Ferns and Herbs
This fern remains evergreen throughout the year; the base of each leaflet has a distinctive boot-shaped projection.
What is Polystichum acrostichoides?
This low, creeping plant bears twin red berries and opposite evergreen leaves, often found under hemlock or pine
What is Mitchella repens?
A dominant tolerant hardwood with clear sap that’s boiled down for syrup.
What is Acer saccharum?
This conifer has five needles per bundle and is moderately shade tolerant.
What is Pinus strobus?
This fast-growing tree with trembling leaves is one of the first to colonize disturbed sites.
What is Populus tremuloides?
This fern’s fronds are “interrupted” in the middle by fertile segments that bear spores.
What is Osmunda claytoniana?
This small understory tree flowers in fall and has yellow, ribbonlike petals.
What is Hamamelis virginiana?
This species once dominated eastern forests before a fungal blight nearly eliminated it.
What is Castanea dentata?
This conifer’s flattened needles have two white stripes beneath and are found on drooping branches in cool, shaded forests.
What is Tsuga canadensis?
This birch species with chalky white bark and triangular leaves often dominates young forests.
What is Betula papyrifera?
A tall, triangular fern with separate fertile fronds, commonly found in dry, open woods.
What is Pteridium aquilinum?
This invasive shrub has small, oval leaves and bright red berries; it was imported for ornamental
What is Berberis thunbergii?
A pioneer species with white, peeling bark often seen after disturbance.
What is Betula papyrifera?
This softwood is very tolerant and has flat, scale-like leaves forming fan-shaped sprays.
What is Thuja occidentalis?
This short-lived, fast-growing tree has large, toothed leaves and often sprouts after fire.
What is Populus grandidentata?
This small evergreen shrub with shiny leaves produces red berries that smell like wintergreen when crushed.
What is Gaultheria procumbens?
This shrub has paired, opposite leaves and produces dark blue-black berries; it’s a tolerant forest understory plant.
What is Viburnum acerifolium?
This tree has smooth gray bark, simple leaves with coarse teeth, and is very shade tolerant.
What is Fagus grandifolia?
A common Christmas tree species with aromatic needles; its cones stand upright on branches.
What is Abies balsamea?
This nitrogen-fixing shrub with fernlike leaves is common in dry, sandy soils.
What is Comptonia peregrina?
This woodland herb has blue, beadlike berries and large oval leaves; it’s one of the first to leaf out in spring.
What is Clintonia borealis?
This small tree or shrub has smooth, gray bark and is very shade tolerant.
What is Carpinus caroliniana?
This oak has sharp lobed leaves and is moderately shade tolerant, found in dry upland forests.
What is Quercus rubra?
This intolerant conifer grows in sandy soils and has reddish bark with needles in pairs.
What is Pinus resinosa?
This intolerant, fast-growing species with long, flexible twigs thrives in wet sites and streambanks.
What is Salix spp.?