AQUATIC PLANTS

Guide To Aquatic and Wetland Plants

of West Virginia

by Norma Jean Venable

Illustrated by Ann Payne

Cooperative Extension Service

West Virginia University Extension and Public Service

SERIES 803

Introduction Aquatic and wetland plants come in a variety of shapes and sizes and fill many ecological niches. Plants range from small, bog-dwelling carnivorous sundew plants that trap and digest insects to large river and lake inhabiting pondweeds that provide food and shelter to many species of wildlife. Aquatic and wetland plants do not belong to any one particular plant family. Rather, they are derived from several terrestrial plant families and have in some cases developed special similar modifications to aid survival in a wet environment. Such adaptations for certain plant species include presence of both underwater and floating leaves, deeply dissected leaves, thick waxy leaves, and specialized pollination mechanisms. In addition to these special adaptations, many aquatic plants also show great variation in growth patterns. For instance, arrowhead, when emerged, has the typical arrowhead 3-lobed leaf, but when flooded, the leaf may be linear and not spread in the typical form. The definition of the term "aquatic" can be subject to various interpretations. Aquatic plants themselves, however, do not always fit rigid definitions, although they can be described as those species that normally start in water and must grow for at least a part of their life cycle in water, either completely submersed or emersed. Based on this definition, over 120 aquatic plants can occur in West Virginia. Add to this number the multitude of plants that grow in wetland situations, and the number of aquatic and wetland plants occurring in West Virginia is impressive. Indeed, a guide to common wetland and aquatic species for the United States and Canada describes over 750 species, many of which occur in this state. This publication is presented to aid persons interested in plant identification, but is not intended to describe or list all possible aquatic and wetland plants in West Virginia. The intent here is to describe the more common plants and representative plant families that occur in wetland situations. Identification of these plants can help develop a better understanding of ecological relationships and help in the understanding of the plant for its potential use in providing food and cover for wildlife, including waterfowl, fish, and other wetland species. It is also helpful to recognize ornamental plants, such as the American lotus, or edible plants, such as watercress, and poisonous plants, such as water hemlock. Problem wetland plants do occur, although some aquatic "weed" problems in West Virginia ponds are caused by excessive algal growth. Emergent vegetation,

with, perhaps, the exception of cattails, does not usually present problems and can be controlled by lowering the water level of the pond in fall, which dries out vegetation in shallow water areas. Keeping pond margins to a depth of about 3 feet will also help prevent establishment of emergents. Submersed vegetation (such as pondweeds) and floating vegetation (such as cowlily) can interfere with recreational use of water. Mechanical control involves draining the pond- not always practical. Before taking control measures, it should be remembered that submersed vegetation such as pondweeds and naiad provide food for waterfowl, while emergents provide cover for fish and other aquatic organisms, vertebrate and invertebrate. Concerns about control of aquatic plants and possible effects on wildlife should be referred to an Extension Specialist or Biologist. The vascular plant families described in this publication are presented in the same taxonomic order in which they appear in standard plant classification manuals and references, such as Beal, Gleason, and Strausbaugh and Core. Readers wishing more information such as technical descriptions and detailed botanical illustrations beyond the scope of this work should consult the above and other references listed in the back of this booklet. Latin names and listings of plant families in this work follow that in Strausbaugh and Core's Flora of West Virginia. To aid the reader in plant identification, a habitat sketch that indicates the type of aquatic situation where these plants usually occur is included, as aquatics are sometimes described as to whether they are (1) free floating, such as duckweed-, (2) totally submersed, such as naiad; (3) bottom rooted and floating, such as waterlily; (4) emergent and rooted, such as quillwort; (5) totally emergent, with roots in water or mud, such as cattails; and (6) woody, growing in wet areas, such as alders. Reference is made in the text for each plant as to type of aquatic situation in which the plant is usually found. It should be remembered that plants can be found out of their usual habitat, given weather fluctuations and other circumstances. Also some plants, such as quillwort, can be found in more than one habitat. Others, such as water plantain, can tolerate submergence, although it usually occurs in muddy, shallow waters. It is hoped that this publication will promote not only a better recognition of aquatic and wetland plants and their uses, but concern and appreciation for our valuable-and vulnerable- wetland resources.

Norma Jean Venable Edmond B. Collins

Aquatic and Wetland Plant Habitat Guide 1. Free floating, such as duckweed 2. Totally submersed, such as naiad 3. Bottom rooted and floating, such as waterlily 4. Emergent and rooted, such as quillwort 5. Totally emergent, such as cattails 6. Streambank and wet area plants, such as alders

Acknowledgments Deep appreciation is expressed to Linda Rader, Assistant Curator, West Virginia University Herbarium, and to Gary White, for reviewing the manuscript and offering many helpful suggestions. Appreciation is also expressed to Gary Gwinn, State Biologist, for review of the plant list and discussion of problem plants, and to Charles Sperow, Extension

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Types of aquatic habitat are also classified as: wet (riparian), shallow standing water (marsh), and open water (aquatic). Note: Plants can be found out of their usual habitat, given weather fluctuations and other conditions.

Specialist, Agronomy for reviewing the plant list. Technical Review: William N. Grafton, Extension Wildlife Specialist. Faculty consultant, and support for this series on West Virginia natural resources: Edmond B. Collins, Division Leader, Agriculture, Forestry, and Community Development.

Contents Scouring Rush..................................................5 Quillwort .........................................................6 Broad-leaved Cattail ........................................7 American Burreed ............................................8 Muskie Weed...................................................9 Curly Pondweed...............................................10 Ribbonleaf Pondweed.......................................10 Saga Pondweed ..............................................11 Naiad...............................................................12 Common Water Plantain ...................................13 Arrowhead.......................................................14 Waterweed.......................................................15 Eeigrass ...........................................................16 Bluejoint ..........................................................17 Wood Reedgrass...............................................18 Rattlesnake Mannagrass....................................19 Rice Cutgrass...................................................20 Prairie Cordgrass..............................................21 Reed Grass.......................................................22 Yellow-green Sedge..........................................23 Galingale ........................................................24 Blunt Spikerush................................................24 Cotton Grass ....................................................25 Beakrush..........................................................26 American Bulrush.............................................27 Great Bulrush...................................................28 Calamus ...........................................................29 Golden Club .....................................................29 Skunk Cabbage ................................................30 Least Duckweed...............................................31 Greater Duckweed............................................31 Watermeal........................................................31 Water Stargrass ................................................32 Mud Plantain ....................................................33 Pickerelweed....................................................34 Common Rush..................................................35 Yellow Iris .......................................................36 Nodding Ladies'Tresses ....................................37 Lizard's-tail ......................................................38 Black Willow ...................................................39 Speckled Alder .................................................40 Water Smartweed.............................................41 Arrowleaf Tearthumb........................................42 Hornwort .........................................................43 Cowlily ............................................................44

Fragrant Waterlily ............................................44 Watershield .....................................................45 American Lotus ................................................45 Spearwort.........................................................46 Marsh-marigold ................................................47 Mountain Watercress........................................48 Watercress .......................................................48 Sundew............................................................49 Riverweed........................................................50 Pipestem..........................................................51 White Avens ....................................................52 Larger Water Starwort......................................53 Jewelweed........................................................54 Swamp Rose Mallow ........................................55 Glade St. John's-wort .......................................56 Swamp Loosestrife ...........................................57 Spiked Loosestrife ............................................58 Marsh Pursiane.................................................59 Purple-leaved Willow-herb................................60 Water-milfoil ...................................................61 Mermaid Weed.................................................62 Poison-hemlock................................................63 Water Parsnip ...................................................64 Cowbane..........................................................64 Kinnikinnik ......................................................65 Large Cranberry...............................................66 Swamp Milkweed.............................................67 Turtlehead........................................................68 Monkey-flower.................................................69 Clammy Hedge-hyssop .....................................70 False Pimpernel................................................71 Purslane Speedwell ...........................................72 Humped Bladderwort........................................73 Water-willow ...................................................74 Buttonbush.......................................................75 Cardinal flower.................................................76 Nodding Beggar-Ticks ......................................77 Soneset............................................................78 Candelabra Plant ..............................................80 Sphagnum Moss ...............................................81 Plant Index.......................................................82 References ......................................................85

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Primitive Vascular Plants Horsetails and quillworts, along with ferns and clubmosses, are termed primitive vascular plants because they have a less developed vascular system or network of tissues that transport food and water than do more advanced plants. These plants do not have flowers and reproduce by means of spores. EQUISETACEAE-Horsetail Family These are rush- like plants with jointed and usually hollow stems. Horsetails reproduce by means of spores located in a spike or cone- like cluster at the tip of the main stem or branches. Four species* of horsetail occur in West Virginia. Scouring Rush Equisetum hyemale Stems grow to around 4 feet tall, usually in clusters, and are slender, grooved, evergreen, hollow, and photosynthetic. Stems, which do not have any branches, as do some other species of horsetails, have a rough surface because of the presence of silica particles. Small, scale-like leaves are located on cylindrical collars or sheaths along the stem. There is a dark band at top and bass of each collar. Spores are located in a cone- like structure at the tip of the stem. Bundles of these plants were used for scouring, as the rough silica particles help scour grease and dirt, hence the common name. Scouring rush grows along stream banks and wet places in the eastern panhandle, where it is locally abundant, but it is not common in the rest of the state. *Number of plant species occurring in West Virginia listed in this work is based on numbers listed in Core's Flora. It is possible that more species than the listed number occur as new plants come into the state or as records are updated. In general the species illustrated here are the most common or representative species in the state. Readers wanting more specific identification of all species should consult Core.

