A Fiel Gui e to

Common A uatic and Riparian Plants of New Hampshire

New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Volunteer River Assessment Program

A Fiel Gui e to Common Riparian

Plants of New Hampshire 1

A Fiel Gui e to Common Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 1

WD-06-3

A Field Guide to Common A uatic and

Riparian Plants of New Hampshire

Prepared By

Jen Drociak

Volunteer River Assessment Program Coordinator

Thomas S Burack Commissioner

Michael J Walls Assistant Commissioner

Harry P Stewart PE Director Water Division

New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Volunteer River Assessment Program

29 Hazen Drive PO Box 95 Concord NH 03302-0095 wwwdesnhgovwmbvrap

Second Edition March 2008

A Fiel Gui e to Common Riparian

Plants of New Hampshire 1

A Fiel Gui e to Common Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 1

WD-06-3

A Field Guide to Common A uatic and

Riparian Plants of New Hampshire

Prepared By

Jen Drociak

Volunteer River Assessment Program Coordinator

Thomas S Burack Commissioner

Michael J Walls Assistant Commissioner

Harry P Stewart PE Director Water Division

New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Volunteer River Assessment Program

29 Hazen Drive PO Box 95 Concord NH 03302-0095 wwwdesnhgovwmbvrap

Second Edition March 2008

A Fiel Gui e to Common Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 1

WD-06-3

A Field Guide to Common A uatic and

Riparian Plants of New Hampshire

Prepared By

Jen Drociak

Volunteer River Assessment Program Coordinator

Thomas S Burack Commissioner

Michael J Walls Assistant Commissioner

Harry P Stewart PE Director Water Division

New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Volunteer River Assessment Program

29 Hazen Drive PO Box 95 Concord NH 03302-0095 wwwdesnhgovwmbvrap

Second Edition March 2008

A Fiel Gui e to Common Riparian

Plants of New Hampshire 1

A Fiel Gui e to Common Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 1

Acknowledgements

All specimen scans and habitat photos by Jen Drociak unless otherwise noted

Layout and design by Jen Drociak

A very special thank-you to Pat Gruttemeyer Amy Smagula and Michele Tremblay for their editorial assistance and to Amy Smagula and Jody Connor for their content contribution

Dedicated to Gordon Russell Director Emeritus Piscataquog Watershed Association who guided me on my first plant identification survey along the banks of the Piscataqoug River in 1997

References

Borman Susan Korth Robert Temte Jo Through the Looking Glass A Field Guide to Aquatic Plants Wisconsin Lake Partnership 1999

Magee Dennis W Freshwater Wetlands A Guide to Common Indicator Plants of the Northeast University of Massachusetts Press 1981

New Hampshire Department of Agriculture Markets amp Food and New Hampshire Invasive Species Committee Guide to Invasive Upland Plant Species in New Hampshire NH Department of Agriculture Markets amp Food 2005

Niering William A National Audubon Society Nature Guides Wetlands Chanticleer Press Inc 1997

New England Wildflower Society Field Manual of Invasive Plants of the Northeast 200

Northeastern Wetland Flora Field Office Guide to Plant Species USDA ndash NRCSNortheastern National Technical Center Chester Pennsylvania

Peterson Lee Allen A Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants of Eastern and Central North America Houghton Mifflin Company 1977

Redington Charles B Plants in Wetlands Field Guide to Biological Interactions KendallHunt Publishing Company 199

Smagula Amy Connor Jody Aquatic Plants amp Algae of New Hampshirersquos Lakes and Ponds New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services 2007

Tiner RW Jr Field Guide to Nontidal Wetland Identification Maryland Department of Natural Resources Annapolis MD and US Fish and Wildlife Service Newton Corner MA 1988

Uva Richard Neal Joseph C DiTomaso Joseph M Weeds of the Northeast Cornell University 1997

A Fiel Gui e to Common Riparian

Plants of New Hampshire 1

Introduction

Riparian Area An area f land and vegetati n adjacent t a stream that has a direct effect n the stream This includes w dlands vegetati n and fl dplains

Purpos of This Guid

This fi ld guid provid s bri f simpl and asy id ntification of common aquatic and riparian plants shrubs and tr s of N w Hampshir Although information in this guid is drawn from s v ral sourc s it is not int nd d to b a compr h nsiv listing of all th aquatic and riparian plant sp ci s in N w Hampshir Hop fully it will provid th casual obs rv r with aid in id ntification of th most fr qu ntly ncount r d sp ci s and r f r nc s to assist in furth r mor d tail d studi s for thos wishing to know mor about riparian cosyst ms Us of additional fi ld guid s to suppl m nt this on and to id ntify plants not includ d in this guid is sugg st d Oth r h lpful fi ld guid s can b found in App ndix A

How to Id ntify Plants

Th r ar s v ral ways to id ntify plants In fi ld guid s th y ar typically id ntifi d by photos drawings and d scriptions In th fi ld th y can also b id ntifi d by touch tast sm ll color and form Th ir branching habit l af form and v in patt rn can also aid in id ntification Plants can also xhibit diff r nt charact ristics during diff r nt tim s of th y ar In addition it is us ful to know th ir habitat or plac wh r th y grow

Organization of This Guid

This fi ld guid is organiz d into six s ctions

In th Wat r Subm rg d Aquatic Plants Plants that hav most of th ir l av s growing und r wat r som floating l av s may also b pr s nt Th y ar found from shallow to d p zon s

On th Wat r Floating Plants Plants that ar root d with floating broad l av s

On th Edg Em rg nt H rbac ous Plants Plants that hav l av s that xt nd abov th wat rrsquos surfac and ar usually found in shallow wat r

F rns Non-flow ring plants that b ar spor s rath r than s ds with flatt n d l af-lik ldquofrondsrdquo that ar furth r divid d

Woody Shrubs Woody plants which ar g n rally short r than tr s and small r in trunk siz Th y hav clust rs of st ms rising dir ctly from th ground and g n rally hav a ldquobushyrdquo app aranc with no sp cial crown shap

Climbing Vin s Plants with a w ak st m that d riv support from climbing twining or cr ping along a surfac

Th Canopy (Tr s) Woody plants that usually grow from th ground with a singl r ct st m or trunk Th main st m may b massiv and is oft n unbranch d for s v ral f t abov th ground Tr s can r ach a consid rabl h ight at maturity

A plant sp ci s will oft n hav s v ral common nam s This fi ld guid is organiz d alphab tically by th pr f rr d or most-us d common nam with th Latinsci ntific nam b low

Plant sp ci s d scriptions includ th following

Status Wh th r th plant is nativ or non-nativ xoticinvasiv Thos plants that ar non-nativ xoticinvasiv which ar also prohibit d in N w Hampshir ar id ntifi d as such

Habitat D scrib s th b st conditions for growth of this plant and wh r to locat it

H ight D scrib s how tall or long th plant grows

Bark In th Woody Shrub and Tr s ctions d scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th bark

Buds In th Woody Shrub and Tr s ctions d scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th buds

St m In th Woody Shrub s ction d scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th st m

L av s D scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th l av s

Flow rs D scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th flow rs

Flow ring P riod D scrib s th tim of y ar in which th flow rs bloom

Fruit D scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th fruit

Twigs In th Woody Shrub and Tr s ctions d scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th twigs

Valu Explains th worth of th plant to th oth r m mb rs of th cosyst m

Similar Sp ci s D scrib s th uniqu f atur s to h lp distinguish this plant from oth rs Additional information about som of th r lat d plants is also provid d

In addition app ndic s to this fi ld guid includ

App ndix A Oth r H lpful Fi ld Guid s

App ndix B Glossary of T rms

App ndix C L af Shap s and Arrang m nts

App ndix D Nativ Shor landRiparian Buff r Plantings for N w Hampshir

For Mor Information on Exotic Sp ci s

Additional information on xotic aquatic plants can b obtain d by contacting

N w Hampshir D partm nt of Environm ntal S rvic s Exotic Sp ci s Program 29 Haz n Driv PO Box 95

Concord NH 03302 (603) 271-2248

httpwwwd snhgovWMBExoticSp ci s

Whil additional information on xotic t rr strial plants can b obtain d by contacting

N w Hampshir D partm nt of Agricultur Mark ts amp Food Invasiv Sp ci s Program

25 Capitol Str t S cond Floor Concord NH 03302

(603) 271-2561 httpnhgovagricdivisionsplant_industryplants_ins ctshtm

Enjoy a Riparian Riv r-Walk

I hop this fi ld guid will inspir you to incr as your int r st and knowl dg of aquatic plants and th ir r lationship in riparian nvironm nts Riv rs and str ams ar fragil cosyst ms of natural b auty and intrigu I ncourag you to njoy a riparian ldquoriv r-walkrdquo during ach s ason and not only study th v g tativ communiti s but th ir int raction with both t rr strial and aquatic ins cts fish and oth r wildlif

Jen Dr ciak

A Fiel Gui e to Common Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 1

Acknowledgements

All specimen scans and habitat photos by Jen Drociak unless otherwise noted

Layout and design by Jen Drociak

A very special thank-you to Pat Gruttemeyer Amy Smagula and Michele Tremblay for their editorial assistance and to Amy Smagula and Jody Connor for their content contribution

Dedicated to Gordon Russell Director Emeritus Piscataquog Watershed Association who guided me on my first plant identification survey along the banks of the Piscataqoug River in 1997

References

Borman Susan Korth Robert Temte Jo Through the Looking Glass A Field Guide to Aquatic Plants Wisconsin Lake Partnership 1999

Magee Dennis W Freshwater Wetlands A Guide to Common Indicator Plants of the Northeast University of Massachusetts Press 1981

New Hampshire Department of Agriculture Markets amp Food and New Hampshire Invasive Species Committee Guide to Invasive Upland Plant Species in New Hampshire NH Department of Agriculture Markets amp Food 2005

Niering William A National Audubon Society Nature Guides Wetlands Chanticleer Press Inc 1997

New England Wildflower Society Field Manual of Invasive Plants of the Northeast 200

Northeastern Wetland Flora Field Office Guide to Plant Species USDA ndash NRCSNortheastern National Technical Center Chester Pennsylvania

Peterson Lee Allen A Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants of Eastern and Central North America Houghton Mifflin Company 1977

Redington Charles B Plants in Wetlands Field Guide to Biological Interactions KendallHunt Publishing Company 199

Smagula Amy Connor Jody Aquatic Plants amp Algae of New Hampshirersquos Lakes and Ponds New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services 2007

Tiner RW Jr Field Guide to Nontidal Wetland Identification Maryland Department of Natural Resources Annapolis MD and US Fish and Wildlife Service Newton Corner MA 1988

Uva Richard Neal Joseph C DiTomaso Joseph M Weeds of the Northeast Cornell University 1997

A Fiel Gui e to Common Riparian

Plants of New Hampshire 1

Introduction

Riparian Area An area f land and vegetati n adjacent t a stream that has a direct effect n the stream This includes w dlands vegetati n and fl dplains

Purpos of This Guid

This fi ld guid provid s bri f simpl and asy id ntification of common aquatic and riparian plants shrubs and tr s of N w Hampshir Although information in this guid is drawn from s v ral sourc s it is not int nd d to b a compr h nsiv listing of all th aquatic and riparian plant sp ci s in N w Hampshir Hop fully it will provid th casual obs rv r with aid in id ntification of th most fr qu ntly ncount r d sp ci s and r f r nc s to assist in furth r mor d tail d studi s for thos wishing to know mor about riparian cosyst ms Us of additional fi ld guid s to suppl m nt this on and to id ntify plants not includ d in this guid is sugg st d Oth r h lpful fi ld guid s can b found in App ndix A

How to Id ntify Plants

Th r ar s v ral ways to id ntify plants In fi ld guid s th y ar typically id ntifi d by photos drawings and d scriptions In th fi ld th y can also b id ntifi d by touch tast sm ll color and form Th ir branching habit l af form and v in patt rn can also aid in id ntification Plants can also xhibit diff r nt charact ristics during diff r nt tim s of th y ar In addition it is us ful to know th ir habitat or plac wh r th y grow

Organization of This Guid

This fi ld guid is organiz d into six s ctions

In th Wat r Subm rg d Aquatic Plants Plants that hav most of th ir l av s growing und r wat r som floating l av s may also b pr s nt Th y ar found from shallow to d p zon s

On th Wat r Floating Plants Plants that ar root d with floating broad l av s

On th Edg Em rg nt H rbac ous Plants Plants that hav l av s that xt nd abov th wat rrsquos surfac and ar usually found in shallow wat r

F rns Non-flow ring plants that b ar spor s rath r than s ds with flatt n d l af-lik ldquofrondsrdquo that ar furth r divid d

Woody Shrubs Woody plants which ar g n rally short r than tr s and small r in trunk siz Th y hav clust rs of st ms rising dir ctly from th ground and g n rally hav a ldquobushyrdquo app aranc with no sp cial crown shap

Climbing Vin s Plants with a w ak st m that d riv support from climbing twining or cr ping along a surfac

Th Canopy (Tr s) Woody plants that usually grow from th ground with a singl r ct st m or trunk Th main st m may b massiv and is oft n unbranch d for s v ral f t abov th ground Tr s can r ach a consid rabl h ight at maturity

A plant sp ci s will oft n hav s v ral common nam s This fi ld guid is organiz d alphab tically by th pr f rr d or most-us d common nam with th Latinsci ntific nam b low

Plant sp ci s d scriptions includ th following

Status Wh th r th plant is nativ or non-nativ xoticinvasiv Thos plants that ar non-nativ xoticinvasiv which ar also prohibit d in N w Hampshir ar id ntifi d as such

Habitat D scrib s th b st conditions for growth of this plant and wh r to locat it

H ight D scrib s how tall or long th plant grows

Bark In th Woody Shrub and Tr s ctions d scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th bark

Buds In th Woody Shrub and Tr s ctions d scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th buds

St m In th Woody Shrub s ction d scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th st m

L av s D scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th l av s

Flow rs D scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th flow rs

Flow ring P riod D scrib s th tim of y ar in which th flow rs bloom

Fruit D scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th fruit

Twigs In th Woody Shrub and Tr s ctions d scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th twigs

Valu Explains th worth of th plant to th oth r m mb rs of th cosyst m

Similar Sp ci s D scrib s th uniqu f atur s to h lp distinguish this plant from oth rs Additional information about som of th r lat d plants is also provid d

In addition app ndic s to this fi ld guid includ

App ndix A Oth r H lpful Fi ld Guid s

App ndix B Glossary of T rms

App ndix C L af Shap s and Arrang m nts

App ndix D Nativ Shor landRiparian Buff r Plantings for N w Hampshir

For Mor Information on Exotic Sp ci s

Additional information on xotic aquatic plants can b obtain d by contacting

N w Hampshir D partm nt of Environm ntal S rvic s Exotic Sp ci s Program 29 Haz n Driv PO Box 95

Concord NH 03302 (603) 271-2248

httpwwwd snhgovWMBExoticSp ci s

Whil additional information on xotic t rr strial plants can b obtain d by contacting

N w Hampshir D partm nt of Agricultur Mark ts amp Food Invasiv Sp ci s Program

25 Capitol Str t S cond Floor Concord NH 03302

(603) 271-2561 httpnhgovagricdivisionsplant_industryplants_ins ctshtm

Enjoy a Riparian Riv r-Walk

I hop this fi ld guid will inspir you to incr as your int r st and knowl dg of aquatic plants and th ir r lationship in riparian nvironm nts Riv rs and str ams ar fragil cosyst ms of natural b auty and intrigu I ncourag you to njoy a riparian ldquoriv r-walkrdquo during ach s ason and not only study th v g tativ communiti s but th ir int raction with both t rr strial and aquatic ins cts fish and oth r wildlif

Jen Dr ciak

A Fiel Gui e to Common Riparian

Plants of New Hampshire 1

Introduction

Riparian Area An area f land and vegetati n adjacent t a stream that has a direct effect n the stream This includes w dlands vegetati n and fl dplains

Purpos of This Guid

This fi ld guid provid s bri f simpl and asy id ntification of common aquatic and riparian plants shrubs and tr s of N w Hampshir Although information in this guid is drawn from s v ral sourc s it is not int nd d to b a compr h nsiv listing of all th aquatic and riparian plant sp ci s in N w Hampshir Hop fully it will provid th casual obs rv r with aid in id ntification of th most fr qu ntly ncount r d sp ci s and r f r nc s to assist in furth r mor d tail d studi s for thos wishing to know mor about riparian cosyst ms Us of additional fi ld guid s to suppl m nt this on and to id ntify plants not includ d in this guid is sugg st d Oth r h lpful fi ld guid s can b found in App ndix A

How to Id ntify Plants

Th r ar s v ral ways to id ntify plants In fi ld guid s th y ar typically id ntifi d by photos drawings and d scriptions In th fi ld th y can also b id ntifi d by touch tast sm ll color and form Th ir branching habit l af form and v in patt rn can also aid in id ntification Plants can also xhibit diff r nt charact ristics during diff r nt tim s of th y ar In addition it is us ful to know th ir habitat or plac wh r th y grow

Organization of This Guid

This fi ld guid is organiz d into six s ctions

In th Wat r Subm rg d Aquatic Plants Plants that hav most of th ir l av s growing und r wat r som floating l av s may also b pr s nt Th y ar found from shallow to d p zon s

On th Wat r Floating Plants Plants that ar root d with floating broad l av s

On th Edg Em rg nt H rbac ous Plants Plants that hav l av s that xt nd abov th wat rrsquos surfac and ar usually found in shallow wat r

F rns Non-flow ring plants that b ar spor s rath r than s ds with flatt n d l af-lik ldquofrondsrdquo that ar furth r divid d

Woody Shrubs Woody plants which ar g n rally short r than tr s and small r in trunk siz Th y hav clust rs of st ms rising dir ctly from th ground and g n rally hav a ldquobushyrdquo app aranc with no sp cial crown shap

Climbing Vin s Plants with a w ak st m that d riv support from climbing twining or cr ping along a surfac

Th Canopy (Tr s) Woody plants that usually grow from th ground with a singl r ct st m or trunk Th main st m may b massiv and is oft n unbranch d for s v ral f t abov th ground Tr s can r ach a consid rabl h ight at maturity

A plant sp ci s will oft n hav s v ral common nam s This fi ld guid is organiz d alphab tically by th pr f rr d or most-us d common nam with th Latinsci ntific nam b low

Plant sp ci s d scriptions includ th following

Status Wh th r th plant is nativ or non-nativ xoticinvasiv Thos plants that ar non-nativ xoticinvasiv which ar also prohibit d in N w Hampshir ar id ntifi d as such

Habitat D scrib s th b st conditions for growth of this plant and wh r to locat it

H ight D scrib s how tall or long th plant grows

Bark In th Woody Shrub and Tr s ctions d scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th bark

Buds In th Woody Shrub and Tr s ctions d scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th buds

St m In th Woody Shrub s ction d scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th st m

L av s D scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th l av s

Flow rs D scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th flow rs

Flow ring P riod D scrib s th tim of y ar in which th flow rs bloom

Fruit D scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th fruit

Twigs In th Woody Shrub and Tr s ctions d scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th twigs

Valu Explains th worth of th plant to th oth r m mb rs of th cosyst m

Similar Sp ci s D scrib s th uniqu f atur s to h lp distinguish this plant from oth rs Additional information about som of th r lat d plants is also provid d

In addition app ndic s to this fi ld guid includ

App ndix A Oth r H lpful Fi ld Guid s

App ndix B Glossary of T rms

App ndix C L af Shap s and Arrang m nts

App ndix D Nativ Shor landRiparian Buff r Plantings for N w Hampshir

For Mor Information on Exotic Sp ci s

Additional information on xotic aquatic plants can b obtain d by contacting

N w Hampshir D partm nt of Environm ntal S rvic s Exotic Sp ci s Program 29 Haz n Driv PO Box 95

Concord NH 03302 (603) 271-2248

httpwwwd snhgovWMBExoticSp ci s

Whil additional information on xotic t rr strial plants can b obtain d by contacting

N w Hampshir D partm nt of Agricultur Mark ts amp Food Invasiv Sp ci s Program

25 Capitol Str t S cond Floor Concord NH 03302

(603) 271-2561 httpnhgovagricdivisionsplant_industryplants_ins ctshtm

Enjoy a Riparian Riv r-Walk

I hop this fi ld guid will inspir you to incr as your int r st and knowl dg of aquatic plants and th ir r lationship in riparian nvironm nts Riv rs and str ams ar fragil cosyst ms of natural b auty and intrigu I ncourag you to njoy a riparian ldquoriv r-walkrdquo during ach s ason and not only study th v g tativ communiti s but th ir int raction with both t rr strial and aquatic ins cts fish and oth r wildlif

Jen Dr ciak

Introduction

Riparian Area An area f land and vegetati n adjacent t a stream that has a direct effect n the stream This includes w dlands vegetati n and fl dplains

Purpos of This Guid

This fi ld guid provid s bri f simpl and asy id ntification of common aquatic and riparian plants shrubs and tr s of N w Hampshir Although information in this guid is drawn from s v ral sourc s it is not int nd d to b a compr h nsiv listing of all th aquatic and riparian plant sp ci s in N w Hampshir Hop fully it will provid th casual obs rv r with aid in id ntification of th most fr qu ntly ncount r d sp ci s and r f r nc s to assist in furth r mor d tail d studi s for thos wishing to know mor about riparian cosyst ms Us of additional fi ld guid s to suppl m nt this on and to id ntify plants not includ d in this guid is sugg st d Oth r h lpful fi ld guid s can b found in App ndix A

How to Id ntify Plants

Th r ar s v ral ways to id ntify plants In fi ld guid s th y ar typically id ntifi d by photos drawings and d scriptions In th fi ld th y can also b id ntifi d by touch tast sm ll color and form Th ir branching habit l af form and v in patt rn can also aid in id ntification Plants can also xhibit diff r nt charact ristics during diff r nt tim s of th y ar In addition it is us ful to know th ir habitat or plac wh r th y grow

Organization of This Guid

This fi ld guid is organiz d into six s ctions

In th Wat r Subm rg d Aquatic Plants Plants that hav most of th ir l av s growing und r wat r som floating l av s may also b pr s nt Th y ar found from shallow to d p zon s

On th Wat r Floating Plants Plants that ar root d with floating broad l av s

On th Edg Em rg nt H rbac ous Plants Plants that hav l av s that xt nd abov th wat rrsquos surfac and ar usually found in shallow wat r

F rns Non-flow ring plants that b ar spor s rath r than s ds with flatt n d l af-lik ldquofrondsrdquo that ar furth r divid d

Woody Shrubs Woody plants which ar g n rally short r than tr s and small r in trunk siz Th y hav clust rs of st ms rising dir ctly from th ground and g n rally hav a ldquobushyrdquo app aranc with no sp cial crown shap

Climbing Vin s Plants with a w ak st m that d riv support from climbing twining or cr ping along a surfac

Th Canopy (Tr s) Woody plants that usually grow from th ground with a singl r ct st m or trunk Th main st m may b massiv and is oft n unbranch d for s v ral f t abov th ground Tr s can r ach a consid rabl h ight at maturity

A plant sp ci s will oft n hav s v ral common nam s This fi ld guid is organiz d alphab tically by th pr f rr d or most-us d common nam with th Latinsci ntific nam b low

