wi e
Flower Green to greenish-purple spikelets single-flowere lanceolate ense Terminal inflorescence up to 7 inches long branche an compresse early in the season but opening after fertilization
Flowering Period June through August
Value Low foo value Provi es summer cover an habitat for waterfowl at isturbe sites However it ten s to mat own in winter provi ing little winter cover for wil life
Similar Species Sometimes confuse with bluejoint grass (Calamagrostis canadensis) However the spikelets of bluejoint are in a loose open arrangement an the no es have a bluish to purplish cast
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 32
SOFT-ST MM D BULRUSH
Scirpus vali us
Status Native
Habitat Wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Usually growing in water less than 5 feet eep Ten s to be foun on ldquomuckierrdquo substrate an will grow in stagnant water
Height Usually up to 5 feet but can grow up to 10 feet tall Often growing in extensive colonies
Stem Upright grayish-green often arching up to frac34 inch thick at the base arising from stout re ish rhizomes Soft roun tapering to a point
Leaves No apparent leaves
Flowers Inconspicuous many-stalke bu like spikelets covere by re ish-brown scales locate imme iately below the top of stem Clusters mostly rooping but not in higher salinity areas
Flowering Period June into September
Fruit See -like nutlet with 4-6 bristles attache to the base
Value Provi es habitat for invertebrates an shelter for young fish Nutlets consume by a variety of waterfowl marsh bir s an uplan bir s Stems an rhizomes eaten by geese an muskrat Also provi es nesting material an cover for waterfowl marsh bir s an muskrat
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 33
SWAMP LOOS STRIF WAT R WILLOW
Deco on verticillatus
Status Native shrub becoming herbaceous towar the tips
Habitat Wetlan s bogs e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Shallow water with muck or peat se iment Can form floating mats in areas of very soft se iment
Height Up to 5 feet tall
Stem Ri gi woo y smooth to slightly- owny 3-9 feet long The lower rooting stems are spongy an buttresse giving rise to new arching stems
Leaves Opposite or in whorls of 3 gra ually tapering to a point 3-4 inches long an frac12 to 1 inch wi e sessile or short-stalke
Flower Pinkish-purple bell-shape with 5-7 sepals an 5 petals forming showy clusters in the axils of the mi le to upper leaves
Flowering Period July through August
Fruit Small brownish capsule with 3-5 partitions the clusters sometimes persisting above the leaf scars throughout winter
Value The many intertwining arching stems may form sizable clusters at the e ges of lakes an sluggish streams or floating bog mats Wherever a stem touches the water air-fille spongy tissue may evelop This tissue buoys the stem so that it may root an form a new arching stem
Similar Species May be confuse with the invasive purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) Swamp loosestrife can be istinguishe by the arching stems an showy axillary flower clusters as well as the roun stem instea of the square stem of purple loosestrife (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 34
THR -WAY S DG
Dulichium arun inaceum
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Extensive be s can be foun in shallow (less than 3 feet) water Grows in a variety of se iment types an can tolerate some turbi ity
Height Up to 3 feet tall solitary or in small colonies
Stem Roun hollow jointe arising from a horizontal rhizome
Leaves Linear up to 4 inches long an 38 inch wi e with a conspicuous sheath the latter close except at the top
When looking own upon the plant the leaves are line up an appear to ra iate from three angles away from the main stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Flower Inconspicuous flattene linear sessile spikelets in the axils or two-ranke scales of the brownish spikelets 8-10 along the axillary stalk
Flowering Period July through October
Fruit Flattene brownish see -like nutlet toppe with a beak
Value Eaten occasionally by a variety of ucks an geese Rhizomes an shoots also graze by muskrats
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 35
WOOL GRASS
Scirpus cyperinus
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall growing in small colonies
Stem Upright robust roun to triangular especially at the base
Leaves Elongate from base of stem up to 2 feet long Leaves imme iately below the flower are in clusters of 3-5 an may reach 5 inches long an roop at the tips
Flower Clusters of 6-12 spikelets at en s of rooping stems Flower clusters up to 12 inches long much branche
Flowering Period August through September
Fruit Whitish see -like nutlet with bristles much longer than the scales attache to the base the bristles impart the wooly appearance to the spikelets
Value Provi es foo an cover for waterfowl an other wil life
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 36
Ferns
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 37
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 38
INNAMON FERN
Osmund cinn mome
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Often growing near somewhat similar an relate interrupte fern (Polys ichum aros ichoides)
Height Up to 3 feet tall
Stem Upright stout smooth green an covere with cinnamon-colore wooly stalk
Leaves Sterile (vegetative) fron s up to 3 feet high upright to slightly arche lance-shape with 20+ opposite leaflets Fertile fron s o not persist through the summer whereas vegetative fron s remain until first frost
Reproduction Club-like fertile fron with groups of spore cases on leaflets that hug the main axis
Fruiting Period Spring
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 39
OSTRI H FERN
Pteretis pensylv nic
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 6 feet tall forming tussocks or clumps
Stem Stout nake for up 1 foot from the base green flattene an black at the base covere with papery brown scales Arising from a forking shallowly-embe e rhizome an giving rise to stout black scaly runners
Leaves Sterile fron s forming circles gra ually narrowe at the base an abruptly narrowe to the tip Fertile fron s up to 2 feet tall an 2 inches wi e nake for approximately half their length the nake portions shiny brown crow e sprea ing or ascen ing branches often overlapping or twiste light green at first turning ark green an eventually brown
Reproduction Leaf segments with spore cases beneath become rolle into small har berry-like structures joine along the branches of the fertile fron
Fruiting Period July ndash August Persisting over winter
Similar Species Cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea) Ostrich fern may be istinguishe by the gra ually narrow base an papery scales rather than cinnamon-colore pubescence on the stalk
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 40
ROYAL FERN
Osmund reg lis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall growing in scattere groups
Stem Somewhat stout nake for approximately half its length greenish or re ish arising from a stout creeping rhizome
Leaves Fron s with 5-7 pairs of nearly opposite oblong ascen ing ivisions The lowest pair slightly shorter than the others each ivision ivi e into finely toothe oblong blunt alternate segments 10-14 on each si e Fertile fron s terminate by a panicle appearing as a ense cluster of light brown structures
Reproduction Spore cases clustere along short nake leaf segments in a terminal panicle an often at the tips of some of the ivisions One of several ferns that pro uce their spores on mo ifie leaflets not on the un ersi e of the fron s
Fruiting Period Spring an early summer
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 41
SENSITIVE FERN
Onocle sensibilis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 3 feet tall Growing solitary or scattere
Stem Upright stout nake for nearly half its length arising from a creeping rhizome
Leaves Sterile fron s up to 3 feet tall the bla e with up to 16 pairs of wi e segments having wavy margins Fertile fron s shorter the berry-like structures clustere in stiffly erect ivisions the entire structure appearing spike-like
Reproduction Leaf segments with spore cases beneath which have become rolle into small har black berry-like structures appearing July through August an persisting over winter
Fruiting Period July into October
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 42
Woody S rubs
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 43
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 44
NORTHERN ARROW-WOOD Viburnu recognitu
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 15 feet tall forming thickets
Bark Smooth an gray with a white pith
Twigs Brownish-gray hairless highly branche long straight slen er arrow-like smooth
Buds Re ish-brown with 2 pairs of scales Opposite pointe approximately frac14 inch long roun e scales with fringe of minute hairs along the bor ers
Leaves Opposite egg-shape to roun with saw-like coarse teeth 1-2 inches long an 3 inches wi e tapering to a point with very prominent smooth veins
Flower Numerous small white-petale flowers on short stalks in a somewhat ense terminal flat cluster
Flowering Period June through July
Fruit Fleshy blue-black berry-like approximately 13 inch wi e containing a flattene see appearing in August
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 45
BUTTONBUSH Cephalanthus occidentalis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 12 feet tall typically 3-5 feet tall
Bark Smooth an grayish when young flaky an grayish when ol er Light-brown pith
Twigs Slen er roun or angle grayish-brown to purplish marke with light elongate lenticels
Buds Small in epresse areas surroun e by bark
Leaves Opposite or in whorls of 3-4 Shiny ark-green above lighter green an slightly owny beneath Leathery smooth oblong to oval 3-6 inches long broa at the base pointe at tips often with short re stalks
Flower Densely clustere spherical creamy white ball-shape flowers long-stalke often in groups of 3 1- 1 frac12 inch wi e Ripe hea s brownish fragrant
Flowering Period July through August
Fruit Small triangular-shape capsules greenish in ball-like hea s like the flowers Persist into winter
Value Butterfly an moth species are often foun fee ing on the sweet nectar of the tubular flowers because of their long curle mouthparts Caterpillar pupas are often foun on buttonbush because of the foo association with larvae an a ults (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 46
ELDERBERRYBLACK-BERRIED ELDER Sa bucus canadensis
Elderberr showing fruit
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 12 feet tall often forming thickets
Bark Green
Twigs Pale yellow-brown to light-brown with numerous large raise lenticels Ill-smelling when bruise Flute or square pith very thick white an soft
Buds Small roun to oval covere with brownish scales
Leaves Opposite pinnately compoun with 5 to 11 leaflets usually 7 Lanceolate to ovate abruptly narrowing at the tip Sharply-toothe Lower leaflets often 3-parte Smooth above smooth or owny on veins beneath
Flower Small white nicely-scente flowers with 5 white petals in a flat-toppe cluster up to 6 inches wi e generally with 5 main branches
Flowering Period Late June through July
Fruit Juicy purplish-black berries in flat-toppe clusters containing many see s appearing late August to early October
Value Pro uces fruit that makes tasty jelly an wine It is also an important foo source for many songbir s
Elderberr showing flowers
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 47
GLOSSY BUCKTHORN Rha nus frangula
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T is species is pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Generalist Full-sun or sha e moist ry aci ic or basic soils Woo lan bor ers foreste wetlan s floo plain forests
Heig t Up to 20 feet tall
Twigs Grayish with whitish lenticels
Buds Nake owny up to frac14 inch long
Leaves Alternate whorle oblong 4-5 inches long an 3-4 inches wi e Long growing season leafing out in May an hol ing its leaves into November
Flower Small greenish-white in small clusters in the leaf axis
Flowering Period May through September Flowers an fruits continuously from May through September Plants often isplay bu s flowers immature fruit an mature fruit simultaneously
Fruit Berry with 2-3 pits approximately frac14 inch wi e turning from green to re an eventually blue-black Often all three colore berries are on the plant at the same time Sometimes ifficult to recognize in a foreste situation ue to its non- escript appearance but easily recognize July through September ue to masses of berries
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 48
HIGHBUSH BLUEBERRY Vacciniu cory bosu
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s rich woo s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 15 feet tall often forming thickets
Bark Rough brown Stem an larger branches shre y
Twigs On some bushes re ish-brown on other bushes they are yellow Covere with small warty lenticels zigzagge or angle
Buds Flower bu s re plump pointe with spine-like pointe scales Leaf bu s smaller two outer scales with hair-like point
Leaves Alternate pointe on both en s green on both si es untoothe Lower si e slightly wooly on the veins Up to 3 inches long an 1 frac12 inch wi e Deep re in autumn
Flower Cylin rical white or pink up to frac12 inch long an frac14 inch wi e in ense terminal or lateral clusters
Flowering Period April through June appearing when leaves are only half grown
Fruit Blue-black berry up to frac12 inch wi e with whitish bloom sweet in clusters
Value Berries eaten by numerous bir s an wil life
Similar Species Maleberry (L onia ligustrina) Highbush blueberry can be istinguishe by its terminal clusters of fruit an by berries rather than capsules for fruit
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 49
HOBBLEBUSH Viburnu alnifoliu
Status Native
Habitat Cool moist ravines e ges of rivers an streams
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Light brown with wavy grooves
Twigs Tough stout olive-brown to light purplish-brown Coate with rusty brown hairs towar the tip
Buds Large long in pairs light-brown covere with velvety fuzz Flower bu s roun e an occur only at tips of twigs
Leaves Very large 4-8 inches long Almost roun finely toothe heart-shape at base Hairy beneath rusty veins much branche Brownish hairs on stalks
Flower Large white clusters with 5 petals appearing before leaves are fully grown
Flowering Period May through June
Fruit Re berries turning black Stones with a groove on each e ge
Similar Species Likely to be confuse with ogwoo s Viburnum leaves are nearly always toothe or lobe while ogwoo leaves are smooth untoothe an veins are parallel
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 50
HONEYSUCKLE Lonicera spp
(L orrowii L tatarica L aackii)
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T ese species are pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Fiel s roa si es fence-rows he ge-rows e ges of woo s
Heig t 10 to 15 feet tall
Bark Tan to brown shre e in appearance
Twigs Generally glabrous thornless
Buds Blunt to acute
Leaves Opposite entire oblong to egg-shape 1-5 inches long
Flower 5-lobe tubular sometimes fragrant growing in leaf axils white to yellow
Fruit Re rarely yellow juicy few-see e berry July through September
Flowering Period May through June
Morrowrsquos Honeysuckle Lonicera orrowii
Leaves an young twigs ensely owny Leafy bracts beneath flowers not glan ular Leaves broa est below the mi le Flowers white fa ing to yellow
Tartarian Honeysuckle Lonicera tartarica
Un ersi es of leaves an young twigs are hairless Flowers usually pink-re Only species that has hollow pith
Amur Honeysuckle Lonicera aackii
Upper surface of leaves are shiny Bark is gray or tan an exfoliates somewhat in vertical strips Flowers white fa ing to yellow
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 51
JAPANESE KNOTWEED Polygonu cuspidatu
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T is species is pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Woo lan s open spaces itches roa si e itches e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall Fast growing aggressive easily sprea s an repro uces vegetatively
Twigs Greenish hollow jointe bamboo-like Stems often persist into winter
Leaves Alternate large untoothe broa ly ovate 3-7 inches long with pointe tips an square bases
Flower Many small whitish flowers growing in slen er finger-like clusters in the leaf axils
Flowering Period August to September
Fruit White papery win - isperse x-shape in cross-section
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 52
MALEBERRY Lyonia ligustrina
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s rich woo s gentle slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall often forming thickets
Bark Light gray shre y shaggy Younger bark appearing slightly hairy ol er bark gray with white lenticels
Twigs Yellow-brown to ash-gray mottle with black Flowering twigs leafless
Buds No terminal bu Lateral bu s flattene re oval pointe with a single re ish scale
Leaves Alternate elliptic to oblong stalke up to 3 inches long pointe at both en s minutely toothe Rough above slightly-hairy beneath
Flower Small roun white flowers in clusters up to 6 inches long
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Greenish-gray to brown small roun capsules with 5 partitions No larger than flower Crow e in groups on the stem persisting through winter Dry brown po s resembling blueberries
Similar Species Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium cor mbosum) Maleberry can be istinguishe by its flattene re bu s lateral rather than terminal clusters an by capsules of fruit instea of berries
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 53
MEADOWSWEET Spiraea latifolia
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t 2-3 feet tall forming large ense colonies
Bark Thin peeling in filmy layers
Twigs Smooth slen er light re ish-brown to purple more or less angle Unbranche (except occasionally towar the top where branching may occur)
Buds Many small smooth oval with several scales
Leaves Alternate oblong narrow toothe short-stalke tapering to the base with pointe to roun tips Up to 3 inches long an 1 frac12 inches wi e
Flower Pyrami clusters of white to pinkish 5-parte small flowers occurring at tip of stem
Flowering Period July into September
Fruit Small har smooth cluster of 5-6 tiny po s persisting over winter in the inflorescence giving it a ark-brown color
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 54
MULTIFLORA ROSE Rosa ultiflora
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T is species is pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Generalist Variety of soil moisture an light con itions
Heig t Up to 9 feet tall Shrubby arching
Bark Green Ol er stems turn woo y
Twigs Long arching with stiff re-curve thorns tips root to form new plants
Leaves Alternate pinnately compoun 7-9 toothe leaflets each leaflet about 1 inch long Fringe stipule at the base of leaf stem
Flower Dense clusters of fragrant white or occasionally pink 5-petale flowers up to 1 frac12 inch wi e Persist into winter
Flowering Period May through June
Fruit Small roun har re berry calle a ldquohiprdquo Smallest hip of any rose in New Englan persists into winter
Similar Species Multiflora rose can be istinguishe from other roses by the presence of a fringe stipule on the leaf petiole
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 55
NORTHERN WILD RAISIN WITHEROD VIBURNUM Viburnu cassinoides
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s valleys gentle slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall usually up to 7
Bark Smooth grayish-brown
Twigs Slen er long flexible ull pale grayish to light-brown Slightly hairy Somewhat angle with in istinct lenticels
Buds Covere by a single pair of scales Terminal bu s long yellow or gol en 2 light-brown scales split curve Flower bu s large an flask-shape
Leaves Opposite lanceolate to oval loosely toothe up to 4 inches long on short stalks tapering to an abrupt point Dark green above ull green below leathery
Flower Many small white 5-lobe flowers in short-stalke flat-toppe clusters at the tips of the twigs
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Fleshy blue-black berry-like approximately frac14 inch wi e containing a flat see Dull re as maturing
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 56
SHADBUSHSERVICEBERRY A elchier canadensis
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains rich woo s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 25 feet tall usually growing in thickets
Bark Gray smooth thin vertical fissures separating smooth flat areas in ol er trees
Twigs Ranci taste an smell (slight taste of bitter almon s) Slen er grayish often covere by a gray skin smooth Lenticels are scattere minute ots
Buds Terminal bu s long narrow greenish-yellow or purple
Leaves Alternate oblong finely-toothe broa est above the mi le Veins curve When half grown with white felt or wooly hairs beneath Up to frac34 inch long roun e at the tip an base
Flower Many me ium-size 5-petalle white flowers approximately frac34 inch wi e on stalks in clusters appearing when leaves are half grown
Flowering Period April through June
Fruit Dark-purple to black berries
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 57
SHEEP LAURELLAMBKILL Kal ia angustifolia
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 3 feet tall usually forming thickets
Bark Re ish brown
Twigs Pale brown smooth
Buds Nake no scales or only 2 showing
Leaves Evergreen Occasionally opposite but usually in whorls of 3 Elliptic to oblong on very short stems crow e on the branch opposite in threes Bright green above pale or whitene beneath Both surfaces smooth
Flower Small eep pink to re ish-purple 5-lobe approximately 1 frac12 inch wi e in clusters among the leaves
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Small brownish roun capsule with 5 partitions in clusters that persist over winter
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 58
SILKY DOGWOOD Cornus a o u
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall forming ense thickets
Twigs Much branching lower portion of the stem light brown upper portions becoming streake with re One-an two-year ol branches completely re an velvety Twigs mo erate to slen er with spongy chocolate-brown piths
Buds Smooth hairy
Leaves Opposite ovate to elliptic roun e at base with pointe tips Veins branching off mi vein that follow up the smooth leaf without reaching e ge Up to 5 inches long an half as wi e roun e to somewhat we ge-shape at the base an abruptly pointe at the tip pubescent beneath on short to mo erate stalks turning re in autumn
Flower Many small white 4-petalle flowers in broa flat-toppe clusters up to 3 inches wi e at the tips of branches
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Blue or blueish-white berries
Similar Species Re Osier Dogwoo (Cornus stolonifera)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 59
SPECKLED ALDER Alnus rugosa
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 25 feet tall often branching from the base
Bark Brown with whitish horizontal lenticels
Twigs Olive-brown to re ish brown smooth owny with greenish triangular pith
Buds Stalke re ish covere by 2-3 scales equal in length coate with grayish or brownish own no terminal bu
Leaves Alternate oval or roun e broa est below the mi le 2-4 inches long Doubly toothe or wavy Green above pale beneath Leaf base roun e or heart-shape Up to 6 inches long an 3 inches wi e
Flower Develop long before the leaves Male catkins long finger-like rooping Female catkins upright in clusters stalke resembling a small pine cone arching appearing below male
Flowering Period April through June before leaves emerge
Fruit Female catkins ripening into frac12 inch cylin rical cones persistent in winter
Comments Distinguishing features are the conspicuous white lenticels on the trunk an on the twigs the short thick stalks of the ldquoconesrdquo an the conspicuous net venation of the leaves In winter the immature female spikes roop
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 60
SPICEBUSH Lindera benzoin
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains rich woo s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Smooth grayish-brown
Twigs Younger growth is green with white lines an specks while ol er portions with smooth gray-brown bark
Buds Leaf bu s small pointe Flower bu s larger stalke Spherical arrange on one si e of a leaf bu above the scar
Leaves Alternate obovate to ovate somewhat pointe up to 4 inches long an 2 inches wi e
Flower Small yellow Male an female occur in clusters on separate plants
Flowering Period April through May
Fruit Fleshy re an berry-like up to frac12 inch long containing one large see
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 61
STEEPLEBUSH Spiraea to entosa
Status Native
Habitat Wet mea ows marshes shrub wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 3 frac12 feet tall
Bark Thin hairy peeling shre ing into strips
Buds Lateral bu s covere with wool No terminal bu
Leaves Alternate simple toothe up to 2 inches long white or woolly beneath with brownish rusty or tawny hairs
Flower Small 5-petale eep pink or rose colore flowers in ense steeple-like terminal spike up to 6 inches long
Flowering Period July into September
Fruit One-celle capsules persistent into winter
Similar Species The pinker plants are often confuse with purple loosestrife Steeplebush has alternate leaves whereas purple loosestrife has opposite or whorle leaves The stems of Steeplebush ten to be roun in cross-section whereas the stems of purple loosestrife are square in cross section (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 62
SWEET PEPPERBUSH Clethera alnifolia
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Dark grayish or blackish Branches of previous year shre y or flaky
Twigs Slen er roun an slightly owny on new twigs with large white pith
Buds Lateral bu s small an obscure Terminal bu s are owny large an pointe
Leaves Alternate egg-shape to oblong small broa est above mi le sharply-toothe except at base Straight-veine both si es smooth an green abruptly blunt-pointe Up to 4 frac12 inches long an 1 frac12 inches wi e
Flower Many small 5-petale fragrant white flowers occurring on terminal spike
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Small tan roun capsule each with 3 hairy partitions resembling peppercorns persisting into winter
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 63
WINTERBERRY HOLLYBLACK ALDER Ilex verticillata
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Gray smooth
Twigs Slen er ark purple-gray with many small lenticels
Buds Tiny blunt at tip iverging from the twig Crow e upper bu s larger Terminal bu present
Leaves Alternate ovate thick ull-green above owny beneath coarse-toothe prominent veins Broa est at or above the mi le pointe at both en s
Flower Very small greenish or yellowish white Male an female flower son separate plants 6-8 petals in clusters seate irectly on stem frac14 inch in iameter of very short stalks
Flowering Period May through August
Fruit Bright re berry-like with 3-5 bony nuts borne singly or in clusters approximately frac14 inch wi e containing several see s persisting into winter
Value Extremely showy in late fall an early winter when covere with their bright re fruit these shrubs are either male or female Attractive to bir s
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 64
WITCH HAZEL Ha a elis virginiana
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 30 feet tall
Bark Mottle light-brown to gray smooth to scaly
Twigs Zigzag smooth to slightly hairy Short shoots light orange brown with rusty or gray hairs Some brown warts but lenticels in istinct
Buds Lateral bu s flattene with rusty brown hairs Terminal bu stalke curve or sickle-shape
Leaves Roun e to oval wavy lopsi e toothe in shallow roun e lobes Main veins prominent 5-7 nerves One-si e at base
Flower Bright yellow crinkle curving petals persisting into winter remaining attache to twig
Flowering Period August into November
Fruit Woo y hairy light-brown 2-see e po with 4 well-space curve points splitting open an ejecting black see s forcibly ripening a year after flowers Open po s remain on stem
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 65
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 66
Climbin Vines
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 67
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 68
CLIMBINGORIENTAL BITTERSWEET
Celast us o biculatus
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire
Habitat Disturbe areas roa si es fiel s forests an e ges of streams an rivers
Hei ht 40-65 feet long eci uous woo y vine Very aggressive climbs up an over trees an chokes them
Stem Tanish furrowe
Leaves Alternate ovate bluntly toothe 3-4 inches long tapere at the base
Flower Small greenish clusters in the leaf axils
Flowerin Period April through May
Fruit Bright-yellow splitting open to reveal showy orangere fruit
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 69
POISON IVY
Toxicodend on adicans
Status Native
Habitat Generalist Variety of soil moisture an light con itions Foun in recent clear-cuts
Hei ht Upright eci uous shrub trailing vine or climbing plant Shrub can grow up to 6 feet tall but this plant is taller as a vine
Leaves Long-stalke compoun leaves ivi e into 3 leaflets each leaflet having a longer stalk than the si e leaflets
Flowers Small yellowish flowers with 5 petals occurring on lateral clusters
Flowerin Period May through July Poison i y showing fruit
Fruit Greenish to grayish-white berries lacking hairs Pro uce in late summer an can persist throughout winter
CAUTION
TOUCHING OR BURNING ANY PART OF THIS PLANT CAN CAUSE SEVERE SKIN IRRITATION
Poison i y as a tree-climbing ine Poison i y in autumn
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 70
RIVERBANK GRAPE
Vitis ipa ia
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Hei ht Up to 60 feet tall
Bark Re ish-brown in loose strips Pith with thin firm tissue
Leaves Alternate coarse-toothe up to 7 inches long with usually 3-5 lobes an narrow-pointe leaves
Flowers Inconspicuous in branche clusters
Flowerin Period May through July
Fruit Purplish-black to black grapes up to frac12 inch wi e with whitish waxy covering
Similar Species Forest grape (Vitis ulpina) occurs in similar habitats but its leaves have broa teeth an are not usually lobe an its grapes are black an lacking waxy coating
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 71
VIRGINIA CREEPER
Pa thenosisus quinquefolia
Status Native
Habitat Wi e range of con itions ry san y soil to moist nutrient-rich soil sha e sun
Stem Woo y stem persisting into winter
Leaves Alternate palmately compoun with 3-7 but usually 5 leaflets Leaflets 6-12 centimeters long with toothe margins Turn eep-re in the fall
Flower Inconspicuous green-white
Fruit Small blue-black berries appearing in autumn
Comments Climbs by ten rils that have oval a hesive isks at their tips
Similar Species Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) has compoun leaves with 3 leaflets but the terminal leaflet is attache to a short-stalk Poison ivy also climbs by aerial roots not by a hesive isks
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 72
The Ca opy Trees
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 73
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 74
AMERICAN BASSWOODLINDEN Tilia am ricana
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s valleys gentle slopes
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray ri ge when ol
Twigs Alternate stout zigzag greenish-gray smooth or owny
Buds Re ish-brown frac12 inch long lopsi e No terminal bu
Leaves Alternate large up to 8 inches long sharply toothe Unequally heart-shape at base
Flowers 5 cream-colore fragrant yellow petals Approximately frac12 inch across
Floweri g Period Early summer
Fruit Stalke cluster of small pale green nuts attache to a leafy wing
AMERICAN BEECH Fagus grandifolia
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s uplan s well- raine lowlan s
Height Up to 90 feet tall
Bark Smooth an light blue-gray when young an ol
Twigs Alternate slen er greenish-brown hairy
Buds Slen er sharp-pointe approximately frac34 inch long chestnut brown with overlapping scales
Leaves Alternate simple egg-shape pointe with parallel veins terminating in teeth Shiny papery-smooth up to 5 inches long Dry leaves remain on tree in winter Yellow in autumn
Flowers Inconspicuous slen er catkins in a roun e hea both sexes occur on the same tree
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Prickly 4-valve fruit capsule bearing 2 triangular nuts Nut is sweet an e ible
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 75
AMERICAN HORNBEAM IRONWOODBLUE BEECH Carpinus caroliniana
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s foreste wetlan s e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 40 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray-green furrowe flute (muscular) wavy
Twigs Slen er ark re ish-brown shiny an smooth or slightly -hairy
Buds Oval re ish brown angle scaly
Leaves Alternate simple oblong sharply an finely oubly-toothe margins up to 4 inches long an 2 inches wi e entirely smooth above slightly owny beneath Orange or scarlet in autumn
Flowers Very small male an female flowers occur in separate spikes Male catkins 1 inch female small appearing with leaves
Floweri g Period April through May before leaf-out
Fruit Nutlet in the axil of a 3-lobe leaf-like bract the bracts clustere in a loose terminal spike up to 2 inches long
BLACK BIRCHSWEET BIRCH B tula l nta
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s
Height Up to 60 feet tall
Bark Smooth ark brown Long horizontal lenticels resembling cherry Ol er trees with very ark thick plates
Twigs Smooth slen er light re ish-brown with very fine horizontal lines Smells an tastes of wintergreen
Buds Sharp re ish brown long terminal bu absent on long shoots Bu scales owny on margins
Leaves Alternate simple heart-shape sharply ouble-or single-toothe smooth above with tufts of white hair on the veins beneath ull ark green Wintergreen o or an taste
Flower Male an female flowers occur in separate catkins on the same tree male catkins present uring the winter
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Catkins cylin rical short scales smooth
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 76
BLACK CHERRY Prunus s rotina
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s on many sites
Height Up to 60 feet tall
Bark Dark re ish-brown smooth with narrow horizontal lenticels on young trees becoming roughene an scaly on ol er trees Resembles black birch
Twigs Slen er re ish-brown often gray an peeling Ranci o or an taste Often with black knot swellings on branches with narrow lenticels
Buds Bright light re ish-brown 4 scales appear as none Terminal bu larger than laterals
Leaves Alternate simple elliptic Smooth an shiny above finely-toothe turning inwar Brown wool on 13 of mi rib beneath Yellow to brown in autumn
Flower White 5-petalle elongate clusters appearing when leaves are frac12 grown in clusters at the en s of twigs up to 4 inches long
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit E ible cherries ark re ish-purple becoming black with small stone Appearing June-October
BOX ELDERASH-LEAVED MAPLE Ac r n gundo
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s lowlan s floo plains
Height Up to 40 feet tall
Bark Thin grayish to light-brown with furrowe narrow ri ges similar to Norway maple
Twigs Stout green to purplish-green brightly colore often re Covere with whitish bloom the first year which rea ily rubs off
Buds Short-stalke re ish usually wooly or owny whitish ensely hairy
Leaves Opposite compoun palm-like with 3-5 veiny leaflets up to 5 inches long on short stalks Very variable in shape sharp margins with coarse teeth Light green above pale green an hairy along veins beneath Stalk swollen at base
Flower Small yellowish to greenish Male an female flowers occur in rooping clusters on separate trees appearing slightly before leaf-out
Floweri g Period April through May at or before leaf-out
Fruit A typical flattene v-shape winge samara
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 77
EASTERN COTTONWOOD Populus d ltoid s
Status Native
Habitat Floo plains streambanks valleys
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Greenish-yellow on young trees gray an furrowe on ol er trees
Twigs Smooth yellow-brown mo erately stout
Buds Brown shiny approximately frac12 to 1 inch long 6-7 scales heavy sticky fragrant yellow resin insi e
Leaves Alternate simple large triangular coarse roun e teeth up to 6 inches long an often nearly as wi e Dark green an shiny above lighter beneath with veins prominent on both surfaces Stems flattene at base of leaves Leaves from sprouts very large Yellow in autumn
Flower Drooping loosely groupe catkins Male an female flowers occur in rooping spikes on separate trees Before the leaves unfol the male crow e into rather thick re ish spikes the female crow e into narrower greenish yellow spikes
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Short-stalke capsule with 4 partitions approximately frac14 inch long
EASTERN HEMLOCK Tsuga canad nsis
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s ravines foreste wetlan s
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Cinnamon-re to gray tinge with purple narrow ri ges
Twigs Alternate yellow to grayish brown very hairy flattene
Buds Approximately frac12 to frac34 inch wi e oval chestnut brown hairy scales
Needles Narrow approximately frac12 inch long Short shiny ark-green above tapering whitish-green with 2 white lines beneath appearing as a broa stripe Stalke at base persistent comb-like arrangement on twig
Fruit Small oval cones frac12 to frac34 inch long on slen er stalks Cone scales as wi e as long Male cones are small structures in clusters in leaf axils an o not persist Female cones have brown scales are at twig en s an persist
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 78
EASTERN WHITE PINE Pinus strobus
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s bogs ravines cool sha y north slopes
Height Up to 120 feet tall
Bark Smooth thin greenish when young becoming ark brown eeply-furrowe an blocky when ol er
Twigs Smooth slen er green or light yellowish-green resinous
Buds Sharp-pointe yellowish-brown
Leaves In clusters of 5 (the only five-nee le pine in the East) soft slen er bluish-green Retaine to en of the secon growing season 3 year nee les yellow in October 2-5 inches long
Fruit Large tapering cylin rical cones falling when ripe (August-September) Require two seasons to mature 4 to 8 inches long
GREEN ASH Fraxinus p nnsylvanica
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains streambanks
Height Up to 80 feet tall
Bark Young twigs gray thin hairless Ol er stems gray with shallow grooves ri ges an furrows
Twigs Stout gray terminal bu present conical the first pair of lateral bu s place some istance below the terminal
Leaves Opposite pinnately-compoun with 5-9 (usually 7) leaflets Shiny green on top occasionally hairy on bottom with saw-toothe margins Bright yellow in autumn
Flower Inconspicuous small cluster of greenish petal-free stalke flowers with male an female flowers occur on separate trees
Floweri g Period April to June as leaves emerge
Fruit Samara with a broa wing an in istinct see portion
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 79
RED MAPLE Ac r rubrum
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s rich woo s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 75 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray often satiny on young trees becoming arker scaly rough separating an forming long scales often up-curling in ol er trees
Twigs Current years growth re Ol er twigs light gray smooth
Buds Sharp ark re with prominent overlapping scales
Leaves Opposite simple usually 3-lobe (sometimes 5) with sharp angles between lobes an with sharp irregular teeth Dark green above gray-green beneath approximately 3-4 inches long Yellow or scarlet in autumn
Flower Re or yellow with petals appearing long before the leaves emerge Male an female flowers occur on separate trees
Floweri g Period March through May before leaf-bu s open
Fruit A ouble-winge v-shape re samara up to 1 inch long
Matures in late spring falls an germinates at once
RED OAK Qu rcus rubra
Status Native
Habitat Bottomlan s moist slopes
Height Up to 90 feet tall
Bark Smooth greenish-brown on young stems becoming broken into ri ges re ish-brown har with eep furrows when ol er Inner bark re ish
Twigs Alternate strongly ri ge or flute Re ish brown or black smooth
Buds Smooth brown blunt-pointe in clusters at en s of twigs Larger than other oaks except black frac14 inch long roun e on the si es Terminal bu s have slight rusty hairs
Leaves Spikes on tips of lobes Mostly 3 pairs V-shape space between lobes (typically 7-11) triangular in outline smooth on both si es
Flower Long sprea ing strings
Fruit Acorn maturing in secon year Cup embracing 13 to frac12 the acorn Oval to cylin rical short shallow Acorns large bitter ine ible insi es pale yellow
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 80
SHAGBARK HICKORY Carya ovata
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s valleys uplan slopes
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Smooth when young splitting into long plates that curve outwar free at both en s when ol er
Twigs Re ish-brown very stout tough an har to break Soli pith
Buds Dark brown long-pointe approximately frac12 inch or more wi e Scales remaining over winter
Leaves Alternate compoun 4-6 inches long 5 (rarely 7) leaflets with the 3 upper leaflets much larger an longer than the lower terminal leaflet Slightly toothe with a tuft of hair on each tooth
Flower Male an female flowers occur on same tree Male flowers are 3-branche catkins female flowers are in short spikes
Floweri g Period Early spring before leaf-out
Fruit Thick globe-like husks split away when ripe Nut with 4 angles whitish brown shell thick sweet kernel
SILVER MAPLE Ac r saccharinium
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 80 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray (like beech) in young trees breaking into long thin scaly plates curving away at en s when ol er
Twigs V-shape point upwar at tip rooping Orange-brown to re Ba o or when bruise
Buds Terminal bu small blunt re
Leaves Opposite simple approximately 5 inches wi e Deeply cleft 5-lobe sharply toothe Green above silver-white beneath Very silvery un er water Downy beneath when young Pale yellow in autumn
Flower Small re or greenish yellow No petals occurring long before the leaves Some trees have only male flowers
Floweri g Period February through May before leaf-out
Fruit Occurring in late spring The see germinates at once flattene winge fruit the largest of the native maples up to 2 inches long
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 81
SWAMP WHITE OAK Qu rcus bicolor
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 70 feet tall
Bark Flaky light grayish-brown peeling in ragge papery scales Furrowe at base of tree in long flat scaly ri ges
Twigs Slen er to stout straw-brown to yellow-green Bark peels from twig (only oak where this occurs)
Buds Small roun terminal bu s orange-brown blunt-pointe smooth Lateral bu s small an crow e
Leaves Alternate simple oval light-green above with hairs beneath wi est above the mi le strongly tapere towar the we ge-shape base Margin shallowly lobe Yellow or brown in autumn
Flower Male an female flowers occur separately on the same tree the male in catkins the female in short spikes
Fruit Oval light-brown nut approximately 1 inch long enclose for about frac12 its length by a cap Occurring singly or often in pairs at the en of a short stalk Some of the cups usually persist in winter
SYCAMOREPLANETREEBUTTONBALL Platanus occid ntalis
Status Native
Habitat Floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Creamy white on young branches turning re -brown-gray then breaking in large thin plates exposing whitish inner bark giving a white-washe appearance
Twigs Slen er smooth yellow-brown slightly zigzag swollen at joints
Buds No terminal bu Lateral bu s long conical resinous shiny ark re -brown covere by a single cap-like scale Pointing outwar enclose by bases of leaf stalks until the leaves fall
Leaves Alternate simple large with 3-5 pointe lobes maple-like pubescent beneath when young with long pointe teeth
Flower Small inconspicuous Male an female flowers occur separately in roun hea s on the same tree
Floweri g Period April through June
Fruit Large roun balls approximately frac14 inch long an 1 inch wi e with bristly hairs at base containing many see s Occurring singly on long stalks Remains on tree until spring
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 82
TAMARACHLARCH Larix laricina
Status Native
Habitat Bogs foreste wetlan s wet peaty soils
Height Up to 80 feet tall
Bark Thin re ish brown scaly Young branches grayish or pale orange-brown
Twigs Smooth brownish many leaf scars
Buds Dark re ish-brown roun resinous
Leaves Deci uous nee les pale blueish-green approximately 1 inch long flexible triangular Yellow in autumn before ropping off
Flower Occur separately as small cones on the same tree Male flowers are yellow Female flowers are rose re both appearing in March through April
Fruit Small oval cones frac12 to frac34 inch wi e with 20 scales Cone scales concave smooth often shining longer than broa chestnut brown smooth on the outsi e
WHITE ASH Fraxinus am ricana
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s valleys slopes foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Light or ark gray Smooth when young groove when ol er Longitu inal ri ges forming iamon -shape patterns separate by narrow interlacing ri ges
Twigs Opposite light greenish-brown with small white lenticles an a slight bloom Soli pith
Buds Roun e rusty to ark-brown rough hairy First pair of lateral bu s at the same level irectly below the terminal
Leaves Opposite pinnately compoun stalke oval to lanceolate 8 to 12 inches long with 5 to 9 leaflets (mostly 7) Smooth or slightly wavy-toothe Yellowish to maroon in the autumn
Flowers Small inconspicuous male an female flowers occur on separate trees appearing with the leaves Purplish in crow e clusters
Floweri g Period April through May before leaf-out
Fruit Cylin rical light-brown enclosing a see an a flattene elongate wing 2-3 times long as the bo y 1-2 inches wi e in rooping clusters
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 83
WHITE OAK Qu rcus alba
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s a jacent slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 90 feet tall
Bark Gray thin on young trees an flaky irregularly-plate or groove when ol er
Twigs Purplish-gray to greenish-re mo erately stout smooth
Buds Blunt smooth brownish at tips of twigs in clusters
Leaves Alternate simple 4-10 prominent roun e lobes variable in epth Re ish to violet in autumn Brown ea leaves remain on tree in winter
Flowers Both sexes occur on the same tree Male flowers in clusters of hanging bea s Female flowers are few in angles of new leaves Greenish yellowish or re ish
Fruit Maturing in one season Acorn cup with wart-like scales Cup shorter than nut Sweet an e ible
WHITE SPRUCE Pic a glauca
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s a jacent slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 70 feet tall
Bark Thin scaly grayish-brown silvery on freshly expose areas
Twigs Pale gray to yellow-brown no hairs or fuzz
Buds Oval ragge brown smooth
Leaves frac12 to 1 inch blueish-green slight-bloom pungent o or when crushe sharp line of white ots in each groove Ten ency to mass towar the upper si e of the twig
Flowers Occur separately as small cones on the same tree Male flowers are yellowish re Female flowers are greenish re purplish
Co e Cylin rical 2 inches long Immature cones have thin scales an are soft an flexible Mature cones are light chestnut brown
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 84
YELLOW BIRCH B tula l nta
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains ravines cool rich woo s of higher elevations
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Peeling in thin ribbon-like strips when young that roll back in curls Shiny yellow or silvery gray rough an platy when ol er
Twigs Stout bronze or bright-brown shiny Smooth or sparsely hairy Wintergreen o or an taste
Buds Sharp re ish-brown oppresse terminal bu absent oval with chestnut-brown scales
Leaves Alternate simple long oval sharply ouble-toothe Dull an ark-green above lighter beneath with slight hairs in veins base roun e to near heart-shape up to 5 inches long
Flower Male an female flowers in separate catkins on the same tree Male catkins present in winter Male flowers are yellow small narrow in a rooping catkin at branch tips Female flowers are green an in broa er upright catkins place back from the tip that matures into a brown cone
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Catkins roun e roun scales somewhat hairy erect on twig frac34 inch long persist into winter
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 85
Appendix A Other Helpful Field Guides
The Boo of Swamp and Bog Trees Shrubs and Wildflowers of Eastern Freshwater Wetlands by John Eastman 1995 Stackpole Books ISBN 0-8117-2518-9
A Field Guide to Coastal Wetland Plants of the Northeastern United States by Ralph W Tiner Jr 1987 University of Massachusetts Press ISBN 0-870-23538-9
Freshwater Wetlands - A Guide to Common Indicator Plants of the Northeast by Dennis W Magee 1981 University of Massachusetts Press ISBN 0-87023-317-3
Northeastern Wetland Flora Field Office Guide to Plant Species by USDA ndash NRCSNortheastern National Technical Center Chester Pennsylvania
Plants in Wetlands A Redington Field Guide to Biological Interactions by Charles B Re ington 1994 Ken allHunt Publishing Company ISBN 0-84038-983-3
Pond and Broo by Michael J Ca uto 1990 ISBN 0-87451-509-1
Pond Life A Golden Guide by George K Rei 1987 Gol en Books ISBN 0-30724-017-7
Through The Loo ing Glass by Susan Borman Robert Korth Jo Temte 19971999 Wisconsin Lakes Partnership ISBN 0-93231-032-X
Wetland Planting Guide for Northeast United States by Gwen olyn A Thunhorst 1993 Environmental Concern Inc ISBN 1-88322-602-3
Wetlands - National Audubon Society Nature Guides by William A Niering 1985 Alfre A Knopf New York ISBN 0-39473-147-6
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 86
Appendix B Glossary of Terms
Alternate Leaves arising singly along the stem not in pairs or whorls
Annual Living or growing for only one year or season
Axil The angle where two structures join for example where a leaf joins the stem
Axillary Occurring in or growing from an axil
Basal Locate at or arising from the base of a plant or a plant part
Berry A small juicy fleshy fruit containing one to many see s
Capsule A ry fruit containing two to many see s an opening by valves slits or pores
Cat in Scaly spike of inconspicuous flowers lacking petals
Ciliate Bearing margine hairs
Clasping Leaves that partially encircle the stem at the base
Compound (Leaf) Divi e into two or more istinct separate parts (leaflets)
Cone A har woo y globose to cylin ric arrangement of bracts or scales in the axils of which the repro uctive structures are foun
Deciduous Falling from the plant after maturity each year
Elliptic Broa est at the mi le gra ually tapering to both en s
Emergent Roote in shallow water with most of the plant growing above the surface
Emersed Raise out of the water as in the flowers or fruits of some floating plants
Entire (Leaf) Having a continuoussmooth margin unbroken by toothing or ivisions
Evergreen Remaining green throughout the winter
Fibrous Referring to a cluster of slen er roots all with the same iameter
Frond The leaf of a fern
Furrowed Groove
Glabrous Without hairs or scales
Globose Shape like a globe roun
Head A group of flowers tightly crowne together in a more or less roun e structure
Herbaceous A plant that ies back to the groun at the en of the growing season or a plant part that is leaf-like in color an texture
Inflorescence The entire flower cluster
Lanceolate Lance-shape broa est near the base gra ually tapering to the narrower apex
Leaflet One of the segments of a compoun leaf
Lenticels The small corky pores or narrow lines on the surface of stems of woo y plants that allow the interchange of gases between the interior tissue an surroun ing air A small opening in a stem
Lip The upper an lower parts of certain tubular flowers
Lobe The in ente part of a leaf or flower not ivi e into istinct an separate parts but still interconnecte to similar parts of the leaf or flower
MidribMidvein The central or main vein of a leaf
Native A species that originate in a certain place or region in igenous
Node The place on the stem where leaves or branches are attache
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 87
Non-Native Not originating in a certain geographic location than where they are foun
Nut A har ry one-see e fruit not opening at maturity
Nutlet A small nut
Oblong Broa est at the mi le an tapering to both en s but broa er than elliptic
Opposite Leaves arising in pairs on either si e of a stem
Oval Broa ly elliptic
Ovate Broa ly roun e at the base becoming narrowe above
Palmate Having three or more veins lobes or leaflets arising from one point
Panicle A compoun loosely branche flower cluster
Parallel Veined Having veins all parallel as oppose to in a network
Perennial Living for two or more years
Petal One segment of the series of floral leaves lying just insi e the sepals often the most conspicuous
Petiole The stalk-like part of the leaf attaching it to the stem
Pinnate Divi e once along an elongate axis into istinct segments
Pith The soft tissue at the center of a plantrsquos stem it may be soli or hollow at maturity
Pod A fruiting structure containing the mature see s
Pubescent Covere in fine short hairs
Recurved Curving ownwar
Rhizome A horizontal usually un ergroun stem that often sen s out roots an shoots from its no es
Ribbed Bearing ri ges
Root The escen ing axis of the plant usually growing in an opposite irection from the stem
Samara A winge fruit
Scale A mo ifie leaf or thin flattene structure
Sepal One segment of the outer series of floral leaves often green in color but occasionally of a ifferent color an petal-like
Serrate With sharp forwar -pointing teeth on the margin
Sessile Without a stalk
Sheath The base of a leaf that encircles the stem
Simple (Leaf) A leaf compose of a single bla e
Smooth Not rough to the touch
Spi e An elongate cluster of sessile flowers
Shrub A woo y plant smaller than a tree with several stems or trunks arising from a single base a bush
Simple Leaf A leaf with a single bla e
Succulent Juicy an fleshy
Tendril A evice usually coile that enables some vines to climb
Toothed With teeth along the margin
Tuber A thickene part of an un ergroun root or rhizome serving for foo storage an often for propagation
Whorled (Leaf) Arrange in a group of three or more leaves branches or pe icles at the no e on the stem
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 88
Appendix C Leaf Shapes amp Arrangements
Peterson Lee Allen ldquoA Fie d Guide to Edib e Wi d P ants of Eastern and Centra North Americardquo Houghton Mifflin Company 1977
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 89
Appendix D Native ShorelandRiparian Buffer Plantings for New Hampshire
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 90
Native ShorelandRiparian Buffer Plantings for New Hampshire The p otected sho eland is the a ea of land that exists between the efe ence line of a wate body and 250 feet f om the efe ence line
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees
Ame ican Basswood (Ame ican Linden)
Tilia am ricana Medium-La ge 60-100rsquo
Mode ate Deep FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Rich woods valleys gentle slopes
Wildlife Pileated woodpecke wood duck othe bi ds dee abbit squi el
Food Seeds twigs
Ame ican Beech Fagus grandifolia Medium-La ge 60-90rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Rich woods well-d ained lowlands
Wildlife Blue jay chickadees nuthatches quail uffed g ouse tufted titmouse wild tu key wood duck woodpecke s bea chipmunk dee fox po cupine snowshoe ha e squi el
Food Nuts buds sap
Ame ican Hopho nbeam (I onwood)
Ostrya virginiana Small 20-40rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Rich woods Wildlife Downy woodpecke mockingbi d pu ple finch ing-necked pheasant ose-b easted g osbeak uffed g ouse wild tu key wood quail dee abbit squi el
Food Nuts buds seeds
Ame ican Ho nbeam (Blue BeechMusclewood)
Carpinus caroliniana
SmallSh ubby 20-40rsquo
Slow Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods fo ested wetlands avines st eambanks
Wildlife Quail uffed g ouse wood duck beave dee squi el
Food Seeds buds
Ame ican Mountain Ash
Sorbus am ricana Small Up to 25rsquo
Fast Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full-Sun
D y Moist Fo ested wetlands ich woods Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe catbi d ceda waxwing g osbeak mockingbi d obin th ushes wild tu key bea
Food F uit twigs
Balsam Fi Abi s balsam a Small-Medium 40-60rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands st eambanks ich woods
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse songbi ds small mammals moose
Food Seeds
Balsam Popla Populus balsam a Medium 60-80rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun Moist Floodplains ive banks st eambanks valleys
Wildlife Beave dee mouse snowshoe ha e
Food Buds catkins twigs foliage
Big-Toothed Aspen Populus grandid ntata
Small-Medium 30-60rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Sandy upland soils floodplain st eams with quaking aspen
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee evening g osbeak pu ple finch uffed g ouse yellow-bellied sapsucke dee
Food Buds catkins ba k twigs and foliage
Black Ash Fraxinus nigra Medium 60-80rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands st eambanks Wildlife Songbi ds wood duck dee moose small mammals
Food F uit twigs young leaves
Black Bi ch (Sweet Bi ch)
B tula l nta Medium 40-60rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade
Page 1
Moist Cool moist uplands ich woods
Wildlife G ouse dee abbit
Food Buds catkins seeds
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees (Continued)
Black Che y Prunus s rotina Medium 40-60rsquo
Mode ate Deep Tap oot
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Rich woods on many sites except ve y d y soils
Wildlife Bluebi d blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing common c ow easte n kingbi d evening g osbeak mockingbi d no the n flicke no the n o iole obin uffed g ouse spa ows th ushes vee y vi eo yellow-bellied sapsucke bea chipmunk dee fox accoon squi el
Food Be ies buds sap
Black Gum (Tupelo)
Nyssa sylvatica Medium 50-60
Slow No Info mation Available
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Fo ested wetlands floodplains Wildlife Bluebi d ca dinal catbi d chickadee c ow finches malla ds obin uby-th oated hummingbi d uffed g ouse vi eo wild tu key woodpecke s wood duck honeybees bea chipmunk dee opossum squi el
Food Seeds sap necta
Black Sp uce Pic a mariana Small Up to 25rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs fo ested wetlands lake and pond sho es
Wildlife Songbi ds uffed g ouse sp uce g ouse chipmunk cottontail dee po cupine squi el
Food Seeds twigs necta ba k
Black Willow Salix nigra Small-Medium Up to 50rsquo
Ve y Fast Ve y Shallow
Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands lowlands floodplains
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Buds catkins
Box Elde Ac r n gundo Medium 40-70rsquo
Ve y Fast Deep Late al
Full Sun D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands lowlands floodplains
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Seeds
Easte n Cottonwood Populus d ltoid s Medium-La ge 80-100rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Floodplains st eambanks valleys
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse
Food Catkins
Easte n Hemlock Tsuga canad nsis Medium-La ge 80-100rsquo
Mode ate Shallow Late al
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Acidic Cool moist uplands avines ock outc ops st eambanks
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee blue and g een wa ble s c ossbill hawks juncos pine siskin uffed g ouse vee y wild tu key dee chipmunk cottontail po cupine squi el white-footed mouse
Food Twigs foliage seeds
Easte n White Pine Pinus strobus La ge 70-120rsquo
Mode ate Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Well-D ained
Fo ested wetlands bogs avines cool shady no th slopes
Wildlife B own c eepe chickadee c ossbill g osbeak junco nuthatch pine wa ble spa ows sp uce g ouse wild tu key woodpecke s beave chipmunk dee snowshoe ha e squi el
Food Seeds foliage twigs excellent winte food
G ay Bi ch (Wi e Bi ch)
B tula populifolia Small 20-35rsquo
Fast Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Pionee Species poo est of ste ile soils sandy o g avelly slopes
Wildlife Ame ican goldfinch blue jay chickadee no the n junco pine siskin ed-tailed hawk uffed g ouse spa ows vi eo yellow-bellied sapsucke woodpecke s snowshoe ha e
Food Seeds buds
Page 2
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees (Continued)
G een Ash Fraxinus p nnsylvanica
Medium-La ge 60-80rsquo
Fast Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks neve on d y soils
Wildlife Ca dinal finches evening g osbeak mou ning dove ed-winged blackbi d wood duck beave chipmunk dee po cupine squi el
Food Seeds foliage
No the n White Ceda (A bo vitae)
Thuja occid ntalis Medium 30-60rsquo
Slow to Mode ate
Shallow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs wetlands ich woods Wildlife Songbi ds small mammals dee
Food Seeds needles
QuakingT embling Aspen (Popla )
Populus tr muloid s
Small-Medium 30-60rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Pionee Species d y open woods sandy o g avelly slopes
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse beave dee po cupine snowshoe ha e
Food Buds catkins ba k twigs and foliage
Red Maple Ac r rubrum Medium 40-75rsquo
Mode ate to Fast
Ve y Shallow
Full Sun D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands st eambanks lakesho es ich woods
Wildlife Ca dinal chickadee evening and pine g osbeaks finches obin yellow-bellied sapsucke beave chipmunk dee opossum squi el snowshoe ha e
Food Seeds buds ba k twigs sap
Red Oak Qu rcus rubra Medium 60-90rsquo
Mode ate Deep Late al
FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Bottomlands moist slopes Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe ducks hawks quail nuthatch uffed g ouse towhee wild tu key woodpecke bea chipmunk dee gophe opossum accoon squi el
Food Aco ns
Shagba k Hicko y Carya ovata La ge 70-100rsquo
Fast Deep Tap oot
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Rich woods valleys upland slopes
Wildlife Ca dinal field spa ows pine wa ble ose-b easted g osbeak ufous-sided towhee white-b easted nuthatch wild tu key wood duck yellow- umped wa ble chipmunks squi els
Food Nuts
Silve Maple Ac r sacharinium Medium 60-80rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands ive banks floodplains st eambanks
Wildlife Ca dinal goldfinch evening and pine g osbeaks no the n o iole
Food Seeds buds
St iped Maple (Moosewood Moose Maple)
Ac rp nsylvanicum SmallSh ubby 20-30rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t-Shade Moist Rich woods cool moist sites Wildlife Ruffed g ouse beave dee moose po cupine abbit
Food Buds ba k sama as
Suga Maple Ac r saccharum Medium-La ge 60-100rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Valleys and uplands tole ates almost all soil types
Wildlife Ca dinal goldfinch g osbeak ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse vi eo beave chipmunk po cupine B owse fo dee abbit snowshoe ha e
Food Seeds twigs ba k
Page 3
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees (Continued)
Swamp White Oak Qu rcus bicolor Medium 60-70rsquo
Fast No Info mation Available
FullPa t Shade Moist Fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks
Wildlife Ba ed owl blue jay ca dinal b own th ashe g ouse malla ds nuthatch quail ed-bellied woodpecke ed-tailed hawk uffed g ouse sta ling towhee wild tu key yellow-th oated wable w en beave chipmunk cottontail dee gophe opossum accoon squi el white-footed mouse wild tu key
Food Aco ns
Sweet Gum Liquidambar styraciflua
Medium-La ge 60-100rsquo
Mode ate No Info mation Available
Full Sun Moist Valleys Lowe slopes mixed woodlands
Wildlife Mou ning dove finches junco w en beave chipmunk squi el
Food Seeds
Sycamo e (Planet eeButtonwood)
Platanus occid ntalis
La ge 80-100rsquo
Slow No Info mation Available
FullPa t Shade o Full-Sun
D y o Moist Floodplains lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Finches chipmunk squi el
Food Seeds
Tama ack (Ame icanEaste n La ch)
Larix laricina Small-Medium 40-80rsquo
Va iable Mode ate Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs swamps wet peaty soils d ie upland loamy soils
Wildlife Blue jay kinglets pheasant ed c ossbill obin uffed g ouse sp uce g ouse yellow-bellied sapsucke chipmunk dee po cupine ed squi el snowshoe ha e
Food Needles twigs inne ba k seeds
White Ash Fraxinus am ricana
Medium-La ge 70-100rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods valleys slopes fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks
Wildlife Finches g osbeaks ed-winged blackbi d wood duck dee squi el
Food Seeds foliage