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ISOETACEAE-Quillwort Family Quillworts are aquatic plants that have an overall grass- like appearance. They usually, but not always, grow in water, rooted in bottom mud, with slender leaves just reaching the water surface. Leaves reach 15 inches tall, are awl shaped, and grow in rosettes that arise from branching roots. Leaf bases are enlarged and contain sacs of spore cases. Habitat of quillworts is variable. They may be found on shores, muddy places, or in rivers, streams, and bogs, or submersed relatively deep in lakes. Muskrats and ducks may eat roots of some quillworts. Cattle may eat the slender leaves. One species occurs in West Virginia; another is reported to occur. Quillwort lsoetes engelmanni There may be 10 to 100 leaves or more. Leaves are light green, slender, and tapered. With a hand lens and a plant in good condition, 2 kinds of spores, the megaspore (female) and microspore (male) can sometimes be seen in the sporangia, or spore-producing organs, at the swollen leaf bases. Habitat is variable, as quillwort grows in mud or submersed in ponds. Although found chiefly in mountain counties, quillwort may be more common, as it is often mistaken for grass. 6

Vascular Plants Plants described in this section are vascular plants having a more highly developed system of conducting tissues that transport food and water. Plants usually bear seeds, flowers, and have true roots. TYPHACEAE-Cattail Family These tall marsh plants grow in dense stands. Leaves are long and blade- like. Stems are stiff with a brown head of closely packed female (pistillate) flowers, topped by a slender "tail" of male (staminate) flowers. Two species occur in West Virginia. Broad-leaved Cattail Typha latifolia These familiar plants growing in wet soil and shallow waters have stems sheathed at the base by long-six feet or more-ribbon- shaped leaves that vary in width from a quarter inch to an inch wide. Leaves appear silvery when the wind blows them. The flower stalk, which grows to eight feet tall, has two spikes, the upper yellowish hairy staminate flowers that are shed in early summer and the lower brown pistillate flowers. These female flowers fluff out into the familiar cattail, with hundreds of tiny fruits, which gradually loosen in fall and winter. Edible rootstocks are horizontal, branching, and several inches thick. They are rich in starch and are eaten by geese and muskrats. Cattail seeds, however, are small, hairy, and not very palatable. Cattail marshes provide shelter for birds such as marsh wrens, swamp sparrows and red-winged blackbirds. Cattails, which are abundant in wet areas and probably occur in every county, are also believed to remove pollutants from ditches and streams.

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SPARGANIACEAE-Burreed Family These are aquatic or marsh plants up to 5 feet tall with linear, erect, emersed or floating leaves and creeping roots. Young leaves are limp and submersed. When full grown, however, the long leaves sometimes float together in tangles. Leaves may resemble those of eelgrass, but burreeds' somewhat spongy leaves are slightly triangular or three- sided instead of flat. Flowers are unisexual. The male flower is on top of the female spike and soon withers. Female heads bear the nutlets and are persistent. When mature, burreeds can be quickly distinguished by the bur- like prickly seed heads. Habitat varies. Some grow in streams and lakes. Others are more common along water margins in mud. Burreeds are found throughout the state, and are frequently the dominant plants in marshy pond borders. Waterfowl and marsh birds eat burreed seeds. Muskrats consume the entire plant. Burreeds also provide cover for wildlife. There are 4 species in West Virginia. American Burreed Sparganium americanum This plant is less robust than some of the burreeds, with thin, soft leaves that grow to waist high. Seed balls are to 1 inch in diameter. Ripe seeds have spiny tips. Flowers June to August. It occurs in ponds, swamps, and muddy shores, probably in most counties in the state, and throughout the eastern United States. 8

POTAMOGETONACEAE- Pondweed Family Pondweeds are the largest family of true aquatic seed plants. There are many species, found in both fresh and salt water. Fifteen species (16 if horned pondweed, Zannichellia palustris, is included, as it is in some references) occur in West Virginia. The plants have thread- like, ribbon-like, or egg-shaped leaves scattered on flexible underwater stems, which vary from upright to horizontal. Leaves on the same plant may all look alike or be of two kinds: submersed and floating. Submersed leaves are usually alternate from each other, elongated or linear, and delicate, sometimes collapsing when removed from water. Floating leaves are often opposite each other, thicker, and broad, some 4 inches long and 2 inches wide. Some pondweeds are totally submersed in the water, except for their flowers; others have leaves floating at the water surface. In summer, pondweeds produce small greenish or brownish flowers which are usually close together in oblong or ball- like spikes. In bloom, the upper spike of flowers is often above water but by the time the fleshy seeds are ripe the spikes may be under water. The flowers and flower stalk are axillary - rising from where the leaf joins the stem. Some coarse- leaved pondweeds are of little value to wildlife except for the seeds. Other pondweeds are more delicate and all parts of the plant are edible for waterfowl. These are sometimes planted in ponds to provide food and habitat for wildlife. Muskie Weed, Bass Weed Potamogetan amplifolius Floating leaves are large, with many (30 to 50) veins. Submersed or underwater leaves are curved, or strongly arched lengthwise, 7 to 8 inches long. Entire plant may be several feet in length. Fruiting spike is conspicuous. Fruit is somewhat egg shaped, with broad tip. This plant occurs in hard water.

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Curly Pondweed Potamogeton crispus The flattened stem and curly, crispy and wavy edges of submersed leaves (there are no floating leaves) make this pondweed easy to identify. Fruit is long beaked. This is found in streams and ponds throughout the state. Introduced from Europe, it grows in clear and polluted waters to depths of 5 feet. When established, it can be a troublesome, aggressive weed. Ribbonleaf Pondweed Potamogeton opihydrus Stems are flattened; floating leaves (if present) are oval, up to about 3 inches long, mostly opposite each other. The limp underwater leaves have a light-colored center stripe. Fruit is round to egg shaped, 3 keeled. It is found in lakes, pools, and slow streams and is common in most parts of the state. 10

Sago Pondweed Potamogeton pectinatus Stem is filiform, or thread-like, long and slender, and branching. There are no floating leaves; submersed leaves are narrow and slender. Fruit is scattered on the spike, fruit is flattened, with a short beak. This grows in calcareous (hard) waters. Sago pondweed is an important wildlife food. Waterfowl, shorebirds, and animals such as muskrats relish the edible tubers (roots) and seeds. Other pondweeds found in the state include: Leafy Pondweed, Potamogeton follosus, has a thread- like stem, no floating leaves, and narrow submersed leaves. This has ball- like clusters of seeds on the end of the spike. It occurs in still waters throughout the state. Variable Pondweed, or Snailseed Pondweed, Potamogelon diversifollus, has a stem that is bushy and branched. Floating leaves are usually (but not always) present. Submersed leaves are thread-like. Leaf bases form a sheath around the stem. Plant usually has several ball- like, almost stalkless underwater seed heads. Seeds resemble tiny, flat snails. Found in quiet waters and is common throughout the state. Horned Pondweed, Zannichellia palustris, is a submersed plant with opposite, linear leaves. Both leaves and stem are thread- like. Fruits are often toothed, accounting for the name. This occurs in ponds; reported from Greenbrier, Berkeley and Monongalia counties.

