I love a good quote. And I love taking photos. So this here post is an offering of two of my favorite things:-) I add to this page regularly, so come on back here again and again!
My eyes widened at the sight of the perfectly intact body of a dead Luna Moth that lay below the nesting box. I gathered the eggs with the curve of my shirt and scooped the moth up with the other hand, then wandered down the hill to show Hart. I couldn’t help but make meaning of these gifts coming in unison, right before I left for my 50th birthday dark cave retreat. Birth and death giving itself to me, simultaneously.
It’s been one moon cycle since I went into the cave, and I am beginning to find words to describe the experience. One thing I know is that I was not in there long enough. The work was just beginning, and then I came out. I didn’t get to the other side. 3 days and 3 nights was too short, so I will be returning one day.
I have longed to do a dark cave retreat for years but it just never happened— until it did. You know your life is overly full when the best 50th birthday party you can think of is to be left alone. And lean into the Mystic.
The week before, I began a cleanse- no black tea, dairy, sugars, or processed foods of any kind and very little food at all, actually. Mostly soups, buckwheat and ferments. The closer I came to the day of entering the cave, the less food I desired.
My friend Frank, who had done a week-long cave retreat in this very cave in Tennessee, came with me and was my ally through the process. He stayed up the road and would come at random times (3 times total) during my retreat and ring a vibratone at which I would ring a bell in response, our signal that all was well. A mystic in his own right, Frank supports our community with the medicine of the starry heavens. I’m so grateful for you, Frank!
When I arrived, I placed the roses, yarrow and mugwort I brought from my garden atop a boulder next to the cave’s entrance and filled my Sicilian bowl with water from the stream that runs under our home, setting Nadia’s crow stuffie next to it. I gave my prayers and intentions along with these offerings, and felt as ready as I ever would, to step into the darkness. I would be coming out of the cave head first, 3 days later, at my birth time, on my 50th birthday.
How incredibly huge this cave is! My dear friend Patrick, whose family has stewarded this land for 3 generations, is 56 and has been exploring the cave’s nooks and crannies since he was 5 and is still finding new places! Patrick is a gem through and through and was also a wonderful support in this process. He loaned me a hard hat fitted with headlamp and the 3 of us carried in my supplies for the stay, including two gallons of spring water. The cave’s entrance looks like a vagina as you can see in the only photo I took while there. The temperature drops immediately as you enter, and the moistness becomes palpable.
The smell of the cave took my breath away! I was really worried the smell would be dank and musty, but instead it was alluringly pleasing. Really, I had braced myself to be so physically uncomfortable for the time, thinking it would be smelly, cold and claustrophobic, but instead I felt like I was in an ancient temple of incredible beauty and cleanliness. I stayed warm and my body never ached like it always does when I go camping. The cave had a strong feminine energy that held me the whole time I was inside. Her walls shined in the light of my headlamp like hammered copper. In some areas the ceiling dripped water, and my first impulse was to lick a droplet. So I did. It tasted so so good, like a healing elixir. The curves, multiple caverns and rooms, the format and textures—I was left speechless at this beauty, I really had no idea!
Serpentining hundreds of feet within, Patrick and Frank led me to an open space big enough to stand up and lie down, and this is where I made my nest. I set up my bedding: a tarp, wool blanket, then a yoga mat, two inflatable sleeping mats, a cotton sheet and then my sleeping bag and pillow. The ground is damp and cool and can suck the warmth right out of a human, and so I put on my cave attire: cotton tanktop, silk undershirt then wool shirt then down jacket; cotton long johns and wool pants; wool sox and hat and only when I was inside of my sleeping bag did I take off the jacket and wool pants.
Next, I set up my pee area, because I know you are wondering- what did I do with my bodily wastes while in there? I laid a small bit of plastic down then set up a two-gallon bucket with lid and a roll of toilet paper inside of a ziplock bag, a few feet from my bed. It is pitch black in the cave- darker than any darkness I have ever experienced, and just locating the pee area a few feet away from my station was tricky. I could easily get lost. I had to move slowly and methodically, on my hands and knees, patting the ground and using my limbs like eyes.
I did a 3-day fast while in the cave because 1) you don’t want to eat in there…the environment just doesn’t lend itself to that. And 2) I didn’t want to poop. I brought plastic bags and yogurt containers to deal with that in case I did, but fortunately, I never had to deal with a bowel movement.
Once I was all set up, I said goodbye to Patrick and Frank and they made their way out with Patrick sharing a verse from that lovely song “You are beautiful, you are courageous,” the last words to linger in the air as I blew out the candle and gave myself over to total darkness and silence. No sounds from the outside world made it down here.
I lie down and fell asleep right away, and awoke feeling unusually rested and peaceful, not really having a sense of how long I had slept. I wanted to pray aloud and sing but the silence was so profound, it felt insulting to pierce it with my voice. I thought about the huge camel crickets and the little spiders I had seen on my way in, and the rats Frank had told me about and whom I could hear scurrying near, and I remembered, “I am a guest here,” in the home of these creatures and this water that never sees light and this cool, damp clay and patches of dry, powdery dirt. I appreciated how receptive they all were of me.
Eventually, I felt ready to set up my spiritual container. I called in the directions, my guardians, gave thanks and offered up my intention. I began to see symbols on the walls, some recognizable but others I had never seen, like watching a busy moving wall paper or something. When I closed my eyes, they went away. I put my hand in front of my face to see if I could make out the shape of my fingers. Nope, not a one. These symbols came and went the whole time I was there. What time was it? Night or day? What did it matter? I became disoriented quickly and just accepted it as part of the experience.
The water dripped in the distance every few minutes- drip, drip, drip- I did not realize a drop of water could be so loud! I sat in meditation, breathing slowly and deeply, in and out, being the witness to whatever feelings and sensations arose, and then watched them pass. Suddenly, a new sound arose- what is that sound?? At first I thought I was hearing a helicopter but then it got closer and closer until, Zompp- the sound landed on me! A stink bug! I had brought a stink bug into the cave with me! I couldn’t believe it.
The stink bug stayed nearby the entire time I was in the cave. Come on, are you serious? I kept thinking, “You have this whole enormous cave to fly off to, go somewhere else!” But no. It wanted to stay next to me for whatever reason. I attempted to tune in with the stink bug, but I never could get over my annoyance with it enough to do that, so instead I tuned out.
I stood up and stretched my arms overhead, leaning from side to side. Inside the absence of distraction, I was free to give my presence to whatever was most alive in me. And unbeknownst to me, the first thing that beckoned my attention was the grief of my mother’s death. It had been over a year since she died, and I have felt the waves of grief many a time, but something about being alone in the belly of the earth allowed the floodgates to open. I cried and cried and called out for her. “Mama, mama, I miss you, I want you.” I saw her in her cotton nightgown and I ached a horrible ache to hug her and be held by her. I cried until there were no more tears and the ache had passed, and I felt her loving spirit right next to me.
Next was another wave of grief. I wept over my belated partner Frank’s abrupt death. It has been almost 14 years and there are still tears to be cried. And then I felt the essence of my paternal grandmother and cried over her absence in my life. I wept at the frailty of being human. My body shook with tears. I felt remorse for things I did or didn’t do, the ways I have failed as a mother and wife and prayed sincerely for my daughters and marriage. Then my little white kitty Junipurr came to me as a companion in the darkness. I swear I heard her purr.
I sat down, feeling worn out, but in that good relieving way, like when you have just completed hard work, and now you can rest. I felt peaceful. I lie there, suspended in nothingness. Then Frank made his first appearance and rang the vibratone. I could not see him or any light, but could hear the beautiful sound in the distance and I rang my bell back. I was so grateful for this check-in. It was a welcome lifeline for me to the outside world.
I sang every song I could think of while I was in this cave. I loved it. Song after song arose out of me. I spent the majority of my time in the fetal position. Just floating in the watery womb of my Earth Mother, resting in peace. I really cannot put into words the love and comfort that I felt emanating from this place. I was also overcome with gratitude at times.
I would lay on my back or sit up in half-lotus. I’d do child’s pose, cat/cow stretches, forward fold, or stand and shake my body, swinging my arms and tapping my marma points. Then back down into fetal position again. I gave myself over to deep time.
I fell asleep again and was awakened by a train? No- it was Frank ringing the vibratone again- hadn’t he just done that? It seemed like no time had passed since the last check-in.
Later I found out that Frank made his first check- in about 15 hours after I’d been in there, his second one about 12 hours after that and the last one, he waited another 24 hours. Time really became warped. At the end of my stay, I was just beginning to catch on to what was day and what was night. The cave inhaled at dawn and exhaled at dusk, and I could actually feel a temperature and pressure change.
The amount of people, plants, animals and places that came alive in my heart while I was alone was intense! Whomever I would think of, I prayed for their life. Bless their life. Weep weep weep for the blessing of their life! The first two days were fairly peaceful and blissful and then the hard work really started.
It began with a period of “What the hell am I doing in here? How boring! I have things to do, places to be! Get me out of here!” I moved through it mostly, but not fully. I knew I needed more time to do/be nothing, to accept that reality. But it was hard. Uncomfortable. But always, I felt very loved and held in this process.