White Bi ch (Pape Bi ch)
B tula papyrif ra Medium 50-75rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Fo ested wetlands ich woods Wildlife G ouse siskins
Food Seeds buds
White Oak Qu rcus alba Medium-La ge 50-90rsquo
Mode ate Deep FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Deep ich well-d ained
St eambanks lakesho es gentle slopes adapts to almost any condition
Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe nuthatch quail uffed g ouse towhee wild tu key wood duck woodpecke chipmunk bea dee gophe opossum accoon squi el
Food Aco ns
White Sp uce Pic a glauca Medium 40-70rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist St eambanks lakesho es ich woods adjacent slopes
Wildlife Fishe s ma tens snowshoe ha e voles
Food Seeds
Yellow Bi ch (Sweet Bi ch)
B tula all ghani nsis
Medium-La ge 70-100rsquo
Slow Shallow Mode ate
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Fo ested wetlands floodplains avines cool ich woods of high elevations
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee common edpoll goldfinch pine siskins ed-shoulde ed hawk ing-necked pheasant uffed g ouse wild tu key wood duck yellow-bellied sapsucke beave chipmunk dee po cupine squi el snowshow ha e
Food Catkins buds ba k twigs foliage seeds
Page 4
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs
Ame ican Hazelnut Corylus am ricana Medium 5-10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Bo de s of woods hillsides thickets
Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe ceda waxwing hai y woodpecke ing-necked pheasant uffed g ouse chipmunk dee abbit squi el
Food Nuts be ies foliage
Beaked Hazelnut Corylus cornuta Small 6-10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y D y places Wildlife Bi ds mammals
Food Beaked nuts
Black Chokebe y Aronia m loncarpa
Medium Up to 10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Ceda waxwing chickadees uffed g ouse sha p-tailed g ouse dee abbit squi el
Food Be ies buds
Buttonbush C phalanthus occid ntalis
Medium 6-12rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
St eambanks lakesho es ponds sh ub and fo ested wetlands
Wildlife Ducks ails uby-th oated hummingbi d beave dee musk at butte flies honeybees and othe insects
Food F uit twigs leaves seeds necta
Chokeche y Prunus virginiana Small 3-6rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist With Aspen d y soils Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe catbi d c ow easte n kingbi d evening g osbeak o ioles pileated woodpecke ing-necked pheasant obin ose g osbeak uffed g ouse th ushes yellow-bellied sapsucke abbit squi el
Food Be ies buds foliage
Elde be y Sambucus canad nsis
Small-Medium 3-12rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods sh ub and fo ested wetlands ma shes
Wildlife Bluebi ds blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d g osbeak indigo bunting pileated woodpecke inged-neck pheasant obin ose-b easted g osbeak uffed g ouse th ushes wild tu key woodpecke chipmunk dee abbit squi el
Food Be ies necta twigs bugs
G ay Dogwood (Red-Panicle Dogwood)
Cornus rac mosa Medium 10-15rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Roadsides thickets wetlands Wildlife Blue jay ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing easte n kingbi d finch flycatche g osbeak hai y woodpecke no the n flicke phoebe pileated woodpecke pine g osbeak pine wa ble ed-bellied woodpecke ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse sta ling swamp spa ow tufted titmouse vee y vi eo wild tu key wood duck wood th ush woodcock yellow-bellied sapsucke chipmunk dee ed fox abbit squi el
Food Be ies twigs
Highbush Bluebe y Vaccinium corymbosum
Medium 5-15rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Baltimo e o iole bluebi d blue jay ca dinal chickadee g ay catbi d kingbi d o ioles phoebe ed-bellied woodpecke ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse ufos-sided towhee sca let tanage tufted titmouse vee y wild tu key woodpecke s wood th ush black bee chipmunk dee musk at abbit squi el white-footed mouse
Food Be ies foliage twigs buds
Hobblebush Viburnum alnifolium
Medium Up to 10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Cool moist avines shady lakesho es
Wildlife B own th ashe ca dinal ceda waxwing evening g osbeak obin
Food F uit
Page 5
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs (Continued)
Junipe Junip rus communis
Small 1-4rsquo
Slow Full Sun D y D y open land Wildlife Ceda waxwing finches g osbeaks g ouse pheasant obin dee abbit moose
Food Twigs foliage f uit
Lowbush Bluebe y Vaccinium angustifolium
1-2rsquo Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Bogs d y sandy flats ocky slopes
Wildlife Blue jay g ouse kingbi d o iole obin tanage s woodpecke s squi el
Food Be ies foliage twigs
Malebe y Lyonia ligustris Up to 10rsquo Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods gentle slopes
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food F uit
Mapleleaf Vibu num Viburnum ac rifolium
Small 3-6rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Rich woods Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food F uit
Mountain Lau el Kalmia latifolia Up to 20rsquo Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Mixed uplands acid soils Wildlife Ruffed g ouse dee
Food Foliage buds twigs necta
Nannybe y Viburnum l ntago Medium-La ge 10-25rsquo
Mode ate FallPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Rich woods Wildlife Songbi ds mammals
Food Be ies
No the n A owwood Viburnum r cognitum
Medium 10-15rsquo
Mode ate FallPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse songbi ds bea chipmunks accoon squi el skunk white-footed mouse
Food Be ies
No the n Wild Raisin (Withe od Vibu num)
Viburnum nudum varcassinoid s
Medium 6-10
Mode ate FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands valleys slopes st eambanks
Wildlife B own th ashe ceda waxwing flycatche uffed g ouse vee y woodcock yellow-wa ble chipmunk dee musk at squi el snowshoe ha e
Food Ba k twigs buds
Pussy Willow Salix discolor Medium-La ge Up to 15rsquo
Fast Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks lakesho es
Wildlife Ame ican goldfinch uffed g ouse beave ha e abbits squi el
Food Buds catkins twigs ba k
Raspbe y Rubus ida us Small Up to 6rsquo
Fast FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Thickets edges of woods Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food F uits
Red Osie Dogwood Cornus stolonif ra Small-Medium 4-8rsquo
Fast FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods st eambanks lakesho es
Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing downy woodpecke easte n kingbi d finches no the n flicke pine wa ble pu ple finch inged-neck pheasant uffed g ouse vi eo wild tu key woodpecke s wood duck chipmunk dee abbit squi el
Food Be ies twigs
Rhodo a Rhodod ndron canad ns
Small 3-4rsquo
Slow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs slopes ocky summits Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Leaves
Page 6
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs (Continued)
Shadbush (Se vicebe yJunebe y)
Am lanchi r spp La ge 15-25rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks ich woods
Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing g ay catbi d junco o ioles ed squi el obin uffed g ouse sca let tanage th ushes vee y woodpecke s beave dee ed squi el skunk
Food Be ies twigs
Silky Dogwood Cornus amomum Medium 6-10rsquo
Fast FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks
Wildlife Baltimo e o iole black-capped chickadee blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing downy woodpecke easte n kingbi d flycatche mockingbi d no the n flicke pine wa ble pu ple finch ed-bellied woodpecke inged-necl pheasant obin ose-b easted g osbeak uffed g ouse song spa ow sta lings tufted-titmouse wild tu key wood duck wood th ush vee y chipmunk dee abbit accoon skunk squi el white-footed mouse
Food Be ies buds twigs
Speckled Alde Alnus rugosa La ge 15-25rsquo
Fast Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks lakesho es
Wildlife Alde flycatche catbi d goldfinch malla ds pheasant pine siskin ed-winged blackbi d uffed g ouse swamp spa ow yellow-bellied flycatche woodcock bea beave dee cottontail moose musk at snowshoe ha e
Food Buds twigs ba k leaves
Spicebush Lind ra b nzoin Small-La ge 6-17rsquo
Mode ate Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Catbi d kingbi d pheasant quail obin uffed g ouse vee y vi eo wood th ush swallowtail butte flies dee musk at
Food F uit buds twigs leaves
Swamp Azalea Rhodod ndron viscosum
Up to 5rsquo Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Hummingbi d butte flies and othe insects dee
Food Leaves necta
Swamp Blackbe y Rubus hispidus Small Up to 6rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal ceda waxwing g ackle g ay catbi d g osbeak mockingbi d o iole tanage ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse ufus-sided th ushes towhee vee y wild tu key woodcock woodpecke s wood th ush chipmunk cottontail dee accoon skunk squi el
Food F uit canes
Sweet Gale Myrica gal Small 1-4rsquo
Slow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee catbi d common yellowth oat phoebe pied-billed g ebe uffed g ouse t ee swallow tufted titmouse wild tu key dee musk at
Food Buds leaves
Sweet Peppe bush Cl thra alnifolia Medium 3-10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Butte flies and othe insects
Food F uit seeds necta
Winte be y Holly (Black Alde )
Il x v rticillata Medium 6-10rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eamabanks
Wildlife Ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing chickadees finches flicke s uffed g ouse th ushes vi eo woodpecke s bea cottontail dee moose skunk white-footed mouse
Food Be ies twigs leaves
Page 7
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs (Continued)
Witch Hazel Hammam lis virginiana
La ge 20-30rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist D y o ich woods Wildlife Ca dinal ing-necked pheasant uffed g ouse wild tu key dee squi els
Food Seeds buds twigs ba k
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
GroundcoverHerbaceous Perennials
Boneset Eupatorium p rfoliatum
4-6rsquo Full Sun D y o Moist Wet meadows ma shes pond edges
Wildlife Malla ds uffed g ouse swamp spa ow wild tu key butte flies and othe insects
Food Necta
Blue Flag I is Iris v rsicolor 2-3rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Ma shes lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Blue-winged teal uby-th oated hummingbi d wood duck butte flies and othe insects musk at
Food Necta shoots
Bunchbe y Cornus canad nsis 3-8rdquo FullPa t Shade Moist Cool moist woods Wildlife Sha p-tailed g ouse sp uce-g ouse moose
Food F uit buds
Ca dinal Flowe Lob lia cardinalis 2-4rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Damp sites st eambanks Wildlife Ruby-th oated hummingbi ds butte flies and othe insects bea dee
Food Necta
Cattail (B oad-Leaf) Typha latifolia Up to 10rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Ma shes lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Blue-winged teal black-c owned night he on ed-winged blackbi d king ail least and Ame ican bitte n malla ds ma sh w en swamp spa ow Vi ginia ail chipmunk dee musk at
Food Seed heads
Ch istmas Fe n Polystichium acrostichoid s
Up to 1rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Rich woods Wildlife Ruffed g ouse box tu tle chipmunk abbit
Food F onds filldeheads
Cinnamon Fe n Osmunda cinnamom a
Up to 3rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife B own th ashe uby-th oated hummingbi d uffed g ouse yellow th oat chipmunk dee white-footed mouse vole
Food F onds filldeheads
Foamflowe Tiar lla cordifolia Up to 1rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Rich woods Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Leaves
Golden od (Rough o G ass-Leaved)
Solidago spp 1-5rsquo Full Sun D y o Moist Wet meadows ma shes damp swales
Wildlife Goldfinch junco uffed g ouse swamp spa ow butte flies and othe insects cottontail meadow mice
Food Seeds necta
Page 8
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
GroundcoverHerbaceous Perennials (Continued)
Hay-Scented Fe n D nnsta dtia punctiloula
Up to 2rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Woodlands hillside pastu es Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds filldeheads
Inte upted Fe n Osmunda punctiloula
3-4rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Woodland edges stony d y soil Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds filldeheads
Jewelweed (Spotted-Touch-Me-Not)
Impati ns cap nsis 2-5rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks
Wildlife Ring-necked pheasant uffed g ouse uby-th oated hummingbi d vee y butte flies and othe insects white-footed mouse
Food Necta seeds
Joe Pye Weed Eupatorium purpur um
2-6rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Wet meadows ma shes sho es Wildlife Ruby-th oated hummingbi d swamp spa ow butte flies and othe insects cottontail musk at accoon
Food Necta
New England Aste Ast r nova -anglia
Up to 5rsquo Full Sun D y o Moist Wet meadows wetlands Wildlife Songbi ds butte flies and othe insects Food Necta seeds
Ost ich Fe n Pt r tis p nsylvanica
Up to 6rsquo FullPa t Shade Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds fiddleheads
Pa t idgebe y Mitch lla r p ns Up to 1rsquo FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Rich woods Wildlife G ouse mammals
Food Be ies
Rattlesnake Manna G ass
Glyc ria canad nsis
Up to 3rsquo Full Sun Moist Ma shes bogs fo ested wetlands lakesho es
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Seeds
Rice Cutg ass L rsia oryzoid s Up to 5rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
P ima ily f esh ma shes Wildlife Dee musk at moose
Food Seeds foliage
Rive bank G ape (Vine) Vistis riparia Up to 25rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist St eambanks Wildlife Pileated woodpecke uffed g ouse wild tu key wood duck va ious mammals
Food F uit
Royal Fe n Osmunda r galis Up to 5rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds fiddleheads
Sensitive Fe n Onocl a s nsibilis Up to 3rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Black-capped chickadee uffed g ouse bea dee
Food Buds foliage
Sheep Lau el Kalmia angustifolia
Up to 4rsquo FallPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo est wetlands fieldspastu es
Poisonous to livestock
Swamp Milkweed Ascl pias incarnata
Up to 2rsquo FallPa t Shade Moist Wet meadows wetlands thickets sho es
Wildlife Black duck malla ds ed-winged blackbi d uby-th oated hummingbi d Mona ch butte fly othe butte flies and insects musk at Food Necta seeds
Page 9
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
GroundcoverHerbaceous Perennials (Continued)
Sweet Fe n Componia p rigrina
1-3rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Open d y sandy soils and pastu es
Wildlife Flicke s sha p-tailed g ouse dee moose
Food F uit
Tall Meadow Rue Thalictrum polyganum
2-8rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Wetlands wet meadows st eamsides
Wildlife Bees butte flies
Food Necta
Tussock Sedge Car x stricta Up to 4rdquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Ma shes ich woods Wildlife Finches uffed g ouse snipe spa ows dee
Food Seeds foliage
Twinflowe Linna a bor alis Up to 6rdquo FullPa t Shade Moist Rich woods Wildlife Mammals
Food Foliage
Vi ginia C eepe (Vine) Parth nocissus quinqu folia
Up to 25rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Woods ocky banks Wildlife Bluebi d g eat-c ested flycatche ed-eyes vi eo pileated woodpecke
Food Be ies
Who led Loosest ife Lysimachia quadrifolia
Up to 4rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist D y o moist open woods thickets
Wildlife Mammals
Food Foliage
Wild Sa sapa illa Aralia nudicanlis 8-15rdquo FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Upland woods Wildlife Mammals
Food Foliage seeds be ies
Winte g een (Teabe yChecke be y)
Gaulth ria procumb ns
Up to 4rdquo Full Sun D y Oak woods sandy soils Wildlife Pa t idge uffed g ouse songbi ds chipmunk dee moose
Food F uit foliage
References
Baldwin Hen y Ives ldquoFor st L av s How to Id ntify Tr s and Shrubs of North rn N w Englandrdquo Pete E Randall Publishe 1993
Connecticut Rive Joint Commission ldquoRiparian Buff rs for th Conn cticut Riv r Wat rsh drdquo 2000 httpwwwc jco gpdffilesPlant20listspdf
Ha low William M ldquoTr s of th East rn and C ntral Unit d Stat s and Canadardquo Dove Publications 1942
New Hampshi e Depa tment of Envi onmental Se vices Th Critical Edg Appendix D 1998
New Hampshi e Depa tment of Resou ces and Economic Development Division of Fo ests and Lands State Fo est Nu su y ldquoWildlif Cons rvation Sp ci s D scriptionsrdquo 2001
Nie ing William A ldquoNational Audubon Soci ty Natur Guid s W tlandsrdquo Chanticlee P ess Inc 1997
Redington Cha les B ldquoPlants in W tland Fi ld Guid to Biological Int ractionssrdquo KendallHunt Publishing Company 1994
Sutton Ann and My on ldquoNational Audubon Soci ty Natur Guid s East rn For stsrdquo Alf ed A Knopf Inc 1997
Unive sity of New Hampshi e Coope ative Extension ldquoTr s and Shrubs in N w Hampshir A Guid book for Natural B auty Proj ctsrdquo Bulletin 163
Unive sity of New Hampshi e Coope ative Extension ldquoN w Hampshir rsquos Nativ Tr s Shrubs and Vin s with Wildlif Valu rdquo
Compiled by
Jen D ociak New Hampshi e Depa tment of Envi onmental Se vices Wate Division Wate shed Management Bu eau
Ma ch 2006
Page 10
A Field Guide to Common Ripa ian
Plants of New Hampshi e 1
In The ater Submerged Aquatic Plants
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 1
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic
an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 2
BLADDER ORT
Utricu aria spp
Status Native Approximately 10 species in New Hampshire
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers bogs
Height 2-3 feet long
Stem Long slen er flexible branche typically becoming etache from roots an free-floating
Leaves Alternate filamentous finely-forke with attache ldquobla ersrdquo
Flower Stalks occurring at irregular intervals along stem Each stalk bearing 6-20 small pink to yellow two-lippe ldquosnap ragon-likerdquo flowers an emerging several inches out of the water or mu
Flowering Period June into September
Fruit Capsule containing many see s
Value Provi es foo an cover for fish Since they are free-floating they can grow in areas with very loose se iment provi ing nee e fish habitat in areas that are not rea ily colonize by roote plants
Similar Species Fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) coontail (Ceratophyllum spp) milfoil (Myriophyllum spp) Bla erwort may be istinguishe from these plants by the alternate forke leaves branching from the base into 2 main ivisions an presence of the ldquobla ersrdquo on the leaves (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Bla erwort may resemble the milfoils but there are two istinguishing features One is the bla ers on the leaves the other is that milfoils have feather-like leaves that have one central leaf stem with nearly opposite unbranche leaflets The leaflets of bla erwort are more branche an forke (Smagula an Connor 2007)
This carnivorous plant has trigger hairs on each bla er that open a trap- oor an suck in water along with the organism that triggere the reaction These organisms can range from insect larvae to tiny zooplankton Once insi e the bla ers the organism is igeste by enzymes foun there Special cells then take the igeste material from the bla ers an move it to the stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 3
COONTAILHORN ORT
Ceratophy um demersum
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Height Variable accor ing to water epth
Stem Long toothe trailing much branche
Leaves Whorle smooth up to 1 frac12 inches long 3 forks nearly threa -like flattene an toothe segments
Flower Tiny purplish-green foun where the leaf attaches to the stem an stays entirely submerge Male an female occurring separately
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Dark brown see approximately frac14 inch long with two spines at the base an one at the tip
Value The stiff whorls of leaves offer habitat for many species especially uring the winter when many other plants are re uce to roots an rhizomes Both foliage an fruit are graze by waterfowl Bushy stems are home to many invertebrates an provi e important shelter an foraging opportunities for fish
Similar Species Mermai -wee (Proserpina a palustris) fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) Coontail may be istinguishe from these plants by its whorle toothe leaves its tiny sessile axillary flowers an beake fruits (Smagula an Connor 2007)
The whorle leaves often cause the plant to be confuse with water milfoil This plant has a plastic-like feel an leaves ten to be thickly clustere at the tips of the stems The leaves are completely whorle aroun the stem an forke milfoil leaves are istinctly feather-like (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 4
VARIABLE ATER MILFOIL
Myriophy um heterophy um
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Height Slen er flexible long (up to 15 feet) Tip often emerging above water when flowering Data from a University of New Hampshire stu y can suggest that variable water milfoil can grow an inch per ay
Stem Roun thick re ish If broken in half the stem resembles a ldquowheel spokerdquo
Leaves Mostly submerge opposite or in whorls of 4 to 6 an can grow up to 2 inches long Leaves on upper stem are whorle an may be whorle or alternate on lower stem Emerge leaves occurring only towar the stem tips
Flower Small inconspicuous brownish occurring singly in the axils of the upper leaves usually above water uring flowering
Flowering Period In July flowers emerge from the water an are in a spike up to 6 inches tall Can also form a succulent amphibious form when water levels rece e
Fruit Very small four-lobe nutlike
Similar Species Mermai -wee (Proserpina a palustris) fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) coontail (Ceratophyllum spp) Variable milfoil may be istinguishe from these plants by the numerous scattere finely pinnately issecte leaves an floating or upright stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)
The plant is more robust than the other water milfoil species It has a very thick an heavy stem It can only be positively i entifie with the flower present or by DNA analysis (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Fragments of variable milfoil are ma e by passing boats wave action an auto-fragmentation These fragments may float freely an sprea for one or two weeks as they generate roots Once roots make contact with se iment the fragment attaches the roots sprea laterally an expan the footprint of the colony With one fragment an entire colony can arise Colonies can outcompete native plants re ucing bio iversity (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 5
ATER EEDDITCHMOSS
E odea Canadensis E nutta ii
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Height Up to 2 feet long occasionally forming ense colonies
Stem Slen er smooth branche
Leaves Long upper an mi le leaves in whorls of 3 with very finely-toothe margins Those of the male plants linear or lanceolate pointe at the tip up to frac12 inch long Those of the female plants broa ly lanceolate roun e or slightly pointe at the tip up to 58 inch long
Flower Green or white with 3 petals
Flowering Period July to September
Fruit A few to many-see e cylin rical capsule
Value Branching stems offer valuable habitat an grazing opportunities for fish Also provi es foo for muskrats an waterfowl They can eat the plant itself or fee on a wi e variety of invertebrates that use the plant as habitat
Similar Species Commonly mistaken for its invasive relative Brazillian elo ea It can be istinguishe by its smooth leaf margins
There are two common species of waterwee in New Hampshire E anadensis an Enuttalii Elodea anadensis ten s to have slightly broa er leaves with blunt tips whereas Enuttalii ten s to have thinner more nee le-like leaves that are pointe at the tips (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Enuttalii can be foun in alkaline to aci ic environments an E anadensis can be foun in alkaline or neutral systems (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 6
ILD CELERYTAPE GRASS
Va isneria americana
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers In water 4 - 6 feet eep
Height 1-3 feet long
Stem Slen er embe e horizontally in the mu near the surface an usually rooting at intervals
Leaves Narrow ribbon-like 1-3 feet in length with a light-colore center stripe mostly submerge with the tips floating
Flower Unisexual the female flower solitary an floating at the surface at the en of a long stalk The male flower on another plant submerge an attache to a short stalk near the bottom breaking off an floating to the surface at flowering time
Flowering Period July to October
Fruit Cylin rical po up to 2 inches long attache to a long stalk which coils up rawing the fruit un er water to mature
Value Source of foo for waterfowl All portions of the plant are consume foliage rhizomes tubers an fruit Muskrat are also known to graze on it Be s provi e sha e shelter an foo for fish
Similar Species Often confuse with the submerge leaves of bur-ree Tape grass can be istinguishe by its heavy air-fille leaves vertically veine centers an lightly veine e ges Unlike bur-ree this plant has no rib on the back of the leaf
Photo ourtesy of Amy Smagula
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 7
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic
an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 8
On The ater
Floating Aquatic Plants
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 9
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 10
FLOATING HEART
Nyphoi es cor ata
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Roun in cross section
Leaves Small heart-shape re ish to purple Approximately 1 ndash 1 frac12 inches wi e
Flower Small white 5 petals
Flowering Period Mi -summer
Similar Species The leaves are often confuse with those of the yellow water lily but are only about the size of a half- ollar an the shape resembles a heart with the same soft V-shape of the yellow water lily Floating heart has a small white flower that can be foun in mi -summer yellow water lily has a large yellow flower that blooms most of the summer (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 11
ATERSHIELD
Brasenia schreberi
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Roun in cross section Attache to the center of the un ersi e of the leaf
Leaves Oval Un ersi es are ark pink Leaves approximately 4 inches wi e Un ersi e of the leaves an stem have a jelly-like coating that protects them from being eaten by insects
Flower Small ark pink to purple 6 petals
Flowering Period July
Similar Species Resembles the leaves of the water lily as well as those of floating heart
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 12
HITE ATER LILY
Nymphea or orata
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Roun in cross section attache to the center of the un ersi e of the leaf
Leaves Roun with a V-shape notch on one si e Up to 12 inches wi e
Flower Large white sweet-smelling Up to 4 inches wi e
Flowering Period June - September
Similar Species White water lily can be istinguishe from the yellow water lily an floating heart by the V-shape notch near the stem attachment an the more roun e shape of the leaf
Both the yellow water lily an floating heart have a more roun e heart-shape notch Yellow water lily leaves are much more oval than the white water lily which has a circular leaf Floating heart leaves are no more than a few inches in length (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 13
YELLO ATER LILY
Nuphar variegata
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Triangular in cross section attache to the lobe en of the un ersi e of the leaf
Leaves Giant floating Up to 12 to 15 inches wi e
Flower Yellow flower petals appear cuppe aroun the inner flower parts an o not open completely like those of the white water lily
Flowering Period June ndash September
Similar Species Often confuse with floating heart an white water lily though floating heart is much smaller in leaf length an wi th The white water lily also has a much more roun e leaf with a sharp V-shape notch (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 14
DUCK EED
Lemna spp
Status Native
Habitat Surfaces of some lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers an often in stagnant waters of wetlan areas
Stem No true stems
Leaves This plant has no true leaves or stems an only has a flat green plant bo y calle a thallus They are very small only about 116 of an inch wi e (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Duckwee s blanket the water surface in colonies There may be one or more roots hanging into the water but the plant is free-floating
Flower This plant rarely flowers
Similar Species Many people think that ense growths of uckwee resemble an algae bloom (Smagula an Connor 2007)
ATERMEAL
Wolfifa spp
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem No true stems
Leaves Elliptical an flat
Flower This plant rarely flowers but is consi ere the worl rsquos smallest flowering plant
Similar Species Unlike uckwee this plant completely lacks roots an must be inspecte closely to etect this ifference Watermeal may also resemble an algae bloom but can be istinguishe by simply touching the waterrsquos surface to see if tiny plants are stuck to your fingers (watermeal) or if the water has a slimy film (algae) It is commonly foun growing along with uckwee (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Photo co rtesy of Amy Smag la
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 15
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 16
On the dge mergent Herbaceous Plants
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 17
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 18
ARROW ARUM
Peltan ra virginica
Status Native
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In mu or shallow water
Height Up to 2 feet tall growing in loose colonies
Stem Lacking a true stem Leaf an flower stalks arising from a thick root
Leaves Large arrow-shape Lower lobes separating an tapering to the tips Each lobe an the main stem have one prominent central vein from which other smaller veins originate The smaller veins are parallel to one another Leaf bla e with a vein running along the entire outline just insi e the margin
Flower Vertically-curle green Very small spathe almost completely covering the thin whitish fleshy spike White male flowers above green female flowers sheath tapering to the base an tip green outsi e an white insi e Flowering cluster at the en of a long nake stalk
Flowering Period May to July
Fruit Easily i entifie in the fall by its cluster of greenish-brown berries enclose in a green leathery case the stalk curve ownwar at maturity
Similar Species Arrowhea (Sagattaria latifolia) Arrow Arum may be istinguishe by its 3 prominent veins
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 19
ARROWH ADDUCK-POTATO
Sagittaria spp
Status Native There are several species in New Hampshire Slatifolia and Sgraminea are the most common
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In mu or completely submerge
Height Up to 1 frac12 feet tall
Stem Lacking an upright visible stem Leaves an flowering stalk arising from a fibrous roote base Several un ergroun runners each giving rise to a tuber the size of a small potato up to 2 inches wi e
Leaves Shape is variable within an between species Leaves can be broa ly or narrowly arrow-shape lance-shape or tape-like Leaves appear to clasp the base of the flowering stalk Leaf veins all originate from the point where the stem connects to the leaf an ra iate outwar from that point
Flower White petals in whorls of three with a yellow center up to 1 frac12 inch wi e Male flowers at the top with female ones lower on the flower stalk
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Flat winge crow e in a flattene hea up to frac12 inch wi e Ball-shape fruit clusters of green nutlets
Value Known as ldquo uck potatoesrdquo Arrowhea pro uces e ible starchy tubers beneath the mu eaten by ucks an muskrats
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 20
BLU -FLAG IRIS
Iris versicolor
Status Native
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In less than 3 feet of water
Height Up to 3 feet tall Growing in small colonies
Stem Upright robust flattene on one si e simple or with one or two branches from creeping rhizomes embe e in the mu Rhizome very shallow an sometimes expose above the se iment
Leaves Appearing basal but actually alternate bluish-green swor -like an up to 14 inches long an frac34 inch wi e ascen ing in a flat plane or fan-like arrangement Flower stalks are taller than the leaves
Flower Large purplish-blue stalke with 3 larger outer rooping petals whitish towar the base an 3 upright smaller petals in the center
Flowering Period June through July
Fruit Capsule up to 2 frac12 inches long with 3 roun e e ges contains numerous flattene see s often persisting into winter
Value Provi es foo an cover for waterfowl an wil life
Similar Species Leaves may be confuse with those of cattail (Typha spp)or sweet flag (Acorus calmus) Blue flag iris may be istinguishe by blueish-green leaves arrange in flat plane
Photo co rtesy of Amy Smag la
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 21
BLU V RVAIN
Verbena hastata
Status Native
Habitat E ges of pon s marshes streams an rivers
Height Up to 4 feet tall growing in small colonies
Stem Rough four-si e fairly straight arising from a fibrous roote base
Leaves Up to 6 inches long stalke toothe tapere at the tip with a rough surface
Flower 5 small blue petals in a pencil-like spike occurring singly or in clusters with in ivi ual flowers blooming perio ically from the base to the top of spike
Flowering Period July into October
Fruit Separating into four nutlets
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 22
BON S T THOROUGHWORT
Eupatorium perfoliatum
Status Native
Habitat Wet mea ows marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall Branche growing in small colonies
Stem Upright robust lightly- owny arising from a fibrous roote base
Leaves Opposite lanceolate tapering an pointe at the tip toothe with the base clasping the stem Heavily veine Up to 8 inches long an 2 inches wi e at the base
Flower Whitish in 3-4 terminal clusters up to 8 inches long
Flowering Period Late July through October
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 23
BUR-R D
Sparganium eurycarpum
Status Native
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Emergent in shallow water up to 1 foot eep or submerge in water up to 4 feet eep
Height Up to 3 feet tall
Stem Upright stout smooth arising from rhizomes embe e horizontally in the mu a few inches beneath the surface Zigzag stalks
Leaves Alternate linear up to 4 feet long Emergent stem leaves narrow up to 1 frac12 feet tall triangular in cross-section an ri ge on their back si e Certain species are erect while others are floating an ribbon-like
Flower Lower bulbs or burs are clusters of greenish female
flowers Upper smaller burs are white male flowers
Flowering Period June through August
Fruit A burr-like hea on a short or long stalk
Value Colonies provi e nesting sites for waterfowl an shorebir s The fruit is eaten by a variety of waterfowl an the whole plant is graze by muskrat an eer
Similar Species This plant is easily confuse with wil celery (Vallisneria americana) if the leaves are tape-like or with young cattail (Typha spp) if leaves are emergent For the floating form bur-ree has a ri ge own the back of the long leaf When erect an emergent leaves are shorter in height than those of cattail with a istinct ri ge or almost triangular cross section When in fruit the spiky burr-like fruit is istinctive (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 24
CARDINAL FLOW R
Lobelia car inalis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s sha e e ges streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall often growing in large colonies
Stem Smooth stout arising from a horizontal rhizome embe e shallowly in mu
Leaves Alternate lanceolate to oblong toothe tapering at both en s Lower leaves short-stalke upper leaves stalkless Up to 6 inches long an 1 frac12 inches wi e Smooth to slightly owny thin
Flower Long bright-re 2-lippe tubular flower occurring on terminal spike with the upper lip 2-lobe an lower lip 3-lobe
Flowering Period July into October
Fruit Many-see e capsule with two portions
Value Car inal flower is pollinate mostly by hummingbir s since most insects fin it ifficult to navigate the long tubular flowers
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 25
BROAD-L AF CATTAIL
Typha latifolia
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet swales e ges of lakes an pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 10 feet tall
Stem Upright stiff growing in ense stan s from thick extensively -creeping un ergroun rhizomes
Leaves Green or bluish-green upright linear 2-6 feet long an up to 1 inch wi e arising from base or alternating along the stem Leaves have a spongy feel
Flower Many small flowers packe into tight cigar-like clusters creating a lower female spike toppe by a smaller male spike with no gap between the two flower types Female spike persists turning into the familiar ark brown ldquotailrdquo
Flowering Period June into August
Fruit Small see -like surroun e by many bristles attache to the base
Value Provi es nesting habitat for many bir s such as the re -winge blackbir Shoots an rhizomes are eaten by muskrats an geese Submerse stalks provi e spawning habitat an shelter for fish One of only a few plants where all parts are e ible to humans
Similar Species Narrow-leaf cattail (Typha angustifolia) has narrower leaves a narrower fruiting hea an a gap between the male an female flower clusters
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 26
COMMON R D
Phragmites australis
Status Most stands are Non-Native xotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire Phragmites australis has been present in wetlan s for millennia but a non-native European species has crossbre with P australis an has forme an invasive plant
Habitat Fresh an brackish marshes e ges of lakes an pon s streams rivers an in roa si e itches Full to partial sun
Height Upright 4-14 feet tall usually forming ense colonies
Stem Calle ldquoculmsrdquo are large hollow an grow up to 1 inch wi e
Leaves Bluish-green lanceolate close together an usually sticking out from stems at a large angle up to 2 feet long an 1 inch wi e
Flower Clusters frac12 - 1 foot long often purple when young an whitish an fluffy when ol
Flowering Period Late July to October
Fruit Rarely pro uces see but sprea s vigorously by rhizomes often running over the surface of the groun
Value This plant has little to offer to bir s an mammals besi es cover Phragmites often outcompetes other native wetlan plants thus limiting the plant iversity an foo source value of the wetlan The only animal that fee s on this to any extent is the muskrat (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Similar Species Sometimes confuse with ree canary grass since they both form ense stan s at isturbe sites Ree canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) can be istinguishe by its shorter an narrower leaves spikelets with only one flower an its shorter height
How To Distinguish Native From Non-Native Phragmites
Stems Stems on the non-native variety are typically green but may have a little purple color along the no es Stems on
the native variety have some chestnut or purple color where leaves are pulle back exposing the stem Stems of the native variety are also often shiny an black spots often appear late in the growing season
Leaf Collars Leaf collars on the non-native variety are always green while leaf collars on the native variety may be
purple
Leaf Sheaths On fall stems the leaf sheaths on the non-native variety remain attache Leaf sheaths on the native variety are lost or very loosely attache so leaves rop off the native plants before the intro uce plants This is the best
in icator base seasonal changes that istinguishes native or non-native varieties
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 27
J W LW DSPOTT D TOUCH-M NOT
Impatiens capensis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 4 feet tall Often growing in ense colonies
Stem Upright smooth slightly branching hollow somewhat succulent slightly translucent
Leaves Alternate egg-shape toothe on stalks up to 4 inches long Silvery appearance when hel un er water an appear completely ry upon removal Size an color of foliage vary with ifferences in light exposure an available moisture
Flower Few to several angling orange-yellow three-petale tubularfunnel-shape flowers with re ish brown spots an curve spur at their en s
Flowering Period June through September
Fruit Flat green capsules approximately 1 inch long which at maturity burst when touche ejecting ark-brown see s
Value Especially a apte to hummingbir pollination but bees an butterflies are also important pollinators
The sap from this plant has been clinically proven to relieve skin rashes Jewelwee can be applie to the affecte part of the bo y an neutralizes the urishol oil pro uce by poison ivy an poison oak (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 28
JO PY W D
Eupatorium maculatum
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 6 feet tall Branche growing in small to me ium-size colonies
Stem Stout smooth purple or purple-spotte somewhat rough towar the top arising from a fibrous roote base
Leaves Lanceolate toothe rough short-stalke with large single mi -vein Up to 8 inches long an 2 frac12 inches wi e tapere at the base an tip in whorls of 3-7
Flower Small rose-purple in ense flat-toppe clusters at the top of the stem an at the en s of the branches
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Angular nutlet with a plume of fine bristles at the top
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 29
PICK R LW D
Ponte aria cor ata
Status Native
Habitat Marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 3 feet tall often growing in ense colonies
Stem Upright stout smooth arising from a rhizome bearing one leaf an one terminal spike
Leaves Basal an alternate very large arrowhea to heart-shape glossy with prominent parallel veins blunt tip on a spongy leaf stalk
Flower Many small tubular violet-blue flowers approximately frac12 inch long on solitary spike with a sheath at the base
Flowering Period June through August
Fruit Small bla er-like with toothe ri ges containing one see
Value See s are consume by waterfowl an muskrats Networks of rhizomes an leaves also offer sha e an shelter for fish
Similar Species This plant can be istinguishe from its close look-alikes arrow arum an arrowhea by its light bluish-purple flower spike Bases of the leaves are more roun e whereas arrowhea an arrow arum leaves are more pointe (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 30
PURPL LOOS STRIF
Lythrum salicaria
Status Non-Native xotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire
Habitat Marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams rivers an in roa si e itches Full to partial sun
Height 2-6 feet tall
Stem Upright smooth to slightly- owny Square four-si e almost woo y
Leaves Opposite to whorle lanceolate often with heart-shape bases somewhat clasping stem sometimes in whorls of 3 Gra ually tapering to a point 3 to 4 inches long an frac12 to 1 inch wi e
Flower 5-7 purple petals in a ense terminal spike
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Many-see e capsule
Value Little wil life value See s are low in nutrition an roots are too woo y The flowers are attractive to insects They pro uce nectar an are regularly visite by honeybees
This plant outcompetes other wetlan plants which are beneficial foo sources for wil life an insects It repro uces by pro ucing millions of see s per plant an quickly takes over the lan scape when intro uce It also sprea s by rhizome (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 31
R D CANARY GRASS
Phalaris arun inacea
Status Non-Native xotic Invasive
Habitat Swales marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Although it is usually a shoreline plant it can survive in knee- eep water by sprouting ldquowater rootsrdquo on the submerse portion of the stem Forms ense stan s in isturbe areas where clearing gra ing siltation filling or other isruptions have create an opening with moist soil
Height Up to 7 feet tall Often growing in ense colonies
Stem Upright stiff from extensively-creeping rhizomes
Leaves Alternate upright grayish-green open sheath an ligule at the leaf axis Bla es fairly long an narrow up to 12 inches long an frac34 inches wi e
Flower Green to greenish-purple spikelets single-flowere lanceolate ense Terminal inflorescence up to 7 inches long branche an compresse early in the season but opening after fertilization
Flowering Period June through August
Value Low foo value Provi es summer cover an habitat for waterfowl at isturbe sites However it ten s to mat own in winter provi ing little winter cover for wil life
Similar Species Sometimes confuse with bluejoint grass (Calamagrostis canadensis) However the spikelets of bluejoint are in a loose open arrangement an the no es have a bluish to purplish cast
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 32
SOFT-ST MM D BULRUSH
Scirpus vali us
Status Native
Habitat Wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Usually growing in water less than 5 feet eep Ten s to be foun on ldquomuckierrdquo substrate an will grow in stagnant water
Height Usually up to 5 feet but can grow up to 10 feet tall Often growing in extensive colonies
Stem Upright grayish-green often arching up to frac34 inch thick at the base arising from stout re ish rhizomes Soft roun tapering to a point
Leaves No apparent leaves
Flowers Inconspicuous many-stalke bu like spikelets covere by re ish-brown scales locate imme iately below the top of stem Clusters mostly rooping but not in higher salinity areas
Flowering Period June into September
Fruit See -like nutlet with 4-6 bristles attache to the base
Value Provi es habitat for invertebrates an shelter for young fish Nutlets consume by a variety of waterfowl marsh bir s an uplan bir s Stems an rhizomes eaten by geese an muskrat Also provi es nesting material an cover for waterfowl marsh bir s an muskrat
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 33
SWAMP LOOS STRIF WAT R WILLOW
Deco on verticillatus
Status Native shrub becoming herbaceous towar the tips
Habitat Wetlan s bogs e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Shallow water with muck or peat se iment Can form floating mats in areas of very soft se iment
Height Up to 5 feet tall
Stem Ri gi woo y smooth to slightly- owny 3-9 feet long The lower rooting stems are spongy an buttresse giving rise to new arching stems
Leaves Opposite or in whorls of 3 gra ually tapering to a point 3-4 inches long an frac12 to 1 inch wi e sessile or short-stalke
Flower Pinkish-purple bell-shape with 5-7 sepals an 5 petals forming showy clusters in the axils of the mi le to upper leaves
Flowering Period July through August
Fruit Small brownish capsule with 3-5 partitions the clusters sometimes persisting above the leaf scars throughout winter
Value The many intertwining arching stems may form sizable clusters at the e ges of lakes an sluggish streams or floating bog mats Wherever a stem touches the water air-fille spongy tissue may evelop This tissue buoys the stem so that it may root an form a new arching stem
Similar Species May be confuse with the invasive purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) Swamp loosestrife can be istinguishe by the arching stems an showy axillary flower clusters as well as the roun stem instea of the square stem of purple loosestrife (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 34
THR -WAY S DG
Dulichium arun inaceum
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Extensive be s can be foun in shallow (less than 3 feet) water Grows in a variety of se iment types an can tolerate some turbi ity
Height Up to 3 feet tall solitary or in small colonies
Stem Roun hollow jointe arising from a horizontal rhizome
Leaves Linear up to 4 inches long an 38 inch wi e with a conspicuous sheath the latter close except at the top
When looking own upon the plant the leaves are line up an appear to ra iate from three angles away from the main stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Flower Inconspicuous flattene linear sessile spikelets in the axils or two-ranke scales of the brownish spikelets 8-10 along the axillary stalk
Flowering Period July through October
Fruit Flattene brownish see -like nutlet toppe with a beak
Value Eaten occasionally by a variety of ucks an geese Rhizomes an shoots also graze by muskrats
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 35
WOOL GRASS
Scirpus cyperinus
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall growing in small colonies
Stem Upright robust roun to triangular especially at the base
Leaves Elongate from base of stem up to 2 feet long Leaves imme iately below the flower are in clusters of 3-5 an may reach 5 inches long an roop at the tips
Flower Clusters of 6-12 spikelets at en s of rooping stems Flower clusters up to 12 inches long much branche
Flowering Period August through September
Fruit Whitish see -like nutlet with bristles much longer than the scales attache to the base the bristles impart the wooly appearance to the spikelets
Value Provi es foo an cover for waterfowl an other wil life
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 36
Ferns
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 37
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 38
INNAMON FERN
Osmund cinn mome
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Often growing near somewhat similar an relate interrupte fern (Polys ichum aros ichoides)
Height Up to 3 feet tall
Stem Upright stout smooth green an covere with cinnamon-colore wooly stalk
Leaves Sterile (vegetative) fron s up to 3 feet high upright to slightly arche lance-shape with 20+ opposite leaflets Fertile fron s o not persist through the summer whereas vegetative fron s remain until first frost
Reproduction Club-like fertile fron with groups of spore cases on leaflets that hug the main axis
Fruiting Period Spring
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 39
OSTRI H FERN
Pteretis pensylv nic
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 6 feet tall forming tussocks or clumps
Stem Stout nake for up 1 foot from the base green flattene an black at the base covere with papery brown scales Arising from a forking shallowly-embe e rhizome an giving rise to stout black scaly runners
Leaves Sterile fron s forming circles gra ually narrowe at the base an abruptly narrowe to the tip Fertile fron s up to 2 feet tall an 2 inches wi e nake for approximately half their length the nake portions shiny brown crow e sprea ing or ascen ing branches often overlapping or twiste light green at first turning ark green an eventually brown
Reproduction Leaf segments with spore cases beneath become rolle into small har berry-like structures joine along the branches of the fertile fron
Fruiting Period July ndash August Persisting over winter
Similar Species Cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea) Ostrich fern may be istinguishe by the gra ually narrow base an papery scales rather than cinnamon-colore pubescence on the stalk
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 40
ROYAL FERN
Osmund reg lis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall growing in scattere groups
Stem Somewhat stout nake for approximately half its length greenish or re ish arising from a stout creeping rhizome
Leaves Fron s with 5-7 pairs of nearly opposite oblong ascen ing ivisions The lowest pair slightly shorter than the others each ivision ivi e into finely toothe oblong blunt alternate segments 10-14 on each si e Fertile fron s terminate by a panicle appearing as a ense cluster of light brown structures
Reproduction Spore cases clustere along short nake leaf segments in a terminal panicle an often at the tips of some of the ivisions One of several ferns that pro uce their spores on mo ifie leaflets not on the un ersi e of the fron s
Fruiting Period Spring an early summer
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 41
SENSITIVE FERN
Onocle sensibilis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 3 feet tall Growing solitary or scattere
Stem Upright stout nake for nearly half its length arising from a creeping rhizome
Leaves Sterile fron s up to 3 feet tall the bla e with up to 16 pairs of wi e segments having wavy margins Fertile fron s shorter the berry-like structures clustere in stiffly erect ivisions the entire structure appearing spike-like
Reproduction Leaf segments with spore cases beneath which have become rolle into small har black berry-like structures appearing July through August an persisting over winter
Fruiting Period July into October
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 42
Woody S rubs
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 43
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 44
NORTHERN ARROW-WOOD Viburnu recognitu
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 15 feet tall forming thickets
Bark Smooth an gray with a white pith
Twigs Brownish-gray hairless highly branche long straight slen er arrow-like smooth
Buds Re ish-brown with 2 pairs of scales Opposite pointe approximately frac14 inch long roun e scales with fringe of minute hairs along the bor ers
Leaves Opposite egg-shape to roun with saw-like coarse teeth 1-2 inches long an 3 inches wi e tapering to a point with very prominent smooth veins
Flower Numerous small white-petale flowers on short stalks in a somewhat ense terminal flat cluster
Flowering Period June through July
Fruit Fleshy blue-black berry-like approximately 13 inch wi e containing a flattene see appearing in August
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 45
BUTTONBUSH Cephalanthus occidentalis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 12 feet tall typically 3-5 feet tall
Bark Smooth an grayish when young flaky an grayish when ol er Light-brown pith
Twigs Slen er roun or angle grayish-brown to purplish marke with light elongate lenticels
Buds Small in epresse areas surroun e by bark
Leaves Opposite or in whorls of 3-4 Shiny ark-green above lighter green an slightly owny beneath Leathery smooth oblong to oval 3-6 inches long broa at the base pointe at tips often with short re stalks
Flower Densely clustere spherical creamy white ball-shape flowers long-stalke often in groups of 3 1- 1 frac12 inch wi e Ripe hea s brownish fragrant
Flowering Period July through August
Fruit Small triangular-shape capsules greenish in ball-like hea s like the flowers Persist into winter
Value Butterfly an moth species are often foun fee ing on the sweet nectar of the tubular flowers because of their long curle mouthparts Caterpillar pupas are often foun on buttonbush because of the foo association with larvae an a ults (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 46
ELDERBERRYBLACK-BERRIED ELDER Sa bucus canadensis
Elderberr showing fruit
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 12 feet tall often forming thickets
Bark Green
Twigs Pale yellow-brown to light-brown with numerous large raise lenticels Ill-smelling when bruise Flute or square pith very thick white an soft
Buds Small roun to oval covere with brownish scales
Leaves Opposite pinnately compoun with 5 to 11 leaflets usually 7 Lanceolate to ovate abruptly narrowing at the tip Sharply-toothe Lower leaflets often 3-parte Smooth above smooth or owny on veins beneath
Flower Small white nicely-scente flowers with 5 white petals in a flat-toppe cluster up to 6 inches wi e generally with 5 main branches
Flowering Period Late June through July
Fruit Juicy purplish-black berries in flat-toppe clusters containing many see s appearing late August to early October
Value Pro uces fruit that makes tasty jelly an wine It is also an important foo source for many songbir s
Elderberr showing flowers
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 47
GLOSSY BUCKTHORN Rha nus frangula
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T is species is pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Generalist Full-sun or sha e moist ry aci ic or basic soils Woo lan bor ers foreste wetlan s floo plain forests
Heig t Up to 20 feet tall
Twigs Grayish with whitish lenticels
Buds Nake owny up to frac14 inch long
Leaves Alternate whorle oblong 4-5 inches long an 3-4 inches wi e Long growing season leafing out in May an hol ing its leaves into November
Flower Small greenish-white in small clusters in the leaf axis
Flowering Period May through September Flowers an fruits continuously from May through September Plants often isplay bu s flowers immature fruit an mature fruit simultaneously
Fruit Berry with 2-3 pits approximately frac14 inch wi e turning from green to re an eventually blue-black Often all three colore berries are on the plant at the same time Sometimes ifficult to recognize in a foreste situation ue to its non- escript appearance but easily recognize July through September ue to masses of berries
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 48
HIGHBUSH BLUEBERRY Vacciniu cory bosu
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s rich woo s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 15 feet tall often forming thickets
Bark Rough brown Stem an larger branches shre y
Twigs On some bushes re ish-brown on other bushes they are yellow Covere with small warty lenticels zigzagge or angle
Buds Flower bu s re plump pointe with spine-like pointe scales Leaf bu s smaller two outer scales with hair-like point
Leaves Alternate pointe on both en s green on both si es untoothe Lower si e slightly wooly on the veins Up to 3 inches long an 1 frac12 inch wi e Deep re in autumn
Flower Cylin rical white or pink up to frac12 inch long an frac14 inch wi e in ense terminal or lateral clusters
Flowering Period April through June appearing when leaves are only half grown
Fruit Blue-black berry up to frac12 inch wi e with whitish bloom sweet in clusters
Value Berries eaten by numerous bir s an wil life
Similar Species Maleberry (L onia ligustrina) Highbush blueberry can be istinguishe by its terminal clusters of fruit an by berries rather than capsules for fruit
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 49
HOBBLEBUSH Viburnu alnifoliu
Status Native
Habitat Cool moist ravines e ges of rivers an streams
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Light brown with wavy grooves
Twigs Tough stout olive-brown to light purplish-brown Coate with rusty brown hairs towar the tip
Buds Large long in pairs light-brown covere with velvety fuzz Flower bu s roun e an occur only at tips of twigs
Leaves Very large 4-8 inches long Almost roun finely toothe heart-shape at base Hairy beneath rusty veins much branche Brownish hairs on stalks
Flower Large white clusters with 5 petals appearing before leaves are fully grown
Flowering Period May through June
Fruit Re berries turning black Stones with a groove on each e ge
Similar Species Likely to be confuse with ogwoo s Viburnum leaves are nearly always toothe or lobe while ogwoo leaves are smooth untoothe an veins are parallel
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 50
HONEYSUCKLE Lonicera spp
(L orrowii L tatarica L aackii)
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T ese species are pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Fiel s roa si es fence-rows he ge-rows e ges of woo s
Heig t 10 to 15 feet tall
Bark Tan to brown shre e in appearance
Twigs Generally glabrous thornless
Buds Blunt to acute
Leaves Opposite entire oblong to egg-shape 1-5 inches long
Flower 5-lobe tubular sometimes fragrant growing in leaf axils white to yellow
Fruit Re rarely yellow juicy few-see e berry July through September
Flowering Period May through June
Morrowrsquos Honeysuckle Lonicera orrowii
Leaves an young twigs ensely owny Leafy bracts beneath flowers not glan ular Leaves broa est below the mi le Flowers white fa ing to yellow
Tartarian Honeysuckle Lonicera tartarica
Un ersi es of leaves an young twigs are hairless Flowers usually pink-re Only species that has hollow pith
Amur Honeysuckle Lonicera aackii
Upper surface of leaves are shiny Bark is gray or tan an exfoliates somewhat in vertical strips Flowers white fa ing to yellow
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 51
JAPANESE KNOTWEED Polygonu cuspidatu
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T is species is pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Woo lan s open spaces itches roa si e itches e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall Fast growing aggressive easily sprea s an repro uces vegetatively
Twigs Greenish hollow jointe bamboo-like Stems often persist into winter
Leaves Alternate large untoothe broa ly ovate 3-7 inches long with pointe tips an square bases
Flower Many small whitish flowers growing in slen er finger-like clusters in the leaf axils
Flowering Period August to September
Fruit White papery win - isperse x-shape in cross-section
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 52
MALEBERRY Lyonia ligustrina
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s rich woo s gentle slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall often forming thickets
Bark Light gray shre y shaggy Younger bark appearing slightly hairy ol er bark gray with white lenticels
Twigs Yellow-brown to ash-gray mottle with black Flowering twigs leafless
Buds No terminal bu Lateral bu s flattene re oval pointe with a single re ish scale
Leaves Alternate elliptic to oblong stalke up to 3 inches long pointe at both en s minutely toothe Rough above slightly-hairy beneath
Flower Small roun white flowers in clusters up to 6 inches long
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Greenish-gray to brown small roun capsules with 5 partitions No larger than flower Crow e in groups on the stem persisting through winter Dry brown po s resembling blueberries
Similar Species Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium cor mbosum) Maleberry can be istinguishe by its flattene re bu s lateral rather than terminal clusters an by capsules of fruit instea of berries
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 53
MEADOWSWEET Spiraea latifolia
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t 2-3 feet tall forming large ense colonies
Bark Thin peeling in filmy layers
Twigs Smooth slen er light re ish-brown to purple more or less angle Unbranche (except occasionally towar the top where branching may occur)
Buds Many small smooth oval with several scales
Leaves Alternate oblong narrow toothe short-stalke tapering to the base with pointe to roun tips Up to 3 inches long an 1 frac12 inches wi e
Flower Pyrami clusters of white to pinkish 5-parte small flowers occurring at tip of stem
Flowering Period July into September
Fruit Small har smooth cluster of 5-6 tiny po s persisting over winter in the inflorescence giving it a ark-brown color
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 54
MULTIFLORA ROSE Rosa ultiflora
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T is species is pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Generalist Variety of soil moisture an light con itions
Heig t Up to 9 feet tall Shrubby arching
Bark Green Ol er stems turn woo y
Twigs Long arching with stiff re-curve thorns tips root to form new plants
Leaves Alternate pinnately compoun 7-9 toothe leaflets each leaflet about 1 inch long Fringe stipule at the base of leaf stem
Flower Dense clusters of fragrant white or occasionally pink 5-petale flowers up to 1 frac12 inch wi e Persist into winter
Flowering Period May through June
Fruit Small roun har re berry calle a ldquohiprdquo Smallest hip of any rose in New Englan persists into winter
Similar Species Multiflora rose can be istinguishe from other roses by the presence of a fringe stipule on the leaf petiole
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 55
NORTHERN WILD RAISIN WITHEROD VIBURNUM Viburnu cassinoides
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s valleys gentle slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall usually up to 7
Bark Smooth grayish-brown
Twigs Slen er long flexible ull pale grayish to light-brown Slightly hairy Somewhat angle with in istinct lenticels
Buds Covere by a single pair of scales Terminal bu s long yellow or gol en 2 light-brown scales split curve Flower bu s large an flask-shape
Leaves Opposite lanceolate to oval loosely toothe up to 4 inches long on short stalks tapering to an abrupt point Dark green above ull green below leathery
Flower Many small white 5-lobe flowers in short-stalke flat-toppe clusters at the tips of the twigs
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Fleshy blue-black berry-like approximately frac14 inch wi e containing a flat see Dull re as maturing
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 56
SHADBUSHSERVICEBERRY A elchier canadensis
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains rich woo s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 25 feet tall usually growing in thickets
Bark Gray smooth thin vertical fissures separating smooth flat areas in ol er trees
Twigs Ranci taste an smell (slight taste of bitter almon s) Slen er grayish often covere by a gray skin smooth Lenticels are scattere minute ots