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NAJADACEAE-Naiad, or Water Nymph Family Naiads are small, delicate, branching aquatic annuals with narrow, thread-like opposite leaves. They are submersed, and tend to resemble a bunch of brushes. Slender leaves are swollen at base and form whorls along the stem. Naiad leaves are best seen with the aid of a hand lens. Naiads are good duck food. Three species occur in West Virginia, found occasionally. Naiad Naias minor Stems are slender, and leaves are very narrow and minutely toothed. Leaves usually curve outward. Flowers are small, often clustered in the leaf axils. This is an introduced species, and is becoming more widespread. 12

ALISMATACEAE-Water Plantain Family These are marsh herbs with flowers rising on a leafless stalk. Leaves have long stems. Several members of this family occur in West Virginia, including arrowhead (Sagittaria). Common Water Plantain Alisms subcordatum Height is over two feet. Leafy blade may be up to about 6 inches long with a rounded or slightly notched base. Leaves may be either floating or emergent, growing in rosettes. Leaves are broad, egg shaped, and coarsely veined, with long stems. Submersed leaves are ribbon- like. The flowers are small on the ends of slender branching structures. Branched flower structure, or infloresconce, is highly branched in Alisma, and is the most striking characteristic of this plant. The small flowers have three petals, and are usually white to rose colored. Plant is ankle to waist high. Flowers grow higher than the leaves. Ripe seeds, termed achenes, are less than ? inch long. Plants grow in mud and shallow water throughout the state. They are not abundant, but may occur in every county. Two species of water plantain occur in West Virginia. Arrowhead (Sagittaria) is another group of plants common in aquatic habitats. Height may be over three feet. Leaves vary considerably and may be shaped like broad spearheads, or appear linear or ribbon- like, blunt or sharp tipped, submersed or floating, stiff or limp. The arrowhead form of the leaves accounts for the common name. Flowers are white, with three petals and three sepals surrounding the crowded nutlets. Flowers are conspicuous when in bloom. Small flattish seeds (termed achenes) are crowded together in the globe-shaped heads. Arrowheads are found mostly in shallow water, along muddy shores, and in marshes. Some species of arrowhead, such as the one pictured, called duck potato or wapato, produce edible potato-sized tubers eaten by wildfowl. While some tubers are too large or deeply buried to be reached, those growing in mud or shallow water are accessible to the birds and are an important food source. Five species occur in West Virginia.

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Arrowhead, or Duck Potato Sagittaria latifolia Arrowhead grows to about 3 feet high. Leaves vary greatly in shape, from linear to spear shaped, although leaves of mature plants are usually arrowhead shaped. Ripe seed balls look streaked. Achenes, or seeds, are somewhat egg shaped. Flowers July to September. This occurs in shallow water, probably in every county. 14

HYDROCHARITACEAE- Frog's Bit Family These are aquatic herbs, partially or completely submersed, sometimes floating. Fruit ripens underwater. This family includes Elodea (waterweeds) and Vallisneria (tapegrass). Waterweeds (Elodea) are slender stemmed, branching submersed aquatics with opposite or whorled leaves (leaves arranged as spokes on a wheel). The leaves, which are linear to oblong, are sessile (stalkless) and sometimes bunch together on the top of the stem. Leaves are not broadened at bases, as are naiads. Small flowers are white, or pinkish, and axillary, rising from the stem and leaf, extended to the surface by an elongated tube. Fruit is a spindle-shaped pod borne at the base of the leaves. There are two species of waterweed in West Virginia. Waterweed Elodea canadensis Elodea has long stems to about 3 feet in length which are crowded with leaves that measure about 1/2 inch long. Leaves are translucent, dark green, usually in whorls of 3, lower ones in twos. Elodea is found both rooted and drifting free. Flowers float on the surface of the water. Elodea can be found in sluggish lakes, ponds, and slow streams, and can occur in calcareous waters. Plants grow quickly and are considered weeds in some aquatic situations. Some waterfowl feed on leafy stems, but plants don't produce enough seeds (reproduction is mainly vegetative) to be a high quality waterfowl food. Plants are commonly used in aquariums.

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The genus Vallisneria is comprised of submersed grasslike plants. There is one species in the state. Eelgrass, Tapegrass, Wild Celery Vallisneris americans Eelgrass, which roots in mud or sand, has long, thin, linear leaves which may be up to about 6 feet in length. The clusters of pale green leaves resemble ribbons. Leaves have a fine-veined, light-colored center stripe. Upper part of leaves may float on the water. Staminate (male) and pistillate (female) flowers float at the surface on long slender stems. Flowers are white. After pollination, a recoiling spiral stem submerges maturing fruit. Fruit is berry-like, with many seeds embedded in a jelly- like mass. The pods are cylindrical. Common in shallow lakes, ponds, slow streams, and rivers, eelgrass is an important waterfowl food. Waterfowl relishes all parts of the plant, especially the fleshy fruit and the thickened rhizomes or rootstock. Teal can be seen feeding on fragments of eelgrass, and fish and muskrats also eat this plant. It is often planted to improve the waterfowl food supply. 16

GRAMINEAE-Grass Family Many species of grasses occur in West Virginia, some of which are of agricultural importance. Characteristics of grasses include stems that are usually round, hollow, and jointed. (Corn stems, however, are not hollow.) The leaf overlaps the stem and can be pulled from the stem without breaking the place where the leaf (sheath) joins the stem. Leaves are 2-ranked and fruit is a grain (caryopsis). Bluejoint, Reedgrass Calamagrostis canadensis Bluejoint grows from about 1 to 5 feet tall, usually reaching 2 feet. There is a little tuft of hairs at the base of the flower. Seen from a distance, this grass has a diamond-shaped flower cluster, although after flowering, branches hug the stem and the inflorescence is wispy. Dried flower stalks remain for a while and overtop the leaves. Glumes, or scales, are purplish tinged. Bluejoint grows in wet places, open woods, and meadows, in the mountain counties.

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Wood Reedgrass Cinna arundinacea A medium- to tall-sized grass, wood reedgrass grows 1 to 5 feet tall. Flowers are pale green to pale purple, turning tan. Branches are usually spreading or drooping. lnflorescence (flower cluster) is large, 4 to 16 inches. This grows in shaded swamps and moist woods throughout the state, probably in every county. 18

Rattlesnake Mannagrass Glyceria canadensis This grows 1 to 3 feet tall. Flower clusters are green, fat and heavy; leaf blades are rough on both sides. Stems are slender. This occurs in glades in mountain counties.

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Rice Cutgrass Leersia oryzoides Rice cutgrass grows 2 to 7 feet tall. It has an overall asymmetrical shape, with yellow-green flower clusters. Branches droop slightly. Leaf edges are very rough and cut and abrade into flesh, hence the common name. Walking through a patch of cutgrass can be an unpleasant experience. This is found in swamps, ditches, borders of streams and lakes, often forming a distinct vegetation zone. Ducks and sparrows eat seeds of rice cutgrass. Ducks also eat rootstocks. It is common in all parts of the state. 20

Prairie Cordgrass Spartina pectinata This is a tall grass, growing 2 to 7 feet high. The stiff branches are widely spaced apart on the stem. A distinctive feature of this grass is that the flowers are all lined on one side of the branch (pectinata means comb-like). Leaves are long and thin. This grass has been used for hay. It occurs on banks of rivers, lakes, and swamps, primarily in mountain counties.

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Reed Grass Phragmites communis Reedgrass is easily recognized with its gray-green stiff wide leaves, plume-like inflorescence, and large size, up to 13 feet. Flower clusters are up to 1 feet long, often purple when young, turning whitish and fluffy when older. This is a very common grass on the east coast and often invades areas where land has been disturbed. Reedgrass grows in large colonies, spreads by means of rhizomes, and grows vigorously even if burned. Not that common in West Virginia, it may become more widely established. 22

CYPERACEAE-Sedge Family Sedges resemble grasses, except for the following: stems are usually solid, not jointed, and are usually triangular, not round. If the leaf is pulled from the stem, the leaf tears- the sedge leaf is fused to the stem. Leaves are 3 ranked. Fruit is termed an achene-a single-seeded dry indehiscent (does not split) fruit. There are many sedges in West Virginia. Precise identification of sedges is difficult. Recognition of certain sedge characteristics can be of help in at least placing the sedge in the correct genus, 11 of which occur in West Virginia. CAREX A distinguishing feature of the genus Carex is the sac (perigynium) around each female flower. Sometimes the sac is large and easy to see. Sometimes it is not. Flower spikelets can be solitary or clustered, staminate or pistillate. Flowers can occur on same or separate spikelet. Some 89 species of Carex occur in West Virginia. Yellow-green Sedge Carex lurida Carex lurida grows 8 inches to 3 feet tall and has a triangular stern. Male and female flower clusters are cylindrically shaped. Flower sacs are small, slightly inflated and with a straight beak. Leaves are long and loose, with elongated bracts (leaf- like structures). This grows in swamps and wet woods and is common throughout the state.