I did not sleep, at least I don’t think I did, nearly as much as I had imagined I would. I asked for dream visions, but I only had two dreams I can recall, both of which were silly and mundane, like a flashmob party for pulling invasive weeds and making burritos on an abandoned road corner in Ireland.
I worked through my pettiness. My worries of who was going to take care of things on our property the way I think they should be taken care of and oh so much more. And I still have heaps of work to do on myself out here in the light. It really is most humbling.
The most difficult thing I experienced was facing my own death. Like I would never make it out alive. At one point I became paralyzed with the fear that my support had been murdered, no one knew where I was, and I would not be able to find my way out. Since I couldn’t count on it being daylight to use as an affirmation I was near the entrance/exit, I could wander the caverns endlessly, weak from no food. I definitely did not have confidence I could get out of the cave on my own as there are many turns. In fact, when I did finally exit with Patrick and Frank behind me letting me lead the way, I made a wrong turn.
I let myself go down another rabbit hole- that a boulder had rolled in front of the entrance or that it had caved in from an avalanche and I was stuck in here. I knew this was farfetched, yet it consumed me and I saw my rotting corpse and the bones of other corpses. I needed to let myself face these fears and suffering. To die before I die.
At this point, it seemed like it had been 2 days since Frank had checked on me. Why was he not coming? We had left the check-in times rather vague on purpose. “Oh please, Frank, please come, I am done with this” I thought. I am complete. I am ready to go. Still, he didn’t come. I had torturing thoughts that dragged on and on. It was Holy Terror. I was past my own death and feeling into the the suffering of the world, past and present. The grief, horror, sadness, pain- all of it was flashing before me.
Then suddenly Frank rang, and instead of ringing the bell back, I called out to him, whining. I asked him what day it was and he answered, “It’s dark out now and you have 16 hours left before your birth time.” I told him I was having a very hard time and then wept. He gave wise words of support and it gave me the strength and courage to carry on. And then he left and I had some time of peace, yes a real deep peace. But then the fears started to rise again.
It dawned on me that this work was not for everyone. It seems very natural for me to go into a cave alone, but I don’t think it’s for everyone. Then I fell asleep for a brief time and awoke to such a sense of wanting to be done with this hard work. That’s why I know I need to go back- I didn’t make it through those deep layers to the other side, but came out prematurely. I wanted to stay longer, but I have chosen the life of homemaker, property manager, earth steward, teacher, wife and mother and had an agreement for how long I’d be gone. Also, I could sense the longer I stayed in there, the harder it would be to re-enter this bright, loud world.
And suddenly, as if it had actually been no time at all, Frank was back and candle light was with him this time- the signal it was nearing my birth time, and I was finished here.
Frank had carried in and lit up the Dogwood candle holder Jason made me that I knew I wanted as the first light. I didn’t even think about it having 5 candle shelves, but Frank said it was my cave birthday cake, representing each decade. I felt so tender and raw, like a newborn might feel. I shared with Patrick and Frank some of my experience and they lovingly listened and held space for this significant moment of my life. I said a goodbye gratitude prayer and packed up and felt it was very important for me to carry out my own pee. Gah- that was heavy, and I was feeling very weak as I meandered through the dark tunnels.
And then I saw the light, Oh the day! I put the pee bucket aside and fell prostrate onto the leaf litter and buried my face in it. A Virginia Creeper sprout looked so dear and special, when in my garden, I am pulling them out left and right! I am an above ground creature!! I love the light! The shadows! The green and growing things! Rain was gently falling. My friends had spread around roses to welcome me back. I gave the land right outside the cave the blessing salts I had brought, some soil from home, more flower petals. Patrick’s girlfriend Leah made me the most delicious green smoothie and earrings with vertebrae from a snake she found on the land, that she painted with a glow-in-the-dark substance, to remember my cave time. Thank you, Leah!!
The gifts of the Cave were many. They are still coming. I would say one big one is how the frantic-ness of my everyday life was made so blatantly evident. It played out like a movie before my eyes. The craziness of how we we live our lives in this modern world. How hurried and busy. I don’t want to live like that anymore. It has worn me out and is not healthy for me, the ones around me, the planet- none of us. I turned off my cell phone for 5 days during this time, no internet, no schedule. How can I allow this reckoning in the darkness to be integrated into my daily lit-up life? I have not figured that out yet, but I am very aware that it must change. I sense it already changing.
Another gift is that same knowing that comes through the birth and death portal, labor and the passing of a loved one, of how precious and miraculous and fragile life truly is. Why do we waste it on quarreling or judging or killing or oppressing each other and ourselves? How can we live our daily lives embodying the humbling wisdom that everything is temporary, that each moment is a treasure? We are endlessly consuming all this unnecessary stuff- information, entertainment, material possessions, excess foods etc… in order to avoid facing our own mortality and imperfections. By facing the dark, I was able to shed a light on this knowing in a deeper way.
In the cave, the superficiality of my persona slowly falls away and what is essential has more space to be.
Perhaps it was having a pond at our house while growing up that pointed me int he direction of becoming a plantwalker. One of the most intriguing ecosystems to lead a child back to nature, I would sit, walk, swim and wade for hours in that pond, watching tadpoles, catching frogs, being nibbled on by fish, arranging aquatic plants into buoyant fairy houses, avoiding snakes, feeling squishy mud between my toes, catching bream and bass, floating on my back and listening to a heavenly voice that calmed and supported me. I wish I had a photo of that pond, but here is at least a picture of the house that held me as a child.
Eventually, I stepped away from the pond into the woods and began building fairy forts in the forest. I loved alone time, wandering the yard and woods, climbing trees and singing to myself. I remember vividly sitting under those trees, after collecting all kinds of leaves, twigs, moss, and nuts, and being overcome with a feeling of love and protection. It was, at the time, my unconscious way of communing with Earth Mother and Sky Father. I explored the river bank, ate dirt, disturbed ant beds, looked for skulls and bones of animals along the train tracks, swung on grape vines, dug deep holes to nowhere, and hid inside huge azalea bushes for fun as nature was my playground. All this time, I was hearing the pulse of earth but had no human mentors, teachers or guides to help me understand how to steward these things with care. Still, being engaged everyday like this with the outdoors, I was building a relationship with the plant and animal people, that would, as the years went on, inform my heart and mind of how to be a loving citizen of the world.
I do know my father had a strong love of nature and was outside more than in. I followed him around and saw that he picked white pine needles and chewed on them as he walked around the woods, so that was my first introduction into eating something wild! He was an avid hunter and thus I grew up on venison burgers, sausage, stew, and steak; eating frog legs, quail, wild turkey roasts, snapping turtle and catfish stew, and I attribute all that to feeding my wildness.
In high school, I veered away from these things, thinking city life, fake nails, tanning beds, fancy outfits, rock concerts and aims for a showy car and a highfalutin job would be a much better way to live my life. This went on for some years, until I ended up in Bellingham, Washington, at Fairhaven College. I suddenly had a strong pull to get the hell out of dodge and applied to 3 far away universities within the US, not quite brave enough to travel out of the country yet. My mom and I drove across the country so I could have my red Bronco II there with me on campus, and I was quite a sight, I am sure. Dressed in a polka dot mini skirt, jelly flats, polka-dot shirt with padded shoulders, hair and make-up all done up, unloading all my pumps, fancy dresses, matching bedroom decor and several caboodles of makeup— I stood out in the mossy granola setting of Western Washington like a foreign implant.
Once there, it took about half a year, but suddenly I remembered my connection to nature again, and found a role in the student garden and fell in love with Joules Graves’ music about people of the earth tribe and became a member of the food co-op and learned about quinoa and submerged myself regularly on top of Sehome Hill, a forested sanctuary inside the city, and started to hear voices again from the plant world.
Oh, Stinging Nettle was the first one to talk. “You didn’t think I could sting like that, did you? I am not an ant! But I am the plant version. Drink me, take me home. Eat me.” I did, and I still didn’t really know what I was doing.
Soon after, I was at a friend’s house and had a terrible stomach ache. She offered me chamomile tea, and I thought she meant Lipton Tea, which was the only thing I associated with the word tea. Sweetened or unsweetened tea, with ice or without? This question had been posed to me at every restaurant I grew up going to, at my grandmother’s, at any church event- basically anywhere I went in the South. And I thought tea was the grossest thing, sweetened or unsweetened. I didn’t want to drink any of it! So I told her no, but she explained this was an herbal tea, reminded me the story of Peter Rabbit, and to give it a try. She poured hot water over the Celestial Seasonings tea bag and while it steeped, I held that warm mug in my hands and after drinking it, my tummy ache was completely gone! I couldn’t believe it. But I was now a Believer.
I was around 19 or 20-years-old at the time, and as I write this, I am almost at the half a century point of my life. The walk I have had with the plants has been a combo of crawls, climbs, hikes, runs, meanders, glides and strolls. I have walked behind, beside and under so many human, plant, animal and celestial teachers, that I couldn’t possibly recap them all in this story. To all of you not mentioned, I am indebted to you. To all of you that stand out in significant enough memory to include here, I bow to you for holding my hand and heart on this glorious journey of becoming a plantwalker.