Buds Terminal bu s long narrow greenish-yellow or purple
Leaves Alternate oblong finely-toothe broa est above the mi le Veins curve When half grown with white felt or wooly hairs beneath Up to frac34 inch long roun e at the tip an base
Flower Many me ium-size 5-petalle white flowers approximately frac34 inch wi e on stalks in clusters appearing when leaves are half grown
Flowering Period April through June
Fruit Dark-purple to black berries
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 57
SHEEP LAURELLAMBKILL Kal ia angustifolia
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 3 feet tall usually forming thickets
Bark Re ish brown
Twigs Pale brown smooth
Buds Nake no scales or only 2 showing
Leaves Evergreen Occasionally opposite but usually in whorls of 3 Elliptic to oblong on very short stems crow e on the branch opposite in threes Bright green above pale or whitene beneath Both surfaces smooth
Flower Small eep pink to re ish-purple 5-lobe approximately 1 frac12 inch wi e in clusters among the leaves
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Small brownish roun capsule with 5 partitions in clusters that persist over winter
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 58
SILKY DOGWOOD Cornus a o u
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall forming ense thickets
Twigs Much branching lower portion of the stem light brown upper portions becoming streake with re One-an two-year ol branches completely re an velvety Twigs mo erate to slen er with spongy chocolate-brown piths
Buds Smooth hairy
Leaves Opposite ovate to elliptic roun e at base with pointe tips Veins branching off mi vein that follow up the smooth leaf without reaching e ge Up to 5 inches long an half as wi e roun e to somewhat we ge-shape at the base an abruptly pointe at the tip pubescent beneath on short to mo erate stalks turning re in autumn
Flower Many small white 4-petalle flowers in broa flat-toppe clusters up to 3 inches wi e at the tips of branches
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Blue or blueish-white berries
Similar Species Re Osier Dogwoo (Cornus stolonifera)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 59
SPECKLED ALDER Alnus rugosa
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 25 feet tall often branching from the base
Bark Brown with whitish horizontal lenticels
Twigs Olive-brown to re ish brown smooth owny with greenish triangular pith
Buds Stalke re ish covere by 2-3 scales equal in length coate with grayish or brownish own no terminal bu
Leaves Alternate oval or roun e broa est below the mi le 2-4 inches long Doubly toothe or wavy Green above pale beneath Leaf base roun e or heart-shape Up to 6 inches long an 3 inches wi e
Flower Develop long before the leaves Male catkins long finger-like rooping Female catkins upright in clusters stalke resembling a small pine cone arching appearing below male
Flowering Period April through June before leaves emerge
Fruit Female catkins ripening into frac12 inch cylin rical cones persistent in winter
Comments Distinguishing features are the conspicuous white lenticels on the trunk an on the twigs the short thick stalks of the ldquoconesrdquo an the conspicuous net venation of the leaves In winter the immature female spikes roop
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 60
SPICEBUSH Lindera benzoin
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains rich woo s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Smooth grayish-brown
Twigs Younger growth is green with white lines an specks while ol er portions with smooth gray-brown bark
Buds Leaf bu s small pointe Flower bu s larger stalke Spherical arrange on one si e of a leaf bu above the scar
Leaves Alternate obovate to ovate somewhat pointe up to 4 inches long an 2 inches wi e
Flower Small yellow Male an female occur in clusters on separate plants
Flowering Period April through May
Fruit Fleshy re an berry-like up to frac12 inch long containing one large see
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 61
STEEPLEBUSH Spiraea to entosa
Status Native
Habitat Wet mea ows marshes shrub wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 3 frac12 feet tall
Bark Thin hairy peeling shre ing into strips
Buds Lateral bu s covere with wool No terminal bu
Leaves Alternate simple toothe up to 2 inches long white or woolly beneath with brownish rusty or tawny hairs
Flower Small 5-petale eep pink or rose colore flowers in ense steeple-like terminal spike up to 6 inches long
Flowering Period July into September
Fruit One-celle capsules persistent into winter
Similar Species The pinker plants are often confuse with purple loosestrife Steeplebush has alternate leaves whereas purple loosestrife has opposite or whorle leaves The stems of Steeplebush ten to be roun in cross-section whereas the stems of purple loosestrife are square in cross section (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 62
SWEET PEPPERBUSH Clethera alnifolia
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Dark grayish or blackish Branches of previous year shre y or flaky
Twigs Slen er roun an slightly owny on new twigs with large white pith
Buds Lateral bu s small an obscure Terminal bu s are owny large an pointe
Leaves Alternate egg-shape to oblong small broa est above mi le sharply-toothe except at base Straight-veine both si es smooth an green abruptly blunt-pointe Up to 4 frac12 inches long an 1 frac12 inches wi e
Flower Many small 5-petale fragrant white flowers occurring on terminal spike
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Small tan roun capsule each with 3 hairy partitions resembling peppercorns persisting into winter
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 63
WINTERBERRY HOLLYBLACK ALDER Ilex verticillata
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Gray smooth
Twigs Slen er ark purple-gray with many small lenticels
Buds Tiny blunt at tip iverging from the twig Crow e upper bu s larger Terminal bu present
Leaves Alternate ovate thick ull-green above owny beneath coarse-toothe prominent veins Broa est at or above the mi le pointe at both en s
Flower Very small greenish or yellowish white Male an female flower son separate plants 6-8 petals in clusters seate irectly on stem frac14 inch in iameter of very short stalks
Flowering Period May through August
Fruit Bright re berry-like with 3-5 bony nuts borne singly or in clusters approximately frac14 inch wi e containing several see s persisting into winter
Value Extremely showy in late fall an early winter when covere with their bright re fruit these shrubs are either male or female Attractive to bir s
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 64
WITCH HAZEL Ha a elis virginiana
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 30 feet tall
Bark Mottle light-brown to gray smooth to scaly
Twigs Zigzag smooth to slightly hairy Short shoots light orange brown with rusty or gray hairs Some brown warts but lenticels in istinct
Buds Lateral bu s flattene with rusty brown hairs Terminal bu stalke curve or sickle-shape
Leaves Roun e to oval wavy lopsi e toothe in shallow roun e lobes Main veins prominent 5-7 nerves One-si e at base
Flower Bright yellow crinkle curving petals persisting into winter remaining attache to twig
Flowering Period August into November
Fruit Woo y hairy light-brown 2-see e po with 4 well-space curve points splitting open an ejecting black see s forcibly ripening a year after flowers Open po s remain on stem
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 65
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 66
Climbin Vines
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 67
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 68
CLIMBINGORIENTAL BITTERSWEET
Celast us o biculatus
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire
Habitat Disturbe areas roa si es fiel s forests an e ges of streams an rivers
Hei ht 40-65 feet long eci uous woo y vine Very aggressive climbs up an over trees an chokes them
Stem Tanish furrowe
Leaves Alternate ovate bluntly toothe 3-4 inches long tapere at the base
Flower Small greenish clusters in the leaf axils
Flowerin Period April through May
Fruit Bright-yellow splitting open to reveal showy orangere fruit
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 69
POISON IVY
Toxicodend on adicans
Status Native
Habitat Generalist Variety of soil moisture an light con itions Foun in recent clear-cuts
Hei ht Upright eci uous shrub trailing vine or climbing plant Shrub can grow up to 6 feet tall but this plant is taller as a vine
Leaves Long-stalke compoun leaves ivi e into 3 leaflets each leaflet having a longer stalk than the si e leaflets
Flowers Small yellowish flowers with 5 petals occurring on lateral clusters
Flowerin Period May through July Poison i y showing fruit
Fruit Greenish to grayish-white berries lacking hairs Pro uce in late summer an can persist throughout winter
CAUTION
TOUCHING OR BURNING ANY PART OF THIS PLANT CAN CAUSE SEVERE SKIN IRRITATION
Poison i y as a tree-climbing ine Poison i y in autumn
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 70
RIVERBANK GRAPE
Vitis ipa ia
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Hei ht Up to 60 feet tall
Bark Re ish-brown in loose strips Pith with thin firm tissue
Leaves Alternate coarse-toothe up to 7 inches long with usually 3-5 lobes an narrow-pointe leaves
Flowers Inconspicuous in branche clusters
Flowerin Period May through July
Fruit Purplish-black to black grapes up to frac12 inch wi e with whitish waxy covering
Similar Species Forest grape (Vitis ulpina) occurs in similar habitats but its leaves have broa teeth an are not usually lobe an its grapes are black an lacking waxy coating
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 71
VIRGINIA CREEPER
Pa thenosisus quinquefolia
Status Native
Habitat Wi e range of con itions ry san y soil to moist nutrient-rich soil sha e sun
Stem Woo y stem persisting into winter
Leaves Alternate palmately compoun with 3-7 but usually 5 leaflets Leaflets 6-12 centimeters long with toothe margins Turn eep-re in the fall
Flower Inconspicuous green-white
Fruit Small blue-black berries appearing in autumn
Comments Climbs by ten rils that have oval a hesive isks at their tips
Similar Species Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) has compoun leaves with 3 leaflets but the terminal leaflet is attache to a short-stalk Poison ivy also climbs by aerial roots not by a hesive isks
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 72
The Ca opy Trees
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 73
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 74
AMERICAN BASSWOODLINDEN Tilia am ricana
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s valleys gentle slopes
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray ri ge when ol
Twigs Alternate stout zigzag greenish-gray smooth or owny
Buds Re ish-brown frac12 inch long lopsi e No terminal bu
Leaves Alternate large up to 8 inches long sharply toothe Unequally heart-shape at base
Flowers 5 cream-colore fragrant yellow petals Approximately frac12 inch across
Floweri g Period Early summer
Fruit Stalke cluster of small pale green nuts attache to a leafy wing
AMERICAN BEECH Fagus grandifolia
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s uplan s well- raine lowlan s
Height Up to 90 feet tall
Bark Smooth an light blue-gray when young an ol
Twigs Alternate slen er greenish-brown hairy
Buds Slen er sharp-pointe approximately frac34 inch long chestnut brown with overlapping scales
Leaves Alternate simple egg-shape pointe with parallel veins terminating in teeth Shiny papery-smooth up to 5 inches long Dry leaves remain on tree in winter Yellow in autumn
Flowers Inconspicuous slen er catkins in a roun e hea both sexes occur on the same tree
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Prickly 4-valve fruit capsule bearing 2 triangular nuts Nut is sweet an e ible
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 75
AMERICAN HORNBEAM IRONWOODBLUE BEECH Carpinus caroliniana
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s foreste wetlan s e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 40 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray-green furrowe flute (muscular) wavy
Twigs Slen er ark re ish-brown shiny an smooth or slightly -hairy
Buds Oval re ish brown angle scaly
Leaves Alternate simple oblong sharply an finely oubly-toothe margins up to 4 inches long an 2 inches wi e entirely smooth above slightly owny beneath Orange or scarlet in autumn
Flowers Very small male an female flowers occur in separate spikes Male catkins 1 inch female small appearing with leaves
Floweri g Period April through May before leaf-out
Fruit Nutlet in the axil of a 3-lobe leaf-like bract the bracts clustere in a loose terminal spike up to 2 inches long
BLACK BIRCHSWEET BIRCH B tula l nta
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s
Height Up to 60 feet tall
Bark Smooth ark brown Long horizontal lenticels resembling cherry Ol er trees with very ark thick plates
Twigs Smooth slen er light re ish-brown with very fine horizontal lines Smells an tastes of wintergreen
Buds Sharp re ish brown long terminal bu absent on long shoots Bu scales owny on margins
Leaves Alternate simple heart-shape sharply ouble-or single-toothe smooth above with tufts of white hair on the veins beneath ull ark green Wintergreen o or an taste
Flower Male an female flowers occur in separate catkins on the same tree male catkins present uring the winter
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Catkins cylin rical short scales smooth
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 76
BLACK CHERRY Prunus s rotina
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s on many sites
Height Up to 60 feet tall
Bark Dark re ish-brown smooth with narrow horizontal lenticels on young trees becoming roughene an scaly on ol er trees Resembles black birch
Twigs Slen er re ish-brown often gray an peeling Ranci o or an taste Often with black knot swellings on branches with narrow lenticels
Buds Bright light re ish-brown 4 scales appear as none Terminal bu larger than laterals
Leaves Alternate simple elliptic Smooth an shiny above finely-toothe turning inwar Brown wool on 13 of mi rib beneath Yellow to brown in autumn
Flower White 5-petalle elongate clusters appearing when leaves are frac12 grown in clusters at the en s of twigs up to 4 inches long
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit E ible cherries ark re ish-purple becoming black with small stone Appearing June-October
BOX ELDERASH-LEAVED MAPLE Ac r n gundo
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s lowlan s floo plains
Height Up to 40 feet tall
Bark Thin grayish to light-brown with furrowe narrow ri ges similar to Norway maple
Twigs Stout green to purplish-green brightly colore often re Covere with whitish bloom the first year which rea ily rubs off
Buds Short-stalke re ish usually wooly or owny whitish ensely hairy
Leaves Opposite compoun palm-like with 3-5 veiny leaflets up to 5 inches long on short stalks Very variable in shape sharp margins with coarse teeth Light green above pale green an hairy along veins beneath Stalk swollen at base
Flower Small yellowish to greenish Male an female flowers occur in rooping clusters on separate trees appearing slightly before leaf-out
Floweri g Period April through May at or before leaf-out
Fruit A typical flattene v-shape winge samara
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 77
EASTERN COTTONWOOD Populus d ltoid s
Status Native
Habitat Floo plains streambanks valleys
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Greenish-yellow on young trees gray an furrowe on ol er trees
Twigs Smooth yellow-brown mo erately stout
Buds Brown shiny approximately frac12 to 1 inch long 6-7 scales heavy sticky fragrant yellow resin insi e
Leaves Alternate simple large triangular coarse roun e teeth up to 6 inches long an often nearly as wi e Dark green an shiny above lighter beneath with veins prominent on both surfaces Stems flattene at base of leaves Leaves from sprouts very large Yellow in autumn
Flower Drooping loosely groupe catkins Male an female flowers occur in rooping spikes on separate trees Before the leaves unfol the male crow e into rather thick re ish spikes the female crow e into narrower greenish yellow spikes
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Short-stalke capsule with 4 partitions approximately frac14 inch long
EASTERN HEMLOCK Tsuga canad nsis
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s ravines foreste wetlan s
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Cinnamon-re to gray tinge with purple narrow ri ges
Twigs Alternate yellow to grayish brown very hairy flattene
Buds Approximately frac12 to frac34 inch wi e oval chestnut brown hairy scales
Needles Narrow approximately frac12 inch long Short shiny ark-green above tapering whitish-green with 2 white lines beneath appearing as a broa stripe Stalke at base persistent comb-like arrangement on twig
Fruit Small oval cones frac12 to frac34 inch long on slen er stalks Cone scales as wi e as long Male cones are small structures in clusters in leaf axils an o not persist Female cones have brown scales are at twig en s an persist
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 78
EASTERN WHITE PINE Pinus strobus
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s bogs ravines cool sha y north slopes
Height Up to 120 feet tall
Bark Smooth thin greenish when young becoming ark brown eeply-furrowe an blocky when ol er
Twigs Smooth slen er green or light yellowish-green resinous
Buds Sharp-pointe yellowish-brown
Leaves In clusters of 5 (the only five-nee le pine in the East) soft slen er bluish-green Retaine to en of the secon growing season 3 year nee les yellow in October 2-5 inches long
Fruit Large tapering cylin rical cones falling when ripe (August-September) Require two seasons to mature 4 to 8 inches long
GREEN ASH Fraxinus p nnsylvanica
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains streambanks
Height Up to 80 feet tall
Bark Young twigs gray thin hairless Ol er stems gray with shallow grooves ri ges an furrows
Twigs Stout gray terminal bu present conical the first pair of lateral bu s place some istance below the terminal
Leaves Opposite pinnately-compoun with 5-9 (usually 7) leaflets Shiny green on top occasionally hairy on bottom with saw-toothe margins Bright yellow in autumn
Flower Inconspicuous small cluster of greenish petal-free stalke flowers with male an female flowers occur on separate trees
Floweri g Period April to June as leaves emerge
Fruit Samara with a broa wing an in istinct see portion
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 79
RED MAPLE Ac r rubrum
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s rich woo s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 75 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray often satiny on young trees becoming arker scaly rough separating an forming long scales often up-curling in ol er trees
Twigs Current years growth re Ol er twigs light gray smooth
Buds Sharp ark re with prominent overlapping scales
Leaves Opposite simple usually 3-lobe (sometimes 5) with sharp angles between lobes an with sharp irregular teeth Dark green above gray-green beneath approximately 3-4 inches long Yellow or scarlet in autumn
Flower Re or yellow with petals appearing long before the leaves emerge Male an female flowers occur on separate trees
Floweri g Period March through May before leaf-bu s open
Fruit A ouble-winge v-shape re samara up to 1 inch long
Matures in late spring falls an germinates at once
RED OAK Qu rcus rubra
Status Native
Habitat Bottomlan s moist slopes
Height Up to 90 feet tall
Bark Smooth greenish-brown on young stems becoming broken into ri ges re ish-brown har with eep furrows when ol er Inner bark re ish
Twigs Alternate strongly ri ge or flute Re ish brown or black smooth
Buds Smooth brown blunt-pointe in clusters at en s of twigs Larger than other oaks except black frac14 inch long roun e on the si es Terminal bu s have slight rusty hairs
Leaves Spikes on tips of lobes Mostly 3 pairs V-shape space between lobes (typically 7-11) triangular in outline smooth on both si es
Flower Long sprea ing strings
Fruit Acorn maturing in secon year Cup embracing 13 to frac12 the acorn Oval to cylin rical short shallow Acorns large bitter ine ible insi es pale yellow
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 80
SHAGBARK HICKORY Carya ovata
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s valleys uplan slopes
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Smooth when young splitting into long plates that curve outwar free at both en s when ol er
Twigs Re ish-brown very stout tough an har to break Soli pith
Buds Dark brown long-pointe approximately frac12 inch or more wi e Scales remaining over winter
Leaves Alternate compoun 4-6 inches long 5 (rarely 7) leaflets with the 3 upper leaflets much larger an longer than the lower terminal leaflet Slightly toothe with a tuft of hair on each tooth
Flower Male an female flowers occur on same tree Male flowers are 3-branche catkins female flowers are in short spikes
Floweri g Period Early spring before leaf-out
Fruit Thick globe-like husks split away when ripe Nut with 4 angles whitish brown shell thick sweet kernel
SILVER MAPLE Ac r saccharinium
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 80 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray (like beech) in young trees breaking into long thin scaly plates curving away at en s when ol er
Twigs V-shape point upwar at tip rooping Orange-brown to re Ba o or when bruise
Buds Terminal bu small blunt re
Leaves Opposite simple approximately 5 inches wi e Deeply cleft 5-lobe sharply toothe Green above silver-white beneath Very silvery un er water Downy beneath when young Pale yellow in autumn
Flower Small re or greenish yellow No petals occurring long before the leaves Some trees have only male flowers
Floweri g Period February through May before leaf-out
Fruit Occurring in late spring The see germinates at once flattene winge fruit the largest of the native maples up to 2 inches long
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 81
SWAMP WHITE OAK Qu rcus bicolor
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 70 feet tall
Bark Flaky light grayish-brown peeling in ragge papery scales Furrowe at base of tree in long flat scaly ri ges
Twigs Slen er to stout straw-brown to yellow-green Bark peels from twig (only oak where this occurs)
Buds Small roun terminal bu s orange-brown blunt-pointe smooth Lateral bu s small an crow e
Leaves Alternate simple oval light-green above with hairs beneath wi est above the mi le strongly tapere towar the we ge-shape base Margin shallowly lobe Yellow or brown in autumn
Flower Male an female flowers occur separately on the same tree the male in catkins the female in short spikes
Fruit Oval light-brown nut approximately 1 inch long enclose for about frac12 its length by a cap Occurring singly or often in pairs at the en of a short stalk Some of the cups usually persist in winter
SYCAMOREPLANETREEBUTTONBALL Platanus occid ntalis
Status Native
Habitat Floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Creamy white on young branches turning re -brown-gray then breaking in large thin plates exposing whitish inner bark giving a white-washe appearance
Twigs Slen er smooth yellow-brown slightly zigzag swollen at joints
Buds No terminal bu Lateral bu s long conical resinous shiny ark re -brown covere by a single cap-like scale Pointing outwar enclose by bases of leaf stalks until the leaves fall
Leaves Alternate simple large with 3-5 pointe lobes maple-like pubescent beneath when young with long pointe teeth
Flower Small inconspicuous Male an female flowers occur separately in roun hea s on the same tree
Floweri g Period April through June
Fruit Large roun balls approximately frac14 inch long an 1 inch wi e with bristly hairs at base containing many see s Occurring singly on long stalks Remains on tree until spring
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 82
TAMARACHLARCH Larix laricina
Status Native
Habitat Bogs foreste wetlan s wet peaty soils
Height Up to 80 feet tall
Bark Thin re ish brown scaly Young branches grayish or pale orange-brown
Twigs Smooth brownish many leaf scars
Buds Dark re ish-brown roun resinous
Leaves Deci uous nee les pale blueish-green approximately 1 inch long flexible triangular Yellow in autumn before ropping off
Flower Occur separately as small cones on the same tree Male flowers are yellow Female flowers are rose re both appearing in March through April
Fruit Small oval cones frac12 to frac34 inch wi e with 20 scales Cone scales concave smooth often shining longer than broa chestnut brown smooth on the outsi e
WHITE ASH Fraxinus am ricana
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s valleys slopes foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Light or ark gray Smooth when young groove when ol er Longitu inal ri ges forming iamon -shape patterns separate by narrow interlacing ri ges
Twigs Opposite light greenish-brown with small white lenticles an a slight bloom Soli pith
Buds Roun e rusty to ark-brown rough hairy First pair of lateral bu s at the same level irectly below the terminal
Leaves Opposite pinnately compoun stalke oval to lanceolate 8 to 12 inches long with 5 to 9 leaflets (mostly 7) Smooth or slightly wavy-toothe Yellowish to maroon in the autumn
Flowers Small inconspicuous male an female flowers occur on separate trees appearing with the leaves Purplish in crow e clusters
Floweri g Period April through May before leaf-out
Fruit Cylin rical light-brown enclosing a see an a flattene elongate wing 2-3 times long as the bo y 1-2 inches wi e in rooping clusters
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 83
WHITE OAK Qu rcus alba
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s a jacent slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 90 feet tall
Bark Gray thin on young trees an flaky irregularly-plate or groove when ol er
Twigs Purplish-gray to greenish-re mo erately stout smooth
Buds Blunt smooth brownish at tips of twigs in clusters
Leaves Alternate simple 4-10 prominent roun e lobes variable in epth Re ish to violet in autumn Brown ea leaves remain on tree in winter
Flowers Both sexes occur on the same tree Male flowers in clusters of hanging bea s Female flowers are few in angles of new leaves Greenish yellowish or re ish
Fruit Maturing in one season Acorn cup with wart-like scales Cup shorter than nut Sweet an e ible
WHITE SPRUCE Pic a glauca
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s a jacent slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 70 feet tall
Bark Thin scaly grayish-brown silvery on freshly expose areas
Twigs Pale gray to yellow-brown no hairs or fuzz
Buds Oval ragge brown smooth
Leaves frac12 to 1 inch blueish-green slight-bloom pungent o or when crushe sharp line of white ots in each groove Ten ency to mass towar the upper si e of the twig
Flowers Occur separately as small cones on the same tree Male flowers are yellowish re Female flowers are greenish re purplish
Co e Cylin rical 2 inches long Immature cones have thin scales an are soft an flexible Mature cones are light chestnut brown
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 84
YELLOW BIRCH B tula l nta
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains ravines cool rich woo s of higher elevations
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Peeling in thin ribbon-like strips when young that roll back in curls Shiny yellow or silvery gray rough an platy when ol er
Twigs Stout bronze or bright-brown shiny Smooth or sparsely hairy Wintergreen o or an taste
Buds Sharp re ish-brown oppresse terminal bu absent oval with chestnut-brown scales
Leaves Alternate simple long oval sharply ouble-toothe Dull an ark-green above lighter beneath with slight hairs in veins base roun e to near heart-shape up to 5 inches long
Flower Male an female flowers in separate catkins on the same tree Male catkins present in winter Male flowers are yellow small narrow in a rooping catkin at branch tips Female flowers are green an in broa er upright catkins place back from the tip that matures into a brown cone
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Catkins roun e roun scales somewhat hairy erect on twig frac34 inch long persist into winter
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 85
Appendix A Other Helpful Field Guides
The Boo of Swamp and Bog Trees Shrubs and Wildflowers of Eastern Freshwater Wetlands by John Eastman 1995 Stackpole Books ISBN 0-8117-2518-9
A Field Guide to Coastal Wetland Plants of the Northeastern United States by Ralph W Tiner Jr 1987 University of Massachusetts Press ISBN 0-870-23538-9
Freshwater Wetlands - A Guide to Common Indicator Plants of the Northeast by Dennis W Magee 1981 University of Massachusetts Press ISBN 0-87023-317-3
Northeastern Wetland Flora Field Office Guide to Plant Species by USDA ndash NRCSNortheastern National Technical Center Chester Pennsylvania
Plants in Wetlands A Redington Field Guide to Biological Interactions by Charles B Re ington 1994 Ken allHunt Publishing Company ISBN 0-84038-983-3
Pond and Broo by Michael J Ca uto 1990 ISBN 0-87451-509-1
Pond Life A Golden Guide by George K Rei 1987 Gol en Books ISBN 0-30724-017-7
Through The Loo ing Glass by Susan Borman Robert Korth Jo Temte 19971999 Wisconsin Lakes Partnership ISBN 0-93231-032-X
Wetland Planting Guide for Northeast United States by Gwen olyn A Thunhorst 1993 Environmental Concern Inc ISBN 1-88322-602-3
Wetlands - National Audubon Society Nature Guides by William A Niering 1985 Alfre A Knopf New York ISBN 0-39473-147-6
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 86
Appendix B Glossary of Terms
Alternate Leaves arising singly along the stem not in pairs or whorls
Annual Living or growing for only one year or season
Axil The angle where two structures join for example where a leaf joins the stem
Axillary Occurring in or growing from an axil
Basal Locate at or arising from the base of a plant or a plant part
Berry A small juicy fleshy fruit containing one to many see s
Capsule A ry fruit containing two to many see s an opening by valves slits or pores
Cat in Scaly spike of inconspicuous flowers lacking petals
Ciliate Bearing margine hairs
Clasping Leaves that partially encircle the stem at the base
Compound (Leaf) Divi e into two or more istinct separate parts (leaflets)
Cone A har woo y globose to cylin ric arrangement of bracts or scales in the axils of which the repro uctive structures are foun
Deciduous Falling from the plant after maturity each year
Elliptic Broa est at the mi le gra ually tapering to both en s
Emergent Roote in shallow water with most of the plant growing above the surface
Emersed Raise out of the water as in the flowers or fruits of some floating plants
Entire (Leaf) Having a continuoussmooth margin unbroken by toothing or ivisions
Evergreen Remaining green throughout the winter
Fibrous Referring to a cluster of slen er roots all with the same iameter
Frond The leaf of a fern
Furrowed Groove
Glabrous Without hairs or scales
Globose Shape like a globe roun
Head A group of flowers tightly crowne together in a more or less roun e structure
Herbaceous A plant that ies back to the groun at the en of the growing season or a plant part that is leaf-like in color an texture
Inflorescence The entire flower cluster
Lanceolate Lance-shape broa est near the base gra ually tapering to the narrower apex
Leaflet One of the segments of a compoun leaf
Lenticels The small corky pores or narrow lines on the surface of stems of woo y plants that allow the interchange of gases between the interior tissue an surroun ing air A small opening in a stem
Lip The upper an lower parts of certain tubular flowers
Lobe The in ente part of a leaf or flower not ivi e into istinct an separate parts but still interconnecte to similar parts of the leaf or flower
MidribMidvein The central or main vein of a leaf
Native A species that originate in a certain place or region in igenous
Node The place on the stem where leaves or branches are attache
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 87
Non-Native Not originating in a certain geographic location than where they are foun
Nut A har ry one-see e fruit not opening at maturity
Nutlet A small nut
Oblong Broa est at the mi le an tapering to both en s but broa er than elliptic
Opposite Leaves arising in pairs on either si e of a stem
Oval Broa ly elliptic
Ovate Broa ly roun e at the base becoming narrowe above
Palmate Having three or more veins lobes or leaflets arising from one point
Panicle A compoun loosely branche flower cluster
Parallel Veined Having veins all parallel as oppose to in a network
Perennial Living for two or more years
Petal One segment of the series of floral leaves lying just insi e the sepals often the most conspicuous
Petiole The stalk-like part of the leaf attaching it to the stem
Pinnate Divi e once along an elongate axis into istinct segments
Pith The soft tissue at the center of a plantrsquos stem it may be soli or hollow at maturity
Pod A fruiting structure containing the mature see s
Pubescent Covere in fine short hairs
Recurved Curving ownwar
Rhizome A horizontal usually un ergroun stem that often sen s out roots an shoots from its no es
Ribbed Bearing ri ges
Root The escen ing axis of the plant usually growing in an opposite irection from the stem
Samara A winge fruit
Scale A mo ifie leaf or thin flattene structure
Sepal One segment of the outer series of floral leaves often green in color but occasionally of a ifferent color an petal-like
Serrate With sharp forwar -pointing teeth on the margin
Sessile Without a stalk
Sheath The base of a leaf that encircles the stem
Simple (Leaf) A leaf compose of a single bla e
Smooth Not rough to the touch
Spi e An elongate cluster of sessile flowers
Shrub A woo y plant smaller than a tree with several stems or trunks arising from a single base a bush
Simple Leaf A leaf with a single bla e
Succulent Juicy an fleshy
Tendril A evice usually coile that enables some vines to climb
Toothed With teeth along the margin
Tuber A thickene part of an un ergroun root or rhizome serving for foo storage an often for propagation
Whorled (Leaf) Arrange in a group of three or more leaves branches or pe icles at the no e on the stem
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 88
Appendix C Leaf Shapes amp Arrangements
Peterson Lee Allen ldquoA Fie d Guide to Edib e Wi d P ants of Eastern and Centra North Americardquo Houghton Mifflin Company 1977
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 89
Appendix D Native ShorelandRiparian Buffer Plantings for New Hampshire
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 90
Native ShorelandRiparian Buffer Plantings for New Hampshire The p otected sho eland is the a ea of land that exists between the efe ence line of a wate body and 250 feet f om the efe ence line
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees
Ame ican Basswood (Ame ican Linden)
Tilia am ricana Medium-La ge 60-100rsquo
Mode ate Deep FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Rich woods valleys gentle slopes
Wildlife Pileated woodpecke wood duck othe bi ds dee abbit squi el
Food Seeds twigs
Ame ican Beech Fagus grandifolia Medium-La ge 60-90rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Rich woods well-d ained lowlands
Wildlife Blue jay chickadees nuthatches quail uffed g ouse tufted titmouse wild tu key wood duck woodpecke s bea chipmunk dee fox po cupine snowshoe ha e squi el
Food Nuts buds sap
Ame ican Hopho nbeam (I onwood)
Ostrya virginiana Small 20-40rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Rich woods Wildlife Downy woodpecke mockingbi d pu ple finch ing-necked pheasant ose-b easted g osbeak uffed g ouse wild tu key wood quail dee abbit squi el
Food Nuts buds seeds
Ame ican Ho nbeam (Blue BeechMusclewood)
Carpinus caroliniana
SmallSh ubby 20-40rsquo
Slow Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods fo ested wetlands avines st eambanks
Wildlife Quail uffed g ouse wood duck beave dee squi el
Food Seeds buds
Ame ican Mountain Ash
Sorbus am ricana Small Up to 25rsquo
Fast Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full-Sun
D y Moist Fo ested wetlands ich woods Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe catbi d ceda waxwing g osbeak mockingbi d obin th ushes wild tu key bea
Food F uit twigs
Balsam Fi Abi s balsam a Small-Medium 40-60rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands st eambanks ich woods
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse songbi ds small mammals moose
Food Seeds
Balsam Popla Populus balsam a Medium 60-80rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun Moist Floodplains ive banks st eambanks valleys
Wildlife Beave dee mouse snowshoe ha e
Food Buds catkins twigs foliage
Big-Toothed Aspen Populus grandid ntata
Small-Medium 30-60rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Sandy upland soils floodplain st eams with quaking aspen
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee evening g osbeak pu ple finch uffed g ouse yellow-bellied sapsucke dee
Food Buds catkins ba k twigs and foliage
Black Ash Fraxinus nigra Medium 60-80rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands st eambanks Wildlife Songbi ds wood duck dee moose small mammals
Food F uit twigs young leaves
Black Bi ch (Sweet Bi ch)
B tula l nta Medium 40-60rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade
Page 1
Moist Cool moist uplands ich woods
Wildlife G ouse dee abbit
Food Buds catkins seeds
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees (Continued)
Black Che y Prunus s rotina Medium 40-60rsquo
Mode ate Deep Tap oot
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Rich woods on many sites except ve y d y soils
Wildlife Bluebi d blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing common c ow easte n kingbi d evening g osbeak mockingbi d no the n flicke no the n o iole obin uffed g ouse spa ows th ushes vee y vi eo yellow-bellied sapsucke bea chipmunk dee fox accoon squi el
Food Be ies buds sap
Black Gum (Tupelo)
Nyssa sylvatica Medium 50-60
Slow No Info mation Available
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Fo ested wetlands floodplains Wildlife Bluebi d ca dinal catbi d chickadee c ow finches malla ds obin uby-th oated hummingbi d uffed g ouse vi eo wild tu key woodpecke s wood duck honeybees bea chipmunk dee opossum squi el
Food Seeds sap necta
Black Sp uce Pic a mariana Small Up to 25rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs fo ested wetlands lake and pond sho es
Wildlife Songbi ds uffed g ouse sp uce g ouse chipmunk cottontail dee po cupine squi el
Food Seeds twigs necta ba k
Black Willow Salix nigra Small-Medium Up to 50rsquo
Ve y Fast Ve y Shallow
Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands lowlands floodplains
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Buds catkins
Box Elde Ac r n gundo Medium 40-70rsquo
Ve y Fast Deep Late al
Full Sun D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands lowlands floodplains
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Seeds
Easte n Cottonwood Populus d ltoid s Medium-La ge 80-100rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Floodplains st eambanks valleys
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse
Food Catkins
Easte n Hemlock Tsuga canad nsis Medium-La ge 80-100rsquo
Mode ate Shallow Late al
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Acidic Cool moist uplands avines ock outc ops st eambanks
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee blue and g een wa ble s c ossbill hawks juncos pine siskin uffed g ouse vee y wild tu key dee chipmunk cottontail po cupine squi el white-footed mouse
Food Twigs foliage seeds
Easte n White Pine Pinus strobus La ge 70-120rsquo
Mode ate Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Well-D ained
Fo ested wetlands bogs avines cool shady no th slopes
Wildlife B own c eepe chickadee c ossbill g osbeak junco nuthatch pine wa ble spa ows sp uce g ouse wild tu key woodpecke s beave chipmunk dee snowshoe ha e squi el
Food Seeds foliage twigs excellent winte food
G ay Bi ch (Wi e Bi ch)
B tula populifolia Small 20-35rsquo
Fast Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Pionee Species poo est of ste ile soils sandy o g avelly slopes
Wildlife Ame ican goldfinch blue jay chickadee no the n junco pine siskin ed-tailed hawk uffed g ouse spa ows vi eo yellow-bellied sapsucke woodpecke s snowshoe ha e
Food Seeds buds
Page 2
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees (Continued)
G een Ash Fraxinus p nnsylvanica
Medium-La ge 60-80rsquo
Fast Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks neve on d y soils
Wildlife Ca dinal finches evening g osbeak mou ning dove ed-winged blackbi d wood duck beave chipmunk dee po cupine squi el
Food Seeds foliage
No the n White Ceda (A bo vitae)
Thuja occid ntalis Medium 30-60rsquo
Slow to Mode ate
Shallow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs wetlands ich woods Wildlife Songbi ds small mammals dee
Food Seeds needles
QuakingT embling Aspen (Popla )
Populus tr muloid s
Small-Medium 30-60rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Pionee Species d y open woods sandy o g avelly slopes
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse beave dee po cupine snowshoe ha e
Food Buds catkins ba k twigs and foliage
Red Maple Ac r rubrum Medium 40-75rsquo
Mode ate to Fast
Ve y Shallow
Full Sun D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands st eambanks lakesho es ich woods
Wildlife Ca dinal chickadee evening and pine g osbeaks finches obin yellow-bellied sapsucke beave chipmunk dee opossum squi el snowshoe ha e
Food Seeds buds ba k twigs sap
Red Oak Qu rcus rubra Medium 60-90rsquo
Mode ate Deep Late al
FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Bottomlands moist slopes Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe ducks hawks quail nuthatch uffed g ouse towhee wild tu key woodpecke bea chipmunk dee gophe opossum accoon squi el
Food Aco ns
Shagba k Hicko y Carya ovata La ge 70-100rsquo
Fast Deep Tap oot
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Rich woods valleys upland slopes
Wildlife Ca dinal field spa ows pine wa ble ose-b easted g osbeak ufous-sided towhee white-b easted nuthatch wild tu key wood duck yellow- umped wa ble chipmunks squi els
Food Nuts
Silve Maple Ac r sacharinium Medium 60-80rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands ive banks floodplains st eambanks
Wildlife Ca dinal goldfinch evening and pine g osbeaks no the n o iole
Food Seeds buds
St iped Maple (Moosewood Moose Maple)
Ac rp nsylvanicum SmallSh ubby 20-30rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t-Shade Moist Rich woods cool moist sites Wildlife Ruffed g ouse beave dee moose po cupine abbit
Food Buds ba k sama as
Suga Maple Ac r saccharum Medium-La ge 60-100rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Valleys and uplands tole ates almost all soil types
Wildlife Ca dinal goldfinch g osbeak ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse vi eo beave chipmunk po cupine B owse fo dee abbit snowshoe ha e
Food Seeds twigs ba k
Page 3
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees (Continued)
Swamp White Oak Qu rcus bicolor Medium 60-70rsquo
Fast No Info mation Available
FullPa t Shade Moist Fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks
Wildlife Ba ed owl blue jay ca dinal b own th ashe g ouse malla ds nuthatch quail ed-bellied woodpecke ed-tailed hawk uffed g ouse sta ling towhee wild tu key yellow-th oated wable w en beave chipmunk cottontail dee gophe opossum accoon squi el white-footed mouse wild tu key
Food Aco ns
Sweet Gum Liquidambar styraciflua
Medium-La ge 60-100rsquo
Mode ate No Info mation Available
Full Sun Moist Valleys Lowe slopes mixed woodlands
Wildlife Mou ning dove finches junco w en beave chipmunk squi el
Food Seeds
Sycamo e (Planet eeButtonwood)
Platanus occid ntalis
La ge 80-100rsquo
Slow No Info mation Available
FullPa t Shade o Full-Sun
D y o Moist Floodplains lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Finches chipmunk squi el
Food Seeds
Tama ack (Ame icanEaste n La ch)
Larix laricina Small-Medium 40-80rsquo
Va iable Mode ate Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs swamps wet peaty soils d ie upland loamy soils
Wildlife Blue jay kinglets pheasant ed c ossbill obin uffed g ouse sp uce g ouse yellow-bellied sapsucke chipmunk dee po cupine ed squi el snowshoe ha e
Food Needles twigs inne ba k seeds
White Ash Fraxinus am ricana
Medium-La ge 70-100rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods valleys slopes fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks
Wildlife Finches g osbeaks ed-winged blackbi d wood duck dee squi el
Food Seeds foliage
White Bi ch (Pape Bi ch)
B tula papyrif ra Medium 50-75rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Fo ested wetlands ich woods Wildlife G ouse siskins
Food Seeds buds
White Oak Qu rcus alba Medium-La ge 50-90rsquo
Mode ate Deep FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Deep ich well-d ained
St eambanks lakesho es gentle slopes adapts to almost any condition
Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe nuthatch quail uffed g ouse towhee wild tu key wood duck woodpecke chipmunk bea dee gophe opossum accoon squi el
Food Aco ns
White Sp uce Pic a glauca Medium 40-70rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist St eambanks lakesho es ich woods adjacent slopes
Wildlife Fishe s ma tens snowshoe ha e voles
Food Seeds
Yellow Bi ch (Sweet Bi ch)
B tula all ghani nsis
Medium-La ge 70-100rsquo
Slow Shallow Mode ate
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Fo ested wetlands floodplains avines cool ich woods of high elevations
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee common edpoll goldfinch pine siskins ed-shoulde ed hawk ing-necked pheasant uffed g ouse wild tu key wood duck yellow-bellied sapsucke beave chipmunk dee po cupine squi el snowshow ha e
Food Catkins buds ba k twigs foliage seeds
Page 4
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs
Ame ican Hazelnut Corylus am ricana Medium 5-10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Bo de s of woods hillsides thickets
Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe ceda waxwing hai y woodpecke ing-necked pheasant uffed g ouse chipmunk dee abbit squi el
Food Nuts be ies foliage
Beaked Hazelnut Corylus cornuta Small 6-10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y D y places Wildlife Bi ds mammals
Food Beaked nuts
Black Chokebe y Aronia m loncarpa
Medium Up to 10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Ceda waxwing chickadees uffed g ouse sha p-tailed g ouse dee abbit squi el
Food Be ies buds
Buttonbush C phalanthus occid ntalis
Medium 6-12rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
St eambanks lakesho es ponds sh ub and fo ested wetlands
Wildlife Ducks ails uby-th oated hummingbi d beave dee musk at butte flies honeybees and othe insects
Food F uit twigs leaves seeds necta
Chokeche y Prunus virginiana Small 3-6rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist With Aspen d y soils Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe catbi d c ow easte n kingbi d evening g osbeak o ioles pileated woodpecke ing-necked pheasant obin ose g osbeak uffed g ouse th ushes yellow-bellied sapsucke abbit squi el
Food Be ies buds foliage
Elde be y Sambucus canad nsis
Small-Medium 3-12rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods sh ub and fo ested wetlands ma shes
Wildlife Bluebi ds blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d g osbeak indigo bunting pileated woodpecke inged-neck pheasant obin ose-b easted g osbeak uffed g ouse th ushes wild tu key woodpecke chipmunk dee abbit squi el
Food Be ies necta twigs bugs
G ay Dogwood (Red-Panicle Dogwood)
Cornus rac mosa Medium 10-15rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Roadsides thickets wetlands Wildlife Blue jay ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing easte n kingbi d finch flycatche g osbeak hai y woodpecke no the n flicke phoebe pileated woodpecke pine g osbeak pine wa ble ed-bellied woodpecke ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse sta ling swamp spa ow tufted titmouse vee y vi eo wild tu key wood duck wood th ush woodcock yellow-bellied sapsucke chipmunk dee ed fox abbit squi el
Food Be ies twigs
Highbush Bluebe y Vaccinium corymbosum
Medium 5-15rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Baltimo e o iole bluebi d blue jay ca dinal chickadee g ay catbi d kingbi d o ioles phoebe ed-bellied woodpecke ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse ufos-sided towhee sca let tanage tufted titmouse vee y wild tu key woodpecke s wood th ush black bee chipmunk dee musk at abbit squi el white-footed mouse
Food Be ies foliage twigs buds
Hobblebush Viburnum alnifolium
Medium Up to 10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Cool moist avines shady lakesho es
Wildlife B own th ashe ca dinal ceda waxwing evening g osbeak obin
Food F uit
Page 5
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs (Continued)
Junipe Junip rus communis
Small 1-4rsquo
Slow Full Sun D y D y open land Wildlife Ceda waxwing finches g osbeaks g ouse pheasant obin dee abbit moose
Food Twigs foliage f uit
Lowbush Bluebe y Vaccinium angustifolium
1-2rsquo Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Bogs d y sandy flats ocky slopes
Wildlife Blue jay g ouse kingbi d o iole obin tanage s woodpecke s squi el
Food Be ies foliage twigs
Malebe y Lyonia ligustris Up to 10rsquo Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods gentle slopes
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food F uit
Mapleleaf Vibu num Viburnum ac rifolium
Small 3-6rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Rich woods Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food F uit
Mountain Lau el Kalmia latifolia Up to 20rsquo Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Mixed uplands acid soils Wildlife Ruffed g ouse dee
Food Foliage buds twigs necta
Nannybe y Viburnum l ntago Medium-La ge 10-25rsquo
Mode ate FallPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Rich woods Wildlife Songbi ds mammals
Food Be ies
No the n A owwood Viburnum r cognitum
Medium 10-15rsquo
Mode ate FallPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse songbi ds bea chipmunks accoon squi el skunk white-footed mouse
Food Be ies
No the n Wild Raisin (Withe od Vibu num)
Viburnum nudum varcassinoid s
Medium 6-10
Mode ate FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands valleys slopes st eambanks
Wildlife B own th ashe ceda waxwing flycatche uffed g ouse vee y woodcock yellow-wa ble chipmunk dee musk at squi el snowshoe ha e
Food Ba k twigs buds
Pussy Willow Salix discolor Medium-La ge Up to 15rsquo
Fast Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks lakesho es
Wildlife Ame ican goldfinch uffed g ouse beave ha e abbits squi el
Food Buds catkins twigs ba k
Raspbe y Rubus ida us Small Up to 6rsquo
Fast FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Thickets edges of woods Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food F uits
Red Osie Dogwood Cornus stolonif ra Small-Medium 4-8rsquo
Fast FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods st eambanks lakesho es
Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing downy woodpecke easte n kingbi d finches no the n flicke pine wa ble pu ple finch inged-neck pheasant uffed g ouse vi eo wild tu key woodpecke s wood duck chipmunk dee abbit squi el
Food Be ies twigs
Rhodo a Rhodod ndron canad ns
Small 3-4rsquo
Slow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs slopes ocky summits Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Leaves
Page 6
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs (Continued)
Shadbush (Se vicebe yJunebe y)
Am lanchi r spp La ge 15-25rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks ich woods
Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing g ay catbi d junco o ioles ed squi el obin uffed g ouse sca let tanage th ushes vee y woodpecke s beave dee ed squi el skunk
Food Be ies twigs
Silky Dogwood Cornus amomum Medium 6-10rsquo
Fast FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks
Wildlife Baltimo e o iole black-capped chickadee blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing downy woodpecke easte n kingbi d flycatche mockingbi d no the n flicke pine wa ble pu ple finch ed-bellied woodpecke inged-necl pheasant obin ose-b easted g osbeak uffed g ouse song spa ow sta lings tufted-titmouse wild tu key wood duck wood th ush vee y chipmunk dee abbit accoon skunk squi el white-footed mouse
Food Be ies buds twigs
Speckled Alde Alnus rugosa La ge 15-25rsquo
Fast Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks lakesho es
Wildlife Alde flycatche catbi d goldfinch malla ds pheasant pine siskin ed-winged blackbi d uffed g ouse swamp spa ow yellow-bellied flycatche woodcock bea beave dee cottontail moose musk at snowshoe ha e
Food Buds twigs ba k leaves
Spicebush Lind ra b nzoin Small-La ge 6-17rsquo
Mode ate Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Catbi d kingbi d pheasant quail obin uffed g ouse vee y vi eo wood th ush swallowtail butte flies dee musk at
Food F uit buds twigs leaves
Swamp Azalea Rhodod ndron viscosum
Up to 5rsquo Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Hummingbi d butte flies and othe insects dee
Food Leaves necta
Swamp Blackbe y Rubus hispidus Small Up to 6rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal ceda waxwing g ackle g ay catbi d g osbeak mockingbi d o iole tanage ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse ufus-sided th ushes towhee vee y wild tu key woodcock woodpecke s wood th ush chipmunk cottontail dee accoon skunk squi el
Food F uit canes
Sweet Gale Myrica gal Small 1-4rsquo
Slow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee catbi d common yellowth oat phoebe pied-billed g ebe uffed g ouse t ee swallow tufted titmouse wild tu key dee musk at
Food Buds leaves
Sweet Peppe bush Cl thra alnifolia Medium 3-10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Butte flies and othe insects
Food F uit seeds necta
Winte be y Holly (Black Alde )
Il x v rticillata Medium 6-10rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eamabanks
Wildlife Ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing chickadees finches flicke s uffed g ouse th ushes vi eo woodpecke s bea cottontail dee moose skunk white-footed mouse
Food Be ies twigs leaves
Page 7
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs (Continued)
Witch Hazel Hammam lis virginiana
La ge 20-30rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist D y o ich woods Wildlife Ca dinal ing-necked pheasant uffed g ouse wild tu key dee squi els
Food Seeds buds twigs ba k
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
GroundcoverHerbaceous Perennials
Boneset Eupatorium p rfoliatum
4-6rsquo Full Sun D y o Moist Wet meadows ma shes pond edges
Wildlife Malla ds uffed g ouse swamp spa ow wild tu key butte flies and othe insects
Food Necta
Blue Flag I is Iris v rsicolor 2-3rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Ma shes lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Blue-winged teal uby-th oated hummingbi d wood duck butte flies and othe insects musk at
Food Necta shoots
Bunchbe y Cornus canad nsis 3-8rdquo FullPa t Shade Moist Cool moist woods Wildlife Sha p-tailed g ouse sp uce-g ouse moose
Food F uit buds
Ca dinal Flowe Lob lia cardinalis 2-4rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Damp sites st eambanks Wildlife Ruby-th oated hummingbi ds butte flies and othe insects bea dee
Food Necta
Cattail (B oad-Leaf) Typha latifolia Up to 10rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Ma shes lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Blue-winged teal black-c owned night he on ed-winged blackbi d king ail least and Ame ican bitte n malla ds ma sh w en swamp spa ow Vi ginia ail chipmunk dee musk at
Food Seed heads
Ch istmas Fe n Polystichium acrostichoid s
Up to 1rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Rich woods Wildlife Ruffed g ouse box tu tle chipmunk abbit
Food F onds filldeheads
Cinnamon Fe n Osmunda cinnamom a
Up to 3rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife B own th ashe uby-th oated hummingbi d uffed g ouse yellow th oat chipmunk dee white-footed mouse vole
Food F onds filldeheads
Foamflowe Tiar lla cordifolia Up to 1rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Rich woods Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Leaves
Golden od (Rough o G ass-Leaved)
Solidago spp 1-5rsquo Full Sun D y o Moist Wet meadows ma shes damp swales
Wildlife Goldfinch junco uffed g ouse swamp spa ow butte flies and othe insects cottontail meadow mice
Food Seeds necta
Page 8
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
GroundcoverHerbaceous Perennials (Continued)
Hay-Scented Fe n D nnsta dtia punctiloula
Up to 2rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Woodlands hillside pastu es Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds filldeheads
Inte upted Fe n Osmunda punctiloula
3-4rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Woodland edges stony d y soil Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds filldeheads
Jewelweed (Spotted-Touch-Me-Not)
Impati ns cap nsis 2-5rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks
Wildlife Ring-necked pheasant uffed g ouse uby-th oated hummingbi d vee y butte flies and othe insects white-footed mouse
Food Necta seeds
Joe Pye Weed Eupatorium purpur um
2-6rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Wet meadows ma shes sho es Wildlife Ruby-th oated hummingbi d swamp spa ow butte flies and othe insects cottontail musk at accoon
Food Necta
New England Aste Ast r nova -anglia
Up to 5rsquo Full Sun D y o Moist Wet meadows wetlands Wildlife Songbi ds butte flies and othe insects Food Necta seeds
Ost ich Fe n Pt r tis p nsylvanica
Up to 6rsquo FullPa t Shade Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds fiddleheads
Pa t idgebe y Mitch lla r p ns Up to 1rsquo FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Rich woods Wildlife G ouse mammals
Food Be ies
Rattlesnake Manna G ass
Glyc ria canad nsis
Up to 3rsquo Full Sun Moist Ma shes bogs fo ested wetlands lakesho es
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Seeds
Rice Cutg ass L rsia oryzoid s Up to 5rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
P ima ily f esh ma shes Wildlife Dee musk at moose
Food Seeds foliage
Rive bank G ape (Vine) Vistis riparia Up to 25rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist St eambanks Wildlife Pileated woodpecke uffed g ouse wild tu key wood duck va ious mammals
Food F uit
Royal Fe n Osmunda r galis Up to 5rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds fiddleheads
Sensitive Fe n Onocl a s nsibilis Up to 3rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Black-capped chickadee uffed g ouse bea dee
Food Buds foliage
Sheep Lau el Kalmia angustifolia
Up to 4rsquo FallPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo est wetlands fieldspastu es
Poisonous to livestock
Swamp Milkweed Ascl pias incarnata
Up to 2rsquo FallPa t Shade Moist Wet meadows wetlands thickets sho es
Wildlife Black duck malla ds ed-winged blackbi d uby-th oated hummingbi d Mona ch butte fly othe butte flies and insects musk at Food Necta seeds
Page 9
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
GroundcoverHerbaceous Perennials (Continued)
Sweet Fe n Componia p rigrina
1-3rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Open d y sandy soils and pastu es
Wildlife Flicke s sha p-tailed g ouse dee moose
Food F uit
Tall Meadow Rue Thalictrum polyganum
2-8rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Wetlands wet meadows st eamsides
Wildlife Bees butte flies
Food Necta
Tussock Sedge Car x stricta Up to 4rdquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Ma shes ich woods Wildlife Finches uffed g ouse snipe spa ows dee
Food Seeds foliage
Twinflowe Linna a bor alis Up to 6rdquo FullPa t Shade Moist Rich woods Wildlife Mammals
Food Foliage
Vi ginia C eepe (Vine) Parth nocissus quinqu folia
Up to 25rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Woods ocky banks Wildlife Bluebi d g eat-c ested flycatche ed-eyes vi eo pileated woodpecke
Food Be ies
Who led Loosest ife Lysimachia quadrifolia
Up to 4rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist D y o moist open woods thickets
Wildlife Mammals
Food Foliage
Wild Sa sapa illa Aralia nudicanlis 8-15rdquo FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Upland woods Wildlife Mammals
Food Foliage seeds be ies
Winte g een (Teabe yChecke be y)
Gaulth ria procumb ns
Up to 4rdquo Full Sun D y Oak woods sandy soils Wildlife Pa t idge uffed g ouse songbi ds chipmunk dee moose
Food F uit foliage
References
Baldwin Hen y Ives ldquoFor st L av s How to Id ntify Tr s and Shrubs of North rn N w Englandrdquo Pete E Randall Publishe 1993
Connecticut Rive Joint Commission ldquoRiparian Buff rs for th Conn cticut Riv r Wat rsh drdquo 2000 httpwwwc jco gpdffilesPlant20listspdf
Ha low William M ldquoTr s of th East rn and C ntral Unit d Stat s and Canadardquo Dove Publications 1942
New Hampshi e Depa tment of Envi onmental Se vices Th Critical Edg Appendix D 1998
New Hampshi e Depa tment of Resou ces and Economic Development Division of Fo ests and Lands State Fo est Nu su y ldquoWildlif Cons rvation Sp ci s D scriptionsrdquo 2001
Nie ing William A ldquoNational Audubon Soci ty Natur Guid s W tlandsrdquo Chanticlee P ess Inc 1997
Redington Cha les B ldquoPlants in W tland Fi ld Guid to Biological Int ractionssrdquo KendallHunt Publishing Company 1994
Sutton Ann and My on ldquoNational Audubon Soci ty Natur Guid s East rn For stsrdquo Alf ed A Knopf Inc 1997
Unive sity of New Hampshi e Coope ative Extension ldquoTr s and Shrubs in N w Hampshir A Guid book for Natural B auty Proj ctsrdquo Bulletin 163
Unive sity of New Hampshi e Coope ative Extension ldquoN w Hampshir rsquos Nativ Tr s Shrubs and Vin s with Wildlif Valu rdquo
Compiled by
Jen D ociak New Hampshi e Depa tment of Envi onmental Se vices Wate Division Wate shed Management Bu eau
Ma ch 2006
Page 10
In The ater Submerged Aquatic Plants
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 1
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic
an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 2
BLADDER ORT
Utricu aria spp
Status Native Approximately 10 species in New Hampshire
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers bogs
Height 2-3 feet long
Stem Long slen er flexible branche typically becoming etache from roots an free-floating
Leaves Alternate filamentous finely-forke with attache ldquobla ersrdquo
Flower Stalks occurring at irregular intervals along stem Each stalk bearing 6-20 small pink to yellow two-lippe ldquosnap ragon-likerdquo flowers an emerging several inches out of the water or mu
Flowering Period June into September
Fruit Capsule containing many see s
Value Provi es foo an cover for fish Since they are free-floating they can grow in areas with very loose se iment provi ing nee e fish habitat in areas that are not rea ily colonize by roote plants
Similar Species Fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) coontail (Ceratophyllum spp) milfoil (Myriophyllum spp) Bla erwort may be istinguishe from these plants by the alternate forke leaves branching from the base into 2 main ivisions an presence of the ldquobla ersrdquo on the leaves (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Bla erwort may resemble the milfoils but there are two istinguishing features One is the bla ers on the leaves the other is that milfoils have feather-like leaves that have one central leaf stem with nearly opposite unbranche leaflets The leaflets of bla erwort are more branche an forke (Smagula an Connor 2007)
This carnivorous plant has trigger hairs on each bla er that open a trap- oor an suck in water along with the organism that triggere the reaction These organisms can range from insect larvae to tiny zooplankton Once insi e the bla ers the organism is igeste by enzymes foun there Special cells then take the igeste material from the bla ers an move it to the stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 3
COONTAILHORN ORT
Ceratophy um demersum
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Height Variable accor ing to water epth
Stem Long toothe trailing much branche
Leaves Whorle smooth up to 1 frac12 inches long 3 forks nearly threa -like flattene an toothe segments
Flower Tiny purplish-green foun where the leaf attaches to the stem an stays entirely submerge Male an female occurring separately
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Dark brown see approximately frac14 inch long with two spines at the base an one at the tip
Value The stiff whorls of leaves offer habitat for many species especially uring the winter when many other plants are re uce to roots an rhizomes Both foliage an fruit are graze by waterfowl Bushy stems are home to many invertebrates an provi e important shelter an foraging opportunities for fish
Similar Species Mermai -wee (Proserpina a palustris) fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) Coontail may be istinguishe from these plants by its whorle toothe leaves its tiny sessile axillary flowers an beake fruits (Smagula an Connor 2007)
The whorle leaves often cause the plant to be confuse with water milfoil This plant has a plastic-like feel an leaves ten to be thickly clustere at the tips of the stems The leaves are completely whorle aroun the stem an forke milfoil leaves are istinctly feather-like (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 4