Plant sp ci s d scriptions includ th following

Status Wh th r th plant is nativ or non-nativ xoticinvasiv Thos plants that ar non-nativ xoticinvasiv which ar also prohibit d in N w Hampshir ar id ntifi d as such

Habitat D scrib s th b st conditions for growth of this plant and wh r to locat it

H ight D scrib s how tall or long th plant grows

Bark In th Woody Shrub and Tr s ctions d scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th bark

Buds In th Woody Shrub and Tr s ctions d scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th buds

St m In th Woody Shrub s ction d scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th st m

L av s D scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th l av s

Flow rs D scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th flow rs

Flow ring P riod D scrib s th tim of y ar in which th flow rs bloom

Fruit D scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th fruit

Twigs In th Woody Shrub and Tr s ctions d scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th twigs

Valu Explains th worth of th plant to th oth r m mb rs of th cosyst m

Similar Sp ci s D scrib s th uniqu f atur s to h lp distinguish this plant from oth rs Additional information about som of th r lat d plants is also provid d

In addition app ndic s to this fi ld guid includ

App ndix A Oth r H lpful Fi ld Guid s

App ndix B Glossary of T rms

App ndix C L af Shap s and Arrang m nts

App ndix D Nativ Shor landRiparian Buff r Plantings for N w Hampshir

For Mor Information on Exotic Sp ci s

Additional information on xotic aquatic plants can b obtain d by contacting

N w Hampshir D partm nt of Environm ntal S rvic s Exotic Sp ci s Program 29 Haz n Driv PO Box 95

Concord NH 03302 (603) 271-2248

httpwwwd snhgovWMBExoticSp ci s

Whil additional information on xotic t rr strial plants can b obtain d by contacting

N w Hampshir D partm nt of Agricultur Mark ts amp Food Invasiv Sp ci s Program

25 Capitol Str t S cond Floor Concord NH 03302

(603) 271-2561 httpnhgovagricdivisionsplant_industryplants_ins ctshtm

Enjoy a Riparian Riv r-Walk

I hop this fi ld guid will inspir you to incr as your int r st and knowl dg of aquatic plants and th ir r lationship in riparian nvironm nts Riv rs and str ams ar fragil cosyst ms of natural b auty and intrigu I ncourag you to njoy a riparian ldquoriv r-walkrdquo during ach s ason and not only study th v g tativ communiti s but th ir int raction with both t rr strial and aquatic ins cts fish and oth r wildlif

Jen Dr ciak

Status Wh th r th plant is nativ or non-nativ xoticinvasiv Thos plants that ar non-nativ xoticinvasiv which ar also prohibit d in N w Hampshir ar id ntifi d as such

Habitat D scrib s th b st conditions for growth of this plant and wh r to locat it

H ight D scrib s how tall or long th plant grows

Bark In th Woody Shrub and Tr s ctions d scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th bark

Buds In th Woody Shrub and Tr s ctions d scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th buds

St m In th Woody Shrub s ction d scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th st m

L av s D scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th l av s

Flow rs D scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th flow rs

Flow ring P riod D scrib s th tim of y ar in which th flow rs bloom

Fruit D scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th fruit

Twigs In th Woody Shrub and Tr s ctions d scrib s th uniqu f atur s of th twigs

Valu Explains th worth of th plant to th oth r m mb rs of th cosyst m

Similar Sp ci s D scrib s th uniqu f atur s to h lp distinguish this plant from oth rs Additional information about som of th r lat d plants is also provid d

In addition app ndic s to this fi ld guid includ

App ndix A Oth r H lpful Fi ld Guid s

App ndix B Glossary of T rms

App ndix C L af Shap s and Arrang m nts

App ndix D Nativ Shor landRiparian Buff r Plantings for N w Hampshir

For Mor Information on Exotic Sp ci s

Additional information on xotic aquatic plants can b obtain d by contacting

N w Hampshir D partm nt of Environm ntal S rvic s Exotic Sp ci s Program 29 Haz n Driv PO Box 95

Concord NH 03302 (603) 271-2248

httpwwwd snhgovWMBExoticSp ci s

Whil additional information on xotic t rr strial plants can b obtain d by contacting

N w Hampshir D partm nt of Agricultur Mark ts amp Food Invasiv Sp ci s Program

25 Capitol Str t S cond Floor Concord NH 03302

(603) 271-2561 httpnhgovagricdivisionsplant_industryplants_ins ctshtm

Enjoy a Riparian Riv r-Walk

I hop this fi ld guid will inspir you to incr as your int r st and knowl dg of aquatic plants and th ir r lationship in riparian nvironm nts Riv rs and str ams ar fragil cosyst ms of natural b auty and intrigu I ncourag you to njoy a riparian ldquoriv r-walkrdquo during ach s ason and not only study th v g tativ communiti s but th ir int raction with both t rr strial and aquatic ins cts fish and oth r wildlif

Jen Dr ciak

Table of Contents

In The ater Submerged Aquatic Plantshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 01

Bladde wo t (Utric laria v lgaris)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 03

CoontailHo nwo t (Ceratophyll m demers m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 04

Milfoil (Myriophyll m heterophyll m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 05

Wate weedDitchmoss (Elodea canadensis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 06

Wild Cele yTape G ass (Vallisneria americana)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 07

On the ater Floating Aquatic Plantshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 09

Floating Hea t (Nymphoides cordata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 14

Wate shield (Brasenia schreberi)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 13

White Pond Lily (Nymphea ordorata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 11

Yellow Pond Lily (N phar variegata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 12

Duckweed (Lemna spp)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 15

Wate meal (Wolffia spp)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 16

On The Edge Emergent Herbaceous Plantshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 17

A ow A um (Peltandra virginica)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 19

A owheadDuck Potato (Sagittaria latifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 20

Blue Flag I is (Iris versicolor)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 21

Blue Ve vain (Verbena hastata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 22

BonesetTho oughwo t (E patori m perfoliat m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 23

Bu - eed (Spargani m e rycarp m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 24

Ca dinal Flowe (Lobelia cardinalis) helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 25

Cattail (B oad-Leaf) (Typha latifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 26

Common Reed (Phragmites a stralis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 27

JewelweedSpotted Touch-Me-Not (Impatiens capensis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 28

Joe Pye Weed (E patori m mac lat m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 29

Picke elweed (Pontedaria cordata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 30

Pu ple Loosest ife (Lythr m salicaria)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 31

Reed Cana y G ass (Phalaris ar ndinacea)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 32

Soft-Stem Bul ush (Scrip s valid s)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 33

Swamp Loosest ifeWate Willow (Decodon verticillat s)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 34

Th ee-Way Sedge (D lichi m ar ndinace m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 35

Wool G ass (Scirp s cyperin s)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 36

Fernshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 37

Cinnamon Fe n (Osm nda cinnamomea)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 39

Ost ich Fe n (Pteretis pensylvanica)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 40

Royal Fe n (Osm nda regalis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 41

Sensitive Fe n (Onoclea sensibilis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 42

oody Shrubshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 43

A ow-wood (No the n) (Vib rn m recognit m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 45

Buttonbush (Cephalanth s occidentalis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 46

Elde be yBlack-Be ied Elde (Samb c s canadensis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 47

Glossy Bucktho n (Rhamn s frang la)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 48

Highbush Bluebe y (Vaccini m corymbos m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 49

A Field Guide to Common Ripa ian Plants of New Hampshi e 1

Hobblebush (Vib rn m alnifoli m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 50

Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 51

Japanese Knotweed (Polygon m c spidat m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 52

Malebe y (Lyonia lig strina)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 53

Meadowsweet (Spiraea latifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 54

Multiflo a Rose (Rosa m ltiflora)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 55

No the n Wild RaisinWith od Vibu num (Vib rn m cassinoides)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 56

ShadbushSe vicebe yJunebe y (Amelanchier arborea)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 57

Sheep Lau elLambkill (Kalmia ang stifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 58

Silky Dogwood (Corn s amom m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 59

Specked Alde (Aln s r gosa)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 60

Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 61

Steeplebush (Spiraea tomentosa)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 62

Sweet Peppe bush (Clethera alnifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 63

Winte be y HollyBlack Alde (Ilex verticillata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 64

Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 65

Climbing Vineshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 67

Climbing Bitte sweet (Celastr s orbic lat s)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 69

Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 70

Rive bank G ape (Vitis riparia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 71

Vi ginia C eepe (Parthenosis s q inq efolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 72

The Canopy Treeshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 73

Ame ican BasswoodLinden (Tilia americana)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 75

Ame ican Beech (Fag s grandifolia)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 76

Ame ican Ho nbeamI onwoodBlue Beech (Carpin s caroliniana)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 77

Black Bi chSweet Bi ch (Bet la lenta)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 78

Black Che y (Pr n s serotina)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 79

Box Elde Ash-Leaved Maple (Acer neg ndo)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 80

Easte n Cottonwood (Pop l s deltoides)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 81

Easte n Hemlock (Ts ga canadensis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 82

Easte n White Pine (Pin s strob s)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 83

G een Ash (Fraxin s pennsylvanica)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 84

Red Maple (Acer r br m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 85

Red Oak (Q erc s r bra)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 86

Shagba k Hicko y (Carya ovata)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 87

Silve Maple (Acer saccharini m)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 88

Swamp White Oak (Q erc s bicolor)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 89

Sycamo ePlanet ee (Platan s occidentalis)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 90

Tama ackLa ch (Larix laricina)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 91

White Ash (Fraxin s americana)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 92

White Oak (Q erc s alba)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 93

White Sp uce (Picea gla ca)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 94

Yellow Bi ch (Bet la l tea)helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 95

Appendices

Appendix A Othe Helpful Field Guideshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 96

Appendix B Glossa y of Te mshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 97

Appendix C Leaf Shapes amp A angementshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 99

Appendix D Native Sho elandRipa ian Buffe Plantings fo New Hampshi ehelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip 100

A Field Guide to Common Ripa ian

Plants of New Hampshi e 1

In The ater Submerged Aquatic Plants

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 1

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic

an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 2

BLADDER ORT

Utricu aria spp

Status Native Approximately 10 species in New Hampshire

Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers bogs

Height 2-3 feet long

Stem Long slen er flexible branche typically becoming etache from roots an free-floating

Leaves Alternate filamentous finely-forke with attache ldquobla ersrdquo

Flower Stalks occurring at irregular intervals along stem Each stalk bearing 6-20 small pink to yellow two-lippe ldquosnap ragon-likerdquo flowers an emerging several inches out of the water or mu

Flowering Period June into September

Fruit Capsule containing many see s

Value Provi es foo an cover for fish Since they are free-floating they can grow in areas with very loose se iment provi ing nee e fish habitat in areas that are not rea ily colonize by roote plants

Similar Species Fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) coontail (Ceratophyllum spp) milfoil (Myriophyllum spp) Bla erwort may be istinguishe from these plants by the alternate forke leaves branching from the base into 2 main ivisions an presence of the ldquobla ersrdquo on the leaves (Smagula an Connor 2007)

Bla erwort may resemble the milfoils but there are two istinguishing features One is the bla ers on the leaves the other is that milfoils have feather-like leaves that have one central leaf stem with nearly opposite unbranche leaflets The leaflets of bla erwort are more branche an forke (Smagula an Connor 2007)

This carnivorous plant has trigger hairs on each bla er that open a trap- oor an suck in water along with the organism that triggere the reaction These organisms can range from insect larvae to tiny zooplankton Once insi e the bla ers the organism is igeste by enzymes foun there Special cells then take the igeste material from the bla ers an move it to the stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 3

COONTAILHORN ORT

Ceratophy um demersum

Status Native

Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers

Height Variable accor ing to water epth

Stem Long toothe trailing much branche

Leaves Whorle smooth up to 1 frac12 inches long 3 forks nearly threa -like flattene an toothe segments

Flower Tiny purplish-green foun where the leaf attaches to the stem an stays entirely submerge Male an female occurring separately

Flowering Period July through September

Fruit Dark brown see approximately frac14 inch long with two spines at the base an one at the tip

Value The stiff whorls of leaves offer habitat for many species especially uring the winter when many other plants are re uce to roots an rhizomes Both foliage an fruit are graze by waterfowl Bushy stems are home to many invertebrates an provi e important shelter an foraging opportunities for fish

Similar Species Mermai -wee (Proserpina a palustris) fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) Coontail may be istinguishe from these plants by its whorle toothe leaves its tiny sessile axillary flowers an beake fruits (Smagula an Connor 2007)

The whorle leaves often cause the plant to be confuse with water milfoil This plant has a plastic-like feel an leaves ten to be thickly clustere at the tips of the stems The leaves are completely whorle aroun the stem an forke milfoil leaves are istinctly feather-like (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 4

VARIABLE ATER MILFOIL

Myriophy um heterophy um

Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire

Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers

Height Slen er flexible long (up to 15 feet) Tip often emerging above water when flowering Data from a University of New Hampshire stu y can suggest that variable water milfoil can grow an inch per ay

Stem Roun thick re ish If broken in half the stem resembles a ldquowheel spokerdquo

Leaves Mostly submerge opposite or in whorls of 4 to 6 an can grow up to 2 inches long Leaves on upper stem are whorle an may be whorle or alternate on lower stem Emerge leaves occurring only towar the stem tips

Flower Small inconspicuous brownish occurring singly in the axils of the upper leaves usually above water uring flowering

Flowering Period In July flowers emerge from the water an are in a spike up to 6 inches tall Can also form a succulent amphibious form when water levels rece e

Fruit Very small four-lobe nutlike

Similar Species Mermai -wee (Proserpina a palustris) fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) coontail (Ceratophyllum spp) Variable milfoil may be istinguishe from these plants by the numerous scattere finely pinnately issecte leaves an floating or upright stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)

The plant is more robust than the other water milfoil species It has a very thick an heavy stem It can only be positively i entifie with the flower present or by DNA analysis (Smagula an Connor 2007)

Fragments of variable milfoil are ma e by passing boats wave action an auto-fragmentation These fragments may float freely an sprea for one or two weeks as they generate roots Once roots make contact with se iment the fragment attaches the roots sprea laterally an expan the footprint of the colony With one fragment an entire colony can arise Colonies can outcompete native plants re ucing bio iversity (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 5

ATER EEDDITCHMOSS

E odea Canadensis E nutta ii

Status Native

Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers

Height Up to 2 feet long occasionally forming ense colonies

Stem Slen er smooth branche

Leaves Long upper an mi le leaves in whorls of 3 with very finely-toothe margins Those of the male plants linear or lanceolate pointe at the tip up to frac12 inch long Those of the female plants broa ly lanceolate roun e or slightly pointe at the tip up to 58 inch long

Flower Green or white with 3 petals

Flowering Period July to September

Fruit A few to many-see e cylin rical capsule

Value Branching stems offer valuable habitat an grazing opportunities for fish Also provi es foo for muskrats an waterfowl They can eat the plant itself or fee on a wi e variety of invertebrates that use the plant as habitat

Similar Species Commonly mistaken for its invasive relative Brazillian elo ea It can be istinguishe by its smooth leaf margins

There are two common species of waterwee in New Hampshire E anadensis an Enuttalii Elodea anadensis ten s to have slightly broa er leaves with blunt tips whereas Enuttalii ten s to have thinner more nee le-like leaves that are pointe at the tips (Smagula an Connor 2007)

Enuttalii can be foun in alkaline to aci ic environments an E anadensis can be foun in alkaline or neutral systems (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 6

ILD CELERYTAPE GRASS

Va isneria americana

Status Native

Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers In water 4 - 6 feet eep

Height 1-3 feet long

Stem Slen er embe e horizontally in the mu near the surface an usually rooting at intervals

Leaves Narrow ribbon-like 1-3 feet in length with a light-colore center stripe mostly submerge with the tips floating

Flower Unisexual the female flower solitary an floating at the surface at the en of a long stalk The male flower on another plant submerge an attache to a short stalk near the bottom breaking off an floating to the surface at flowering time

Flowering Period July to October

Fruit Cylin rical po up to 2 inches long attache to a long stalk which coils up rawing the fruit un er water to mature

Value Source of foo for waterfowl All portions of the plant are consume foliage rhizomes tubers an fruit Muskrat are also known to graze on it Be s provi e sha e shelter an foo for fish

Similar Species Often confuse with the submerge leaves of bur-ree Tape grass can be istinguishe by its heavy air-fille leaves vertically veine centers an lightly veine e ges Unlike bur-ree this plant has no rib on the back of the leaf

Photo ourtesy of Amy Smagula

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 7

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic

an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 8

On The ater

Floating Aquatic Plants

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 9

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an

Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 10

FLOATING HEART

Nyphoi es cor ata

Status Native

Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers

Stem Roun in cross section

Leaves Small heart-shape re ish to purple Approximately 1 ndash 1 frac12 inches wi e

Flower Small white 5 petals

Flowering Period Mi -summer

Similar Species The leaves are often confuse with those of the yellow water lily but are only about the size of a half- ollar an the shape resembles a heart with the same soft V-shape of the yellow water lily Floating heart has a small white flower that can be foun in mi -summer yellow water lily has a large yellow flower that blooms most of the summer (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 11

ATERSHIELD

Brasenia schreberi

Status Native

Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers

Stem Roun in cross section Attache to the center of the un ersi e of the leaf

Leaves Oval Un ersi es are ark pink Leaves approximately 4 inches wi e Un ersi e of the leaves an stem have a jelly-like coating that protects them from being eaten by insects

Flower Small ark pink to purple 6 petals

Flowering Period July

Similar Species Resembles the leaves of the water lily as well as those of floating heart

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 12

HITE ATER LILY

Nymphea or orata

Status Native

Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers

Stem Roun in cross section attache to the center of the un ersi e of the leaf

Leaves Roun with a V-shape notch on one si e Up to 12 inches wi e

Flower Large white sweet-smelling Up to 4 inches wi e

Flowering Period June - September

Similar Species White water lily can be istinguishe from the yellow water lily an floating heart by the V-shape notch near the stem attachment an the more roun e shape of the leaf

Both the yellow water lily an floating heart have a more roun e heart-shape notch Yellow water lily leaves are much more oval than the white water lily which has a circular leaf Floating heart leaves are no more than a few inches in length (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 13

YELLO ATER LILY

Nuphar variegata

Status Native

Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers

Stem Triangular in cross section attache to the lobe en of the un ersi e of the leaf

Leaves Giant floating Up to 12 to 15 inches wi e

Flower Yellow flower petals appear cuppe aroun the inner flower parts an o not open completely like those of the white water lily

Flowering Period June ndash September

Similar Species Often confuse with floating heart an white water lily though floating heart is much smaller in leaf length an wi th The white water lily also has a much more roun e leaf with a sharp V-shape notch (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 14

DUCK EED

Lemna spp

Status Native

Habitat Surfaces of some lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers an often in stagnant waters of wetlan areas

Stem No true stems

Leaves This plant has no true leaves or stems an only has a flat green plant bo y calle a thallus They are very small only about 116 of an inch wi e (Smagula an Connor 2007)

Duckwee s blanket the water surface in colonies There may be one or more roots hanging into the water but the plant is free-floating

Flower This plant rarely flowers

Similar Species Many people think that ense growths of uckwee resemble an algae bloom (Smagula an Connor 2007)

ATERMEAL

Wolfifa spp

Status Native

Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers

Stem No true stems

Leaves Elliptical an flat

Flower This plant rarely flowers but is consi ere the worl rsquos smallest flowering plant

Similar Species Unlike uckwee this plant completely lacks roots an must be inspecte closely to etect this ifference Watermeal may also resemble an algae bloom but can be istinguishe by simply touching the waterrsquos surface to see if tiny plants are stuck to your fingers (watermeal) or if the water has a slimy film (algae) It is commonly foun growing along with uckwee (Smagula an Connor 2007)

Photo co rtesy of Amy Smag la

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 15

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an

Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 16

On the dge mergent Herbaceous Plants

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 17

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an

Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 18

ARROW ARUM

Peltan ra virginica

Status Native

Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In mu or shallow water

Height Up to 2 feet tall growing in loose colonies

Stem Lacking a true stem Leaf an flower stalks arising from a thick root

Leaves Large arrow-shape Lower lobes separating an tapering to the tips Each lobe an the main stem have one prominent central vein from which other smaller veins originate The smaller veins are parallel to one another Leaf bla e with a vein running along the entire outline just insi e the margin

Flower Vertically-curle green Very small spathe almost completely covering the thin whitish fleshy spike White male flowers above green female flowers sheath tapering to the base an tip green outsi e an white insi e Flowering cluster at the en of a long nake stalk

Flowering Period May to July

Fruit Easily i entifie in the fall by its cluster of greenish-brown berries enclose in a green leathery case the stalk curve ownwar at maturity

Similar Species Arrowhea (Sagattaria latifolia) Arrow Arum may be istinguishe by its 3 prominent veins

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 19

ARROWH ADDUCK-POTATO

Sagittaria spp

Status Native There are several species in New Hampshire Slatifolia and Sgraminea are the most common

Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In mu or completely submerge

Height Up to 1 frac12 feet tall

Stem Lacking an upright visible stem Leaves an flowering stalk arising from a fibrous roote base Several un ergroun runners each giving rise to a tuber the size of a small potato up to 2 inches wi e

Leaves Shape is variable within an between species Leaves can be broa ly or narrowly arrow-shape lance-shape or tape-like Leaves appear to clasp the base of the flowering stalk Leaf veins all originate from the point where the stem connects to the leaf an ra iate outwar from that point

Flower White petals in whorls of three with a yellow center up to 1 frac12 inch wi e Male flowers at the top with female ones lower on the flower stalk

Flowering Period July through September

Fruit Flat winge crow e in a flattene hea up to frac12 inch wi e Ball-shape fruit clusters of green nutlets

Value Known as ldquo uck potatoesrdquo Arrowhea pro uces e ible starchy tubers beneath the mu eaten by ucks an muskrats

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 20

BLU -FLAG IRIS

Iris versicolor

Status Native

Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In less than 3 feet of water

Height Up to 3 feet tall Growing in small colonies

Stem Upright robust flattene on one si e simple or with one or two branches from creeping rhizomes embe e in the mu Rhizome very shallow an sometimes expose above the se iment

Leaves Appearing basal but actually alternate bluish-green swor -like an up to 14 inches long an frac34 inch wi e ascen ing in a flat plane or fan-like arrangement Flower stalks are taller than the leaves

Flower Large purplish-blue stalke with 3 larger outer rooping petals whitish towar the base an 3 upright smaller petals in the center

Flowering Period June through July

Fruit Capsule up to 2 frac12 inches long with 3 roun e e ges contains numerous flattene see s often persisting into winter

Value Provi es foo an cover for waterfowl an wil life

Similar Species Leaves may be confuse with those of cattail (Typha spp)or sweet flag (Acorus calmus) Blue flag iris may be istinguishe by blueish-green leaves arrange in flat plane

Photo co rtesy of Amy Smag la

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 21

BLU V RVAIN

Verbena hastata

Status Native

Habitat E ges of pon s marshes streams an rivers

Height Up to 4 feet tall growing in small colonies

Stem Rough four-si e fairly straight arising from a fibrous roote base

Leaves Up to 6 inches long stalke toothe tapere at the tip with a rough surface

Flower 5 small blue petals in a pencil-like spike occurring singly or in clusters with in ivi ual flowers blooming perio ically from the base to the top of spike