My college companion, Leif, showed me you can buy bulk herbs at the Food Co-op and brew them up into tea. Dandelion, Burdock and Licorice roots decoction sent my DNA into memory recall. Cameron, head of the Fairhaven community garden, first introduced me to cultivation. But I thought having a garden was more about writing graphs on paper of what to grow, when and where, than actually doing it! Then Alison, my roommate in a Bellingham duplex, taught me how to ‘just do it’ without all that nerdiness, and we grew an abundant garden out back! As an intern with Michael Pilarski, aka Skeeter, of Friends of the Trees, in 1993, he made me conscious of the work that needed to be done to help provide for the next seven generations. Balm of Gilead, Cottonwood tree, led me into medicine making and soothed my earthly wounds. Taylor, the boy who stole my heart, opened me up to watching trees leaf out and flower and how to capture those moments with a camera. We spent many an hour in the darkroom developing prints of nature.
In 1995, I moved to Lopez Island, on Leif’s family land, with about 11 other people, as we attempted to ‘go back to the land.’ Ironwood, aka Ocean Spray, taught me how to bend its strong branches to make a wigwam that could shelter me for months. Leif and his brother Kier included me on foraging escapes that brought back cedar for smudging, wild onions for seasoning, chickweed, plantain, dandelion and violet for salad, Salal and Salmon berries for breakfast and aromatic pine needle tea.
Living outdoors and under the stars for months on end really got me submerged into the plant world. I was starting to taste everything and once had a close encounter with Death Camas, thinking it was an Allium. I stood before Poison Hemlock, realizing that this plant world could take me on a journey of no return if not careful. I was in awe of these beings who could kill me, feed me, clothe me, house me, make me well when sick, and give me the material for my favorite thing- writing. The influence they had on my life infiltrated every pore of my being. I could live without humans and animals (not that I wanted to), but not without plants.
Western Washington opened me back up to my love of plants, and then I came back South. In 1997, I lived with my grandmother for a summer and began speaking with the plants more. I made a special spot on her land— a place where I would go each morning and pray. One morning, when I arrived at the spot, I heard the plants screaming at me, “Don’t let them mow us down!” I jumped because it was an unfamiliar sensation to hear plants screaming. I told them not to worry— this was the back part of Gram’s land and she didn’t mow it.
I went to work at the roadside stand where I sold peaches and watermelons, and when I arrived back at the house, sure enough, the whole area had been completely mowed down! I went crying to Gram and shouted, “What is going on?!” and she told me that the bamboo was taking over and she had hired someone to clear it all out. I cried as if my friends had died, which they had. And I realized I had a gift to hear the voice of the plants and that I needed to use it well.
Some years later, I found myself in upstate New York, learning from a woman named Naomi who had Paradise Gardens, and witnessed what you could do with a piece of land to turn it into a botanical sanctuary. She taught me how to grow herbs and to celebrate birthdays with the seasonal foods of the garden; how to make beauty with spiral gardens and to encourage frog habitats and to leave some areas for the wild. Behind her house was a forest with a Blue Cohosh patch I’ve yet to see the likes of anywhere else. When I first stumbled upon it one May evening, I began crying. I didn’t know what plant this was, but it had such unusual leaf color and shape and the vibration it exuded was palpable. I sat there and wept in joy. It was one of those significant moments of your life that shifts who you are. I think in that moment, I forever became a plant woman.
I began collecting houseplants and turning my home into Jumanji. I talked to them and listened to them. Sometimes it is too much, hearing the needs of plants. Hearing their desires. It could take up all my time if I just solely listened to that. I would have not time for humans, and sometimes I think I may end up the old lady on the mountain who only talks to plants. And animals, too. I hear animals similarly. But I have sharpened my focus to be with the plant people.
When I found my permanent place on the planet, in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, I began planting things outside left and right. I moved in and out of rentals for years, but that didn’t matter. I had the overwhelming desire to plant trees, bulbs, bushes, flowers, vegetables- basically anything that would grow, and tend it with all my heart. Grow a sanctuary and you will end up with a sanctuary. Wherever you go. That was my motto. And look where I eventually ended up- Herb Mountain Farm, one of the most paradisiacal places I have ever seen!
At 32, I began a relationship with Frank Cook, a plant man like no other, an embodiment of the Green Man, and by default, my relationship with plants grew deeper. He taught me to “Eat something Wild everyday.” You are what you eat. He taught me to eat the rainbow- eat foods that have lots of color- red, blue, purple, yellow, orange and especially Green! He took me around the world with him to learn directly from plants and healers and his very presence expanded my consciousness. One of my highlights with him was being in South Africa in a field of huge bushes, as far as you could see, and he said, “Do you know who this is?” and I said. “No.” And he said, “This is Ashwagandha, Withania somnifera, in its natural habitat.” And I about passed out as I had only known Ashwagandha as this little struggling annual in my garden. We dug some root and it smelled like a horse, and this smell was euphoric to me. I slept with that root under my pillow for over a year.
Frank Cook in a field of Ashwagandha
Around this same time, I also met Hart, the man who would later become my husband and be the most influential person of my life in my walk with plants. I began working on his farm, at Herb Mountain, where he informally apprenticed me in conscious earth stewardship. And still is to this day.
In the forest, I am beholden by the plants and trees and able to observe and relax and be reminded of the mystery and magnificence of Creation. In the garden, I get a chance to play my hand at this creation. I love my walk with plants in both these ways. Sometimes I say, “I am off to the wild lands.” To get a break from the domesticated lands. Trying to cultivate—ok—manipulate earth into what you want her to be and do is hard work. There must be a balance for me in just observing the glory and abundance that naturally occurs without any human help, in my walk with the plants. I am a plant walker and will be until I die.
In 2014, Luke Cannon, aka Luke Learning Deer, helped us compile a species list of the flora and some of the fauna at Herb Mountain Farm. Over the years, Marc Williams has been a valued investor in not only updating this list, but bringing in plants to help broaden it!
This inventory begins with a description of our farm, and then a list, starting with trees and shrubs, of all the perennials here, as well as some animal life. This list is continually being updated, a true living document!
Species Inventory of Herb Mountain Farm
Weaverville, North Carolina compiled by Luke Cannon, Marc Williams and Mary Morgaine Squire in 2014, last updated March 2024
This list begins a general survey of the biota of Herb Mountain Farm Botanical Sanctuary. The property, starting at roughly 2,600ft and rising to about 3,800ft, primarily consists of West facing slopes but also includes some South, Northeast and North facing slopes. Herb Mountain peak rises to about 4,200ft just above, which is one of the major ridges of the Craggy Mountain range, just to the East.
The property of 138 acres primarily consists of young Mixed Pine Oak forest but also includes cultivated gardens residential, commercial and educational infrastructures along the flatter Western edge. Areas of older growth and Rich Cove forest offer higher diversity within the woodland, especially within coves along the drainages. Onion Rock, a Rocky Outcrop/Escarpment, exists along the upper ridge at about 3,600ft which deserves further investigation for uncommon species. There are two smaller westwardly draining streams, Banjo Branch and Dry Branch, that converge on the property in the wooded area of the Nature Trail, just below the old home site(stone chimney) before running down to Maney Branch. The Nature Trail makes a mile-long loop around the lower end of the property.
With hope this list will continue to grow and serve to aid those who will steward and enjoy this land for generations to come.
Trees, shrubs and plants are listed in alphabetical order under their scientific names by family, then genus, species and common name. Only perennials are listed, (sorry annuals!) Rare plants for the Appalachians will be indicated as “Rare”; plants of invasive status will have an * following their names. Plants that were only keyed to genus will be labeled with sp. following the generic name and spp. if there are more than one kind. Species of concern refers to its increase in dying or showing excess disease or insect damage. Mushrooms and fungi will be listed similarly. Noted Birds are listed by their common names. More Ferns, Grasses, Rushes, Sedges, Minerals, Invertebrates and Fauna, as well as Flora, are hoped to be added over time.
FLORA
TREES AND SHRUBS:
Adoxaceae
Sambucus canadensis, Common Elderberry
Viburnum acerifolium, Maple-leaved Viburnum
Viburnum dentatum, Arrowwood
Viburnum opulus, Snowball
Viburnum prunifolium, Black Haw or Cramp Bark
Viburnum rhytidophyllum, Leatherleaf Viburnum
Viburnum trilobum, High Bush Cranberry
Viburnum X pragense, Prague Viburnum
Anacardiaceae
Rhus aromatica, Fragrant Sumac
Rhus glabra, Smooth Sumac
Rhus typhina, Staghorn Sumac
Annonaceae
Asimina triloba, Common Paw-Paw
Aquifoliaceae
Ilex crenata, Japanese Holly
Ilex decidua, Winter Holly
Ilex glabra, Inkberry aka Appalachian Tea
Illex meservaea, Blue Maid Hollies
Ilex opaca, American Holly
Illex verticullata, Southern Gentlemen Winterberry
Berberidaceae
Berberis thunbergii, Barberry Bagatelle
Nandina domestica, Heavenly Bamboo
Betulaceae
Alnus sp., Alder
Betula lenta, Sweet Birch
Betula nigra, River Birch
Carpinus caroliniana, Musclewood
Corylus americana or cornuta, Mt. Hazelnut
Corylus avallena ‘contorta’, Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick
Ostrya virginiana, Hop Hornbeam
Buxaceae
Buxus sempervirens, Boxwood
Sarcococca hookeriana, Pumila Sweetbox
Calycanthaceae
Calycanthus floridus, Sweetshrub or Sweet Bubba or Carolina Allspice
Cannabaceae
Celtis sp. Hackberry
Caprifoliaceae
Weigelia sp.
