Native plants are the species that occur naturally in an area and have been evolving there for a long time (long time in the geological sense of the word). Over this time, they have developed complex relationships with many other species, making them integral to the continued health of the entire ecosystem. Acting as a source of food or shelter, attracting pollinators, and deterring certain predators are just a few ways in which many native plants are beneficial.
During our hike, many Asters and Goldenrods were spotted along the trail, which are extremely beneficial as they allow for insects like bees, butterflies and moths to continue pollinating into mid-August when many other plants are no longer in flower. This delayed pollination period is crucial for many insects that are preparing for winter or migration. Please see our full list of native plants observed on our hike (with pictures!) down below.
We also saw several fern species on our hike, including; Intermediate wood fern, Christmas fern, Sensitive fern, Bulblet fern, and Ostrich fern. While trying not to get too much into the “weeds” of fern ID, we discussed some helpful tips for identification, such as their overall shape, patterns and presence of sori on the frond, and where they are located.
It’s always great to see people smiling at the end of the hike as well as the beginning. Happy Hiking!
– Dufferin Hi-lands’ Trail Ambassadors
⦁ False Solomon’s seal ⦁ Hairy Solomon’s seal ⦁ Ostrich fern ⦁ Christmas fern ⦁ Sensitive fern ⦁ Intermediate wood fern
⦁ Bulblet fern ⦁ American spikenard ⦁ Broad-leaved enchanter’s nightshade ⦁ Spotted jewelweed ⦁ Jack-in-the-pulpit
⦁ Common milkweed ⦁ Spreading dogbane ⦁ Blue cohosh ⦁ Indian tobacco
