Rocky summits and outcrops are sparsely vegetated. Soils are thin, nutrient-poor and well-drained. Conditions are harsh in winter and summer. Yet, vegetation is rich in species diversity. Some plants take root in the rock fissures and depressions where soil and...
Gardens and Woodlands
Forest Understory Plants
Forest understory is the layer of trees and shrubs between the forest floor and forest canopy. It’s made up of shrubs, small trees, vines and saplings of canopy trees. Trailside’s forest understory and forest floor have been heavily impacted by deer. Since 2016-17,...
Forest Floor Plants
Deciduous forest is the dominant plant community. It’s complex and layered, but it’s not an old-growth forest. The canopy is composed of tall deciduous trees—oak, hickory, tuliptree, maple, beech, and others. White pine and other conifers are scattered throughout the...
Meadows
Meadows are open, sunny habitats vegetated with forbs, grasses and other non-woody plants Meadow vegetation flowers abundantly. Some meadows are moist or fluctuate between moist and dry and others are dry. Disturbance by fire or clearance of woody vegetation are...