Celastraceae
Euonymus alatus, Winged Burning Bush
Euonymus atropurpureus, Burning Bush or American Wahoo
Clethraceae
Clethra alniflora, Pepperbush
Cornaceae
Cornus alternifolia, Alternate-leaf Dogwood
Cornus amomum, Silky Dogwood
Cornus drummondii, Roughleaf Dogwood
Cornus florida, Flowering Dogwood (species of concern)
Cornus kousa
Cornus mas, Cornelian Cherry
Cornus racemes, Gray Dogwood
Cornus sericea, Red-osier Dogwood (Red Gnome variety)
Cupressaceae
Chamaecyparis pisifera, Boulevard Blue Sawara
Chamaecyparis pisifera, Vintage Gold Cypress
Juniperus chinensis, Angelica Blue Juniper
Juniperus conferta, Gold Coast
Juniperus horizontales, Gold strike
Thuja occidentalis, Northern Cedar
Ebenaceae
Diospyros virginiana, Persimmon
Diospyros kaki, Asian Persimmon
Elaeagnaceae
Hippophae rhamnoides, Sea Buckthorne
Ericaceae
Kalmia latifolia, Mountain Laurel
Oxydendron arboreum, Sourwood
Rhododendron austrinum, Southern Flame Azaela
Rhododendron calendulaceum, Flame azalea
Rhododendron maximum, Rosebay Rhododendron or Great Laurel
Rhododendron periclymenoides, Pinxter Azaela
Rhododendron sp., Swamp Azaela
Rhododendron spp., Rhododendron
Vaccinium altomontanum, Blue Ridge Blueberry
Vaccinium corymbosum, Highbush Blueberry
Vaccinium pallidum or stamineum Blueberries
Vaccinium vagratum, Rabbiteye Blueberry
Fabaceae
Albizia julibrissin, Mimosa
Cledastris kentuckea, Yellowwood
Cercis canadensis, Eastern Redbud
Robinia pseudoacacia, Black Locust (species of concern)
Fagaceae
Castanea mollisima, Chinese Chestnut
Fagus grandifolia, American Beech
Quercus alba, White Oak (species of concern)
Quercus falcata, Southern Red Oak
Quercus macrocarpa, Bur Oak
Quercus montana, Chestnut Oak
Quercus rubra, Northern Red Oak
Quercus stellata, Post Oak
Quercus velutina, Black Oak
Gingkoaceae
Ginko biloba, Gingko
Grossulariaceae
Ribes rotundifolium, Appalachian Gooseberry*
Hamamelidaceae
Fothergilla sp., Witch Alder
Hamamelis vernal, Ozark Witch Hazel
Hamamelis virginiana, Witch Hazel
Hydrangeaceae
Deutzia sp. “Dwarf”
Hydrangea arborescens, Wild Hydrangea
Hydrangea quercifolia, Oak Leaf Hydrangea
Hydrangea spp., Ornamental varieties
Philadelphus inodorus, Scentless Mock Orange
Illiaceae
Illicium floridanum, Star Anise Tree
Iteaceae
Itea virginica, Virginia Sweetspire
Juglandaceae
Carya cordiformis Bitternut Hickory
Carya glabra, Pignut Hickory
Carya ovalis, Red Hickory
Carya tomentosa, Mockernut Hickory
Carya illinoinensis, Pecan
Juglans nigra, Black Walnut
Lamiaceae
Clerodendrum sp., Glorybower
Vitex agnus castus, Chaste Berry
Vitex nigra
Lauraceae
Lindera benzoin, Spicebush
Sassafras albidum, Sassafras
Lythraceae
Lagerstromeia indica, Crepe Myrtle Siren Red Whit VII
Magnoliaceae
Liriodendron tulipifera, Tulip Tree
Magnolia acuminata, Cucumber Magnolia
Magnolia fraseri, Fraser or Mountain Magnolia
Magnolia grandiflora, Southern Magnolia
Magnolia macrophylla, Big Leaf Magnolia
Magnolia liliifolia, Japanese Magnolia
Magnolia hybrid acuminata and denudata, Butterfly Magnolia
Magnolia virginiana, Sweet Bay
Malvaceae
Hibiscus syriacus, Rose of Sharon
Tilia heterophylla, Appalachian Basswood or Linden
Tilia sp., European cultivar
Moraceae
Ficus carna, Dessert King
Maclura pomifera, Osage Orange
Morus alba, White Mulberry*
Morus rubra, Red Mulberry
Morus rubra, Dwarf variety Gerardi
Musaceae
Musa spp., Banana*
Nyssaceae
Nyssa sylvatica, Black Gum or Tupelo
Oleaceae
Abeliophylum distichum, White Forsythia
Chionanthus virginicus, Fringe Tree or Grandaddy Graybeard
Forsythia sp., Forsythia
Fraxinus americana, White Ash
Fraxinus spp., Ash (species of concern)
Ligustrum sinense, Privet*
Syringa sp., Lilac. One is Scentara cultivar
Pinaceae
Picea glauca, Dwarf Alberta Spruce
Pinus koraiensis, Korean Pine
Pinus strobus, Eastern White Pine
Pinus virginiana, Scrub Pine
Pinus taeda, Loblolly Pine
Tsuga canadensis, Eastern Hemlock (species of concern)
Tsuga caroliniana, Carolina Hemlock (this species is at risk of becoming threatened and endangered, worldwide)
Platanaceae
Platanus occidentalis, American Sycamore
Rhamnaceae
Ceonothus americanus, Redroot, New Jersey Tea
Frangula carolinians, Carolina Buckthorn
Franfula alnus, Asplenifolia
Rosaceae
Amelanchier arborea, Tree Serviceberry or Juneberry
Chamaenomeles xsuperba cameo, Flowering Quince
Crataegus spp., Hawthorn
Kerria japonica, Yellow Rose of Texas
Malus sp., Apple
Physocarpus opulifolius, Ninebark
Prunus avium, Bird Cherry
Prunus pensylvanica, Fire Cherry
Prunus serotina, Black Cherry (species of concern)
Prunus sp., Cherry
Prunus sp. Cherry dwarf variety Juliet
Prunus sp., Native Plum
Prunus tomentosa, Nanking Cherry
Pyrus communis, Pear
Rosa caroliniana, Carolina Rose
Rosa multiflora, Multiflora Rose*
Rosa rugosa, Rugosa Rose*
Rosa virginiana, Virginia Rose
Rosa spp., Rose Ornamentals (Morgaine’s apothecary rose from Muffi; Firefighter; Celestial Night;
Rubus occidentalis, Black Cap Raspberry
Rubus phoenicolasius, Wineberry
Rubus sp., Blackberry
Rubus sp., Raspberry
Sorbus americana, Rowan or Mountain Ash
Spirea alba, White flowering Spirea
Spirea japonica* Very Invasive
Spirea prunifolia, Old-Fashioned Bridle Wreath Spirea
Rubiaceae
Cephalanthus occidentalis, Buttonbush
Gardenia jasmanoides, Gardenia
Rutacee
Ptelea trifoliata Wafer Ash or Hoptree
Poncirus trifoliata, Trifoliate Orange “Flying Dragon”
Salicaceae
Salix babylonica, Weeping Willow
Salix caprea, Dwarf Pussy Willow
Salix discolor, Pussy Willow
Salix sp., Willow, basket willows
Sapindaceae
Acer japonica, Japanese Maple Vitifolium
Acer negundo, Eastern Box Maple or Box Elder
Acer pensylvanicum, Striped Maple
Acer rubrum, Red Maple
Acer saccharinum, Silver Maple
Acer saccharum, Sugar Maple
Aesculus sylvatica, Painted Buckeye
Koelreuteria paniculata, Golden Rain Tree
Simaroubaceae
Ailanthus altissima, Tree of Heaven*
Styracaceae
Halesia tetraptera, Carolina Silverbell
Styrax americanus, American Snowbell
Taxaceae
Taxus sp., Yew
Theaceae
Cammelia sinensis, Tea
Thymelaeaceae
Daphne odora, Daphne
Ulmaceae
Ulmus rubra, Slippery Elm
HERBACEOUS PLANTS (MONOCOTS)
Acoraceae
Acorus calamus, Sweet Flag or Calamus
Agavaceae
Agave americana, Agave
Camassia scilloides, Eastern Camas or Quamash Lily
Hosta spp., Hosta
Yucca filamentosa, Yucca
Amaryllidaceae
Allium spp., Ornamentals
Allium cernuum, Nodding Onion
Allium sativum, Garlic as we love it!