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CYPERUS A characteristic of the genus Cyperus is flattened flower spikelets, commonly arrayed in terminal umbels (umbrella- like structures). Some 11 species occur in West Virginia. Galingale, Sedge-grass Cyperus strigosus This grows 1 to 3 feet tall. It has a triangular stern with branches that radiate from the top. Flower scales are yellow-green and flowers are long and flattened in shape. Flower clusters look like a bottle brush. Long leafy bracts (modified leaves) subtend the inflorescence. This grows in damp or fertile soil and in gardens, and is distributed throughout the state. Edible nutgrass, nut sedge, or chufa (Cyperus esculentus) is similar to galingale but has hard little tubers at the end of the stolons or root part of the plant. It grows 8 inches to 3 feet high; tubers are edible. This grows in moist fields throughout the state and may be a troublesome weed in gardens and fields, although it is cultivated in Europe. Waterfowl, game birds, and songbirds seek tubers. ELEOCHARIS Leafless stems characterize the genus Eleocharis with a single conical flower cluster at the top; they are called spikerushes and grow in wet places. Ducks eats the achenes of some spikerushes. Nine species occur in the state. Blunt Spikerush Elsochatis obtusa Spikerush has a flower inflorescence on top of each stem. Spikelets are oval or oblong and brown. Stems are soft, fat or thin. These plants grow in clumps to about 2 feet tall in muddy and wet places and are widely distributed throughout the state. 24

ERIOPHORUM The genus Eriophorum is characterized by a perianth (sepals and petals) that becomes cotton-like in appearance. One species grows in the state. Cotton Grass Eriophorum virginicum The fluffy clusters of white hairs that resemble tufts of cotton easily distinguish this plant, which grows 1 to 4 feet tall. Leaves are flat. This grows in higher elevation bogs and wet places and may comprise a conspicuous part of bog vegetation such as at Cranesville Swamp.

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RHYNCHOSPORA The genus Rhynchospora is characterized by fruits that have a projection on the top, termed the beak or tubercle. Three species occur in the state. Beakrush Rhynchospora capitellata This grows to 5 feet tall, usually smaller, has thin, weak, somewhat triangular sterns, and irregularly-shaped scaly brown flower clusters. The body of the achene is smooth, about as long as the beak. Beakrush grows in moist soil and is common throughout most of the state. 26

SCIRPUS The genus Scirpus is characterized by flower spikelets that are solitary or in terminal clusters, commonly subtended by a whorl of bracts, or leaves, termed an involucre. Achenes, or seeds, are an important waterfowl food. About 12 species occur in the state. American Bulrush, Three-square, Swordgrass Scirpus americanus This plant has a lot of variation in height-it grows from several inches to slightly over 3 feet tall. Stem is triangular in cross section. Scaly reddish brown clusters of flower spikelets arise from the side of the stem. Spikelets are sharp lipped. There are no stalks and no leafy bracts under the flower inflorescence. This grows in borders of ponds and streams, scattered throughout the state.

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Great Bulrush Scirpus validus This grows to 6 feet high, or higher. Stem is stout, up to an inch thick, but is soft and smooth and can be crushed between the fingers. Unlike many other sedge stems, this one is round in cross section. Clusters of spikelets are reddish brown and drooping. This grows in margins of ponds and quiet streams, probably in every county. 28

ARACEAE-Arum Family Characteristic of many species of this family is a large leaf- like structure, called a spathe, which surrounds or partly enfolds a spike- like stem called a spadix, on which are borne tiny flowers. Calamus, or Sweet Flag Acorus calamus Leaves may be up to 5 feet high, about an inch wide, tapering to a sharp sword-shaped tip. Glossy, yellowish green leaves sheathe one another tightly as they grow from rootstocks. The main leaf vein is off center near the leaf edge. This vein is conspicuous and distinguishes the leaves of sweet flag from the long narrow leaves of a cattail that lack this noticeable vein. The flower spike (termed the spadix) is cylindrical, yellow- green, and appears laterally on the tapering stern. Sweet flag is widespread, occurring at the edges of shallow ponds, streams, and wet places, and spreading over partially drained marshes. In such a habitat sweet flag may not flower or fruit. Leaves, stems, and rootstocks are spice scented when crushed. Early settlers collected the aromatic rootstocks (rhizomes) and dried them to use for reputed medicinal purposes. One species grows throughout the state. Golden Club Orontium aquaticum Height is to about 2 feet. Plants may grow in a solid mass. Rootstocks are thick, growing under mud. The oblong, clustered long- stalked leaves have a satiny dull green sheen on the upper side while the underside is whitish with many lengthwise veins. Leaves may be emergent or floating, depending on water depth. Small flowers appear on a whitish, club-shaped flower stalk, or spadix. The spathe, or leaf, at first encloses the spadix but later remains as a reduced bract or leaf at the base of the flower stalk, or falls off. Small yellow flowers appear April to May, followed by fruits about a month later. Golden club may be grown as an ornamental. This attractive plant is common in shallow streams, ponds, and swamps, especially in the eastern part of the state.

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Skunk Cabbage Symplocarpus foetidus Since skunk cabbage is found as early as February, it can be considered one of our earliest wildflowers. The leaves grow to about 2 feet long and almost as wide. Leaves, which emit a foul odor if bruised, appear after the flowers, which are small and inconspicuous, packed on a globular spadix. The spathe is spotted and striped with yellow-green and purple. This plant varies in appearance, depending on the time of the year. In the fall, only the sphere-shaped spadix may be noticeable, while earlier in the summer the large leaves are most conspicuous. The unpleasant odor attracts flies and insects that pollinate the flowers. Rootstocks are thick and straight and may be eaten by black bears. This very common plant is found in swamps and wet soil. 30

LEMNACEAE-Duckweed Family Duckweeds are tiny, free-floating plants, not over 1/3 of an inch in width. The tiny globular plant body (frond) doesn't have a definite leaf or stem. Duckweeds may appear as tiny green specks floating in the water, or may grow and form extensive mats. Duckweeds are our smallest flowering plants, but flowers and fruit are infrequent and are seldom seen. Duckweeds, as the name suggests, are excellent duck food. Several species occur at various places in the state. (Illustrations are enlarged to show plant structure.) Least Duckweed Lemna minor Least duckweed has one root per tiny plant body. The thallus, or leaf, is round to elliptic. This occurs in stagnant waters. Greater Duckweed Spirodela polyrhiza This plant has several rootlets hanging from the lower surface. Thallus is round to oval, not over about 1/3 of an inch. This plant can spread rapidly in ponds where there is a high circular fill and little wind action. Watermeal Wolffia punctata Watermeal is the smallest of all flowering plants, and resembles tiny green oblong grains. This tiny plant has no roots. It is rare in the state.

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PONTEDERIACEAE- Pickerelweed Family These are aquatic plants of muddy habitat and shallow water. They have glossy, dark- green long-stemmed leaves and a spike of flowers. Flowers have leaf- like spathes. Three members of this family grow in West Virginia. Water Stargrass, Mud-plantain Heteranthera dubla This plant is usually a submersed aquatic, sometimes many feet in length. The slender stern is forked and flattened, and the joints may be several feet apart. The plant roots at the joints. Leaves are linear, thick, long, flat, and parallel veined. The pale yellow inconspicuous flowers are borne at the end of a long stern. Flowers produce slim pods with tiny seeds. Mud-plantain does well in alkaline water and occurs in still waters and ponds. It provides plenty of shelter for fish. 32

Mud Plantain Heteranthera reniformis With this mud plantain, the leaves are more round to kidney shaped, with 30 to 40 lengthwise running main veins. Flowers are white or pale blue, 2 to 10 in a cluster, appearing in August to October. This plant, found growing in mud or floating in shallow water, is a more southern species.

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Pickerelweed Pontederia cordata These attractive plants with bright green leaves and violet-blue flowers grow to 4 feet high. Leaves are triangular or spear shaped. The leaves also have long, thick stems arising from the base of the plant. Conspicuous flowers are crowded on a spike- like structure supported by a leafy- like spathe. Some of the stamens are long, giving the flowers a fringed effect. Fruit is bladder- like. The bright blue spires of pickerelweed are a common sight on marshy, mucky edges of shallow ponds and slow streams. Its value as a wildlife food is low, although black ducks and wood duck eat the seeds, as do muskrat. Not frequent in West Virginia, but common elsewhere. 34

JUNCACEAE-Rush Family These are annual or perennial grass- like herbs with spongy or hollow stems and small, clustered green or brown flowers. Rushes grow principally in wet soil or water. Some 21 species grow in West Virginia. Common Rush Juncus effusus This 1- to 5-feet-high plant grows in bunches, or tussocks, and is known as swamp or needlegrass, although it is not a grass but related to the lily family. Stems are long, with needle- like tips, and rise from creeping horizontal roots. Leaves are small, mostly reduced to sheathing scales. Small green or brown flowers have 3 petals and 3 sepals; fruit is a greenish brown capsule. The white, spongy pith from inside the stem can be extracted and resembles a wick, which accounts for another name for this plant, candle maker's rush. Rushes grow in wet soil and indicate there is too much moisture to grow cultivated crops. Ducks use rushes for shelter and muskrats feed on the roots. This plant is common throughout the state.