VARIABLE ATER MILFOIL
Myriophy um heterophy um
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Height Slen er flexible long (up to 15 feet) Tip often emerging above water when flowering Data from a University of New Hampshire stu y can suggest that variable water milfoil can grow an inch per ay
Stem Roun thick re ish If broken in half the stem resembles a ldquowheel spokerdquo
Leaves Mostly submerge opposite or in whorls of 4 to 6 an can grow up to 2 inches long Leaves on upper stem are whorle an may be whorle or alternate on lower stem Emerge leaves occurring only towar the stem tips
Flower Small inconspicuous brownish occurring singly in the axils of the upper leaves usually above water uring flowering
Flowering Period In July flowers emerge from the water an are in a spike up to 6 inches tall Can also form a succulent amphibious form when water levels rece e
Fruit Very small four-lobe nutlike
Similar Species Mermai -wee (Proserpina a palustris) fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) coontail (Ceratophyllum spp) Variable milfoil may be istinguishe from these plants by the numerous scattere finely pinnately issecte leaves an floating or upright stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)
The plant is more robust than the other water milfoil species It has a very thick an heavy stem It can only be positively i entifie with the flower present or by DNA analysis (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Fragments of variable milfoil are ma e by passing boats wave action an auto-fragmentation These fragments may float freely an sprea for one or two weeks as they generate roots Once roots make contact with se iment the fragment attaches the roots sprea laterally an expan the footprint of the colony With one fragment an entire colony can arise Colonies can outcompete native plants re ucing bio iversity (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 5
ATER EEDDITCHMOSS
E odea Canadensis E nutta ii
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Height Up to 2 feet long occasionally forming ense colonies
Stem Slen er smooth branche
Leaves Long upper an mi le leaves in whorls of 3 with very finely-toothe margins Those of the male plants linear or lanceolate pointe at the tip up to frac12 inch long Those of the female plants broa ly lanceolate roun e or slightly pointe at the tip up to 58 inch long
Flower Green or white with 3 petals
Flowering Period July to September
Fruit A few to many-see e cylin rical capsule
Value Branching stems offer valuable habitat an grazing opportunities for fish Also provi es foo for muskrats an waterfowl They can eat the plant itself or fee on a wi e variety of invertebrates that use the plant as habitat
Similar Species Commonly mistaken for its invasive relative Brazillian elo ea It can be istinguishe by its smooth leaf margins
There are two common species of waterwee in New Hampshire E anadensis an Enuttalii Elodea anadensis ten s to have slightly broa er leaves with blunt tips whereas Enuttalii ten s to have thinner more nee le-like leaves that are pointe at the tips (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Enuttalii can be foun in alkaline to aci ic environments an E anadensis can be foun in alkaline or neutral systems (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 6
ILD CELERYTAPE GRASS
Va isneria americana
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers In water 4 - 6 feet eep
Height 1-3 feet long
Stem Slen er embe e horizontally in the mu near the surface an usually rooting at intervals
Leaves Narrow ribbon-like 1-3 feet in length with a light-colore center stripe mostly submerge with the tips floating
Flower Unisexual the female flower solitary an floating at the surface at the en of a long stalk The male flower on another plant submerge an attache to a short stalk near the bottom breaking off an floating to the surface at flowering time
Flowering Period July to October
Fruit Cylin rical po up to 2 inches long attache to a long stalk which coils up rawing the fruit un er water to mature
Value Source of foo for waterfowl All portions of the plant are consume foliage rhizomes tubers an fruit Muskrat are also known to graze on it Be s provi e sha e shelter an foo for fish
Similar Species Often confuse with the submerge leaves of bur-ree Tape grass can be istinguishe by its heavy air-fille leaves vertically veine centers an lightly veine e ges Unlike bur-ree this plant has no rib on the back of the leaf
Photo ourtesy of Amy Smagula
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 7
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic
an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 8
On The ater
Floating Aquatic Plants
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 9
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 10
FLOATING HEART
Nyphoi es cor ata
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Roun in cross section
Leaves Small heart-shape re ish to purple Approximately 1 ndash 1 frac12 inches wi e
Flower Small white 5 petals
Flowering Period Mi -summer
Similar Species The leaves are often confuse with those of the yellow water lily but are only about the size of a half- ollar an the shape resembles a heart with the same soft V-shape of the yellow water lily Floating heart has a small white flower that can be foun in mi -summer yellow water lily has a large yellow flower that blooms most of the summer (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 11
ATERSHIELD
Brasenia schreberi
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Roun in cross section Attache to the center of the un ersi e of the leaf
Leaves Oval Un ersi es are ark pink Leaves approximately 4 inches wi e Un ersi e of the leaves an stem have a jelly-like coating that protects them from being eaten by insects
Flower Small ark pink to purple 6 petals
Flowering Period July
Similar Species Resembles the leaves of the water lily as well as those of floating heart
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 12
HITE ATER LILY
Nymphea or orata
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Roun in cross section attache to the center of the un ersi e of the leaf
Leaves Roun with a V-shape notch on one si e Up to 12 inches wi e
Flower Large white sweet-smelling Up to 4 inches wi e
Flowering Period June - September
Similar Species White water lily can be istinguishe from the yellow water lily an floating heart by the V-shape notch near the stem attachment an the more roun e shape of the leaf
Both the yellow water lily an floating heart have a more roun e heart-shape notch Yellow water lily leaves are much more oval than the white water lily which has a circular leaf Floating heart leaves are no more than a few inches in length (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 13
YELLO ATER LILY
Nuphar variegata
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Triangular in cross section attache to the lobe en of the un ersi e of the leaf
Leaves Giant floating Up to 12 to 15 inches wi e
Flower Yellow flower petals appear cuppe aroun the inner flower parts an o not open completely like those of the white water lily
Flowering Period June ndash September
Similar Species Often confuse with floating heart an white water lily though floating heart is much smaller in leaf length an wi th The white water lily also has a much more roun e leaf with a sharp V-shape notch (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 14
DUCK EED
Lemna spp
Status Native
Habitat Surfaces of some lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers an often in stagnant waters of wetlan areas
Stem No true stems
Leaves This plant has no true leaves or stems an only has a flat green plant bo y calle a thallus They are very small only about 116 of an inch wi e (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Duckwee s blanket the water surface in colonies There may be one or more roots hanging into the water but the plant is free-floating
Flower This plant rarely flowers
Similar Species Many people think that ense growths of uckwee resemble an algae bloom (Smagula an Connor 2007)
ATERMEAL
Wolfifa spp
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem No true stems
Leaves Elliptical an flat
Flower This plant rarely flowers but is consi ere the worl rsquos smallest flowering plant
Similar Species Unlike uckwee this plant completely lacks roots an must be inspecte closely to etect this ifference Watermeal may also resemble an algae bloom but can be istinguishe by simply touching the waterrsquos surface to see if tiny plants are stuck to your fingers (watermeal) or if the water has a slimy film (algae) It is commonly foun growing along with uckwee (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Photo co rtesy of Amy Smag la
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 15
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 16
On the dge mergent Herbaceous Plants
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 17
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 18
ARROW ARUM
Peltan ra virginica
Status Native
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In mu or shallow water
Height Up to 2 feet tall growing in loose colonies
Stem Lacking a true stem Leaf an flower stalks arising from a thick root
Leaves Large arrow-shape Lower lobes separating an tapering to the tips Each lobe an the main stem have one prominent central vein from which other smaller veins originate The smaller veins are parallel to one another Leaf bla e with a vein running along the entire outline just insi e the margin
Flower Vertically-curle green Very small spathe almost completely covering the thin whitish fleshy spike White male flowers above green female flowers sheath tapering to the base an tip green outsi e an white insi e Flowering cluster at the en of a long nake stalk
Flowering Period May to July
Fruit Easily i entifie in the fall by its cluster of greenish-brown berries enclose in a green leathery case the stalk curve ownwar at maturity
Similar Species Arrowhea (Sagattaria latifolia) Arrow Arum may be istinguishe by its 3 prominent veins
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 19
ARROWH ADDUCK-POTATO
Sagittaria spp
Status Native There are several species in New Hampshire Slatifolia and Sgraminea are the most common
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In mu or completely submerge
Height Up to 1 frac12 feet tall
Stem Lacking an upright visible stem Leaves an flowering stalk arising from a fibrous roote base Several un ergroun runners each giving rise to a tuber the size of a small potato up to 2 inches wi e
Leaves Shape is variable within an between species Leaves can be broa ly or narrowly arrow-shape lance-shape or tape-like Leaves appear to clasp the base of the flowering stalk Leaf veins all originate from the point where the stem connects to the leaf an ra iate outwar from that point
Flower White petals in whorls of three with a yellow center up to 1 frac12 inch wi e Male flowers at the top with female ones lower on the flower stalk
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Flat winge crow e in a flattene hea up to frac12 inch wi e Ball-shape fruit clusters of green nutlets
Value Known as ldquo uck potatoesrdquo Arrowhea pro uces e ible starchy tubers beneath the mu eaten by ucks an muskrats
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 20
BLU -FLAG IRIS
Iris versicolor
Status Native
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In less than 3 feet of water
Height Up to 3 feet tall Growing in small colonies
Stem Upright robust flattene on one si e simple or with one or two branches from creeping rhizomes embe e in the mu Rhizome very shallow an sometimes expose above the se iment
Leaves Appearing basal but actually alternate bluish-green swor -like an up to 14 inches long an frac34 inch wi e ascen ing in a flat plane or fan-like arrangement Flower stalks are taller than the leaves
Flower Large purplish-blue stalke with 3 larger outer rooping petals whitish towar the base an 3 upright smaller petals in the center
Flowering Period June through July
Fruit Capsule up to 2 frac12 inches long with 3 roun e e ges contains numerous flattene see s often persisting into winter
Value Provi es foo an cover for waterfowl an wil life
Similar Species Leaves may be confuse with those of cattail (Typha spp)or sweet flag (Acorus calmus) Blue flag iris may be istinguishe by blueish-green leaves arrange in flat plane
Photo co rtesy of Amy Smag la
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 21
BLU V RVAIN
Verbena hastata
Status Native
Habitat E ges of pon s marshes streams an rivers
Height Up to 4 feet tall growing in small colonies
Stem Rough four-si e fairly straight arising from a fibrous roote base
Leaves Up to 6 inches long stalke toothe tapere at the tip with a rough surface
Flower 5 small blue petals in a pencil-like spike occurring singly or in clusters with in ivi ual flowers blooming perio ically from the base to the top of spike
Flowering Period July into October
Fruit Separating into four nutlets
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 22
BON S T THOROUGHWORT
Eupatorium perfoliatum
Status Native
Habitat Wet mea ows marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall Branche growing in small colonies
Stem Upright robust lightly- owny arising from a fibrous roote base
Leaves Opposite lanceolate tapering an pointe at the tip toothe with the base clasping the stem Heavily veine Up to 8 inches long an 2 inches wi e at the base
Flower Whitish in 3-4 terminal clusters up to 8 inches long
Flowering Period Late July through October
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 23
BUR-R D
Sparganium eurycarpum
Status Native
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Emergent in shallow water up to 1 foot eep or submerge in water up to 4 feet eep
Height Up to 3 feet tall
Stem Upright stout smooth arising from rhizomes embe e horizontally in the mu a few inches beneath the surface Zigzag stalks
Leaves Alternate linear up to 4 feet long Emergent stem leaves narrow up to 1 frac12 feet tall triangular in cross-section an ri ge on their back si e Certain species are erect while others are floating an ribbon-like
Flower Lower bulbs or burs are clusters of greenish female
flowers Upper smaller burs are white male flowers
Flowering Period June through August
Fruit A burr-like hea on a short or long stalk
Value Colonies provi e nesting sites for waterfowl an shorebir s The fruit is eaten by a variety of waterfowl an the whole plant is graze by muskrat an eer
Similar Species This plant is easily confuse with wil celery (Vallisneria americana) if the leaves are tape-like or with young cattail (Typha spp) if leaves are emergent For the floating form bur-ree has a ri ge own the back of the long leaf When erect an emergent leaves are shorter in height than those of cattail with a istinct ri ge or almost triangular cross section When in fruit the spiky burr-like fruit is istinctive (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 24
CARDINAL FLOW R
Lobelia car inalis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s sha e e ges streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall often growing in large colonies
Stem Smooth stout arising from a horizontal rhizome embe e shallowly in mu
Leaves Alternate lanceolate to oblong toothe tapering at both en s Lower leaves short-stalke upper leaves stalkless Up to 6 inches long an 1 frac12 inches wi e Smooth to slightly owny thin
Flower Long bright-re 2-lippe tubular flower occurring on terminal spike with the upper lip 2-lobe an lower lip 3-lobe
Flowering Period July into October
Fruit Many-see e capsule with two portions
Value Car inal flower is pollinate mostly by hummingbir s since most insects fin it ifficult to navigate the long tubular flowers
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 25
BROAD-L AF CATTAIL
Typha latifolia
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet swales e ges of lakes an pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 10 feet tall
Stem Upright stiff growing in ense stan s from thick extensively -creeping un ergroun rhizomes
Leaves Green or bluish-green upright linear 2-6 feet long an up to 1 inch wi e arising from base or alternating along the stem Leaves have a spongy feel
Flower Many small flowers packe into tight cigar-like clusters creating a lower female spike toppe by a smaller male spike with no gap between the two flower types Female spike persists turning into the familiar ark brown ldquotailrdquo
Flowering Period June into August
Fruit Small see -like surroun e by many bristles attache to the base
Value Provi es nesting habitat for many bir s such as the re -winge blackbir Shoots an rhizomes are eaten by muskrats an geese Submerse stalks provi e spawning habitat an shelter for fish One of only a few plants where all parts are e ible to humans
Similar Species Narrow-leaf cattail (Typha angustifolia) has narrower leaves a narrower fruiting hea an a gap between the male an female flower clusters
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 26
COMMON R D
Phragmites australis
Status Most stands are Non-Native xotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire Phragmites australis has been present in wetlan s for millennia but a non-native European species has crossbre with P australis an has forme an invasive plant
Habitat Fresh an brackish marshes e ges of lakes an pon s streams rivers an in roa si e itches Full to partial sun
Height Upright 4-14 feet tall usually forming ense colonies
Stem Calle ldquoculmsrdquo are large hollow an grow up to 1 inch wi e
Leaves Bluish-green lanceolate close together an usually sticking out from stems at a large angle up to 2 feet long an 1 inch wi e
Flower Clusters frac12 - 1 foot long often purple when young an whitish an fluffy when ol
Flowering Period Late July to October
Fruit Rarely pro uces see but sprea s vigorously by rhizomes often running over the surface of the groun
Value This plant has little to offer to bir s an mammals besi es cover Phragmites often outcompetes other native wetlan plants thus limiting the plant iversity an foo source value of the wetlan The only animal that fee s on this to any extent is the muskrat (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Similar Species Sometimes confuse with ree canary grass since they both form ense stan s at isturbe sites Ree canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) can be istinguishe by its shorter an narrower leaves spikelets with only one flower an its shorter height
How To Distinguish Native From Non-Native Phragmites
Stems Stems on the non-native variety are typically green but may have a little purple color along the no es Stems on
the native variety have some chestnut or purple color where leaves are pulle back exposing the stem Stems of the native variety are also often shiny an black spots often appear late in the growing season
Leaf Collars Leaf collars on the non-native variety are always green while leaf collars on the native variety may be
purple
Leaf Sheaths On fall stems the leaf sheaths on the non-native variety remain attache Leaf sheaths on the native variety are lost or very loosely attache so leaves rop off the native plants before the intro uce plants This is the best
in icator base seasonal changes that istinguishes native or non-native varieties
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 27
J W LW DSPOTT D TOUCH-M NOT
Impatiens capensis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 4 feet tall Often growing in ense colonies
Stem Upright smooth slightly branching hollow somewhat succulent slightly translucent
Leaves Alternate egg-shape toothe on stalks up to 4 inches long Silvery appearance when hel un er water an appear completely ry upon removal Size an color of foliage vary with ifferences in light exposure an available moisture
Flower Few to several angling orange-yellow three-petale tubularfunnel-shape flowers with re ish brown spots an curve spur at their en s
Flowering Period June through September
Fruit Flat green capsules approximately 1 inch long which at maturity burst when touche ejecting ark-brown see s
Value Especially a apte to hummingbir pollination but bees an butterflies are also important pollinators
The sap from this plant has been clinically proven to relieve skin rashes Jewelwee can be applie to the affecte part of the bo y an neutralizes the urishol oil pro uce by poison ivy an poison oak (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 28
JO PY W D
Eupatorium maculatum
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 6 feet tall Branche growing in small to me ium-size colonies
Stem Stout smooth purple or purple-spotte somewhat rough towar the top arising from a fibrous roote base
Leaves Lanceolate toothe rough short-stalke with large single mi -vein Up to 8 inches long an 2 frac12 inches wi e tapere at the base an tip in whorls of 3-7
Flower Small rose-purple in ense flat-toppe clusters at the top of the stem an at the en s of the branches
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Angular nutlet with a plume of fine bristles at the top
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 29
PICK R LW D
Ponte aria cor ata
Status Native
Habitat Marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 3 feet tall often growing in ense colonies
Stem Upright stout smooth arising from a rhizome bearing one leaf an one terminal spike
Leaves Basal an alternate very large arrowhea to heart-shape glossy with prominent parallel veins blunt tip on a spongy leaf stalk
Flower Many small tubular violet-blue flowers approximately frac12 inch long on solitary spike with a sheath at the base
Flowering Period June through August
Fruit Small bla er-like with toothe ri ges containing one see
Value See s are consume by waterfowl an muskrats Networks of rhizomes an leaves also offer sha e an shelter for fish
Similar Species This plant can be istinguishe from its close look-alikes arrow arum an arrowhea by its light bluish-purple flower spike Bases of the leaves are more roun e whereas arrowhea an arrow arum leaves are more pointe (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 30
PURPL LOOS STRIF
Lythrum salicaria
Status Non-Native xotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire
Habitat Marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams rivers an in roa si e itches Full to partial sun
Height 2-6 feet tall
Stem Upright smooth to slightly- owny Square four-si e almost woo y
Leaves Opposite to whorle lanceolate often with heart-shape bases somewhat clasping stem sometimes in whorls of 3 Gra ually tapering to a point 3 to 4 inches long an frac12 to 1 inch wi e
Flower 5-7 purple petals in a ense terminal spike
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Many-see e capsule
Value Little wil life value See s are low in nutrition an roots are too woo y The flowers are attractive to insects They pro uce nectar an are regularly visite by honeybees
This plant outcompetes other wetlan plants which are beneficial foo sources for wil life an insects It repro uces by pro ucing millions of see s per plant an quickly takes over the lan scape when intro uce It also sprea s by rhizome (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 31
R D CANARY GRASS
Phalaris arun inacea
Status Non-Native xotic Invasive
Habitat Swales marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Although it is usually a shoreline plant it can survive in knee- eep water by sprouting ldquowater rootsrdquo on the submerse portion of the stem Forms ense stan s in isturbe areas where clearing gra ing siltation filling or other isruptions have create an opening with moist soil
Height Up to 7 feet tall Often growing in ense colonies
Stem Upright stiff from extensively-creeping rhizomes
Leaves Alternate upright grayish-green open sheath an ligule at the leaf axis Bla es fairly long an narrow up to 12 inches long an frac34 inches wi e
Flower Green to greenish-purple spikelets single-flowere lanceolate ense Terminal inflorescence up to 7 inches long branche an compresse early in the season but opening after fertilization
Flowering Period June through August
Value Low foo value Provi es summer cover an habitat for waterfowl at isturbe sites However it ten s to mat own in winter provi ing little winter cover for wil life
Similar Species Sometimes confuse with bluejoint grass (Calamagrostis canadensis) However the spikelets of bluejoint are in a loose open arrangement an the no es have a bluish to purplish cast
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 32
SOFT-ST MM D BULRUSH
Scirpus vali us
Status Native
Habitat Wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Usually growing in water less than 5 feet eep Ten s to be foun on ldquomuckierrdquo substrate an will grow in stagnant water
Height Usually up to 5 feet but can grow up to 10 feet tall Often growing in extensive colonies
Stem Upright grayish-green often arching up to frac34 inch thick at the base arising from stout re ish rhizomes Soft roun tapering to a point
Leaves No apparent leaves
Flowers Inconspicuous many-stalke bu like spikelets covere by re ish-brown scales locate imme iately below the top of stem Clusters mostly rooping but not in higher salinity areas
Flowering Period June into September
Fruit See -like nutlet with 4-6 bristles attache to the base
Value Provi es habitat for invertebrates an shelter for young fish Nutlets consume by a variety of waterfowl marsh bir s an uplan bir s Stems an rhizomes eaten by geese an muskrat Also provi es nesting material an cover for waterfowl marsh bir s an muskrat
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 33
SWAMP LOOS STRIF WAT R WILLOW
Deco on verticillatus
Status Native shrub becoming herbaceous towar the tips
Habitat Wetlan s bogs e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Shallow water with muck or peat se iment Can form floating mats in areas of very soft se iment
Height Up to 5 feet tall
Stem Ri gi woo y smooth to slightly- owny 3-9 feet long The lower rooting stems are spongy an buttresse giving rise to new arching stems
Leaves Opposite or in whorls of 3 gra ually tapering to a point 3-4 inches long an frac12 to 1 inch wi e sessile or short-stalke
Flower Pinkish-purple bell-shape with 5-7 sepals an 5 petals forming showy clusters in the axils of the mi le to upper leaves
Flowering Period July through August
Fruit Small brownish capsule with 3-5 partitions the clusters sometimes persisting above the leaf scars throughout winter
Value The many intertwining arching stems may form sizable clusters at the e ges of lakes an sluggish streams or floating bog mats Wherever a stem touches the water air-fille spongy tissue may evelop This tissue buoys the stem so that it may root an form a new arching stem
Similar Species May be confuse with the invasive purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) Swamp loosestrife can be istinguishe by the arching stems an showy axillary flower clusters as well as the roun stem instea of the square stem of purple loosestrife (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 34
THR -WAY S DG
Dulichium arun inaceum
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Extensive be s can be foun in shallow (less than 3 feet) water Grows in a variety of se iment types an can tolerate some turbi ity
Height Up to 3 feet tall solitary or in small colonies
Stem Roun hollow jointe arising from a horizontal rhizome
Leaves Linear up to 4 inches long an 38 inch wi e with a conspicuous sheath the latter close except at the top
When looking own upon the plant the leaves are line up an appear to ra iate from three angles away from the main stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Flower Inconspicuous flattene linear sessile spikelets in the axils or two-ranke scales of the brownish spikelets 8-10 along the axillary stalk
Flowering Period July through October
Fruit Flattene brownish see -like nutlet toppe with a beak
Value Eaten occasionally by a variety of ucks an geese Rhizomes an shoots also graze by muskrats
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 35
WOOL GRASS
Scirpus cyperinus
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall growing in small colonies
Stem Upright robust roun to triangular especially at the base
Leaves Elongate from base of stem up to 2 feet long Leaves imme iately below the flower are in clusters of 3-5 an may reach 5 inches long an roop at the tips
Flower Clusters of 6-12 spikelets at en s of rooping stems Flower clusters up to 12 inches long much branche
Flowering Period August through September
Fruit Whitish see -like nutlet with bristles much longer than the scales attache to the base the bristles impart the wooly appearance to the spikelets
Value Provi es foo an cover for waterfowl an other wil life
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 36
Ferns
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 37
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 38
INNAMON FERN
Osmund cinn mome
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Often growing near somewhat similar an relate interrupte fern (Polys ichum aros ichoides)
Height Up to 3 feet tall
Stem Upright stout smooth green an covere with cinnamon-colore wooly stalk
Leaves Sterile (vegetative) fron s up to 3 feet high upright to slightly arche lance-shape with 20+ opposite leaflets Fertile fron s o not persist through the summer whereas vegetative fron s remain until first frost
Reproduction Club-like fertile fron with groups of spore cases on leaflets that hug the main axis
Fruiting Period Spring
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 39
OSTRI H FERN
Pteretis pensylv nic
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 6 feet tall forming tussocks or clumps
Stem Stout nake for up 1 foot from the base green flattene an black at the base covere with papery brown scales Arising from a forking shallowly-embe e rhizome an giving rise to stout black scaly runners
Leaves Sterile fron s forming circles gra ually narrowe at the base an abruptly narrowe to the tip Fertile fron s up to 2 feet tall an 2 inches wi e nake for approximately half their length the nake portions shiny brown crow e sprea ing or ascen ing branches often overlapping or twiste light green at first turning ark green an eventually brown
Reproduction Leaf segments with spore cases beneath become rolle into small har berry-like structures joine along the branches of the fertile fron
Fruiting Period July ndash August Persisting over winter
Similar Species Cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea) Ostrich fern may be istinguishe by the gra ually narrow base an papery scales rather than cinnamon-colore pubescence on the stalk
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 40
ROYAL FERN
Osmund reg lis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall growing in scattere groups
Stem Somewhat stout nake for approximately half its length greenish or re ish arising from a stout creeping rhizome
Leaves Fron s with 5-7 pairs of nearly opposite oblong ascen ing ivisions The lowest pair slightly shorter than the others each ivision ivi e into finely toothe oblong blunt alternate segments 10-14 on each si e Fertile fron s terminate by a panicle appearing as a ense cluster of light brown structures
Reproduction Spore cases clustere along short nake leaf segments in a terminal panicle an often at the tips of some of the ivisions One of several ferns that pro uce their spores on mo ifie leaflets not on the un ersi e of the fron s
Fruiting Period Spring an early summer
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 41
SENSITIVE FERN
Onocle sensibilis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 3 feet tall Growing solitary or scattere
Stem Upright stout nake for nearly half its length arising from a creeping rhizome
Leaves Sterile fron s up to 3 feet tall the bla e with up to 16 pairs of wi e segments having wavy margins Fertile fron s shorter the berry-like structures clustere in stiffly erect ivisions the entire structure appearing spike-like
Reproduction Leaf segments with spore cases beneath which have become rolle into small har black berry-like structures appearing July through August an persisting over winter
Fruiting Period July into October
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 42
Woody S rubs
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 43
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 44
NORTHERN ARROW-WOOD Viburnu recognitu
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 15 feet tall forming thickets
Bark Smooth an gray with a white pith
Twigs Brownish-gray hairless highly branche long straight slen er arrow-like smooth
Buds Re ish-brown with 2 pairs of scales Opposite pointe approximately frac14 inch long roun e scales with fringe of minute hairs along the bor ers
Leaves Opposite egg-shape to roun with saw-like coarse teeth 1-2 inches long an 3 inches wi e tapering to a point with very prominent smooth veins
Flower Numerous small white-petale flowers on short stalks in a somewhat ense terminal flat cluster
Flowering Period June through July
Fruit Fleshy blue-black berry-like approximately 13 inch wi e containing a flattene see appearing in August
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 45
BUTTONBUSH Cephalanthus occidentalis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 12 feet tall typically 3-5 feet tall
Bark Smooth an grayish when young flaky an grayish when ol er Light-brown pith
Twigs Slen er roun or angle grayish-brown to purplish marke with light elongate lenticels
Buds Small in epresse areas surroun e by bark
Leaves Opposite or in whorls of 3-4 Shiny ark-green above lighter green an slightly owny beneath Leathery smooth oblong to oval 3-6 inches long broa at the base pointe at tips often with short re stalks
Flower Densely clustere spherical creamy white ball-shape flowers long-stalke often in groups of 3 1- 1 frac12 inch wi e Ripe hea s brownish fragrant
Flowering Period July through August
Fruit Small triangular-shape capsules greenish in ball-like hea s like the flowers Persist into winter
Value Butterfly an moth species are often foun fee ing on the sweet nectar of the tubular flowers because of their long curle mouthparts Caterpillar pupas are often foun on buttonbush because of the foo association with larvae an a ults (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 46
ELDERBERRYBLACK-BERRIED ELDER Sa bucus canadensis
Elderberr showing fruit
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 12 feet tall often forming thickets
Bark Green
Twigs Pale yellow-brown to light-brown with numerous large raise lenticels Ill-smelling when bruise Flute or square pith very thick white an soft
Buds Small roun to oval covere with brownish scales
Leaves Opposite pinnately compoun with 5 to 11 leaflets usually 7 Lanceolate to ovate abruptly narrowing at the tip Sharply-toothe Lower leaflets often 3-parte Smooth above smooth or owny on veins beneath
Flower Small white nicely-scente flowers with 5 white petals in a flat-toppe cluster up to 6 inches wi e generally with 5 main branches
Flowering Period Late June through July
Fruit Juicy purplish-black berries in flat-toppe clusters containing many see s appearing late August to early October
Value Pro uces fruit that makes tasty jelly an wine It is also an important foo source for many songbir s
Elderberr showing flowers
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 47
GLOSSY BUCKTHORN Rha nus frangula
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T is species is pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Generalist Full-sun or sha e moist ry aci ic or basic soils Woo lan bor ers foreste wetlan s floo plain forests
Heig t Up to 20 feet tall
Twigs Grayish with whitish lenticels
Buds Nake owny up to frac14 inch long
Leaves Alternate whorle oblong 4-5 inches long an 3-4 inches wi e Long growing season leafing out in May an hol ing its leaves into November
Flower Small greenish-white in small clusters in the leaf axis
Flowering Period May through September Flowers an fruits continuously from May through September Plants often isplay bu s flowers immature fruit an mature fruit simultaneously
Fruit Berry with 2-3 pits approximately frac14 inch wi e turning from green to re an eventually blue-black Often all three colore berries are on the plant at the same time Sometimes ifficult to recognize in a foreste situation ue to its non- escript appearance but easily recognize July through September ue to masses of berries
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 48
HIGHBUSH BLUEBERRY Vacciniu cory bosu
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s rich woo s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 15 feet tall often forming thickets
Bark Rough brown Stem an larger branches shre y
Twigs On some bushes re ish-brown on other bushes they are yellow Covere with small warty lenticels zigzagge or angle
Buds Flower bu s re plump pointe with spine-like pointe scales Leaf bu s smaller two outer scales with hair-like point
Leaves Alternate pointe on both en s green on both si es untoothe Lower si e slightly wooly on the veins Up to 3 inches long an 1 frac12 inch wi e Deep re in autumn
Flower Cylin rical white or pink up to frac12 inch long an frac14 inch wi e in ense terminal or lateral clusters
Flowering Period April through June appearing when leaves are only half grown
Fruit Blue-black berry up to frac12 inch wi e with whitish bloom sweet in clusters
Value Berries eaten by numerous bir s an wil life
Similar Species Maleberry (L onia ligustrina) Highbush blueberry can be istinguishe by its terminal clusters of fruit an by berries rather than capsules for fruit
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 49
HOBBLEBUSH Viburnu alnifoliu
Status Native
Habitat Cool moist ravines e ges of rivers an streams
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Light brown with wavy grooves
Twigs Tough stout olive-brown to light purplish-brown Coate with rusty brown hairs towar the tip
Buds Large long in pairs light-brown covere with velvety fuzz Flower bu s roun e an occur only at tips of twigs
Leaves Very large 4-8 inches long Almost roun finely toothe heart-shape at base Hairy beneath rusty veins much branche Brownish hairs on stalks
Flower Large white clusters with 5 petals appearing before leaves are fully grown
Flowering Period May through June
Fruit Re berries turning black Stones with a groove on each e ge
Similar Species Likely to be confuse with ogwoo s Viburnum leaves are nearly always toothe or lobe while ogwoo leaves are smooth untoothe an veins are parallel
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 50
HONEYSUCKLE Lonicera spp
(L orrowii L tatarica L aackii)
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T ese species are pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Fiel s roa si es fence-rows he ge-rows e ges of woo s
Heig t 10 to 15 feet tall
Bark Tan to brown shre e in appearance
Twigs Generally glabrous thornless
Buds Blunt to acute
Leaves Opposite entire oblong to egg-shape 1-5 inches long
Flower 5-lobe tubular sometimes fragrant growing in leaf axils white to yellow
Fruit Re rarely yellow juicy few-see e berry July through September
Flowering Period May through June
Morrowrsquos Honeysuckle Lonicera orrowii
Leaves an young twigs ensely owny Leafy bracts beneath flowers not glan ular Leaves broa est below the mi le Flowers white fa ing to yellow
Tartarian Honeysuckle Lonicera tartarica
Un ersi es of leaves an young twigs are hairless Flowers usually pink-re Only species that has hollow pith
Amur Honeysuckle Lonicera aackii
Upper surface of leaves are shiny Bark is gray or tan an exfoliates somewhat in vertical strips Flowers white fa ing to yellow
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 51
JAPANESE KNOTWEED Polygonu cuspidatu
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T is species is pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Woo lan s open spaces itches roa si e itches e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall Fast growing aggressive easily sprea s an repro uces vegetatively
Twigs Greenish hollow jointe bamboo-like Stems often persist into winter
Leaves Alternate large untoothe broa ly ovate 3-7 inches long with pointe tips an square bases
Flower Many small whitish flowers growing in slen er finger-like clusters in the leaf axils
Flowering Period August to September
Fruit White papery win - isperse x-shape in cross-section
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 52
MALEBERRY Lyonia ligustrina
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s rich woo s gentle slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall often forming thickets
Bark Light gray shre y shaggy Younger bark appearing slightly hairy ol er bark gray with white lenticels
Twigs Yellow-brown to ash-gray mottle with black Flowering twigs leafless
Buds No terminal bu Lateral bu s flattene re oval pointe with a single re ish scale
Leaves Alternate elliptic to oblong stalke up to 3 inches long pointe at both en s minutely toothe Rough above slightly-hairy beneath
Flower Small roun white flowers in clusters up to 6 inches long
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Greenish-gray to brown small roun capsules with 5 partitions No larger than flower Crow e in groups on the stem persisting through winter Dry brown po s resembling blueberries
Similar Species Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium cor mbosum) Maleberry can be istinguishe by its flattene re bu s lateral rather than terminal clusters an by capsules of fruit instea of berries
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 53
MEADOWSWEET Spiraea latifolia
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t 2-3 feet tall forming large ense colonies
Bark Thin peeling in filmy layers
Twigs Smooth slen er light re ish-brown to purple more or less angle Unbranche (except occasionally towar the top where branching may occur)
Buds Many small smooth oval with several scales
Leaves Alternate oblong narrow toothe short-stalke tapering to the base with pointe to roun tips Up to 3 inches long an 1 frac12 inches wi e
Flower Pyrami clusters of white to pinkish 5-parte small flowers occurring at tip of stem
Flowering Period July into September
Fruit Small har smooth cluster of 5-6 tiny po s persisting over winter in the inflorescence giving it a ark-brown color
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 54
MULTIFLORA ROSE Rosa ultiflora
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T is species is pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Generalist Variety of soil moisture an light con itions
Heig t Up to 9 feet tall Shrubby arching
Bark Green Ol er stems turn woo y
Twigs Long arching with stiff re-curve thorns tips root to form new plants
Leaves Alternate pinnately compoun 7-9 toothe leaflets each leaflet about 1 inch long Fringe stipule at the base of leaf stem
Flower Dense clusters of fragrant white or occasionally pink 5-petale flowers up to 1 frac12 inch wi e Persist into winter
Flowering Period May through June
Fruit Small roun har re berry calle a ldquohiprdquo Smallest hip of any rose in New Englan persists into winter
Similar Species Multiflora rose can be istinguishe from other roses by the presence of a fringe stipule on the leaf petiole
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 55
NORTHERN WILD RAISIN WITHEROD VIBURNUM Viburnu cassinoides
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s valleys gentle slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall usually up to 7
Bark Smooth grayish-brown
Twigs Slen er long flexible ull pale grayish to light-brown Slightly hairy Somewhat angle with in istinct lenticels
Buds Covere by a single pair of scales Terminal bu s long yellow or gol en 2 light-brown scales split curve Flower bu s large an flask-shape
Leaves Opposite lanceolate to oval loosely toothe up to 4 inches long on short stalks tapering to an abrupt point Dark green above ull green below leathery
Flower Many small white 5-lobe flowers in short-stalke flat-toppe clusters at the tips of the twigs
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Fleshy blue-black berry-like approximately frac14 inch wi e containing a flat see Dull re as maturing
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 56
SHADBUSHSERVICEBERRY A elchier canadensis
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains rich woo s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 25 feet tall usually growing in thickets
Bark Gray smooth thin vertical fissures separating smooth flat areas in ol er trees
Twigs Ranci taste an smell (slight taste of bitter almon s) Slen er grayish often covere by a gray skin smooth Lenticels are scattere minute ots
Buds Terminal bu s long narrow greenish-yellow or purple
Leaves Alternate oblong finely-toothe broa est above the mi le Veins curve When half grown with white felt or wooly hairs beneath Up to frac34 inch long roun e at the tip an base
Flower Many me ium-size 5-petalle white flowers approximately frac34 inch wi e on stalks in clusters appearing when leaves are half grown
Flowering Period April through June
Fruit Dark-purple to black berries
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 57
SHEEP LAURELLAMBKILL Kal ia angustifolia
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 3 feet tall usually forming thickets
Bark Re ish brown
Twigs Pale brown smooth
Buds Nake no scales or only 2 showing
Leaves Evergreen Occasionally opposite but usually in whorls of 3 Elliptic to oblong on very short stems crow e on the branch opposite in threes Bright green above pale or whitene beneath Both surfaces smooth
Flower Small eep pink to re ish-purple 5-lobe approximately 1 frac12 inch wi e in clusters among the leaves
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Small brownish roun capsule with 5 partitions in clusters that persist over winter
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 58
SILKY DOGWOOD Cornus a o u
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall forming ense thickets
Twigs Much branching lower portion of the stem light brown upper portions becoming streake with re One-an two-year ol branches completely re an velvety Twigs mo erate to slen er with spongy chocolate-brown piths
Buds Smooth hairy
Leaves Opposite ovate to elliptic roun e at base with pointe tips Veins branching off mi vein that follow up the smooth leaf without reaching e ge Up to 5 inches long an half as wi e roun e to somewhat we ge-shape at the base an abruptly pointe at the tip pubescent beneath on short to mo erate stalks turning re in autumn
Flower Many small white 4-petalle flowers in broa flat-toppe clusters up to 3 inches wi e at the tips of branches
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Blue or blueish-white berries
Similar Species Re Osier Dogwoo (Cornus stolonifera)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 59
SPECKLED ALDER Alnus rugosa
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 25 feet tall often branching from the base
Bark Brown with whitish horizontal lenticels
Twigs Olive-brown to re ish brown smooth owny with greenish triangular pith
Buds Stalke re ish covere by 2-3 scales equal in length coate with grayish or brownish own no terminal bu
Leaves Alternate oval or roun e broa est below the mi le 2-4 inches long Doubly toothe or wavy Green above pale beneath Leaf base roun e or heart-shape Up to 6 inches long an 3 inches wi e
Flower Develop long before the leaves Male catkins long finger-like rooping Female catkins upright in clusters stalke resembling a small pine cone arching appearing below male
Flowering Period April through June before leaves emerge
Fruit Female catkins ripening into frac12 inch cylin rical cones persistent in winter
Comments Distinguishing features are the conspicuous white lenticels on the trunk an on the twigs the short thick stalks of the ldquoconesrdquo an the conspicuous net venation of the leaves In winter the immature female spikes roop
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 60
SPICEBUSH Lindera benzoin
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains rich woo s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Smooth grayish-brown
Twigs Younger growth is green with white lines an specks while ol er portions with smooth gray-brown bark
Buds Leaf bu s small pointe Flower bu s larger stalke Spherical arrange on one si e of a leaf bu above the scar
Leaves Alternate obovate to ovate somewhat pointe up to 4 inches long an 2 inches wi e
Flower Small yellow Male an female occur in clusters on separate plants
Flowering Period April through May
Fruit Fleshy re an berry-like up to frac12 inch long containing one large see
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 61
STEEPLEBUSH Spiraea to entosa
Status Native
Habitat Wet mea ows marshes shrub wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 3 frac12 feet tall
Bark Thin hairy peeling shre ing into strips
Buds Lateral bu s covere with wool No terminal bu
Leaves Alternate simple toothe up to 2 inches long white or woolly beneath with brownish rusty or tawny hairs
Flower Small 5-petale eep pink or rose colore flowers in ense steeple-like terminal spike up to 6 inches long
Flowering Period July into September
Fruit One-celle capsules persistent into winter
Similar Species The pinker plants are often confuse with purple loosestrife Steeplebush has alternate leaves whereas purple loosestrife has opposite or whorle leaves The stems of Steeplebush ten to be roun in cross-section whereas the stems of purple loosestrife are square in cross section (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 62
SWEET PEPPERBUSH Clethera alnifolia
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Dark grayish or blackish Branches of previous year shre y or flaky
Twigs Slen er roun an slightly owny on new twigs with large white pith
Buds Lateral bu s small an obscure Terminal bu s are owny large an pointe
Leaves Alternate egg-shape to oblong small broa est above mi le sharply-toothe except at base Straight-veine both si es smooth an green abruptly blunt-pointe Up to 4 frac12 inches long an 1 frac12 inches wi e
Flower Many small 5-petale fragrant white flowers occurring on terminal spike
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Small tan roun capsule each with 3 hairy partitions resembling peppercorns persisting into winter
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 63
WINTERBERRY HOLLYBLACK ALDER Ilex verticillata
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Gray smooth
Twigs Slen er ark purple-gray with many small lenticels
Buds Tiny blunt at tip iverging from the twig Crow e upper bu s larger Terminal bu present
Leaves Alternate ovate thick ull-green above owny beneath coarse-toothe prominent veins Broa est at or above the mi le pointe at both en s
Flower Very small greenish or yellowish white Male an female flower son separate plants 6-8 petals in clusters seate irectly on stem frac14 inch in iameter of very short stalks
Flowering Period May through August
Fruit Bright re berry-like with 3-5 bony nuts borne singly or in clusters approximately frac14 inch wi e containing several see s persisting into winter
Value Extremely showy in late fall an early winter when covere with their bright re fruit these shrubs are either male or female Attractive to bir s
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 64
WITCH HAZEL Ha a elis virginiana
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 30 feet tall
Bark Mottle light-brown to gray smooth to scaly
Twigs Zigzag smooth to slightly hairy Short shoots light orange brown with rusty or gray hairs Some brown warts but lenticels in istinct
Buds Lateral bu s flattene with rusty brown hairs Terminal bu stalke curve or sickle-shape
Leaves Roun e to oval wavy lopsi e toothe in shallow roun e lobes Main veins prominent 5-7 nerves One-si e at base
Flower Bright yellow crinkle curving petals persisting into winter remaining attache to twig
Flowering Period August into November
Fruit Woo y hairy light-brown 2-see e po with 4 well-space curve points splitting open an ejecting black see s forcibly ripening a year after flowers Open po s remain on stem
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 65
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 66
Climbin Vines
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 67
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 68
CLIMBINGORIENTAL BITTERSWEET
Celast us o biculatus
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire
Habitat Disturbe areas roa si es fiel s forests an e ges of streams an rivers
Hei ht 40-65 feet long eci uous woo y vine Very aggressive climbs up an over trees an chokes them
Stem Tanish furrowe
Leaves Alternate ovate bluntly toothe 3-4 inches long tapere at the base
Flower Small greenish clusters in the leaf axils
Flowerin Period April through May
Fruit Bright-yellow splitting open to reveal showy orangere fruit
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 69
POISON IVY
Toxicodend on adicans
Status Native
Habitat Generalist Variety of soil moisture an light con itions Foun in recent clear-cuts
Hei ht Upright eci uous shrub trailing vine or climbing plant Shrub can grow up to 6 feet tall but this plant is taller as a vine
Leaves Long-stalke compoun leaves ivi e into 3 leaflets each leaflet having a longer stalk than the si e leaflets
Flowers Small yellowish flowers with 5 petals occurring on lateral clusters
Flowerin Period May through July Poison i y showing fruit
Fruit Greenish to grayish-white berries lacking hairs Pro uce in late summer an can persist throughout winter
CAUTION
TOUCHING OR BURNING ANY PART OF THIS PLANT CAN CAUSE SEVERE SKIN IRRITATION
Poison i y as a tree-climbing ine Poison i y in autumn
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 70
RIVERBANK GRAPE
Vitis ipa ia
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Hei ht Up to 60 feet tall
Bark Re ish-brown in loose strips Pith with thin firm tissue
Leaves Alternate coarse-toothe up to 7 inches long with usually 3-5 lobes an narrow-pointe leaves
Flowers Inconspicuous in branche clusters
Flowerin Period May through July
Fruit Purplish-black to black grapes up to frac12 inch wi e with whitish waxy covering
Similar Species Forest grape (Vitis ulpina) occurs in similar habitats but its leaves have broa teeth an are not usually lobe an its grapes are black an lacking waxy coating
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 71
VIRGINIA CREEPER
Pa thenosisus quinquefolia
Status Native
Habitat Wi e range of con itions ry san y soil to moist nutrient-rich soil sha e sun
Stem Woo y stem persisting into winter
Leaves Alternate palmately compoun with 3-7 but usually 5 leaflets Leaflets 6-12 centimeters long with toothe margins Turn eep-re in the fall
Flower Inconspicuous green-white
Fruit Small blue-black berries appearing in autumn
Comments Climbs by ten rils that have oval a hesive isks at their tips
Similar Species Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) has compoun leaves with 3 leaflets but the terminal leaflet is attache to a short-stalk Poison ivy also climbs by aerial roots not by a hesive isks
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 72
The Ca opy Trees
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 73
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 74
AMERICAN BASSWOODLINDEN Tilia am ricana
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s valleys gentle slopes
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray ri ge when ol
Twigs Alternate stout zigzag greenish-gray smooth or owny
Buds Re ish-brown frac12 inch long lopsi e No terminal bu
Leaves Alternate large up to 8 inches long sharply toothe Unequally heart-shape at base
Flowers 5 cream-colore fragrant yellow petals Approximately frac12 inch across
Floweri g Period Early summer
Fruit Stalke cluster of small pale green nuts attache to a leafy wing
AMERICAN BEECH Fagus grandifolia
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s uplan s well- raine lowlan s
Height Up to 90 feet tall
Bark Smooth an light blue-gray when young an ol
Twigs Alternate slen er greenish-brown hairy
Buds Slen er sharp-pointe approximately frac34 inch long chestnut brown with overlapping scales
Leaves Alternate simple egg-shape pointe with parallel veins terminating in teeth Shiny papery-smooth up to 5 inches long Dry leaves remain on tree in winter Yellow in autumn
Flowers Inconspicuous slen er catkins in a roun e hea both sexes occur on the same tree
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Prickly 4-valve fruit capsule bearing 2 triangular nuts Nut is sweet an e ible
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 75
AMERICAN HORNBEAM IRONWOODBLUE BEECH Carpinus caroliniana
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s foreste wetlan s e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 40 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray-green furrowe flute (muscular) wavy
Twigs Slen er ark re ish-brown shiny an smooth or slightly -hairy
Buds Oval re ish brown angle scaly
Leaves Alternate simple oblong sharply an finely oubly-toothe margins up to 4 inches long an 2 inches wi e entirely smooth above slightly owny beneath Orange or scarlet in autumn
Flowers Very small male an female flowers occur in separate spikes Male catkins 1 inch female small appearing with leaves
Floweri g Period April through May before leaf-out
Fruit Nutlet in the axil of a 3-lobe leaf-like bract the bracts clustere in a loose terminal spike up to 2 inches long
BLACK BIRCHSWEET BIRCH B tula l nta
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s
Height Up to 60 feet tall
Bark Smooth ark brown Long horizontal lenticels resembling cherry Ol er trees with very ark thick plates
Twigs Smooth slen er light re ish-brown with very fine horizontal lines Smells an tastes of wintergreen
Buds Sharp re ish brown long terminal bu absent on long shoots Bu scales owny on margins
Leaves Alternate simple heart-shape sharply ouble-or single-toothe smooth above with tufts of white hair on the veins beneath ull ark green Wintergreen o or an taste
Flower Male an female flowers occur in separate catkins on the same tree male catkins present uring the winter
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Catkins cylin rical short scales smooth
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 76
BLACK CHERRY Prunus s rotina
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s on many sites
Height Up to 60 feet tall
Bark Dark re ish-brown smooth with narrow horizontal lenticels on young trees becoming roughene an scaly on ol er trees Resembles black birch
Twigs Slen er re ish-brown often gray an peeling Ranci o or an taste Often with black knot swellings on branches with narrow lenticels
Buds Bright light re ish-brown 4 scales appear as none Terminal bu larger than laterals
Leaves Alternate simple elliptic Smooth an shiny above finely-toothe turning inwar Brown wool on 13 of mi rib beneath Yellow to brown in autumn
Flower White 5-petalle elongate clusters appearing when leaves are frac12 grown in clusters at the en s of twigs up to 4 inches long
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit E ible cherries ark re ish-purple becoming black with small stone Appearing June-October
BOX ELDERASH-LEAVED MAPLE Ac r n gundo
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s lowlan s floo plains
Height Up to 40 feet tall
Bark Thin grayish to light-brown with furrowe narrow ri ges similar to Norway maple
Twigs Stout green to purplish-green brightly colore often re Covere with whitish bloom the first year which rea ily rubs off
Buds Short-stalke re ish usually wooly or owny whitish ensely hairy
Leaves Opposite compoun palm-like with 3-5 veiny leaflets up to 5 inches long on short stalks Very variable in shape sharp margins with coarse teeth Light green above pale green an hairy along veins beneath Stalk swollen at base
Flower Small yellowish to greenish Male an female flowers occur in rooping clusters on separate trees appearing slightly before leaf-out
Floweri g Period April through May at or before leaf-out
Fruit A typical flattene v-shape winge samara
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 77
EASTERN COTTONWOOD Populus d ltoid s
Status Native
Habitat Floo plains streambanks valleys
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Greenish-yellow on young trees gray an furrowe on ol er trees
Twigs Smooth yellow-brown mo erately stout
Buds Brown shiny approximately frac12 to 1 inch long 6-7 scales heavy sticky fragrant yellow resin insi e
Leaves Alternate simple large triangular coarse roun e teeth up to 6 inches long an often nearly as wi e Dark green an shiny above lighter beneath with veins prominent on both surfaces Stems flattene at base of leaves Leaves from sprouts very large Yellow in autumn
Flower Drooping loosely groupe catkins Male an female flowers occur in rooping spikes on separate trees Before the leaves unfol the male crow e into rather thick re ish spikes the female crow e into narrower greenish yellow spikes
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Short-stalke capsule with 4 partitions approximately frac14 inch long
EASTERN HEMLOCK Tsuga canad nsis
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s ravines foreste wetlan s
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Cinnamon-re to gray tinge with purple narrow ri ges
Twigs Alternate yellow to grayish brown very hairy flattene
Buds Approximately frac12 to frac34 inch wi e oval chestnut brown hairy scales
Needles Narrow approximately frac12 inch long Short shiny ark-green above tapering whitish-green with 2 white lines beneath appearing as a broa stripe Stalke at base persistent comb-like arrangement on twig
Fruit Small oval cones frac12 to frac34 inch long on slen er stalks Cone scales as wi e as long Male cones are small structures in clusters in leaf axils an o not persist Female cones have brown scales are at twig en s an persist
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 78
EASTERN WHITE PINE Pinus strobus
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s bogs ravines cool sha y north slopes
Height Up to 120 feet tall
Bark Smooth thin greenish when young becoming ark brown eeply-furrowe an blocky when ol er
Twigs Smooth slen er green or light yellowish-green resinous
Buds Sharp-pointe yellowish-brown
Leaves In clusters of 5 (the only five-nee le pine in the East) soft slen er bluish-green Retaine to en of the secon growing season 3 year nee les yellow in October 2-5 inches long
Fruit Large tapering cylin rical cones falling when ripe (August-September) Require two seasons to mature 4 to 8 inches long
GREEN ASH Fraxinus p nnsylvanica
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains streambanks
Height Up to 80 feet tall
Bark Young twigs gray thin hairless Ol er stems gray with shallow grooves ri ges an furrows
Twigs Stout gray terminal bu present conical the first pair of lateral bu s place some istance below the terminal
Leaves Opposite pinnately-compoun with 5-9 (usually 7) leaflets Shiny green on top occasionally hairy on bottom with saw-toothe margins Bright yellow in autumn
Flower Inconspicuous small cluster of greenish petal-free stalke flowers with male an female flowers occur on separate trees
Floweri g Period April to June as leaves emerge
Fruit Samara with a broa wing an in istinct see portion
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 79
RED MAPLE Ac r rubrum
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s rich woo s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 75 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray often satiny on young trees becoming arker scaly rough separating an forming long scales often up-curling in ol er trees
Twigs Current years growth re Ol er twigs light gray smooth
Buds Sharp ark re with prominent overlapping scales
Leaves Opposite simple usually 3-lobe (sometimes 5) with sharp angles between lobes an with sharp irregular teeth Dark green above gray-green beneath approximately 3-4 inches long Yellow or scarlet in autumn
Flower Re or yellow with petals appearing long before the leaves emerge Male an female flowers occur on separate trees
Floweri g Period March through May before leaf-bu s open
Fruit A ouble-winge v-shape re samara up to 1 inch long
Matures in late spring falls an germinates at once
RED OAK Qu rcus rubra
Status Native
Habitat Bottomlan s moist slopes
Height Up to 90 feet tall
Bark Smooth greenish-brown on young stems becoming broken into ri ges re ish-brown har with eep furrows when ol er Inner bark re ish
Twigs Alternate strongly ri ge or flute Re ish brown or black smooth
Buds Smooth brown blunt-pointe in clusters at en s of twigs Larger than other oaks except black frac14 inch long roun e on the si es Terminal bu s have slight rusty hairs
Leaves Spikes on tips of lobes Mostly 3 pairs V-shape space between lobes (typically 7-11) triangular in outline smooth on both si es
Flower Long sprea ing strings
Fruit Acorn maturing in secon year Cup embracing 13 to frac12 the acorn Oval to cylin rical short shallow Acorns large bitter ine ible insi es pale yellow
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 80
SHAGBARK HICKORY Carya ovata
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s valleys uplan slopes
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Smooth when young splitting into long plates that curve outwar free at both en s when ol er
Twigs Re ish-brown very stout tough an har to break Soli pith
Buds Dark brown long-pointe approximately frac12 inch or more wi e Scales remaining over winter