Alium tricoccum, Ramps
Allium vineale, Field Garlic or Wild Onion
Lycoris radiata, Red Spider Lily
Narcissus pseudonarcissus, Daffodil
Araceae
Amorphophallus konjac, Voodoo Lily
Arisaema dracontium, Green Dragon
Arisaema triphyllum, Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Indian Turnip
Arum maculatum, Lords and Ladies
Zantedeschia aethiopica, Calla Lilly
Asparagaceae
Hesperaloe parviflora, Red Yucca
Maianthemum racemosum, Solomon’s Plume
Polygonatum biflorum or pubescens, Solomon’s Seal
Polygonatum kingianum, Huang Jing
Asphodelaceae (Xanthorrhoeaceae)
Asphodelus albus, Asphodel
Hemerocallis fulva, Day Lily
Colchicaceae
Uvularia perfoliata, Perfoliate Bellwort
Uvularia sessilifolia, Sessile Bellwort
Commelinaceae
Commelina communis, Asiatic Dayflower
Tradescantia ohiensis, Spiderwort
Cyperaceae
Carex cherokeeninsis, Cherokee Sedge
Carex flaca, Blue Zinger Sedge
Carex pensylvanica, Pennsylvania Sedge
Carex plantaginea, Plantain Leaved Sedge
Carex spp., Sedges
Dioscoraceae
Dioscorea polystachya, Cinnamonvine, Air Potato*
Dioscorea villosa, Wild Yam
Iridaceae
Crocosmia sp., Lucifer’s Tongue
Iris cristata, Dwarf Crested Iris
Iris fulva, Copper Iris
Iris pseudoacorus, Yellow Flag
Iris spp.
Juncaceae
Juncus effusus, Soft Rush
Juncus tenuis, Path Rush
Hyacinthaceae
Hyacinthus orientalis
Hyacinthus transcaspicus
Muscari atlanticum, Grape Hyacinth
Ornithogalum umbellatum, Star of Bethlehem
Liliaceae
Erythronium sp., Trout Lily
Lilium michauxii, Carolina Lily
Lilium superbum, Turk’s Cap Lily
Liriope muscari, Liriope
Medeola virginiana, Wild or Indian Cucumber
Prosartes lanuginosa, Yellow Mandarin or Fairy Bells
Scilla siberica, Siberian Squill
Melanthiaceae
Chamelirium luteum, Fairy Wand
Trillium cuneatum, Sweet Betsy or Purple Toadshade
Trillium catesbaei, Nodding Pink Flowering Trillium
Trillium erectum, Stinking Willie
Trillium luteum, Yellow Trillium
Trillium rugelii, Southern or Tall Nodding Trillium
Veratrum viride, White Hellebore or Cornhusk-lily
Orchidaceae
Aplectrum hyemale, Adam and Eve or Puttyroot
Corallorhiza sp., Coralroot Orchid
Cypripedium acaule, Pink Lady’s Slippers
Galearis spectabilis, Showy Orchid
Goodyera pubescens, Rattlesnake Orchid
Spiranthes cernua, Nodding Ladies’ Tresses
Tipularia discolor, Cranefly Orchid
Poaceae
Andropogon gerdi, Black Hawk Grass
Anthoxanthum odorata, Eastern Vernal Sweetgrass
Arundinaria gigantea, Rivercane
Arundo donax, Peppermint Stick or Striped Giant Reed*
Bouteloua curtipendula, Sideoats Gramma
Chasmanthium latifolium, River Oats
Dichanthelium clandestinum, Deer-Tongue Grass
Dichanthelium sp., Witch Grass
Digitaria sanguinalis, Hairy Crag Grass
Heirochloe odorata, Ceremonial Sweetgrass
Leymus arenerius, Blue Lyme Grass
Microstegium vimineum, Japanese Stilt Grass*
Miscanthus sinensis, Chinese Silver Grass*
Muhlenbergia capillaris, Pink Hair Grass
Panicum virgatum, Panicgrass or Switchgrass
Phalaris arundinacea, Reed Canary Grass*
Poa annua, Bluegrass
Schizachyrium scoparium, Little Bluestem
Sorghum halapense, Johnson Grass*
Smilacaceae
Smilax glauca, Greenbrier or Sarsparilla
Smilax herbacea, Smooth Carrion Flower
Smilax rotundifolia, Common Greenbriar or Catbriar
Typhaceae
Typha angustifolia or latifolia, Cattail*
HERBACEOUS PLANTS (DICOTS)
Acanthaceae
Acanthus mollis and spinosa, Bear’s Breeches
Ruellia caroliniensis, Carolina Wild Petunia
Amaranthaceae
Amaranthus spp.
Chenopodium album, Lamb’s Quarter or Goose-foot
Anacardiaceae
Toxicodendron radicans, Eastern Poison Ivy
Apiaceae
Angelica archangelica, European Angelica
Angelica gigas, Angelica
Angelica sinensis, Dong Quai
Angelica triquinata, Filmy Angelica
Cryptotaenia canadensis, Honewort
Daucus carota, Queen Anne’s Lace
Eryngium yuccifolium, Rattlesnake Master
Ligusticum canadense, Appalachian Osha or Angelico
Myrrhis odorata, European Sweet Cicely
Osmorhiza claytonii, Sweet Cicely
Osmorhiza longistylis, Long Style Sweet Cicely
Pastinaca sativa, Wild Parsnip
Sanicula canadensis, Short-styled Snakeroot
Sanicula gregaria, Clustered Snakeroot
Zizia aurea, Common Golden Alexander
Apocynaceae
Amsonia tabernaemontana, Blue Star
Apocynum cannibinum, Dogbane
Asclepias exaltata, Poke Leaved Milkweed
Asclepias incarnata, Swamp Milkweed
Asclepias quadrifolia, Four-Leaved Milkweed
Asclepias syriaca, Common Milkweed
Asclepias tuberosa, Butterfly Weed
Matelea carolinensis, Carolina Milkvine
Vinca minor, Vinca or Periwinkle
Araliaceae
Aralia racemosa, Spikenard
Aralia spinosa, Devil’s Walking Stick
Hedera helix, English Ivy
Eleuthrococcus sp., Siberian Ginseng
Panax quinquefolius, American Ginseng
Tetrapanax papyrifer, Rice Paper Plant
Aristolochiaceae
Isotrema macrophyllum, Dutchman’s Pipevine
Aristolochia serpentaria, Virginia Snakeroot
Asarum canadense, Wild Ginger
Asarum splendens. Asian Wild Ginger
Hexastylis arifolia, Little Brown Jugs
Asteraceae
Achillea borealis, Native Yarrow
Achillea millifolium, Yarrow
Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Common Ragweed *
Ambrosia trifida, Great Ragweed
Anacyclus pyrethrum, Pelliatory
Antennaria plantagnifolia, Rosy Pussy-Toes
Arctium minus, Common Burdock
Arnoglossum atriplicifolium, Pale Indian Plantain
Artemisia absinthium, Wormwood
Artemisia annua, Sweet Annie
Artemisia vulgaris, Mugwort*
Aster novae-anglia, Alma Potschke
Aster oblongifolus, Aromatic Aster
Bidens frondosa, Beggar’s Ticks
Bigelowia nuttallii, Nutalls Rayless Goldenrod
Boltonia asteroides, Wavy Aster
Centaurea cyanus, Bachelor’s Button
Chrysanthemum morifolium, Gong-ju-hua and Bo-ju-hua
Chrysogonum virginianum, Green and Gold
Chrysopsis mariana, Golden Aster
Cichorium intybus, Chicory
Cirsium discolor, Field thistle
Cirsium sp., Thistle
Conoclinum coelestinum, Blue Mist or Hardy Ageratum
Coreopsis latifolia
Coreopsis major, Whorled Coreopsis
Coreopsis sp., Ornamentals
Dahlia pinnata, Dahlia
Echinacea angustifolia, Narrow-leaved Purple Coneflower
Echinacea laevigata, Native Appalachian Echinacea
Echinacea paradoxa, Ozark Coneflower
Echinacea purpurea, Eastern Purple Coneflower
Echinacea tennesseensis, Tennesse Purple Coneflower
Elephantopus tomentosa/carolinianus, Elephant’s Foot
Erechtites heiraciifolius, Pilewort
Erigeron annus, Annual Fleabane
Erigeron philadelphicus, Daisy Fleabane
Erigeron pulchellus, Robin’s Plantain
Eupatorium perfoliatum, Boneset
Eupatorium serotinum, Thoroughwort or Late Boneset
Eurybia divaricata, White Heart-leaved or Wood Aster
Eurybia macrophyllum, Big Leaf Aster
Euthamia graminifolia, Grass-Leaved Goldenrod
Eutrochium maculatum, Spotted Joe-Pye Weed
Eutrochium steelei, Appalchian Joe-Pye Weed
Galinsoga ciliata, Galinsoga or Quickweed
Helianthus angustifolius, Swamp Sunflower
Helianthus grosseserratus, Sawtooth Sunflower
Helianthus maximilianii, Maximillian Sunflower
Helianthus mollis, Ashy Sunflower
Helianthus niveus, Showy Sunflower
