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Vegetation Images from Sycamore Island
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The high tree canopy and lush groundcovers throughout
Sycamore Island create dynamic combinations of light
and shadow that respond to the time of day and
movement of trees. Here a native woodland
species, Wingstem (Actinomeris alternifolia),
is the dominant groundcover.
Native sycamore trees are quite common
throughout the island, with forms that
grow tall and straight reaching for
light through the established canopy.
Within the central portion of the island, a glade of native
orange jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) carpets the forest
floor with arching silver maple trees above. The
experiential qualities within this portion of the
island are particularly unique.
Flowers from native Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana).
Tender spring leaves of native vine, Virginia Creeper
(Parthenocissus quinquefolia). Virginia Creeper is a
woody vine that advantageously climbs up trees, structures,
or along the ground. It is an important plant for wildlife.
Carpet of Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)
in mid June.
The north-east gravel bar of the island displays a mixture of
advantageous invasives and natives which usually occupy littoral
sites. Some of the plant species identified here include:
Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), Indian Hemp (Apocynum
cannabinum), Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), Buttonbush
(Cephalanthus occidentalis), Chickweed (Cerastium arvense),
Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense), Poison Hemlock (Conium
maculatum), Hedge Bindweed (Convolvulus sepium), Boneset
(Eupatorium perfoliatum), White Snakeroot (Eupatorium rugosum),
St. John's Wort (Hypericum sp.), Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum
salicaria), Ground Cherry (Physalis virginiana), Carolina
Horsenettle (Solanum carolinense), and Stinging Nettle
(Urtica dioica var. procera).
Flower of the silver maple (Acer saccharinum) tree in spring.
Flower of Black Locust tree (Robinia pseudoacacia).
Beyond the line of demarcation established by the marooned
barge, a smaller sand bar island is populated by Willow sp.
In addition to the willows, shrubby species that are tolerant
of wet areas, like Silky Dogwood (Cornus amomum) and
Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) are also present in
abundance. Intrusion of invasive plant species seem less
of an issue at this southernmost outpost on the island.
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis).
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis) growing from within
a knot of a fallen tree.
Tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) seedling.