Flowering Period July into October

Fruit Separating into four nutlets

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 22

BON S T THOROUGHWORT

Eupatorium perfoliatum

Status Native

Habitat Wet mea ows marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers

Height Up to 5 feet tall Branche growing in small colonies

Stem Upright robust lightly- owny arising from a fibrous roote base

Leaves Opposite lanceolate tapering an pointe at the tip toothe with the base clasping the stem Heavily veine Up to 8 inches long an 2 inches wi e at the base

Flower Whitish in 3-4 terminal clusters up to 8 inches long

Flowering Period Late July through October

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 23

BUR-R D

Sparganium eurycarpum

Status Native

Habitat E ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Emergent in shallow water up to 1 foot eep or submerge in water up to 4 feet eep

Height Up to 3 feet tall

Stem Upright stout smooth arising from rhizomes embe e horizontally in the mu a few inches beneath the surface Zigzag stalks

Leaves Alternate linear up to 4 feet long Emergent stem leaves narrow up to 1 frac12 feet tall triangular in cross-section an ri ge on their back si e Certain species are erect while others are floating an ribbon-like

Flower Lower bulbs or burs are clusters of greenish female

flowers Upper smaller burs are white male flowers

Flowering Period June through August

Fruit A burr-like hea on a short or long stalk

Value Colonies provi e nesting sites for waterfowl an shorebir s The fruit is eaten by a variety of waterfowl an the whole plant is graze by muskrat an eer

Similar Species This plant is easily confuse with wil celery (Vallisneria americana) if the leaves are tape-like or with young cattail (Typha spp) if leaves are emergent For the floating form bur-ree has a ri ge own the back of the long leaf When erect an emergent leaves are shorter in height than those of cattail with a istinct ri ge or almost triangular cross section When in fruit the spiky burr-like fruit is istinctive (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 24

CARDINAL FLOW R

Lobelia car inalis

Status Native

Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s sha e e ges streams an rivers

Height Up to 5 feet tall often growing in large colonies

Stem Smooth stout arising from a horizontal rhizome embe e shallowly in mu

Leaves Alternate lanceolate to oblong toothe tapering at both en s Lower leaves short-stalke upper leaves stalkless Up to 6 inches long an 1 frac12 inches wi e Smooth to slightly owny thin

Flower Long bright-re 2-lippe tubular flower occurring on terminal spike with the upper lip 2-lobe an lower lip 3-lobe

Flowering Period July into October

Fruit Many-see e capsule with two portions

Value Car inal flower is pollinate mostly by hummingbir s since most insects fin it ifficult to navigate the long tubular flowers

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 25

BROAD-L AF CATTAIL

Typha latifolia

Status Native

Habitat Marshes wet swales e ges of lakes an pon s streams an rivers

Height Up to 10 feet tall

Stem Upright stiff growing in ense stan s from thick extensively -creeping un ergroun rhizomes

Leaves Green or bluish-green upright linear 2-6 feet long an up to 1 inch wi e arising from base or alternating along the stem Leaves have a spongy feel

Flower Many small flowers packe into tight cigar-like clusters creating a lower female spike toppe by a smaller male spike with no gap between the two flower types Female spike persists turning into the familiar ark brown ldquotailrdquo

Flowering Period June into August

Fruit Small see -like surroun e by many bristles attache to the base

Value Provi es nesting habitat for many bir s such as the re -winge blackbir Shoots an rhizomes are eaten by muskrats an geese Submerse stalks provi e spawning habitat an shelter for fish One of only a few plants where all parts are e ible to humans

Similar Species Narrow-leaf cattail (Typha angustifolia) has narrower leaves a narrower fruiting hea an a gap between the male an female flower clusters

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 26

COMMON R D

Phragmites australis

Status Most stands are Non-Native xotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire Phragmites australis has been present in wetlan s for millennia but a non-native European species has crossbre with P australis an has forme an invasive plant

Habitat Fresh an brackish marshes e ges of lakes an pon s streams rivers an in roa si e itches Full to partial sun

Height Upright 4-14 feet tall usually forming ense colonies

Stem Calle ldquoculmsrdquo are large hollow an grow up to 1 inch wi e

Leaves Bluish-green lanceolate close together an usually sticking out from stems at a large angle up to 2 feet long an 1 inch wi e

Flower Clusters frac12 - 1 foot long often purple when young an whitish an fluffy when ol

Flowering Period Late July to October

Fruit Rarely pro uces see but sprea s vigorously by rhizomes often running over the surface of the groun

Value This plant has little to offer to bir s an mammals besi es cover Phragmites often outcompetes other native wetlan plants thus limiting the plant iversity an foo source value of the wetlan The only animal that fee s on this to any extent is the muskrat (Smagula an Connor 2007)

Similar Species Sometimes confuse with ree canary grass since they both form ense stan s at isturbe sites Ree canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) can be istinguishe by its shorter an narrower leaves spikelets with only one flower an its shorter height

How To Distinguish Native From Non-Native Phragmites

Stems Stems on the non-native variety are typically green but may have a little purple color along the no es Stems on

the native variety have some chestnut or purple color where leaves are pulle back exposing the stem Stems of the native variety are also often shiny an black spots often appear late in the growing season

Leaf Collars Leaf collars on the non-native variety are always green while leaf collars on the native variety may be

purple

Leaf Sheaths On fall stems the leaf sheaths on the non-native variety remain attache Leaf sheaths on the native variety are lost or very loosely attache so leaves rop off the native plants before the intro uce plants This is the best

in icator base seasonal changes that istinguishes native or non-native varieties

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 27

J W LW DSPOTT D TOUCH-M NOT

Impatiens capensis

Status Native

Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers

Height Up to 4 feet tall Often growing in ense colonies

Stem Upright smooth slightly branching hollow somewhat succulent slightly translucent

Leaves Alternate egg-shape toothe on stalks up to 4 inches long Silvery appearance when hel un er water an appear completely ry upon removal Size an color of foliage vary with ifferences in light exposure an available moisture

Flower Few to several angling orange-yellow three-petale tubularfunnel-shape flowers with re ish brown spots an curve spur at their en s

Flowering Period June through September

Fruit Flat green capsules approximately 1 inch long which at maturity burst when touche ejecting ark-brown see s

Value Especially a apte to hummingbir pollination but bees an butterflies are also important pollinators

The sap from this plant has been clinically proven to relieve skin rashes Jewelwee can be applie to the affecte part of the bo y an neutralizes the urishol oil pro uce by poison ivy an poison oak (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 28

JO PY W D

Eupatorium maculatum

Status Native

Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers

Height Up to 6 feet tall Branche growing in small to me ium-size colonies

Stem Stout smooth purple or purple-spotte somewhat rough towar the top arising from a fibrous roote base

Leaves Lanceolate toothe rough short-stalke with large single mi -vein Up to 8 inches long an 2 frac12 inches wi e tapere at the base an tip in whorls of 3-7

Flower Small rose-purple in ense flat-toppe clusters at the top of the stem an at the en s of the branches

Flowering Period July through September

Fruit Angular nutlet with a plume of fine bristles at the top

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 29

PICK R LW D

Ponte aria cor ata

Status Native

Habitat Marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers

Height Up to 3 feet tall often growing in ense colonies

Stem Upright stout smooth arising from a rhizome bearing one leaf an one terminal spike

Leaves Basal an alternate very large arrowhea to heart-shape glossy with prominent parallel veins blunt tip on a spongy leaf stalk

Flower Many small tubular violet-blue flowers approximately frac12 inch long on solitary spike with a sheath at the base

Flowering Period June through August

Fruit Small bla er-like with toothe ri ges containing one see

Value See s are consume by waterfowl an muskrats Networks of rhizomes an leaves also offer sha e an shelter for fish

Similar Species This plant can be istinguishe from its close look-alikes arrow arum an arrowhea by its light bluish-purple flower spike Bases of the leaves are more roun e whereas arrowhea an arrow arum leaves are more pointe (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 30

PURPL LOOS STRIF

Lythrum salicaria

Status Non-Native xotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire

Habitat Marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams rivers an in roa si e itches Full to partial sun

Height 2-6 feet tall

Stem Upright smooth to slightly- owny Square four-si e almost woo y

Leaves Opposite to whorle lanceolate often with heart-shape bases somewhat clasping stem sometimes in whorls of 3 Gra ually tapering to a point 3 to 4 inches long an frac12 to 1 inch wi e

Flower 5-7 purple petals in a ense terminal spike

Flowering Period July through September

Fruit Many-see e capsule

Value Little wil life value See s are low in nutrition an roots are too woo y The flowers are attractive to insects They pro uce nectar an are regularly visite by honeybees

This plant outcompetes other wetlan plants which are beneficial foo sources for wil life an insects It repro uces by pro ucing millions of see s per plant an quickly takes over the lan scape when intro uce It also sprea s by rhizome (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 31

R D CANARY GRASS

Phalaris arun inacea

Status Non-Native xotic Invasive

Habitat Swales marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Although it is usually a shoreline plant it can survive in knee- eep water by sprouting ldquowater rootsrdquo on the submerse portion of the stem Forms ense stan s in isturbe areas where clearing gra ing siltation filling or other isruptions have create an opening with moist soil

Height Up to 7 feet tall Often growing in ense colonies

Stem Upright stiff from extensively-creeping rhizomes

Leaves Alternate upright grayish-green open sheath an ligule at the leaf axis Bla es fairly long an narrow up to 12 inches long an frac34 inches wi e

Flower Green to greenish-purple spikelets single-flowere lanceolate ense Terminal inflorescence up to 7 inches long branche an compresse early in the season but opening after fertilization

Flowering Period June through August

Value Low foo value Provi es summer cover an habitat for waterfowl at isturbe sites However it ten s to mat own in winter provi ing little winter cover for wil life

Similar Species Sometimes confuse with bluejoint grass (Calamagrostis canadensis) However the spikelets of bluejoint are in a loose open arrangement an the no es have a bluish to purplish cast

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 32

SOFT-ST MM D BULRUSH

Scirpus vali us

Status Native

Habitat Wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Usually growing in water less than 5 feet eep Ten s to be foun on ldquomuckierrdquo substrate an will grow in stagnant water

Height Usually up to 5 feet but can grow up to 10 feet tall Often growing in extensive colonies

Stem Upright grayish-green often arching up to frac34 inch thick at the base arising from stout re ish rhizomes Soft roun tapering to a point

Leaves No apparent leaves

Flowers Inconspicuous many-stalke bu like spikelets covere by re ish-brown scales locate imme iately below the top of stem Clusters mostly rooping but not in higher salinity areas

Flowering Period June into September

Fruit See -like nutlet with 4-6 bristles attache to the base

Value Provi es habitat for invertebrates an shelter for young fish Nutlets consume by a variety of waterfowl marsh bir s an uplan bir s Stems an rhizomes eaten by geese an muskrat Also provi es nesting material an cover for waterfowl marsh bir s an muskrat

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 33

SWAMP LOOS STRIF WAT R WILLOW

Deco on verticillatus

Status Native shrub becoming herbaceous towar the tips

Habitat Wetlan s bogs e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Shallow water with muck or peat se iment Can form floating mats in areas of very soft se iment

Height Up to 5 feet tall

Stem Ri gi woo y smooth to slightly- owny 3-9 feet long The lower rooting stems are spongy an buttresse giving rise to new arching stems

Leaves Opposite or in whorls of 3 gra ually tapering to a point 3-4 inches long an frac12 to 1 inch wi e sessile or short-stalke

Flower Pinkish-purple bell-shape with 5-7 sepals an 5 petals forming showy clusters in the axils of the mi le to upper leaves

Flowering Period July through August

Fruit Small brownish capsule with 3-5 partitions the clusters sometimes persisting above the leaf scars throughout winter

Value The many intertwining arching stems may form sizable clusters at the e ges of lakes an sluggish streams or floating bog mats Wherever a stem touches the water air-fille spongy tissue may evelop This tissue buoys the stem so that it may root an form a new arching stem

Similar Species May be confuse with the invasive purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) Swamp loosestrife can be istinguishe by the arching stems an showy axillary flower clusters as well as the roun stem instea of the square stem of purple loosestrife (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 34

THR -WAY S DG

Dulichium arun inaceum

Status Native

Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Extensive be s can be foun in shallow (less than 3 feet) water Grows in a variety of se iment types an can tolerate some turbi ity

Height Up to 3 feet tall solitary or in small colonies

Stem Roun hollow jointe arising from a horizontal rhizome

Leaves Linear up to 4 inches long an 38 inch wi e with a conspicuous sheath the latter close except at the top

When looking own upon the plant the leaves are line up an appear to ra iate from three angles away from the main stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)

Flower Inconspicuous flattene linear sessile spikelets in the axils or two-ranke scales of the brownish spikelets 8-10 along the axillary stalk

Flowering Period July through October

Fruit Flattene brownish see -like nutlet toppe with a beak

Value Eaten occasionally by a variety of ucks an geese Rhizomes an shoots also graze by muskrats

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 35

WOOL GRASS

Scirpus cyperinus

Status Native

Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers

Height Up to 5 feet tall growing in small colonies

Stem Upright robust roun to triangular especially at the base

Leaves Elongate from base of stem up to 2 feet long Leaves imme iately below the flower are in clusters of 3-5 an may reach 5 inches long an roop at the tips

Flower Clusters of 6-12 spikelets at en s of rooping stems Flower clusters up to 12 inches long much branche

Flowering Period August through September

Fruit Whitish see -like nutlet with bristles much longer than the scales attache to the base the bristles impart the wooly appearance to the spikelets

Value Provi es foo an cover for waterfowl an other wil life

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 36

Ferns

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 37

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an

Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 38

INNAMON FERN

Osmund cinn mome

Status Native

Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Often growing near somewhat similar an relate interrupte fern (Polys ichum aros ichoides)

Height Up to 3 feet tall

Stem Upright stout smooth green an covere with cinnamon-colore wooly stalk

Leaves Sterile (vegetative) fron s up to 3 feet high upright to slightly arche lance-shape with 20+ opposite leaflets Fertile fron s o not persist through the summer whereas vegetative fron s remain until first frost

Reproduction Club-like fertile fron with groups of spore cases on leaflets that hug the main axis

Fruiting Period Spring

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 39

OSTRI H FERN

Pteretis pensylv nic

Status Native

Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers

Height Up to 6 feet tall forming tussocks or clumps

Stem Stout nake for up 1 foot from the base green flattene an black at the base covere with papery brown scales Arising from a forking shallowly-embe e rhizome an giving rise to stout black scaly runners

Leaves Sterile fron s forming circles gra ually narrowe at the base an abruptly narrowe to the tip Fertile fron s up to 2 feet tall an 2 inches wi e nake for approximately half their length the nake portions shiny brown crow e sprea ing or ascen ing branches often overlapping or twiste light green at first turning ark green an eventually brown

Reproduction Leaf segments with spore cases beneath become rolle into small har berry-like structures joine along the branches of the fertile fron

Fruiting Period July ndash August Persisting over winter

Similar Species Cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea) Ostrich fern may be istinguishe by the gra ually narrow base an papery scales rather than cinnamon-colore pubescence on the stalk

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 40

ROYAL FERN

Osmund reg lis

Status Native

Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers

Height Up to 5 feet tall growing in scattere groups

Stem Somewhat stout nake for approximately half its length greenish or re ish arising from a stout creeping rhizome

Leaves Fron s with 5-7 pairs of nearly opposite oblong ascen ing ivisions The lowest pair slightly shorter than the others each ivision ivi e into finely toothe oblong blunt alternate segments 10-14 on each si e Fertile fron s terminate by a panicle appearing as a ense cluster of light brown structures

Reproduction Spore cases clustere along short nake leaf segments in a terminal panicle an often at the tips of some of the ivisions One of several ferns that pro uce their spores on mo ifie leaflets not on the un ersi e of the fron s

Fruiting Period Spring an early summer

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 41

SENSITIVE FERN

Onocle sensibilis

Status Native

Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers

Height Up to 3 feet tall Growing solitary or scattere

Stem Upright stout nake for nearly half its length arising from a creeping rhizome

Leaves Sterile fron s up to 3 feet tall the bla e with up to 16 pairs of wi e segments having wavy margins Fertile fron s shorter the berry-like structures clustere in stiffly erect ivisions the entire structure appearing spike-like

Reproduction Leaf segments with spore cases beneath which have become rolle into small har black berry-like structures appearing July through August an persisting over winter

Fruiting Period July into October

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 42

Woody S rubs

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 43

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an

Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 44

NORTHERN ARROW-WOOD Viburnu recognitu

Status Native

Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers

Heig t Up to 15 feet tall forming thickets

Bark Smooth an gray with a white pith

Twigs Brownish-gray hairless highly branche long straight slen er arrow-like smooth

Buds Re ish-brown with 2 pairs of scales Opposite pointe approximately frac14 inch long roun e scales with fringe of minute hairs along the bor ers

Leaves Opposite egg-shape to roun with saw-like coarse teeth 1-2 inches long an 3 inches wi e tapering to a point with very prominent smooth veins

Flower Numerous small white-petale flowers on short stalks in a somewhat ense terminal flat cluster

Flowering Period June through July

Fruit Fleshy blue-black berry-like approximately 13 inch wi e containing a flattene see appearing in August

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 45

BUTTONBUSH Cephalanthus occidentalis

Status Native

Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers

Heig t Up to 12 feet tall typically 3-5 feet tall

Bark Smooth an grayish when young flaky an grayish when ol er Light-brown pith

Twigs Slen er roun or angle grayish-brown to purplish marke with light elongate lenticels

Buds Small in epresse areas surroun e by bark

Leaves Opposite or in whorls of 3-4 Shiny ark-green above lighter green an slightly owny beneath Leathery smooth oblong to oval 3-6 inches long broa at the base pointe at tips often with short re stalks

Flower Densely clustere spherical creamy white ball-shape flowers long-stalke often in groups of 3 1- 1 frac12 inch wi e Ripe hea s brownish fragrant

Flowering Period July through August

Fruit Small triangular-shape capsules greenish in ball-like hea s like the flowers Persist into winter

Value Butterfly an moth species are often foun fee ing on the sweet nectar of the tubular flowers because of their long curle mouthparts Caterpillar pupas are often foun on buttonbush because of the foo association with larvae an a ults (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 46

ELDERBERRYBLACK-BERRIED ELDER Sa bucus canadensis

Elderberr showing fruit

Status Native

Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of streams an rivers

Heig t Up to 12 feet tall often forming thickets

Bark Green

Twigs Pale yellow-brown to light-brown with numerous large raise lenticels Ill-smelling when bruise Flute or square pith very thick white an soft

Buds Small roun to oval covere with brownish scales

Leaves Opposite pinnately compoun with 5 to 11 leaflets usually 7 Lanceolate to ovate abruptly narrowing at the tip Sharply-toothe Lower leaflets often 3-parte Smooth above smooth or owny on veins beneath

Flower Small white nicely-scente flowers with 5 white petals in a flat-toppe cluster up to 6 inches wi e generally with 5 main branches

Flowering Period Late June through July

Fruit Juicy purplish-black berries in flat-toppe clusters containing many see s appearing late August to early October

Value Pro uces fruit that makes tasty jelly an wine It is also an important foo source for many songbir s

Elderberr showing flowers

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 47

GLOSSY BUCKTHORN Rha nus frangula

Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T is species is pro ibited in New Hamps ire

Habitat Generalist Full-sun or sha e moist ry aci ic or basic soils Woo lan bor ers foreste wetlan s floo plain forests

Heig t Up to 20 feet tall

Twigs Grayish with whitish lenticels

Buds Nake owny up to frac14 inch long

Leaves Alternate whorle oblong 4-5 inches long an 3-4 inches wi e Long growing season leafing out in May an hol ing its leaves into November

Flower Small greenish-white in small clusters in the leaf axis

Flowering Period May through September Flowers an fruits continuously from May through September Plants often isplay bu s flowers immature fruit an mature fruit simultaneously

Fruit Berry with 2-3 pits approximately frac14 inch wi e turning from green to re an eventually blue-black Often all three colore berries are on the plant at the same time Sometimes ifficult to recognize in a foreste situation ue to its non- escript appearance but easily recognize July through September ue to masses of berries

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 48

HIGHBUSH BLUEBERRY Vacciniu cory bosu

Status Native

Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s rich woo s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers

Heig t Up to 15 feet tall often forming thickets

Bark Rough brown Stem an larger branches shre y

Twigs On some bushes re ish-brown on other bushes they are yellow Covere with small warty lenticels zigzagge or angle

Buds Flower bu s re plump pointe with spine-like pointe scales Leaf bu s smaller two outer scales with hair-like point

Leaves Alternate pointe on both en s green on both si es untoothe Lower si e slightly wooly on the veins Up to 3 inches long an 1 frac12 inch wi e Deep re in autumn

Flower Cylin rical white or pink up to frac12 inch long an frac14 inch wi e in ense terminal or lateral clusters

Flowering Period April through June appearing when leaves are only half grown

Fruit Blue-black berry up to frac12 inch wi e with whitish bloom sweet in clusters

Value Berries eaten by numerous bir s an wil life

Similar Species Maleberry (L onia ligustrina) Highbush blueberry can be istinguishe by its terminal clusters of fruit an by berries rather than capsules for fruit

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 49

A Field Guide to Common Ripa ian

Plants of New Hampshi e 1

In The ater Submerged Aquatic Plants

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 1

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic

an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 2

BLADDER ORT

Utricu aria spp

Status Native Approximately 10 species in New Hampshire

Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers bogs

Height 2-3 feet long

Stem Long slen er flexible branche typically becoming etache from roots an free-floating

Leaves Alternate filamentous finely-forke with attache ldquobla ersrdquo

Flower Stalks occurring at irregular intervals along stem Each stalk bearing 6-20 small pink to yellow two-lippe ldquosnap ragon-likerdquo flowers an emerging several inches out of the water or mu

Flowering Period June into September

Fruit Capsule containing many see s

Value Provi es foo an cover for fish Since they are free-floating they can grow in areas with very loose se iment provi ing nee e fish habitat in areas that are not rea ily colonize by roote plants

Similar Species Fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) coontail (Ceratophyllum spp) milfoil (Myriophyllum spp) Bla erwort may be istinguishe from these plants by the alternate forke leaves branching from the base into 2 main ivisions an presence of the ldquobla ersrdquo on the leaves (Smagula an Connor 2007)

Bla erwort may resemble the milfoils but there are two istinguishing features One is the bla ers on the leaves the other is that milfoils have feather-like leaves that have one central leaf stem with nearly opposite unbranche leaflets The leaflets of bla erwort are more branche an forke (Smagula an Connor 2007)

This carnivorous plant has trigger hairs on each bla er that open a trap- oor an suck in water along with the organism that triggere the reaction These organisms can range from insect larvae to tiny zooplankton Once insi e the bla ers the organism is igeste by enzymes foun there Special cells then take the igeste material from the bla ers an move it to the stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 3

COONTAILHORN ORT

Ceratophy um demersum

Status Native

Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers

Height Variable accor ing to water epth

Stem Long toothe trailing much branche

Leaves Whorle smooth up to 1 frac12 inches long 3 forks nearly threa -like flattene an toothe segments

Flower Tiny purplish-green foun where the leaf attaches to the stem an stays entirely submerge Male an female occurring separately

Flowering Period July through September

Fruit Dark brown see approximately frac14 inch long with two spines at the base an one at the tip