Helianthus tuberosus, Jerusalem Artichoke
Heliopsis helianthoides, Oxeye Sunflower
Hieracium venosum, Rattlesnake weed
Inula helenium, Elecampane
Ionactis linariifolius, Stiff-leaved Aster
Krigia montana, Mountain Dwarf Dandelion
Lactuca canadense, Wild Lettuce
Leucanthemum vulgare, Ox-Eye Daisy
Liatris aspera, Rough Blazing Star
Liatris pycnostachya, Prairie Blazing Star
Liatris spicata, Blazing Star or Gayfeather
Marshall mohrii, Barbara’s Buttons
Nabalus altissimus, White Lettuce or Gall of the Earth
Packera anonyma, Small’s Ragwort
Packera aurea, Golden Ragwort
Parthenium integrifolium, Wild Quinine
Petasites japonica, Giant Coltsfoot, Fuki*
Pityopsis graminifolia, Narrow-leaf Silk Grass
Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium, Rabbit Tobacco or Sweet Everlasting
Ratibida pinnata, Prairie or Gray-headed Coneflower
Rudbeckia hirta, Black Eyed Susan
Rudbeckia laciniata, Sochan or Tall Yellow Coneflower
Rudbeckia fulgide, Orange Coneflower
Rudbeckia maxima, Giant/Great/Large Coneflower
Santolina chamaecyparissus, Lavender Cotton
Senecio vulgaris, Common Groundsel
Silphium laciniatum, Compass Plant
Silphium perfoliatum, Cup Plant
Silphium wasiotense, Appalachian Rosinweed
Silphium trifoliatum, Whorled Rosinweed
Smallanthus uvedalia, Leafcup or Bear’s Foot
Silybum marianum, Milk Thistle
Solidago arguta, Atlantic Goldenrod
Solidago bicolor, Silverrod
Solidago curtisii Mountain Decumbent Goldenrod
Solidago canadensis, Canada Goldenrod
Solidago flexicaulis Zigzag Goldenrod
Solidago nemoralis, Gray Goldenrod
Solidago odora, Anise Scented Goldenrod
Solidago rugosa, Wrinkled Leaf Goldenrod
Solidago speciosa, Showy Goldenrod
Solidago sphacelata, Autumn Goldenrod
Sonchus oleraceus, Common Sow Thistle
Stokesia laevis, Stoke’s Aster
Symphyotrichum cordifolium, Common Blue Wood Aster
Symphyotrichum dumosum, Rice Button Aster
Symhpyotrichum ericoides, White Heath Aster
Symhpyotrichum laeve, Smooth Blue Aster
Symphyotrichum patens, Late Purple Aster
Symphyotrichum pilosum, Frost Aster
Symphyotrichum puniceum, Swamp Aster
Symphyotrichum undulatum, Wavyleaf Aster
Tanacetum parthenium, Feverfew
Tanacetum vulgare, Tansy
Taraxacum officinale, Dandelion
Tristem perfoliatum, Horse Gentian or Feverwort
Verbesina alternifolia, Wingstem
Verbesina virginica, White Crownbeard
Vernonia altissima, Ironweed
Xanthium spinosum/strumarium, Cockleburr
Youngia japonica, Asian Hawksbeard
Balsaminaceae
Impatiens capensis, Spotted Jewelweed
Impatiens pallida, Pale or Yellow Jewelweed
Berberidaceae
Caulophyllum thalictroides, Blue Cohosh
Epimedium sp., Horny Goat Weed
Jeffersonia diphylla, Twin Leaf
Podophyllum peltatum, Mayapple
Bignoniaceae
Campsis radicans, Trumpet Vine
Boraginaceae
Anchusa ochroleuca, Yellow Alkanet
Anchusa officinalis, Anchusa Azure
Borago officinalis, Borage
Cynoglossum virginiana, Hound’s Tounge
Hydrophyllum sp., Waterleaf
Mertensia virginica, Virginia Bluebells
Myosotis sp., Forget-Me-Not
Phacelia bipinnatifida, Fern-leaved Phacelia
Pulmonaria officinalis, Lungwort
Symphytum grandiflorum, Running Comfrey Hydicote Blue*
Symphytum officinale, Comfrey
Symyphyum uplandicum, Russian Comfrey
Brassicaceae
Armoracia rusticana, Horseradish
Barbarea verna, Cress
Brassica rapa, Field Mustard/Wild Rutabaga
Capsella bursa-pastoris, Shephard’s Purse
Cardamine hirsuta, Wintercress
Cardimine laciniata, Cut-leaved Toothwort
Cardamine pensylvanica, Pennsylvania Watercress
Draba verna, Vernal Whitlow Grass
Erysimum sp. Wallflower
Iberis sempervirens, Candytuft
Lepidium campestre, Resourceful Person’s Pepper
Lunaria annua, Money Plant
Nasturtium officinale, Watercress
Orychophragmus violaceus, Chinese Violet Cress
Buxaceae
Pachysandra procumbens, Allegheny Spurge
Cactaceae
Cylindropuntia imbricata, Tree Cholla
Cylindropuntia x viridiflora, Rat Tail Cholla
Echinocereus triglochidiatus, King Cup Cactus
Opuntia humifusa, Eastern Prickly Pear
Opuntia spp., Prickly Pear
Campanulaceae
Campanula americana, Tall Bellflower
Campanula divaricata, Southern Harebell
Laurentia (or Isotoma) fluviatilis, Blue Star Creeper
Lobelia cardinalis, Cardinal Flower
Lobelia inflata, Indian Tobacco
Lobelia puberula Downy Lobelia
Lobelia siphilitica, Great Blue Lobelia
Lobelia spicata, White Lobelia
Lobelia spp., Lobelia
Triodanis perfoliata, Venus Looking Glass
Caprifoliaceae
Lonicera japonica, Japanese Honeysuckle*
Lonicera sempervirens, Southeastern Native Honeysuckle or Coral Honeysuckle
Valeriana officinalis, Valerian
Caryophyllaceae
Cerastium fontanum ssp. vulgare, Mouse-eared chickweed
Dianthus armeria, Deptford Pink
Dianthus deltoides, Maiden Pink
Dianthus spp., Sweet William
Saponaria officinalis, Bouncing Bet or Soapwort
Silene caroliniana, Wild Pink, Catchfly
Silene ovata, Blue Ridge Catchfly
Silene stellata, Starry Campion, Widow’s frill
Silene virginica, Fire Pink
Silene vulgaris, Maiden’s Tears or Bladder Campion
Stellaria media, Common Chickweed
Stellaria pubera, Great Chickweed
Valerianella locusta, Corn Salad or Mache
Celastraceae
Celastrus orbiculatus, Oriental Bittersweet*
Euonymus fortunei, Wintercreeper*
Cistaceae
Lechea minor, Thymeleaf Pinweed
Cleomaceae
Cleome hassleriana, Spider flower
Convolvulaceae
Calystegia spp., Bindweed
Convolvulus arvensis, Morning Glory*
Cuscuta sp., Dodder
Ipomoea coccinea, Small Red Morning Glory
Ipomoea hederacea Ivy Leaf Morning Glory
Ipomoea purpurea, Common Morning Glory*
Crassulaceae
Hylotelephium spectabile, Autumn Joy
Hylotelephium telephioides, Allegheny Stonecrop. Locally Rare
Sedum telephioides, Live Forever
Sedum ternatum, Wild Stonecrop
Cucurbitaceae
Gynostemma pentaphyllum, Jiaogulan* (INVASIVE!)
Diapensiaceae
Galax urceolata, Galax
Shortia galacifolia, Oconee Bells
Ephedraceae
Ephedra sp., Mahuang or Mormon Tea
Equisetaceae
Equisetum arvense, Field Horsetail
Equisetum hyemale affinis, Scouring Rush
Ericaceae
Chimaphila maculata, Striped Pipsissewa
Gaultheria procumbens, Wintergreen
Leucothoe fontanesiana, Dog Hobble
Monotropa hypopitys, Pine Sap
Monotropa uniflora, Ghost Pipe or Indian Pipe
Euphorbiaceae
Acalypha sp., Three-seeded Mercury
Chamaesyce maculata, Spotted Spurge
Euphorbia corollata, Flowering Spurge
Euphorbia cyparissias, Graveyard Plant or Cypress Spurge*
Euphorbia lathyris, Mole Plant or Gopher Spurge
Euphorbia maculata, Prostrate Spurge
Ricinus communis, Castor Bean
Fabaceae
Amorpha fruitcosa, Desert False Indigo
Amphicarpa bracteata, Hog Peanut
Apios americana, Groundnut
Astragalus canadensis, Canadian Milkvetch
Astragalus propinquus, Astragalus
Baptisia australis, Wild Indigo
Baptisia leucantha, White False Indigo
Baptisia, Decadence Lemon Meringue cultivar
Desmanthus illinoensis, Prairiehuasca
Desmodium glutinosum, Pointed Leaf Tick Trefoil
Desmodium nudiflorum, Naked Flower Tick Trefoil
Genista tinctoria, Dyer’s Broom
Lathyrus latifolia, Sweet Pea
Lespezeda spp.
