Plants of the the Wilma H. Schiermeier Olentangy River Wetland Research Park
The Wilma H. Schiermeier Olentangy River Wetland Research Park is an experimental urban wetlands. They are bordered by the Olentangy River, which acts as a water source for the wetlands. This keeps the wetlands with sufficient water even during drought, and there is constant inflow and outflow that changes with the height of the river. There are several ecosystem around the wetlands as well, including a riparian forest, a bio-swell, and a pond. As one of few large natural green spaces in the middle of Columbus, it is an important ecosystem for many birds, other animals and insects.
Poison Ivy
How to identify poison ivy: trifoliate (leaflets of 3), aerial rootlets attach to the tree (hairy vine), white drupes.
NEW PLANTS
Common pawpaw is very abundant at the OSU wetlands because of its resistance to deer herbivory. The banana-like fruits of this tree however, are very popular amongst raccoons, squirrels, opossum and humans! They can be eaten raw or made into desserts. (Petrides, George A. 1972, Trees and Shrubs of Northeast and North Central US and Southeast and South Central Canada (Peterson Field Guide). Houghton Miflin, 428 pp.)
Mulberry trees have fruits also enjoyed by squirrels, numerous species of birds and humans! (Petrides, George A. 1972, Trees and Shrubs of Northeast and North Central US and Southeast and South Central Canada (Peterson Field Guide). Houghton Miflin, 428 pp.) The blackberry-like berries are used to make jam, pies, cakes and wine.
During warm months, sap from grape stems can provide a cool drink, but the plant is killed in the process. Almost 100 different species of songbirds have been recorded eating grapes!! (Petrides, George A. 1972, Trees and Shrubs of Northeast and North Central US and Southeast and South Central Canada (Peterson Field Guide). Houghton Miflin, 428 pp.)
A potentially invasive species, this plant has fruits that are eaten by some song and game birds. (Petrides, George A. 1972, Trees and Shrubs of Northeast and North Central US and Southeast and South Central Canada (Peterson Field Guide). Houghton Miflin, 428 pp.)
Though sometimes considered weedy, this flower is enjoyed by many pollinators including bees, butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds (NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox).
A flower that typically grows in moist areas, blue mistflower attracts bees and butterflies. The species name, coelestinum, means “celestial” or “heavenly”. (2024 Plant of the Year: Blue Mistflower. Valerie Boss. Jan 1, 2024. Georgia Native Plant Society)
INVASIVE PLANTS (boo, hiss!)
Bush honeysuckle is an invasive shrub originally from Asia (China, Russia, Korea, Japan). They typically invade moist woods, forest edges, abandoned fields and pastures, especially areas that have been disturbed. Hand removal, repeated cutting and herbicide are all methods used in control, depending on the exact circumstances (Ohio Invasive Plants Council).
Common privet is a potentially invasive shrub originally from Europe and western Asia. It typically grows in forest edges, forest openings and shrub lands. Control methods include hand removal of plants, repeated cutting, and herbicide (Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States).
Callery pear is a tree originally from China and Vietnam. It typically grows on roadsides, in old fields, forests and wetlands. Control methods also include hand removal of plants and cutting and herbicide treatment. (Invasive.org)
Common reed grass is a tall wetland grass originally from Europe and Asia. It grows in marshes, shores of lakes and ponds, fens, swamps and other disturbed, moist areas. Cutting, mowing, and burning can all be affective control methods (Ohio Invasive Plants Council).
WOODY PLANT FRUITS IDENTIFICATION
The Ohio buckeye has a characteristic nut-like seed that is shiny and dark brown with a light spot.
Part of the Fabaceae family, redbuds have legumes! They are flattened, dry, brown, pea-like pods.
Callery pear has tiny pears! They are drupes. They are green or brown and, different from a typical pear, they are small and hard.
Black walnuts are actually drupes! They fruits are large, fleshy, and yellow-green. The characteristic “nut” part you might associate with a black walnut (pictured below) is actually the seed/pit inside the fruit.
MOSSES yay!