Leaves Alternate compoun 4-6 inches long 5 (rarely 7) leaflets with the 3 upper leaflets much larger an longer than the lower terminal leaflet Slightly toothe with a tuft of hair on each tooth
Flower Male an female flowers occur on same tree Male flowers are 3-branche catkins female flowers are in short spikes
Floweri g Period Early spring before leaf-out
Fruit Thick globe-like husks split away when ripe Nut with 4 angles whitish brown shell thick sweet kernel
SILVER MAPLE Ac r saccharinium
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 80 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray (like beech) in young trees breaking into long thin scaly plates curving away at en s when ol er
Twigs V-shape point upwar at tip rooping Orange-brown to re Ba o or when bruise
Buds Terminal bu small blunt re
Leaves Opposite simple approximately 5 inches wi e Deeply cleft 5-lobe sharply toothe Green above silver-white beneath Very silvery un er water Downy beneath when young Pale yellow in autumn
Flower Small re or greenish yellow No petals occurring long before the leaves Some trees have only male flowers
Floweri g Period February through May before leaf-out
Fruit Occurring in late spring The see germinates at once flattene winge fruit the largest of the native maples up to 2 inches long
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 81
SWAMP WHITE OAK Qu rcus bicolor
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 70 feet tall
Bark Flaky light grayish-brown peeling in ragge papery scales Furrowe at base of tree in long flat scaly ri ges
Twigs Slen er to stout straw-brown to yellow-green Bark peels from twig (only oak where this occurs)
Buds Small roun terminal bu s orange-brown blunt-pointe smooth Lateral bu s small an crow e
Leaves Alternate simple oval light-green above with hairs beneath wi est above the mi le strongly tapere towar the we ge-shape base Margin shallowly lobe Yellow or brown in autumn
Flower Male an female flowers occur separately on the same tree the male in catkins the female in short spikes
Fruit Oval light-brown nut approximately 1 inch long enclose for about frac12 its length by a cap Occurring singly or often in pairs at the en of a short stalk Some of the cups usually persist in winter
SYCAMOREPLANETREEBUTTONBALL Platanus occid ntalis
Status Native
Habitat Floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Creamy white on young branches turning re -brown-gray then breaking in large thin plates exposing whitish inner bark giving a white-washe appearance
Twigs Slen er smooth yellow-brown slightly zigzag swollen at joints
Buds No terminal bu Lateral bu s long conical resinous shiny ark re -brown covere by a single cap-like scale Pointing outwar enclose by bases of leaf stalks until the leaves fall
Leaves Alternate simple large with 3-5 pointe lobes maple-like pubescent beneath when young with long pointe teeth
Flower Small inconspicuous Male an female flowers occur separately in roun hea s on the same tree
Floweri g Period April through June
Fruit Large roun balls approximately frac14 inch long an 1 inch wi e with bristly hairs at base containing many see s Occurring singly on long stalks Remains on tree until spring
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 82
TAMARACHLARCH Larix laricina
Status Native
Habitat Bogs foreste wetlan s wet peaty soils
Height Up to 80 feet tall
Bark Thin re ish brown scaly Young branches grayish or pale orange-brown
Twigs Smooth brownish many leaf scars
Buds Dark re ish-brown roun resinous
Leaves Deci uous nee les pale blueish-green approximately 1 inch long flexible triangular Yellow in autumn before ropping off
Flower Occur separately as small cones on the same tree Male flowers are yellow Female flowers are rose re both appearing in March through April
Fruit Small oval cones frac12 to frac34 inch wi e with 20 scales Cone scales concave smooth often shining longer than broa chestnut brown smooth on the outsi e
WHITE ASH Fraxinus am ricana
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s valleys slopes foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Light or ark gray Smooth when young groove when ol er Longitu inal ri ges forming iamon -shape patterns separate by narrow interlacing ri ges
Twigs Opposite light greenish-brown with small white lenticles an a slight bloom Soli pith
Buds Roun e rusty to ark-brown rough hairy First pair of lateral bu s at the same level irectly below the terminal
Leaves Opposite pinnately compoun stalke oval to lanceolate 8 to 12 inches long with 5 to 9 leaflets (mostly 7) Smooth or slightly wavy-toothe Yellowish to maroon in the autumn
Flowers Small inconspicuous male an female flowers occur on separate trees appearing with the leaves Purplish in crow e clusters
Floweri g Period April through May before leaf-out
Fruit Cylin rical light-brown enclosing a see an a flattene elongate wing 2-3 times long as the bo y 1-2 inches wi e in rooping clusters
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 83
WHITE OAK Qu rcus alba
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s a jacent slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 90 feet tall
Bark Gray thin on young trees an flaky irregularly-plate or groove when ol er
Twigs Purplish-gray to greenish-re mo erately stout smooth
Buds Blunt smooth brownish at tips of twigs in clusters
Leaves Alternate simple 4-10 prominent roun e lobes variable in epth Re ish to violet in autumn Brown ea leaves remain on tree in winter
Flowers Both sexes occur on the same tree Male flowers in clusters of hanging bea s Female flowers are few in angles of new leaves Greenish yellowish or re ish
Fruit Maturing in one season Acorn cup with wart-like scales Cup shorter than nut Sweet an e ible
WHITE SPRUCE Pic a glauca
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s a jacent slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 70 feet tall
Bark Thin scaly grayish-brown silvery on freshly expose areas
Twigs Pale gray to yellow-brown no hairs or fuzz
Buds Oval ragge brown smooth
Leaves frac12 to 1 inch blueish-green slight-bloom pungent o or when crushe sharp line of white ots in each groove Ten ency to mass towar the upper si e of the twig
Flowers Occur separately as small cones on the same tree Male flowers are yellowish re Female flowers are greenish re purplish
Co e Cylin rical 2 inches long Immature cones have thin scales an are soft an flexible Mature cones are light chestnut brown
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 84
YELLOW BIRCH B tula l nta
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains ravines cool rich woo s of higher elevations
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Peeling in thin ribbon-like strips when young that roll back in curls Shiny yellow or silvery gray rough an platy when ol er
Twigs Stout bronze or bright-brown shiny Smooth or sparsely hairy Wintergreen o or an taste
Buds Sharp re ish-brown oppresse terminal bu absent oval with chestnut-brown scales
Leaves Alternate simple long oval sharply ouble-toothe Dull an ark-green above lighter beneath with slight hairs in veins base roun e to near heart-shape up to 5 inches long
Flower Male an female flowers in separate catkins on the same tree Male catkins present in winter Male flowers are yellow small narrow in a rooping catkin at branch tips Female flowers are green an in broa er upright catkins place back from the tip that matures into a brown cone
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Catkins roun e roun scales somewhat hairy erect on twig frac34 inch long persist into winter
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 85
Appendix A Other Helpful Field Guides
The Boo of Swamp and Bog Trees Shrubs and Wildflowers of Eastern Freshwater Wetlands by John Eastman 1995 Stackpole Books ISBN 0-8117-2518-9
A Field Guide to Coastal Wetland Plants of the Northeastern United States by Ralph W Tiner Jr 1987 University of Massachusetts Press ISBN 0-870-23538-9
Freshwater Wetlands - A Guide to Common Indicator Plants of the Northeast by Dennis W Magee 1981 University of Massachusetts Press ISBN 0-87023-317-3
Northeastern Wetland Flora Field Office Guide to Plant Species by USDA ndash NRCSNortheastern National Technical Center Chester Pennsylvania
Plants in Wetlands A Redington Field Guide to Biological Interactions by Charles B Re ington 1994 Ken allHunt Publishing Company ISBN 0-84038-983-3
Pond and Broo by Michael J Ca uto 1990 ISBN 0-87451-509-1
Pond Life A Golden Guide by George K Rei 1987 Gol en Books ISBN 0-30724-017-7
Through The Loo ing Glass by Susan Borman Robert Korth Jo Temte 19971999 Wisconsin Lakes Partnership ISBN 0-93231-032-X
Wetland Planting Guide for Northeast United States by Gwen olyn A Thunhorst 1993 Environmental Concern Inc ISBN 1-88322-602-3
Wetlands - National Audubon Society Nature Guides by William A Niering 1985 Alfre A Knopf New York ISBN 0-39473-147-6
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 86
Appendix B Glossary of Terms
Alternate Leaves arising singly along the stem not in pairs or whorls
Annual Living or growing for only one year or season
Axil The angle where two structures join for example where a leaf joins the stem
Axillary Occurring in or growing from an axil
Basal Locate at or arising from the base of a plant or a plant part
Berry A small juicy fleshy fruit containing one to many see s
Capsule A ry fruit containing two to many see s an opening by valves slits or pores
Cat in Scaly spike of inconspicuous flowers lacking petals
Ciliate Bearing margine hairs
Clasping Leaves that partially encircle the stem at the base
Compound (Leaf) Divi e into two or more istinct separate parts (leaflets)
Cone A har woo y globose to cylin ric arrangement of bracts or scales in the axils of which the repro uctive structures are foun
Deciduous Falling from the plant after maturity each year
Elliptic Broa est at the mi le gra ually tapering to both en s
Emergent Roote in shallow water with most of the plant growing above the surface
Emersed Raise out of the water as in the flowers or fruits of some floating plants
Entire (Leaf) Having a continuoussmooth margin unbroken by toothing or ivisions
Evergreen Remaining green throughout the winter
Fibrous Referring to a cluster of slen er roots all with the same iameter
Frond The leaf of a fern
Furrowed Groove
Glabrous Without hairs or scales
Globose Shape like a globe roun
Head A group of flowers tightly crowne together in a more or less roun e structure
Herbaceous A plant that ies back to the groun at the en of the growing season or a plant part that is leaf-like in color an texture
Inflorescence The entire flower cluster
Lanceolate Lance-shape broa est near the base gra ually tapering to the narrower apex
Leaflet One of the segments of a compoun leaf
Lenticels The small corky pores or narrow lines on the surface of stems of woo y plants that allow the interchange of gases between the interior tissue an surroun ing air A small opening in a stem
Lip The upper an lower parts of certain tubular flowers
Lobe The in ente part of a leaf or flower not ivi e into istinct an separate parts but still interconnecte to similar parts of the leaf or flower
MidribMidvein The central or main vein of a leaf
Native A species that originate in a certain place or region in igenous
Node The place on the stem where leaves or branches are attache
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 87
Non-Native Not originating in a certain geographic location than where they are foun
Nut A har ry one-see e fruit not opening at maturity
Nutlet A small nut
Oblong Broa est at the mi le an tapering to both en s but broa er than elliptic
Opposite Leaves arising in pairs on either si e of a stem
Oval Broa ly elliptic
Ovate Broa ly roun e at the base becoming narrowe above
Palmate Having three or more veins lobes or leaflets arising from one point
Panicle A compoun loosely branche flower cluster
Parallel Veined Having veins all parallel as oppose to in a network
Perennial Living for two or more years
Petal One segment of the series of floral leaves lying just insi e the sepals often the most conspicuous
Petiole The stalk-like part of the leaf attaching it to the stem
Pinnate Divi e once along an elongate axis into istinct segments
Pith The soft tissue at the center of a plantrsquos stem it may be soli or hollow at maturity
Pod A fruiting structure containing the mature see s
Pubescent Covere in fine short hairs
Recurved Curving ownwar
Rhizome A horizontal usually un ergroun stem that often sen s out roots an shoots from its no es
Ribbed Bearing ri ges
Root The escen ing axis of the plant usually growing in an opposite irection from the stem
Samara A winge fruit
Scale A mo ifie leaf or thin flattene structure
Sepal One segment of the outer series of floral leaves often green in color but occasionally of a ifferent color an petal-like
Serrate With sharp forwar -pointing teeth on the margin
Sessile Without a stalk
Sheath The base of a leaf that encircles the stem
Simple (Leaf) A leaf compose of a single bla e
Smooth Not rough to the touch
Spi e An elongate cluster of sessile flowers
Shrub A woo y plant smaller than a tree with several stems or trunks arising from a single base a bush
Simple Leaf A leaf with a single bla e
Succulent Juicy an fleshy
Tendril A evice usually coile that enables some vines to climb
Toothed With teeth along the margin
Tuber A thickene part of an un ergroun root or rhizome serving for foo storage an often for propagation
Whorled (Leaf) Arrange in a group of three or more leaves branches or pe icles at the no e on the stem
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 88
Appendix C Leaf Shapes amp Arrangements
Peterson Lee Allen ldquoA Fie d Guide to Edib e Wi d P ants of Eastern and Centra North Americardquo Houghton Mifflin Company 1977
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 89
Appendix D Native ShorelandRiparian Buffer Plantings for New Hampshire
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 90
Native ShorelandRiparian Buffer Plantings for New Hampshire The p otected sho eland is the a ea of land that exists between the efe ence line of a wate body and 250 feet f om the efe ence line
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees
Ame ican Basswood (Ame ican Linden)
Tilia am ricana Medium-La ge 60-100rsquo
Mode ate Deep FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Rich woods valleys gentle slopes
Wildlife Pileated woodpecke wood duck othe bi ds dee abbit squi el
Food Seeds twigs
Ame ican Beech Fagus grandifolia Medium-La ge 60-90rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Rich woods well-d ained lowlands
Wildlife Blue jay chickadees nuthatches quail uffed g ouse tufted titmouse wild tu key wood duck woodpecke s bea chipmunk dee fox po cupine snowshoe ha e squi el
Food Nuts buds sap
Ame ican Hopho nbeam (I onwood)
Ostrya virginiana Small 20-40rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Rich woods Wildlife Downy woodpecke mockingbi d pu ple finch ing-necked pheasant ose-b easted g osbeak uffed g ouse wild tu key wood quail dee abbit squi el
Food Nuts buds seeds
Ame ican Ho nbeam (Blue BeechMusclewood)
Carpinus caroliniana
SmallSh ubby 20-40rsquo
Slow Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods fo ested wetlands avines st eambanks
Wildlife Quail uffed g ouse wood duck beave dee squi el
Food Seeds buds
Ame ican Mountain Ash
Sorbus am ricana Small Up to 25rsquo
Fast Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full-Sun
D y Moist Fo ested wetlands ich woods Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe catbi d ceda waxwing g osbeak mockingbi d obin th ushes wild tu key bea
Food F uit twigs
Balsam Fi Abi s balsam a Small-Medium 40-60rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands st eambanks ich woods
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse songbi ds small mammals moose
Food Seeds
Balsam Popla Populus balsam a Medium 60-80rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun Moist Floodplains ive banks st eambanks valleys
Wildlife Beave dee mouse snowshoe ha e
Food Buds catkins twigs foliage
Big-Toothed Aspen Populus grandid ntata
Small-Medium 30-60rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Sandy upland soils floodplain st eams with quaking aspen
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee evening g osbeak pu ple finch uffed g ouse yellow-bellied sapsucke dee
Food Buds catkins ba k twigs and foliage
Black Ash Fraxinus nigra Medium 60-80rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands st eambanks Wildlife Songbi ds wood duck dee moose small mammals
Food F uit twigs young leaves
Black Bi ch (Sweet Bi ch)
B tula l nta Medium 40-60rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade
Page 1
Moist Cool moist uplands ich woods
Wildlife G ouse dee abbit
Food Buds catkins seeds
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees (Continued)
Black Che y Prunus s rotina Medium 40-60rsquo
Mode ate Deep Tap oot
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Rich woods on many sites except ve y d y soils
Wildlife Bluebi d blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing common c ow easte n kingbi d evening g osbeak mockingbi d no the n flicke no the n o iole obin uffed g ouse spa ows th ushes vee y vi eo yellow-bellied sapsucke bea chipmunk dee fox accoon squi el
Food Be ies buds sap
Black Gum (Tupelo)
Nyssa sylvatica Medium 50-60
Slow No Info mation Available
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Fo ested wetlands floodplains Wildlife Bluebi d ca dinal catbi d chickadee c ow finches malla ds obin uby-th oated hummingbi d uffed g ouse vi eo wild tu key woodpecke s wood duck honeybees bea chipmunk dee opossum squi el
Food Seeds sap necta
Black Sp uce Pic a mariana Small Up to 25rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs fo ested wetlands lake and pond sho es
Wildlife Songbi ds uffed g ouse sp uce g ouse chipmunk cottontail dee po cupine squi el
Food Seeds twigs necta ba k
Black Willow Salix nigra Small-Medium Up to 50rsquo
Ve y Fast Ve y Shallow
Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands lowlands floodplains
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Buds catkins
Box Elde Ac r n gundo Medium 40-70rsquo
Ve y Fast Deep Late al
Full Sun D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands lowlands floodplains
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Seeds
Easte n Cottonwood Populus d ltoid s Medium-La ge 80-100rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Floodplains st eambanks valleys
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse
Food Catkins
Easte n Hemlock Tsuga canad nsis Medium-La ge 80-100rsquo
Mode ate Shallow Late al
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Acidic Cool moist uplands avines ock outc ops st eambanks
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee blue and g een wa ble s c ossbill hawks juncos pine siskin uffed g ouse vee y wild tu key dee chipmunk cottontail po cupine squi el white-footed mouse
Food Twigs foliage seeds
Easte n White Pine Pinus strobus La ge 70-120rsquo
Mode ate Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Well-D ained
Fo ested wetlands bogs avines cool shady no th slopes
Wildlife B own c eepe chickadee c ossbill g osbeak junco nuthatch pine wa ble spa ows sp uce g ouse wild tu key woodpecke s beave chipmunk dee snowshoe ha e squi el
Food Seeds foliage twigs excellent winte food
G ay Bi ch (Wi e Bi ch)
B tula populifolia Small 20-35rsquo
Fast Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Pionee Species poo est of ste ile soils sandy o g avelly slopes
Wildlife Ame ican goldfinch blue jay chickadee no the n junco pine siskin ed-tailed hawk uffed g ouse spa ows vi eo yellow-bellied sapsucke woodpecke s snowshoe ha e
Food Seeds buds
Page 2
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees (Continued)
G een Ash Fraxinus p nnsylvanica
Medium-La ge 60-80rsquo
Fast Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks neve on d y soils
Wildlife Ca dinal finches evening g osbeak mou ning dove ed-winged blackbi d wood duck beave chipmunk dee po cupine squi el
Food Seeds foliage
No the n White Ceda (A bo vitae)
Thuja occid ntalis Medium 30-60rsquo
Slow to Mode ate
Shallow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs wetlands ich woods Wildlife Songbi ds small mammals dee
Food Seeds needles
QuakingT embling Aspen (Popla )
Populus tr muloid s
Small-Medium 30-60rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Pionee Species d y open woods sandy o g avelly slopes
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse beave dee po cupine snowshoe ha e
Food Buds catkins ba k twigs and foliage
Red Maple Ac r rubrum Medium 40-75rsquo
Mode ate to Fast
Ve y Shallow
Full Sun D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands st eambanks lakesho es ich woods
Wildlife Ca dinal chickadee evening and pine g osbeaks finches obin yellow-bellied sapsucke beave chipmunk dee opossum squi el snowshoe ha e
Food Seeds buds ba k twigs sap
Red Oak Qu rcus rubra Medium 60-90rsquo
Mode ate Deep Late al
FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Bottomlands moist slopes Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe ducks hawks quail nuthatch uffed g ouse towhee wild tu key woodpecke bea chipmunk dee gophe opossum accoon squi el
Food Aco ns
Shagba k Hicko y Carya ovata La ge 70-100rsquo
Fast Deep Tap oot
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Rich woods valleys upland slopes
Wildlife Ca dinal field spa ows pine wa ble ose-b easted g osbeak ufous-sided towhee white-b easted nuthatch wild tu key wood duck yellow- umped wa ble chipmunks squi els
Food Nuts
Silve Maple Ac r sacharinium Medium 60-80rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands ive banks floodplains st eambanks
Wildlife Ca dinal goldfinch evening and pine g osbeaks no the n o iole
Food Seeds buds
St iped Maple (Moosewood Moose Maple)
Ac rp nsylvanicum SmallSh ubby 20-30rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t-Shade Moist Rich woods cool moist sites Wildlife Ruffed g ouse beave dee moose po cupine abbit
Food Buds ba k sama as
Suga Maple Ac r saccharum Medium-La ge 60-100rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Valleys and uplands tole ates almost all soil types
Wildlife Ca dinal goldfinch g osbeak ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse vi eo beave chipmunk po cupine B owse fo dee abbit snowshoe ha e
Food Seeds twigs ba k
Page 3
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees (Continued)
Swamp White Oak Qu rcus bicolor Medium 60-70rsquo
Fast No Info mation Available
FullPa t Shade Moist Fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks
Wildlife Ba ed owl blue jay ca dinal b own th ashe g ouse malla ds nuthatch quail ed-bellied woodpecke ed-tailed hawk uffed g ouse sta ling towhee wild tu key yellow-th oated wable w en beave chipmunk cottontail dee gophe opossum accoon squi el white-footed mouse wild tu key
Food Aco ns
Sweet Gum Liquidambar styraciflua
Medium-La ge 60-100rsquo
Mode ate No Info mation Available
Full Sun Moist Valleys Lowe slopes mixed woodlands
Wildlife Mou ning dove finches junco w en beave chipmunk squi el
Food Seeds
Sycamo e (Planet eeButtonwood)
Platanus occid ntalis
La ge 80-100rsquo
Slow No Info mation Available
FullPa t Shade o Full-Sun
D y o Moist Floodplains lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Finches chipmunk squi el
Food Seeds
Tama ack (Ame icanEaste n La ch)
Larix laricina Small-Medium 40-80rsquo
Va iable Mode ate Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs swamps wet peaty soils d ie upland loamy soils
Wildlife Blue jay kinglets pheasant ed c ossbill obin uffed g ouse sp uce g ouse yellow-bellied sapsucke chipmunk dee po cupine ed squi el snowshoe ha e
Food Needles twigs inne ba k seeds
White Ash Fraxinus am ricana
Medium-La ge 70-100rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods valleys slopes fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks
Wildlife Finches g osbeaks ed-winged blackbi d wood duck dee squi el
Food Seeds foliage
White Bi ch (Pape Bi ch)
B tula papyrif ra Medium 50-75rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Fo ested wetlands ich woods Wildlife G ouse siskins
Food Seeds buds
White Oak Qu rcus alba Medium-La ge 50-90rsquo
Mode ate Deep FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Deep ich well-d ained
St eambanks lakesho es gentle slopes adapts to almost any condition
Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe nuthatch quail uffed g ouse towhee wild tu key wood duck woodpecke chipmunk bea dee gophe opossum accoon squi el
Food Aco ns
White Sp uce Pic a glauca Medium 40-70rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist St eambanks lakesho es ich woods adjacent slopes
Wildlife Fishe s ma tens snowshoe ha e voles
Food Seeds
Yellow Bi ch (Sweet Bi ch)
B tula all ghani nsis
Medium-La ge 70-100rsquo
Slow Shallow Mode ate
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Fo ested wetlands floodplains avines cool ich woods of high elevations
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee common edpoll goldfinch pine siskins ed-shoulde ed hawk ing-necked pheasant uffed g ouse wild tu key wood duck yellow-bellied sapsucke beave chipmunk dee po cupine squi el snowshow ha e
Food Catkins buds ba k twigs foliage seeds
Page 4
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs
Ame ican Hazelnut Corylus am ricana Medium 5-10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Bo de s of woods hillsides thickets
Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe ceda waxwing hai y woodpecke ing-necked pheasant uffed g ouse chipmunk dee abbit squi el
Food Nuts be ies foliage
Beaked Hazelnut Corylus cornuta Small 6-10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y D y places Wildlife Bi ds mammals
Food Beaked nuts
Black Chokebe y Aronia m loncarpa
Medium Up to 10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Ceda waxwing chickadees uffed g ouse sha p-tailed g ouse dee abbit squi el
Food Be ies buds
Buttonbush C phalanthus occid ntalis
Medium 6-12rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
St eambanks lakesho es ponds sh ub and fo ested wetlands
Wildlife Ducks ails uby-th oated hummingbi d beave dee musk at butte flies honeybees and othe insects
Food F uit twigs leaves seeds necta
Chokeche y Prunus virginiana Small 3-6rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist With Aspen d y soils Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe catbi d c ow easte n kingbi d evening g osbeak o ioles pileated woodpecke ing-necked pheasant obin ose g osbeak uffed g ouse th ushes yellow-bellied sapsucke abbit squi el
Food Be ies buds foliage
Elde be y Sambucus canad nsis
Small-Medium 3-12rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods sh ub and fo ested wetlands ma shes
Wildlife Bluebi ds blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d g osbeak indigo bunting pileated woodpecke inged-neck pheasant obin ose-b easted g osbeak uffed g ouse th ushes wild tu key woodpecke chipmunk dee abbit squi el
Food Be ies necta twigs bugs
G ay Dogwood (Red-Panicle Dogwood)
Cornus rac mosa Medium 10-15rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Roadsides thickets wetlands Wildlife Blue jay ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing easte n kingbi d finch flycatche g osbeak hai y woodpecke no the n flicke phoebe pileated woodpecke pine g osbeak pine wa ble ed-bellied woodpecke ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse sta ling swamp spa ow tufted titmouse vee y vi eo wild tu key wood duck wood th ush woodcock yellow-bellied sapsucke chipmunk dee ed fox abbit squi el
Food Be ies twigs
Highbush Bluebe y Vaccinium corymbosum
Medium 5-15rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Baltimo e o iole bluebi d blue jay ca dinal chickadee g ay catbi d kingbi d o ioles phoebe ed-bellied woodpecke ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse ufos-sided towhee sca let tanage tufted titmouse vee y wild tu key woodpecke s wood th ush black bee chipmunk dee musk at abbit squi el white-footed mouse
Food Be ies foliage twigs buds
Hobblebush Viburnum alnifolium
Medium Up to 10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Cool moist avines shady lakesho es
Wildlife B own th ashe ca dinal ceda waxwing evening g osbeak obin
Food F uit
Page 5
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs (Continued)
Junipe Junip rus communis
Small 1-4rsquo
Slow Full Sun D y D y open land Wildlife Ceda waxwing finches g osbeaks g ouse pheasant obin dee abbit moose
Food Twigs foliage f uit
Lowbush Bluebe y Vaccinium angustifolium
1-2rsquo Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Bogs d y sandy flats ocky slopes
Wildlife Blue jay g ouse kingbi d o iole obin tanage s woodpecke s squi el
Food Be ies foliage twigs
Malebe y Lyonia ligustris Up to 10rsquo Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods gentle slopes
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food F uit
Mapleleaf Vibu num Viburnum ac rifolium
Small 3-6rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Rich woods Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food F uit
Mountain Lau el Kalmia latifolia Up to 20rsquo Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Mixed uplands acid soils Wildlife Ruffed g ouse dee
Food Foliage buds twigs necta
Nannybe y Viburnum l ntago Medium-La ge 10-25rsquo
Mode ate FallPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Rich woods Wildlife Songbi ds mammals
Food Be ies
No the n A owwood Viburnum r cognitum
Medium 10-15rsquo
Mode ate FallPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse songbi ds bea chipmunks accoon squi el skunk white-footed mouse
Food Be ies
No the n Wild Raisin (Withe od Vibu num)
Viburnum nudum varcassinoid s
Medium 6-10
Mode ate FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands valleys slopes st eambanks
Wildlife B own th ashe ceda waxwing flycatche uffed g ouse vee y woodcock yellow-wa ble chipmunk dee musk at squi el snowshoe ha e
Food Ba k twigs buds
Pussy Willow Salix discolor Medium-La ge Up to 15rsquo
Fast Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks lakesho es
Wildlife Ame ican goldfinch uffed g ouse beave ha e abbits squi el
Food Buds catkins twigs ba k
Raspbe y Rubus ida us Small Up to 6rsquo
Fast FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Thickets edges of woods Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food F uits
Red Osie Dogwood Cornus stolonif ra Small-Medium 4-8rsquo
Fast FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods st eambanks lakesho es
Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing downy woodpecke easte n kingbi d finches no the n flicke pine wa ble pu ple finch inged-neck pheasant uffed g ouse vi eo wild tu key woodpecke s wood duck chipmunk dee abbit squi el
Food Be ies twigs
Rhodo a Rhodod ndron canad ns
Small 3-4rsquo
Slow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs slopes ocky summits Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Leaves
Page 6
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs (Continued)
Shadbush (Se vicebe yJunebe y)
Am lanchi r spp La ge 15-25rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks ich woods
Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing g ay catbi d junco o ioles ed squi el obin uffed g ouse sca let tanage th ushes vee y woodpecke s beave dee ed squi el skunk
Food Be ies twigs
Silky Dogwood Cornus amomum Medium 6-10rsquo
Fast FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks
Wildlife Baltimo e o iole black-capped chickadee blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing downy woodpecke easte n kingbi d flycatche mockingbi d no the n flicke pine wa ble pu ple finch ed-bellied woodpecke inged-necl pheasant obin ose-b easted g osbeak uffed g ouse song spa ow sta lings tufted-titmouse wild tu key wood duck wood th ush vee y chipmunk dee abbit accoon skunk squi el white-footed mouse
Food Be ies buds twigs
Speckled Alde Alnus rugosa La ge 15-25rsquo
Fast Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks lakesho es
Wildlife Alde flycatche catbi d goldfinch malla ds pheasant pine siskin ed-winged blackbi d uffed g ouse swamp spa ow yellow-bellied flycatche woodcock bea beave dee cottontail moose musk at snowshoe ha e
Food Buds twigs ba k leaves
Spicebush Lind ra b nzoin Small-La ge 6-17rsquo
Mode ate Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Catbi d kingbi d pheasant quail obin uffed g ouse vee y vi eo wood th ush swallowtail butte flies dee musk at
Food F uit buds twigs leaves
Swamp Azalea Rhodod ndron viscosum
Up to 5rsquo Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Hummingbi d butte flies and othe insects dee
Food Leaves necta
Swamp Blackbe y Rubus hispidus Small Up to 6rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal ceda waxwing g ackle g ay catbi d g osbeak mockingbi d o iole tanage ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse ufus-sided th ushes towhee vee y wild tu key woodcock woodpecke s wood th ush chipmunk cottontail dee accoon skunk squi el
Food F uit canes
Sweet Gale Myrica gal Small 1-4rsquo
Slow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee catbi d common yellowth oat phoebe pied-billed g ebe uffed g ouse t ee swallow tufted titmouse wild tu key dee musk at
Food Buds leaves
Sweet Peppe bush Cl thra alnifolia Medium 3-10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Butte flies and othe insects
Food F uit seeds necta
Winte be y Holly (Black Alde )
Il x v rticillata Medium 6-10rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eamabanks
Wildlife Ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing chickadees finches flicke s uffed g ouse th ushes vi eo woodpecke s bea cottontail dee moose skunk white-footed mouse
Food Be ies twigs leaves
Page 7
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs (Continued)
Witch Hazel Hammam lis virginiana
La ge 20-30rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist D y o ich woods Wildlife Ca dinal ing-necked pheasant uffed g ouse wild tu key dee squi els
Food Seeds buds twigs ba k
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
GroundcoverHerbaceous Perennials
Boneset Eupatorium p rfoliatum
4-6rsquo Full Sun D y o Moist Wet meadows ma shes pond edges
Wildlife Malla ds uffed g ouse swamp spa ow wild tu key butte flies and othe insects
Food Necta
Blue Flag I is Iris v rsicolor 2-3rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Ma shes lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Blue-winged teal uby-th oated hummingbi d wood duck butte flies and othe insects musk at
Food Necta shoots
Bunchbe y Cornus canad nsis 3-8rdquo FullPa t Shade Moist Cool moist woods Wildlife Sha p-tailed g ouse sp uce-g ouse moose
Food F uit buds
Ca dinal Flowe Lob lia cardinalis 2-4rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Damp sites st eambanks Wildlife Ruby-th oated hummingbi ds butte flies and othe insects bea dee
Food Necta
Cattail (B oad-Leaf) Typha latifolia Up to 10rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Ma shes lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Blue-winged teal black-c owned night he on ed-winged blackbi d king ail least and Ame ican bitte n malla ds ma sh w en swamp spa ow Vi ginia ail chipmunk dee musk at
Food Seed heads
Ch istmas Fe n Polystichium acrostichoid s
Up to 1rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Rich woods Wildlife Ruffed g ouse box tu tle chipmunk abbit
Food F onds filldeheads
Cinnamon Fe n Osmunda cinnamom a
Up to 3rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife B own th ashe uby-th oated hummingbi d uffed g ouse yellow th oat chipmunk dee white-footed mouse vole
Food F onds filldeheads
Foamflowe Tiar lla cordifolia Up to 1rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Rich woods Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Leaves
Golden od (Rough o G ass-Leaved)
Solidago spp 1-5rsquo Full Sun D y o Moist Wet meadows ma shes damp swales
Wildlife Goldfinch junco uffed g ouse swamp spa ow butte flies and othe insects cottontail meadow mice
Food Seeds necta
Page 8
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
GroundcoverHerbaceous Perennials (Continued)
Hay-Scented Fe n D nnsta dtia punctiloula
Up to 2rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Woodlands hillside pastu es Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds filldeheads
Inte upted Fe n Osmunda punctiloula
3-4rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Woodland edges stony d y soil Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds filldeheads
Jewelweed (Spotted-Touch-Me-Not)
Impati ns cap nsis 2-5rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks
Wildlife Ring-necked pheasant uffed g ouse uby-th oated hummingbi d vee y butte flies and othe insects white-footed mouse
Food Necta seeds
Joe Pye Weed Eupatorium purpur um
2-6rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Wet meadows ma shes sho es Wildlife Ruby-th oated hummingbi d swamp spa ow butte flies and othe insects cottontail musk at accoon
Food Necta
New England Aste Ast r nova -anglia
Up to 5rsquo Full Sun D y o Moist Wet meadows wetlands Wildlife Songbi ds butte flies and othe insects Food Necta seeds
Ost ich Fe n Pt r tis p nsylvanica
Up to 6rsquo FullPa t Shade Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds fiddleheads
Pa t idgebe y Mitch lla r p ns Up to 1rsquo FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Rich woods Wildlife G ouse mammals
Food Be ies
Rattlesnake Manna G ass
Glyc ria canad nsis
Up to 3rsquo Full Sun Moist Ma shes bogs fo ested wetlands lakesho es
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Seeds
Rice Cutg ass L rsia oryzoid s Up to 5rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
P ima ily f esh ma shes Wildlife Dee musk at moose
Food Seeds foliage
Rive bank G ape (Vine) Vistis riparia Up to 25rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist St eambanks Wildlife Pileated woodpecke uffed g ouse wild tu key wood duck va ious mammals
Food F uit
Royal Fe n Osmunda r galis Up to 5rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds fiddleheads
Sensitive Fe n Onocl a s nsibilis Up to 3rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Black-capped chickadee uffed g ouse bea dee
Food Buds foliage
Sheep Lau el Kalmia angustifolia
Up to 4rsquo FallPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo est wetlands fieldspastu es
Poisonous to livestock
Swamp Milkweed Ascl pias incarnata
Up to 2rsquo FallPa t Shade Moist Wet meadows wetlands thickets sho es
Wildlife Black duck malla ds ed-winged blackbi d uby-th oated hummingbi d Mona ch butte fly othe butte flies and insects musk at Food Necta seeds
Page 9
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
GroundcoverHerbaceous Perennials (Continued)
Sweet Fe n Componia p rigrina
1-3rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Open d y sandy soils and pastu es
Wildlife Flicke s sha p-tailed g ouse dee moose
Food F uit
Tall Meadow Rue Thalictrum polyganum
2-8rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Wetlands wet meadows st eamsides
Wildlife Bees butte flies
Food Necta
Tussock Sedge Car x stricta Up to 4rdquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Ma shes ich woods Wildlife Finches uffed g ouse snipe spa ows dee
Food Seeds foliage
Twinflowe Linna a bor alis Up to 6rdquo FullPa t Shade Moist Rich woods Wildlife Mammals
Food Foliage
Vi ginia C eepe (Vine) Parth nocissus quinqu folia
Up to 25rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Woods ocky banks Wildlife Bluebi d g eat-c ested flycatche ed-eyes vi eo pileated woodpecke
Food Be ies
Who led Loosest ife Lysimachia quadrifolia
Up to 4rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist D y o moist open woods thickets
Wildlife Mammals
Food Foliage
Wild Sa sapa illa Aralia nudicanlis 8-15rdquo FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Upland woods Wildlife Mammals
Food Foliage seeds be ies
Winte g een (Teabe yChecke be y)
Gaulth ria procumb ns
Up to 4rdquo Full Sun D y Oak woods sandy soils Wildlife Pa t idge uffed g ouse songbi ds chipmunk dee moose
Food F uit foliage
References
Baldwin Hen y Ives ldquoFor st L av s How to Id ntify Tr s and Shrubs of North rn N w Englandrdquo Pete E Randall Publishe 1993
Connecticut Rive Joint Commission ldquoRiparian Buff rs for th Conn cticut Riv r Wat rsh drdquo 2000 httpwwwc jco gpdffilesPlant20listspdf
Ha low William M ldquoTr s of th East rn and C ntral Unit d Stat s and Canadardquo Dove Publications 1942
New Hampshi e Depa tment of Envi onmental Se vices Th Critical Edg Appendix D 1998
New Hampshi e Depa tment of Resou ces and Economic Development Division of Fo ests and Lands State Fo est Nu su y ldquoWildlif Cons rvation Sp ci s D scriptionsrdquo 2001
Nie ing William A ldquoNational Audubon Soci ty Natur Guid s W tlandsrdquo Chanticlee P ess Inc 1997
Redington Cha les B ldquoPlants in W tland Fi ld Guid to Biological Int ractionssrdquo KendallHunt Publishing Company 1994
Sutton Ann and My on ldquoNational Audubon Soci ty Natur Guid s East rn For stsrdquo Alf ed A Knopf Inc 1997
Unive sity of New Hampshi e Coope ative Extension ldquoTr s and Shrubs in N w Hampshir A Guid book for Natural B auty Proj ctsrdquo Bulletin 163
Unive sity of New Hampshi e Coope ative Extension ldquoN w Hampshir rsquos Nativ Tr s Shrubs and Vin s with Wildlif Valu rdquo
Compiled by
Jen D ociak New Hampshi e Depa tment of Envi onmental Se vices Wate Division Wate shed Management Bu eau
Ma ch 2006
Page 10
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic
an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 2
BLADDER ORT
Utricu aria spp
Status Native Approximately 10 species in New Hampshire
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers bogs
Height 2-3 feet long
Stem Long slen er flexible branche typically becoming etache from roots an free-floating
Leaves Alternate filamentous finely-forke with attache ldquobla ersrdquo
Flower Stalks occurring at irregular intervals along stem Each stalk bearing 6-20 small pink to yellow two-lippe ldquosnap ragon-likerdquo flowers an emerging several inches out of the water or mu
Flowering Period June into September
Fruit Capsule containing many see s
Value Provi es foo an cover for fish Since they are free-floating they can grow in areas with very loose se iment provi ing nee e fish habitat in areas that are not rea ily colonize by roote plants
Similar Species Fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) coontail (Ceratophyllum spp) milfoil (Myriophyllum spp) Bla erwort may be istinguishe from these plants by the alternate forke leaves branching from the base into 2 main ivisions an presence of the ldquobla ersrdquo on the leaves (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Bla erwort may resemble the milfoils but there are two istinguishing features One is the bla ers on the leaves the other is that milfoils have feather-like leaves that have one central leaf stem with nearly opposite unbranche leaflets The leaflets of bla erwort are more branche an forke (Smagula an Connor 2007)
This carnivorous plant has trigger hairs on each bla er that open a trap- oor an suck in water along with the organism that triggere the reaction These organisms can range from insect larvae to tiny zooplankton Once insi e the bla ers the organism is igeste by enzymes foun there Special cells then take the igeste material from the bla ers an move it to the stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 3
COONTAILHORN ORT
Ceratophy um demersum
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Height Variable accor ing to water epth
Stem Long toothe trailing much branche
Leaves Whorle smooth up to 1 frac12 inches long 3 forks nearly threa -like flattene an toothe segments
Flower Tiny purplish-green foun where the leaf attaches to the stem an stays entirely submerge Male an female occurring separately
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Dark brown see approximately frac14 inch long with two spines at the base an one at the tip
Value The stiff whorls of leaves offer habitat for many species especially uring the winter when many other plants are re uce to roots an rhizomes Both foliage an fruit are graze by waterfowl Bushy stems are home to many invertebrates an provi e important shelter an foraging opportunities for fish
Similar Species Mermai -wee (Proserpina a palustris) fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) Coontail may be istinguishe from these plants by its whorle toothe leaves its tiny sessile axillary flowers an beake fruits (Smagula an Connor 2007)
The whorle leaves often cause the plant to be confuse with water milfoil This plant has a plastic-like feel an leaves ten to be thickly clustere at the tips of the stems The leaves are completely whorle aroun the stem an forke milfoil leaves are istinctly feather-like (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 4
VARIABLE ATER MILFOIL
Myriophy um heterophy um
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Height Slen er flexible long (up to 15 feet) Tip often emerging above water when flowering Data from a University of New Hampshire stu y can suggest that variable water milfoil can grow an inch per ay
Stem Roun thick re ish If broken in half the stem resembles a ldquowheel spokerdquo
Leaves Mostly submerge opposite or in whorls of 4 to 6 an can grow up to 2 inches long Leaves on upper stem are whorle an may be whorle or alternate on lower stem Emerge leaves occurring only towar the stem tips
Flower Small inconspicuous brownish occurring singly in the axils of the upper leaves usually above water uring flowering
Flowering Period In July flowers emerge from the water an are in a spike up to 6 inches tall Can also form a succulent amphibious form when water levels rece e
Fruit Very small four-lobe nutlike
Similar Species Mermai -wee (Proserpina a palustris) fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) coontail (Ceratophyllum spp) Variable milfoil may be istinguishe from these plants by the numerous scattere finely pinnately issecte leaves an floating or upright stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)
The plant is more robust than the other water milfoil species It has a very thick an heavy stem It can only be positively i entifie with the flower present or by DNA analysis (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Fragments of variable milfoil are ma e by passing boats wave action an auto-fragmentation These fragments may float freely an sprea for one or two weeks as they generate roots Once roots make contact with se iment the fragment attaches the roots sprea laterally an expan the footprint of the colony With one fragment an entire colony can arise Colonies can outcompete native plants re ucing bio iversity (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 5
ATER EEDDITCHMOSS
E odea Canadensis E nutta ii
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Height Up to 2 feet long occasionally forming ense colonies
Stem Slen er smooth branche
Leaves Long upper an mi le leaves in whorls of 3 with very finely-toothe margins Those of the male plants linear or lanceolate pointe at the tip up to frac12 inch long Those of the female plants broa ly lanceolate roun e or slightly pointe at the tip up to 58 inch long
Flower Green or white with 3 petals
Flowering Period July to September
Fruit A few to many-see e cylin rical capsule
Value Branching stems offer valuable habitat an grazing opportunities for fish Also provi es foo for muskrats an waterfowl They can eat the plant itself or fee on a wi e variety of invertebrates that use the plant as habitat
Similar Species Commonly mistaken for its invasive relative Brazillian elo ea It can be istinguishe by its smooth leaf margins
There are two common species of waterwee in New Hampshire E anadensis an Enuttalii Elodea anadensis ten s to have slightly broa er leaves with blunt tips whereas Enuttalii ten s to have thinner more nee le-like leaves that are pointe at the tips (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Enuttalii can be foun in alkaline to aci ic environments an E anadensis can be foun in alkaline or neutral systems (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 6
ILD CELERYTAPE GRASS
Va isneria americana
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers In water 4 - 6 feet eep
Height 1-3 feet long
Stem Slen er embe e horizontally in the mu near the surface an usually rooting at intervals
Leaves Narrow ribbon-like 1-3 feet in length with a light-colore center stripe mostly submerge with the tips floating
Flower Unisexual the female flower solitary an floating at the surface at the en of a long stalk The male flower on another plant submerge an attache to a short stalk near the bottom breaking off an floating to the surface at flowering time
Flowering Period July to October
Fruit Cylin rical po up to 2 inches long attache to a long stalk which coils up rawing the fruit un er water to mature
Value Source of foo for waterfowl All portions of the plant are consume foliage rhizomes tubers an fruit Muskrat are also known to graze on it Be s provi e sha e shelter an foo for fish
Similar Species Often confuse with the submerge leaves of bur-ree Tape grass can be istinguishe by its heavy air-fille leaves vertically veine centers an lightly veine e ges Unlike bur-ree this plant has no rib on the back of the leaf
Photo ourtesy of Amy Smagula
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 7
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic
an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 8
On The ater
Floating Aquatic Plants
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 9
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 10
FLOATING HEART
Nyphoi es cor ata
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Roun in cross section
Leaves Small heart-shape re ish to purple Approximately 1 ndash 1 frac12 inches wi e
Flower Small white 5 petals
Flowering Period Mi -summer
Similar Species The leaves are often confuse with those of the yellow water lily but are only about the size of a half- ollar an the shape resembles a heart with the same soft V-shape of the yellow water lily Floating heart has a small white flower that can be foun in mi -summer yellow water lily has a large yellow flower that blooms most of the summer (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 11
ATERSHIELD
Brasenia schreberi
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Roun in cross section Attache to the center of the un ersi e of the leaf
Leaves Oval Un ersi es are ark pink Leaves approximately 4 inches wi e Un ersi e of the leaves an stem have a jelly-like coating that protects them from being eaten by insects
Flower Small ark pink to purple 6 petals
Flowering Period July
Similar Species Resembles the leaves of the water lily as well as those of floating heart
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 12
HITE ATER LILY
Nymphea or orata
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Roun in cross section attache to the center of the un ersi e of the leaf
Leaves Roun with a V-shape notch on one si e Up to 12 inches wi e
Flower Large white sweet-smelling Up to 4 inches wi e
Flowering Period June - September
Similar Species White water lily can be istinguishe from the yellow water lily an floating heart by the V-shape notch near the stem attachment an the more roun e shape of the leaf
Both the yellow water lily an floating heart have a more roun e heart-shape notch Yellow water lily leaves are much more oval than the white water lily which has a circular leaf Floating heart leaves are no more than a few inches in length (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 13
YELLO ATER LILY
Nuphar variegata
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Triangular in cross section attache to the lobe en of the un ersi e of the leaf
Leaves Giant floating Up to 12 to 15 inches wi e
Flower Yellow flower petals appear cuppe aroun the inner flower parts an o not open completely like those of the white water lily
Flowering Period June ndash September
Similar Species Often confuse with floating heart an white water lily though floating heart is much smaller in leaf length an wi th The white water lily also has a much more roun e leaf with a sharp V-shape notch (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 14
DUCK EED
Lemna spp
Status Native
Habitat Surfaces of some lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers an often in stagnant waters of wetlan areas
Stem No true stems
Leaves This plant has no true leaves or stems an only has a flat green plant bo y calle a thallus They are very small only about 116 of an inch wi e (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Duckwee s blanket the water surface in colonies There may be one or more roots hanging into the water but the plant is free-floating
Flower This plant rarely flowers
Similar Species Many people think that ense growths of uckwee resemble an algae bloom (Smagula an Connor 2007)
ATERMEAL
Wolfifa spp
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem No true stems
Leaves Elliptical an flat
Flower This plant rarely flowers but is consi ere the worl rsquos smallest flowering plant
Similar Species Unlike uckwee this plant completely lacks roots an must be inspecte closely to etect this ifference Watermeal may also resemble an algae bloom but can be istinguishe by simply touching the waterrsquos surface to see if tiny plants are stuck to your fingers (watermeal) or if the water has a slimy film (algae) It is commonly foun growing along with uckwee (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Photo co rtesy of Amy Smag la
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 15
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 16
On the dge mergent Herbaceous Plants
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 17
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 18
ARROW ARUM
Peltan ra virginica
Status Native
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In mu or shallow water
Height Up to 2 feet tall growing in loose colonies
Stem Lacking a true stem Leaf an flower stalks arising from a thick root
Leaves Large arrow-shape Lower lobes separating an tapering to the tips Each lobe an the main stem have one prominent central vein from which other smaller veins originate The smaller veins are parallel to one another Leaf bla e with a vein running along the entire outline just insi e the margin
Flower Vertically-curle green Very small spathe almost completely covering the thin whitish fleshy spike White male flowers above green female flowers sheath tapering to the base an tip green outsi e an white insi e Flowering cluster at the en of a long nake stalk
Flowering Period May to July
Fruit Easily i entifie in the fall by its cluster of greenish-brown berries enclose in a green leathery case the stalk curve ownwar at maturity
Similar Species Arrowhea (Sagattaria latifolia) Arrow Arum may be istinguishe by its 3 prominent veins
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 19
ARROWH ADDUCK-POTATO
Sagittaria spp
Status Native There are several species in New Hampshire Slatifolia and Sgraminea are the most common
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In mu or completely submerge
Height Up to 1 frac12 feet tall
Stem Lacking an upright visible stem Leaves an flowering stalk arising from a fibrous roote base Several un ergroun runners each giving rise to a tuber the size of a small potato up to 2 inches wi e
Leaves Shape is variable within an between species Leaves can be broa ly or narrowly arrow-shape lance-shape or tape-like Leaves appear to clasp the base of the flowering stalk Leaf veins all originate from the point where the stem connects to the leaf an ra iate outwar from that point
Flower White petals in whorls of three with a yellow center up to 1 frac12 inch wi e Male flowers at the top with female ones lower on the flower stalk
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Flat winge crow e in a flattene hea up to frac12 inch wi e Ball-shape fruit clusters of green nutlets
Value Known as ldquo uck potatoesrdquo Arrowhea pro uces e ible starchy tubers beneath the mu eaten by ucks an muskrats
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 20
BLU -FLAG IRIS
Iris versicolor
Status Native
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In less than 3 feet of water
Height Up to 3 feet tall Growing in small colonies
Stem Upright robust flattene on one si e simple or with one or two branches from creeping rhizomes embe e in the mu Rhizome very shallow an sometimes expose above the se iment
Leaves Appearing basal but actually alternate bluish-green swor -like an up to 14 inches long an frac34 inch wi e ascen ing in a flat plane or fan-like arrangement Flower stalks are taller than the leaves
Flower Large purplish-blue stalke with 3 larger outer rooping petals whitish towar the base an 3 upright smaller petals in the center
Flowering Period June through July
Fruit Capsule up to 2 frac12 inches long with 3 roun e e ges contains numerous flattene see s often persisting into winter
Value Provi es foo an cover for waterfowl an wil life
Similar Species Leaves may be confuse with those of cattail (Typha spp)or sweet flag (Acorus calmus) Blue flag iris may be istinguishe by blueish-green leaves arrange in flat plane
Photo co rtesy of Amy Smag la
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 21
BLU V RVAIN
Verbena hastata
Status Native
Habitat E ges of pon s marshes streams an rivers
Height Up to 4 feet tall growing in small colonies
Stem Rough four-si e fairly straight arising from a fibrous roote base
Leaves Up to 6 inches long stalke toothe tapere at the tip with a rough surface
Flower 5 small blue petals in a pencil-like spike occurring singly or in clusters with in ivi ual flowers blooming perio ically from the base to the top of spike
Flowering Period July into October
Fruit Separating into four nutlets
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 22
BON S T THOROUGHWORT
Eupatorium perfoliatum
Status Native
Habitat Wet mea ows marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall Branche growing in small colonies
Stem Upright robust lightly- owny arising from a fibrous roote base
Leaves Opposite lanceolate tapering an pointe at the tip toothe with the base clasping the stem Heavily veine Up to 8 inches long an 2 inches wi e at the base
Flower Whitish in 3-4 terminal clusters up to 8 inches long
Flowering Period Late July through October
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 23
BUR-R D
Sparganium eurycarpum
Status Native
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Emergent in shallow water up to 1 foot eep or submerge in water up to 4 feet eep
Height Up to 3 feet tall
Stem Upright stout smooth arising from rhizomes embe e horizontally in the mu a few inches beneath the surface Zigzag stalks
Leaves Alternate linear up to 4 feet long Emergent stem leaves narrow up to 1 frac12 feet tall triangular in cross-section an ri ge on their back si e Certain species are erect while others are floating an ribbon-like
Flower Lower bulbs or burs are clusters of greenish female
flowers Upper smaller burs are white male flowers
Flowering Period June through August
Fruit A burr-like hea on a short or long stalk
Value Colonies provi e nesting sites for waterfowl an shorebir s The fruit is eaten by a variety of waterfowl an the whole plant is graze by muskrat an eer
Similar Species This plant is easily confuse with wil celery (Vallisneria americana) if the leaves are tape-like or with young cattail (Typha spp) if leaves are emergent For the floating form bur-ree has a ri ge own the back of the long leaf When erect an emergent leaves are shorter in height than those of cattail with a istinct ri ge or almost triangular cross section When in fruit the spiky burr-like fruit is istinctive (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 24
CARDINAL FLOW R
Lobelia car inalis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s sha e e ges streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall often growing in large colonies
Stem Smooth stout arising from a horizontal rhizome embe e shallowly in mu
Leaves Alternate lanceolate to oblong toothe tapering at both en s Lower leaves short-stalke upper leaves stalkless Up to 6 inches long an 1 frac12 inches wi e Smooth to slightly owny thin
Flower Long bright-re 2-lippe tubular flower occurring on terminal spike with the upper lip 2-lobe an lower lip 3-lobe
Flowering Period July into October
Fruit Many-see e capsule with two portions
Value Car inal flower is pollinate mostly by hummingbir s since most insects fin it ifficult to navigate the long tubular flowers
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 25
BROAD-L AF CATTAIL
Typha latifolia
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet swales e ges of lakes an pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 10 feet tall
Stem Upright stiff growing in ense stan s from thick extensively -creeping un ergroun rhizomes
Leaves Green or bluish-green upright linear 2-6 feet long an up to 1 inch wi e arising from base or alternating along the stem Leaves have a spongy feel
Flower Many small flowers packe into tight cigar-like clusters creating a lower female spike toppe by a smaller male spike with no gap between the two flower types Female spike persists turning into the familiar ark brown ldquotailrdquo
Flowering Period June into August
Fruit Small see -like surroun e by many bristles attache to the base
Value Provi es nesting habitat for many bir s such as the re -winge blackbir Shoots an rhizomes are eaten by muskrats an geese Submerse stalks provi e spawning habitat an shelter for fish One of only a few plants where all parts are e ible to humans
Similar Species Narrow-leaf cattail (Typha angustifolia) has narrower leaves a narrower fruiting hea an a gap between the male an female flower clusters
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 26
COMMON R D
Phragmites australis
Status Most stands are Non-Native xotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire Phragmites australis has been present in wetlan s for millennia but a non-native European species has crossbre with P australis an has forme an invasive plant
Habitat Fresh an brackish marshes e ges of lakes an pon s streams rivers an in roa si e itches Full to partial sun
Height Upright 4-14 feet tall usually forming ense colonies
Stem Calle ldquoculmsrdquo are large hollow an grow up to 1 inch wi e
Leaves Bluish-green lanceolate close together an usually sticking out from stems at a large angle up to 2 feet long an 1 inch wi e
Flower Clusters frac12 - 1 foot long often purple when young an whitish an fluffy when ol
Flowering Period Late July to October
Fruit Rarely pro uces see but sprea s vigorously by rhizomes often running over the surface of the groun
Value This plant has little to offer to bir s an mammals besi es cover Phragmites often outcompetes other native wetlan plants thus limiting the plant iversity an foo source value of the wetlan The only animal that fee s on this to any extent is the muskrat (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Similar Species Sometimes confuse with ree canary grass since they both form ense stan s at isturbe sites Ree canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) can be istinguishe by its shorter an narrower leaves spikelets with only one flower an its shorter height
How To Distinguish Native From Non-Native Phragmites
Stems Stems on the non-native variety are typically green but may have a little purple color along the no es Stems on
the native variety have some chestnut or purple color where leaves are pulle back exposing the stem Stems of the native variety are also often shiny an black spots often appear late in the growing season
Leaf Collars Leaf collars on the non-native variety are always green while leaf collars on the native variety may be
purple
Leaf Sheaths On fall stems the leaf sheaths on the non-native variety remain attache Leaf sheaths on the native variety are lost or very loosely attache so leaves rop off the native plants before the intro uce plants This is the best
in icator base seasonal changes that istinguishes native or non-native varieties
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 27
J W LW DSPOTT D TOUCH-M NOT
Impatiens capensis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 4 feet tall Often growing in ense colonies
Stem Upright smooth slightly branching hollow somewhat succulent slightly translucent
Leaves Alternate egg-shape toothe on stalks up to 4 inches long Silvery appearance when hel un er water an appear completely ry upon removal Size an color of foliage vary with ifferences in light exposure an available moisture
Flower Few to several angling orange-yellow three-petale tubularfunnel-shape flowers with re ish brown spots an curve spur at their en s
Flowering Period June through September
Fruit Flat green capsules approximately 1 inch long which at maturity burst when touche ejecting ark-brown see s
Value Especially a apte to hummingbir pollination but bees an butterflies are also important pollinators
The sap from this plant has been clinically proven to relieve skin rashes Jewelwee can be applie to the affecte part of the bo y an neutralizes the urishol oil pro uce by poison ivy an poison oak (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 28
JO PY W D
Eupatorium maculatum
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 6 feet tall Branche growing in small to me ium-size colonies
Stem Stout smooth purple or purple-spotte somewhat rough towar the top arising from a fibrous roote base
Leaves Lanceolate toothe rough short-stalke with large single mi -vein Up to 8 inches long an 2 frac12 inches wi e tapere at the base an tip in whorls of 3-7