Lupinus spp., Lupines*
Securigera varia, Crown Vetch
Senna hebecarpa, Northern Wild Senna
Tephrosia virginiana, Devil’s Shoestrings
Thermopsis villosa, Golden Banner
Trifolium campestre, Low Hop Clover
Trifolium pratense, Red Clover
Trifolium repens, White Clover
Vicia sp., Vetch
Wisteria frutescens, Native Wisteria
Gentianaceae
Gentian sp., True Blue Gentian
Gentiana andrewsii, Andrew’s or Bottle Gentian
Gentiana lutea, Yellow Gentian
Gentiana tibetica, Tibetan Gentian
Obolaria virginica, Woodland Pennywort or Coy Gentian
Geraniaceae
Geranium maculatum, Wild Geranium
Geranium molle, Dove’s Foot Geranium
Hypericaceae
Hypericum gentianoides, Orangegrass
Hypericum perforatum, St. John’s Wort
Hypericum prolificum, Shrubby St. John’s Wort
Hypericum punctatum, Spotted Saint John’s Wort
Hypercium sp., St. Andrew’s Cross
Lamiaceae
Agastache foeniculum, Anise Hyssop
Betonica officinalis, Hedgenettle
Blephilia ciliata or hirsuta, Downy wood mint
Caryopteris x clandonensis, Bluebeard
Collinsonia canadensis, Richweed, Horsebalm or Stoneroot
Glechoma hederacea, Ground Ivy, Alehoof or Gill Over the Ground*
Lamiastrum galeobdoblon, Herman’s Pride Archangel*
Lamium aplexicaule, Henbit
Lamium purpureum, Purple Dead Nettle
Lavandula spp., Lavender (Munstead, Elegance Purple, Czech)
Leonurus cardiaca, Motherwort
Leonurua sibiricus, Siberian Motherwort
Lycopus europaeus, Europe Bugleweed*
Lycopus virginicus, American Bugleweed
Melissa officinalis, Lemon Balm
Mentha longifolia, Habek Biblical Mint
Mentha piperita, Peppermint
Mentha spp., Mints* Invasive
Monarda didyma, Bee Balm or Oswego Tea
Monarda fistulosa, Wild Bergamot
Monarda punctatum, Spotted Bee Balm
Nepeta cataria, Catnip
Ocimum sanctum, Holy Basil
Origanum vulgare, Oregano
Perilla frutescens, Shiso
Physostegia virginiana, Obedient Plant
Prunella vulgaris, Heal-All or Self Heal
Pycnanthemum montanum, Thinleaf Mountain Mint
Pycnanthemum muticum, Clustered Mountain Mint
Pycnanthemum sp., Mountain Mint
Salvia lyrata or urticifolia, Lyre Leaf Sage
Salvia officinalis, Garden Sage
Salvia guaranitica, Black and Blue Sage
Salvia miltiorrhiza, Red Sage/Denshen
Salvia rosmarinus, Rosemary
Salvia sclarea, Clary Sage
Salvia spp., More Ornamental Sages
Scutellaria baicalensis, Chinese Skullcap
Scutellaria elliptica, Hairy Skullcap
Scutellaria integrifolia, Helmet or Rough Skullcap
Scutellaria lateriflora, Mad Dog Skullcap
Teucrium chamaedrys, Creeping Germander
Thymus vulgaris, Thyme varieties
Linaceae
Linium usitatissimum, Flax
Loganiaceae
Spigelia marilandica, Indian Pink
Malvaceae
Althea officinalis, Marshmallow
Hibiscus coccineus, Swamp Hibiscus
Hibiscus moscheutos, Rose Mallow
Hibiscus spp., more ornamental and native varieties
Hibiscus trionum, Flower-of-an-Hour
Malva neglecta, Common Mallow or Cheese Mallow
Sida sp., Sida
Montiaceae
Claytonia virginica, Spring Beauty
Phemeranthus sp. (probably teretifolius). Appalachian Rock Pink or Flame Flower. This sp. though not rare, is restricted to rocky outcrops. Located on Onion Rock.
Moraceae
Fatoua villas, Mulberry Weed*
Myricaceae
Comptonia peregrina, Sweet Fern
Nyctaginaceae
Mirabilis jalapa, 4 o’clocks
Oleaceae
Jasminum nudiflorum, Winter Jasmine
Onagraceae
Circaea quadrisulcata or lutetiana, Enchanter’s Nightshade
Gaura biennis, Beeblossom
Ludwigia alternifolia, Seedbox
Oenothera biennis, Evening Primrose
Onethera fremontii, Shimmer
Oenothera fruticosa, Sundrops
Oenothera speciosa, Pink Ladies or Mexican Primrose
Orobanchaceae
Agalinus tenuifolia, Common Gerardia
Aureolaria flava, False-foxglove or Oak-leech
Aureolaria virginia, Downy False Foxglove
Conopholis americana, Bear Corn
Epifagus virginiana, Beechdrops
Orobanche minor, Common Broomrape
Pedicularis canadensis, Lousewort
Oxalidaceae
Oxalis corniculata, Creeping Wood Sorrel
Oxalis montana, Mountain Wood Sorrel
Oxalis stricta, Common Yellow Wood Sorrel
Paeoniaceae
Paeonia sp., Peony
Papaveraceae
Corydalis micrantha subsp. australis, Southern Corydalis or Scrambled Eggs
Dicentra canadensis, Squirrel Corn
Dicentra cucullaria, Dutchman’s Breeches
Dicentra spectabilis, White and Pink Bleeding Hearts
Eschscholzia californica, California Poppy
Papaver rhoeas, Common Poppy
Papaver somniferum, Opium Poppy
Papaver orientale, Turkish Poppy
Sanguinaria canadensis, Bloodroot
Stylophorum diphyllum, Wood Poppy or Celandine
Passifloraceae
Passiflora incarnata, Passionflower
Passiflora lutea, Yellow Passionflower
Phrymaceae
Mimulus ringens, Monkey Flower
Phryma leptostachya, Lopseed
Phytolaccaceae
Phytolacca americana, Pokeweed
Plantaginaceae
Chelone lyonii, Turtlehead
Chelone spp., Turtleheads
Digitalis purpurea, Foxglove
Penstemon spp., Beardtongue
Penstemon calycosus, Longsepal Beardtongue
Penstemon digitalis, Foxglove Penstemon
Penstemon hirsutus, Hairy Beardtongue
Plantago lanceolata, Lance Leaf Plantain
Plantago major, Wide Leaf Plantain
Plantago rugelii, Black Seed Purple Stem Wide Plantain
Veronica americana, American Brookline
Veronica beccabunga, Water Forget-Me-Not
Veronica peduncularis, Georgia Blue
Veronica persica, Bird’s Eye Speedwell
Veronica serpyllifolia, Thyme-leaved Veronica
Veronicastrum virginicum, Culver’s Root
Plumbaginaceae
Ceratostigma plumbaginoides, Plumbago
Polemoniaceae
Phlox carolina, Carolina Phlox
Phlox spp., Phlox
Phlox stolonifera, Creeping Phlox
Phlox subulata, Emerald Blue Phlox
Polygonaceae
Eriogonum allenii, Yellow Buckwheat
Fallopia multiflora, Heshouwu or Foti
Fallopia scandens, Climbing Wild Buckwheat
Polygonum spp., Knotweed, Smartweed,
Polygonum tenue, Pleatleaf Knotweed
Rumex acetosella, Sheep Sorrel
Rumex crispus, Curly Dock
Rumex obtusifolia, Obtuse Yellow Dock
Rumex sanguineus, Bloody Dock
Tovara virginiana, Virginia Jumpseed
Portulacaceae
Portulaca oleracea, Purslane
Primulaceae
Anagallis arvensis, Scarlet Pimpernel
Lysimachia ciliata v.purperea
Lysimachia clethroides, Gooseneck Loosestrife
Lysimachia japonica, Dwarf Creeping Jenny “minutissima”
Lysimachia lanceolate, Lance-leaved Loosestrife
Primula auricula, Yellow Mountain Cowslip
Primula meadia, Shooting Star
Ranunculaceae
Actaea pachypoda, Doll’s Eyes
Actaea podocarpa, Mountain Bugbane
Actaea racemosa, Black Cohosh
Anemone pulsatilla, Pasqueflower, Wind Flower, Easter Flower
Anemone quinquefolia, Wood Anemone
Anemone virginiana, Thimbleweed
Aquilegia canadensis, Columbine
Aquilegia spp., ornamental Columbines
Clematis virginiana, Virgin’s Bower
Clematis spp., Ornamental Clematis
Delphinium exaltum, Tall Larkspur
Delphinium tricorne, Wild Larkspur
Helleborus orientalis, Lenten Rose
Hepatica acutiloba, Sharp-lobed Hepatica
Hepatica nobilis, Liverwort, Liverleaf
Hydrastis canadensis, Goldenseal
Ranunculus abortivus, Small-flowered Crowfoot
Ranunculus bulbosus, Bulb-bearing Buttercup
Thalictrum dioicum, Meadow Rue
Trautvetterria carolinensis, Carolina Tassel Rue
Xanthorhiza simplicissima, Yellowroot
Rosaceae
Agrimonia parviflora, Small Flowering Agrimony
Agrimonia rostellata, Beaked Agrimony
Alchemilla vulgaris, Lady’s Mantle
Aruncus dioicus, Goatsbeard
Filipendula rubra, Meadowsweet or Queen of the Prairie
Fragaria sp., Strawberry
Geum sp., Avens
Gillenia stipulata, American Ipecac
Potentilla canadensis, Dwarf Cinquefoil