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IRIDACEAE-Iris Family These plants have sword- like leaves and showy flowers in a plan of 3-3 sepals, 3 petals, 3 stamens, and 3 styles. In some members of the iris family, the sepals are reflexed (bent backwards) and the petals are upright. There are 4 species of iris in West Virginia. Yellow Iris Iris pseudacorus Height is to around 3 feet. This native of Europe has established itself in several West Virginia counties. Smooth stiff leaves are long, linear, and pale green. Showy flowers are bright yellow, appearing May to July. Yellow iris grows in wet meadows and stream banks, at various locations throughout the state. 36

ORCHIDACEAE-Orchid Family Flowers are 6-parted, with 3 sepals, 2 lateral petals, and a third petal that is often lip shaped or slipper shaped, and may have a spur. Leaves have parallel veins. Many species of orchids occur in West Virginia. Nodding Ladies'Tresses Spiranthes cernua This member of the orchid family grows about 16 inches tall, with 1/2- inch white flowers; the flower spike is usually spiraled, and has 2 to 3 rows of white fragrant flowers. There are 3 or 4 basal leaves. Roots are slender and fleshy. This is a fall-blooming orchid-August to October. Plant is common in wet meadows, moist places, and mountain bogs, and probably occurs in most counties. Although attractive, this orchid is not as showy as some other orchids. Several species of Spiranthes grow in West Virginia.

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SAURURACEAE-Lizard's-tail Family These plants have coarse, toothless leaves and long, curving "fuzzy tails" or spikes that have small flowers. There is one species in West Virginia. Lizard's-tail Saururus cernuus Plants to about 5 feet tail are colonial, erect, and slightly branched. Leaves are heart shaped, with leaf stalk slightly sheathing at the stem. Small, white flowers are crowded in slender terminal spikes. Flower spike may be up to I foot long, 1/2 inch thick, with the tip curved or nodding. Flowers are fragrant, appearing June to September. Plants grow in swamps, shallow ponds, and along stream margins, mostly in the western (Ohio drainage) part of the state. 38

SALICACEAE-Willow Family Trees and shrubs growing in wet areas, willows have alternate stipulate leaves; a stipule is a leaf appendage or modified leaf at the base of a leaf stem. Both staminate (male) and pistillate (female) flowers are in catkins. Catkins are dry, scaly "pendant" spikes, usually with unisexual flowers, such as are found on willows and birches. Poplars and aspens are also in the willow family. Some 14 species of willow, including Salix cinerea (pussy willow), grow in West Virginia. Most of these, except for weeping willow (S. babylonia), white willow (S. alba), and black willow (S. nigra), are shrubs or small trees. Black Willow Salix nigra Black willow is a shrub or tree that reaches 60 feet in height. Bark is blackish and flaky; wood is brittle; twigs are brown or green. Leaves reach 5 inches long, and are finely toothed, with large stipules. Catkins appear April to May. Very common along streams and wet places, black willow is the largest and most common willow in West Virginia (except at higher elevations).

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CORYLACEAE (or BETULACEAE)- Birch or Hazel Family The hazel family contains shrubs including hazelnuts, birch, and alders. Flowers are in catkins, spikes, or small clusters. Fruit is a nut. ALNUS Alders are shrubs that commonly grow in wet soils along rivers, streams, sloughs, swamps, and wet woodlands. Staminate (male) flowers are borne in long catkins; pistillate (female) flowers are in ovoid catkins that become fruit. Alders have irregularly toothed oval to oblong leaves, with prominent veins. In spring, the pre-formed staminate catkins are tassel- like. Pistillate, female cone- like catkins to 1'/3 inches long remain on the tree (unlike similar structures on birch trees, which disintegrate). Alders often form thickets in moist soils. There are 2 species of alders in West Virginia. Speckled Alder Ainus rugosa Speckled alder is a shrub or small tree, 6 to 20 feet high, leaves oval or finely toothed, dark green above, downy or whitened below. Catkins appear before the leaves, in April. Speckled alders form vast thickets in higher elevation bogs and glades in West Virginia. Brookside alder (Ainus serrulata) has leaves green on both sides, smooth bark, blooms in March to April, and is common in wet soil around streams at lower elevations throughout the state. 40

POLYGONACEAE- Buckwheat Family These are herbs, vines, or shrubs. A characteristic of this family is the presence of an ocrea at the leaf base. An ocrea is a stipule or modified leaf. Members of the buckwheat family usually have these ocreae, or sheathing stipules. This family includes buckwheat, dock (Rumex) and knotweeds or smartweeds (Polygonum). There are many species of this family in the state. Water Smartweed Polygonum coccineum This plant grows to 3 feet high; leaves ovate to lance shaped. Flower spikes are about 5 inches long. Flowers are small, often in an involucre (a whorl of bracts consisting of a cup or fused bracts or small scaly leaves), with 3 to 6 sepals, and petals absent. Flowers bloom July to September. Habitat is variable, muddy, dry, or submersed conditions; land forms have erect or ascending stems; aquatic forms have floating leaves or sterns. This occurs mainly in the mountain counties. Smartweeds have a peppery taste, thus accounting for the name, and are good waterfowl food. Some 20 species of Polygonum occur in West Virginia.

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Arrowleaf Tearthumb Polygonum sagittatum This is an annual, with arrow-shaped leaves to about 5 inches long, noted for their reflexed prickles so sharp they tear flesh. Calyx (sepals) is greenish or rose colored. Plant blooms July to August. It grows in wet soil and is common in all parts of West Virginia. 42

CERATOPHYLLACEAE- Hornwort Family These are submersed aquatics with slender branching stems and whorled leaves. Fruit is an achene. Hornwort, Coontail Ceratophylium demersum Delicate and lacy- looking aquatics, these plants are tougher than they appear. Stems can grow to about 7 feet, depending on water depth. Whorled linear stem-less leaves are in clusters of 5 to 12. Flowers are in small clusters at the leaf bases. Fruits appear July to September and are eaten by ducks. This plant occurs in slow streams and ponds in several counties.

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NYMPHAEACEAE-Waterlily Family These aquatics have long stalks rooted in mud and large floating or emergent leaves. Showy flowers are on separate stalks. Four species occur in West Virginia. Cowlily, Spatterdock Nuphar advena (N. luteum, subsp. macrophylium) This is the familiar cowlily, or yellow waterlily. Leaves are oval, up to 1 foot long and 9 inches wide, with a cleft at the base. Leaves may be floating or out of the water. Flowers to 3 inches in diameter resemble flattened globes, and are greenish outside and yellow to reddish inside. The yellow color comes from the sepals (petals are inconspicuous). There are 5 to 7 rows of stamens. Fruit is egg shaped, about 2 inches long, with many seeds. Rootstocks are thick and spongy, up to a yard or longer, with conspicuous scars. Deer, muskrat, and other wildlife eat thick rootstocks. Cowlily grows in shallow, still and stagnant water in mountain counties. These large-leaved aquatics tolerate muddy waters with fluctuating levels-conditions that may prevent the growth of other more desirable plants. Ducks eat the seeds, but yellow waterlily has a low wildlife value, and in some cases may compete successfully with more valuable plants. Fragrant Waterlily Nymphaea odorata This is one of the showiest of the aquatic plants. Rich green circular leaves are 4 to 12 inches in diameter. Leaves are floating, and are leathery and waterproof on their upper sides. The undersides, which are somewhat purplish, provide a home for snails, caddis- f lies, and other forms of aquatic life. There is a cleft in the leaf base where the slender petiole or stern is attached. Leaf veins radiate from the bottom of the leaf, unlike cowlily leaves where veins radiate from the mid-vein. Flowers, noted for their delightful fragrance, are 3 to 6 inches across with up to 40 pure white or pinkish petals. Flower center has clusters of golden stamens. Fruit is a spongy berry that bursts and discharges seeds. Tubers are thick and fleshy. Found in ponds and slow streams, the seeds of white waterlily are eaten by ducks. Beaver and muskrat feed on various parts of the waterlily plant. 44

Watershield Bra,senia schreberi These aquatic plants have slender stems attaining a length of 6 feet or more. The long stems are attached to the middle of the floating, oval leaf at the leaf center. This type of leaf attachment is termed peltate. Submerged parts of this plant, including lower leaf surface, which is purple, are covered with a slimy gelatinous substance. Flowers are purple, with numerous stamens. Blooms June to September. Not common in the state, this plant is becoming more widespread. American Lotus Netumbo lutea Large gray-green leaves may be up to 2 feet across, and are peltate, emergent, or sometimes floating. Large fragrant flowers, up to 10 inches across, have many-20 or more-yellow sepals and petals. Lotus plants flower from July to September. Nut- like fruits are contained in a conspicuous top- shaped fruit measuring approximately 6 inches long. Indians reportedly ate the acorn- like seeds. Lotus was introduced in West Virginia and has spread. Although an attractive ornamental plant, it can overrun ponds. Waterfowl apparently spreads the seeds.