Flower Small rose-purple in ense flat-toppe clusters at the top of the stem an at the en s of the branches
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Angular nutlet with a plume of fine bristles at the top
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 29
PICK R LW D
Ponte aria cor ata
Status Native
Habitat Marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 3 feet tall often growing in ense colonies
Stem Upright stout smooth arising from a rhizome bearing one leaf an one terminal spike
Leaves Basal an alternate very large arrowhea to heart-shape glossy with prominent parallel veins blunt tip on a spongy leaf stalk
Flower Many small tubular violet-blue flowers approximately frac12 inch long on solitary spike with a sheath at the base
Flowering Period June through August
Fruit Small bla er-like with toothe ri ges containing one see
Value See s are consume by waterfowl an muskrats Networks of rhizomes an leaves also offer sha e an shelter for fish
Similar Species This plant can be istinguishe from its close look-alikes arrow arum an arrowhea by its light bluish-purple flower spike Bases of the leaves are more roun e whereas arrowhea an arrow arum leaves are more pointe (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 30
PURPL LOOS STRIF
Lythrum salicaria
Status Non-Native xotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire
Habitat Marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams rivers an in roa si e itches Full to partial sun
Height 2-6 feet tall
Stem Upright smooth to slightly- owny Square four-si e almost woo y
Leaves Opposite to whorle lanceolate often with heart-shape bases somewhat clasping stem sometimes in whorls of 3 Gra ually tapering to a point 3 to 4 inches long an frac12 to 1 inch wi e
Flower 5-7 purple petals in a ense terminal spike
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Many-see e capsule
Value Little wil life value See s are low in nutrition an roots are too woo y The flowers are attractive to insects They pro uce nectar an are regularly visite by honeybees
This plant outcompetes other wetlan plants which are beneficial foo sources for wil life an insects It repro uces by pro ucing millions of see s per plant an quickly takes over the lan scape when intro uce It also sprea s by rhizome (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 31
R D CANARY GRASS
Phalaris arun inacea
Status Non-Native xotic Invasive
Habitat Swales marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Although it is usually a shoreline plant it can survive in knee- eep water by sprouting ldquowater rootsrdquo on the submerse portion of the stem Forms ense stan s in isturbe areas where clearing gra ing siltation filling or other isruptions have create an opening with moist soil
Height Up to 7 feet tall Often growing in ense colonies
Stem Upright stiff from extensively-creeping rhizomes
Leaves Alternate upright grayish-green open sheath an ligule at the leaf axis Bla es fairly long an narrow up to 12 inches long an frac34 inches wi e
Flower Green to greenish-purple spikelets single-flowere lanceolate ense Terminal inflorescence up to 7 inches long branche an compresse early in the season but opening after fertilization
Flowering Period June through August
Value Low foo value Provi es summer cover an habitat for waterfowl at isturbe sites However it ten s to mat own in winter provi ing little winter cover for wil life
Similar Species Sometimes confuse with bluejoint grass (Calamagrostis canadensis) However the spikelets of bluejoint are in a loose open arrangement an the no es have a bluish to purplish cast
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 32
SOFT-ST MM D BULRUSH
Scirpus vali us
Status Native
Habitat Wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Usually growing in water less than 5 feet eep Ten s to be foun on ldquomuckierrdquo substrate an will grow in stagnant water
Height Usually up to 5 feet but can grow up to 10 feet tall Often growing in extensive colonies
Stem Upright grayish-green often arching up to frac34 inch thick at the base arising from stout re ish rhizomes Soft roun tapering to a point
Leaves No apparent leaves
Flowers Inconspicuous many-stalke bu like spikelets covere by re ish-brown scales locate imme iately below the top of stem Clusters mostly rooping but not in higher salinity areas
Flowering Period June into September
Fruit See -like nutlet with 4-6 bristles attache to the base
Value Provi es habitat for invertebrates an shelter for young fish Nutlets consume by a variety of waterfowl marsh bir s an uplan bir s Stems an rhizomes eaten by geese an muskrat Also provi es nesting material an cover for waterfowl marsh bir s an muskrat
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 33
SWAMP LOOS STRIF WAT R WILLOW
Deco on verticillatus
Status Native shrub becoming herbaceous towar the tips
Habitat Wetlan s bogs e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Shallow water with muck or peat se iment Can form floating mats in areas of very soft se iment
Height Up to 5 feet tall
Stem Ri gi woo y smooth to slightly- owny 3-9 feet long The lower rooting stems are spongy an buttresse giving rise to new arching stems
Leaves Opposite or in whorls of 3 gra ually tapering to a point 3-4 inches long an frac12 to 1 inch wi e sessile or short-stalke
Flower Pinkish-purple bell-shape with 5-7 sepals an 5 petals forming showy clusters in the axils of the mi le to upper leaves
Flowering Period July through August
Fruit Small brownish capsule with 3-5 partitions the clusters sometimes persisting above the leaf scars throughout winter
Value The many intertwining arching stems may form sizable clusters at the e ges of lakes an sluggish streams or floating bog mats Wherever a stem touches the water air-fille spongy tissue may evelop This tissue buoys the stem so that it may root an form a new arching stem
Similar Species May be confuse with the invasive purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) Swamp loosestrife can be istinguishe by the arching stems an showy axillary flower clusters as well as the roun stem instea of the square stem of purple loosestrife (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 34
THR -WAY S DG
Dulichium arun inaceum
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Extensive be s can be foun in shallow (less than 3 feet) water Grows in a variety of se iment types an can tolerate some turbi ity
Height Up to 3 feet tall solitary or in small colonies
Stem Roun hollow jointe arising from a horizontal rhizome
Leaves Linear up to 4 inches long an 38 inch wi e with a conspicuous sheath the latter close except at the top
When looking own upon the plant the leaves are line up an appear to ra iate from three angles away from the main stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Flower Inconspicuous flattene linear sessile spikelets in the axils or two-ranke scales of the brownish spikelets 8-10 along the axillary stalk
Flowering Period July through October
Fruit Flattene brownish see -like nutlet toppe with a beak
Value Eaten occasionally by a variety of ucks an geese Rhizomes an shoots also graze by muskrats
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 35
WOOL GRASS
Scirpus cyperinus
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall growing in small colonies
Stem Upright robust roun to triangular especially at the base
Leaves Elongate from base of stem up to 2 feet long Leaves imme iately below the flower are in clusters of 3-5 an may reach 5 inches long an roop at the tips
Flower Clusters of 6-12 spikelets at en s of rooping stems Flower clusters up to 12 inches long much branche
Flowering Period August through September
Fruit Whitish see -like nutlet with bristles much longer than the scales attache to the base the bristles impart the wooly appearance to the spikelets
Value Provi es foo an cover for waterfowl an other wil life
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 36
Ferns
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 37
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 38
INNAMON FERN
Osmund cinn mome
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Often growing near somewhat similar an relate interrupte fern (Polys ichum aros ichoides)
Height Up to 3 feet tall
Stem Upright stout smooth green an covere with cinnamon-colore wooly stalk
Leaves Sterile (vegetative) fron s up to 3 feet high upright to slightly arche lance-shape with 20+ opposite leaflets Fertile fron s o not persist through the summer whereas vegetative fron s remain until first frost
Reproduction Club-like fertile fron with groups of spore cases on leaflets that hug the main axis
Fruiting Period Spring
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 39
OSTRI H FERN
Pteretis pensylv nic
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 6 feet tall forming tussocks or clumps
Stem Stout nake for up 1 foot from the base green flattene an black at the base covere with papery brown scales Arising from a forking shallowly-embe e rhizome an giving rise to stout black scaly runners
Leaves Sterile fron s forming circles gra ually narrowe at the base an abruptly narrowe to the tip Fertile fron s up to 2 feet tall an 2 inches wi e nake for approximately half their length the nake portions shiny brown crow e sprea ing or ascen ing branches often overlapping or twiste light green at first turning ark green an eventually brown
Reproduction Leaf segments with spore cases beneath become rolle into small har berry-like structures joine along the branches of the fertile fron
Fruiting Period July ndash August Persisting over winter
Similar Species Cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea) Ostrich fern may be istinguishe by the gra ually narrow base an papery scales rather than cinnamon-colore pubescence on the stalk
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 40
ROYAL FERN
Osmund reg lis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall growing in scattere groups
Stem Somewhat stout nake for approximately half its length greenish or re ish arising from a stout creeping rhizome
Leaves Fron s with 5-7 pairs of nearly opposite oblong ascen ing ivisions The lowest pair slightly shorter than the others each ivision ivi e into finely toothe oblong blunt alternate segments 10-14 on each si e Fertile fron s terminate by a panicle appearing as a ense cluster of light brown structures
Reproduction Spore cases clustere along short nake leaf segments in a terminal panicle an often at the tips of some of the ivisions One of several ferns that pro uce their spores on mo ifie leaflets not on the un ersi e of the fron s
Fruiting Period Spring an early summer
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 41
SENSITIVE FERN
Onocle sensibilis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 3 feet tall Growing solitary or scattere
Stem Upright stout nake for nearly half its length arising from a creeping rhizome
Leaves Sterile fron s up to 3 feet tall the bla e with up to 16 pairs of wi e segments having wavy margins Fertile fron s shorter the berry-like structures clustere in stiffly erect ivisions the entire structure appearing spike-like
Reproduction Leaf segments with spore cases beneath which have become rolle into small har black berry-like structures appearing July through August an persisting over winter
Fruiting Period July into October
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 42
Woody S rubs
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 43
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 44
NORTHERN ARROW-WOOD Viburnu recognitu
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 15 feet tall forming thickets
Bark Smooth an gray with a white pith
Twigs Brownish-gray hairless highly branche long straight slen er arrow-like smooth
Buds Re ish-brown with 2 pairs of scales Opposite pointe approximately frac14 inch long roun e scales with fringe of minute hairs along the bor ers
Leaves Opposite egg-shape to roun with saw-like coarse teeth 1-2 inches long an 3 inches wi e tapering to a point with very prominent smooth veins
Flower Numerous small white-petale flowers on short stalks in a somewhat ense terminal flat cluster
Flowering Period June through July
Fruit Fleshy blue-black berry-like approximately 13 inch wi e containing a flattene see appearing in August
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 45
BUTTONBUSH Cephalanthus occidentalis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 12 feet tall typically 3-5 feet tall
Bark Smooth an grayish when young flaky an grayish when ol er Light-brown pith
Twigs Slen er roun or angle grayish-brown to purplish marke with light elongate lenticels
Buds Small in epresse areas surroun e by bark
Leaves Opposite or in whorls of 3-4 Shiny ark-green above lighter green an slightly owny beneath Leathery smooth oblong to oval 3-6 inches long broa at the base pointe at tips often with short re stalks
Flower Densely clustere spherical creamy white ball-shape flowers long-stalke often in groups of 3 1- 1 frac12 inch wi e Ripe hea s brownish fragrant
Flowering Period July through August
Fruit Small triangular-shape capsules greenish in ball-like hea s like the flowers Persist into winter
Value Butterfly an moth species are often foun fee ing on the sweet nectar of the tubular flowers because of their long curle mouthparts Caterpillar pupas are often foun on buttonbush because of the foo association with larvae an a ults (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 46
ELDERBERRYBLACK-BERRIED ELDER Sa bucus canadensis
Elderberr showing fruit
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 12 feet tall often forming thickets
Bark Green
Twigs Pale yellow-brown to light-brown with numerous large raise lenticels Ill-smelling when bruise Flute or square pith very thick white an soft
Buds Small roun to oval covere with brownish scales
Leaves Opposite pinnately compoun with 5 to 11 leaflets usually 7 Lanceolate to ovate abruptly narrowing at the tip Sharply-toothe Lower leaflets often 3-parte Smooth above smooth or owny on veins beneath
Flower Small white nicely-scente flowers with 5 white petals in a flat-toppe cluster up to 6 inches wi e generally with 5 main branches
Flowering Period Late June through July
Fruit Juicy purplish-black berries in flat-toppe clusters containing many see s appearing late August to early October
Value Pro uces fruit that makes tasty jelly an wine It is also an important foo source for many songbir s
Elderberr showing flowers
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 47
GLOSSY BUCKTHORN Rha nus frangula
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T is species is pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Generalist Full-sun or sha e moist ry aci ic or basic soils Woo lan bor ers foreste wetlan s floo plain forests
Heig t Up to 20 feet tall
Twigs Grayish with whitish lenticels
Buds Nake owny up to frac14 inch long
Leaves Alternate whorle oblong 4-5 inches long an 3-4 inches wi e Long growing season leafing out in May an hol ing its leaves into November
Flower Small greenish-white in small clusters in the leaf axis
Flowering Period May through September Flowers an fruits continuously from May through September Plants often isplay bu s flowers immature fruit an mature fruit simultaneously
Fruit Berry with 2-3 pits approximately frac14 inch wi e turning from green to re an eventually blue-black Often all three colore berries are on the plant at the same time Sometimes ifficult to recognize in a foreste situation ue to its non- escript appearance but easily recognize July through September ue to masses of berries
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 48
HIGHBUSH BLUEBERRY Vacciniu cory bosu
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s rich woo s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 15 feet tall often forming thickets
Bark Rough brown Stem an larger branches shre y
Twigs On some bushes re ish-brown on other bushes they are yellow Covere with small warty lenticels zigzagge or angle
Buds Flower bu s re plump pointe with spine-like pointe scales Leaf bu s smaller two outer scales with hair-like point
Leaves Alternate pointe on both en s green on both si es untoothe Lower si e slightly wooly on the veins Up to 3 inches long an 1 frac12 inch wi e Deep re in autumn
Flower Cylin rical white or pink up to frac12 inch long an frac14 inch wi e in ense terminal or lateral clusters
Flowering Period April through June appearing when leaves are only half grown
Fruit Blue-black berry up to frac12 inch wi e with whitish bloom sweet in clusters
Value Berries eaten by numerous bir s an wil life
Similar Species Maleberry (L onia ligustrina) Highbush blueberry can be istinguishe by its terminal clusters of fruit an by berries rather than capsules for fruit
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 49
HOBBLEBUSH Viburnu alnifoliu
Status Native
Habitat Cool moist ravines e ges of rivers an streams
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Light brown with wavy grooves
Twigs Tough stout olive-brown to light purplish-brown Coate with rusty brown hairs towar the tip
Buds Large long in pairs light-brown covere with velvety fuzz Flower bu s roun e an occur only at tips of twigs
Leaves Very large 4-8 inches long Almost roun finely toothe heart-shape at base Hairy beneath rusty veins much branche Brownish hairs on stalks
Flower Large white clusters with 5 petals appearing before leaves are fully grown
Flowering Period May through June
Fruit Re berries turning black Stones with a groove on each e ge
Similar Species Likely to be confuse with ogwoo s Viburnum leaves are nearly always toothe or lobe while ogwoo leaves are smooth untoothe an veins are parallel
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 50
HONEYSUCKLE Lonicera spp
(L orrowii L tatarica L aackii)
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T ese species are pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Fiel s roa si es fence-rows he ge-rows e ges of woo s
Heig t 10 to 15 feet tall
Bark Tan to brown shre e in appearance
Twigs Generally glabrous thornless
Buds Blunt to acute
Leaves Opposite entire oblong to egg-shape 1-5 inches long
Flower 5-lobe tubular sometimes fragrant growing in leaf axils white to yellow
Fruit Re rarely yellow juicy few-see e berry July through September
Flowering Period May through June
Morrowrsquos Honeysuckle Lonicera orrowii
Leaves an young twigs ensely owny Leafy bracts beneath flowers not glan ular Leaves broa est below the mi le Flowers white fa ing to yellow
Tartarian Honeysuckle Lonicera tartarica
Un ersi es of leaves an young twigs are hairless Flowers usually pink-re Only species that has hollow pith
Amur Honeysuckle Lonicera aackii
Upper surface of leaves are shiny Bark is gray or tan an exfoliates somewhat in vertical strips Flowers white fa ing to yellow
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 51
JAPANESE KNOTWEED Polygonu cuspidatu
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T is species is pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Woo lan s open spaces itches roa si e itches e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall Fast growing aggressive easily sprea s an repro uces vegetatively
Twigs Greenish hollow jointe bamboo-like Stems often persist into winter
Leaves Alternate large untoothe broa ly ovate 3-7 inches long with pointe tips an square bases
Flower Many small whitish flowers growing in slen er finger-like clusters in the leaf axils
Flowering Period August to September
Fruit White papery win - isperse x-shape in cross-section
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 52
MALEBERRY Lyonia ligustrina
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s rich woo s gentle slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall often forming thickets
Bark Light gray shre y shaggy Younger bark appearing slightly hairy ol er bark gray with white lenticels
Twigs Yellow-brown to ash-gray mottle with black Flowering twigs leafless
Buds No terminal bu Lateral bu s flattene re oval pointe with a single re ish scale
Leaves Alternate elliptic to oblong stalke up to 3 inches long pointe at both en s minutely toothe Rough above slightly-hairy beneath
Flower Small roun white flowers in clusters up to 6 inches long
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Greenish-gray to brown small roun capsules with 5 partitions No larger than flower Crow e in groups on the stem persisting through winter Dry brown po s resembling blueberries
Similar Species Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium cor mbosum) Maleberry can be istinguishe by its flattene re bu s lateral rather than terminal clusters an by capsules of fruit instea of berries
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 53
MEADOWSWEET Spiraea latifolia
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t 2-3 feet tall forming large ense colonies
Bark Thin peeling in filmy layers
Twigs Smooth slen er light re ish-brown to purple more or less angle Unbranche (except occasionally towar the top where branching may occur)
Buds Many small smooth oval with several scales
Leaves Alternate oblong narrow toothe short-stalke tapering to the base with pointe to roun tips Up to 3 inches long an 1 frac12 inches wi e
Flower Pyrami clusters of white to pinkish 5-parte small flowers occurring at tip of stem
Flowering Period July into September
Fruit Small har smooth cluster of 5-6 tiny po s persisting over winter in the inflorescence giving it a ark-brown color
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 54
MULTIFLORA ROSE Rosa ultiflora
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T is species is pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Generalist Variety of soil moisture an light con itions
Heig t Up to 9 feet tall Shrubby arching
Bark Green Ol er stems turn woo y
Twigs Long arching with stiff re-curve thorns tips root to form new plants
Leaves Alternate pinnately compoun 7-9 toothe leaflets each leaflet about 1 inch long Fringe stipule at the base of leaf stem
Flower Dense clusters of fragrant white or occasionally pink 5-petale flowers up to 1 frac12 inch wi e Persist into winter
Flowering Period May through June
Fruit Small roun har re berry calle a ldquohiprdquo Smallest hip of any rose in New Englan persists into winter
Similar Species Multiflora rose can be istinguishe from other roses by the presence of a fringe stipule on the leaf petiole
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 55
NORTHERN WILD RAISIN WITHEROD VIBURNUM Viburnu cassinoides
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s valleys gentle slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall usually up to 7
Bark Smooth grayish-brown
Twigs Slen er long flexible ull pale grayish to light-brown Slightly hairy Somewhat angle with in istinct lenticels
Buds Covere by a single pair of scales Terminal bu s long yellow or gol en 2 light-brown scales split curve Flower bu s large an flask-shape
Leaves Opposite lanceolate to oval loosely toothe up to 4 inches long on short stalks tapering to an abrupt point Dark green above ull green below leathery
Flower Many small white 5-lobe flowers in short-stalke flat-toppe clusters at the tips of the twigs
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Fleshy blue-black berry-like approximately frac14 inch wi e containing a flat see Dull re as maturing
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 56
SHADBUSHSERVICEBERRY A elchier canadensis
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains rich woo s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 25 feet tall usually growing in thickets
Bark Gray smooth thin vertical fissures separating smooth flat areas in ol er trees
Twigs Ranci taste an smell (slight taste of bitter almon s) Slen er grayish often covere by a gray skin smooth Lenticels are scattere minute ots
Buds Terminal bu s long narrow greenish-yellow or purple
Leaves Alternate oblong finely-toothe broa est above the mi le Veins curve When half grown with white felt or wooly hairs beneath Up to frac34 inch long roun e at the tip an base
Flower Many me ium-size 5-petalle white flowers approximately frac34 inch wi e on stalks in clusters appearing when leaves are half grown
Flowering Period April through June
Fruit Dark-purple to black berries
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 57
SHEEP LAURELLAMBKILL Kal ia angustifolia
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 3 feet tall usually forming thickets
Bark Re ish brown
Twigs Pale brown smooth
Buds Nake no scales or only 2 showing
Leaves Evergreen Occasionally opposite but usually in whorls of 3 Elliptic to oblong on very short stems crow e on the branch opposite in threes Bright green above pale or whitene beneath Both surfaces smooth
Flower Small eep pink to re ish-purple 5-lobe approximately 1 frac12 inch wi e in clusters among the leaves
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Small brownish roun capsule with 5 partitions in clusters that persist over winter
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 58
SILKY DOGWOOD Cornus a o u
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall forming ense thickets
Twigs Much branching lower portion of the stem light brown upper portions becoming streake with re One-an two-year ol branches completely re an velvety Twigs mo erate to slen er with spongy chocolate-brown piths
Buds Smooth hairy
Leaves Opposite ovate to elliptic roun e at base with pointe tips Veins branching off mi vein that follow up the smooth leaf without reaching e ge Up to 5 inches long an half as wi e roun e to somewhat we ge-shape at the base an abruptly pointe at the tip pubescent beneath on short to mo erate stalks turning re in autumn
Flower Many small white 4-petalle flowers in broa flat-toppe clusters up to 3 inches wi e at the tips of branches
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Blue or blueish-white berries
Similar Species Re Osier Dogwoo (Cornus stolonifera)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 59
SPECKLED ALDER Alnus rugosa
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 25 feet tall often branching from the base
Bark Brown with whitish horizontal lenticels
Twigs Olive-brown to re ish brown smooth owny with greenish triangular pith
Buds Stalke re ish covere by 2-3 scales equal in length coate with grayish or brownish own no terminal bu
Leaves Alternate oval or roun e broa est below the mi le 2-4 inches long Doubly toothe or wavy Green above pale beneath Leaf base roun e or heart-shape Up to 6 inches long an 3 inches wi e
Flower Develop long before the leaves Male catkins long finger-like rooping Female catkins upright in clusters stalke resembling a small pine cone arching appearing below male
Flowering Period April through June before leaves emerge
Fruit Female catkins ripening into frac12 inch cylin rical cones persistent in winter
Comments Distinguishing features are the conspicuous white lenticels on the trunk an on the twigs the short thick stalks of the ldquoconesrdquo an the conspicuous net venation of the leaves In winter the immature female spikes roop
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 60
SPICEBUSH Lindera benzoin
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains rich woo s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Smooth grayish-brown
Twigs Younger growth is green with white lines an specks while ol er portions with smooth gray-brown bark
Buds Leaf bu s small pointe Flower bu s larger stalke Spherical arrange on one si e of a leaf bu above the scar
Leaves Alternate obovate to ovate somewhat pointe up to 4 inches long an 2 inches wi e
Flower Small yellow Male an female occur in clusters on separate plants
Flowering Period April through May
Fruit Fleshy re an berry-like up to frac12 inch long containing one large see
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 61
STEEPLEBUSH Spiraea to entosa
Status Native
Habitat Wet mea ows marshes shrub wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 3 frac12 feet tall
Bark Thin hairy peeling shre ing into strips
Buds Lateral bu s covere with wool No terminal bu
Leaves Alternate simple toothe up to 2 inches long white or woolly beneath with brownish rusty or tawny hairs
Flower Small 5-petale eep pink or rose colore flowers in ense steeple-like terminal spike up to 6 inches long
Flowering Period July into September
Fruit One-celle capsules persistent into winter
Similar Species The pinker plants are often confuse with purple loosestrife Steeplebush has alternate leaves whereas purple loosestrife has opposite or whorle leaves The stems of Steeplebush ten to be roun in cross-section whereas the stems of purple loosestrife are square in cross section (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 62
SWEET PEPPERBUSH Clethera alnifolia
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Dark grayish or blackish Branches of previous year shre y or flaky
Twigs Slen er roun an slightly owny on new twigs with large white pith
Buds Lateral bu s small an obscure Terminal bu s are owny large an pointe
Leaves Alternate egg-shape to oblong small broa est above mi le sharply-toothe except at base Straight-veine both si es smooth an green abruptly blunt-pointe Up to 4 frac12 inches long an 1 frac12 inches wi e
Flower Many small 5-petale fragrant white flowers occurring on terminal spike
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Small tan roun capsule each with 3 hairy partitions resembling peppercorns persisting into winter
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 63
WINTERBERRY HOLLYBLACK ALDER Ilex verticillata
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Gray smooth
Twigs Slen er ark purple-gray with many small lenticels
Buds Tiny blunt at tip iverging from the twig Crow e upper bu s larger Terminal bu present
Leaves Alternate ovate thick ull-green above owny beneath coarse-toothe prominent veins Broa est at or above the mi le pointe at both en s
Flower Very small greenish or yellowish white Male an female flower son separate plants 6-8 petals in clusters seate irectly on stem frac14 inch in iameter of very short stalks
Flowering Period May through August
Fruit Bright re berry-like with 3-5 bony nuts borne singly or in clusters approximately frac14 inch wi e containing several see s persisting into winter
Value Extremely showy in late fall an early winter when covere with their bright re fruit these shrubs are either male or female Attractive to bir s
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 64
WITCH HAZEL Ha a elis virginiana
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 30 feet tall
Bark Mottle light-brown to gray smooth to scaly
Twigs Zigzag smooth to slightly hairy Short shoots light orange brown with rusty or gray hairs Some brown warts but lenticels in istinct
Buds Lateral bu s flattene with rusty brown hairs Terminal bu stalke curve or sickle-shape
Leaves Roun e to oval wavy lopsi e toothe in shallow roun e lobes Main veins prominent 5-7 nerves One-si e at base
Flower Bright yellow crinkle curving petals persisting into winter remaining attache to twig
Flowering Period August into November
Fruit Woo y hairy light-brown 2-see e po with 4 well-space curve points splitting open an ejecting black see s forcibly ripening a year after flowers Open po s remain on stem
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 65
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 66
Climbin Vines
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 67
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 68
CLIMBINGORIENTAL BITTERSWEET
Celast us o biculatus
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire
Habitat Disturbe areas roa si es fiel s forests an e ges of streams an rivers
Hei ht 40-65 feet long eci uous woo y vine Very aggressive climbs up an over trees an chokes them
Stem Tanish furrowe
Leaves Alternate ovate bluntly toothe 3-4 inches long tapere at the base
Flower Small greenish clusters in the leaf axils
Flowerin Period April through May
Fruit Bright-yellow splitting open to reveal showy orangere fruit
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 69
POISON IVY
Toxicodend on adicans
Status Native
Habitat Generalist Variety of soil moisture an light con itions Foun in recent clear-cuts
Hei ht Upright eci uous shrub trailing vine or climbing plant Shrub can grow up to 6 feet tall but this plant is taller as a vine
Leaves Long-stalke compoun leaves ivi e into 3 leaflets each leaflet having a longer stalk than the si e leaflets
Flowers Small yellowish flowers with 5 petals occurring on lateral clusters
Flowerin Period May through July Poison i y showing fruit
Fruit Greenish to grayish-white berries lacking hairs Pro uce in late summer an can persist throughout winter
CAUTION
TOUCHING OR BURNING ANY PART OF THIS PLANT CAN CAUSE SEVERE SKIN IRRITATION
Poison i y as a tree-climbing ine Poison i y in autumn
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 70
RIVERBANK GRAPE
Vitis ipa ia
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Hei ht Up to 60 feet tall
Bark Re ish-brown in loose strips Pith with thin firm tissue
Leaves Alternate coarse-toothe up to 7 inches long with usually 3-5 lobes an narrow-pointe leaves
Flowers Inconspicuous in branche clusters
Flowerin Period May through July
Fruit Purplish-black to black grapes up to frac12 inch wi e with whitish waxy covering
Similar Species Forest grape (Vitis ulpina) occurs in similar habitats but its leaves have broa teeth an are not usually lobe an its grapes are black an lacking waxy coating
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 71
VIRGINIA CREEPER
Pa thenosisus quinquefolia
Status Native
Habitat Wi e range of con itions ry san y soil to moist nutrient-rich soil sha e sun
Stem Woo y stem persisting into winter
Leaves Alternate palmately compoun with 3-7 but usually 5 leaflets Leaflets 6-12 centimeters long with toothe margins Turn eep-re in the fall
Flower Inconspicuous green-white
Fruit Small blue-black berries appearing in autumn
Comments Climbs by ten rils that have oval a hesive isks at their tips
Similar Species Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) has compoun leaves with 3 leaflets but the terminal leaflet is attache to a short-stalk Poison ivy also climbs by aerial roots not by a hesive isks
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 72
The Ca opy Trees
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 73
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 74
AMERICAN BASSWOODLINDEN Tilia am ricana
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s valleys gentle slopes
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray ri ge when ol
Twigs Alternate stout zigzag greenish-gray smooth or owny
Buds Re ish-brown frac12 inch long lopsi e No terminal bu
Leaves Alternate large up to 8 inches long sharply toothe Unequally heart-shape at base
Flowers 5 cream-colore fragrant yellow petals Approximately frac12 inch across
Floweri g Period Early summer
Fruit Stalke cluster of small pale green nuts attache to a leafy wing
AMERICAN BEECH Fagus grandifolia
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s uplan s well- raine lowlan s
Height Up to 90 feet tall
Bark Smooth an light blue-gray when young an ol
Twigs Alternate slen er greenish-brown hairy
Buds Slen er sharp-pointe approximately frac34 inch long chestnut brown with overlapping scales
Leaves Alternate simple egg-shape pointe with parallel veins terminating in teeth Shiny papery-smooth up to 5 inches long Dry leaves remain on tree in winter Yellow in autumn
Flowers Inconspicuous slen er catkins in a roun e hea both sexes occur on the same tree
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Prickly 4-valve fruit capsule bearing 2 triangular nuts Nut is sweet an e ible
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 75
AMERICAN HORNBEAM IRONWOODBLUE BEECH Carpinus caroliniana
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s foreste wetlan s e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 40 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray-green furrowe flute (muscular) wavy
Twigs Slen er ark re ish-brown shiny an smooth or slightly -hairy
Buds Oval re ish brown angle scaly
Leaves Alternate simple oblong sharply an finely oubly-toothe margins up to 4 inches long an 2 inches wi e entirely smooth above slightly owny beneath Orange or scarlet in autumn
Flowers Very small male an female flowers occur in separate spikes Male catkins 1 inch female small appearing with leaves
Floweri g Period April through May before leaf-out
Fruit Nutlet in the axil of a 3-lobe leaf-like bract the bracts clustere in a loose terminal spike up to 2 inches long
BLACK BIRCHSWEET BIRCH B tula l nta
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s
Height Up to 60 feet tall
Bark Smooth ark brown Long horizontal lenticels resembling cherry Ol er trees with very ark thick plates
Twigs Smooth slen er light re ish-brown with very fine horizontal lines Smells an tastes of wintergreen
Buds Sharp re ish brown long terminal bu absent on long shoots Bu scales owny on margins
Leaves Alternate simple heart-shape sharply ouble-or single-toothe smooth above with tufts of white hair on the veins beneath ull ark green Wintergreen o or an taste
Flower Male an female flowers occur in separate catkins on the same tree male catkins present uring the winter
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Catkins cylin rical short scales smooth
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 76
BLACK CHERRY Prunus s rotina
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s on many sites
Height Up to 60 feet tall
Bark Dark re ish-brown smooth with narrow horizontal lenticels on young trees becoming roughene an scaly on ol er trees Resembles black birch
Twigs Slen er re ish-brown often gray an peeling Ranci o or an taste Often with black knot swellings on branches with narrow lenticels
Buds Bright light re ish-brown 4 scales appear as none Terminal bu larger than laterals
Leaves Alternate simple elliptic Smooth an shiny above finely-toothe turning inwar Brown wool on 13 of mi rib beneath Yellow to brown in autumn
Flower White 5-petalle elongate clusters appearing when leaves are frac12 grown in clusters at the en s of twigs up to 4 inches long
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit E ible cherries ark re ish-purple becoming black with small stone Appearing June-October
BOX ELDERASH-LEAVED MAPLE Ac r n gundo
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s lowlan s floo plains
Height Up to 40 feet tall
Bark Thin grayish to light-brown with furrowe narrow ri ges similar to Norway maple
Twigs Stout green to purplish-green brightly colore often re Covere with whitish bloom the first year which rea ily rubs off
Buds Short-stalke re ish usually wooly or owny whitish ensely hairy
Leaves Opposite compoun palm-like with 3-5 veiny leaflets up to 5 inches long on short stalks Very variable in shape sharp margins with coarse teeth Light green above pale green an hairy along veins beneath Stalk swollen at base
Flower Small yellowish to greenish Male an female flowers occur in rooping clusters on separate trees appearing slightly before leaf-out
Floweri g Period April through May at or before leaf-out
Fruit A typical flattene v-shape winge samara
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 77
EASTERN COTTONWOOD Populus d ltoid s
Status Native
Habitat Floo plains streambanks valleys
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Greenish-yellow on young trees gray an furrowe on ol er trees
Twigs Smooth yellow-brown mo erately stout
Buds Brown shiny approximately frac12 to 1 inch long 6-7 scales heavy sticky fragrant yellow resin insi e
Leaves Alternate simple large triangular coarse roun e teeth up to 6 inches long an often nearly as wi e Dark green an shiny above lighter beneath with veins prominent on both surfaces Stems flattene at base of leaves Leaves from sprouts very large Yellow in autumn
Flower Drooping loosely groupe catkins Male an female flowers occur in rooping spikes on separate trees Before the leaves unfol the male crow e into rather thick re ish spikes the female crow e into narrower greenish yellow spikes
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Short-stalke capsule with 4 partitions approximately frac14 inch long
EASTERN HEMLOCK Tsuga canad nsis
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s ravines foreste wetlan s
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Cinnamon-re to gray tinge with purple narrow ri ges
Twigs Alternate yellow to grayish brown very hairy flattene
Buds Approximately frac12 to frac34 inch wi e oval chestnut brown hairy scales
Needles Narrow approximately frac12 inch long Short shiny ark-green above tapering whitish-green with 2 white lines beneath appearing as a broa stripe Stalke at base persistent comb-like arrangement on twig
Fruit Small oval cones frac12 to frac34 inch long on slen er stalks Cone scales as wi e as long Male cones are small structures in clusters in leaf axils an o not persist Female cones have brown scales are at twig en s an persist
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 78
EASTERN WHITE PINE Pinus strobus
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s bogs ravines cool sha y north slopes
Height Up to 120 feet tall
Bark Smooth thin greenish when young becoming ark brown eeply-furrowe an blocky when ol er
Twigs Smooth slen er green or light yellowish-green resinous
Buds Sharp-pointe yellowish-brown
Leaves In clusters of 5 (the only five-nee le pine in the East) soft slen er bluish-green Retaine to en of the secon growing season 3 year nee les yellow in October 2-5 inches long
Fruit Large tapering cylin rical cones falling when ripe (August-September) Require two seasons to mature 4 to 8 inches long
GREEN ASH Fraxinus p nnsylvanica
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains streambanks
Height Up to 80 feet tall
Bark Young twigs gray thin hairless Ol er stems gray with shallow grooves ri ges an furrows
Twigs Stout gray terminal bu present conical the first pair of lateral bu s place some istance below the terminal
Leaves Opposite pinnately-compoun with 5-9 (usually 7) leaflets Shiny green on top occasionally hairy on bottom with saw-toothe margins Bright yellow in autumn
Flower Inconspicuous small cluster of greenish petal-free stalke flowers with male an female flowers occur on separate trees
Floweri g Period April to June as leaves emerge
Fruit Samara with a broa wing an in istinct see portion
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 79
RED MAPLE Ac r rubrum
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s rich woo s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 75 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray often satiny on young trees becoming arker scaly rough separating an forming long scales often up-curling in ol er trees
Twigs Current years growth re Ol er twigs light gray smooth
Buds Sharp ark re with prominent overlapping scales
Leaves Opposite simple usually 3-lobe (sometimes 5) with sharp angles between lobes an with sharp irregular teeth Dark green above gray-green beneath approximately 3-4 inches long Yellow or scarlet in autumn
Flower Re or yellow with petals appearing long before the leaves emerge Male an female flowers occur on separate trees
Floweri g Period March through May before leaf-bu s open
Fruit A ouble-winge v-shape re samara up to 1 inch long
Matures in late spring falls an germinates at once
RED OAK Qu rcus rubra
Status Native
Habitat Bottomlan s moist slopes
Height Up to 90 feet tall
Bark Smooth greenish-brown on young stems becoming broken into ri ges re ish-brown har with eep furrows when ol er Inner bark re ish
Twigs Alternate strongly ri ge or flute Re ish brown or black smooth
Buds Smooth brown blunt-pointe in clusters at en s of twigs Larger than other oaks except black frac14 inch long roun e on the si es Terminal bu s have slight rusty hairs
Leaves Spikes on tips of lobes Mostly 3 pairs V-shape space between lobes (typically 7-11) triangular in outline smooth on both si es
Flower Long sprea ing strings
Fruit Acorn maturing in secon year Cup embracing 13 to frac12 the acorn Oval to cylin rical short shallow Acorns large bitter ine ible insi es pale yellow
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 80
SHAGBARK HICKORY Carya ovata
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s valleys uplan slopes
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Smooth when young splitting into long plates that curve outwar free at both en s when ol er
Twigs Re ish-brown very stout tough an har to break Soli pith
Buds Dark brown long-pointe approximately frac12 inch or more wi e Scales remaining over winter
Leaves Alternate compoun 4-6 inches long 5 (rarely 7) leaflets with the 3 upper leaflets much larger an longer than the lower terminal leaflet Slightly toothe with a tuft of hair on each tooth
Flower Male an female flowers occur on same tree Male flowers are 3-branche catkins female flowers are in short spikes
Floweri g Period Early spring before leaf-out
Fruit Thick globe-like husks split away when ripe Nut with 4 angles whitish brown shell thick sweet kernel
SILVER MAPLE Ac r saccharinium
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 80 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray (like beech) in young trees breaking into long thin scaly plates curving away at en s when ol er
Twigs V-shape point upwar at tip rooping Orange-brown to re Ba o or when bruise
Buds Terminal bu small blunt re
Leaves Opposite simple approximately 5 inches wi e Deeply cleft 5-lobe sharply toothe Green above silver-white beneath Very silvery un er water Downy beneath when young Pale yellow in autumn
Flower Small re or greenish yellow No petals occurring long before the leaves Some trees have only male flowers
Floweri g Period February through May before leaf-out
Fruit Occurring in late spring The see germinates at once flattene winge fruit the largest of the native maples up to 2 inches long
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 81
SWAMP WHITE OAK Qu rcus bicolor
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 70 feet tall
Bark Flaky light grayish-brown peeling in ragge papery scales Furrowe at base of tree in long flat scaly ri ges
Twigs Slen er to stout straw-brown to yellow-green Bark peels from twig (only oak where this occurs)
Buds Small roun terminal bu s orange-brown blunt-pointe smooth Lateral bu s small an crow e
Leaves Alternate simple oval light-green above with hairs beneath wi est above the mi le strongly tapere towar the we ge-shape base Margin shallowly lobe Yellow or brown in autumn
Flower Male an female flowers occur separately on the same tree the male in catkins the female in short spikes
Fruit Oval light-brown nut approximately 1 inch long enclose for about frac12 its length by a cap Occurring singly or often in pairs at the en of a short stalk Some of the cups usually persist in winter
SYCAMOREPLANETREEBUTTONBALL Platanus occid ntalis
Status Native
Habitat Floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Creamy white on young branches turning re -brown-gray then breaking in large thin plates exposing whitish inner bark giving a white-washe appearance
Twigs Slen er smooth yellow-brown slightly zigzag swollen at joints
Buds No terminal bu Lateral bu s long conical resinous shiny ark re -brown covere by a single cap-like scale Pointing outwar enclose by bases of leaf stalks until the leaves fall
Leaves Alternate simple large with 3-5 pointe lobes maple-like pubescent beneath when young with long pointe teeth
Flower Small inconspicuous Male an female flowers occur separately in roun hea s on the same tree
Floweri g Period April through June
Fruit Large roun balls approximately frac14 inch long an 1 inch wi e with bristly hairs at base containing many see s Occurring singly on long stalks Remains on tree until spring
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 82
TAMARACHLARCH Larix laricina
Status Native
Habitat Bogs foreste wetlan s wet peaty soils
Height Up to 80 feet tall
Bark Thin re ish brown scaly Young branches grayish or pale orange-brown
Twigs Smooth brownish many leaf scars
Buds Dark re ish-brown roun resinous
Leaves Deci uous nee les pale blueish-green approximately 1 inch long flexible triangular Yellow in autumn before ropping off
Flower Occur separately as small cones on the same tree Male flowers are yellow Female flowers are rose re both appearing in March through April
Fruit Small oval cones frac12 to frac34 inch wi e with 20 scales Cone scales concave smooth often shining longer than broa chestnut brown smooth on the outsi e
WHITE ASH Fraxinus am ricana
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s valleys slopes foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Light or ark gray Smooth when young groove when ol er Longitu inal ri ges forming iamon -shape patterns separate by narrow interlacing ri ges
Twigs Opposite light greenish-brown with small white lenticles an a slight bloom Soli pith
Buds Roun e rusty to ark-brown rough hairy First pair of lateral bu s at the same level irectly below the terminal
Leaves Opposite pinnately compoun stalke oval to lanceolate 8 to 12 inches long with 5 to 9 leaflets (mostly 7) Smooth or slightly wavy-toothe Yellowish to maroon in the autumn
Flowers Small inconspicuous male an female flowers occur on separate trees appearing with the leaves Purplish in crow e clusters
Floweri g Period April through May before leaf-out
Fruit Cylin rical light-brown enclosing a see an a flattene elongate wing 2-3 times long as the bo y 1-2 inches wi e in rooping clusters
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 83
WHITE OAK Qu rcus alba
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s a jacent slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 90 feet tall
Bark Gray thin on young trees an flaky irregularly-plate or groove when ol er
Twigs Purplish-gray to greenish-re mo erately stout smooth
Buds Blunt smooth brownish at tips of twigs in clusters
Leaves Alternate simple 4-10 prominent roun e lobes variable in epth Re ish to violet in autumn Brown ea leaves remain on tree in winter
Flowers Both sexes occur on the same tree Male flowers in clusters of hanging bea s Female flowers are few in angles of new leaves Greenish yellowish or re ish
Fruit Maturing in one season Acorn cup with wart-like scales Cup shorter than nut Sweet an e ible
WHITE SPRUCE Pic a glauca
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s a jacent slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 70 feet tall
Bark Thin scaly grayish-brown silvery on freshly expose areas
Twigs Pale gray to yellow-brown no hairs or fuzz
Buds Oval ragge brown smooth
Leaves frac12 to 1 inch blueish-green slight-bloom pungent o or when crushe sharp line of white ots in each groove Ten ency to mass towar the upper si e of the twig
Flowers Occur separately as small cones on the same tree Male flowers are yellowish re Female flowers are greenish re purplish
Co e Cylin rical 2 inches long Immature cones have thin scales an are soft an flexible Mature cones are light chestnut brown
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 84
YELLOW BIRCH B tula l nta
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains ravines cool rich woo s of higher elevations
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Peeling in thin ribbon-like strips when young that roll back in curls Shiny yellow or silvery gray rough an platy when ol er
Twigs Stout bronze or bright-brown shiny Smooth or sparsely hairy Wintergreen o or an taste
Buds Sharp re ish-brown oppresse terminal bu absent oval with chestnut-brown scales
Leaves Alternate simple long oval sharply ouble-toothe Dull an ark-green above lighter beneath with slight hairs in veins base roun e to near heart-shape up to 5 inches long
Flower Male an female flowers in separate catkins on the same tree Male catkins present in winter Male flowers are yellow small narrow in a rooping catkin at branch tips Female flowers are green an in broa er upright catkins place back from the tip that matures into a brown cone
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Catkins roun e roun scales somewhat hairy erect on twig frac34 inch long persist into winter
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 85
Appendix A Other Helpful Field Guides
The Boo of Swamp and Bog Trees Shrubs and Wildflowers of Eastern Freshwater Wetlands by John Eastman 1995 Stackpole Books ISBN 0-8117-2518-9
A Field Guide to Coastal Wetland Plants of the Northeastern United States by Ralph W Tiner Jr 1987 University of Massachusetts Press ISBN 0-870-23538-9
Freshwater Wetlands - A Guide to Common Indicator Plants of the Northeast by Dennis W Magee 1981 University of Massachusetts Press ISBN 0-87023-317-3
Northeastern Wetland Flora Field Office Guide to Plant Species by USDA ndash NRCSNortheastern National Technical Center Chester Pennsylvania
Plants in Wetlands A Redington Field Guide to Biological Interactions by Charles B Re ington 1994 Ken allHunt Publishing Company ISBN 0-84038-983-3
Pond and Broo by Michael J Ca uto 1990 ISBN 0-87451-509-1
Pond Life A Golden Guide by George K Rei 1987 Gol en Books ISBN 0-30724-017-7
Through The Loo ing Glass by Susan Borman Robert Korth Jo Temte 19971999 Wisconsin Lakes Partnership ISBN 0-93231-032-X
Wetland Planting Guide for Northeast United States by Gwen olyn A Thunhorst 1993 Environmental Concern Inc ISBN 1-88322-602-3
Wetlands - National Audubon Society Nature Guides by William A Niering 1985 Alfre A Knopf New York ISBN 0-39473-147-6
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 86
Appendix B Glossary of Terms
Alternate Leaves arising singly along the stem not in pairs or whorls
Annual Living or growing for only one year or season
Axil The angle where two structures join for example where a leaf joins the stem
Axillary Occurring in or growing from an axil
Basal Locate at or arising from the base of a plant or a plant part
Berry A small juicy fleshy fruit containing one to many see s
Capsule A ry fruit containing two to many see s an opening by valves slits or pores
Cat in Scaly spike of inconspicuous flowers lacking petals
Ciliate Bearing margine hairs
Clasping Leaves that partially encircle the stem at the base
Compound (Leaf) Divi e into two or more istinct separate parts (leaflets)
Cone A har woo y globose to cylin ric arrangement of bracts or scales in the axils of which the repro uctive structures are foun
Deciduous Falling from the plant after maturity each year
Elliptic Broa est at the mi le gra ually tapering to both en s
Emergent Roote in shallow water with most of the plant growing above the surface
Emersed Raise out of the water as in the flowers or fruits of some floating plants
Entire (Leaf) Having a continuoussmooth margin unbroken by toothing or ivisions
Evergreen Remaining green throughout the winter
Fibrous Referring to a cluster of slen er roots all with the same iameter
Frond The leaf of a fern
Furrowed Groove
Glabrous Without hairs or scales
Globose Shape like a globe roun
Head A group of flowers tightly crowne together in a more or less roun e structure
Herbaceous A plant that ies back to the groun at the en of the growing season or a plant part that is leaf-like in color an texture
Inflorescence The entire flower cluster
Lanceolate Lance-shape broa est near the base gra ually tapering to the narrower apex
Leaflet One of the segments of a compoun leaf
Lenticels The small corky pores or narrow lines on the surface of stems of woo y plants that allow the interchange of gases between the interior tissue an surroun ing air A small opening in a stem
Lip The upper an lower parts of certain tubular flowers
Lobe The in ente part of a leaf or flower not ivi e into istinct an separate parts but still interconnecte to similar parts of the leaf or flower
MidribMidvein The central or main vein of a leaf
Native A species that originate in a certain place or region in igenous
Node The place on the stem where leaves or branches are attache
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 87
Non-Native Not originating in a certain geographic location than where they are foun
Nut A har ry one-see e fruit not opening at maturity
Nutlet A small nut
Oblong Broa est at the mi le an tapering to both en s but broa er than elliptic
Opposite Leaves arising in pairs on either si e of a stem
Oval Broa ly elliptic
Ovate Broa ly roun e at the base becoming narrowe above
Palmate Having three or more veins lobes or leaflets arising from one point
Panicle A compoun loosely branche flower cluster
Parallel Veined Having veins all parallel as oppose to in a network
Perennial Living for two or more years
Petal One segment of the series of floral leaves lying just insi e the sepals often the most conspicuous
Petiole The stalk-like part of the leaf attaching it to the stem
Pinnate Divi e once along an elongate axis into istinct segments
Pith The soft tissue at the center of a plantrsquos stem it may be soli or hollow at maturity
Pod A fruiting structure containing the mature see s
Pubescent Covere in fine short hairs
Recurved Curving ownwar
Rhizome A horizontal usually un ergroun stem that often sen s out roots an shoots from its no es
Ribbed Bearing ri ges
Root The escen ing axis of the plant usually growing in an opposite irection from the stem
Samara A winge fruit
Scale A mo ifie leaf or thin flattene structure
Sepal One segment of the outer series of floral leaves often green in color but occasionally of a ifferent color an petal-like
Serrate With sharp forwar -pointing teeth on the margin
Sessile Without a stalk
Sheath The base of a leaf that encircles the stem
Simple (Leaf) A leaf compose of a single bla e
Smooth Not rough to the touch
Spi e An elongate cluster of sessile flowers
Shrub A woo y plant smaller than a tree with several stems or trunks arising from a single base a bush
Simple Leaf A leaf with a single bla e
Succulent Juicy an fleshy
Tendril A evice usually coile that enables some vines to climb
Toothed With teeth along the margin
Tuber A thickene part of an un ergroun root or rhizome serving for foo storage an often for propagation
Whorled (Leaf) Arrange in a group of three or more leaves branches or pe icles at the no e on the stem
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 88
Appendix C Leaf Shapes amp Arrangements
Peterson Lee Allen ldquoA Fie d Guide to Edib e Wi d P ants of Eastern and Centra North Americardquo Houghton Mifflin Company 1977
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 89
Appendix D Native ShorelandRiparian Buffer Plantings for New Hampshire
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 90
Native ShorelandRiparian Buffer Plantings for New Hampshire The p otected sho eland is the a ea of land that exists between the efe ence line of a wate body and 250 feet f om the efe ence line
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees
Ame ican Basswood (Ame ican Linden)
Tilia am ricana Medium-La ge 60-100rsquo
Mode ate Deep FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Rich woods valleys gentle slopes
Wildlife Pileated woodpecke wood duck othe bi ds dee abbit squi el
Food Seeds twigs
Ame ican Beech Fagus grandifolia Medium-La ge 60-90rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Rich woods well-d ained lowlands
Wildlife Blue jay chickadees nuthatches quail uffed g ouse tufted titmouse wild tu key wood duck woodpecke s bea chipmunk dee fox po cupine snowshoe ha e squi el
Food Nuts buds sap
Ame ican Hopho nbeam (I onwood)
Ostrya virginiana Small 20-40rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Rich woods Wildlife Downy woodpecke mockingbi d pu ple finch ing-necked pheasant ose-b easted g osbeak uffed g ouse wild tu key wood quail dee abbit squi el
Food Nuts buds seeds
Ame ican Ho nbeam (Blue BeechMusclewood)
Carpinus caroliniana
SmallSh ubby 20-40rsquo
Slow Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods fo ested wetlands avines st eambanks
Wildlife Quail uffed g ouse wood duck beave dee squi el
Food Seeds buds
Ame ican Mountain Ash
Sorbus am ricana Small Up to 25rsquo
Fast Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full-Sun
D y Moist Fo ested wetlands ich woods Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe catbi d ceda waxwing g osbeak mockingbi d obin th ushes wild tu key bea
Food F uit twigs
Balsam Fi Abi s balsam a Small-Medium 40-60rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands st eambanks ich woods
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse songbi ds small mammals moose
Food Seeds
Balsam Popla Populus balsam a Medium 60-80rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun Moist Floodplains ive banks st eambanks valleys
Wildlife Beave dee mouse snowshoe ha e
Food Buds catkins twigs foliage
Big-Toothed Aspen Populus grandid ntata
Small-Medium 30-60rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Sandy upland soils floodplain st eams with quaking aspen
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee evening g osbeak pu ple finch uffed g ouse yellow-bellied sapsucke dee
Food Buds catkins ba k twigs and foliage
Black Ash Fraxinus nigra Medium 60-80rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands st eambanks Wildlife Songbi ds wood duck dee moose small mammals
Food F uit twigs young leaves
Black Bi ch (Sweet Bi ch)
B tula l nta Medium 40-60rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade
Page 1
Moist Cool moist uplands ich woods
Wildlife G ouse dee abbit
Food Buds catkins seeds
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees (Continued)
Black Che y Prunus s rotina Medium 40-60rsquo
Mode ate Deep Tap oot
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Rich woods on many sites except ve y d y soils
Wildlife Bluebi d blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing common c ow easte n kingbi d evening g osbeak mockingbi d no the n flicke no the n o iole obin uffed g ouse spa ows th ushes vee y vi eo yellow-bellied sapsucke bea chipmunk dee fox accoon squi el
Food Be ies buds sap
Black Gum (Tupelo)
Nyssa sylvatica Medium 50-60
Slow No Info mation Available
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Fo ested wetlands floodplains Wildlife Bluebi d ca dinal catbi d chickadee c ow finches malla ds obin uby-th oated hummingbi d uffed g ouse vi eo wild tu key woodpecke s wood duck honeybees bea chipmunk dee opossum squi el
Food Seeds sap necta
Black Sp uce Pic a mariana Small Up to 25rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs fo ested wetlands lake and pond sho es
Wildlife Songbi ds uffed g ouse sp uce g ouse chipmunk cottontail dee po cupine squi el
Food Seeds twigs necta ba k
Black Willow Salix nigra Small-Medium Up to 50rsquo
Ve y Fast Ve y Shallow
Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands lowlands floodplains
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Buds catkins
Box Elde Ac r n gundo Medium 40-70rsquo
Ve y Fast Deep Late al
Full Sun D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands lowlands floodplains
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Seeds
Easte n Cottonwood Populus d ltoid s Medium-La ge 80-100rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Floodplains st eambanks valleys
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse
Food Catkins
Easte n Hemlock Tsuga canad nsis Medium-La ge 80-100rsquo
Mode ate Shallow Late al
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Acidic Cool moist uplands avines ock outc ops st eambanks
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee blue and g een wa ble s c ossbill hawks juncos pine siskin uffed g ouse vee y wild tu key dee chipmunk cottontail po cupine squi el white-footed mouse
Food Twigs foliage seeds
Easte n White Pine Pinus strobus La ge 70-120rsquo
Mode ate Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Well-D ained
Fo ested wetlands bogs avines cool shady no th slopes
Wildlife B own c eepe chickadee c ossbill g osbeak junco nuthatch pine wa ble spa ows sp uce g ouse wild tu key woodpecke s beave chipmunk dee snowshoe ha e squi el
Food Seeds foliage twigs excellent winte food
G ay Bi ch (Wi e Bi ch)
B tula populifolia Small 20-35rsquo
Fast Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Pionee Species poo est of ste ile soils sandy o g avelly slopes
Wildlife Ame ican goldfinch blue jay chickadee no the n junco pine siskin ed-tailed hawk uffed g ouse spa ows vi eo yellow-bellied sapsucke woodpecke s snowshoe ha e
Food Seeds buds
Page 2
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees (Continued)
G een Ash Fraxinus p nnsylvanica
Medium-La ge 60-80rsquo
Fast Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks neve on d y soils
Wildlife Ca dinal finches evening g osbeak mou ning dove ed-winged blackbi d wood duck beave chipmunk dee po cupine squi el
Food Seeds foliage
No the n White Ceda (A bo vitae)
Thuja occid ntalis Medium 30-60rsquo
Slow to Mode ate
Shallow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs wetlands ich woods Wildlife Songbi ds small mammals dee
Food Seeds needles
QuakingT embling Aspen (Popla )
Populus tr muloid s
Small-Medium 30-60rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Pionee Species d y open woods sandy o g avelly slopes
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse beave dee po cupine snowshoe ha e
Food Buds catkins ba k twigs and foliage
Red Maple Ac r rubrum Medium 40-75rsquo
Mode ate to Fast
Ve y Shallow
Full Sun D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands st eambanks lakesho es ich woods
Wildlife Ca dinal chickadee evening and pine g osbeaks finches obin yellow-bellied sapsucke beave chipmunk dee opossum squi el snowshoe ha e
