Native Aquatic Plants in MD

[Aaron]

The other day Cavan, Kris and myself went on a little photo safari. We started at the Patuxent Research Refuge’s Visitor Center and then made our way over to Rock Creek Park to scour the edges of Needwood Lake.

Now where did I see that Callitriche species?


Found it!


Lobelia cardinalis in full bloom is a sight to see.


Another Lobelia species.


Ludwigia peploides spreads its way across the lake's surface.


Proserpinaca palustris emerges from the lake bed.


A Sphagnum moss species grew abundantly along the shores of the Patuxent's Cash Lake.


Murdannia keisak (introduced) grows among some flowering Utriculara species (most likely gibba). Also, laying flat on the surface of the water was one of many Eleocharis species we saw. This was likely parvulus or acicularis.

[krisw]

Nice pictures! If anyone else is wondering why Cavan's the only one in the picture... Well, we let him be the guinea pig for wetter areas.

Aaron, Cavan told me yesterday that he thinks the Utriculara is Utricularia geminiscapa. (At least I think that's the one he said on the phone.)

[PaulS]

Great pictures Aaron. I didn't know that Lobelia cardinalis was a native species to this area! The flower is really impressive and the entire plant looks completely different in it's emersed form. Looks like a fun outing. Hope the bugs weren't too bad.

[SCMurphy]

You guys NEVER tell me when Cavan is in town.

How an I supposed to show off my other new hairgrass from the scout camp lake?

[krisw]

Sean, consider this notice, then. Cavan moved down here. He's now living in Silver Spring.

[Cavan]

Yes, I'm here. I was hoping to run into you at the meeting Sean. I suppose we can discuss the maximum size of C. usteriana another time.

[Ben Belton]

Good lord Cavan!! .... did you stop eating?

I guess I haven't seen you in a few years. Send me whatever diet you've been on.

[Aaron]

I suppose we can discuss the maximum size of C. usteriana another time.

So far it's 25"-26" tall and counting in my 75 gallon.

[SCMurphy]

Sure thing Cavan, since we have both plants now from sources that can vouch for the identifications we can even compare directly.