6 species of non-flowering plants at Lake Herrick
NOTE: All photos on this page are by Maya Kashapov and all illustrations are by Gigi Gonsalves
Nepalese Browntop, Microstegium vimineum
A Japanese stilt grass is an invasive species. It grows virtually all over the United States, and even into Canada. It's identifiable by its flat leaves and short blades. The stems are longer and thin. During August to October, this species buds small, spikelike flowers. It can grow alongside of forests, rivers, and even roads. The tiny seeds are easily spread, especially on frequented trails by hikers' tires, shoes, and clothing.
A Japanese stilt grass is an invasive species. It grows virtually all over the United States, and even into Canada. It's identifiable by its flat leaves and short blades. The stems are longer and thin. During August to October, this species buds small, spikelike flowers. It can grow alongside of forests, rivers, and even roads. The tiny seeds are easily spread, especially on frequented trails by hikers' tires, shoes, and clothing.
Armur Honeysuckle, Lonicera maackii
This species of honeysuckle originated in Asia, and now is one
of the more invasive of its kind in the Eastern United States.
It's a deciduous shrub that grows its leafy green foliage upright.
During summer months, it also grows small red berries. Their fruit is a favorite of birds, which is how the plant spreads. These shrubs can sprout up anywhere from the interior of forests to roadsides, which aids in their invasive nature.
This species of honeysuckle originated in Asia, and now is one
of the more invasive of its kind in the Eastern United States.
It's a deciduous shrub that grows its leafy green foliage upright.
During summer months, it also grows small red berries. Their fruit is a favorite of birds, which is how the plant spreads. These shrubs can sprout up anywhere from the interior of forests to roadsides, which aids in their invasive nature.
Oak, Quercus spp
Oak can grow in the form of either trees or shrubs and belongs to the beech family Fagaceae. There are hundreds of different species of oak, many found in Georgia, This small non-flowering plant is wind-pollenated and susceptible to hybridization with other species because of this. Oak plants are commonly found in hardwood forests and grow all over the world.
Oak can grow in the form of either trees or shrubs and belongs to the beech family Fagaceae. There are hundreds of different species of oak, many found in Georgia, This small non-flowering plant is wind-pollenated and susceptible to hybridization with other species because of this. Oak plants are commonly found in hardwood forests and grow all over the world.
American Spikenard, Aralia racemosa
American Spikenard grows in moist environments with access to plenty of sunlight, although they are known to be flexible in their environments, even surviving in more rocky or clay-like soils. These plants can grow up to five feet in height. They have dark, soft stems and thick roots that are sometimes utilized as an ingredient in teas! These plants grow small, dark berries (they're inedible!) that birds eat. Leaf spots are common for the American Spikenard.
American Spikenard grows in moist environments with access to plenty of sunlight, although they are known to be flexible in their environments, even surviving in more rocky or clay-like soils. These plants can grow up to five feet in height. They have dark, soft stems and thick roots that are sometimes utilized as an ingredient in teas! These plants grow small, dark berries (they're inedible!) that birds eat. Leaf spots are common for the American Spikenard.
Poison Ivy, Toxicodendron radicans
Poison Ivy is a common species found up and down then Eastern United States. This plant produces shiny leaves that grow three leaves into an almond shape. As the name suggests, contact with the plant can cause contact dermatitis (an allergic reaction to the plant), This creates an itchy rash. Keep a careful eye out for these short shrubs and the vines. It grows in wooded areas, often where tree lines break with access to sunlight.
Poison Ivy is a common species found up and down then Eastern United States. This plant produces shiny leaves that grow three leaves into an almond shape. As the name suggests, contact with the plant can cause contact dermatitis (an allergic reaction to the plant), This creates an itchy rash. Keep a careful eye out for these short shrubs and the vines. It grows in wooded areas, often where tree lines break with access to sunlight.
False Solomon's Seal, Smilacina racemosa
This is a perennial that typically grows between 16 and 20 inches tall. This plant grows leave between 3 and 6 inches long, and the leaves form two rows. There is a hair-like texture to the bottom of each leaf, with veins that are prominent and visible from the top. This plant can be found in North American deciduous woods from Canada all the way down through Georgia.
This is a perennial that typically grows between 16 and 20 inches tall. This plant grows leave between 3 and 6 inches long, and the leaves form two rows. There is a hair-like texture to the bottom of each leaf, with veins that are prominent and visible from the top. This plant can be found in North American deciduous woods from Canada all the way down through Georgia.
For more non-flowering and flowering plants at Lake Herrick, click the button below (as not all plant species could be included on this website):