Food Seeds buds ba k twigs sap
Red Oak Qu rcus rubra Medium 60-90rsquo
Mode ate Deep Late al
FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Bottomlands moist slopes Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe ducks hawks quail nuthatch uffed g ouse towhee wild tu key woodpecke bea chipmunk dee gophe opossum accoon squi el
Food Aco ns
Shagba k Hicko y Carya ovata La ge 70-100rsquo
Fast Deep Tap oot
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Rich woods valleys upland slopes
Wildlife Ca dinal field spa ows pine wa ble ose-b easted g osbeak ufous-sided towhee white-b easted nuthatch wild tu key wood duck yellow- umped wa ble chipmunks squi els
Food Nuts
Silve Maple Ac r sacharinium Medium 60-80rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands ive banks floodplains st eambanks
Wildlife Ca dinal goldfinch evening and pine g osbeaks no the n o iole
Food Seeds buds
St iped Maple (Moosewood Moose Maple)
Ac rp nsylvanicum SmallSh ubby 20-30rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t-Shade Moist Rich woods cool moist sites Wildlife Ruffed g ouse beave dee moose po cupine abbit
Food Buds ba k sama as
Suga Maple Ac r saccharum Medium-La ge 60-100rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Valleys and uplands tole ates almost all soil types
Wildlife Ca dinal goldfinch g osbeak ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse vi eo beave chipmunk po cupine B owse fo dee abbit snowshoe ha e
Food Seeds twigs ba k
Page 3
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees (Continued)
Swamp White Oak Qu rcus bicolor Medium 60-70rsquo
Fast No Info mation Available
FullPa t Shade Moist Fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks
Wildlife Ba ed owl blue jay ca dinal b own th ashe g ouse malla ds nuthatch quail ed-bellied woodpecke ed-tailed hawk uffed g ouse sta ling towhee wild tu key yellow-th oated wable w en beave chipmunk cottontail dee gophe opossum accoon squi el white-footed mouse wild tu key
Food Aco ns
Sweet Gum Liquidambar styraciflua
Medium-La ge 60-100rsquo
Mode ate No Info mation Available
Full Sun Moist Valleys Lowe slopes mixed woodlands
Wildlife Mou ning dove finches junco w en beave chipmunk squi el
Food Seeds
Sycamo e (Planet eeButtonwood)
Platanus occid ntalis
La ge 80-100rsquo
Slow No Info mation Available
FullPa t Shade o Full-Sun
D y o Moist Floodplains lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Finches chipmunk squi el
Food Seeds
Tama ack (Ame icanEaste n La ch)
Larix laricina Small-Medium 40-80rsquo
Va iable Mode ate Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs swamps wet peaty soils d ie upland loamy soils
Wildlife Blue jay kinglets pheasant ed c ossbill obin uffed g ouse sp uce g ouse yellow-bellied sapsucke chipmunk dee po cupine ed squi el snowshoe ha e
Food Needles twigs inne ba k seeds
White Ash Fraxinus am ricana
Medium-La ge 70-100rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods valleys slopes fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks
Wildlife Finches g osbeaks ed-winged blackbi d wood duck dee squi el
Food Seeds foliage
White Bi ch (Pape Bi ch)
B tula papyrif ra Medium 50-75rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Fo ested wetlands ich woods Wildlife G ouse siskins
Food Seeds buds
White Oak Qu rcus alba Medium-La ge 50-90rsquo
Mode ate Deep FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Deep ich well-d ained
St eambanks lakesho es gentle slopes adapts to almost any condition
Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe nuthatch quail uffed g ouse towhee wild tu key wood duck woodpecke chipmunk bea dee gophe opossum accoon squi el
Food Aco ns
White Sp uce Pic a glauca Medium 40-70rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist St eambanks lakesho es ich woods adjacent slopes
Wildlife Fishe s ma tens snowshoe ha e voles
Food Seeds
Yellow Bi ch (Sweet Bi ch)
B tula all ghani nsis
Medium-La ge 70-100rsquo
Slow Shallow Mode ate
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Fo ested wetlands floodplains avines cool ich woods of high elevations
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee common edpoll goldfinch pine siskins ed-shoulde ed hawk ing-necked pheasant uffed g ouse wild tu key wood duck yellow-bellied sapsucke beave chipmunk dee po cupine squi el snowshow ha e
Food Catkins buds ba k twigs foliage seeds
Page 4
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs
Ame ican Hazelnut Corylus am ricana Medium 5-10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Bo de s of woods hillsides thickets
Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe ceda waxwing hai y woodpecke ing-necked pheasant uffed g ouse chipmunk dee abbit squi el
Food Nuts be ies foliage
Beaked Hazelnut Corylus cornuta Small 6-10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y D y places Wildlife Bi ds mammals
Food Beaked nuts
Black Chokebe y Aronia m loncarpa
Medium Up to 10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Ceda waxwing chickadees uffed g ouse sha p-tailed g ouse dee abbit squi el
Food Be ies buds
Buttonbush C phalanthus occid ntalis
Medium 6-12rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
St eambanks lakesho es ponds sh ub and fo ested wetlands
Wildlife Ducks ails uby-th oated hummingbi d beave dee musk at butte flies honeybees and othe insects
Food F uit twigs leaves seeds necta
Chokeche y Prunus virginiana Small 3-6rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist With Aspen d y soils Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe catbi d c ow easte n kingbi d evening g osbeak o ioles pileated woodpecke ing-necked pheasant obin ose g osbeak uffed g ouse th ushes yellow-bellied sapsucke abbit squi el
Food Be ies buds foliage
Elde be y Sambucus canad nsis
Small-Medium 3-12rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods sh ub and fo ested wetlands ma shes
Wildlife Bluebi ds blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d g osbeak indigo bunting pileated woodpecke inged-neck pheasant obin ose-b easted g osbeak uffed g ouse th ushes wild tu key woodpecke chipmunk dee abbit squi el
Food Be ies necta twigs bugs
G ay Dogwood (Red-Panicle Dogwood)
Cornus rac mosa Medium 10-15rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Roadsides thickets wetlands Wildlife Blue jay ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing easte n kingbi d finch flycatche g osbeak hai y woodpecke no the n flicke phoebe pileated woodpecke pine g osbeak pine wa ble ed-bellied woodpecke ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse sta ling swamp spa ow tufted titmouse vee y vi eo wild tu key wood duck wood th ush woodcock yellow-bellied sapsucke chipmunk dee ed fox abbit squi el
Food Be ies twigs
Highbush Bluebe y Vaccinium corymbosum
Medium 5-15rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Baltimo e o iole bluebi d blue jay ca dinal chickadee g ay catbi d kingbi d o ioles phoebe ed-bellied woodpecke ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse ufos-sided towhee sca let tanage tufted titmouse vee y wild tu key woodpecke s wood th ush black bee chipmunk dee musk at abbit squi el white-footed mouse
Food Be ies foliage twigs buds
Hobblebush Viburnum alnifolium
Medium Up to 10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Cool moist avines shady lakesho es
Wildlife B own th ashe ca dinal ceda waxwing evening g osbeak obin
Food F uit
Page 5
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs (Continued)
Junipe Junip rus communis
Small 1-4rsquo
Slow Full Sun D y D y open land Wildlife Ceda waxwing finches g osbeaks g ouse pheasant obin dee abbit moose
Food Twigs foliage f uit
Lowbush Bluebe y Vaccinium angustifolium
1-2rsquo Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Bogs d y sandy flats ocky slopes
Wildlife Blue jay g ouse kingbi d o iole obin tanage s woodpecke s squi el
Food Be ies foliage twigs
Malebe y Lyonia ligustris Up to 10rsquo Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods gentle slopes
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food F uit
Mapleleaf Vibu num Viburnum ac rifolium
Small 3-6rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Rich woods Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food F uit
Mountain Lau el Kalmia latifolia Up to 20rsquo Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Mixed uplands acid soils Wildlife Ruffed g ouse dee
Food Foliage buds twigs necta
Nannybe y Viburnum l ntago Medium-La ge 10-25rsquo
Mode ate FallPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Rich woods Wildlife Songbi ds mammals
Food Be ies
No the n A owwood Viburnum r cognitum
Medium 10-15rsquo
Mode ate FallPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse songbi ds bea chipmunks accoon squi el skunk white-footed mouse
Food Be ies
No the n Wild Raisin (Withe od Vibu num)
Viburnum nudum varcassinoid s
Medium 6-10
Mode ate FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands valleys slopes st eambanks
Wildlife B own th ashe ceda waxwing flycatche uffed g ouse vee y woodcock yellow-wa ble chipmunk dee musk at squi el snowshoe ha e
Food Ba k twigs buds
Pussy Willow Salix discolor Medium-La ge Up to 15rsquo
Fast Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks lakesho es
Wildlife Ame ican goldfinch uffed g ouse beave ha e abbits squi el
Food Buds catkins twigs ba k
Raspbe y Rubus ida us Small Up to 6rsquo
Fast FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Thickets edges of woods Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food F uits
Red Osie Dogwood Cornus stolonif ra Small-Medium 4-8rsquo
Fast FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods st eambanks lakesho es
Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing downy woodpecke easte n kingbi d finches no the n flicke pine wa ble pu ple finch inged-neck pheasant uffed g ouse vi eo wild tu key woodpecke s wood duck chipmunk dee abbit squi el
Food Be ies twigs
Rhodo a Rhodod ndron canad ns
Small 3-4rsquo
Slow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs slopes ocky summits Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Leaves
Page 6
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs (Continued)
Shadbush (Se vicebe yJunebe y)
Am lanchi r spp La ge 15-25rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks ich woods
Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing g ay catbi d junco o ioles ed squi el obin uffed g ouse sca let tanage th ushes vee y woodpecke s beave dee ed squi el skunk
Food Be ies twigs
Silky Dogwood Cornus amomum Medium 6-10rsquo
Fast FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks
Wildlife Baltimo e o iole black-capped chickadee blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing downy woodpecke easte n kingbi d flycatche mockingbi d no the n flicke pine wa ble pu ple finch ed-bellied woodpecke inged-necl pheasant obin ose-b easted g osbeak uffed g ouse song spa ow sta lings tufted-titmouse wild tu key wood duck wood th ush vee y chipmunk dee abbit accoon skunk squi el white-footed mouse
Food Be ies buds twigs
Speckled Alde Alnus rugosa La ge 15-25rsquo
Fast Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks lakesho es
Wildlife Alde flycatche catbi d goldfinch malla ds pheasant pine siskin ed-winged blackbi d uffed g ouse swamp spa ow yellow-bellied flycatche woodcock bea beave dee cottontail moose musk at snowshoe ha e
Food Buds twigs ba k leaves
Spicebush Lind ra b nzoin Small-La ge 6-17rsquo
Mode ate Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Catbi d kingbi d pheasant quail obin uffed g ouse vee y vi eo wood th ush swallowtail butte flies dee musk at
Food F uit buds twigs leaves
Swamp Azalea Rhodod ndron viscosum
Up to 5rsquo Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Hummingbi d butte flies and othe insects dee
Food Leaves necta
Swamp Blackbe y Rubus hispidus Small Up to 6rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal ceda waxwing g ackle g ay catbi d g osbeak mockingbi d o iole tanage ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse ufus-sided th ushes towhee vee y wild tu key woodcock woodpecke s wood th ush chipmunk cottontail dee accoon skunk squi el
Food F uit canes
Sweet Gale Myrica gal Small 1-4rsquo
Slow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee catbi d common yellowth oat phoebe pied-billed g ebe uffed g ouse t ee swallow tufted titmouse wild tu key dee musk at
Food Buds leaves
Sweet Peppe bush Cl thra alnifolia Medium 3-10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Butte flies and othe insects
Food F uit seeds necta
Winte be y Holly (Black Alde )
Il x v rticillata Medium 6-10rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eamabanks
Wildlife Ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing chickadees finches flicke s uffed g ouse th ushes vi eo woodpecke s bea cottontail dee moose skunk white-footed mouse
Food Be ies twigs leaves
Page 7
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs (Continued)
Witch Hazel Hammam lis virginiana
La ge 20-30rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist D y o ich woods Wildlife Ca dinal ing-necked pheasant uffed g ouse wild tu key dee squi els
Food Seeds buds twigs ba k
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
GroundcoverHerbaceous Perennials
Boneset Eupatorium p rfoliatum
4-6rsquo Full Sun D y o Moist Wet meadows ma shes pond edges
Wildlife Malla ds uffed g ouse swamp spa ow wild tu key butte flies and othe insects
Food Necta
Blue Flag I is Iris v rsicolor 2-3rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Ma shes lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Blue-winged teal uby-th oated hummingbi d wood duck butte flies and othe insects musk at
Food Necta shoots
Bunchbe y Cornus canad nsis 3-8rdquo FullPa t Shade Moist Cool moist woods Wildlife Sha p-tailed g ouse sp uce-g ouse moose
Food F uit buds
Ca dinal Flowe Lob lia cardinalis 2-4rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Damp sites st eambanks Wildlife Ruby-th oated hummingbi ds butte flies and othe insects bea dee
Food Necta
Cattail (B oad-Leaf) Typha latifolia Up to 10rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Ma shes lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Blue-winged teal black-c owned night he on ed-winged blackbi d king ail least and Ame ican bitte n malla ds ma sh w en swamp spa ow Vi ginia ail chipmunk dee musk at
Food Seed heads
Ch istmas Fe n Polystichium acrostichoid s
Up to 1rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Rich woods Wildlife Ruffed g ouse box tu tle chipmunk abbit
Food F onds filldeheads
Cinnamon Fe n Osmunda cinnamom a
Up to 3rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife B own th ashe uby-th oated hummingbi d uffed g ouse yellow th oat chipmunk dee white-footed mouse vole
Food F onds filldeheads
Foamflowe Tiar lla cordifolia Up to 1rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Rich woods Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Leaves
Golden od (Rough o G ass-Leaved)
Solidago spp 1-5rsquo Full Sun D y o Moist Wet meadows ma shes damp swales
Wildlife Goldfinch junco uffed g ouse swamp spa ow butte flies and othe insects cottontail meadow mice
Food Seeds necta
Page 8
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
GroundcoverHerbaceous Perennials (Continued)
Hay-Scented Fe n D nnsta dtia punctiloula
Up to 2rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Woodlands hillside pastu es Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds filldeheads
Inte upted Fe n Osmunda punctiloula
3-4rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Woodland edges stony d y soil Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds filldeheads
Jewelweed (Spotted-Touch-Me-Not)
Impati ns cap nsis 2-5rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks
Wildlife Ring-necked pheasant uffed g ouse uby-th oated hummingbi d vee y butte flies and othe insects white-footed mouse
Food Necta seeds
Joe Pye Weed Eupatorium purpur um
2-6rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Wet meadows ma shes sho es Wildlife Ruby-th oated hummingbi d swamp spa ow butte flies and othe insects cottontail musk at accoon
Food Necta
New England Aste Ast r nova -anglia
Up to 5rsquo Full Sun D y o Moist Wet meadows wetlands Wildlife Songbi ds butte flies and othe insects Food Necta seeds
Ost ich Fe n Pt r tis p nsylvanica
Up to 6rsquo FullPa t Shade Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds fiddleheads
Pa t idgebe y Mitch lla r p ns Up to 1rsquo FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Rich woods Wildlife G ouse mammals
Food Be ies
Rattlesnake Manna G ass
Glyc ria canad nsis
Up to 3rsquo Full Sun Moist Ma shes bogs fo ested wetlands lakesho es
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Seeds
Rice Cutg ass L rsia oryzoid s Up to 5rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
P ima ily f esh ma shes Wildlife Dee musk at moose
Food Seeds foliage
Rive bank G ape (Vine) Vistis riparia Up to 25rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist St eambanks Wildlife Pileated woodpecke uffed g ouse wild tu key wood duck va ious mammals
Food F uit
Royal Fe n Osmunda r galis Up to 5rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds fiddleheads
Sensitive Fe n Onocl a s nsibilis Up to 3rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Black-capped chickadee uffed g ouse bea dee
Food Buds foliage
Sheep Lau el Kalmia angustifolia
Up to 4rsquo FallPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo est wetlands fieldspastu es
Poisonous to livestock
Swamp Milkweed Ascl pias incarnata
Up to 2rsquo FallPa t Shade Moist Wet meadows wetlands thickets sho es
Wildlife Black duck malla ds ed-winged blackbi d uby-th oated hummingbi d Mona ch butte fly othe butte flies and insects musk at Food Necta seeds
Page 9
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
GroundcoverHerbaceous Perennials (Continued)
Sweet Fe n Componia p rigrina
1-3rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Open d y sandy soils and pastu es
Wildlife Flicke s sha p-tailed g ouse dee moose
Food F uit
Tall Meadow Rue Thalictrum polyganum
2-8rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Wetlands wet meadows st eamsides
Wildlife Bees butte flies
Food Necta
Tussock Sedge Car x stricta Up to 4rdquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Ma shes ich woods Wildlife Finches uffed g ouse snipe spa ows dee
Food Seeds foliage
Twinflowe Linna a bor alis Up to 6rdquo FullPa t Shade Moist Rich woods Wildlife Mammals
Food Foliage
Vi ginia C eepe (Vine) Parth nocissus quinqu folia
Up to 25rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Woods ocky banks Wildlife Bluebi d g eat-c ested flycatche ed-eyes vi eo pileated woodpecke
Food Be ies
Who led Loosest ife Lysimachia quadrifolia
Up to 4rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist D y o moist open woods thickets
Wildlife Mammals
Food Foliage
Wild Sa sapa illa Aralia nudicanlis 8-15rdquo FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Upland woods Wildlife Mammals
Food Foliage seeds be ies
Winte g een (Teabe yChecke be y)
Gaulth ria procumb ns
Up to 4rdquo Full Sun D y Oak woods sandy soils Wildlife Pa t idge uffed g ouse songbi ds chipmunk dee moose
Food F uit foliage
References
Baldwin Hen y Ives ldquoFor st L av s How to Id ntify Tr s and Shrubs of North rn N w Englandrdquo Pete E Randall Publishe 1993
Connecticut Rive Joint Commission ldquoRiparian Buff rs for th Conn cticut Riv r Wat rsh drdquo 2000 httpwwwc jco gpdffilesPlant20listspdf
Ha low William M ldquoTr s of th East rn and C ntral Unit d Stat s and Canadardquo Dove Publications 1942
New Hampshi e Depa tment of Envi onmental Se vices Th Critical Edg Appendix D 1998
New Hampshi e Depa tment of Resou ces and Economic Development Division of Fo ests and Lands State Fo est Nu su y ldquoWildlif Cons rvation Sp ci s D scriptionsrdquo 2001
Nie ing William A ldquoNational Audubon Soci ty Natur Guid s W tlandsrdquo Chanticlee P ess Inc 1997
Redington Cha les B ldquoPlants in W tland Fi ld Guid to Biological Int ractionssrdquo KendallHunt Publishing Company 1994
Sutton Ann and My on ldquoNational Audubon Soci ty Natur Guid s East rn For stsrdquo Alf ed A Knopf Inc 1997
Unive sity of New Hampshi e Coope ative Extension ldquoTr s and Shrubs in N w Hampshir A Guid book for Natural B auty Proj ctsrdquo Bulletin 163
Unive sity of New Hampshi e Coope ative Extension ldquoN w Hampshir rsquos Nativ Tr s Shrubs and Vin s with Wildlif Valu rdquo
Compiled by
Jen D ociak New Hampshi e Depa tment of Envi onmental Se vices Wate Division Wate shed Management Bu eau
Ma ch 2006
Page 10
BLADDER ORT
Utricu aria spp
Status Native Approximately 10 species in New Hampshire
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers bogs
Height 2-3 feet long
Stem Long slen er flexible branche typically becoming etache from roots an free-floating
Leaves Alternate filamentous finely-forke with attache ldquobla ersrdquo
Flower Stalks occurring at irregular intervals along stem Each stalk bearing 6-20 small pink to yellow two-lippe ldquosnap ragon-likerdquo flowers an emerging several inches out of the water or mu
Flowering Period June into September
Fruit Capsule containing many see s
Value Provi es foo an cover for fish Since they are free-floating they can grow in areas with very loose se iment provi ing nee e fish habitat in areas that are not rea ily colonize by roote plants
Similar Species Fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) coontail (Ceratophyllum spp) milfoil (Myriophyllum spp) Bla erwort may be istinguishe from these plants by the alternate forke leaves branching from the base into 2 main ivisions an presence of the ldquobla ersrdquo on the leaves (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Bla erwort may resemble the milfoils but there are two istinguishing features One is the bla ers on the leaves the other is that milfoils have feather-like leaves that have one central leaf stem with nearly opposite unbranche leaflets The leaflets of bla erwort are more branche an forke (Smagula an Connor 2007)
This carnivorous plant has trigger hairs on each bla er that open a trap- oor an suck in water along with the organism that triggere the reaction These organisms can range from insect larvae to tiny zooplankton Once insi e the bla ers the organism is igeste by enzymes foun there Special cells then take the igeste material from the bla ers an move it to the stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 3
COONTAILHORN ORT
Ceratophy um demersum
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Height Variable accor ing to water epth
Stem Long toothe trailing much branche
Leaves Whorle smooth up to 1 frac12 inches long 3 forks nearly threa -like flattene an toothe segments
Flower Tiny purplish-green foun where the leaf attaches to the stem an stays entirely submerge Male an female occurring separately
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Dark brown see approximately frac14 inch long with two spines at the base an one at the tip
Value The stiff whorls of leaves offer habitat for many species especially uring the winter when many other plants are re uce to roots an rhizomes Both foliage an fruit are graze by waterfowl Bushy stems are home to many invertebrates an provi e important shelter an foraging opportunities for fish
Similar Species Mermai -wee (Proserpina a palustris) fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) Coontail may be istinguishe from these plants by its whorle toothe leaves its tiny sessile axillary flowers an beake fruits (Smagula an Connor 2007)
The whorle leaves often cause the plant to be confuse with water milfoil This plant has a plastic-like feel an leaves ten to be thickly clustere at the tips of the stems The leaves are completely whorle aroun the stem an forke milfoil leaves are istinctly feather-like (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 4
VARIABLE ATER MILFOIL
Myriophy um heterophy um
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Height Slen er flexible long (up to 15 feet) Tip often emerging above water when flowering Data from a University of New Hampshire stu y can suggest that variable water milfoil can grow an inch per ay
Stem Roun thick re ish If broken in half the stem resembles a ldquowheel spokerdquo
Leaves Mostly submerge opposite or in whorls of 4 to 6 an can grow up to 2 inches long Leaves on upper stem are whorle an may be whorle or alternate on lower stem Emerge leaves occurring only towar the stem tips
Flower Small inconspicuous brownish occurring singly in the axils of the upper leaves usually above water uring flowering
Flowering Period In July flowers emerge from the water an are in a spike up to 6 inches tall Can also form a succulent amphibious form when water levels rece e
Fruit Very small four-lobe nutlike
Similar Species Mermai -wee (Proserpina a palustris) fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) coontail (Ceratophyllum spp) Variable milfoil may be istinguishe from these plants by the numerous scattere finely pinnately issecte leaves an floating or upright stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)
The plant is more robust than the other water milfoil species It has a very thick an heavy stem It can only be positively i entifie with the flower present or by DNA analysis (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Fragments of variable milfoil are ma e by passing boats wave action an auto-fragmentation These fragments may float freely an sprea for one or two weeks as they generate roots Once roots make contact with se iment the fragment attaches the roots sprea laterally an expan the footprint of the colony With one fragment an entire colony can arise Colonies can outcompete native plants re ucing bio iversity (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 5
ATER EEDDITCHMOSS
E odea Canadensis E nutta ii
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Height Up to 2 feet long occasionally forming ense colonies
Stem Slen er smooth branche
Leaves Long upper an mi le leaves in whorls of 3 with very finely-toothe margins Those of the male plants linear or lanceolate pointe at the tip up to frac12 inch long Those of the female plants broa ly lanceolate roun e or slightly pointe at the tip up to 58 inch long
Flower Green or white with 3 petals
Flowering Period July to September
Fruit A few to many-see e cylin rical capsule
Value Branching stems offer valuable habitat an grazing opportunities for fish Also provi es foo for muskrats an waterfowl They can eat the plant itself or fee on a wi e variety of invertebrates that use the plant as habitat
Similar Species Commonly mistaken for its invasive relative Brazillian elo ea It can be istinguishe by its smooth leaf margins
There are two common species of waterwee in New Hampshire E anadensis an Enuttalii Elodea anadensis ten s to have slightly broa er leaves with blunt tips whereas Enuttalii ten s to have thinner more nee le-like leaves that are pointe at the tips (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Enuttalii can be foun in alkaline to aci ic environments an E anadensis can be foun in alkaline or neutral systems (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 6
ILD CELERYTAPE GRASS
Va isneria americana
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers In water 4 - 6 feet eep
Height 1-3 feet long
Stem Slen er embe e horizontally in the mu near the surface an usually rooting at intervals
Leaves Narrow ribbon-like 1-3 feet in length with a light-colore center stripe mostly submerge with the tips floating
Flower Unisexual the female flower solitary an floating at the surface at the en of a long stalk The male flower on another plant submerge an attache to a short stalk near the bottom breaking off an floating to the surface at flowering time
Flowering Period July to October
Fruit Cylin rical po up to 2 inches long attache to a long stalk which coils up rawing the fruit un er water to mature
Value Source of foo for waterfowl All portions of the plant are consume foliage rhizomes tubers an fruit Muskrat are also known to graze on it Be s provi e sha e shelter an foo for fish
Similar Species Often confuse with the submerge leaves of bur-ree Tape grass can be istinguishe by its heavy air-fille leaves vertically veine centers an lightly veine e ges Unlike bur-ree this plant has no rib on the back of the leaf
Photo ourtesy of Amy Smagula
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 7
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic
an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 8
On The ater
Floating Aquatic Plants
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 9
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 10
FLOATING HEART
Nyphoi es cor ata
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Roun in cross section
Leaves Small heart-shape re ish to purple Approximately 1 ndash 1 frac12 inches wi e
Flower Small white 5 petals
Flowering Period Mi -summer
Similar Species The leaves are often confuse with those of the yellow water lily but are only about the size of a half- ollar an the shape resembles a heart with the same soft V-shape of the yellow water lily Floating heart has a small white flower that can be foun in mi -summer yellow water lily has a large yellow flower that blooms most of the summer (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 11
ATERSHIELD
Brasenia schreberi
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Roun in cross section Attache to the center of the un ersi e of the leaf
Leaves Oval Un ersi es are ark pink Leaves approximately 4 inches wi e Un ersi e of the leaves an stem have a jelly-like coating that protects them from being eaten by insects
Flower Small ark pink to purple 6 petals
Flowering Period July
Similar Species Resembles the leaves of the water lily as well as those of floating heart
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 12
HITE ATER LILY
Nymphea or orata
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Roun in cross section attache to the center of the un ersi e of the leaf
Leaves Roun with a V-shape notch on one si e Up to 12 inches wi e
Flower Large white sweet-smelling Up to 4 inches wi e
Flowering Period June - September
Similar Species White water lily can be istinguishe from the yellow water lily an floating heart by the V-shape notch near the stem attachment an the more roun e shape of the leaf
Both the yellow water lily an floating heart have a more roun e heart-shape notch Yellow water lily leaves are much more oval than the white water lily which has a circular leaf Floating heart leaves are no more than a few inches in length (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 13
YELLO ATER LILY
Nuphar variegata
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem Triangular in cross section attache to the lobe en of the un ersi e of the leaf
Leaves Giant floating Up to 12 to 15 inches wi e
Flower Yellow flower petals appear cuppe aroun the inner flower parts an o not open completely like those of the white water lily
Flowering Period June ndash September
Similar Species Often confuse with floating heart an white water lily though floating heart is much smaller in leaf length an wi th The white water lily also has a much more roun e leaf with a sharp V-shape notch (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 14
DUCK EED
Lemna spp
Status Native
Habitat Surfaces of some lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers an often in stagnant waters of wetlan areas
Stem No true stems
Leaves This plant has no true leaves or stems an only has a flat green plant bo y calle a thallus They are very small only about 116 of an inch wi e (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Duckwee s blanket the water surface in colonies There may be one or more roots hanging into the water but the plant is free-floating
Flower This plant rarely flowers
Similar Species Many people think that ense growths of uckwee resemble an algae bloom (Smagula an Connor 2007)
ATERMEAL
Wolfifa spp
Status Native
Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers
Stem No true stems
Leaves Elliptical an flat
Flower This plant rarely flowers but is consi ere the worl rsquos smallest flowering plant
Similar Species Unlike uckwee this plant completely lacks roots an must be inspecte closely to etect this ifference Watermeal may also resemble an algae bloom but can be istinguishe by simply touching the waterrsquos surface to see if tiny plants are stuck to your fingers (watermeal) or if the water has a slimy film (algae) It is commonly foun growing along with uckwee (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Photo co rtesy of Amy Smag la
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 15
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 16
On the dge mergent Herbaceous Plants
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 17
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 18
ARROW ARUM
Peltan ra virginica
Status Native
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In mu or shallow water
Height Up to 2 feet tall growing in loose colonies
Stem Lacking a true stem Leaf an flower stalks arising from a thick root
Leaves Large arrow-shape Lower lobes separating an tapering to the tips Each lobe an the main stem have one prominent central vein from which other smaller veins originate The smaller veins are parallel to one another Leaf bla e with a vein running along the entire outline just insi e the margin
Flower Vertically-curle green Very small spathe almost completely covering the thin whitish fleshy spike White male flowers above green female flowers sheath tapering to the base an tip green outsi e an white insi e Flowering cluster at the en of a long nake stalk
Flowering Period May to July
Fruit Easily i entifie in the fall by its cluster of greenish-brown berries enclose in a green leathery case the stalk curve ownwar at maturity
Similar Species Arrowhea (Sagattaria latifolia) Arrow Arum may be istinguishe by its 3 prominent veins
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 19
ARROWH ADDUCK-POTATO
Sagittaria spp
Status Native There are several species in New Hampshire Slatifolia and Sgraminea are the most common
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In mu or completely submerge
Height Up to 1 frac12 feet tall
Stem Lacking an upright visible stem Leaves an flowering stalk arising from a fibrous roote base Several un ergroun runners each giving rise to a tuber the size of a small potato up to 2 inches wi e
Leaves Shape is variable within an between species Leaves can be broa ly or narrowly arrow-shape lance-shape or tape-like Leaves appear to clasp the base of the flowering stalk Leaf veins all originate from the point where the stem connects to the leaf an ra iate outwar from that point
Flower White petals in whorls of three with a yellow center up to 1 frac12 inch wi e Male flowers at the top with female ones lower on the flower stalk
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Flat winge crow e in a flattene hea up to frac12 inch wi e Ball-shape fruit clusters of green nutlets
Value Known as ldquo uck potatoesrdquo Arrowhea pro uces e ible starchy tubers beneath the mu eaten by ucks an muskrats
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 20
BLU -FLAG IRIS
Iris versicolor
Status Native
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In less than 3 feet of water
Height Up to 3 feet tall Growing in small colonies
Stem Upright robust flattene on one si e simple or with one or two branches from creeping rhizomes embe e in the mu Rhizome very shallow an sometimes expose above the se iment
Leaves Appearing basal but actually alternate bluish-green swor -like an up to 14 inches long an frac34 inch wi e ascen ing in a flat plane or fan-like arrangement Flower stalks are taller than the leaves
Flower Large purplish-blue stalke with 3 larger outer rooping petals whitish towar the base an 3 upright smaller petals in the center
Flowering Period June through July
Fruit Capsule up to 2 frac12 inches long with 3 roun e e ges contains numerous flattene see s often persisting into winter
Value Provi es foo an cover for waterfowl an wil life
Similar Species Leaves may be confuse with those of cattail (Typha spp)or sweet flag (Acorus calmus) Blue flag iris may be istinguishe by blueish-green leaves arrange in flat plane
Photo co rtesy of Amy Smag la
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 21
BLU V RVAIN
Verbena hastata
Status Native
Habitat E ges of pon s marshes streams an rivers
Height Up to 4 feet tall growing in small colonies
Stem Rough four-si e fairly straight arising from a fibrous roote base
Leaves Up to 6 inches long stalke toothe tapere at the tip with a rough surface
Flower 5 small blue petals in a pencil-like spike occurring singly or in clusters with in ivi ual flowers blooming perio ically from the base to the top of spike
Flowering Period July into October
Fruit Separating into four nutlets
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 22
BON S T THOROUGHWORT
Eupatorium perfoliatum
Status Native
Habitat Wet mea ows marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall Branche growing in small colonies
Stem Upright robust lightly- owny arising from a fibrous roote base
Leaves Opposite lanceolate tapering an pointe at the tip toothe with the base clasping the stem Heavily veine Up to 8 inches long an 2 inches wi e at the base
Flower Whitish in 3-4 terminal clusters up to 8 inches long
Flowering Period Late July through October
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 23
BUR-R D
Sparganium eurycarpum
Status Native
Habitat E ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Emergent in shallow water up to 1 foot eep or submerge in water up to 4 feet eep
Height Up to 3 feet tall
Stem Upright stout smooth arising from rhizomes embe e horizontally in the mu a few inches beneath the surface Zigzag stalks
Leaves Alternate linear up to 4 feet long Emergent stem leaves narrow up to 1 frac12 feet tall triangular in cross-section an ri ge on their back si e Certain species are erect while others are floating an ribbon-like
Flower Lower bulbs or burs are clusters of greenish female
flowers Upper smaller burs are white male flowers
Flowering Period June through August
Fruit A burr-like hea on a short or long stalk
Value Colonies provi e nesting sites for waterfowl an shorebir s The fruit is eaten by a variety of waterfowl an the whole plant is graze by muskrat an eer
Similar Species This plant is easily confuse with wil celery (Vallisneria americana) if the leaves are tape-like or with young cattail (Typha spp) if leaves are emergent For the floating form bur-ree has a ri ge own the back of the long leaf When erect an emergent leaves are shorter in height than those of cattail with a istinct ri ge or almost triangular cross section When in fruit the spiky burr-like fruit is istinctive (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 24
CARDINAL FLOW R
Lobelia car inalis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s sha e e ges streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall often growing in large colonies
Stem Smooth stout arising from a horizontal rhizome embe e shallowly in mu
Leaves Alternate lanceolate to oblong toothe tapering at both en s Lower leaves short-stalke upper leaves stalkless Up to 6 inches long an 1 frac12 inches wi e Smooth to slightly owny thin
Flower Long bright-re 2-lippe tubular flower occurring on terminal spike with the upper lip 2-lobe an lower lip 3-lobe
Flowering Period July into October
Fruit Many-see e capsule with two portions
Value Car inal flower is pollinate mostly by hummingbir s since most insects fin it ifficult to navigate the long tubular flowers
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 25
BROAD-L AF CATTAIL
Typha latifolia
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet swales e ges of lakes an pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 10 feet tall
Stem Upright stiff growing in ense stan s from thick extensively -creeping un ergroun rhizomes
Leaves Green or bluish-green upright linear 2-6 feet long an up to 1 inch wi e arising from base or alternating along the stem Leaves have a spongy feel
Flower Many small flowers packe into tight cigar-like clusters creating a lower female spike toppe by a smaller male spike with no gap between the two flower types Female spike persists turning into the familiar ark brown ldquotailrdquo
Flowering Period June into August
Fruit Small see -like surroun e by many bristles attache to the base
Value Provi es nesting habitat for many bir s such as the re -winge blackbir Shoots an rhizomes are eaten by muskrats an geese Submerse stalks provi e spawning habitat an shelter for fish One of only a few plants where all parts are e ible to humans
Similar Species Narrow-leaf cattail (Typha angustifolia) has narrower leaves a narrower fruiting hea an a gap between the male an female flower clusters
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 26
COMMON R D
Phragmites australis
Status Most stands are Non-Native xotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire Phragmites australis has been present in wetlan s for millennia but a non-native European species has crossbre with P australis an has forme an invasive plant
Habitat Fresh an brackish marshes e ges of lakes an pon s streams rivers an in roa si e itches Full to partial sun
Height Upright 4-14 feet tall usually forming ense colonies
Stem Calle ldquoculmsrdquo are large hollow an grow up to 1 inch wi e
Leaves Bluish-green lanceolate close together an usually sticking out from stems at a large angle up to 2 feet long an 1 inch wi e
Flower Clusters frac12 - 1 foot long often purple when young an whitish an fluffy when ol
Flowering Period Late July to October
Fruit Rarely pro uces see but sprea s vigorously by rhizomes often running over the surface of the groun
Value This plant has little to offer to bir s an mammals besi es cover Phragmites often outcompetes other native wetlan plants thus limiting the plant iversity an foo source value of the wetlan The only animal that fee s on this to any extent is the muskrat (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Similar Species Sometimes confuse with ree canary grass since they both form ense stan s at isturbe sites Ree canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) can be istinguishe by its shorter an narrower leaves spikelets with only one flower an its shorter height
How To Distinguish Native From Non-Native Phragmites
Stems Stems on the non-native variety are typically green but may have a little purple color along the no es Stems on
the native variety have some chestnut or purple color where leaves are pulle back exposing the stem Stems of the native variety are also often shiny an black spots often appear late in the growing season
Leaf Collars Leaf collars on the non-native variety are always green while leaf collars on the native variety may be
purple
Leaf Sheaths On fall stems the leaf sheaths on the non-native variety remain attache Leaf sheaths on the native variety are lost or very loosely attache so leaves rop off the native plants before the intro uce plants This is the best
in icator base seasonal changes that istinguishes native or non-native varieties
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 27
J W LW DSPOTT D TOUCH-M NOT
Impatiens capensis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 4 feet tall Often growing in ense colonies
Stem Upright smooth slightly branching hollow somewhat succulent slightly translucent
Leaves Alternate egg-shape toothe on stalks up to 4 inches long Silvery appearance when hel un er water an appear completely ry upon removal Size an color of foliage vary with ifferences in light exposure an available moisture
Flower Few to several angling orange-yellow three-petale tubularfunnel-shape flowers with re ish brown spots an curve spur at their en s
Flowering Period June through September
Fruit Flat green capsules approximately 1 inch long which at maturity burst when touche ejecting ark-brown see s
Value Especially a apte to hummingbir pollination but bees an butterflies are also important pollinators
The sap from this plant has been clinically proven to relieve skin rashes Jewelwee can be applie to the affecte part of the bo y an neutralizes the urishol oil pro uce by poison ivy an poison oak (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 28
JO PY W D
Eupatorium maculatum
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 6 feet tall Branche growing in small to me ium-size colonies
Stem Stout smooth purple or purple-spotte somewhat rough towar the top arising from a fibrous roote base
Leaves Lanceolate toothe rough short-stalke with large single mi -vein Up to 8 inches long an 2 frac12 inches wi e tapere at the base an tip in whorls of 3-7
Flower Small rose-purple in ense flat-toppe clusters at the top of the stem an at the en s of the branches
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Angular nutlet with a plume of fine bristles at the top
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 29
PICK R LW D
Ponte aria cor ata
Status Native
Habitat Marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 3 feet tall often growing in ense colonies
Stem Upright stout smooth arising from a rhizome bearing one leaf an one terminal spike
Leaves Basal an alternate very large arrowhea to heart-shape glossy with prominent parallel veins blunt tip on a spongy leaf stalk
Flower Many small tubular violet-blue flowers approximately frac12 inch long on solitary spike with a sheath at the base
Flowering Period June through August
Fruit Small bla er-like with toothe ri ges containing one see
Value See s are consume by waterfowl an muskrats Networks of rhizomes an leaves also offer sha e an shelter for fish
Similar Species This plant can be istinguishe from its close look-alikes arrow arum an arrowhea by its light bluish-purple flower spike Bases of the leaves are more roun e whereas arrowhea an arrow arum leaves are more pointe (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 30
PURPL LOOS STRIF
Lythrum salicaria
Status Non-Native xotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire
Habitat Marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams rivers an in roa si e itches Full to partial sun
Height 2-6 feet tall
Stem Upright smooth to slightly- owny Square four-si e almost woo y
Leaves Opposite to whorle lanceolate often with heart-shape bases somewhat clasping stem sometimes in whorls of 3 Gra ually tapering to a point 3 to 4 inches long an frac12 to 1 inch wi e
Flower 5-7 purple petals in a ense terminal spike
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Many-see e capsule
Value Little wil life value See s are low in nutrition an roots are too woo y The flowers are attractive to insects They pro uce nectar an are regularly visite by honeybees
This plant outcompetes other wetlan plants which are beneficial foo sources for wil life an insects It repro uces by pro ucing millions of see s per plant an quickly takes over the lan scape when intro uce It also sprea s by rhizome (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 31
R D CANARY GRASS
Phalaris arun inacea
Status Non-Native xotic Invasive
Habitat Swales marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Although it is usually a shoreline plant it can survive in knee- eep water by sprouting ldquowater rootsrdquo on the submerse portion of the stem Forms ense stan s in isturbe areas where clearing gra ing siltation filling or other isruptions have create an opening with moist soil
Height Up to 7 feet tall Often growing in ense colonies
Stem Upright stiff from extensively-creeping rhizomes
Leaves Alternate upright grayish-green open sheath an ligule at the leaf axis Bla es fairly long an narrow up to 12 inches long an frac34 inches wi e
Flower Green to greenish-purple spikelets single-flowere lanceolate ense Terminal inflorescence up to 7 inches long branche an compresse early in the season but opening after fertilization
Flowering Period June through August
Value Low foo value Provi es summer cover an habitat for waterfowl at isturbe sites However it ten s to mat own in winter provi ing little winter cover for wil life
Similar Species Sometimes confuse with bluejoint grass (Calamagrostis canadensis) However the spikelets of bluejoint are in a loose open arrangement an the no es have a bluish to purplish cast
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 32
SOFT-ST MM D BULRUSH
Scirpus vali us
Status Native
Habitat Wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Usually growing in water less than 5 feet eep Ten s to be foun on ldquomuckierrdquo substrate an will grow in stagnant water
Height Usually up to 5 feet but can grow up to 10 feet tall Often growing in extensive colonies
Stem Upright grayish-green often arching up to frac34 inch thick at the base arising from stout re ish rhizomes Soft roun tapering to a point
Leaves No apparent leaves
Flowers Inconspicuous many-stalke bu like spikelets covere by re ish-brown scales locate imme iately below the top of stem Clusters mostly rooping but not in higher salinity areas
Flowering Period June into September
Fruit See -like nutlet with 4-6 bristles attache to the base
Value Provi es habitat for invertebrates an shelter for young fish Nutlets consume by a variety of waterfowl marsh bir s an uplan bir s Stems an rhizomes eaten by geese an muskrat Also provi es nesting material an cover for waterfowl marsh bir s an muskrat
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 33
SWAMP LOOS STRIF WAT R WILLOW
Deco on verticillatus
Status Native shrub becoming herbaceous towar the tips
Habitat Wetlan s bogs e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Shallow water with muck or peat se iment Can form floating mats in areas of very soft se iment
Height Up to 5 feet tall
Stem Ri gi woo y smooth to slightly- owny 3-9 feet long The lower rooting stems are spongy an buttresse giving rise to new arching stems
Leaves Opposite or in whorls of 3 gra ually tapering to a point 3-4 inches long an frac12 to 1 inch wi e sessile or short-stalke
Flower Pinkish-purple bell-shape with 5-7 sepals an 5 petals forming showy clusters in the axils of the mi le to upper leaves
Flowering Period July through August
Fruit Small brownish capsule with 3-5 partitions the clusters sometimes persisting above the leaf scars throughout winter
Value The many intertwining arching stems may form sizable clusters at the e ges of lakes an sluggish streams or floating bog mats Wherever a stem touches the water air-fille spongy tissue may evelop This tissue buoys the stem so that it may root an form a new arching stem
Similar Species May be confuse with the invasive purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) Swamp loosestrife can be istinguishe by the arching stems an showy axillary flower clusters as well as the roun stem instea of the square stem of purple loosestrife (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 34
THR -WAY S DG
Dulichium arun inaceum
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Extensive be s can be foun in shallow (less than 3 feet) water Grows in a variety of se iment types an can tolerate some turbi ity
Height Up to 3 feet tall solitary or in small colonies
Stem Roun hollow jointe arising from a horizontal rhizome
Leaves Linear up to 4 inches long an 38 inch wi e with a conspicuous sheath the latter close except at the top
When looking own upon the plant the leaves are line up an appear to ra iate from three angles away from the main stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)
Flower Inconspicuous flattene linear sessile spikelets in the axils or two-ranke scales of the brownish spikelets 8-10 along the axillary stalk
Flowering Period July through October
Fruit Flattene brownish see -like nutlet toppe with a beak
Value Eaten occasionally by a variety of ucks an geese Rhizomes an shoots also graze by muskrats
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 35
WOOL GRASS
Scirpus cyperinus
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall growing in small colonies
Stem Upright robust roun to triangular especially at the base
Leaves Elongate from base of stem up to 2 feet long Leaves imme iately below the flower are in clusters of 3-5 an may reach 5 inches long an roop at the tips
Flower Clusters of 6-12 spikelets at en s of rooping stems Flower clusters up to 12 inches long much branche
Flowering Period August through September
Fruit Whitish see -like nutlet with bristles much longer than the scales attache to the base the bristles impart the wooly appearance to the spikelets
Value Provi es foo an cover for waterfowl an other wil life
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 36
Ferns
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 37
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 38
INNAMON FERN
Osmund cinn mome
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Often growing near somewhat similar an relate interrupte fern (Polys ichum aros ichoides)
Height Up to 3 feet tall
Stem Upright stout smooth green an covere with cinnamon-colore wooly stalk
Leaves Sterile (vegetative) fron s up to 3 feet high upright to slightly arche lance-shape with 20+ opposite leaflets Fertile fron s o not persist through the summer whereas vegetative fron s remain until first frost
Reproduction Club-like fertile fron with groups of spore cases on leaflets that hug the main axis
Fruiting Period Spring
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 39
OSTRI H FERN
Pteretis pensylv nic
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 6 feet tall forming tussocks or clumps
Stem Stout nake for up 1 foot from the base green flattene an black at the base covere with papery brown scales Arising from a forking shallowly-embe e rhizome an giving rise to stout black scaly runners
Leaves Sterile fron s forming circles gra ually narrowe at the base an abruptly narrowe to the tip Fertile fron s up to 2 feet tall an 2 inches wi e nake for approximately half their length the nake portions shiny brown crow e sprea ing or ascen ing branches often overlapping or twiste light green at first turning ark green an eventually brown
Reproduction Leaf segments with spore cases beneath become rolle into small har berry-like structures joine along the branches of the fertile fron
Fruiting Period July ndash August Persisting over winter
Similar Species Cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea) Ostrich fern may be istinguishe by the gra ually narrow base an papery scales rather than cinnamon-colore pubescence on the stalk
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 40
ROYAL FERN
Osmund reg lis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 5 feet tall growing in scattere groups
Stem Somewhat stout nake for approximately half its length greenish or re ish arising from a stout creeping rhizome
Leaves Fron s with 5-7 pairs of nearly opposite oblong ascen ing ivisions The lowest pair slightly shorter than the others each ivision ivi e into finely toothe oblong blunt alternate segments 10-14 on each si e Fertile fron s terminate by a panicle appearing as a ense cluster of light brown structures
Reproduction Spore cases clustere along short nake leaf segments in a terminal panicle an often at the tips of some of the ivisions One of several ferns that pro uce their spores on mo ifie leaflets not on the un ersi e of the fron s
Fruiting Period Spring an early summer
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 41
SENSITIVE FERN
Onocle sensibilis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 3 feet tall Growing solitary or scattere
Stem Upright stout nake for nearly half its length arising from a creeping rhizome
Leaves Sterile fron s up to 3 feet tall the bla e with up to 16 pairs of wi e segments having wavy margins Fertile fron s shorter the berry-like structures clustere in stiffly erect ivisions the entire structure appearing spike-like
Reproduction Leaf segments with spore cases beneath which have become rolle into small har black berry-like structures appearing July through August an persisting over winter
Fruiting Period July into October
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 42
Woody S rubs
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 43
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 44
NORTHERN ARROW-WOOD Viburnu recognitu
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 15 feet tall forming thickets
Bark Smooth an gray with a white pith
Twigs Brownish-gray hairless highly branche long straight slen er arrow-like smooth
Buds Re ish-brown with 2 pairs of scales Opposite pointe approximately frac14 inch long roun e scales with fringe of minute hairs along the bor ers
Leaves Opposite egg-shape to roun with saw-like coarse teeth 1-2 inches long an 3 inches wi e tapering to a point with very prominent smooth veins
Flower Numerous small white-petale flowers on short stalks in a somewhat ense terminal flat cluster
Flowering Period June through July
Fruit Fleshy blue-black berry-like approximately 13 inch wi e containing a flattene see appearing in August
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 45
BUTTONBUSH Cephalanthus occidentalis
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 12 feet tall typically 3-5 feet tall
Bark Smooth an grayish when young flaky an grayish when ol er Light-brown pith
Twigs Slen er roun or angle grayish-brown to purplish marke with light elongate lenticels
Buds Small in epresse areas surroun e by bark
Leaves Opposite or in whorls of 3-4 Shiny ark-green above lighter green an slightly owny beneath Leathery smooth oblong to oval 3-6 inches long broa at the base pointe at tips often with short re stalks
Flower Densely clustere spherical creamy white ball-shape flowers long-stalke often in groups of 3 1- 1 frac12 inch wi e Ripe hea s brownish fragrant
Flowering Period July through August
Fruit Small triangular-shape capsules greenish in ball-like hea s like the flowers Persist into winter
Value Butterfly an moth species are often foun fee ing on the sweet nectar of the tubular flowers because of their long curle mouthparts Caterpillar pupas are often foun on buttonbush because of the foo association with larvae an a ults (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 46
ELDERBERRYBLACK-BERRIED ELDER Sa bucus canadensis
Elderberr showing fruit
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 12 feet tall often forming thickets
Bark Green
Twigs Pale yellow-brown to light-brown with numerous large raise lenticels Ill-smelling when bruise Flute or square pith very thick white an soft
Buds Small roun to oval covere with brownish scales
Leaves Opposite pinnately compoun with 5 to 11 leaflets usually 7 Lanceolate to ovate abruptly narrowing at the tip Sharply-toothe Lower leaflets often 3-parte Smooth above smooth or owny on veins beneath
Flower Small white nicely-scente flowers with 5 white petals in a flat-toppe cluster up to 6 inches wi e generally with 5 main branches
Flowering Period Late June through July
Fruit Juicy purplish-black berries in flat-toppe clusters containing many see s appearing late August to early October
Value Pro uces fruit that makes tasty jelly an wine It is also an important foo source for many songbir s
Elderberr showing flowers
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 47
GLOSSY BUCKTHORN Rha nus frangula
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T is species is pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Generalist Full-sun or sha e moist ry aci ic or basic soils Woo lan bor ers foreste wetlan s floo plain forests
Heig t Up to 20 feet tall
Twigs Grayish with whitish lenticels
Buds Nake owny up to frac14 inch long
Leaves Alternate whorle oblong 4-5 inches long an 3-4 inches wi e Long growing season leafing out in May an hol ing its leaves into November
Flower Small greenish-white in small clusters in the leaf axis
Flowering Period May through September Flowers an fruits continuously from May through September Plants often isplay bu s flowers immature fruit an mature fruit simultaneously
Fruit Berry with 2-3 pits approximately frac14 inch wi e turning from green to re an eventually blue-black Often all three colore berries are on the plant at the same time Sometimes ifficult to recognize in a foreste situation ue to its non- escript appearance but easily recognize July through September ue to masses of berries
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 48
HIGHBUSH BLUEBERRY Vacciniu cory bosu
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s rich woo s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 15 feet tall often forming thickets
Bark Rough brown Stem an larger branches shre y
Twigs On some bushes re ish-brown on other bushes they are yellow Covere with small warty lenticels zigzagge or angle
Buds Flower bu s re plump pointe with spine-like pointe scales Leaf bu s smaller two outer scales with hair-like point
Leaves Alternate pointe on both en s green on both si es untoothe Lower si e slightly wooly on the veins Up to 3 inches long an 1 frac12 inch wi e Deep re in autumn
Flower Cylin rical white or pink up to frac12 inch long an frac14 inch wi e in ense terminal or lateral clusters
Flowering Period April through June appearing when leaves are only half grown
Fruit Blue-black berry up to frac12 inch wi e with whitish bloom sweet in clusters
Value Berries eaten by numerous bir s an wil life
Similar Species Maleberry (L onia ligustrina) Highbush blueberry can be istinguishe by its terminal clusters of fruit an by berries rather than capsules for fruit
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 49
HOBBLEBUSH Viburnu alnifoliu
Status Native
Habitat Cool moist ravines e ges of rivers an streams
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Light brown with wavy grooves
Twigs Tough stout olive-brown to light purplish-brown Coate with rusty brown hairs towar the tip
Buds Large long in pairs light-brown covere with velvety fuzz Flower bu s roun e an occur only at tips of twigs
Leaves Very large 4-8 inches long Almost roun finely toothe heart-shape at base Hairy beneath rusty veins much branche Brownish hairs on stalks
Flower Large white clusters with 5 petals appearing before leaves are fully grown
Flowering Period May through June
Fruit Re berries turning black Stones with a groove on each e ge
Similar Species Likely to be confuse with ogwoo s Viburnum leaves are nearly always toothe or lobe while ogwoo leaves are smooth untoothe an veins are parallel
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 50
HONEYSUCKLE Lonicera spp
(L orrowii L tatarica L aackii)
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T ese species are pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Fiel s roa si es fence-rows he ge-rows e ges of woo s
Heig t 10 to 15 feet tall
Bark Tan to brown shre e in appearance
Twigs Generally glabrous thornless
Buds Blunt to acute
Leaves Opposite entire oblong to egg-shape 1-5 inches long
Flower 5-lobe tubular sometimes fragrant growing in leaf axils white to yellow
Fruit Re rarely yellow juicy few-see e berry July through September
Flowering Period May through June
Morrowrsquos Honeysuckle Lonicera orrowii
Leaves an young twigs ensely owny Leafy bracts beneath flowers not glan ular Leaves broa est below the mi le Flowers white fa ing to yellow
Tartarian Honeysuckle Lonicera tartarica
Un ersi es of leaves an young twigs are hairless Flowers usually pink-re Only species that has hollow pith
Amur Honeysuckle Lonicera aackii
Upper surface of leaves are shiny Bark is gray or tan an exfoliates somewhat in vertical strips Flowers white fa ing to yellow
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 51
JAPANESE KNOTWEED Polygonu cuspidatu
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T is species is pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Woo lan s open spaces itches roa si e itches e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall Fast growing aggressive easily sprea s an repro uces vegetatively
Twigs Greenish hollow jointe bamboo-like Stems often persist into winter
Leaves Alternate large untoothe broa ly ovate 3-7 inches long with pointe tips an square bases
Flower Many small whitish flowers growing in slen er finger-like clusters in the leaf axils
Flowering Period August to September
Fruit White papery win - isperse x-shape in cross-section
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 52
MALEBERRY Lyonia ligustrina
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s rich woo s gentle slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall often forming thickets
Bark Light gray shre y shaggy Younger bark appearing slightly hairy ol er bark gray with white lenticels
Twigs Yellow-brown to ash-gray mottle with black Flowering twigs leafless
Buds No terminal bu Lateral bu s flattene re oval pointe with a single re ish scale
Leaves Alternate elliptic to oblong stalke up to 3 inches long pointe at both en s minutely toothe Rough above slightly-hairy beneath
Flower Small roun white flowers in clusters up to 6 inches long
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Greenish-gray to brown small roun capsules with 5 partitions No larger than flower Crow e in groups on the stem persisting through winter Dry brown po s resembling blueberries
Similar Species Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium cor mbosum) Maleberry can be istinguishe by its flattene re bu s lateral rather than terminal clusters an by capsules of fruit instea of berries
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 53
MEADOWSWEET Spiraea latifolia
Status Native
Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t 2-3 feet tall forming large ense colonies
Bark Thin peeling in filmy layers
