The Ramble and Lake, Central Park, New York City

Trip report for The Ramble and Lake, Central Park, New York City, June 6, 2015.

Trip leader: Regina Alvarez

The day began with a drizzle, but four people still showed for the walk. It remained overcast for much of the walk and the sun came out towards the end of our journey.

We entered the park at 79 street and Central Park West and headed for the Ramble. We took our time and explored much of the western half of this woodland. As former Woodland Manager for the Central Park Conservancy, I was able to describe the woodland restoration projects that have taken place over the years. We were able to see the many restoration species that are now flourishing, including some woodland wildflowers such as Jeffersonia diphylla, Asarum canadense, Zizia aurea and Aquilegia canadensis.

Following is a list of some of the species we saw and discussed.

Family Species Common name Comments
Aceraceae Acer platanoides Norway maple Non-native invasive
Aceraceae Acer rubrum Red maple Native
Anacardiaceae Rhus aromatica Fragrant sumac Restoration species
Anacardiaceae Rhus coppalinum Shining sumac Restoration species
Anacardiaceae Rhus glabra Smooth sumac Restoration species
Anacardiaceae Rhus typhina Staghorn sumac Restoration species
Anacardiaceae Toxicodendron radicans Poison ivy Native
Apiaceae Zizia aurea Golden Alexanders Restoration species
Apocynaceae Apocynum canabinum Dogbane Native
Aquifoliaceae Ilex verticillata Winterberry Restoration species
Araceae Symplocarpus foetidus Skunk cabbage Restoration species
Aristolochiaceae Asarum canadense American ginger Restoration species
Asteraceae Ageratina altissima Snakeroot Native
Asteraceae Chrysogonum virginianum Green-and-gold Restoration species
Asteraceae Eurybia divaricata White wood aster Native
Balsaminaceae Impatiens capensis Jewelweed Native
Berberidaceae Jeffersonia diphylla Twin leaf Restoration species
Cannabaceae Celtis occidentalis Hackberry Native
Caprifoliaceae Lonicera japonica Japanese honeysuckle Non-native, invasive
Caprifoliaceae Lonicera sempervirens Trumpet honeysuckle Restoration species
Dryopteridaceae Dryopteris marginalis Marginal fern Restoration species
Dryopteridaceae Polystichum acrostichoides Christmas fern Restoration species
Ericaceae Kalmia latifolia Mountain laurel Restoration species
Fagaceae Quercus rubra Red oak Native, seedlings present
Fagaceae Quercus velutina Black oak Native
Geraniaceae Geranium maculatun Wild geranium Restoration species
Gingkoaceae Ginkgo biloba Maidenhair tree Non-native ornamental
Juglandaceae Carya cordiformis Bitternut hickory Native
Lauraceae Lindera benzoin Spicebush Restoration species
Lauraceae Sassafras albidum Sassafras Native
Moraceae Morus alba Mulberry Non-native ornamental, seedlings present
Onocleaceae Matteucia struthiopteris Ostrich fern Restoration species
Osmundaceae Osmunda regalis Royal fern Restoration species
Paulowniaceae Paulownia tomentosa Princess tree Non-native ornamental, seedlings present
Phytolaccaceae Phytolacca americana Pokeweed Native
Pincaceae Pinus strobus White pine Restoration species
Poaceae Dichanthelium clandestinum Deertongue Native
Poaceae Elymus hystrix Bottlebrush grass Restoration species
Polygonaceae Fallopia japonica Japanese knotweed Non-native invasive
Polygonaceae Persicaria virginiana Virginia knotweed Native
Ranunculaceae Aquilegia canadenis Columbine Restoration species
Ranunculaceae Caltha palustris Marsh marigold Restoration species
Rosaceae Amelanchier sp. Shadbush Restoration species
Rosaceae Prunus serotina Black cherry Native
Rosaceae Rosa virginiana Virginia rose Restoration species
Rosaceae Rubus phoenicolasius Wineberry Non-native, spreading, invasive?
Sapindaceae Koelrueteria paniculata Goldenrain tree Non-native ornamental, seedlings present
Smilacaceae Smilax sp. Catbriar Native
Violaceae Viola canadensis Canada violet Restoration species

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