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RANUNCULACEAE- Buttercup or Crowfoot Family A most noticeable characteristic of this family is the arrangement of numerous stamens that appear as a bushy cluster in the flower center. There are many representatives of the buttercup family in West Virginia. Spearwart Ranunculus ambigens Leaves are lance shaped or oblong. Stems grow 1 to 2 feet high. There are 5 to 7 petals, bright yellow, blooming July to August. Spearwort grows in ditches and muddy places, locally frequent throughout the state. 46

Marsh-marigold, Cowslip Caltha palustris This grows in clumps, I to 2 feet high. Lower leaves are long stemmed and somewhat kidney shaped. Stems are hollow, erect or ascending. Upper leaves are sessile (attached to stern) or on short stalks. Showy flowers have bright yellow sepals and many stamens. Marsh-marigold grows in clusters in swamps and wet meadows, and blooms April to June. Brilliant yellow flowers look like large buttercups. Very common at high elevations in marshes, bogs, and low ground around streams, they may grow in abundance covering large areas.

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CRUCIFERAE-Mustard Family Members of this family are called "Crucifers" because the 4 petals on each flower appear to form a cross. The long seedpods are noticeable and are termed siliques. Short and broad seedpods are termed silicles. Many members of the mustard family grow in West Virginia. Mountain Watercress Cardamine rotundifolia Leaves are more or less rounded, with wavy margins, somewhat heart shaped at the base. Sterns, weak and branching, arise from fibrous roots. Plants root at the nodes or form long runners. Flowers have 4 sepals and 4 petals, are white, and flower May to June. Siliques are linear. Plants have a pleasant, pungent flavor. They occur in springs and brooksides throughout the state. Watercress Nasturtium officinate Watercress is not a native plant but has been introduced from Europe because of its edible fresh pungent leaves. Leaves are divided into 3 to 11 rounded leaflets. Stems spread on the water or mud and root. Flowers are white, small, and clustered, appearing April to November. Watercress grows in cool swiftly flowing brooks or open, moving water, with a basic pH (not in acid waters) and is found in West Virginia in the eastern part of the mountains where the soil is calcareous. Watercress also occurs in railroad ditches and other wet areas where the addition of limestone chips has created a favorable habitat. 48

DROSERACEAE-Sundew Family These carnivorous plants live in bogs and supplement their diet by capturing insects and absorbing nitrogen lacking in their habitat- Spatulate, reddish leaves are clustered in basal rosettes. Leaves are glandular and hairy, and have a sticky substance that entraps insects. One species occurs in the state. Sundew Drosera rotundifolia Small basal leaves, to 1 inch long, have glandular hairs that exude glittering drops of a clear sticky fluid. Flower stem is slender and smooth, to about 10 inches high. Flowers are white, on one side of the stem, blooming July to August. Seeds are slender and chaff- like. Sundews are found in sphagnum bogs in the mountain counties. Leaves are small and care should be used not to step on the plant. Another carnivorous plant, Pitcher Plant, (Sarracenia purpurea), a member of the pitcher plant family, occurs at limited places in the state, but is not native. Leaves form a vase-like trap to snare insects. Conspicuous purplish flowers grow to about a foot tall.

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PODOSTEMACEAE- Riverweed Family These aquatics grow attached to rocks in running water. Leaves and stems are not well differentiated. Two species are reported in the state. Riverweed Podostemum ceratophylium Riverweed, which could be confused with a moss, is dark green, rigid, densely tufted, and reaches to about 8 inches in length. Leaves are narrow and linear, sheathing at the base, and forking above into thread- like lobes. Flowers are miniscule. Riverweed grows on stones in shallow but usually swift-running streams, probably in most counties of the state, but is often overlooked or mistaken for another type of plant. 50

ROSACEAE-Rose Family Members of this family, which include apple, strawberries, blackberries, and spiraea, may have showy flowers with many stamens. There may be modified leaves (stipules) where leaf and stem join, and prickles. Many members of the rose family occur in West Virginia. Pipestem, Meadowsweet Spiraea alba This is a shrub growing to around 6 feet high. Stems are hollow and upright. Twigs are tough and yellowish brown. Leaves are lance or oblong shaped, and toothed on the edge. Flowers are white, in clusters at the top of the plant, occurring June to September. Pipestem grows in wet soil, and is often the most conspicuous element of the vegetation, especially in the mountain counties. Pipestem State Park is named for this wetland plant.

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GEUM (AVENS) Six species of avens grow in West Virginia. Leaves of avens are pinnately divided, with large lobes (pinnate means leaflets are arranged on each side of a common axis). Flowers have 5 petals and 5 sepals and are on leafy stems. White Avens Geum canadense White avens grows 8 inches to about 4 feet tall. There are glandular hairs on the upper stem. Upper leaves may be simple, or 3 cleft. Stipules are small. Flowers are white. This very common avens grows in woods and fields throughout the state. Purple avens (Geum rlvale) has nodding, purplish flowers, hairy stems, blooms May to August, and grows in glades and wet meadows at high elevations in the mountains. 52

CALLITRICHACEAE- Water Starwort Family These are aquatic herbs. Underwater leaves are linear; if plants are floating or growing on mud, the leaves may be oblong. Three species occur in West Virginia. Larger Water Starwart Callitriche heterophylia Stems grow to around 6 inches long. Submersed leaves are linear, with leaves to about 1/4 of an inch long; floating leaves are oval shaped. This plant has only 2 leaves at a node. Minute flowers are in the leaf axils. Fruit is as broad as it is high. Plant is found April to December. Water starwort occurs in ponds and slow streams, and is common throughout the state.

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BALSAMINACEAE-Jewelweed, or Touch-me-not Family These are succulent herbs with thin, alternate, simple leaves and bright, showy, pendant flowers. Flowers are irregular and have 3 sepals, 1 of which is large and petal- like, forming a spurred sac. Ripe seed capsules burst when touched and eject seeds. There are 2 species in West Virginia. Jewelweed, Touch-me-not Impatiens capensis Height is to around 3 feet. Stems are smooth and somewhat succulent. Leaves, alternate on the stem, are thin and pale green, semi- translucent, about 3 inches long, with coarsely toothed margins and 4- inch-long petioles. If held underwater, the leaves reflect shimmering, silvery images. Flowers are orange-yellow, mottled with reddish brown, about 1-inches long, suspended at the end of a slender stalk arising from the leaf axil. Flowers are funnel shaped, with a curved spur at the smaller end. Fruit is a slender capsule about 1 inch long that bursts if touched, throwing dark brown seeds. Flowers June to October. This attractive plant is found in moist shady places and along streams in rich soil, and is common throughout the state. There is a yellow-f lowered species, Impatiens pallida, also found in the same habitat. 54

MALVACEAE-Mallow Family The family characteristic is the conspicuous column formed by the stamens in the center of the flower. Flowers are often showy; leaves may be lobed. Swamp Rose Mallow Hibiscus moscheutos This is a tall plant, 3 to 8 feet high. Upper part of stem has small hairs. Stems usually grow in clumps. Leaves, up to 8 inches long, are ovate (egg shaped), pointed, and toothed. Leaves may be 3 lobed, or simple (not lobed). Attractive, showy flowers bloom July to September and are white or creamy, usually with a red base at the flower column. This plant is found on riverbanks and in marshes at various places in the state and can occur in brackish areas near salt works. There are 4 hibiscus species in the state.

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GUTTIFERAE- St. John's-wort Family Leaves are opposite each other on the stem and have dark or translucent glands (visible if the leaf is held to the light). Hypericum usually has bright yellow flowers with numerous stamens in the center that make the flower look feathery or bushy. Twelve species of Hypericum grow in West Virginia. Glade St. John's-wort Hypericum densitiorum This shrubby plant grows up to 5 or 6 feet high, with many slender branches, which are crowded with leaves, and many smaller leaves clustered in the leaf axils. Bright flowers are yellow, very numerous, and crowded together, blooming July to September. This plant grows in moist and acid soil, mostly in bogs and glades, in mountain counties. 56

LYTHRACEAE-Loosestrife Family These plants have flowers (usually magenta) located in leaf axils or in terminal clusters. Leaves are simple, mostly opposite each other on the stem. There are many members of the loosestrife family. Swamp Loosestrife Decodon verticillatus This plant has 4- to 6-sided recurved, arching 2-to 8-foot stems, and opposite or whorled leaves reaching to 6 inches long. Attractive magenta flowers are located in leaf axils. Swamp loosestrife grows in wet soil, as well as in standing water. Base of plant has a corky stem. Although rare in West Virginia, swamp loosestrife is common elsewhere and occurs from Quebec to Florida. (Decodon verticillatus is not listed in Core's Flora.)