Twigs Smooth slen er light re ish-brown to purple more or less angle Unbranche (except occasionally towar the top where branching may occur)
Buds Many small smooth oval with several scales
Leaves Alternate oblong narrow toothe short-stalke tapering to the base with pointe to roun tips Up to 3 inches long an 1 frac12 inches wi e
Flower Pyrami clusters of white to pinkish 5-parte small flowers occurring at tip of stem
Flowering Period July into September
Fruit Small har smooth cluster of 5-6 tiny po s persisting over winter in the inflorescence giving it a ark-brown color
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 54
MULTIFLORA ROSE Rosa ultiflora
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T is species is pro ibited in New Hamps ire
Habitat Generalist Variety of soil moisture an light con itions
Heig t Up to 9 feet tall Shrubby arching
Bark Green Ol er stems turn woo y
Twigs Long arching with stiff re-curve thorns tips root to form new plants
Leaves Alternate pinnately compoun 7-9 toothe leaflets each leaflet about 1 inch long Fringe stipule at the base of leaf stem
Flower Dense clusters of fragrant white or occasionally pink 5-petale flowers up to 1 frac12 inch wi e Persist into winter
Flowering Period May through June
Fruit Small roun har re berry calle a ldquohiprdquo Smallest hip of any rose in New Englan persists into winter
Similar Species Multiflora rose can be istinguishe from other roses by the presence of a fringe stipule on the leaf petiole
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 55
NORTHERN WILD RAISIN WITHEROD VIBURNUM Viburnu cassinoides
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s valleys gentle slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall usually up to 7
Bark Smooth grayish-brown
Twigs Slen er long flexible ull pale grayish to light-brown Slightly hairy Somewhat angle with in istinct lenticels
Buds Covere by a single pair of scales Terminal bu s long yellow or gol en 2 light-brown scales split curve Flower bu s large an flask-shape
Leaves Opposite lanceolate to oval loosely toothe up to 4 inches long on short stalks tapering to an abrupt point Dark green above ull green below leathery
Flower Many small white 5-lobe flowers in short-stalke flat-toppe clusters at the tips of the twigs
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Fleshy blue-black berry-like approximately frac14 inch wi e containing a flat see Dull re as maturing
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 56
SHADBUSHSERVICEBERRY A elchier canadensis
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains rich woo s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 25 feet tall usually growing in thickets
Bark Gray smooth thin vertical fissures separating smooth flat areas in ol er trees
Twigs Ranci taste an smell (slight taste of bitter almon s) Slen er grayish often covere by a gray skin smooth Lenticels are scattere minute ots
Buds Terminal bu s long narrow greenish-yellow or purple
Leaves Alternate oblong finely-toothe broa est above the mi le Veins curve When half grown with white felt or wooly hairs beneath Up to frac34 inch long roun e at the tip an base
Flower Many me ium-size 5-petalle white flowers approximately frac34 inch wi e on stalks in clusters appearing when leaves are half grown
Flowering Period April through June
Fruit Dark-purple to black berries
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 57
SHEEP LAURELLAMBKILL Kal ia angustifolia
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 3 feet tall usually forming thickets
Bark Re ish brown
Twigs Pale brown smooth
Buds Nake no scales or only 2 showing
Leaves Evergreen Occasionally opposite but usually in whorls of 3 Elliptic to oblong on very short stems crow e on the branch opposite in threes Bright green above pale or whitene beneath Both surfaces smooth
Flower Small eep pink to re ish-purple 5-lobe approximately 1 frac12 inch wi e in clusters among the leaves
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Small brownish roun capsule with 5 partitions in clusters that persist over winter
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 58
SILKY DOGWOOD Cornus a o u
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall forming ense thickets
Twigs Much branching lower portion of the stem light brown upper portions becoming streake with re One-an two-year ol branches completely re an velvety Twigs mo erate to slen er with spongy chocolate-brown piths
Buds Smooth hairy
Leaves Opposite ovate to elliptic roun e at base with pointe tips Veins branching off mi vein that follow up the smooth leaf without reaching e ge Up to 5 inches long an half as wi e roun e to somewhat we ge-shape at the base an abruptly pointe at the tip pubescent beneath on short to mo erate stalks turning re in autumn
Flower Many small white 4-petalle flowers in broa flat-toppe clusters up to 3 inches wi e at the tips of branches
Flowering Period May through July
Fruit Blue or blueish-white berries
Similar Species Re Osier Dogwoo (Cornus stolonifera)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 59
SPECKLED ALDER Alnus rugosa
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 25 feet tall often branching from the base
Bark Brown with whitish horizontal lenticels
Twigs Olive-brown to re ish brown smooth owny with greenish triangular pith
Buds Stalke re ish covere by 2-3 scales equal in length coate with grayish or brownish own no terminal bu
Leaves Alternate oval or roun e broa est below the mi le 2-4 inches long Doubly toothe or wavy Green above pale beneath Leaf base roun e or heart-shape Up to 6 inches long an 3 inches wi e
Flower Develop long before the leaves Male catkins long finger-like rooping Female catkins upright in clusters stalke resembling a small pine cone arching appearing below male
Flowering Period April through June before leaves emerge
Fruit Female catkins ripening into frac12 inch cylin rical cones persistent in winter
Comments Distinguishing features are the conspicuous white lenticels on the trunk an on the twigs the short thick stalks of the ldquoconesrdquo an the conspicuous net venation of the leaves In winter the immature female spikes roop
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 60
SPICEBUSH Lindera benzoin
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains rich woo s e ges of streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Smooth grayish-brown
Twigs Younger growth is green with white lines an specks while ol er portions with smooth gray-brown bark
Buds Leaf bu s small pointe Flower bu s larger stalke Spherical arrange on one si e of a leaf bu above the scar
Leaves Alternate obovate to ovate somewhat pointe up to 4 inches long an 2 inches wi e
Flower Small yellow Male an female occur in clusters on separate plants
Flowering Period April through May
Fruit Fleshy re an berry-like up to frac12 inch long containing one large see
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 61
STEEPLEBUSH Spiraea to entosa
Status Native
Habitat Wet mea ows marshes shrub wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 3 frac12 feet tall
Bark Thin hairy peeling shre ing into strips
Buds Lateral bu s covere with wool No terminal bu
Leaves Alternate simple toothe up to 2 inches long white or woolly beneath with brownish rusty or tawny hairs
Flower Small 5-petale eep pink or rose colore flowers in ense steeple-like terminal spike up to 6 inches long
Flowering Period July into September
Fruit One-celle capsules persistent into winter
Similar Species The pinker plants are often confuse with purple loosestrife Steeplebush has alternate leaves whereas purple loosestrife has opposite or whorle leaves The stems of Steeplebush ten to be roun in cross-section whereas the stems of purple loosestrife are square in cross section (Smagula an Connor 2007)
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 62
SWEET PEPPERBUSH Clethera alnifolia
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Dark grayish or blackish Branches of previous year shre y or flaky
Twigs Slen er roun an slightly owny on new twigs with large white pith
Buds Lateral bu s small an obscure Terminal bu s are owny large an pointe
Leaves Alternate egg-shape to oblong small broa est above mi le sharply-toothe except at base Straight-veine both si es smooth an green abruptly blunt-pointe Up to 4 frac12 inches long an 1 frac12 inches wi e
Flower Many small 5-petale fragrant white flowers occurring on terminal spike
Flowering Period July through September
Fruit Small tan roun capsule each with 3 hairy partitions resembling peppercorns persisting into winter
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 63
WINTERBERRY HOLLYBLACK ALDER Ilex verticillata
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 10 feet tall
Bark Gray smooth
Twigs Slen er ark purple-gray with many small lenticels
Buds Tiny blunt at tip iverging from the twig Crow e upper bu s larger Terminal bu present
Leaves Alternate ovate thick ull-green above owny beneath coarse-toothe prominent veins Broa est at or above the mi le pointe at both en s
Flower Very small greenish or yellowish white Male an female flower son separate plants 6-8 petals in clusters seate irectly on stem frac14 inch in iameter of very short stalks
Flowering Period May through August
Fruit Bright re berry-like with 3-5 bony nuts borne singly or in clusters approximately frac14 inch wi e containing several see s persisting into winter
Value Extremely showy in late fall an early winter when covere with their bright re fruit these shrubs are either male or female Attractive to bir s
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 64
WITCH HAZEL Ha a elis virginiana
Status Native
Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Heig t Up to 30 feet tall
Bark Mottle light-brown to gray smooth to scaly
Twigs Zigzag smooth to slightly hairy Short shoots light orange brown with rusty or gray hairs Some brown warts but lenticels in istinct
Buds Lateral bu s flattene with rusty brown hairs Terminal bu stalke curve or sickle-shape
Leaves Roun e to oval wavy lopsi e toothe in shallow roun e lobes Main veins prominent 5-7 nerves One-si e at base
Flower Bright yellow crinkle curving petals persisting into winter remaining attache to twig
Flowering Period August into November
Fruit Woo y hairy light-brown 2-see e po with 4 well-space curve points splitting open an ejecting black see s forcibly ripening a year after flowers Open po s remain on stem
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 65
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 66
Climbin Vines
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 67
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 68
CLIMBINGORIENTAL BITTERSWEET
Celast us o biculatus
Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire
Habitat Disturbe areas roa si es fiel s forests an e ges of streams an rivers
Hei ht 40-65 feet long eci uous woo y vine Very aggressive climbs up an over trees an chokes them
Stem Tanish furrowe
Leaves Alternate ovate bluntly toothe 3-4 inches long tapere at the base
Flower Small greenish clusters in the leaf axils
Flowerin Period April through May
Fruit Bright-yellow splitting open to reveal showy orangere fruit
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 69
POISON IVY
Toxicodend on adicans
Status Native
Habitat Generalist Variety of soil moisture an light con itions Foun in recent clear-cuts
Hei ht Upright eci uous shrub trailing vine or climbing plant Shrub can grow up to 6 feet tall but this plant is taller as a vine
Leaves Long-stalke compoun leaves ivi e into 3 leaflets each leaflet having a longer stalk than the si e leaflets
Flowers Small yellowish flowers with 5 petals occurring on lateral clusters
Flowerin Period May through July Poison i y showing fruit
Fruit Greenish to grayish-white berries lacking hairs Pro uce in late summer an can persist throughout winter
CAUTION
TOUCHING OR BURNING ANY PART OF THIS PLANT CAN CAUSE SEVERE SKIN IRRITATION
Poison i y as a tree-climbing ine Poison i y in autumn
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 70
RIVERBANK GRAPE
Vitis ipa ia
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Hei ht Up to 60 feet tall
Bark Re ish-brown in loose strips Pith with thin firm tissue
Leaves Alternate coarse-toothe up to 7 inches long with usually 3-5 lobes an narrow-pointe leaves
Flowers Inconspicuous in branche clusters
Flowerin Period May through July
Fruit Purplish-black to black grapes up to frac12 inch wi e with whitish waxy covering
Similar Species Forest grape (Vitis ulpina) occurs in similar habitats but its leaves have broa teeth an are not usually lobe an its grapes are black an lacking waxy coating
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 71
VIRGINIA CREEPER
Pa thenosisus quinquefolia
Status Native
Habitat Wi e range of con itions ry san y soil to moist nutrient-rich soil sha e sun
Stem Woo y stem persisting into winter
Leaves Alternate palmately compoun with 3-7 but usually 5 leaflets Leaflets 6-12 centimeters long with toothe margins Turn eep-re in the fall
Flower Inconspicuous green-white
Fruit Small blue-black berries appearing in autumn
Comments Climbs by ten rils that have oval a hesive isks at their tips
Similar Species Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) has compoun leaves with 3 leaflets but the terminal leaflet is attache to a short-stalk Poison ivy also climbs by aerial roots not by a hesive isks
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 72
The Ca opy Trees
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 73
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an
Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 74
AMERICAN BASSWOODLINDEN Tilia am ricana
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s valleys gentle slopes
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray ri ge when ol
Twigs Alternate stout zigzag greenish-gray smooth or owny
Buds Re ish-brown frac12 inch long lopsi e No terminal bu
Leaves Alternate large up to 8 inches long sharply toothe Unequally heart-shape at base
Flowers 5 cream-colore fragrant yellow petals Approximately frac12 inch across
Floweri g Period Early summer
Fruit Stalke cluster of small pale green nuts attache to a leafy wing
AMERICAN BEECH Fagus grandifolia
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s uplan s well- raine lowlan s
Height Up to 90 feet tall
Bark Smooth an light blue-gray when young an ol
Twigs Alternate slen er greenish-brown hairy
Buds Slen er sharp-pointe approximately frac34 inch long chestnut brown with overlapping scales
Leaves Alternate simple egg-shape pointe with parallel veins terminating in teeth Shiny papery-smooth up to 5 inches long Dry leaves remain on tree in winter Yellow in autumn
Flowers Inconspicuous slen er catkins in a roun e hea both sexes occur on the same tree
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Prickly 4-valve fruit capsule bearing 2 triangular nuts Nut is sweet an e ible
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 75
AMERICAN HORNBEAM IRONWOODBLUE BEECH Carpinus caroliniana
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s foreste wetlan s e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 40 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray-green furrowe flute (muscular) wavy
Twigs Slen er ark re ish-brown shiny an smooth or slightly -hairy
Buds Oval re ish brown angle scaly
Leaves Alternate simple oblong sharply an finely oubly-toothe margins up to 4 inches long an 2 inches wi e entirely smooth above slightly owny beneath Orange or scarlet in autumn
Flowers Very small male an female flowers occur in separate spikes Male catkins 1 inch female small appearing with leaves
Floweri g Period April through May before leaf-out
Fruit Nutlet in the axil of a 3-lobe leaf-like bract the bracts clustere in a loose terminal spike up to 2 inches long
BLACK BIRCHSWEET BIRCH B tula l nta
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s
Height Up to 60 feet tall
Bark Smooth ark brown Long horizontal lenticels resembling cherry Ol er trees with very ark thick plates
Twigs Smooth slen er light re ish-brown with very fine horizontal lines Smells an tastes of wintergreen
Buds Sharp re ish brown long terminal bu absent on long shoots Bu scales owny on margins
Leaves Alternate simple heart-shape sharply ouble-or single-toothe smooth above with tufts of white hair on the veins beneath ull ark green Wintergreen o or an taste
Flower Male an female flowers occur in separate catkins on the same tree male catkins present uring the winter
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Catkins cylin rical short scales smooth
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 76
BLACK CHERRY Prunus s rotina
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s on many sites
Height Up to 60 feet tall
Bark Dark re ish-brown smooth with narrow horizontal lenticels on young trees becoming roughene an scaly on ol er trees Resembles black birch
Twigs Slen er re ish-brown often gray an peeling Ranci o or an taste Often with black knot swellings on branches with narrow lenticels
Buds Bright light re ish-brown 4 scales appear as none Terminal bu larger than laterals
Leaves Alternate simple elliptic Smooth an shiny above finely-toothe turning inwar Brown wool on 13 of mi rib beneath Yellow to brown in autumn
Flower White 5-petalle elongate clusters appearing when leaves are frac12 grown in clusters at the en s of twigs up to 4 inches long
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit E ible cherries ark re ish-purple becoming black with small stone Appearing June-October
BOX ELDERASH-LEAVED MAPLE Ac r n gundo
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s lowlan s floo plains
Height Up to 40 feet tall
Bark Thin grayish to light-brown with furrowe narrow ri ges similar to Norway maple
Twigs Stout green to purplish-green brightly colore often re Covere with whitish bloom the first year which rea ily rubs off
Buds Short-stalke re ish usually wooly or owny whitish ensely hairy
Leaves Opposite compoun palm-like with 3-5 veiny leaflets up to 5 inches long on short stalks Very variable in shape sharp margins with coarse teeth Light green above pale green an hairy along veins beneath Stalk swollen at base
Flower Small yellowish to greenish Male an female flowers occur in rooping clusters on separate trees appearing slightly before leaf-out
Floweri g Period April through May at or before leaf-out
Fruit A typical flattene v-shape winge samara
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 77
EASTERN COTTONWOOD Populus d ltoid s
Status Native
Habitat Floo plains streambanks valleys
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Greenish-yellow on young trees gray an furrowe on ol er trees
Twigs Smooth yellow-brown mo erately stout
Buds Brown shiny approximately frac12 to 1 inch long 6-7 scales heavy sticky fragrant yellow resin insi e
Leaves Alternate simple large triangular coarse roun e teeth up to 6 inches long an often nearly as wi e Dark green an shiny above lighter beneath with veins prominent on both surfaces Stems flattene at base of leaves Leaves from sprouts very large Yellow in autumn
Flower Drooping loosely groupe catkins Male an female flowers occur in rooping spikes on separate trees Before the leaves unfol the male crow e into rather thick re ish spikes the female crow e into narrower greenish yellow spikes
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Short-stalke capsule with 4 partitions approximately frac14 inch long
EASTERN HEMLOCK Tsuga canad nsis
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s ravines foreste wetlan s
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Cinnamon-re to gray tinge with purple narrow ri ges
Twigs Alternate yellow to grayish brown very hairy flattene
Buds Approximately frac12 to frac34 inch wi e oval chestnut brown hairy scales
Needles Narrow approximately frac12 inch long Short shiny ark-green above tapering whitish-green with 2 white lines beneath appearing as a broa stripe Stalke at base persistent comb-like arrangement on twig
Fruit Small oval cones frac12 to frac34 inch long on slen er stalks Cone scales as wi e as long Male cones are small structures in clusters in leaf axils an o not persist Female cones have brown scales are at twig en s an persist
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 78
EASTERN WHITE PINE Pinus strobus
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s bogs ravines cool sha y north slopes
Height Up to 120 feet tall
Bark Smooth thin greenish when young becoming ark brown eeply-furrowe an blocky when ol er
Twigs Smooth slen er green or light yellowish-green resinous
Buds Sharp-pointe yellowish-brown
Leaves In clusters of 5 (the only five-nee le pine in the East) soft slen er bluish-green Retaine to en of the secon growing season 3 year nee les yellow in October 2-5 inches long
Fruit Large tapering cylin rical cones falling when ripe (August-September) Require two seasons to mature 4 to 8 inches long
GREEN ASH Fraxinus p nnsylvanica
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains streambanks
Height Up to 80 feet tall
Bark Young twigs gray thin hairless Ol er stems gray with shallow grooves ri ges an furrows
Twigs Stout gray terminal bu present conical the first pair of lateral bu s place some istance below the terminal
Leaves Opposite pinnately-compoun with 5-9 (usually 7) leaflets Shiny green on top occasionally hairy on bottom with saw-toothe margins Bright yellow in autumn
Flower Inconspicuous small cluster of greenish petal-free stalke flowers with male an female flowers occur on separate trees
Floweri g Period April to June as leaves emerge
Fruit Samara with a broa wing an in istinct see portion
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 79
RED MAPLE Ac r rubrum
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s rich woo s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers
Height Up to 75 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray often satiny on young trees becoming arker scaly rough separating an forming long scales often up-curling in ol er trees
Twigs Current years growth re Ol er twigs light gray smooth
Buds Sharp ark re with prominent overlapping scales
Leaves Opposite simple usually 3-lobe (sometimes 5) with sharp angles between lobes an with sharp irregular teeth Dark green above gray-green beneath approximately 3-4 inches long Yellow or scarlet in autumn
Flower Re or yellow with petals appearing long before the leaves emerge Male an female flowers occur on separate trees
Floweri g Period March through May before leaf-bu s open
Fruit A ouble-winge v-shape re samara up to 1 inch long
Matures in late spring falls an germinates at once
RED OAK Qu rcus rubra
Status Native
Habitat Bottomlan s moist slopes
Height Up to 90 feet tall
Bark Smooth greenish-brown on young stems becoming broken into ri ges re ish-brown har with eep furrows when ol er Inner bark re ish
Twigs Alternate strongly ri ge or flute Re ish brown or black smooth
Buds Smooth brown blunt-pointe in clusters at en s of twigs Larger than other oaks except black frac14 inch long roun e on the si es Terminal bu s have slight rusty hairs
Leaves Spikes on tips of lobes Mostly 3 pairs V-shape space between lobes (typically 7-11) triangular in outline smooth on both si es
Flower Long sprea ing strings
Fruit Acorn maturing in secon year Cup embracing 13 to frac12 the acorn Oval to cylin rical short shallow Acorns large bitter ine ible insi es pale yellow
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 80
SHAGBARK HICKORY Carya ovata
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s valleys uplan slopes
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Smooth when young splitting into long plates that curve outwar free at both en s when ol er
Twigs Re ish-brown very stout tough an har to break Soli pith
Buds Dark brown long-pointe approximately frac12 inch or more wi e Scales remaining over winter
Leaves Alternate compoun 4-6 inches long 5 (rarely 7) leaflets with the 3 upper leaflets much larger an longer than the lower terminal leaflet Slightly toothe with a tuft of hair on each tooth
Flower Male an female flowers occur on same tree Male flowers are 3-branche catkins female flowers are in short spikes
Floweri g Period Early spring before leaf-out
Fruit Thick globe-like husks split away when ripe Nut with 4 angles whitish brown shell thick sweet kernel
SILVER MAPLE Ac r saccharinium
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 80 feet tall
Bark Smooth gray (like beech) in young trees breaking into long thin scaly plates curving away at en s when ol er
Twigs V-shape point upwar at tip rooping Orange-brown to re Ba o or when bruise
Buds Terminal bu small blunt re
Leaves Opposite simple approximately 5 inches wi e Deeply cleft 5-lobe sharply toothe Green above silver-white beneath Very silvery un er water Downy beneath when young Pale yellow in autumn
Flower Small re or greenish yellow No petals occurring long before the leaves Some trees have only male flowers
Floweri g Period February through May before leaf-out
Fruit Occurring in late spring The see germinates at once flattene winge fruit the largest of the native maples up to 2 inches long
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 81
SWAMP WHITE OAK Qu rcus bicolor
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 70 feet tall
Bark Flaky light grayish-brown peeling in ragge papery scales Furrowe at base of tree in long flat scaly ri ges
Twigs Slen er to stout straw-brown to yellow-green Bark peels from twig (only oak where this occurs)
Buds Small roun terminal bu s orange-brown blunt-pointe smooth Lateral bu s small an crow e
Leaves Alternate simple oval light-green above with hairs beneath wi est above the mi le strongly tapere towar the we ge-shape base Margin shallowly lobe Yellow or brown in autumn
Flower Male an female flowers occur separately on the same tree the male in catkins the female in short spikes
Fruit Oval light-brown nut approximately 1 inch long enclose for about frac12 its length by a cap Occurring singly or often in pairs at the en of a short stalk Some of the cups usually persist in winter
SYCAMOREPLANETREEBUTTONBALL Platanus occid ntalis
Status Native
Habitat Floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Creamy white on young branches turning re -brown-gray then breaking in large thin plates exposing whitish inner bark giving a white-washe appearance
Twigs Slen er smooth yellow-brown slightly zigzag swollen at joints
Buds No terminal bu Lateral bu s long conical resinous shiny ark re -brown covere by a single cap-like scale Pointing outwar enclose by bases of leaf stalks until the leaves fall
Leaves Alternate simple large with 3-5 pointe lobes maple-like pubescent beneath when young with long pointe teeth
Flower Small inconspicuous Male an female flowers occur separately in roun hea s on the same tree
Floweri g Period April through June
Fruit Large roun balls approximately frac14 inch long an 1 inch wi e with bristly hairs at base containing many see s Occurring singly on long stalks Remains on tree until spring
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 82
TAMARACHLARCH Larix laricina
Status Native
Habitat Bogs foreste wetlan s wet peaty soils
Height Up to 80 feet tall
Bark Thin re ish brown scaly Young branches grayish or pale orange-brown
Twigs Smooth brownish many leaf scars
Buds Dark re ish-brown roun resinous
Leaves Deci uous nee les pale blueish-green approximately 1 inch long flexible triangular Yellow in autumn before ropping off
Flower Occur separately as small cones on the same tree Male flowers are yellow Female flowers are rose re both appearing in March through April
Fruit Small oval cones frac12 to frac34 inch wi e with 20 scales Cone scales concave smooth often shining longer than broa chestnut brown smooth on the outsi e
WHITE ASH Fraxinus am ricana
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s valleys slopes foreste wetlan s floo plains e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Light or ark gray Smooth when young groove when ol er Longitu inal ri ges forming iamon -shape patterns separate by narrow interlacing ri ges
Twigs Opposite light greenish-brown with small white lenticles an a slight bloom Soli pith
Buds Roun e rusty to ark-brown rough hairy First pair of lateral bu s at the same level irectly below the terminal
Leaves Opposite pinnately compoun stalke oval to lanceolate 8 to 12 inches long with 5 to 9 leaflets (mostly 7) Smooth or slightly wavy-toothe Yellowish to maroon in the autumn
Flowers Small inconspicuous male an female flowers occur on separate trees appearing with the leaves Purplish in crow e clusters
Floweri g Period April through May before leaf-out
Fruit Cylin rical light-brown enclosing a see an a flattene elongate wing 2-3 times long as the bo y 1-2 inches wi e in rooping clusters
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 83
WHITE OAK Qu rcus alba
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s a jacent slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 90 feet tall
Bark Gray thin on young trees an flaky irregularly-plate or groove when ol er
Twigs Purplish-gray to greenish-re mo erately stout smooth
Buds Blunt smooth brownish at tips of twigs in clusters
Leaves Alternate simple 4-10 prominent roun e lobes variable in epth Re ish to violet in autumn Brown ea leaves remain on tree in winter
Flowers Both sexes occur on the same tree Male flowers in clusters of hanging bea s Female flowers are few in angles of new leaves Greenish yellowish or re ish
Fruit Maturing in one season Acorn cup with wart-like scales Cup shorter than nut Sweet an e ible
WHITE SPRUCE Pic a glauca
Status Native
Habitat Rich woo s a jacent slopes e ges of streams an rivers
Height Up to 70 feet tall
Bark Thin scaly grayish-brown silvery on freshly expose areas
Twigs Pale gray to yellow-brown no hairs or fuzz
Buds Oval ragge brown smooth
Leaves frac12 to 1 inch blueish-green slight-bloom pungent o or when crushe sharp line of white ots in each groove Ten ency to mass towar the upper si e of the twig
Flowers Occur separately as small cones on the same tree Male flowers are yellowish re Female flowers are greenish re purplish
Co e Cylin rical 2 inches long Immature cones have thin scales an are soft an flexible Mature cones are light chestnut brown
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 84
YELLOW BIRCH B tula l nta
Status Native
Habitat Foreste wetlan s floo plains ravines cool rich woo s of higher elevations
Height Up to 100 feet tall
Bark Peeling in thin ribbon-like strips when young that roll back in curls Shiny yellow or silvery gray rough an platy when ol er
Twigs Stout bronze or bright-brown shiny Smooth or sparsely hairy Wintergreen o or an taste
Buds Sharp re ish-brown oppresse terminal bu absent oval with chestnut-brown scales
Leaves Alternate simple long oval sharply ouble-toothe Dull an ark-green above lighter beneath with slight hairs in veins base roun e to near heart-shape up to 5 inches long
Flower Male an female flowers in separate catkins on the same tree Male catkins present in winter Male flowers are yellow small narrow in a rooping catkin at branch tips Female flowers are green an in broa er upright catkins place back from the tip that matures into a brown cone
Floweri g Period April through May
Fruit Catkins roun e roun scales somewhat hairy erect on twig frac34 inch long persist into winter
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 85
Appendix A Other Helpful Field Guides
The Boo of Swamp and Bog Trees Shrubs and Wildflowers of Eastern Freshwater Wetlands by John Eastman 1995 Stackpole Books ISBN 0-8117-2518-9
A Field Guide to Coastal Wetland Plants of the Northeastern United States by Ralph W Tiner Jr 1987 University of Massachusetts Press ISBN 0-870-23538-9
Freshwater Wetlands - A Guide to Common Indicator Plants of the Northeast by Dennis W Magee 1981 University of Massachusetts Press ISBN 0-87023-317-3
Northeastern Wetland Flora Field Office Guide to Plant Species by USDA ndash NRCSNortheastern National Technical Center Chester Pennsylvania
Plants in Wetlands A Redington Field Guide to Biological Interactions by Charles B Re ington 1994 Ken allHunt Publishing Company ISBN 0-84038-983-3
Pond and Broo by Michael J Ca uto 1990 ISBN 0-87451-509-1
Pond Life A Golden Guide by George K Rei 1987 Gol en Books ISBN 0-30724-017-7
Through The Loo ing Glass by Susan Borman Robert Korth Jo Temte 19971999 Wisconsin Lakes Partnership ISBN 0-93231-032-X
Wetland Planting Guide for Northeast United States by Gwen olyn A Thunhorst 1993 Environmental Concern Inc ISBN 1-88322-602-3
Wetlands - National Audubon Society Nature Guides by William A Niering 1985 Alfre A Knopf New York ISBN 0-39473-147-6
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 86
Appendix B Glossary of Terms
Alternate Leaves arising singly along the stem not in pairs or whorls
Annual Living or growing for only one year or season
Axil The angle where two structures join for example where a leaf joins the stem
Axillary Occurring in or growing from an axil
Basal Locate at or arising from the base of a plant or a plant part
Berry A small juicy fleshy fruit containing one to many see s
Capsule A ry fruit containing two to many see s an opening by valves slits or pores
Cat in Scaly spike of inconspicuous flowers lacking petals
Ciliate Bearing margine hairs
Clasping Leaves that partially encircle the stem at the base
Compound (Leaf) Divi e into two or more istinct separate parts (leaflets)
Cone A har woo y globose to cylin ric arrangement of bracts or scales in the axils of which the repro uctive structures are foun
Deciduous Falling from the plant after maturity each year
Elliptic Broa est at the mi le gra ually tapering to both en s
Emergent Roote in shallow water with most of the plant growing above the surface
Emersed Raise out of the water as in the flowers or fruits of some floating plants
Entire (Leaf) Having a continuoussmooth margin unbroken by toothing or ivisions
Evergreen Remaining green throughout the winter
Fibrous Referring to a cluster of slen er roots all with the same iameter
Frond The leaf of a fern
Furrowed Groove
Glabrous Without hairs or scales
Globose Shape like a globe roun
Head A group of flowers tightly crowne together in a more or less roun e structure
Herbaceous A plant that ies back to the groun at the en of the growing season or a plant part that is leaf-like in color an texture
Inflorescence The entire flower cluster
Lanceolate Lance-shape broa est near the base gra ually tapering to the narrower apex
Leaflet One of the segments of a compoun leaf
Lenticels The small corky pores or narrow lines on the surface of stems of woo y plants that allow the interchange of gases between the interior tissue an surroun ing air A small opening in a stem
Lip The upper an lower parts of certain tubular flowers
Lobe The in ente part of a leaf or flower not ivi e into istinct an separate parts but still interconnecte to similar parts of the leaf or flower
MidribMidvein The central or main vein of a leaf
Native A species that originate in a certain place or region in igenous
Node The place on the stem where leaves or branches are attache
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 87
Non-Native Not originating in a certain geographic location than where they are foun
Nut A har ry one-see e fruit not opening at maturity
Nutlet A small nut
Oblong Broa est at the mi le an tapering to both en s but broa er than elliptic
Opposite Leaves arising in pairs on either si e of a stem
Oval Broa ly elliptic
Ovate Broa ly roun e at the base becoming narrowe above
Palmate Having three or more veins lobes or leaflets arising from one point
Panicle A compoun loosely branche flower cluster
Parallel Veined Having veins all parallel as oppose to in a network
Perennial Living for two or more years
Petal One segment of the series of floral leaves lying just insi e the sepals often the most conspicuous
Petiole The stalk-like part of the leaf attaching it to the stem
Pinnate Divi e once along an elongate axis into istinct segments
Pith The soft tissue at the center of a plantrsquos stem it may be soli or hollow at maturity
Pod A fruiting structure containing the mature see s
Pubescent Covere in fine short hairs
Recurved Curving ownwar
Rhizome A horizontal usually un ergroun stem that often sen s out roots an shoots from its no es
Ribbed Bearing ri ges
Root The escen ing axis of the plant usually growing in an opposite irection from the stem
Samara A winge fruit
Scale A mo ifie leaf or thin flattene structure
Sepal One segment of the outer series of floral leaves often green in color but occasionally of a ifferent color an petal-like
Serrate With sharp forwar -pointing teeth on the margin
Sessile Without a stalk
Sheath The base of a leaf that encircles the stem
Simple (Leaf) A leaf compose of a single bla e
Smooth Not rough to the touch
Spi e An elongate cluster of sessile flowers
Shrub A woo y plant smaller than a tree with several stems or trunks arising from a single base a bush
Simple Leaf A leaf with a single bla e
Succulent Juicy an fleshy
Tendril A evice usually coile that enables some vines to climb
Toothed With teeth along the margin
Tuber A thickene part of an un ergroun root or rhizome serving for foo storage an often for propagation
Whorled (Leaf) Arrange in a group of three or more leaves branches or pe icles at the no e on the stem
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 88
Appendix C Leaf Shapes amp Arrangements
Peterson Lee Allen ldquoA Fie d Guide to Edib e Wi d P ants of Eastern and Centra North Americardquo Houghton Mifflin Company 1977
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 89
Appendix D Native ShorelandRiparian Buffer Plantings for New Hampshire
A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic In-Stream an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 90
Native ShorelandRiparian Buffer Plantings for New Hampshire The p otected sho eland is the a ea of land that exists between the efe ence line of a wate body and 250 feet f om the efe ence line
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees
Ame ican Basswood (Ame ican Linden)
Tilia am ricana Medium-La ge 60-100rsquo
Mode ate Deep FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Rich woods valleys gentle slopes
Wildlife Pileated woodpecke wood duck othe bi ds dee abbit squi el
Food Seeds twigs
Ame ican Beech Fagus grandifolia Medium-La ge 60-90rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Rich woods well-d ained lowlands
Wildlife Blue jay chickadees nuthatches quail uffed g ouse tufted titmouse wild tu key wood duck woodpecke s bea chipmunk dee fox po cupine snowshoe ha e squi el
Food Nuts buds sap
Ame ican Hopho nbeam (I onwood)
Ostrya virginiana Small 20-40rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Rich woods Wildlife Downy woodpecke mockingbi d pu ple finch ing-necked pheasant ose-b easted g osbeak uffed g ouse wild tu key wood quail dee abbit squi el
Food Nuts buds seeds
Ame ican Ho nbeam (Blue BeechMusclewood)
Carpinus caroliniana
SmallSh ubby 20-40rsquo
Slow Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods fo ested wetlands avines st eambanks
Wildlife Quail uffed g ouse wood duck beave dee squi el
Food Seeds buds
Ame ican Mountain Ash
Sorbus am ricana Small Up to 25rsquo
Fast Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full-Sun
D y Moist Fo ested wetlands ich woods Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe catbi d ceda waxwing g osbeak mockingbi d obin th ushes wild tu key bea
Food F uit twigs
Balsam Fi Abi s balsam a Small-Medium 40-60rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands st eambanks ich woods
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse songbi ds small mammals moose
Food Seeds
Balsam Popla Populus balsam a Medium 60-80rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun Moist Floodplains ive banks st eambanks valleys
Wildlife Beave dee mouse snowshoe ha e
Food Buds catkins twigs foliage
Big-Toothed Aspen Populus grandid ntata
Small-Medium 30-60rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Sandy upland soils floodplain st eams with quaking aspen
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee evening g osbeak pu ple finch uffed g ouse yellow-bellied sapsucke dee
Food Buds catkins ba k twigs and foliage
Black Ash Fraxinus nigra Medium 60-80rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands st eambanks Wildlife Songbi ds wood duck dee moose small mammals
Food F uit twigs young leaves
Black Bi ch (Sweet Bi ch)
B tula l nta Medium 40-60rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade
Page 1
Moist Cool moist uplands ich woods
Wildlife G ouse dee abbit
Food Buds catkins seeds
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees (Continued)
Black Che y Prunus s rotina Medium 40-60rsquo
Mode ate Deep Tap oot
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Rich woods on many sites except ve y d y soils
Wildlife Bluebi d blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing common c ow easte n kingbi d evening g osbeak mockingbi d no the n flicke no the n o iole obin uffed g ouse spa ows th ushes vee y vi eo yellow-bellied sapsucke bea chipmunk dee fox accoon squi el
Food Be ies buds sap
Black Gum (Tupelo)
Nyssa sylvatica Medium 50-60
Slow No Info mation Available
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Fo ested wetlands floodplains Wildlife Bluebi d ca dinal catbi d chickadee c ow finches malla ds obin uby-th oated hummingbi d uffed g ouse vi eo wild tu key woodpecke s wood duck honeybees bea chipmunk dee opossum squi el
Food Seeds sap necta
Black Sp uce Pic a mariana Small Up to 25rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs fo ested wetlands lake and pond sho es
Wildlife Songbi ds uffed g ouse sp uce g ouse chipmunk cottontail dee po cupine squi el
Food Seeds twigs necta ba k
Black Willow Salix nigra Small-Medium Up to 50rsquo
Ve y Fast Ve y Shallow
Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands lowlands floodplains
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Buds catkins
Box Elde Ac r n gundo Medium 40-70rsquo
Ve y Fast Deep Late al
Full Sun D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands lowlands floodplains
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Seeds
Easte n Cottonwood Populus d ltoid s Medium-La ge 80-100rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Floodplains st eambanks valleys
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse
Food Catkins
Easte n Hemlock Tsuga canad nsis Medium-La ge 80-100rsquo
Mode ate Shallow Late al
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Acidic Cool moist uplands avines ock outc ops st eambanks
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee blue and g een wa ble s c ossbill hawks juncos pine siskin uffed g ouse vee y wild tu key dee chipmunk cottontail po cupine squi el white-footed mouse
Food Twigs foliage seeds
Easte n White Pine Pinus strobus La ge 70-120rsquo
Mode ate Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Well-D ained
Fo ested wetlands bogs avines cool shady no th slopes
Wildlife B own c eepe chickadee c ossbill g osbeak junco nuthatch pine wa ble spa ows sp uce g ouse wild tu key woodpecke s beave chipmunk dee snowshoe ha e squi el
Food Seeds foliage twigs excellent winte food
G ay Bi ch (Wi e Bi ch)
B tula populifolia Small 20-35rsquo
Fast Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Pionee Species poo est of ste ile soils sandy o g avelly slopes
Wildlife Ame ican goldfinch blue jay chickadee no the n junco pine siskin ed-tailed hawk uffed g ouse spa ows vi eo yellow-bellied sapsucke woodpecke s snowshoe ha e
Food Seeds buds
Page 2
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees (Continued)
G een Ash Fraxinus p nnsylvanica
Medium-La ge 60-80rsquo
Fast Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks neve on d y soils
Wildlife Ca dinal finches evening g osbeak mou ning dove ed-winged blackbi d wood duck beave chipmunk dee po cupine squi el
Food Seeds foliage
No the n White Ceda (A bo vitae)
Thuja occid ntalis Medium 30-60rsquo
Slow to Mode ate
Shallow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs wetlands ich woods Wildlife Songbi ds small mammals dee
Food Seeds needles
QuakingT embling Aspen (Popla )
Populus tr muloid s
Small-Medium 30-60rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Pionee Species d y open woods sandy o g avelly slopes
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse beave dee po cupine snowshoe ha e
Food Buds catkins ba k twigs and foliage
Red Maple Ac r rubrum Medium 40-75rsquo
Mode ate to Fast
Ve y Shallow
Full Sun D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands st eambanks lakesho es ich woods
Wildlife Ca dinal chickadee evening and pine g osbeaks finches obin yellow-bellied sapsucke beave chipmunk dee opossum squi el snowshoe ha e
Food Seeds buds ba k twigs sap
Red Oak Qu rcus rubra Medium 60-90rsquo
Mode ate Deep Late al
FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Bottomlands moist slopes Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe ducks hawks quail nuthatch uffed g ouse towhee wild tu key woodpecke bea chipmunk dee gophe opossum accoon squi el
Food Aco ns
Shagba k Hicko y Carya ovata La ge 70-100rsquo
Fast Deep Tap oot
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Rich woods valleys upland slopes
Wildlife Ca dinal field spa ows pine wa ble ose-b easted g osbeak ufous-sided towhee white-b easted nuthatch wild tu key wood duck yellow- umped wa ble chipmunks squi els
Food Nuts
Silve Maple Ac r sacharinium Medium 60-80rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Fo ested wetlands ive banks floodplains st eambanks
Wildlife Ca dinal goldfinch evening and pine g osbeaks no the n o iole
Food Seeds buds
St iped Maple (Moosewood Moose Maple)
Ac rp nsylvanicum SmallSh ubby 20-30rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t-Shade Moist Rich woods cool moist sites Wildlife Ruffed g ouse beave dee moose po cupine abbit
Food Buds ba k sama as
Suga Maple Ac r saccharum Medium-La ge 60-100rsquo
Slow Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Valleys and uplands tole ates almost all soil types
Wildlife Ca dinal goldfinch g osbeak ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse vi eo beave chipmunk po cupine B owse fo dee abbit snowshoe ha e
Food Seeds twigs ba k
Page 3
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Rooting Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Trees (Continued)
Swamp White Oak Qu rcus bicolor Medium 60-70rsquo
Fast No Info mation Available
FullPa t Shade Moist Fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks
Wildlife Ba ed owl blue jay ca dinal b own th ashe g ouse malla ds nuthatch quail ed-bellied woodpecke ed-tailed hawk uffed g ouse sta ling towhee wild tu key yellow-th oated wable w en beave chipmunk cottontail dee gophe opossum accoon squi el white-footed mouse wild tu key
Food Aco ns
Sweet Gum Liquidambar styraciflua
Medium-La ge 60-100rsquo
Mode ate No Info mation Available
Full Sun Moist Valleys Lowe slopes mixed woodlands
Wildlife Mou ning dove finches junco w en beave chipmunk squi el
Food Seeds
Sycamo e (Planet eeButtonwood)
Platanus occid ntalis
La ge 80-100rsquo
Slow No Info mation Available
FullPa t Shade o Full-Sun
D y o Moist Floodplains lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Finches chipmunk squi el
Food Seeds
Tama ack (Ame icanEaste n La ch)
Larix laricina Small-Medium 40-80rsquo
Va iable Mode ate Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs swamps wet peaty soils d ie upland loamy soils
Wildlife Blue jay kinglets pheasant ed c ossbill obin uffed g ouse sp uce g ouse yellow-bellied sapsucke chipmunk dee po cupine ed squi el snowshoe ha e
Food Needles twigs inne ba k seeds
White Ash Fraxinus am ricana
Medium-La ge 70-100rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods valleys slopes fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks
Wildlife Finches g osbeaks ed-winged blackbi d wood duck dee squi el
Food Seeds foliage
White Bi ch (Pape Bi ch)
B tula papyrif ra Medium 50-75rsquo
Fast Shallow Full Sun D y o Moist Fo ested wetlands ich woods Wildlife G ouse siskins
Food Seeds buds
White Oak Qu rcus alba Medium-La ge 50-90rsquo
Mode ate Deep FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Deep ich well-d ained
St eambanks lakesho es gentle slopes adapts to almost any condition
Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe nuthatch quail uffed g ouse towhee wild tu key wood duck woodpecke chipmunk bea dee gophe opossum accoon squi el
Food Aco ns
White Sp uce Pic a glauca Medium 40-70rsquo
Mode ate Shallow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist St eambanks lakesho es ich woods adjacent slopes
Wildlife Fishe s ma tens snowshoe ha e voles
Food Seeds
Yellow Bi ch (Sweet Bi ch)
B tula all ghani nsis
Medium-La ge 70-100rsquo
Slow Shallow Mode ate
FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Fo ested wetlands floodplains avines cool ich woods of high elevations
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee common edpoll goldfinch pine siskins ed-shoulde ed hawk ing-necked pheasant uffed g ouse wild tu key wood duck yellow-bellied sapsucke beave chipmunk dee po cupine squi el snowshow ha e
Food Catkins buds ba k twigs foliage seeds
Page 4
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs
Ame ican Hazelnut Corylus am ricana Medium 5-10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Bo de s of woods hillsides thickets
Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe ceda waxwing hai y woodpecke ing-necked pheasant uffed g ouse chipmunk dee abbit squi el
Food Nuts be ies foliage
Beaked Hazelnut Corylus cornuta Small 6-10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y D y places Wildlife Bi ds mammals
Food Beaked nuts
Black Chokebe y Aronia m loncarpa
Medium Up to 10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Ceda waxwing chickadees uffed g ouse sha p-tailed g ouse dee abbit squi el
Food Be ies buds
Buttonbush C phalanthus occid ntalis
Medium 6-12rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
St eambanks lakesho es ponds sh ub and fo ested wetlands
Wildlife Ducks ails uby-th oated hummingbi d beave dee musk at butte flies honeybees and othe insects
Food F uit twigs leaves seeds necta
Chokeche y Prunus virginiana Small 3-6rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist With Aspen d y soils Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe catbi d c ow easte n kingbi d evening g osbeak o ioles pileated woodpecke ing-necked pheasant obin ose g osbeak uffed g ouse th ushes yellow-bellied sapsucke abbit squi el
Food Be ies buds foliage
Elde be y Sambucus canad nsis
Small-Medium 3-12rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods sh ub and fo ested wetlands ma shes
Wildlife Bluebi ds blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d g osbeak indigo bunting pileated woodpecke inged-neck pheasant obin ose-b easted g osbeak uffed g ouse th ushes wild tu key woodpecke chipmunk dee abbit squi el
Food Be ies necta twigs bugs
G ay Dogwood (Red-Panicle Dogwood)
Cornus rac mosa Medium 10-15rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Roadsides thickets wetlands Wildlife Blue jay ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing easte n kingbi d finch flycatche g osbeak hai y woodpecke no the n flicke phoebe pileated woodpecke pine g osbeak pine wa ble ed-bellied woodpecke ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse sta ling swamp spa ow tufted titmouse vee y vi eo wild tu key wood duck wood th ush woodcock yellow-bellied sapsucke chipmunk dee ed fox abbit squi el
Food Be ies twigs
Highbush Bluebe y Vaccinium corymbosum
Medium 5-15rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Baltimo e o iole bluebi d blue jay ca dinal chickadee g ay catbi d kingbi d o ioles phoebe ed-bellied woodpecke ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse ufos-sided towhee sca let tanage tufted titmouse vee y wild tu key woodpecke s wood th ush black bee chipmunk dee musk at abbit squi el white-footed mouse
Food Be ies foliage twigs buds
Hobblebush Viburnum alnifolium
Medium Up to 10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Cool moist avines shady lakesho es
Wildlife B own th ashe ca dinal ceda waxwing evening g osbeak obin
Food F uit
Page 5
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs (Continued)
Junipe Junip rus communis
Small 1-4rsquo
Slow Full Sun D y D y open land Wildlife Ceda waxwing finches g osbeaks g ouse pheasant obin dee abbit moose
Food Twigs foliage f uit
Lowbush Bluebe y Vaccinium angustifolium
1-2rsquo Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Bogs d y sandy flats ocky slopes
Wildlife Blue jay g ouse kingbi d o iole obin tanage s woodpecke s squi el
Food Be ies foliage twigs
Malebe y Lyonia ligustris Up to 10rsquo Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods gentle slopes
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food F uit
Mapleleaf Vibu num Viburnum ac rifolium
Small 3-6rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Rich woods Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food F uit
Mountain Lau el Kalmia latifolia Up to 20rsquo Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Mixed uplands acid soils Wildlife Ruffed g ouse dee
Food Foliage buds twigs necta
Nannybe y Viburnum l ntago Medium-La ge 10-25rsquo
Mode ate FallPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Rich woods Wildlife Songbi ds mammals
Food Be ies
No the n A owwood Viburnum r cognitum
Medium 10-15rsquo
Mode ate FallPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Ruffed g ouse songbi ds bea chipmunks accoon squi el skunk white-footed mouse
Food Be ies
No the n Wild Raisin (Withe od Vibu num)
Viburnum nudum varcassinoid s
Medium 6-10
Mode ate FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands valleys slopes st eambanks
Wildlife B own th ashe ceda waxwing flycatche uffed g ouse vee y woodcock yellow-wa ble chipmunk dee musk at squi el snowshoe ha e
Food Ba k twigs buds
Pussy Willow Salix discolor Medium-La ge Up to 15rsquo
Fast Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks lakesho es
Wildlife Ame ican goldfinch uffed g ouse beave ha e abbits squi el
Food Buds catkins twigs ba k
Raspbe y Rubus ida us Small Up to 6rsquo
Fast FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Thickets edges of woods Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food F uits
Red Osie Dogwood Cornus stolonif ra Small-Medium 4-8rsquo
Fast FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Rich woods st eambanks lakesho es
Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing downy woodpecke easte n kingbi d finches no the n flicke pine wa ble pu ple finch inged-neck pheasant uffed g ouse vi eo wild tu key woodpecke s wood duck chipmunk dee abbit squi el
Food Be ies twigs
Rhodo a Rhodod ndron canad ns
Small 3-4rsquo
Slow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Bogs slopes ocky summits Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Leaves
Page 6
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs (Continued)
Shadbush (Se vicebe yJunebe y)
Am lanchi r spp La ge 15-25rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands floodplains st eambanks ich woods
Wildlife Bluebi d b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing g ay catbi d junco o ioles ed squi el obin uffed g ouse sca let tanage th ushes vee y woodpecke s beave dee ed squi el skunk
Food Be ies twigs
Silky Dogwood Cornus amomum Medium 6-10rsquo
Fast FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks
Wildlife Baltimo e o iole black-capped chickadee blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing downy woodpecke easte n kingbi d flycatche mockingbi d no the n flicke pine wa ble pu ple finch ed-bellied woodpecke inged-necl pheasant obin ose-b easted g osbeak uffed g ouse song spa ow sta lings tufted-titmouse wild tu key wood duck wood th ush vee y chipmunk dee abbit accoon skunk squi el white-footed mouse
Food Be ies buds twigs
Speckled Alde Alnus rugosa La ge 15-25rsquo
Fast Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks lakesho es
Wildlife Alde flycatche catbi d goldfinch malla ds pheasant pine siskin ed-winged blackbi d uffed g ouse swamp spa ow yellow-bellied flycatche woodcock bea beave dee cottontail moose musk at snowshoe ha e
Food Buds twigs ba k leaves
Spicebush Lind ra b nzoin Small-La ge 6-17rsquo
Mode ate Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Catbi d kingbi d pheasant quail obin uffed g ouse vee y vi eo wood th ush swallowtail butte flies dee musk at
Food F uit buds twigs leaves
Swamp Azalea Rhodod ndron viscosum
Up to 5rsquo Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Hummingbi d butte flies and othe insects dee
Food Leaves necta
Swamp Blackbe y Rubus hispidus Small Up to 6rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Sh ub and fo ested wetlands ich woods
Wildlife Blue jay b own th ashe ca dinal ceda waxwing g ackle g ay catbi d g osbeak mockingbi d o iole tanage ing-necked pheasant obin uffed g ouse ufus-sided th ushes towhee vee y wild tu key woodcock woodpecke s wood th ush chipmunk cottontail dee accoon skunk squi el
Food F uit canes
Sweet Gale Myrica gal Small 1-4rsquo
Slow Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Black-capped chickadee catbi d common yellowth oat phoebe pied-billed g ebe uffed g ouse t ee swallow tufted titmouse wild tu key dee musk at
Food Buds leaves
Sweet Peppe bush Cl thra alnifolia Medium 3-10rsquo
Mode ate FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Butte flies and othe insects
Food F uit seeds necta
Winte be y Holly (Black Alde )
Il x v rticillata Medium 6-10rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands lakesho es st eamabanks
Wildlife Ca dinal catbi d ceda waxwing chickadees finches flicke s uffed g ouse th ushes vi eo woodpecke s bea cottontail dee moose skunk white-footed mouse
Food Be ies twigs leaves
Page 7
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Growth Rate
Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
Shrubs (Continued)
Witch Hazel Hammam lis virginiana
La ge 20-30rsquo
Slow FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist D y o ich woods Wildlife Ca dinal ing-necked pheasant uffed g ouse wild tu key dee squi els
Food Seeds buds twigs ba k
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
GroundcoverHerbaceous Perennials
Boneset Eupatorium p rfoliatum
4-6rsquo Full Sun D y o Moist Wet meadows ma shes pond edges
Wildlife Malla ds uffed g ouse swamp spa ow wild tu key butte flies and othe insects
Food Necta
Blue Flag I is Iris v rsicolor 2-3rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Ma shes lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Blue-winged teal uby-th oated hummingbi d wood duck butte flies and othe insects musk at
Food Necta shoots
Bunchbe y Cornus canad nsis 3-8rdquo FullPa t Shade Moist Cool moist woods Wildlife Sha p-tailed g ouse sp uce-g ouse moose
Food F uit buds
Ca dinal Flowe Lob lia cardinalis 2-4rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Damp sites st eambanks Wildlife Ruby-th oated hummingbi ds butte flies and othe insects bea dee
Food Necta
Cattail (B oad-Leaf) Typha latifolia Up to 10rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Ma shes lakesho es st eambanks
Wildlife Blue-winged teal black-c owned night he on ed-winged blackbi d king ail least and Ame ican bitte n malla ds ma sh w en swamp spa ow Vi ginia ail chipmunk dee musk at
Food Seed heads
Ch istmas Fe n Polystichium acrostichoid s
Up to 1rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Rich woods Wildlife Ruffed g ouse box tu tle chipmunk abbit
Food F onds filldeheads
Cinnamon Fe n Osmunda cinnamom a
Up to 3rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife B own th ashe uby-th oated hummingbi d uffed g ouse yellow th oat chipmunk dee white-footed mouse vole
Food F onds filldeheads
Foamflowe Tiar lla cordifolia Up to 1rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Rich woods Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Leaves
Golden od (Rough o G ass-Leaved)
Solidago spp 1-5rsquo Full Sun D y o Moist Wet meadows ma shes damp swales
Wildlife Goldfinch junco uffed g ouse swamp spa ow butte flies and othe insects cottontail meadow mice
Food Seeds necta
Page 8
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
GroundcoverHerbaceous Perennials (Continued)
Hay-Scented Fe n D nnsta dtia punctiloula
Up to 2rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Woodlands hillside pastu es Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds filldeheads
Inte upted Fe n Osmunda punctiloula
3-4rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Woodland edges stony d y soil Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds filldeheads
Jewelweed (Spotted-Touch-Me-Not)
Impati ns cap nsis 2-5rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands st eambanks
Wildlife Ring-necked pheasant uffed g ouse uby-th oated hummingbi d vee y butte flies and othe insects white-footed mouse
Food Necta seeds
Joe Pye Weed Eupatorium purpur um
2-6rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Wet meadows ma shes sho es Wildlife Ruby-th oated hummingbi d swamp spa ow butte flies and othe insects cottontail musk at accoon
Food Necta
New England Aste Ast r nova -anglia
Up to 5rsquo Full Sun D y o Moist Wet meadows wetlands Wildlife Songbi ds butte flies and othe insects Food Necta seeds
Ost ich Fe n Pt r tis p nsylvanica
Up to 6rsquo FullPa t Shade Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds fiddleheads
Pa t idgebe y Mitch lla r p ns Up to 1rsquo FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Rich woods Wildlife G ouse mammals
Food Be ies
Rattlesnake Manna G ass
Glyc ria canad nsis
Up to 3rsquo Full Sun Moist Ma shes bogs fo ested wetlands lakesho es
Wildlife Songbi ds and mammals
Food Seeds
Rice Cutg ass L rsia oryzoid s Up to 5rsquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
P ima ily f esh ma shes Wildlife Dee musk at moose
Food Seeds foliage
Rive bank G ape (Vine) Vistis riparia Up to 25rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist St eambanks Wildlife Pileated woodpecke uffed g ouse wild tu key wood duck va ious mammals
Food F uit
Royal Fe n Osmunda r galis Up to 5rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Mammals
Food F onds fiddleheads
Sensitive Fe n Onocl a s nsibilis Up to 3rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo ested wetlands Wildlife Black-capped chickadee uffed g ouse bea dee
Food Buds foliage
Sheep Lau el Kalmia angustifolia
Up to 4rsquo FallPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Moist Flood Tole ant
Sh ub and fo est wetlands fieldspastu es
Poisonous to livestock
Swamp Milkweed Ascl pias incarnata
Up to 2rsquo FallPa t Shade Moist Wet meadows wetlands thickets sho es
Wildlife Black duck malla ds ed-winged blackbi d uby-th oated hummingbi d Mona ch butte fly othe butte flies and insects musk at Food Necta seeds
Page 9
Common Name(s)
Latin Name
Height Light Preference
Soil Preference
Habitat Associated Birds amp Mammals (Cover Nesting or Food)
amp Food Value
GroundcoverHerbaceous Perennials (Continued)
Sweet Fe n Componia p rigrina
1-3rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y Open d y sandy soils and pastu es
Wildlife Flicke s sha p-tailed g ouse dee moose
Food F uit
Tall Meadow Rue Thalictrum polyganum
2-8rsquo FullPa t Shade Moist Wetlands wet meadows st eamsides
Wildlife Bees butte flies
Food Necta
Tussock Sedge Car x stricta Up to 4rdquo Full Sun Moist Flood Tole ant
Ma shes ich woods Wildlife Finches uffed g ouse snipe spa ows dee
Food Seeds foliage
Twinflowe Linna a bor alis Up to 6rdquo FullPa t Shade Moist Rich woods Wildlife Mammals
Food Foliage
Vi ginia C eepe (Vine) Parth nocissus quinqu folia
Up to 25rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist Woods ocky banks Wildlife Bluebi d g eat-c ested flycatche ed-eyes vi eo pileated woodpecke
Food Be ies
Who led Loosest ife Lysimachia quadrifolia
Up to 4rsquo FullPa t Shade o Full Sun
D y o Moist D y o moist open woods thickets
Wildlife Mammals
Food Foliage
Wild Sa sapa illa Aralia nudicanlis 8-15rdquo FullPa t Shade D y o Moist Upland woods Wildlife Mammals
Food Foliage seeds be ies
Winte g een (Teabe yChecke be y)
Gaulth ria procumb ns
Up to 4rdquo Full Sun D y Oak woods sandy soils Wildlife Pa t idge uffed g ouse songbi ds chipmunk dee moose
Food F uit foliage
References
Baldwin Hen y Ives ldquoFor st L av s How to Id ntify Tr s and Shrubs of North rn N w Englandrdquo Pete E Randall Publishe 1993
Connecticut Rive Joint Commission ldquoRiparian Buff rs for th Conn cticut Riv r Wat rsh drdquo 2000 httpwwwc jco gpdffilesPlant20listspdf
Ha low William M ldquoTr s of th East rn and C ntral Unit d Stat s and Canadardquo Dove Publications 1942
New Hampshi e Depa tment of Envi onmental Se vices Th Critical Edg Appendix D 1998
New Hampshi e Depa tment of Resou ces and Economic Development Division of Fo ests and Lands State Fo est Nu su y ldquoWildlif Cons rvation Sp ci s D scriptionsrdquo 2001
Nie ing William A ldquoNational Audubon Soci ty Natur Guid s W tlandsrdquo Chanticlee P ess Inc 1997
Redington Cha les B ldquoPlants in W tland Fi ld Guid to Biological Int ractionssrdquo KendallHunt Publishing Company 1994
Sutton Ann and My on ldquoNational Audubon Soci ty Natur Guid s East rn For stsrdquo Alf ed A Knopf Inc 1997
Unive sity of New Hampshi e Coope ative Extension ldquoTr s and Shrubs in N w Hampshir A Guid book for Natural B auty Proj ctsrdquo Bulletin 163
Unive sity of New Hampshi e Coope ative Extension ldquoN w Hampshir rsquos Nativ Tr s Shrubs and Vin s with Wildlif Valu rdquo
Compiled by
Jen D ociak New Hampshi e Depa tment of Envi onmental Se vices Wate Division Wate shed Management Bu eau
Ma ch 2006
Page 10