Value The stiff whorls of leaves offer habitat for many species especially uring the winter when many other plants are re uce to roots an rhizomes Both foliage an fruit are graze by waterfowl Bushy stems are home to many invertebrates an provi e important shelter an foraging opportunities for fish

Similar Species Mermai -wee (Proserpina a palustris) fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) Coontail may be istinguishe from these plants by its whorle toothe leaves its tiny sessile axillary flowers an beake fruits (Smagula an Connor 2007)

The whorle leaves often cause the plant to be confuse with water milfoil This plant has a plastic-like feel an leaves ten to be thickly clustere at the tips of the stems The leaves are completely whorle aroun the stem an forke milfoil leaves are istinctly feather-like (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 4

VARIABLE ATER MILFOIL

Myriophy um heterophy um

Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire

Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers

Height Slen er flexible long (up to 15 feet) Tip often emerging above water when flowering Data from a University of New Hampshire stu y can suggest that variable water milfoil can grow an inch per ay

Stem Roun thick re ish If broken in half the stem resembles a ldquowheel spokerdquo

Leaves Mostly submerge opposite or in whorls of 4 to 6 an can grow up to 2 inches long Leaves on upper stem are whorle an may be whorle or alternate on lower stem Emerge leaves occurring only towar the stem tips

Flower Small inconspicuous brownish occurring singly in the axils of the upper leaves usually above water uring flowering

Flowering Period In July flowers emerge from the water an are in a spike up to 6 inches tall Can also form a succulent amphibious form when water levels rece e

Fruit Very small four-lobe nutlike

Similar Species Mermai -wee (Proserpina a palustris) fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) coontail (Ceratophyllum spp) Variable milfoil may be istinguishe from these plants by the numerous scattere finely pinnately issecte leaves an floating or upright stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)

The plant is more robust than the other water milfoil species It has a very thick an heavy stem It can only be positively i entifie with the flower present or by DNA analysis (Smagula an Connor 2007)

Fragments of variable milfoil are ma e by passing boats wave action an auto-fragmentation These fragments may float freely an sprea for one or two weeks as they generate roots Once roots make contact with se iment the fragment attaches the roots sprea laterally an expan the footprint of the colony With one fragment an entire colony can arise Colonies can outcompete native plants re ucing bio iversity (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 5

ATER EEDDITCHMOSS

E odea Canadensis E nutta ii

Status Native

Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers

Height Up to 2 feet long occasionally forming ense colonies

Stem Slen er smooth branche

Leaves Long upper an mi le leaves in whorls of 3 with very finely-toothe margins Those of the male plants linear or lanceolate pointe at the tip up to frac12 inch long Those of the female plants broa ly lanceolate roun e or slightly pointe at the tip up to 58 inch long

Flower Green or white with 3 petals

Flowering Period July to September

Fruit A few to many-see e cylin rical capsule

Value Branching stems offer valuable habitat an grazing opportunities for fish Also provi es foo for muskrats an waterfowl They can eat the plant itself or fee on a wi e variety of invertebrates that use the plant as habitat

Similar Species Commonly mistaken for its invasive relative Brazillian elo ea It can be istinguishe by its smooth leaf margins

There are two common species of waterwee in New Hampshire E anadensis an Enuttalii Elodea anadensis ten s to have slightly broa er leaves with blunt tips whereas Enuttalii ten s to have thinner more nee le-like leaves that are pointe at the tips (Smagula an Connor 2007)

Enuttalii can be foun in alkaline to aci ic environments an E anadensis can be foun in alkaline or neutral systems (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 6

ILD CELERYTAPE GRASS

Va isneria americana

Status Native

Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers In water 4 - 6 feet eep

Height 1-3 feet long

Stem Slen er embe e horizontally in the mu near the surface an usually rooting at intervals

Leaves Narrow ribbon-like 1-3 feet in length with a light-colore center stripe mostly submerge with the tips floating

Flower Unisexual the female flower solitary an floating at the surface at the en of a long stalk The male flower on another plant submerge an attache to a short stalk near the bottom breaking off an floating to the surface at flowering time

Flowering Period July to October

Fruit Cylin rical po up to 2 inches long attache to a long stalk which coils up rawing the fruit un er water to mature

Value Source of foo for waterfowl All portions of the plant are consume foliage rhizomes tubers an fruit Muskrat are also known to graze on it Be s provi e sha e shelter an foo for fish

Similar Species Often confuse with the submerge leaves of bur-ree Tape grass can be istinguishe by its heavy air-fille leaves vertically veine centers an lightly veine e ges Unlike bur-ree this plant has no rib on the back of the leaf

Photo ourtesy of Amy Smagula

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 7

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic

an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 8

On The ater

Floating Aquatic Plants

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 9

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an

Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 10

FLOATING HEART

Nyphoi es cor ata

Status Native

Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers

Stem Roun in cross section

Leaves Small heart-shape re ish to purple Approximately 1 ndash 1 frac12 inches wi e

Flower Small white 5 petals

Flowering Period Mi -summer

Similar Species The leaves are often confuse with those of the yellow water lily but are only about the size of a half- ollar an the shape resembles a heart with the same soft V-shape of the yellow water lily Floating heart has a small white flower that can be foun in mi -summer yellow water lily has a large yellow flower that blooms most of the summer (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 11

ATERSHIELD

Brasenia schreberi

Status Native

Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers

Stem Roun in cross section Attache to the center of the un ersi e of the leaf

Leaves Oval Un ersi es are ark pink Leaves approximately 4 inches wi e Un ersi e of the leaves an stem have a jelly-like coating that protects them from being eaten by insects

Flower Small ark pink to purple 6 petals

Flowering Period July

Similar Species Resembles the leaves of the water lily as well as those of floating heart

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 12

HITE ATER LILY

Nymphea or orata

Status Native

Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers

Stem Roun in cross section attache to the center of the un ersi e of the leaf

Leaves Roun with a V-shape notch on one si e Up to 12 inches wi e

Flower Large white sweet-smelling Up to 4 inches wi e

Flowering Period June - September

Similar Species White water lily can be istinguishe from the yellow water lily an floating heart by the V-shape notch near the stem attachment an the more roun e shape of the leaf

Both the yellow water lily an floating heart have a more roun e heart-shape notch Yellow water lily leaves are much more oval than the white water lily which has a circular leaf Floating heart leaves are no more than a few inches in length (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 13

YELLO ATER LILY

Nuphar variegata

Status Native

Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers

Stem Triangular in cross section attache to the lobe en of the un ersi e of the leaf

Leaves Giant floating Up to 12 to 15 inches wi e

Flower Yellow flower petals appear cuppe aroun the inner flower parts an o not open completely like those of the white water lily

Flowering Period June ndash September

Similar Species Often confuse with floating heart an white water lily though floating heart is much smaller in leaf length an wi th The white water lily also has a much more roun e leaf with a sharp V-shape notch (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 14

DUCK EED

Lemna spp

Status Native

Habitat Surfaces of some lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers an often in stagnant waters of wetlan areas

Stem No true stems

Leaves This plant has no true leaves or stems an only has a flat green plant bo y calle a thallus They are very small only about 116 of an inch wi e (Smagula an Connor 2007)

Duckwee s blanket the water surface in colonies There may be one or more roots hanging into the water but the plant is free-floating

Flower This plant rarely flowers

Similar Species Many people think that ense growths of uckwee resemble an algae bloom (Smagula an Connor 2007)

ATERMEAL

Wolfifa spp

Status Native

Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers

Stem No true stems

Leaves Elliptical an flat

Flower This plant rarely flowers but is consi ere the worl rsquos smallest flowering plant

Similar Species Unlike uckwee this plant completely lacks roots an must be inspecte closely to etect this ifference Watermeal may also resemble an algae bloom but can be istinguishe by simply touching the waterrsquos surface to see if tiny plants are stuck to your fingers (watermeal) or if the water has a slimy film (algae) It is commonly foun growing along with uckwee (Smagula an Connor 2007)

Photo co rtesy of Amy Smag la

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 15

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an

Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 16

On the dge mergent Herbaceous Plants

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 17

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an

Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 18

ARROW ARUM

Peltan ra virginica

Status Native

Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In mu or shallow water

Height Up to 2 feet tall growing in loose colonies

Stem Lacking a true stem Leaf an flower stalks arising from a thick root

Leaves Large arrow-shape Lower lobes separating an tapering to the tips Each lobe an the main stem have one prominent central vein from which other smaller veins originate The smaller veins are parallel to one another Leaf bla e with a vein running along the entire outline just insi e the margin

Flower Vertically-curle green Very small spathe almost completely covering the thin whitish fleshy spike White male flowers above green female flowers sheath tapering to the base an tip green outsi e an white insi e Flowering cluster at the en of a long nake stalk

Flowering Period May to July

Fruit Easily i entifie in the fall by its cluster of greenish-brown berries enclose in a green leathery case the stalk curve ownwar at maturity

Similar Species Arrowhea (Sagattaria latifolia) Arrow Arum may be istinguishe by its 3 prominent veins

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 19

ARROWH ADDUCK-POTATO

Sagittaria spp

Status Native There are several species in New Hampshire Slatifolia and Sgraminea are the most common

Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In mu or completely submerge

Height Up to 1 frac12 feet tall

Stem Lacking an upright visible stem Leaves an flowering stalk arising from a fibrous roote base Several un ergroun runners each giving rise to a tuber the size of a small potato up to 2 inches wi e

Leaves Shape is variable within an between species Leaves can be broa ly or narrowly arrow-shape lance-shape or tape-like Leaves appear to clasp the base of the flowering stalk Leaf veins all originate from the point where the stem connects to the leaf an ra iate outwar from that point

Flower White petals in whorls of three with a yellow center up to 1 frac12 inch wi e Male flowers at the top with female ones lower on the flower stalk

Flowering Period July through September

Fruit Flat winge crow e in a flattene hea up to frac12 inch wi e Ball-shape fruit clusters of green nutlets

Value Known as ldquo uck potatoesrdquo Arrowhea pro uces e ible starchy tubers beneath the mu eaten by ucks an muskrats

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 20

BLU -FLAG IRIS

Iris versicolor

Status Native

Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In less than 3 feet of water

Height Up to 3 feet tall Growing in small colonies

Stem Upright robust flattene on one si e simple or with one or two branches from creeping rhizomes embe e in the mu Rhizome very shallow an sometimes expose above the se iment

Leaves Appearing basal but actually alternate bluish-green swor -like an up to 14 inches long an frac34 inch wi e ascen ing in a flat plane or fan-like arrangement Flower stalks are taller than the leaves

Flower Large purplish-blue stalke with 3 larger outer rooping petals whitish towar the base an 3 upright smaller petals in the center

Flowering Period June through July

Fruit Capsule up to 2 frac12 inches long with 3 roun e e ges contains numerous flattene see s often persisting into winter

Value Provi es foo an cover for waterfowl an wil life

Similar Species Leaves may be confuse with those of cattail (Typha spp)or sweet flag (Acorus calmus) Blue flag iris may be istinguishe by blueish-green leaves arrange in flat plane

Photo co rtesy of Amy Smag la

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 21

BLU V RVAIN

Verbena hastata

Status Native

Habitat E ges of pon s marshes streams an rivers

Height Up to 4 feet tall growing in small colonies

Stem Rough four-si e fairly straight arising from a fibrous roote base

Leaves Up to 6 inches long stalke toothe tapere at the tip with a rough surface

Flower 5 small blue petals in a pencil-like spike occurring singly or in clusters with in ivi ual flowers blooming perio ically from the base to the top of spike

Flowering Period July into October

Fruit Separating into four nutlets

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 22

BON S T THOROUGHWORT

Eupatorium perfoliatum

Status Native

Habitat Wet mea ows marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers

Height Up to 5 feet tall Branche growing in small colonies

Stem Upright robust lightly- owny arising from a fibrous roote base

Leaves Opposite lanceolate tapering an pointe at the tip toothe with the base clasping the stem Heavily veine Up to 8 inches long an 2 inches wi e at the base

Flower Whitish in 3-4 terminal clusters up to 8 inches long

Flowering Period Late July through October

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 23

BUR-R D

Sparganium eurycarpum

Status Native

Habitat E ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Emergent in shallow water up to 1 foot eep or submerge in water up to 4 feet eep

Height Up to 3 feet tall

Stem Upright stout smooth arising from rhizomes embe e horizontally in the mu a few inches beneath the surface Zigzag stalks

Leaves Alternate linear up to 4 feet long Emergent stem leaves narrow up to 1 frac12 feet tall triangular in cross-section an ri ge on their back si e Certain species are erect while others are floating an ribbon-like

Flower Lower bulbs or burs are clusters of greenish female

flowers Upper smaller burs are white male flowers

Flowering Period June through August

Fruit A burr-like hea on a short or long stalk

Value Colonies provi e nesting sites for waterfowl an shorebir s The fruit is eaten by a variety of waterfowl an the whole plant is graze by muskrat an eer

Similar Species This plant is easily confuse with wil celery (Vallisneria americana) if the leaves are tape-like or with young cattail (Typha spp) if leaves are emergent For the floating form bur-ree has a ri ge own the back of the long leaf When erect an emergent leaves are shorter in height than those of cattail with a istinct ri ge or almost triangular cross section When in fruit the spiky burr-like fruit is istinctive (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 24

CARDINAL FLOW R

Lobelia car inalis

Status Native

Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s sha e e ges streams an rivers

Height Up to 5 feet tall often growing in large colonies

Stem Smooth stout arising from a horizontal rhizome embe e shallowly in mu

Leaves Alternate lanceolate to oblong toothe tapering at both en s Lower leaves short-stalke upper leaves stalkless Up to 6 inches long an 1 frac12 inches wi e Smooth to slightly owny thin

Flower Long bright-re 2-lippe tubular flower occurring on terminal spike with the upper lip 2-lobe an lower lip 3-lobe

Flowering Period July into October

Fruit Many-see e capsule with two portions

Value Car inal flower is pollinate mostly by hummingbir s since most insects fin it ifficult to navigate the long tubular flowers

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 25

BROAD-L AF CATTAIL

Typha latifolia

Status Native

Habitat Marshes wet swales e ges of lakes an pon s streams an rivers

Height Up to 10 feet tall

Stem Upright stiff growing in ense stan s from thick extensively -creeping un ergroun rhizomes

Leaves Green or bluish-green upright linear 2-6 feet long an up to 1 inch wi e arising from base or alternating along the stem Leaves have a spongy feel

Flower Many small flowers packe into tight cigar-like clusters creating a lower female spike toppe by a smaller male spike with no gap between the two flower types Female spike persists turning into the familiar ark brown ldquotailrdquo

Flowering Period June into August

Fruit Small see -like surroun e by many bristles attache to the base

Value Provi es nesting habitat for many bir s such as the re -winge blackbir Shoots an rhizomes are eaten by muskrats an geese Submerse stalks provi e spawning habitat an shelter for fish One of only a few plants where all parts are e ible to humans

Similar Species Narrow-leaf cattail (Typha angustifolia) has narrower leaves a narrower fruiting hea an a gap between the male an female flower clusters

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 26

COMMON R D

Phragmites australis

Status Most stands are Non-Native xotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire Phragmites australis has been present in wetlan s for millennia but a non-native European species has crossbre with P australis an has forme an invasive plant

Habitat Fresh an brackish marshes e ges of lakes an pon s streams rivers an in roa si e itches Full to partial sun

Height Upright 4-14 feet tall usually forming ense colonies

Stem Calle ldquoculmsrdquo are large hollow an grow up to 1 inch wi e

Leaves Bluish-green lanceolate close together an usually sticking out from stems at a large angle up to 2 feet long an 1 inch wi e

Flower Clusters frac12 - 1 foot long often purple when young an whitish an fluffy when ol

Flowering Period Late July to October

Fruit Rarely pro uces see but sprea s vigorously by rhizomes often running over the surface of the groun

Value This plant has little to offer to bir s an mammals besi es cover Phragmites often outcompetes other native wetlan plants thus limiting the plant iversity an foo source value of the wetlan The only animal that fee s on this to any extent is the muskrat (Smagula an Connor 2007)

Similar Species Sometimes confuse with ree canary grass since they both form ense stan s at isturbe sites Ree canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) can be istinguishe by its shorter an narrower leaves spikelets with only one flower an its shorter height

How To Distinguish Native From Non-Native Phragmites

Stems Stems on the non-native variety are typically green but may have a little purple color along the no es Stems on

the native variety have some chestnut or purple color where leaves are pulle back exposing the stem Stems of the native variety are also often shiny an black spots often appear late in the growing season

Leaf Collars Leaf collars on the non-native variety are always green while leaf collars on the native variety may be

purple

Leaf Sheaths On fall stems the leaf sheaths on the non-native variety remain attache Leaf sheaths on the native variety are lost or very loosely attache so leaves rop off the native plants before the intro uce plants This is the best

in icator base seasonal changes that istinguishes native or non-native varieties

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 27

J W LW DSPOTT D TOUCH-M NOT

Impatiens capensis

Status Native

Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers

Height Up to 4 feet tall Often growing in ense colonies

Stem Upright smooth slightly branching hollow somewhat succulent slightly translucent

Leaves Alternate egg-shape toothe on stalks up to 4 inches long Silvery appearance when hel un er water an appear completely ry upon removal Size an color of foliage vary with ifferences in light exposure an available moisture

Flower Few to several angling orange-yellow three-petale tubularfunnel-shape flowers with re ish brown spots an curve spur at their en s

Flowering Period June through September

Fruit Flat green capsules approximately 1 inch long which at maturity burst when touche ejecting ark-brown see s

Value Especially a apte to hummingbir pollination but bees an butterflies are also important pollinators

The sap from this plant has been clinically proven to relieve skin rashes Jewelwee can be applie to the affecte part of the bo y an neutralizes the urishol oil pro uce by poison ivy an poison oak (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 28

JO PY W D

Eupatorium maculatum

Status Native

Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers

Height Up to 6 feet tall Branche growing in small to me ium-size colonies

Stem Stout smooth purple or purple-spotte somewhat rough towar the top arising from a fibrous roote base

Leaves Lanceolate toothe rough short-stalke with large single mi -vein Up to 8 inches long an 2 frac12 inches wi e tapere at the base an tip in whorls of 3-7

Flower Small rose-purple in ense flat-toppe clusters at the top of the stem an at the en s of the branches

Flowering Period July through September

Fruit Angular nutlet with a plume of fine bristles at the top

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 29

PICK R LW D

Ponte aria cor ata

Status Native

Habitat Marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers

Height Up to 3 feet tall often growing in ense colonies

Stem Upright stout smooth arising from a rhizome bearing one leaf an one terminal spike

Leaves Basal an alternate very large arrowhea to heart-shape glossy with prominent parallel veins blunt tip on a spongy leaf stalk

Flower Many small tubular violet-blue flowers approximately frac12 inch long on solitary spike with a sheath at the base

Flowering Period June through August

Fruit Small bla er-like with toothe ri ges containing one see

Value See s are consume by waterfowl an muskrats Networks of rhizomes an leaves also offer sha e an shelter for fish

Similar Species This plant can be istinguishe from its close look-alikes arrow arum an arrowhea by its light bluish-purple flower spike Bases of the leaves are more roun e whereas arrowhea an arrow arum leaves are more pointe (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 30

PURPL LOOS STRIF

Lythrum salicaria

Status Non-Native xotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire

Habitat Marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams rivers an in roa si e itches Full to partial sun

Height 2-6 feet tall

Stem Upright smooth to slightly- owny Square four-si e almost woo y

Leaves Opposite to whorle lanceolate often with heart-shape bases somewhat clasping stem sometimes in whorls of 3 Gra ually tapering to a point 3 to 4 inches long an frac12 to 1 inch wi e

Flower 5-7 purple petals in a ense terminal spike

Flowering Period July through September

Fruit Many-see e capsule

Value Little wil life value See s are low in nutrition an roots are too woo y The flowers are attractive to insects They pro uce nectar an are regularly visite by honeybees

This plant outcompetes other wetlan plants which are beneficial foo sources for wil life an insects It repro uces by pro ucing millions of see s per plant an quickly takes over the lan scape when intro uce It also sprea s by rhizome (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 31

R D CANARY GRASS

Phalaris arun inacea

Status Non-Native xotic Invasive

Habitat Swales marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Although it is usually a shoreline plant it can survive in knee- eep water by sprouting ldquowater rootsrdquo on the submerse portion of the stem Forms ense stan s in isturbe areas where clearing gra ing siltation filling or other isruptions have create an opening with moist soil

Height Up to 7 feet tall Often growing in ense colonies

Stem Upright stiff from extensively-creeping rhizomes

Leaves Alternate upright grayish-green open sheath an ligule at the leaf axis Bla es fairly long an narrow up to 12 inches long an frac34 inches wi e

Flower Green to greenish-purple spikelets single-flowere lanceolate ense Terminal inflorescence up to 7 inches long branche an compresse early in the season but opening after fertilization

Flowering Period June through August

Value Low foo value Provi es summer cover an habitat for waterfowl at isturbe sites However it ten s to mat own in winter provi ing little winter cover for wil life

Similar Species Sometimes confuse with bluejoint grass (Calamagrostis canadensis) However the spikelets of bluejoint are in a loose open arrangement an the no es have a bluish to purplish cast

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 32

SOFT-ST MM D BULRUSH

Scirpus vali us

Status Native

Habitat Wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Usually growing in water less than 5 feet eep Ten s to be foun on ldquomuckierrdquo substrate an will grow in stagnant water

Height Usually up to 5 feet but can grow up to 10 feet tall Often growing in extensive colonies

Stem Upright grayish-green often arching up to frac34 inch thick at the base arising from stout re ish rhizomes Soft roun tapering to a point

Leaves No apparent leaves

Flowers Inconspicuous many-stalke bu like spikelets covere by re ish-brown scales locate imme iately below the top of stem Clusters mostly rooping but not in higher salinity areas

Flowering Period June into September

Fruit See -like nutlet with 4-6 bristles attache to the base

Value Provi es habitat for invertebrates an shelter for young fish Nutlets consume by a variety of waterfowl marsh bir s an uplan bir s Stems an rhizomes eaten by geese an muskrat Also provi es nesting material an cover for waterfowl marsh bir s an muskrat

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 33

SWAMP LOOS STRIF WAT R WILLOW

Deco on verticillatus

Status Native shrub becoming herbaceous towar the tips

Habitat Wetlan s bogs e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Shallow water with muck or peat se iment Can form floating mats in areas of very soft se iment

Height Up to 5 feet tall

Stem Ri gi woo y smooth to slightly- owny 3-9 feet long The lower rooting stems are spongy an buttresse giving rise to new arching stems

Leaves Opposite or in whorls of 3 gra ually tapering to a point 3-4 inches long an frac12 to 1 inch wi e sessile or short-stalke

Flower Pinkish-purple bell-shape with 5-7 sepals an 5 petals forming showy clusters in the axils of the mi le to upper leaves

Flowering Period July through August

Fruit Small brownish capsule with 3-5 partitions the clusters sometimes persisting above the leaf scars throughout winter

Value The many intertwining arching stems may form sizable clusters at the e ges of lakes an sluggish streams or floating bog mats Wherever a stem touches the water air-fille spongy tissue may evelop This tissue buoys the stem so that it may root an form a new arching stem

