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 moisture collect. Other plants grow in fine to coarse, well-drained soil deposits where roots dry in winter to avoid rot. Local examples include the rock outcropping across from the Nature Study Museum with Eastern Prickly Pear and Stiff Aster and the summits of Bear Mountain and other peaks.
Rocky Summit
Low Bush Blueberry
Vaccinium angustifolium
Moss-Pink Phlox
Phlox sublata
New Jersey Tea
Ceanothus americanus
Shrubby St. John’s-wort
Hypericum prolificum
Three-toothed Cinquefoil
Potentilla tridentale
Eastern Prickly Pear
Opuntia humifusa
Eastern Prickly Pear
Opuntia humifusa
Wild Columbine
Aquilegia canadensis
Pale Corydalis
Cordydalis sempervirens
Pitch Pine on Bear Mountain
Pinus rigida
Pitch Pine
Pinus Rigida
Pitch Pine Cone
Pinus rigida
Pitch Pine Bark
Pinus rigida