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Spiked Loosestrife Lythrum salicaria Reaching about 4 feet tall, this plant has lance-shaped stem-less leaves which are opposite or in whorls of 3. Flowers are magenta, densely packed on a terminal flower spike. Individual flowers on spike bloom at different times. This aggressive plant was introduced from Europe and has established itself so well as to be considered an invasive and weedy plant. It sometimes crowds out native plants that have more value to wildlife. It is, however, an attractive plant, and is frequently cultivated. 58

ONAGRACEAE- Evening-primrose Family Members of this family have showy flowers that close after midday. Some species have flower parts in fours-that is, 4 petals, 4 sepals, and 4 or 8 stamens. Many species of this family occur in West Virginia. Marsh Purslane Ludwigia palustris This is a smooth, succulent aquatic herb with creeping stems; oval leaves are opposite each other. Leaf blades are up to about 1 inches long, narrowing into slender petioles. Flowers are sessile (no stem) and are located in leaf axils. Flowers, which bloom June to November, are small and reddish. Capsule (fruit) is square. Marsh purslane 3rows in shallow pools, ditches, and wet) laces, and is common throughout the state. The other species of Ludwigia in West Virginia is Ludwigia afternifolia, or seedbox, which grows to about 3 feet tall. Leaves are alternate. This grows in wet places and is common throughout the state.

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EPILOBIUM (WILLOW-HERBS) Willow-herbs are erect, sprawling herbs with nearly sessile leaves. Flowers are axillary or in terminal spikes. Four-petalled flowers are violet, magenta, pink, or white. Four species of willow-herbs occur in West Virginia, including fireweed (non-aquatic), which grows on newly burned land. Purple-leaved Willow-herb Epilobium coloratum Purple- leaved willow-herb has erect or ascending stems to about 3 feet high, bushy or branched at the top. Stem and leaves are often purple. Leaves are lance shaped, irregularly toothed; flowers abundant on diverging branches, petals pink. Blooms July to September. Found on low ground throughout the state. 60

HALORAGACEAE- Water-milfoil Family These are aquatic marsh plants, with alternate or whorled leaves. Inconspicuous flowers are sessile, located in leaf axils. Four species of this family occur in West Virginia. Water-milfoil Myriophylium heterophylium Stems, which are stouter than in most other water-milfoils, are thickly covered with emersed oval to linear leaves. Individual stems are around 8 inches long. Submersed leaves are pinnate and feather- like. Flowers are sessile in axils of upper leaves. This plant grows in ponds and quiet streams and is common in West Virginia. The name means "thousand leaf."

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Mermaid Weed Proserpinaca palustris This is an aquatic herb that grows to approximately 1 to 2 feet high; stem may be simple or branched. Emersed leaves are oblong or linear, to about 21/2 inches long, and sharply toothed; submersed leaves are pectinate (like the teeth of a comb). Greenish flowers are small, in the leaf axils. Ripe seeds are triangular. In spring, leaves may reach out of the water, and by summer the whole plant may be out of the water. Mermaid weed grows in swamps and shallow water, mostly in the eastern part of the state. 62

UMBELLIFERAE-Parsley or Carrot Family These are herbs with small flowers in umbrella-shaped clusters. There are many species of this family in West Virginia. Poison-hemlock Conium maculatum This many-branched plant grows from 3 to 6 feet tall. The stems are grooved, hollow, and often covered with purple spots (maculatum means spotted). Leaves are dark green, hairless and deeply cut, fern- like or parsley- like. White flowers occur in large flat- topped clusters. Plant has a fetid odor, or smells "mousy." The odor and the spotted stem help identify this deadly plant. Introduced from Europe, it was supposedly used to execute the Greek philosopher Socrates. This plant is well established in waste places throughout the state. Water Hemlock, (Cicuta maculata), also called spotted hemlock, children's bane, and beaver poison, is deadly poisonous to ingest and resembles poison hemlock. This is an herb rising from small fleshy tubers that resemble sweet potatoes. Stems are stout, erect, branching, streaked with purple and green, growing 2 to 6 feet high. Leaves are 2 or 3 times divided. Leaflets are narrow and lance shaped, thin with midribs and veins prominent beneath, leaf edges toothed. Flower heads are flat, up to about 4 inches broad, composed of clusters of white flowers on the ends of stalks like an umbrella, blooming from June to September. Water hemlock is common in swamps and low ground throughout the state. Livestock can be killed from eating the roots.

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Water Parsnip Slum suave Another member of the carrot family, water parsnip grows to about 6 feet high, with 3 to 8 pairs of linear, toothed leaflets up to about 6 inches long. Flowers are white and fragrant, and bloom July to August. Fruit has prominent ribs. Found on muddy banks, it is not too common in West Virginia. This plant is suspected of being poisonous. Cowbane Oxypolis rigidior This is a slender plant, growing 2 to 5 feet high. Leaves are pinnate with 3-9 linear leaflets. White flowers are in an umbrella shape characteristic of the family. Tuberous roots are poisonous. This grows in bogs and swamps and is frequent throughout the state, especially in the mountain counties. 64

CORNACEAE-Dogwood Family These are shrubs or trees, usually with simple leaves. Flowers are small, greenish or purple, but the bracts (leaf- like structure around flower) may be showy. Eight species occur in West Virginia. Kinnikinnik, Silky Cornel Comusamomum This is a shrub, growing to about 9 feet high, with branching green twigs that become purplish and have a rusty, silky down. Leaves are oval and pointed at the tip, opposite each other. Pith in stem is brown. Flowers are white and fruit is light blue. (For identification purposes flowers and fruit shown together in the illustration.) Plant flowers May to July. This grows in damp thickets and wetlands and is common in every county throughout the state. Inner bark was used by Indians to mix with tobacco (kinnikinnik means a mixture).

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ERICACEAE-Heath Family Members of this family, which include azaleas, rhododendrons, and blueberries, often grow in acid soil conditions. The anthers (pollen-bearing portion of the stamens) commonly have terminal pores or openings. Several members of the heath family occur in West Virginia. Large Cranberry Vaccinium macrocarpon This is a slender, creeping vine- like plant with alternate evergreen leaves about inch long. Leaf edges curl downward and inward. Plant trails along the ground, often twined around other bog plants. Flowers look like nodding pink bells, up to 6 inches high on a stem. Fruit is tart, red, or red spotted, to 1/2 inch in diameter. The cranberry flowers May to June, and fruits are at their best August to September but may persist through winter. This is a native of North America and is the commercially cultivated cranberry. It is common and widespread in bogs and swamps at higher elevations. 66

ASCLEPIADACEAE- Milkweed Family These plants have thick milky juice. Leaves are often paired in whorls of 4. Flower structure is unique but complex. There are 5 swept-back petals and a 5-parted cup that supports 5 little horns curving onto the central structure of united stamens and stigma (structure where pollen grains become attached). Fruit is a long pod with seeds attached to cottony tufts. Twelve species of milkweed occur in West Virginia. Swamp Milkweed Asclepias incarnata This plant grows to 4 feet high, with stems solitary or clustered, very leafy, leaves 3 to 6 inches long, pointed at the tip, sometimes woolly underneath. Attractive flowers are rose-purple, rarely whitish, blooming in July and August. This is found in low swampy areas and is abundant in every county in the state.

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SCROPHULARIACEAE- Snapdragon or Figwort Family These are mostly herbs with leaves in various arrangements. Flowers may be two-lipped, causing them to resemble reptile heads, accounting for names such as turtlehead. Many members of this family occur in West Virginia. Turtlehead Chelone glabra This grows 1 to 3 feet high. Stem is somewhat 4-sided. Leaves are opposite short stemmed, with sharply toothed margins, the main veins prominent. Flowers are 1-1 inches long, white or slightly purplish, crowded in a dense terminal spike. Flower is two-lipped, shaped like a reptile's head, appearing July to September. Fruit is an oval capsule about an inch high. Turtlehead grows in swamps and low ground along streams, and is common in every county in the state. 68

Monkey-flower Mimulus ringens This grows to about 3 feet high, or less. The stem is square. Leaves are sessile, elongate, opposite, and pointed at the tip. Axillary flowers are rather conspicuous, about an inch long, blue-violet or pinkish, blooming June to September. Monkey-flower grows in wet places and is common throughout the state.

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Clammy Hedge-hyssop Gratiola neglecta This grows to about a foot high, with stern erect and becoming branched. Leaves are oblong-elongate, opposite each other, and sessile. Solitary flowers are yellow (corolla tube) and white or yellowish, found June to October. This is common in wet muddy places throughout the state but is inconspicuous and often overlooked. Two species of Gratiola occur in West Virginia. 70

False Pimpernel Lindernia dubla This is a branched, spreading plant, with stems up to about a foot long. Leaves are about an inch long, oval, rounded, or oblong, somewha t toothed, opposite, and sessile. Flowers are axillary with long stems; flowers small and pale purple, blooming July to September. This grows in wet muddy places throughout the state in the same habitat as Gratiola neglecta and is often confused with it. Two species of Lindernia occur in the state.