Similar Species May be confuse with the invasive purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) Swamp loosestrife can be istinguishe by the arching stems an showy axillary flower clusters as well as the roun stem instea of the square stem of purple loosestrife (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 34

THR -WAY S DG

Dulichium arun inaceum

Status Native

Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Extensive be s can be foun in shallow (less than 3 feet) water Grows in a variety of se iment types an can tolerate some turbi ity

Height Up to 3 feet tall solitary or in small colonies

Stem Roun hollow jointe arising from a horizontal rhizome

Leaves Linear up to 4 inches long an 38 inch wi e with a conspicuous sheath the latter close except at the top

When looking own upon the plant the leaves are line up an appear to ra iate from three angles away from the main stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)

Flower Inconspicuous flattene linear sessile spikelets in the axils or two-ranke scales of the brownish spikelets 8-10 along the axillary stalk

Flowering Period July through October

Fruit Flattene brownish see -like nutlet toppe with a beak

Value Eaten occasionally by a variety of ucks an geese Rhizomes an shoots also graze by muskrats

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 35

WOOL GRASS

Scirpus cyperinus

Status Native

Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers

Height Up to 5 feet tall growing in small colonies

Stem Upright robust roun to triangular especially at the base

Leaves Elongate from base of stem up to 2 feet long Leaves imme iately below the flower are in clusters of 3-5 an may reach 5 inches long an roop at the tips

Flower Clusters of 6-12 spikelets at en s of rooping stems Flower clusters up to 12 inches long much branche

Flowering Period August through September

Fruit Whitish see -like nutlet with bristles much longer than the scales attache to the base the bristles impart the wooly appearance to the spikelets

Value Provi es foo an cover for waterfowl an other wil life

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 36

Ferns

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 37

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an

Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 38

INNAMON FERN

Osmund cinn mome

Status Native

Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Often growing near somewhat similar an relate interrupte fern (Polys ichum aros ichoides)

Height Up to 3 feet tall

Stem Upright stout smooth green an covere with cinnamon-colore wooly stalk

Leaves Sterile (vegetative) fron s up to 3 feet high upright to slightly arche lance-shape with 20+ opposite leaflets Fertile fron s o not persist through the summer whereas vegetative fron s remain until first frost

Reproduction Club-like fertile fron with groups of spore cases on leaflets that hug the main axis

Fruiting Period Spring

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 39

OSTRI H FERN

Pteretis pensylv nic

Status Native

Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers

Height Up to 6 feet tall forming tussocks or clumps

Stem Stout nake for up 1 foot from the base green flattene an black at the base covere with papery brown scales Arising from a forking shallowly-embe e rhizome an giving rise to stout black scaly runners

Leaves Sterile fron s forming circles gra ually narrowe at the base an abruptly narrowe to the tip Fertile fron s up to 2 feet tall an 2 inches wi e nake for approximately half their length the nake portions shiny brown crow e sprea ing or ascen ing branches often overlapping or twiste light green at first turning ark green an eventually brown

Reproduction Leaf segments with spore cases beneath become rolle into small har berry-like structures joine along the branches of the fertile fron

Fruiting Period July ndash August Persisting over winter

Similar Species Cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea) Ostrich fern may be istinguishe by the gra ually narrow base an papery scales rather than cinnamon-colore pubescence on the stalk

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 40

ROYAL FERN

Osmund reg lis

Status Native

Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers

Height Up to 5 feet tall growing in scattere groups

Stem Somewhat stout nake for approximately half its length greenish or re ish arising from a stout creeping rhizome

Leaves Fron s with 5-7 pairs of nearly opposite oblong ascen ing ivisions The lowest pair slightly shorter than the others each ivision ivi e into finely toothe oblong blunt alternate segments 10-14 on each si e Fertile fron s terminate by a panicle appearing as a ense cluster of light brown structures

Reproduction Spore cases clustere along short nake leaf segments in a terminal panicle an often at the tips of some of the ivisions One of several ferns that pro uce their spores on mo ifie leaflets not on the un ersi e of the fron s

Fruiting Period Spring an early summer

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 41

SENSITIVE FERN

Onocle sensibilis

Status Native

Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers

Height Up to 3 feet tall Growing solitary or scattere

Stem Upright stout nake for nearly half its length arising from a creeping rhizome

Leaves Sterile fron s up to 3 feet tall the bla e with up to 16 pairs of wi e segments having wavy margins Fertile fron s shorter the berry-like structures clustere in stiffly erect ivisions the entire structure appearing spike-like

Reproduction Leaf segments with spore cases beneath which have become rolle into small har black berry-like structures appearing July through August an persisting over winter

Fruiting Period July into October

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 42

Woody S rubs

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 43

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an

Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 44

NORTHERN ARROW-WOOD Viburnu recognitu

Status Native

Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers

Heig t Up to 15 feet tall forming thickets

Bark Smooth an gray with a white pith

Twigs Brownish-gray hairless highly branche long straight slen er arrow-like smooth

Buds Re ish-brown with 2 pairs of scales Opposite pointe approximately frac14 inch long roun e scales with fringe of minute hairs along the bor ers

Leaves Opposite egg-shape to roun with saw-like coarse teeth 1-2 inches long an 3 inches wi e tapering to a point with very prominent smooth veins

Flower Numerous small white-petale flowers on short stalks in a somewhat ense terminal flat cluster

Flowering Period June through July

Fruit Fleshy blue-black berry-like approximately 13 inch wi e containing a flattene see appearing in August

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 45

BUTTONBUSH Cephalanthus occidentalis

Status Native

Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers

Heig t Up to 12 feet tall typically 3-5 feet tall

Bark Smooth an grayish when young flaky an grayish when ol er Light-brown pith

Twigs Slen er roun or angle grayish-brown to purplish marke with light elongate lenticels

Buds Small in epresse areas surroun e by bark

Leaves Opposite or in whorls of 3-4 Shiny ark-green above lighter green an slightly owny beneath Leathery smooth oblong to oval 3-6 inches long broa at the base pointe at tips often with short re stalks

Flower Densely clustere spherical creamy white ball-shape flowers long-stalke often in groups of 3 1- 1 frac12 inch wi e Ripe hea s brownish fragrant

Flowering Period July through August

Fruit Small triangular-shape capsules greenish in ball-like hea s like the flowers Persist into winter

Value Butterfly an moth species are often foun fee ing on the sweet nectar of the tubular flowers because of their long curle mouthparts Caterpillar pupas are often foun on buttonbush because of the foo association with larvae an a ults (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 46

ELDERBERRYBLACK-BERRIED ELDER Sa bucus canadensis

Elderberr showing fruit

Status Native

Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of streams an rivers

Heig t Up to 12 feet tall often forming thickets

Bark Green

Twigs Pale yellow-brown to light-brown with numerous large raise lenticels Ill-smelling when bruise Flute or square pith very thick white an soft

Buds Small roun to oval covere with brownish scales

Leaves Opposite pinnately compoun with 5 to 11 leaflets usually 7 Lanceolate to ovate abruptly narrowing at the tip Sharply-toothe Lower leaflets often 3-parte Smooth above smooth or owny on veins beneath

Flower Small white nicely-scente flowers with 5 white petals in a flat-toppe cluster up to 6 inches wi e generally with 5 main branches

Flowering Period Late June through July

Fruit Juicy purplish-black berries in flat-toppe clusters containing many see s appearing late August to early October

Value Pro uces fruit that makes tasty jelly an wine It is also an important foo source for many songbir s

Elderberr showing flowers

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 47

GLOSSY BUCKTHORN Rha nus frangula

Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T is species is pro ibited in New Hamps ire

Habitat Generalist Full-sun or sha e moist ry aci ic or basic soils Woo lan bor ers foreste wetlan s floo plain forests

Heig t Up to 20 feet tall

Twigs Grayish with whitish lenticels

Buds Nake owny up to frac14 inch long

Leaves Alternate whorle oblong 4-5 inches long an 3-4 inches wi e Long growing season leafing out in May an hol ing its leaves into November

Flower Small greenish-white in small clusters in the leaf axis

Flowering Period May through September Flowers an fruits continuously from May through September Plants often isplay bu s flowers immature fruit an mature fruit simultaneously

Fruit Berry with 2-3 pits approximately frac14 inch wi e turning from green to re an eventually blue-black Often all three colore berries are on the plant at the same time Sometimes ifficult to recognize in a foreste situation ue to its non- escript appearance but easily recognize July through September ue to masses of berries

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 48

HIGHBUSH BLUEBERRY Vacciniu cory bosu

Status Native

Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s rich woo s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers

Heig t Up to 15 feet tall often forming thickets

Bark Rough brown Stem an larger branches shre y

Twigs On some bushes re ish-brown on other bushes they are yellow Covere with small warty lenticels zigzagge or angle

Buds Flower bu s re plump pointe with spine-like pointe scales Leaf bu s smaller two outer scales with hair-like point

Leaves Alternate pointe on both en s green on both si es untoothe Lower si e slightly wooly on the veins Up to 3 inches long an 1 frac12 inch wi e Deep re in autumn

Flower Cylin rical white or pink up to frac12 inch long an frac14 inch wi e in ense terminal or lateral clusters

Flowering Period April through June appearing when leaves are only half grown

Fruit Blue-black berry up to frac12 inch wi e with whitish bloom sweet in clusters

Value Berries eaten by numerous bir s an wil life

Similar Species Maleberry (L onia ligustrina) Highbush blueberry can be istinguishe by its terminal clusters of fruit an by berries rather than capsules for fruit

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 49

In The ater Submerged Aquatic Plants

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 1

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic

an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 2

BLADDER ORT

Utricu aria spp

Status Native Approximately 10 species in New Hampshire

Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers bogs

Height 2-3 feet long

Stem Long slen er flexible branche typically becoming etache from roots an free-floating

Leaves Alternate filamentous finely-forke with attache ldquobla ersrdquo

Flower Stalks occurring at irregular intervals along stem Each stalk bearing 6-20 small pink to yellow two-lippe ldquosnap ragon-likerdquo flowers an emerging several inches out of the water or mu

Flowering Period June into September

Fruit Capsule containing many see s

Value Provi es foo an cover for fish Since they are free-floating they can grow in areas with very loose se iment provi ing nee e fish habitat in areas that are not rea ily colonize by roote plants

Similar Species Fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) coontail (Ceratophyllum spp) milfoil (Myriophyllum spp) Bla erwort may be istinguishe from these plants by the alternate forke leaves branching from the base into 2 main ivisions an presence of the ldquobla ersrdquo on the leaves (Smagula an Connor 2007)

Bla erwort may resemble the milfoils but there are two istinguishing features One is the bla ers on the leaves the other is that milfoils have feather-like leaves that have one central leaf stem with nearly opposite unbranche leaflets The leaflets of bla erwort are more branche an forke (Smagula an Connor 2007)

This carnivorous plant has trigger hairs on each bla er that open a trap- oor an suck in water along with the organism that triggere the reaction These organisms can range from insect larvae to tiny zooplankton Once insi e the bla ers the organism is igeste by enzymes foun there Special cells then take the igeste material from the bla ers an move it to the stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 3

COONTAILHORN ORT

Ceratophy um demersum

Status Native

Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers

Height Variable accor ing to water epth

Stem Long toothe trailing much branche

Leaves Whorle smooth up to 1 frac12 inches long 3 forks nearly threa -like flattene an toothe segments

Flower Tiny purplish-green foun where the leaf attaches to the stem an stays entirely submerge Male an female occurring separately

Flowering Period July through September

Fruit Dark brown see approximately frac14 inch long with two spines at the base an one at the tip

Value The stiff whorls of leaves offer habitat for many species especially uring the winter when many other plants are re uce to roots an rhizomes Both foliage an fruit are graze by waterfowl Bushy stems are home to many invertebrates an provi e important shelter an foraging opportunities for fish

Similar Species Mermai -wee (Proserpina a palustris) fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) Coontail may be istinguishe from these plants by its whorle toothe leaves its tiny sessile axillary flowers an beake fruits (Smagula an Connor 2007)

The whorle leaves often cause the plant to be confuse with water milfoil This plant has a plastic-like feel an leaves ten to be thickly clustere at the tips of the stems The leaves are completely whorle aroun the stem an forke milfoil leaves are istinctly feather-like (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 4

VARIABLE ATER MILFOIL

Myriophy um heterophy um

Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire

Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers

Height Slen er flexible long (up to 15 feet) Tip often emerging above water when flowering Data from a University of New Hampshire stu y can suggest that variable water milfoil can grow an inch per ay

Stem Roun thick re ish If broken in half the stem resembles a ldquowheel spokerdquo

Leaves Mostly submerge opposite or in whorls of 4 to 6 an can grow up to 2 inches long Leaves on upper stem are whorle an may be whorle or alternate on lower stem Emerge leaves occurring only towar the stem tips

Flower Small inconspicuous brownish occurring singly in the axils of the upper leaves usually above water uring flowering

Flowering Period In July flowers emerge from the water an are in a spike up to 6 inches tall Can also form a succulent amphibious form when water levels rece e

Fruit Very small four-lobe nutlike

Similar Species Mermai -wee (Proserpina a palustris) fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) coontail (Ceratophyllum spp) Variable milfoil may be istinguishe from these plants by the numerous scattere finely pinnately issecte leaves an floating or upright stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)

The plant is more robust than the other water milfoil species It has a very thick an heavy stem It can only be positively i entifie with the flower present or by DNA analysis (Smagula an Connor 2007)

Fragments of variable milfoil are ma e by passing boats wave action an auto-fragmentation These fragments may float freely an sprea for one or two weeks as they generate roots Once roots make contact with se iment the fragment attaches the roots sprea laterally an expan the footprint of the colony With one fragment an entire colony can arise Colonies can outcompete native plants re ucing bio iversity (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 5

ATER EEDDITCHMOSS

E odea Canadensis E nutta ii

Status Native

Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers

Height Up to 2 feet long occasionally forming ense colonies

Stem Slen er smooth branche

Leaves Long upper an mi le leaves in whorls of 3 with very finely-toothe margins Those of the male plants linear or lanceolate pointe at the tip up to frac12 inch long Those of the female plants broa ly lanceolate roun e or slightly pointe at the tip up to 58 inch long

Flower Green or white with 3 petals

Flowering Period July to September

Fruit A few to many-see e cylin rical capsule

Value Branching stems offer valuable habitat an grazing opportunities for fish Also provi es foo for muskrats an waterfowl They can eat the plant itself or fee on a wi e variety of invertebrates that use the plant as habitat

Similar Species Commonly mistaken for its invasive relative Brazillian elo ea It can be istinguishe by its smooth leaf margins

There are two common species of waterwee in New Hampshire E anadensis an Enuttalii Elodea anadensis ten s to have slightly broa er leaves with blunt tips whereas Enuttalii ten s to have thinner more nee le-like leaves that are pointe at the tips (Smagula an Connor 2007)

Enuttalii can be foun in alkaline to aci ic environments an E anadensis can be foun in alkaline or neutral systems (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 6

ILD CELERYTAPE GRASS

Va isneria americana

Status Native

Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers In water 4 - 6 feet eep

Height 1-3 feet long

Stem Slen er embe e horizontally in the mu near the surface an usually rooting at intervals

Leaves Narrow ribbon-like 1-3 feet in length with a light-colore center stripe mostly submerge with the tips floating

Flower Unisexual the female flower solitary an floating at the surface at the en of a long stalk The male flower on another plant submerge an attache to a short stalk near the bottom breaking off an floating to the surface at flowering time

Flowering Period July to October

Fruit Cylin rical po up to 2 inches long attache to a long stalk which coils up rawing the fruit un er water to mature

Value Source of foo for waterfowl All portions of the plant are consume foliage rhizomes tubers an fruit Muskrat are also known to graze on it Be s provi e sha e shelter an foo for fish

Similar Species Often confuse with the submerge leaves of bur-ree Tape grass can be istinguishe by its heavy air-fille leaves vertically veine centers an lightly veine e ges Unlike bur-ree this plant has no rib on the back of the leaf

Photo ourtesy of Amy Smagula

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 7

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic

an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 8

On The ater

Floating Aquatic Plants

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 9

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an

Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 10

FLOATING HEART

Nyphoi es cor ata

Status Native

Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers

Stem Roun in cross section

Leaves Small heart-shape re ish to purple Approximately 1 ndash 1 frac12 inches wi e

Flower Small white 5 petals

Flowering Period Mi -summer

Similar Species The leaves are often confuse with those of the yellow water lily but are only about the size of a half- ollar an the shape resembles a heart with the same soft V-shape of the yellow water lily Floating heart has a small white flower that can be foun in mi -summer yellow water lily has a large yellow flower that blooms most of the summer (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 11

ATERSHIELD

Brasenia schreberi

Status Native

Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers

Stem Roun in cross section Attache to the center of the un ersi e of the leaf

Leaves Oval Un ersi es are ark pink Leaves approximately 4 inches wi e Un ersi e of the leaves an stem have a jelly-like coating that protects them from being eaten by insects

Flower Small ark pink to purple 6 petals

Flowering Period July

Similar Species Resembles the leaves of the water lily as well as those of floating heart

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 12

HITE ATER LILY

Nymphea or orata

Status Native

Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers

Stem Roun in cross section attache to the center of the un ersi e of the leaf

Leaves Roun with a V-shape notch on one si e Up to 12 inches wi e

Flower Large white sweet-smelling Up to 4 inches wi e

Flowering Period June - September

Similar Species White water lily can be istinguishe from the yellow water lily an floating heart by the V-shape notch near the stem attachment an the more roun e shape of the leaf

Both the yellow water lily an floating heart have a more roun e heart-shape notch Yellow water lily leaves are much more oval than the white water lily which has a circular leaf Floating heart leaves are no more than a few inches in length (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 13

YELLO ATER LILY

Nuphar variegata

Status Native

Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers

Stem Triangular in cross section attache to the lobe en of the un ersi e of the leaf

Leaves Giant floating Up to 12 to 15 inches wi e

Flower Yellow flower petals appear cuppe aroun the inner flower parts an o not open completely like those of the white water lily

Flowering Period June ndash September

Similar Species Often confuse with floating heart an white water lily though floating heart is much smaller in leaf length an wi th The white water lily also has a much more roun e leaf with a sharp V-shape notch (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 14

DUCK EED

Lemna spp

Status Native

Habitat Surfaces of some lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers an often in stagnant waters of wetlan areas

Stem No true stems

Leaves This plant has no true leaves or stems an only has a flat green plant bo y calle a thallus They are very small only about 116 of an inch wi e (Smagula an Connor 2007)

Duckwee s blanket the water surface in colonies There may be one or more roots hanging into the water but the plant is free-floating

Flower This plant rarely flowers

Similar Species Many people think that ense growths of uckwee resemble an algae bloom (Smagula an Connor 2007)

ATERMEAL

Wolfifa spp

Status Native

Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers

Stem No true stems

Leaves Elliptical an flat

Flower This plant rarely flowers but is consi ere the worl rsquos smallest flowering plant

Similar Species Unlike uckwee this plant completely lacks roots an must be inspecte closely to etect this ifference Watermeal may also resemble an algae bloom but can be istinguishe by simply touching the waterrsquos surface to see if tiny plants are stuck to your fingers (watermeal) or if the water has a slimy film (algae) It is commonly foun growing along with uckwee (Smagula an Connor 2007)

Photo co rtesy of Amy Smag la

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 15

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an

Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 16

On the dge mergent Herbaceous Plants

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 17

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an

Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 18

ARROW ARUM

Peltan ra virginica

Status Native

Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In mu or shallow water

Height Up to 2 feet tall growing in loose colonies

Stem Lacking a true stem Leaf an flower stalks arising from a thick root

Leaves Large arrow-shape Lower lobes separating an tapering to the tips Each lobe an the main stem have one prominent central vein from which other smaller veins originate The smaller veins are parallel to one another Leaf bla e with a vein running along the entire outline just insi e the margin

Flower Vertically-curle green Very small spathe almost completely covering the thin whitish fleshy spike White male flowers above green female flowers sheath tapering to the base an tip green outsi e an white insi e Flowering cluster at the en of a long nake stalk

Flowering Period May to July

Fruit Easily i entifie in the fall by its cluster of greenish-brown berries enclose in a green leathery case the stalk curve ownwar at maturity

Similar Species Arrowhea (Sagattaria latifolia) Arrow Arum may be istinguishe by its 3 prominent veins

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 19

ARROWH ADDUCK-POTATO

Sagittaria spp

Status Native There are several species in New Hampshire Slatifolia and Sgraminea are the most common

Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In mu or completely submerge

Height Up to 1 frac12 feet tall

Stem Lacking an upright visible stem Leaves an flowering stalk arising from a fibrous roote base Several un ergroun runners each giving rise to a tuber the size of a small potato up to 2 inches wi e

Leaves Shape is variable within an between species Leaves can be broa ly or narrowly arrow-shape lance-shape or tape-like Leaves appear to clasp the base of the flowering stalk Leaf veins all originate from the point where the stem connects to the leaf an ra iate outwar from that point

Flower White petals in whorls of three with a yellow center up to 1 frac12 inch wi e Male flowers at the top with female ones lower on the flower stalk

Flowering Period July through September

Fruit Flat winge crow e in a flattene hea up to frac12 inch wi e Ball-shape fruit clusters of green nutlets

Value Known as ldquo uck potatoesrdquo Arrowhea pro uces e ible starchy tubers beneath the mu eaten by ucks an muskrats

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 20

BLU -FLAG IRIS

Iris versicolor

Status Native

Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In less than 3 feet of water

Height Up to 3 feet tall Growing in small colonies

Stem Upright robust flattene on one si e simple or with one or two branches from creeping rhizomes embe e in the mu Rhizome very shallow an sometimes expose above the se iment

Leaves Appearing basal but actually alternate bluish-green swor -like an up to 14 inches long an frac34 inch wi e ascen ing in a flat plane or fan-like arrangement Flower stalks are taller than the leaves

Flower Large purplish-blue stalke with 3 larger outer rooping petals whitish towar the base an 3 upright smaller petals in the center

Flowering Period June through July

Fruit Capsule up to 2 frac12 inches long with 3 roun e e ges contains numerous flattene see s often persisting into winter

Value Provi es foo an cover for waterfowl an wil life

Similar Species Leaves may be confuse with those of cattail (Typha spp)or sweet flag (Acorus calmus) Blue flag iris may be istinguishe by blueish-green leaves arrange in flat plane

Photo co rtesy of Amy Smag la

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 21

BLU V RVAIN

Verbena hastata

Status Native

Habitat E ges of pon s marshes streams an rivers

Height Up to 4 feet tall growing in small colonies

Stem Rough four-si e fairly straight arising from a fibrous roote base

Leaves Up to 6 inches long stalke toothe tapere at the tip with a rough surface

Flower 5 small blue petals in a pencil-like spike occurring singly or in clusters with in ivi ual flowers blooming perio ically from the base to the top of spike

Flowering Period July into October

Fruit Separating into four nutlets

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 22

BON S T THOROUGHWORT

Eupatorium perfoliatum

Status Native

Habitat Wet mea ows marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers

Height Up to 5 feet tall Branche growing in small colonies

Stem Upright robust lightly- owny arising from a fibrous roote base

Leaves Opposite lanceolate tapering an pointe at the tip toothe with the base clasping the stem Heavily veine Up to 8 inches long an 2 inches wi e at the base