Potentilla indica, Indian Strawberry
Potentilla simplex, Common Cinquefoil
Sanguisorba minor, Salad Burnet
Rubiaceae
Diodia virginiana, Buttonweed
Galium aparine, Cleavers
Galium lanceolatum, Wild Licorice/Lance-leaved Galium
Galium latifolium, Wideleaf Bedstraw
Galium odorata, Sweet Woodruff
Galium pedemontanum
Houstonia purpurea, Purple Houstonia
Mitchella repens, Partridgeberry or Twin Flower (Species of concern)
Rubia tinctorum, Madder
Sherardia arvensis, Blue Field Madder*
Rutaceae
Ruta graveolens, Rue
Saururaceae
Anemopsis californica, Yerba Mansa
Houttuynia sp., Vietnamese Coriander*
Saururus cernuus, Lizard’s Tail
Saxifragaceae
Astilbe biternata, Appalachian Goat’s-beard
Astilbe sp., Ornamental
Heuchera americana, American Alumroot
Heuchera spp., Coral Bells
Micranthes micranthidifolia, Branch Lettuce
Mitella diphylla, Miterwort or Bishop’s Cap
Tiarella cordifolia, Foam Flower
Scrophulariaceae
Scrophularia nodosa, Figwort
Verbascum blattaria, Moth Mullein
Verbascum phoeniceum, Bouquet Mullein
Verbascum olympicum, Greek Mullein
Verbascum thapsus, Mullein
Solanaceae
Brugmansia versicolor, Apricot Angel’s trumpet
Datura metel, Indian Thornapple
Datura stramonium, Datura/Jimson weed
Nicandra physalodes, Apple of Peru
Nicotiana sp., Tobacco
Solanum americanum, Black Nightshade
Solanum carolinense, Carolina Horse Nettle
Talinanceae
Talinum panicualtum, Jewels of Opar or Fame Flower
Urticaceae
Laportea canadensis, Wood Nettle
Pilea pumila, Clearweed
Urtica dioica, Stinging Nettle*
Verbenaceae
Verbena hastata, Blue Vervain
Verbena stricta, Hoary Vervain
Verbena urticifolia, White Vervain
Violaceae
Hybanthus concolor, Eastern Green Violet
Viola blanda, Sweet white Violet
Viola hastata, Halberd-leaved Violet
Viola pedata, Birdfoot Violet
Viola pallens, Northern White Violet
Viola palmata, Early Blue Violet
Viola pubescens, Yellow Woodland Violet
Viola sororia var. sororia, Blue or Confederate Violet
Vitaceae
Parthenocissus quinquifolia, Virginia Creeper
Vitis sp., Fox Grape
Vitis sp., Scuppernong
Vitis sp., Grapes (Venus Seedless)
FERNS:
Aspleniaceae
Asplenium platyneuron, Ebony Spleenwort
Asplenium montanum, Mountain Spleenwort
Athyriaceae
Athyrium niponicum, Japanese Painted Fern
Dennstaedtiaceae
Pteridium aquilinum, Bracken Fern
Dryopteridaceae
Polystichum acrostichoides, Christmas Fern
Onocleaceae
Matteuccia struthiopteris, Ostrich Fern
Ophioglossaceae
Botrypus virginianus, Rattlesnake Fern or Sang-pointer
Osmundaceae
Osmunda regalis, Royal Fern
Sinopteridaceae
Adiantum capillus-veneris or pedatum, Maiden Hair Fern
Woodsiaceae
Athyrium filix-femina subsp. angustum or filix- femina subsp. aspleniodes, Lady Fern
Onoclea sensibilis, Sensitive Fern
Woodsia obtusa, Bluntlobe Cliff Fern
Polypodiaceae
Pleopeltis polypodioides, Resurrection Fern
Polypodium appalachianum, Appalachian Polypody
Thelypteridaceae
Phegopteris hexagonoptera, Broad Beech Fern
Thelypteris noveboracensis, New York Fern
LYCOPHYTES:
Huperziaceae (a clubmoss family)
Huperzia lucidula, Shining Clubmoss
Lycopodiaceae (a clubmoss family)
Diphasiastrum digitatum, Fan Clubmoss
Lycopodium spp., Running Cedar
Selaginellaceae
Selaginella sp.
MOSSES:
Brachytheciaceae
Bryoandersonia sp.
Fissidentaceae
Fissidens sp.
Orthotrichaceae
Ulota crispa
Polytrichaceae
Atrichium sp.
Polytrichum commune
Thuidiaceae
Thuidium sp.
FUNGI:
Agaricaceae
Lycoperdon
Boletaceae
Strobilomyces, Old Man of the Woods
Cantherellaceae
Cantharellus sp., Chanterelle
Corydicypitaceae
Cordyceps sp.
Helotiaceae
Chlorociboria aeruginascens, Blue-Green Stain Fungus
Hygrophoreaceae
Hygrophorus flavescens, Yellow Waxy Cap
Hypocreaceae
Hypomyces, Lobster Mushroom
Marasmiaceae
Marasmius rotula, Pinwheel Mushroom
Morchellaceae
Morchella esculenta, Morel
Nidulariaceae
Bird’s Nest Fungus
Omphalotaceae
Lentinula edodes, Shiitake
Omphalotus illudens, Jack O’ Lantern
Physalacriaceae
Armillaria sp. Honey Mushrooms
Pluerotaceae
Pleurotus ostreatus, Oyster Mushroom
Polyporaceae
Fistulina hepatica, Beefsteak Fungus
Laetiporus sp. Chicken of the Woods
Phellinus robiniae, Locust Polypore
Trametes versicolor, Common Turkey Tail
Trichaptum biforme, Violet-toothed Polypore
Pyronemataceae
Scutellinia scutellata, Eyelash Cup Fungus
Russulaceae
Russula sp., Russula
Lactarius spp.
Sebacinaceae
Tremellodendron pallidum, False Jelly Coral
Stereaceae
Stereum ostrea, Oyster Shaped Stereum
Xylariaceae
Xylaria polymorpha, Dead-man’s Fingers
LICHENS:
Umbilicaria americanus, Rock Trype
Usnea
SLIME MOLDS:
Lycogala epidendrum, Wolf’s Milk Slime Mold
Stemonitis splendens, Chocolate Tube-Slime
FAUNA
SIGNIFICANT INVERTEBRATES:
Halyomorpha halys, Brown Marmorated Stink Bug- Invading the home and land!!!!
Hypochilidae, Lampshade Spider. One of the oldest known lineages of living spiders. Lives in wide funnel/lampshade shaped webs on rock boulders or overhangs. Found on boulder near waterfall.
Mantis religiosa, European mantis
Meloe americanus, Blue-humpbacked-blister Beetle
Ground Wasps
BUTTERFLIES:
Nymphalidae
Danaus plexippus, Monarch
Polygonia comma, Comma
Papilonidae
Battus philenor, Pipevine Swallowtail
Papilio troilus, Spicebush Swallowtail
Pieridae
Phoebis sennae Suplhur
Pieris rapae, Cabbage White
BIRDS: (Seen or heard on the Property)
Accipitridae
Accipiter cooperi, Cooper’s Hawk
Circus hudsonius, Northern Harrier
Bombycillidae
Bombycilla cedrorum, Cedar Waxwing
Cardinalidae
Cardinalis cardinalis, Cardinal
Passerina ciris, Painted Bunting
Passerina cyanea, Indigo Bunting
Piranga olivacea, Scarlet Tanager
Cathartidae
Cathartes aura, Turkey Vulture
Certhidae
Tree Creeper
Columbidae
Zenaida macroura, Mourning Dove
Corvidae
Corvus sp., Crow
Cyanocitta cristata Bluejay
Cuculidae
Coccyzus erythrothalmus, Black-Billed Cuckoo
Fringillidae
Coccothraustes vespertinus, Evening Grosbeak
Spinus tristis, American Goldfinch
Hirundinidae
Hirundo rustica, Barn Swallow
Mimidae
Dumetella carolinensis, Gray Catbird
Mimus polyglottos, Northern Mockingbird
Paridae
Poecile carolinensis, Carolina Chickadee
Baeolophus bicolor, Tufted Titmouse
Parulidae
Mniotilta varia, Black and White Warbler
Seiurus aurocapilla, Oven Bird
Setophaga citrina, Hooded Warbler
Passerilidae
Junco hyemalis, Dark-Eyed Junco
Melospiza melodia, Song Sparrow
Pipilo erythrophthalmus, Eastern Towhee
Other Sparrows
Phasianidae
Grouse
Pheasant
Meleagris gallopavo, Wild Turkey
Picidae
Colaptes auratus, Northern Flicker
Dryobates pubescens , Downy Woodpecker
Dryocopus pileatus, Pileated Woodpecker
Leuconotopicus villosus, Hairy Woodpecker
Melanerpes carolinus, Red-bellied Woodpecker
Regulidae
Regulus satrapa, Goldencrowned Kinglet
Strigidae
Bubo virginianis, Great Horned Owl
Megascops asio, Eastern Screech Owl
Strix varia, Barred Owl
Trochilidae
Archilochus colubris, Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
Troglodytidae
Thryothorus ludovicianus, Carolina Wren
Troglodytes hiemalis, Winter Wren
Turdidae
Sialia sp., Blue Bird
Turdus migratorius, American Robin
Tyrinnidae
Sayornis phoebe, Eastern Phoebe or Flycatcher
Tytonidae
Tyto alba, Barn Owl
Vireonidae
Vireo olivaceus, Red-Eyed Vireo
We added Gambusia Mosquito Fish to Emerald Pond, gifts from Doug and Yanna
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