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VERONICA There are 13 species of Veronica in West Virginia, found in both wet and dry habitats. They are low herbs with small flowers and mostly opposite leaves. A characteristic of Veronica is that the fruit is heart shaped. Purslane Speedwell Veronica peregrina Purslane speedwell is a smooth, somewhat fleshy annual, erect or ascending, several inches to about a foot high. Leaves are oval, oblong, or linear, the lower opposite, short stemmed or sessile. Upper leaves are alternate and sessile, each with a short- stemmed flower rising from the axil. Flowers are white, blooming April to October. This is common in moist soil throughout the state. 72

LENTIBULARIACEAE- Bladderwort Family These are small herbs that grow in water or wet places. They are carnivorous plants with bladders that trap insects. Bladders have a lid-like "trap door" to catch the tiny aquatic animals. The four species of bladderworts that occur in West Virginia are somewhat rare and local. Humped Bladderwort Utricularia gibba This is an aquatic herb with stems reaching 1 to 3 feet long, creeping along the bottom in shallow water. The distinction between leaf and stem is vague, and the plants are rootless. Foliage may be dense or sparse. Leaves are slender, and have little bladders rimmed by flagellae or hair- like strands that engulf and digest insects. Prey caught in the traps is small-often water fleas and mosquito larvae. It is reported that in some instances, larger prey such as fish can be entrapped by their head or tail and eventually entirely absorbed. Flower stem is from an inch to about 5 inches high. Flowers are yellow, lipped, with a spur, blooming July to September. This plant is found in shallow water in ponds.

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ACANTHACEAE-Acanthus Family This family of plants is similar to the snapdragon family but in many species seeds are attached by hooked structures to the seed capsule. Flowers may or may not be 2- lipped. Several members of this family occur in West Virginia. Water-willow Justicia americana Quite distinctive, this plant stands to about 2 feet high, and has long linear opposite leaves with conspicuous flowers. Long- stemmed flowers rise from the leaf axil and are lobed and whitish, with purple spots. Flowers are in an inflorescence or cluster. (Detail of single flower is shown in illustration.) This plant grows in the quiet water of slow-moving creeks, or in mud, and is common in most parts of the state. Characteristically, plants grow close together in fairly dense mats or colonies. There is one species in West Virginia, common in most parts of the state. 74

RUBIACEAE-Madder Family Leaves in this large plant family-which includes coffee and gardenia-are opposite or whorled. Stamens are- inserted on the corolla tube (tube formed by the partially fused petals). Flowers are nearly symmetrical. Buttonbush Cephalanthus occidentalis This is a shrub or small tree, to about 19 feet high, with ovate, opposite leaves. Flower heads, which are round, white, and about an inch across, make the bush easily identifiable. Buttonbush is found in swamps and along rivers, probably in every county. It blooms June to September. There is one species in West Virginia.

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LOBELIACEAE-Lobelia Family (Some references place Lobelia in the Campanulaceae) These are herbs with milky juice, alternate leaves, and scattered, lobed flowers; anthers are united into a tube. There are 6 lobelia species in West Virginia; only the cardina l flower is scarlet, the rest are blue or white. Cardinal Flower Labelia cardinalis This attractive plant has a stem to about 5 feet, leaves lance- like, unevenly toothed. Distinctive tube-structured flowers are bright scarlet and showy, flowering July to September. Cardinal flower is found in low wet ground along streams, and is common throughout the state. 76

COMPOSITAE-Daisy, Sunflower, or Aster Family This is the largest family of flowering plants, with perhaps 20,000 species worldwide. Flowers are small and occur together in dense heads that often appear as a single flower. There are 2 types of flowers: ray and disk. When occurring together on the same plant, generally the disk or tubular flowers are surrounded by a ring of strap- like ray flowers, such as are on daisies and asters. Under the flower head is a group of small bracts called an involucre. BEGGAR-TICKS This group of plants is called beggar-ticks, pitch forks, or Spanish needles, because the tip of the achene or seed has 2 to 6 barbed teeth, or awns, which stick with annoying persistence to clothes. Ten species occur in West Virginia. Nodding Beggar-Ticks Bidens cernua Bidens cernua (cernua means nodding) grows several feet tall, with lance-shaped leaves. Disk flowers are yellow. Flower heads are upright at first but become nodding, as in the illustration. This blooms August to October, is found in swamps and wet places, and is common throughout the state.

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BONESET, OR EUPATORIUM There are 14 species of Eupatorium in West Virginia. They are upright herbs, with discoid head of white, blue, or purple flowers. Boneset Eupatorium perfoliatum Boneset is stout, with hairy stems, and grows 2 to 5 feet high. Rough-textured opposite leaves are lance- like and are distinctive in that the stem appears to grow through the leaf. This type of leaf arrangement is termed perfoliate. Flower heads are white and crowded. Blooms July to September in wet places and is common throughout the state. The name comes from its use by pioneers as a medicinal plant. Joe-pye weed (Eupatorium fistulosum) grows to 10 feet tall. It has purple flowers, whorled leaves, purplish stems, grows in damp areas and waste places and is common in every county, often growing with boneset. 78

Non-Vascular Plants

Algae, mosses, liverworts, and lichens are not vascular plants, as they lack conductive tissue to transport food and water, and the plant body is not differentiated into roots, stems, and leaves. Accordingly, this group of plants is not listed in standard references on vascular plants. These plants can often be seen in wetland situations, however, and the following plants are described to enable the reader to appreciate the many and complex forms of plants found in wetlands and their relation to the environment. Exact identification of the hundreds of species of non-vascular plants in West Virginia is best left to experts. ALGAE Over 300 species of algae occur in West Virginia. They may be grouped in 6 main categories. Two of these groups are discussed here, as plants in these groups can be commonly found. Algae are important since they are, directly or indirectly, a primary food source for aquatic organisms, including fish. CYANOPHYTA Blue-green algae are comprised of a single cell and have a blue pigment. During mid- summer, blue-green algae may become abundant in ponds and lakes, forming floating mats called pond scum. Blue-greens are most abundant in ponds with organic matter and their presence may indicate water pollution. An abundance of blue-green algae may give water a bad taste and poison animals that drink it. CHLOROPHYTA Green algae are perhaps the most conspicuous group of algae in the state. They come in many shapes and sizes ranging from microscopic single-celled forms to filamentous algae growing in long threads. Green algae include spirogyra, desmids, stonewarts, euglenolds, and many others.

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Candelabra Plant Chara foliolosa Candelabra plants, or stoneworts, are green algae that often resemble vascular plants. Attached to the pond bottom, they are submerged and may grow 2 feet high in broad, water-covered meadows. Stoneworts grow in ponds fed by water from lime soils. Their slender brittle stems are comprised of nodes where the whorled branches arise; there is an inch or more between the nodes. Reproductive structures are at the base of the branches. Reproductive structures at leaf nodes are red. The lime covering of Chara accounts for the name stoneworts and makes these plants poor eating for herbivorous nibblers. Plants have a marshy aroma and feel brittle and harsh. It grows from July to August in hard water. LICHENS Lichens are comprised of an alga and a fungus. This symbiotic union produces a conspicuous plant that lives in a variety of habitats from wet to dry. Lichens have a rubbery texture when wet and may be yellow, orange, or gray-green, among other colors (mosses are usually dark green). Lichens are often used as indicator species for presence of pollution, as lichens do not thrive in polluted conditions. Examples of lichens are the familiar red-capped British soldiers (Cladonia cristatella), which grow on logs, and old man's beard (Usnea barbata), which hangs from higher elevation trees. 80

Reindeer Moss Cladania spp. This common lichen is whitish and elaborately branched; the branched part resembles enlarged cobwebs. Lichens grow rapidly in wet weather but during dry weather become brittle. As the name suggests, they are eaten by caribou (reindeer) in the northern areas of our country. Re indeer moss occurs in West Virginia bogs. BRYOPHYTES This category includes liverworts and mosses, which grow in moist areas. Over 100 species of liverworts are reported from West Virginia. They are leafy and grow low and close to the substratum. Generally, liverworts grow in more restricted habitats than mosses. Liverworts often occur in wet environments. Over 300 species of mosses are reported from West Virginia. Mosses are abundant and have a capacity to retain moisture. In view of their abundance, they help restrict run-off during storms, thus helping to reduce chance of floods. Mosses can withstand great extremes in temperature and moisture conditions. Some grow on cliffs at higher elevations with extreme temperature changes, while others grow on rocks in streams where they may be submersed for part of the year yet live through summer drought conditions. Several types of water mosses occur in the state. Sphagnum Moss (Peat Moss) Sphagnum spp. These gray or pale green mosses characteristically grow in bogs or glades, forming spongy mats. Because of their large cells, sphagnum has the capacity to hold great amounts of water, making peat moss a good plant packing material. The older portions of the sphagnum plant die off as new growth occurs on the upper parts. The dead material accumulates to form masses of peat. Some 15 species are reported from West Virginia.

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