Flower Whitish in 3-4 terminal clusters up to 8 inches long

Flowering Period Late July through October

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 23

BUR-R D

Sparganium eurycarpum

Status Native

Habitat E ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Emergent in shallow water up to 1 foot eep or submerge in water up to 4 feet eep

Height Up to 3 feet tall

Stem Upright stout smooth arising from rhizomes embe e horizontally in the mu a few inches beneath the surface Zigzag stalks

Leaves Alternate linear up to 4 feet long Emergent stem leaves narrow up to 1 frac12 feet tall triangular in cross-section an ri ge on their back si e Certain species are erect while others are floating an ribbon-like

Flower Lower bulbs or burs are clusters of greenish female

flowers Upper smaller burs are white male flowers

Flowering Period June through August

Fruit A burr-like hea on a short or long stalk

Value Colonies provi e nesting sites for waterfowl an shorebir s The fruit is eaten by a variety of waterfowl an the whole plant is graze by muskrat an eer

Similar Species This plant is easily confuse with wil celery (Vallisneria americana) if the leaves are tape-like or with young cattail (Typha spp) if leaves are emergent For the floating form bur-ree has a ri ge own the back of the long leaf When erect an emergent leaves are shorter in height than those of cattail with a istinct ri ge or almost triangular cross section When in fruit the spiky burr-like fruit is istinctive (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 24

CARDINAL FLOW R

Lobelia car inalis

Status Native

Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s sha e e ges streams an rivers

Height Up to 5 feet tall often growing in large colonies

Stem Smooth stout arising from a horizontal rhizome embe e shallowly in mu

Leaves Alternate lanceolate to oblong toothe tapering at both en s Lower leaves short-stalke upper leaves stalkless Up to 6 inches long an 1 frac12 inches wi e Smooth to slightly owny thin

Flower Long bright-re 2-lippe tubular flower occurring on terminal spike with the upper lip 2-lobe an lower lip 3-lobe

Flowering Period July into October

Fruit Many-see e capsule with two portions

Value Car inal flower is pollinate mostly by hummingbir s since most insects fin it ifficult to navigate the long tubular flowers

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 25

BROAD-L AF CATTAIL

Typha latifolia

Status Native

Habitat Marshes wet swales e ges of lakes an pon s streams an rivers

Height Up to 10 feet tall

Stem Upright stiff growing in ense stan s from thick extensively -creeping un ergroun rhizomes

Leaves Green or bluish-green upright linear 2-6 feet long an up to 1 inch wi e arising from base or alternating along the stem Leaves have a spongy feel

Flower Many small flowers packe into tight cigar-like clusters creating a lower female spike toppe by a smaller male spike with no gap between the two flower types Female spike persists turning into the familiar ark brown ldquotailrdquo

Flowering Period June into August

Fruit Small see -like surroun e by many bristles attache to the base

Value Provi es nesting habitat for many bir s such as the re -winge blackbir Shoots an rhizomes are eaten by muskrats an geese Submerse stalks provi e spawning habitat an shelter for fish One of only a few plants where all parts are e ible to humans

Similar Species Narrow-leaf cattail (Typha angustifolia) has narrower leaves a narrower fruiting hea an a gap between the male an female flower clusters

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 26

COMMON R D

Phragmites australis

Status Most stands are Non-Native xotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire Phragmites australis has been present in wetlan s for millennia but a non-native European species has crossbre with P australis an has forme an invasive plant

Habitat Fresh an brackish marshes e ges of lakes an pon s streams rivers an in roa si e itches Full to partial sun

Height Upright 4-14 feet tall usually forming ense colonies

Stem Calle ldquoculmsrdquo are large hollow an grow up to 1 inch wi e

Leaves Bluish-green lanceolate close together an usually sticking out from stems at a large angle up to 2 feet long an 1 inch wi e

Flower Clusters frac12 - 1 foot long often purple when young an whitish an fluffy when ol

Flowering Period Late July to October

Fruit Rarely pro uces see but sprea s vigorously by rhizomes often running over the surface of the groun

Value This plant has little to offer to bir s an mammals besi es cover Phragmites often outcompetes other native wetlan plants thus limiting the plant iversity an foo source value of the wetlan The only animal that fee s on this to any extent is the muskrat (Smagula an Connor 2007)

Similar Species Sometimes confuse with ree canary grass since they both form ense stan s at isturbe sites Ree canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) can be istinguishe by its shorter an narrower leaves spikelets with only one flower an its shorter height

How To Distinguish Native From Non-Native Phragmites

Stems Stems on the non-native variety are typically green but may have a little purple color along the no es Stems on

the native variety have some chestnut or purple color where leaves are pulle back exposing the stem Stems of the native variety are also often shiny an black spots often appear late in the growing season

Leaf Collars Leaf collars on the non-native variety are always green while leaf collars on the native variety may be

purple

Leaf Sheaths On fall stems the leaf sheaths on the non-native variety remain attache Leaf sheaths on the native variety are lost or very loosely attache so leaves rop off the native plants before the intro uce plants This is the best

in icator base seasonal changes that istinguishes native or non-native varieties

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 27

J W LW DSPOTT D TOUCH-M NOT

Impatiens capensis

Status Native

Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers

Height Up to 4 feet tall Often growing in ense colonies

Stem Upright smooth slightly branching hollow somewhat succulent slightly translucent

Leaves Alternate egg-shape toothe on stalks up to 4 inches long Silvery appearance when hel un er water an appear completely ry upon removal Size an color of foliage vary with ifferences in light exposure an available moisture

Flower Few to several angling orange-yellow three-petale tubularfunnel-shape flowers with re ish brown spots an curve spur at their en s

Flowering Period June through September

Fruit Flat green capsules approximately 1 inch long which at maturity burst when touche ejecting ark-brown see s

Value Especially a apte to hummingbir pollination but bees an butterflies are also important pollinators

The sap from this plant has been clinically proven to relieve skin rashes Jewelwee can be applie to the affecte part of the bo y an neutralizes the urishol oil pro uce by poison ivy an poison oak (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 28

JO PY W D

Eupatorium maculatum

Status Native

Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers

Height Up to 6 feet tall Branche growing in small to me ium-size colonies

Stem Stout smooth purple or purple-spotte somewhat rough towar the top arising from a fibrous roote base

Leaves Lanceolate toothe rough short-stalke with large single mi -vein Up to 8 inches long an 2 frac12 inches wi e tapere at the base an tip in whorls of 3-7

Flower Small rose-purple in ense flat-toppe clusters at the top of the stem an at the en s of the branches

Flowering Period July through September

Fruit Angular nutlet with a plume of fine bristles at the top

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 29

PICK R LW D

Ponte aria cor ata

Status Native

Habitat Marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers

Height Up to 3 feet tall often growing in ense colonies

Stem Upright stout smooth arising from a rhizome bearing one leaf an one terminal spike

Leaves Basal an alternate very large arrowhea to heart-shape glossy with prominent parallel veins blunt tip on a spongy leaf stalk

Flower Many small tubular violet-blue flowers approximately frac12 inch long on solitary spike with a sheath at the base

Flowering Period June through August

Fruit Small bla er-like with toothe ri ges containing one see

Value See s are consume by waterfowl an muskrats Networks of rhizomes an leaves also offer sha e an shelter for fish

Similar Species This plant can be istinguishe from its close look-alikes arrow arum an arrowhea by its light bluish-purple flower spike Bases of the leaves are more roun e whereas arrowhea an arrow arum leaves are more pointe (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 30

PURPL LOOS STRIF

Lythrum salicaria

Status Non-Native xotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire

Habitat Marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams rivers an in roa si e itches Full to partial sun

Height 2-6 feet tall

Stem Upright smooth to slightly- owny Square four-si e almost woo y

Leaves Opposite to whorle lanceolate often with heart-shape bases somewhat clasping stem sometimes in whorls of 3 Gra ually tapering to a point 3 to 4 inches long an frac12 to 1 inch wi e

Flower 5-7 purple petals in a ense terminal spike

Flowering Period July through September

Fruit Many-see e capsule

Value Little wil life value See s are low in nutrition an roots are too woo y The flowers are attractive to insects They pro uce nectar an are regularly visite by honeybees

This plant outcompetes other wetlan plants which are beneficial foo sources for wil life an insects It repro uces by pro ucing millions of see s per plant an quickly takes over the lan scape when intro uce It also sprea s by rhizome (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 31

R D CANARY GRASS

Phalaris arun inacea

Status Non-Native xotic Invasive

Habitat Swales marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Although it is usually a shoreline plant it can survive in knee- eep water by sprouting ldquowater rootsrdquo on the submerse portion of the stem Forms ense stan s in isturbe areas where clearing gra ing siltation filling or other isruptions have create an opening with moist soil

Height Up to 7 feet tall Often growing in ense colonies

Stem Upright stiff from extensively-creeping rhizomes

Leaves Alternate upright grayish-green open sheath an ligule at the leaf axis Bla es fairly long an narrow up to 12 inches long an frac34 inches wi e

Flower Green to greenish-purple spikelets single-flowere lanceolate ense Terminal inflorescence up to 7 inches long branche an compresse early in the season but opening after fertilization

Flowering Period June through August

Value Low foo value Provi es summer cover an habitat for waterfowl at isturbe sites However it ten s to mat own in winter provi ing little winter cover for wil life

Similar Species Sometimes confuse with bluejoint grass (Calamagrostis canadensis) However the spikelets of bluejoint are in a loose open arrangement an the no es have a bluish to purplish cast

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 32

SOFT-ST MM D BULRUSH

Scirpus vali us

Status Native

Habitat Wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Usually growing in water less than 5 feet eep Ten s to be foun on ldquomuckierrdquo substrate an will grow in stagnant water

Height Usually up to 5 feet but can grow up to 10 feet tall Often growing in extensive colonies

Stem Upright grayish-green often arching up to frac34 inch thick at the base arising from stout re ish rhizomes Soft roun tapering to a point

Leaves No apparent leaves

Flowers Inconspicuous many-stalke bu like spikelets covere by re ish-brown scales locate imme iately below the top of stem Clusters mostly rooping but not in higher salinity areas

Flowering Period June into September

Fruit See -like nutlet with 4-6 bristles attache to the base

Value Provi es habitat for invertebrates an shelter for young fish Nutlets consume by a variety of waterfowl marsh bir s an uplan bir s Stems an rhizomes eaten by geese an muskrat Also provi es nesting material an cover for waterfowl marsh bir s an muskrat

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 33

SWAMP LOOS STRIF WAT R WILLOW

Deco on verticillatus

Status Native shrub becoming herbaceous towar the tips

Habitat Wetlan s bogs e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Shallow water with muck or peat se iment Can form floating mats in areas of very soft se iment

Height Up to 5 feet tall

Stem Ri gi woo y smooth to slightly- owny 3-9 feet long The lower rooting stems are spongy an buttresse giving rise to new arching stems

Leaves Opposite or in whorls of 3 gra ually tapering to a point 3-4 inches long an frac12 to 1 inch wi e sessile or short-stalke

Flower Pinkish-purple bell-shape with 5-7 sepals an 5 petals forming showy clusters in the axils of the mi le to upper leaves

Flowering Period July through August

Fruit Small brownish capsule with 3-5 partitions the clusters sometimes persisting above the leaf scars throughout winter

Value The many intertwining arching stems may form sizable clusters at the e ges of lakes an sluggish streams or floating bog mats Wherever a stem touches the water air-fille spongy tissue may evelop This tissue buoys the stem so that it may root an form a new arching stem

Similar Species May be confuse with the invasive purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) Swamp loosestrife can be istinguishe by the arching stems an showy axillary flower clusters as well as the roun stem instea of the square stem of purple loosestrife (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 34

THR -WAY S DG

Dulichium arun inaceum

Status Native

Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Extensive be s can be foun in shallow (less than 3 feet) water Grows in a variety of se iment types an can tolerate some turbi ity

Height Up to 3 feet tall solitary or in small colonies

Stem Roun hollow jointe arising from a horizontal rhizome

Leaves Linear up to 4 inches long an 38 inch wi e with a conspicuous sheath the latter close except at the top

When looking own upon the plant the leaves are line up an appear to ra iate from three angles away from the main stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)

Flower Inconspicuous flattene linear sessile spikelets in the axils or two-ranke scales of the brownish spikelets 8-10 along the axillary stalk

Flowering Period July through October

Fruit Flattene brownish see -like nutlet toppe with a beak

Value Eaten occasionally by a variety of ucks an geese Rhizomes an shoots also graze by muskrats

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 35

WOOL GRASS

Scirpus cyperinus

Status Native

Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers

Height Up to 5 feet tall growing in small colonies

Stem Upright robust roun to triangular especially at the base

Leaves Elongate from base of stem up to 2 feet long Leaves imme iately below the flower are in clusters of 3-5 an may reach 5 inches long an roop at the tips

Flower Clusters of 6-12 spikelets at en s of rooping stems Flower clusters up to 12 inches long much branche

Flowering Period August through September

Fruit Whitish see -like nutlet with bristles much longer than the scales attache to the base the bristles impart the wooly appearance to the spikelets

Value Provi es foo an cover for waterfowl an other wil life

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 36

Ferns

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 37

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an

Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 38

INNAMON FERN

Osmund cinn mome

Status Native

Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Often growing near somewhat similar an relate interrupte fern (Polys ichum aros ichoides)

Height Up to 3 feet tall

Stem Upright stout smooth green an covere with cinnamon-colore wooly stalk

Leaves Sterile (vegetative) fron s up to 3 feet high upright to slightly arche lance-shape with 20+ opposite leaflets Fertile fron s o not persist through the summer whereas vegetative fron s remain until first frost

Reproduction Club-like fertile fron with groups of spore cases on leaflets that hug the main axis

Fruiting Period Spring

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 39

OSTRI H FERN

Pteretis pensylv nic

Status Native

Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers

Height Up to 6 feet tall forming tussocks or clumps

Stem Stout nake for up 1 foot from the base green flattene an black at the base covere with papery brown scales Arising from a forking shallowly-embe e rhizome an giving rise to stout black scaly runners

Leaves Sterile fron s forming circles gra ually narrowe at the base an abruptly narrowe to the tip Fertile fron s up to 2 feet tall an 2 inches wi e nake for approximately half their length the nake portions shiny brown crow e sprea ing or ascen ing branches often overlapping or twiste light green at first turning ark green an eventually brown

Reproduction Leaf segments with spore cases beneath become rolle into small har berry-like structures joine along the branches of the fertile fron

Fruiting Period July ndash August Persisting over winter

Similar Species Cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea) Ostrich fern may be istinguishe by the gra ually narrow base an papery scales rather than cinnamon-colore pubescence on the stalk

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 40

ROYAL FERN

Osmund reg lis

Status Native

Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers

Height Up to 5 feet tall growing in scattere groups

Stem Somewhat stout nake for approximately half its length greenish or re ish arising from a stout creeping rhizome

Leaves Fron s with 5-7 pairs of nearly opposite oblong ascen ing ivisions The lowest pair slightly shorter than the others each ivision ivi e into finely toothe oblong blunt alternate segments 10-14 on each si e Fertile fron s terminate by a panicle appearing as a ense cluster of light brown structures

Reproduction Spore cases clustere along short nake leaf segments in a terminal panicle an often at the tips of some of the ivisions One of several ferns that pro uce their spores on mo ifie leaflets not on the un ersi e of the fron s

Fruiting Period Spring an early summer

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 41

SENSITIVE FERN

Onocle sensibilis

Status Native

Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers

Height Up to 3 feet tall Growing solitary or scattere

Stem Upright stout nake for nearly half its length arising from a creeping rhizome

Leaves Sterile fron s up to 3 feet tall the bla e with up to 16 pairs of wi e segments having wavy margins Fertile fron s shorter the berry-like structures clustere in stiffly erect ivisions the entire structure appearing spike-like

Reproduction Leaf segments with spore cases beneath which have become rolle into small har black berry-like structures appearing July through August an persisting over winter

Fruiting Period July into October

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 42

Woody S rubs

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 43

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an

Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 44

NORTHERN ARROW-WOOD Viburnu recognitu

Status Native

Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers

Heig t Up to 15 feet tall forming thickets

Bark Smooth an gray with a white pith

Twigs Brownish-gray hairless highly branche long straight slen er arrow-like smooth

Buds Re ish-brown with 2 pairs of scales Opposite pointe approximately frac14 inch long roun e scales with fringe of minute hairs along the bor ers

Leaves Opposite egg-shape to roun with saw-like coarse teeth 1-2 inches long an 3 inches wi e tapering to a point with very prominent smooth veins

Flower Numerous small white-petale flowers on short stalks in a somewhat ense terminal flat cluster

Flowering Period June through July

Fruit Fleshy blue-black berry-like approximately 13 inch wi e containing a flattene see appearing in August

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 45

BUTTONBUSH Cephalanthus occidentalis

Status Native

Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers

Heig t Up to 12 feet tall typically 3-5 feet tall

Bark Smooth an grayish when young flaky an grayish when ol er Light-brown pith

Twigs Slen er roun or angle grayish-brown to purplish marke with light elongate lenticels

Buds Small in epresse areas surroun e by bark

Leaves Opposite or in whorls of 3-4 Shiny ark-green above lighter green an slightly owny beneath Leathery smooth oblong to oval 3-6 inches long broa at the base pointe at tips often with short re stalks

Flower Densely clustere spherical creamy white ball-shape flowers long-stalke often in groups of 3 1- 1 frac12 inch wi e Ripe hea s brownish fragrant

Flowering Period July through August

Fruit Small triangular-shape capsules greenish in ball-like hea s like the flowers Persist into winter

Value Butterfly an moth species are often foun fee ing on the sweet nectar of the tubular flowers because of their long curle mouthparts Caterpillar pupas are often foun on buttonbush because of the foo association with larvae an a ults (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 46

ELDERBERRYBLACK-BERRIED ELDER Sa bucus canadensis

Elderberr showing fruit

Status Native

Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of streams an rivers

Heig t Up to 12 feet tall often forming thickets

Bark Green

Twigs Pale yellow-brown to light-brown with numerous large raise lenticels Ill-smelling when bruise Flute or square pith very thick white an soft

Buds Small roun to oval covere with brownish scales

Leaves Opposite pinnately compoun with 5 to 11 leaflets usually 7 Lanceolate to ovate abruptly narrowing at the tip Sharply-toothe Lower leaflets often 3-parte Smooth above smooth or owny on veins beneath

Flower Small white nicely-scente flowers with 5 white petals in a flat-toppe cluster up to 6 inches wi e generally with 5 main branches

Flowering Period Late June through July

Fruit Juicy purplish-black berries in flat-toppe clusters containing many see s appearing late August to early October

Value Pro uces fruit that makes tasty jelly an wine It is also an important foo source for many songbir s

Elderberr showing flowers

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 47

GLOSSY BUCKTHORN Rha nus frangula

Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T is species is pro ibited in New Hamps ire

Habitat Generalist Full-sun or sha e moist ry aci ic or basic soils Woo lan bor ers foreste wetlan s floo plain forests

Heig t Up to 20 feet tall

Twigs Grayish with whitish lenticels

Buds Nake owny up to frac14 inch long

Leaves Alternate whorle oblong 4-5 inches long an 3-4 inches wi e Long growing season leafing out in May an hol ing its leaves into November

Flower Small greenish-white in small clusters in the leaf axis

Flowering Period May through September Flowers an fruits continuously from May through September Plants often isplay bu s flowers immature fruit an mature fruit simultaneously

Fruit Berry with 2-3 pits approximately frac14 inch wi e turning from green to re an eventually blue-black Often all three colore berries are on the plant at the same time Sometimes ifficult to recognize in a foreste situation ue to its non- escript appearance but easily recognize July through September ue to masses of berries

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 48

HIGHBUSH BLUEBERRY Vacciniu cory bosu

Status Native

Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s rich woo s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers

Heig t Up to 15 feet tall often forming thickets

Bark Rough brown Stem an larger branches shre y

Twigs On some bushes re ish-brown on other bushes they are yellow Covere with small warty lenticels zigzagge or angle

Buds Flower bu s re plump pointe with spine-like pointe scales Leaf bu s smaller two outer scales with hair-like point

Leaves Alternate pointe on both en s green on both si es untoothe Lower si e slightly wooly on the veins Up to 3 inches long an 1 frac12 inch wi e Deep re in autumn

Flower Cylin rical white or pink up to frac12 inch long an frac14 inch wi e in ense terminal or lateral clusters

Flowering Period April through June appearing when leaves are only half grown

Fruit Blue-black berry up to frac12 inch wi e with whitish bloom sweet in clusters

Value Berries eaten by numerous bir s an wil life

Similar Species Maleberry (L onia ligustrina) Highbush blueberry can be istinguishe by its terminal clusters of fruit an by berries rather than capsules for fruit

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 49

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic

an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 2

BLADDER ORT

Utricu aria spp

Status Native Approximately 10 species in New Hampshire

Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers bogs

Height 2-3 feet long

Stem Long slen er flexible branche typically becoming etache from roots an free-floating

Leaves Alternate filamentous finely-forke with attache ldquobla ersrdquo

Flower Stalks occurring at irregular intervals along stem Each stalk bearing 6-20 small pink to yellow two-lippe ldquosnap ragon-likerdquo flowers an emerging several inches out of the water or mu

Flowering Period June into September

Fruit Capsule containing many see s

Value Provi es foo an cover for fish Since they are free-floating they can grow in areas with very loose se iment provi ing nee e fish habitat in areas that are not rea ily colonize by roote plants

Similar Species Fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) coontail (Ceratophyllum spp) milfoil (Myriophyllum spp) Bla erwort may be istinguishe from these plants by the alternate forke leaves branching from the base into 2 main ivisions an presence of the ldquobla ersrdquo on the leaves (Smagula an Connor 2007)

Bla erwort may resemble the milfoils but there are two istinguishing features One is the bla ers on the leaves the other is that milfoils have feather-like leaves that have one central leaf stem with nearly opposite unbranche leaflets The leaflets of bla erwort are more branche an forke (Smagula an Connor 2007)

This carnivorous plant has trigger hairs on each bla er that open a trap- oor an suck in water along with the organism that triggere the reaction These organisms can range from insect larvae to tiny zooplankton Once insi e the bla ers the organism is igeste by enzymes foun there Special cells then take the igeste material from the bla ers an move it to the stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 3

COONTAILHORN ORT

Ceratophy um demersum

Status Native

Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers

Height Variable accor ing to water epth

Stem Long toothe trailing much branche

Leaves Whorle smooth up to 1 frac12 inches long 3 forks nearly threa -like flattene an toothe segments

Flower Tiny purplish-green foun where the leaf attaches to the stem an stays entirely submerge Male an female occurring separately

Flowering Period July through September

Fruit Dark brown see approximately frac14 inch long with two spines at the base an one at the tip

Value The stiff whorls of leaves offer habitat for many species especially uring the winter when many other plants are re uce to roots an rhizomes Both foliage an fruit are graze by waterfowl Bushy stems are home to many invertebrates an provi e important shelter an foraging opportunities for fish

Similar Species Mermai -wee (Proserpina a palustris) fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) Coontail may be istinguishe from these plants by its whorle toothe leaves its tiny sessile axillary flowers an beake fruits (Smagula an Connor 2007)

The whorle leaves often cause the plant to be confuse with water milfoil This plant has a plastic-like feel an leaves ten to be thickly clustere at the tips of the stems The leaves are completely whorle aroun the stem an forke milfoil leaves are istinctly feather-like (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 4

VARIABLE ATER MILFOIL

Myriophy um heterophy um

Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire

Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers

Height Slen er flexible long (up to 15 feet) Tip often emerging above water when flowering Data from a University of New Hampshire stu y can suggest that variable water milfoil can grow an inch per ay

Stem Roun thick re ish If broken in half the stem resembles a ldquowheel spokerdquo

Leaves Mostly submerge opposite or in whorls of 4 to 6 an can grow up to 2 inches long Leaves on upper stem are whorle an may be whorle or alternate on lower stem Emerge leaves occurring only towar the stem tips

Flower Small inconspicuous brownish occurring singly in the axils of the upper leaves usually above water uring flowering

Flowering Period In July flowers emerge from the water an are in a spike up to 6 inches tall Can also form a succulent amphibious form when water levels rece e

Fruit Very small four-lobe nutlike

Similar Species Mermai -wee (Proserpina a palustris) fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) coontail (Ceratophyllum spp) Variable milfoil may be istinguishe from these plants by the numerous scattere finely pinnately issecte leaves an floating or upright stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)

The plant is more robust than the other water milfoil species It has a very thick an heavy stem It can only be positively i entifie with the flower present or by DNA analysis (Smagula an Connor 2007)

Fragments of variable milfoil are ma e by passing boats wave action an auto-fragmentation These fragments may float freely an sprea for one or two weeks as they generate roots Once roots make contact with se iment the fragment attaches the roots sprea laterally an expan the footprint of the colony With one fragment an entire colony can arise Colonies can outcompete native plants re ucing bio iversity (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 5

ATER EEDDITCHMOSS

E odea Canadensis E nutta ii

Status Native

Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers

Height Up to 2 feet long occasionally forming ense colonies

Stem Slen er smooth branche

Leaves Long upper an mi le leaves in whorls of 3 with very finely-toothe margins Those of the male plants linear or lanceolate pointe at the tip up to frac12 inch long Those of the female plants broa ly lanceolate roun e or slightly pointe at the tip up to 58 inch long

Flower Green or white with 3 petals

Flowering Period July to September

Fruit A few to many-see e cylin rical capsule

Value Branching stems offer valuable habitat an grazing opportunities for fish Also provi es foo for muskrats an waterfowl They can eat the plant itself or fee on a wi e variety of invertebrates that use the plant as habitat

Similar Species Commonly mistaken for its invasive relative Brazillian elo ea It can be istinguishe by its smooth leaf margins

There are two common species of waterwee in New Hampshire E anadensis an Enuttalii Elodea anadensis ten s to have slightly broa er leaves with blunt tips whereas Enuttalii ten s to have thinner more nee le-like leaves that are pointe at the tips (Smagula an Connor 2007)

Enuttalii can be foun in alkaline to aci ic environments an E anadensis can be foun in alkaline or neutral systems (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 6

ILD CELERYTAPE GRASS

Va isneria americana

Status Native

Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers In water 4 - 6 feet eep

Height 1-3 feet long

Stem Slen er embe e horizontally in the mu near the surface an usually rooting at intervals

Leaves Narrow ribbon-like 1-3 feet in length with a light-colore center stripe mostly submerge with the tips floating

Flower Unisexual the female flower solitary an floating at the surface at the en of a long stalk The male flower on another plant submerge an attache to a short stalk near the bottom breaking off an floating to the surface at flowering time

Flowering Period July to October

Fruit Cylin rical po up to 2 inches long attache to a long stalk which coils up rawing the fruit un er water to mature

Value Source of foo for waterfowl All portions of the plant are consume foliage rhizomes tubers an fruit Muskrat are also known to graze on it Be s provi e sha e shelter an foo for fish

Similar Species Often confuse with the submerge leaves of bur-ree Tape grass can be istinguishe by its heavy air-fille leaves vertically veine centers an lightly veine e ges Unlike bur-ree this plant has no rib on the back of the leaf

Photo ourtesy of Amy Smagula

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 7

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic

an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 8

On The ater

Floating Aquatic Plants

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 9

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an

Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 10

FLOATING HEART

Nyphoi es cor ata

Status Native

Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers

Stem Roun in cross section

Leaves Small heart-shape re ish to purple Approximately 1 ndash 1 frac12 inches wi e

Flower Small white 5 petals

Flowering Period Mi -summer

Similar Species The leaves are often confuse with those of the yellow water lily but are only about the size of a half- ollar an the shape resembles a heart with the same soft V-shape of the yellow water lily Floating heart has a small white flower that can be foun in mi -summer yellow water lily has a large yellow flower that blooms most of the summer (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 11

ATERSHIELD

Brasenia schreberi

Status Native

Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers

Stem Roun in cross section Attache to the center of the un ersi e of the leaf

Leaves Oval Un ersi es are ark pink Leaves approximately 4 inches wi e Un ersi e of the leaves an stem have a jelly-like coating that protects them from being eaten by insects

Flower Small ark pink to purple 6 petals

Flowering Period July

Similar Species Resembles the leaves of the water lily as well as those of floating heart

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 12

HITE ATER LILY

Nymphea or orata

Status Native

Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers

Stem Roun in cross section attache to the center of the un ersi e of the leaf

Leaves Roun with a V-shape notch on one si e Up to 12 inches wi e

Flower Large white sweet-smelling Up to 4 inches wi e

Flowering Period June - September

Similar Species White water lily can be istinguishe from the yellow water lily an floating heart by the V-shape notch near the stem attachment an the more roun e shape of the leaf

Both the yellow water lily an floating heart have a more roun e heart-shape notch Yellow water lily leaves are much more oval than the white water lily which has a circular leaf Floating heart leaves are no more than a few inches in length (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 13

YELLO ATER LILY

Nuphar variegata

Status Native

Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers

Stem Triangular in cross section attache to the lobe en of the un ersi e of the leaf

Leaves Giant floating Up to 12 to 15 inches wi e

Flower Yellow flower petals appear cuppe aroun the inner flower parts an o not open completely like those of the white water lily

Flowering Period June ndash September

Similar Species Often confuse with floating heart an white water lily though floating heart is much smaller in leaf length an wi th The white water lily also has a much more roun e leaf with a sharp V-shape notch (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 14

DUCK EED

Lemna spp

Status Native

Habitat Surfaces of some lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers an often in stagnant waters of wetlan areas

Stem No true stems

Leaves This plant has no true leaves or stems an only has a flat green plant bo y calle a thallus They are very small only about 116 of an inch wi e (Smagula an Connor 2007)

Duckwee s blanket the water surface in colonies There may be one or more roots hanging into the water but the plant is free-floating

Flower This plant rarely flowers

Similar Species Many people think that ense growths of uckwee resemble an algae bloom (Smagula an Connor 2007)

ATERMEAL

Wolfifa spp

Status Native

Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers

Stem No true stems

Leaves Elliptical an flat

Flower This plant rarely flowers but is consi ere the worl rsquos smallest flowering plant

Similar Species Unlike uckwee this plant completely lacks roots an must be inspecte closely to etect this ifference Watermeal may also resemble an algae bloom but can be istinguishe by simply touching the waterrsquos surface to see if tiny plants are stuck to your fingers (watermeal) or if the water has a slimy film (algae) It is commonly foun growing along with uckwee (Smagula an Connor 2007)

Photo co rtesy of Amy Smag la

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 15

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an

Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 16

On the dge mergent Herbaceous Plants

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 17

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an

Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 18

ARROW ARUM

Peltan ra virginica

Status Native

Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In mu or shallow water

Height Up to 2 feet tall growing in loose colonies

Stem Lacking a true stem Leaf an flower stalks arising from a thick root

Leaves Large arrow-shape Lower lobes separating an tapering to the tips Each lobe an the main stem have one prominent central vein from which other smaller veins originate The smaller veins are parallel to one another Leaf bla e with a vein running along the entire outline just insi e the margin

Flower Vertically-curle green Very small spathe almost completely covering the thin whitish fleshy spike White male flowers above green female flowers sheath tapering to the base an tip green outsi e an white insi e Flowering cluster at the en of a long nake stalk

Flowering Period May to July

Fruit Easily i entifie in the fall by its cluster of greenish-brown berries enclose in a green leathery case the stalk curve ownwar at maturity

Similar Species Arrowhea (Sagattaria latifolia) Arrow Arum may be istinguishe by its 3 prominent veins

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 19

ARROWH ADDUCK-POTATO

Sagittaria spp

Status Native There are several species in New Hampshire Slatifolia and Sgraminea are the most common

Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In mu or completely submerge

Height Up to 1 frac12 feet tall

Stem Lacking an upright visible stem Leaves an flowering stalk arising from a fibrous roote base Several un ergroun runners each giving rise to a tuber the size of a small potato up to 2 inches wi e

Leaves Shape is variable within an between species Leaves can be broa ly or narrowly arrow-shape lance-shape or tape-like Leaves appear to clasp the base of the flowering stalk Leaf veins all originate from the point where the stem connects to the leaf an ra iate outwar from that point

Flower White petals in whorls of three with a yellow center up to 1 frac12 inch wi e Male flowers at the top with female ones lower on the flower stalk

Flowering Period July through September

Fruit Flat winge crow e in a flattene hea up to frac12 inch wi e Ball-shape fruit clusters of green nutlets

Value Known as ldquo uck potatoesrdquo Arrowhea pro uces e ible starchy tubers beneath the mu eaten by ucks an muskrats

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 20

BLU -FLAG IRIS

Iris versicolor

Status Native

Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In less than 3 feet of water

Height Up to 3 feet tall Growing in small colonies

Stem Upright robust flattene on one si e simple or with one or two branches from creeping rhizomes embe e in the mu Rhizome very shallow an sometimes expose above the se iment

Leaves Appearing basal but actually alternate bluish-green swor -like an up to 14 inches long an frac34 inch wi e ascen ing in a flat plane or fan-like arrangement Flower stalks are taller than the leaves

Flower Large purplish-blue stalke with 3 larger outer rooping petals whitish towar the base an 3 upright smaller petals in the center

Flowering Period June through July

Fruit Capsule up to 2 frac12 inches long with 3 roun e e ges contains numerous flattene see s often persisting into winter

Value Provi es foo an cover for waterfowl an wil life

Similar Species Leaves may be confuse with those of cattail (Typha spp)or sweet flag (Acorus calmus) Blue flag iris may be istinguishe by blueish-green leaves arrange in flat plane

Photo co rtesy of Amy Smag la

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 21

BLU V RVAIN

Verbena hastata

Status Native

Habitat E ges of pon s marshes streams an rivers

Height Up to 4 feet tall growing in small colonies

Stem Rough four-si e fairly straight arising from a fibrous roote base

Leaves Up to 6 inches long stalke toothe tapere at the tip with a rough surface

Flower 5 small blue petals in a pencil-like spike occurring singly or in clusters with in ivi ual flowers blooming perio ically from the base to the top of spike

Flowering Period July into October

Fruit Separating into four nutlets

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 22

BON S T THOROUGHWORT

Eupatorium perfoliatum

Status Native

Habitat Wet mea ows marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers

Height Up to 5 feet tall Branche growing in small colonies

Stem Upright robust lightly- owny arising from a fibrous roote base

Leaves Opposite lanceolate tapering an pointe at the tip toothe with the base clasping the stem Heavily veine Up to 8 inches long an 2 inches wi e at the base

Flower Whitish in 3-4 terminal clusters up to 8 inches long

Flowering Period Late July through October

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 23

BUR-R D

Sparganium eurycarpum

Status Native

Habitat E ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Emergent in shallow water up to 1 foot eep or submerge in water up to 4 feet eep

Height Up to 3 feet tall

Stem Upright stout smooth arising from rhizomes embe e horizontally in the mu a few inches beneath the surface Zigzag stalks

Leaves Alternate linear up to 4 feet long Emergent stem leaves narrow up to 1 frac12 feet tall triangular in cross-section an ri ge on their back si e Certain species are erect while others are floating an ribbon-like

Flower Lower bulbs or burs are clusters of greenish female

flowers Upper smaller burs are white male flowers

Flowering Period June through August

Fruit A burr-like hea on a short or long stalk

Value Colonies provi e nesting sites for waterfowl an shorebir s The fruit is eaten by a variety of waterfowl an the whole plant is graze by muskrat an eer

Similar Species This plant is easily confuse with wil celery (Vallisneria americana) if the leaves are tape-like or with young cattail (Typha spp) if leaves are emergent For the floating form bur-ree has a ri ge own the back of the long leaf When erect an emergent leaves are shorter in height than those of cattail with a istinct ri ge or almost triangular cross section When in fruit the spiky burr-like fruit is istinctive (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 24

CARDINAL FLOW R

Lobelia car inalis

Status Native

Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s sha e e ges streams an rivers

Height Up to 5 feet tall often growing in large colonies

Stem Smooth stout arising from a horizontal rhizome embe e shallowly in mu

Leaves Alternate lanceolate to oblong toothe tapering at both en s Lower leaves short-stalke upper leaves stalkless Up to 6 inches long an 1 frac12 inches wi e Smooth to slightly owny thin

Flower Long bright-re 2-lippe tubular flower occurring on terminal spike with the upper lip 2-lobe an lower lip 3-lobe

Flowering Period July into October

Fruit Many-see e capsule with two portions

Value Car inal flower is pollinate mostly by hummingbir s since most insects fin it ifficult to navigate the long tubular flowers

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 25

BROAD-L AF CATTAIL

Typha latifolia

Status Native

Habitat Marshes wet swales e ges of lakes an pon s streams an rivers

Height Up to 10 feet tall

Stem Upright stiff growing in ense stan s from thick extensively -creeping un ergroun rhizomes

Leaves Green or bluish-green upright linear 2-6 feet long an up to 1 inch wi e arising from base or alternating along the stem Leaves have a spongy feel

Flower Many small flowers packe into tight cigar-like clusters creating a lower female spike toppe by a smaller male spike with no gap between the two flower types Female spike persists turning into the familiar ark brown ldquotailrdquo

Flowering Period June into August

Fruit Small see -like surroun e by many bristles attache to the base

Value Provi es nesting habitat for many bir s such as the re -winge blackbir Shoots an rhizomes are eaten by muskrats an geese Submerse stalks provi e spawning habitat an shelter for fish One of only a few plants where all parts are e ible to humans

Similar Species Narrow-leaf cattail (Typha angustifolia) has narrower leaves a narrower fruiting hea an a gap between the male an female flower clusters

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 26

COMMON R D

Phragmites australis

Status Most stands are Non-Native xotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire Phragmites australis has been present in wetlan s for millennia but a non-native European species has crossbre with P australis an has forme an invasive plant

Habitat Fresh an brackish marshes e ges of lakes an pon s streams rivers an in roa si e itches Full to partial sun

Height Upright 4-14 feet tall usually forming ense colonies

Stem Calle ldquoculmsrdquo are large hollow an grow up to 1 inch wi e

Leaves Bluish-green lanceolate close together an usually sticking out from stems at a large angle up to 2 feet long an 1 inch wi e

Flower Clusters frac12 - 1 foot long often purple when young an whitish an fluffy when ol

Flowering Period Late July to October

Fruit Rarely pro uces see but sprea s vigorously by rhizomes often running over the surface of the groun

Value This plant has little to offer to bir s an mammals besi es cover Phragmites often outcompetes other native wetlan plants thus limiting the plant iversity an foo source value of the wetlan The only animal that fee s on this to any extent is the muskrat (Smagula an Connor 2007)

Similar Species Sometimes confuse with ree canary grass since they both form ense stan s at isturbe sites Ree canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) can be istinguishe by its shorter an narrower leaves spikelets with only one flower an its shorter height

How To Distinguish Native From Non-Native Phragmites

Stems Stems on the non-native variety are typically green but may have a little purple color along the no es Stems on

the native variety have some chestnut or purple color where leaves are pulle back exposing the stem Stems of the native variety are also often shiny an black spots often appear late in the growing season

Leaf Collars Leaf collars on the non-native variety are always green while leaf collars on the native variety may be

purple

Leaf Sheaths On fall stems the leaf sheaths on the non-native variety remain attache Leaf sheaths on the native variety are lost or very loosely attache so leaves rop off the native plants before the intro uce plants This is the best

in icator base seasonal changes that istinguishes native or non-native varieties

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 27

J W LW DSPOTT D TOUCH-M NOT

Impatiens capensis

Status Native

Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers

Height Up to 4 feet tall Often growing in ense colonies

Stem Upright smooth slightly branching hollow somewhat succulent slightly translucent

Leaves Alternate egg-shape toothe on stalks up to 4 inches long Silvery appearance when hel un er water an appear completely ry upon removal Size an color of foliage vary with ifferences in light exposure an available moisture

Flower Few to several angling orange-yellow three-petale tubularfunnel-shape flowers with re ish brown spots an curve spur at their en s

Flowering Period June through September

Fruit Flat green capsules approximately 1 inch long which at maturity burst when touche ejecting ark-brown see s

Value Especially a apte to hummingbir pollination but bees an butterflies are also important pollinators

The sap from this plant has been clinically proven to relieve skin rashes Jewelwee can be applie to the affecte part of the bo y an neutralizes the urishol oil pro uce by poison ivy an poison oak (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 28

JO PY W D

Eupatorium maculatum

Status Native

Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers

Height Up to 6 feet tall Branche growing in small to me ium-size colonies

Stem Stout smooth purple or purple-spotte somewhat rough towar the top arising from a fibrous roote base

Leaves Lanceolate toothe rough short-stalke with large single mi -vein Up to 8 inches long an 2 frac12 inches wi e tapere at the base an tip in whorls of 3-7

Flower Small rose-purple in ense flat-toppe clusters at the top of the stem an at the en s of the branches

Flowering Period July through September

Fruit Angular nutlet with a plume of fine bristles at the top

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 29

PICK R LW D

Ponte aria cor ata

Status Native

Habitat Marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers

Height Up to 3 feet tall often growing in ense colonies

Stem Upright stout smooth arising from a rhizome bearing one leaf an one terminal spike

Leaves Basal an alternate very large arrowhea to heart-shape glossy with prominent parallel veins blunt tip on a spongy leaf stalk

Flower Many small tubular violet-blue flowers approximately frac12 inch long on solitary spike with a sheath at the base

Flowering Period June through August

Fruit Small bla er-like with toothe ri ges containing one see

Value See s are consume by waterfowl an muskrats Networks of rhizomes an leaves also offer sha e an shelter for fish

Similar Species This plant can be istinguishe from its close look-alikes arrow arum an arrowhea by its light bluish-purple flower spike Bases of the leaves are more roun e whereas arrowhea an arrow arum leaves are more pointe (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 30

PURPL LOOS STRIF

Lythrum salicaria

Status Non-Native xotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire

Habitat Marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams rivers an in roa si e itches Full to partial sun

Height 2-6 feet tall

Stem Upright smooth to slightly- owny Square four-si e almost woo y

Leaves Opposite to whorle lanceolate often with heart-shape bases somewhat clasping stem sometimes in whorls of 3 Gra ually tapering to a point 3 to 4 inches long an frac12 to 1 inch wi e

Flower 5-7 purple petals in a ense terminal spike

Flowering Period July through September

Fruit Many-see e capsule

Value Little wil life value See s are low in nutrition an roots are too woo y The flowers are attractive to insects They pro uce nectar an are regularly visite by honeybees

This plant outcompetes other wetlan plants which are beneficial foo sources for wil life an insects It repro uces by pro ucing millions of see s per plant an quickly takes over the lan scape when intro uce It also sprea s by rhizome (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 31

R D CANARY GRASS

Phalaris arun inacea

Status Non-Native xotic Invasive

Habitat Swales marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Although it is usually a shoreline plant it can survive in knee- eep water by sprouting ldquowater rootsrdquo on the submerse portion of the stem Forms ense stan s in isturbe areas where clearing gra ing siltation filling or other isruptions have create an opening with moist soil

Height Up to 7 feet tall Often growing in ense colonies

Stem Upright stiff from extensively-creeping rhizomes

Leaves Alternate upright grayish-green open sheath an ligule at the leaf axis Bla es fairly long an narrow up to 12 inches long an frac34 inches wi e

Flower Green to greenish-purple spikelets single-flowere lanceolate ense Terminal inflorescence up to 7 inches long branche an compresse early in the season but opening after fertilization

Flowering Period June through August

Value Low foo value Provi es summer cover an habitat for waterfowl at isturbe sites However it ten s to mat own in winter provi ing little winter cover for wil life

Similar Species Sometimes confuse with bluejoint grass (Calamagrostis canadensis) However the spikelets of bluejoint are in a loose open arrangement an the no es have a bluish to purplish cast

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 32

SOFT-ST MM D BULRUSH

Scirpus vali us

Status Native

Habitat Wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Usually growing in water less than 5 feet eep Ten s to be foun on ldquomuckierrdquo substrate an will grow in stagnant water

Height Usually up to 5 feet but can grow up to 10 feet tall Often growing in extensive colonies

Stem Upright grayish-green often arching up to frac34 inch thick at the base arising from stout re ish rhizomes Soft roun tapering to a point

Leaves No apparent leaves

Flowers Inconspicuous many-stalke bu like spikelets covere by re ish-brown scales locate imme iately below the top of stem Clusters mostly rooping but not in higher salinity areas

Flowering Period June into September

Fruit See -like nutlet with 4-6 bristles attache to the base

Value Provi es habitat for invertebrates an shelter for young fish Nutlets consume by a variety of waterfowl marsh bir s an uplan bir s Stems an rhizomes eaten by geese an muskrat Also provi es nesting material an cover for waterfowl marsh bir s an muskrat

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 33

SWAMP LOOS STRIF WAT R WILLOW

Deco on verticillatus

Status Native shrub becoming herbaceous towar the tips

Habitat Wetlan s bogs e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Shallow water with muck or peat se iment Can form floating mats in areas of very soft se iment

Height Up to 5 feet tall

Stem Ri gi woo y smooth to slightly- owny 3-9 feet long The lower rooting stems are spongy an buttresse giving rise to new arching stems

Leaves Opposite or in whorls of 3 gra ually tapering to a point 3-4 inches long an frac12 to 1 inch wi e sessile or short-stalke

Flower Pinkish-purple bell-shape with 5-7 sepals an 5 petals forming showy clusters in the axils of the mi le to upper leaves

Flowering Period July through August

Fruit Small brownish capsule with 3-5 partitions the clusters sometimes persisting above the leaf scars throughout winter

Value The many intertwining arching stems may form sizable clusters at the e ges of lakes an sluggish streams or floating bog mats Wherever a stem touches the water air-fille spongy tissue may evelop This tissue buoys the stem so that it may root an form a new arching stem

Similar Species May be confuse with the invasive purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) Swamp loosestrife can be istinguishe by the arching stems an showy axillary flower clusters as well as the roun stem instea of the square stem of purple loosestrife (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 34

THR -WAY S DG

Dulichium arun inaceum

Status Native

Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Extensive be s can be foun in shallow (less than 3 feet) water Grows in a variety of se iment types an can tolerate some turbi ity

Height Up to 3 feet tall solitary or in small colonies

Stem Roun hollow jointe arising from a horizontal rhizome

Leaves Linear up to 4 inches long an 38 inch wi e with a conspicuous sheath the latter close except at the top

When looking own upon the plant the leaves are line up an appear to ra iate from three angles away from the main stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)

Flower Inconspicuous flattene linear sessile spikelets in the axils or two-ranke scales of the brownish spikelets 8-10 along the axillary stalk

Flowering Period July through October

Fruit Flattene brownish see -like nutlet toppe with a beak

Value Eaten occasionally by a variety of ucks an geese Rhizomes an shoots also graze by muskrats

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 35

WOOL GRASS

Scirpus cyperinus

Status Native

Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers

Height Up to 5 feet tall growing in small colonies

Stem Upright robust roun to triangular especially at the base

Leaves Elongate from base of stem up to 2 feet long Leaves imme iately below the flower are in clusters of 3-5 an may reach 5 inches long an roop at the tips

Flower Clusters of 6-12 spikelets at en s of rooping stems Flower clusters up to 12 inches long much branche

Flowering Period August through September

Fruit Whitish see -like nutlet with bristles much longer than the scales attache to the base the bristles impart the wooly appearance to the spikelets

Value Provi es foo an cover for waterfowl an other wil life

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 36

Ferns

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 37

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an

Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 38

INNAMON FERN

Osmund cinn mome

Status Native

Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Often growing near somewhat similar an relate interrupte fern (Polys ichum aros ichoides)

Height Up to 3 feet tall

Stem Upright stout smooth green an covere with cinnamon-colore wooly stalk

Leaves Sterile (vegetative) fron s up to 3 feet high upright to slightly arche lance-shape with 20+ opposite leaflets Fertile fron s o not persist through the summer whereas vegetative fron s remain until first frost

Reproduction Club-like fertile fron with groups of spore cases on leaflets that hug the main axis

Fruiting Period Spring

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 39

OSTRI H FERN

Pteretis pensylv nic

Status Native

Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers

Height Up to 6 feet tall forming tussocks or clumps

Stem Stout nake for up 1 foot from the base green flattene an black at the base covere with papery brown scales Arising from a forking shallowly-embe e rhizome an giving rise to stout black scaly runners

Leaves Sterile fron s forming circles gra ually narrowe at the base an abruptly narrowe to the tip Fertile fron s up to 2 feet tall an 2 inches wi e nake for approximately half their length the nake portions shiny brown crow e sprea ing or ascen ing branches often overlapping or twiste light green at first turning ark green an eventually brown

Reproduction Leaf segments with spore cases beneath become rolle into small har berry-like structures joine along the branches of the fertile fron

Fruiting Period July ndash August Persisting over winter

Similar Species Cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea) Ostrich fern may be istinguishe by the gra ually narrow base an papery scales rather than cinnamon-colore pubescence on the stalk

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 40

ROYAL FERN

Osmund reg lis

Status Native

Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers

Height Up to 5 feet tall growing in scattere groups

Stem Somewhat stout nake for approximately half its length greenish or re ish arising from a stout creeping rhizome

Leaves Fron s with 5-7 pairs of nearly opposite oblong ascen ing ivisions The lowest pair slightly shorter than the others each ivision ivi e into finely toothe oblong blunt alternate segments 10-14 on each si e Fertile fron s terminate by a panicle appearing as a ense cluster of light brown structures

Reproduction Spore cases clustere along short nake leaf segments in a terminal panicle an often at the tips of some of the ivisions One of several ferns that pro uce their spores on mo ifie leaflets not on the un ersi e of the fron s

Fruiting Period Spring an early summer

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 41

SENSITIVE FERN

Onocle sensibilis

Status Native

Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers

Height Up to 3 feet tall Growing solitary or scattere

Stem Upright stout nake for nearly half its length arising from a creeping rhizome

Leaves Sterile fron s up to 3 feet tall the bla e with up to 16 pairs of wi e segments having wavy margins Fertile fron s shorter the berry-like structures clustere in stiffly erect ivisions the entire structure appearing spike-like

Reproduction Leaf segments with spore cases beneath which have become rolle into small har black berry-like structures appearing July through August an persisting over winter

Fruiting Period July into October

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 42

Woody S rubs

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 43

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an

Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 44

NORTHERN ARROW-WOOD Viburnu recognitu

Status Native

Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers

Heig t Up to 15 feet tall forming thickets

Bark Smooth an gray with a white pith

Twigs Brownish-gray hairless highly branche long straight slen er arrow-like smooth

Buds Re ish-brown with 2 pairs of scales Opposite pointe approximately frac14 inch long roun e scales with fringe of minute hairs along the bor ers

Leaves Opposite egg-shape to roun with saw-like coarse teeth 1-2 inches long an 3 inches wi e tapering to a point with very prominent smooth veins

Flower Numerous small white-petale flowers on short stalks in a somewhat ense terminal flat cluster

Flowering Period June through July

Fruit Fleshy blue-black berry-like approximately 13 inch wi e containing a flattene see appearing in August

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 45

BUTTONBUSH Cephalanthus occidentalis

Status Native

Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers

Heig t Up to 12 feet tall typically 3-5 feet tall

Bark Smooth an grayish when young flaky an grayish when ol er Light-brown pith

Twigs Slen er roun or angle grayish-brown to purplish marke with light elongate lenticels

Buds Small in epresse areas surroun e by bark

Leaves Opposite or in whorls of 3-4 Shiny ark-green above lighter green an slightly owny beneath Leathery smooth oblong to oval 3-6 inches long broa at the base pointe at tips often with short re stalks

Flower Densely clustere spherical creamy white ball-shape flowers long-stalke often in groups of 3 1- 1 frac12 inch wi e Ripe hea s brownish fragrant

Flowering Period July through August

Fruit Small triangular-shape capsules greenish in ball-like hea s like the flowers Persist into winter

Value Butterfly an moth species are often foun fee ing on the sweet nectar of the tubular flowers because of their long curle mouthparts Caterpillar pupas are often foun on buttonbush because of the foo association with larvae an a ults (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 46

ELDERBERRYBLACK-BERRIED ELDER Sa bucus canadensis

Elderberr showing fruit

Status Native

Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of streams an rivers

Heig t Up to 12 feet tall often forming thickets

Bark Green

Twigs Pale yellow-brown to light-brown with numerous large raise lenticels Ill-smelling when bruise Flute or square pith very thick white an soft

Buds Small roun to oval covere with brownish scales

Leaves Opposite pinnately compoun with 5 to 11 leaflets usually 7 Lanceolate to ovate abruptly narrowing at the tip Sharply-toothe Lower leaflets often 3-parte Smooth above smooth or owny on veins beneath

Flower Small white nicely-scente flowers with 5 white petals in a flat-toppe cluster up to 6 inches wi e generally with 5 main branches

Flowering Period Late June through July

Fruit Juicy purplish-black berries in flat-toppe clusters containing many see s appearing late August to early October

Value Pro uces fruit that makes tasty jelly an wine It is also an important foo source for many songbir s

Elderberr showing flowers

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 47

GLOSSY BUCKTHORN Rha nus frangula

Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T is species is pro ibited in New Hamps ire

Habitat Generalist Full-sun or sha e moist ry aci ic or basic soils Woo lan bor ers foreste wetlan s floo plain forests

Heig t Up to 20 feet tall

Twigs Grayish with whitish lenticels

Buds Nake owny up to frac14 inch long

Leaves Alternate whorle oblong 4-5 inches long an 3-4 inches wi e Long growing season leafing out in May an hol ing its leaves into November

Flower Small greenish-white in small clusters in the leaf axis

Flowering Period May through September Flowers an fruits continuously from May through September Plants often isplay bu s flowers immature fruit an mature fruit simultaneously

Fruit Berry with 2-3 pits approximately frac14 inch wi e turning from green to re an eventually blue-black Often all three colore berries are on the plant at the same time Sometimes ifficult to recognize in a foreste situation ue to its non- escript appearance but easily recognize July through September ue to masses of berries

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 48

HIGHBUSH BLUEBERRY Vacciniu cory bosu

Status Native

Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s rich woo s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers

Heig t Up to 15 feet tall often forming thickets

Bark Rough brown Stem an larger branches shre y

Twigs On some bushes re ish-brown on other bushes they are yellow Covere with small warty lenticels zigzagge or angle

Buds Flower bu s re plump pointe with spine-like pointe scales Leaf bu s smaller two outer scales with hair-like point

Leaves Alternate pointe on both en s green on both si es untoothe Lower si e slightly wooly on the veins Up to 3 inches long an 1 frac12 inch wi e Deep re in autumn

Flower Cylin rical white or pink up to frac12 inch long an frac14 inch wi e in ense terminal or lateral clusters

Flowering Period April through June appearing when leaves are only half grown

Fruit Blue-black berry up to frac12 inch wi e with whitish bloom sweet in clusters

Value Berries eaten by numerous bir s an wil life

Similar Species Maleberry (L onia ligustrina) Highbush blueberry can be istinguishe by its terminal clusters of fruit an by berries rather than capsules for fruit

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 49

BLADDER ORT

Utricu aria spp

Status Native Approximately 10 species in New Hampshire

Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers bogs

Height 2-3 feet long

Stem Long slen er flexible branche typically becoming etache from roots an free-floating

Leaves Alternate filamentous finely-forke with attache ldquobla ersrdquo

Flower Stalks occurring at irregular intervals along stem Each stalk bearing 6-20 small pink to yellow two-lippe ldquosnap ragon-likerdquo flowers an emerging several inches out of the water or mu

Flowering Period June into September

Fruit Capsule containing many see s

Value Provi es foo an cover for fish Since they are free-floating they can grow in areas with very loose se iment provi ing nee e fish habitat in areas that are not rea ily colonize by roote plants

Similar Species Fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) coontail (Ceratophyllum spp) milfoil (Myriophyllum spp) Bla erwort may be istinguishe from these plants by the alternate forke leaves branching from the base into 2 main ivisions an presence of the ldquobla ersrdquo on the leaves (Smagula an Connor 2007)

Bla erwort may resemble the milfoils but there are two istinguishing features One is the bla ers on the leaves the other is that milfoils have feather-like leaves that have one central leaf stem with nearly opposite unbranche leaflets The leaflets of bla erwort are more branche an forke (Smagula an Connor 2007)

This carnivorous plant has trigger hairs on each bla er that open a trap- oor an suck in water along with the organism that triggere the reaction These organisms can range from insect larvae to tiny zooplankton Once insi e the bla ers the organism is igeste by enzymes foun there Special cells then take the igeste material from the bla ers an move it to the stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 3

COONTAILHORN ORT

Ceratophy um demersum

Status Native

Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers

Height Variable accor ing to water epth

Stem Long toothe trailing much branche

Leaves Whorle smooth up to 1 frac12 inches long 3 forks nearly threa -like flattene an toothe segments

Flower Tiny purplish-green foun where the leaf attaches to the stem an stays entirely submerge Male an female occurring separately

Flowering Period July through September

Fruit Dark brown see approximately frac14 inch long with two spines at the base an one at the tip

Value The stiff whorls of leaves offer habitat for many species especially uring the winter when many other plants are re uce to roots an rhizomes Both foliage an fruit are graze by waterfowl Bushy stems are home to many invertebrates an provi e important shelter an foraging opportunities for fish

Similar Species Mermai -wee (Proserpina a palustris) fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) Coontail may be istinguishe from these plants by its whorle toothe leaves its tiny sessile axillary flowers an beake fruits (Smagula an Connor 2007)

The whorle leaves often cause the plant to be confuse with water milfoil This plant has a plastic-like feel an leaves ten to be thickly clustere at the tips of the stems The leaves are completely whorle aroun the stem an forke milfoil leaves are istinctly feather-like (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 4

VARIABLE ATER MILFOIL

Myriophy um heterophy um

Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire

Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers

Height Slen er flexible long (up to 15 feet) Tip often emerging above water when flowering Data from a University of New Hampshire stu y can suggest that variable water milfoil can grow an inch per ay

Stem Roun thick re ish If broken in half the stem resembles a ldquowheel spokerdquo

Leaves Mostly submerge opposite or in whorls of 4 to 6 an can grow up to 2 inches long Leaves on upper stem are whorle an may be whorle or alternate on lower stem Emerge leaves occurring only towar the stem tips

Flower Small inconspicuous brownish occurring singly in the axils of the upper leaves usually above water uring flowering

Flowering Period In July flowers emerge from the water an are in a spike up to 6 inches tall Can also form a succulent amphibious form when water levels rece e

Fruit Very small four-lobe nutlike

Similar Species Mermai -wee (Proserpina a palustris) fanwort (Cabomba aroliniana) buttercup (Ranun ulus spp) coontail (Ceratophyllum spp) Variable milfoil may be istinguishe from these plants by the numerous scattere finely pinnately issecte leaves an floating or upright stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)

The plant is more robust than the other water milfoil species It has a very thick an heavy stem It can only be positively i entifie with the flower present or by DNA analysis (Smagula an Connor 2007)

Fragments of variable milfoil are ma e by passing boats wave action an auto-fragmentation These fragments may float freely an sprea for one or two weeks as they generate roots Once roots make contact with se iment the fragment attaches the roots sprea laterally an expan the footprint of the colony With one fragment an entire colony can arise Colonies can outcompete native plants re ucing bio iversity (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 5

ATER EEDDITCHMOSS

E odea Canadensis E nutta ii

Status Native

Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers

Height Up to 2 feet long occasionally forming ense colonies

Stem Slen er smooth branche

Leaves Long upper an mi le leaves in whorls of 3 with very finely-toothe margins Those of the male plants linear or lanceolate pointe at the tip up to frac12 inch long Those of the female plants broa ly lanceolate roun e or slightly pointe at the tip up to 58 inch long

Flower Green or white with 3 petals

Flowering Period July to September

Fruit A few to many-see e cylin rical capsule

Value Branching stems offer valuable habitat an grazing opportunities for fish Also provi es foo for muskrats an waterfowl They can eat the plant itself or fee on a wi e variety of invertebrates that use the plant as habitat

Similar Species Commonly mistaken for its invasive relative Brazillian elo ea It can be istinguishe by its smooth leaf margins

There are two common species of waterwee in New Hampshire E anadensis an Enuttalii Elodea anadensis ten s to have slightly broa er leaves with blunt tips whereas Enuttalii ten s to have thinner more nee le-like leaves that are pointe at the tips (Smagula an Connor 2007)

Enuttalii can be foun in alkaline to aci ic environments an E anadensis can be foun in alkaline or neutral systems (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 6

ILD CELERYTAPE GRASS

Va isneria americana

Status Native

Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers In water 4 - 6 feet eep

Height 1-3 feet long

Stem Slen er embe e horizontally in the mu near the surface an usually rooting at intervals

Leaves Narrow ribbon-like 1-3 feet in length with a light-colore center stripe mostly submerge with the tips floating

Flower Unisexual the female flower solitary an floating at the surface at the en of a long stalk The male flower on another plant submerge an attache to a short stalk near the bottom breaking off an floating to the surface at flowering time

Flowering Period July to October

Fruit Cylin rical po up to 2 inches long attache to a long stalk which coils up rawing the fruit un er water to mature

Value Source of foo for waterfowl All portions of the plant are consume foliage rhizomes tubers an fruit Muskrat are also known to graze on it Be s provi e sha e shelter an foo for fish

Similar Species Often confuse with the submerge leaves of bur-ree Tape grass can be istinguishe by its heavy air-fille leaves vertically veine centers an lightly veine e ges Unlike bur-ree this plant has no rib on the back of the leaf

Photo ourtesy of Amy Smagula

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 7

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic

an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 8

On The ater

Floating Aquatic Plants

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 9

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an

Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 10

FLOATING HEART

Nyphoi es cor ata

Status Native

Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers

Stem Roun in cross section

Leaves Small heart-shape re ish to purple Approximately 1 ndash 1 frac12 inches wi e

Flower Small white 5 petals

Flowering Period Mi -summer

Similar Species The leaves are often confuse with those of the yellow water lily but are only about the size of a half- ollar an the shape resembles a heart with the same soft V-shape of the yellow water lily Floating heart has a small white flower that can be foun in mi -summer yellow water lily has a large yellow flower that blooms most of the summer (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 11

ATERSHIELD

Brasenia schreberi

Status Native

Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers

Stem Roun in cross section Attache to the center of the un ersi e of the leaf

Leaves Oval Un ersi es are ark pink Leaves approximately 4 inches wi e Un ersi e of the leaves an stem have a jelly-like coating that protects them from being eaten by insects

Flower Small ark pink to purple 6 petals

Flowering Period July

Similar Species Resembles the leaves of the water lily as well as those of floating heart

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 12

HITE ATER LILY

Nymphea or orata

Status Native

Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers

Stem Roun in cross section attache to the center of the un ersi e of the leaf

Leaves Roun with a V-shape notch on one si e Up to 12 inches wi e

Flower Large white sweet-smelling Up to 4 inches wi e

Flowering Period June - September

Similar Species White water lily can be istinguishe from the yellow water lily an floating heart by the V-shape notch near the stem attachment an the more roun e shape of the leaf

Both the yellow water lily an floating heart have a more roun e heart-shape notch Yellow water lily leaves are much more oval than the white water lily which has a circular leaf Floating heart leaves are no more than a few inches in length (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 13

YELLO ATER LILY

Nuphar variegata

Status Native

Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers

Stem Triangular in cross section attache to the lobe en of the un ersi e of the leaf

Leaves Giant floating Up to 12 to 15 inches wi e

Flower Yellow flower petals appear cuppe aroun the inner flower parts an o not open completely like those of the white water lily

Flowering Period June ndash September

Similar Species Often confuse with floating heart an white water lily though floating heart is much smaller in leaf length an wi th The white water lily also has a much more roun e leaf with a sharp V-shape notch (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 14

DUCK EED

Lemna spp

Status Native

Habitat Surfaces of some lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers an often in stagnant waters of wetlan areas

Stem No true stems

Leaves This plant has no true leaves or stems an only has a flat green plant bo y calle a thallus They are very small only about 116 of an inch wi e (Smagula an Connor 2007)

Duckwee s blanket the water surface in colonies There may be one or more roots hanging into the water but the plant is free-floating

Flower This plant rarely flowers

Similar Species Many people think that ense growths of uckwee resemble an algae bloom (Smagula an Connor 2007)

ATERMEAL

Wolfifa spp

Status Native

Habitat Lakes pon s slow-moving streams an rivers

Stem No true stems

Leaves Elliptical an flat

Flower This plant rarely flowers but is consi ere the worl rsquos smallest flowering plant

Similar Species Unlike uckwee this plant completely lacks roots an must be inspecte closely to etect this ifference Watermeal may also resemble an algae bloom but can be istinguishe by simply touching the waterrsquos surface to see if tiny plants are stuck to your fingers (watermeal) or if the water has a slimy film (algae) It is commonly foun growing along with uckwee (Smagula an Connor 2007)

Photo co rtesy of Amy Smag la

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 15

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an

Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 16

On the dge mergent Herbaceous Plants

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 17

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an

Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 18

ARROW ARUM

Peltan ra virginica

Status Native

Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In mu or shallow water

Height Up to 2 feet tall growing in loose colonies

Stem Lacking a true stem Leaf an flower stalks arising from a thick root

Leaves Large arrow-shape Lower lobes separating an tapering to the tips Each lobe an the main stem have one prominent central vein from which other smaller veins originate The smaller veins are parallel to one another Leaf bla e with a vein running along the entire outline just insi e the margin

Flower Vertically-curle green Very small spathe almost completely covering the thin whitish fleshy spike White male flowers above green female flowers sheath tapering to the base an tip green outsi e an white insi e Flowering cluster at the en of a long nake stalk

Flowering Period May to July

Fruit Easily i entifie in the fall by its cluster of greenish-brown berries enclose in a green leathery case the stalk curve ownwar at maturity

Similar Species Arrowhea (Sagattaria latifolia) Arrow Arum may be istinguishe by its 3 prominent veins

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 19

ARROWH ADDUCK-POTATO

Sagittaria spp

Status Native There are several species in New Hampshire Slatifolia and Sgraminea are the most common

Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In mu or completely submerge

Height Up to 1 frac12 feet tall

Stem Lacking an upright visible stem Leaves an flowering stalk arising from a fibrous roote base Several un ergroun runners each giving rise to a tuber the size of a small potato up to 2 inches wi e

Leaves Shape is variable within an between species Leaves can be broa ly or narrowly arrow-shape lance-shape or tape-like Leaves appear to clasp the base of the flowering stalk Leaf veins all originate from the point where the stem connects to the leaf an ra iate outwar from that point

Flower White petals in whorls of three with a yellow center up to 1 frac12 inch wi e Male flowers at the top with female ones lower on the flower stalk

Flowering Period July through September

Fruit Flat winge crow e in a flattene hea up to frac12 inch wi e Ball-shape fruit clusters of green nutlets

Value Known as ldquo uck potatoesrdquo Arrowhea pro uces e ible starchy tubers beneath the mu eaten by ucks an muskrats

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 20

BLU -FLAG IRIS

Iris versicolor

Status Native

Habitat E ges of lakes pon s marshes streams an rivers In less than 3 feet of water

Height Up to 3 feet tall Growing in small colonies

Stem Upright robust flattene on one si e simple or with one or two branches from creeping rhizomes embe e in the mu Rhizome very shallow an sometimes expose above the se iment

Leaves Appearing basal but actually alternate bluish-green swor -like an up to 14 inches long an frac34 inch wi e ascen ing in a flat plane or fan-like arrangement Flower stalks are taller than the leaves

Flower Large purplish-blue stalke with 3 larger outer rooping petals whitish towar the base an 3 upright smaller petals in the center

Flowering Period June through July

Fruit Capsule up to 2 frac12 inches long with 3 roun e e ges contains numerous flattene see s often persisting into winter

Value Provi es foo an cover for waterfowl an wil life

Similar Species Leaves may be confuse with those of cattail (Typha spp)or sweet flag (Acorus calmus) Blue flag iris may be istinguishe by blueish-green leaves arrange in flat plane

Photo co rtesy of Amy Smag la

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 21

BLU V RVAIN

Verbena hastata

Status Native

Habitat E ges of pon s marshes streams an rivers

Height Up to 4 feet tall growing in small colonies

Stem Rough four-si e fairly straight arising from a fibrous roote base

Leaves Up to 6 inches long stalke toothe tapere at the tip with a rough surface

Flower 5 small blue petals in a pencil-like spike occurring singly or in clusters with in ivi ual flowers blooming perio ically from the base to the top of spike

Flowering Period July into October

Fruit Separating into four nutlets

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 22

BON S T THOROUGHWORT

Eupatorium perfoliatum

Status Native

Habitat Wet mea ows marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers

Height Up to 5 feet tall Branche growing in small colonies

Stem Upright robust lightly- owny arising from a fibrous roote base

Leaves Opposite lanceolate tapering an pointe at the tip toothe with the base clasping the stem Heavily veine Up to 8 inches long an 2 inches wi e at the base

Flower Whitish in 3-4 terminal clusters up to 8 inches long

Flowering Period Late July through October

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 23

BUR-R D

Sparganium eurycarpum

Status Native

Habitat E ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Emergent in shallow water up to 1 foot eep or submerge in water up to 4 feet eep

Height Up to 3 feet tall

Stem Upright stout smooth arising from rhizomes embe e horizontally in the mu a few inches beneath the surface Zigzag stalks

Leaves Alternate linear up to 4 feet long Emergent stem leaves narrow up to 1 frac12 feet tall triangular in cross-section an ri ge on their back si e Certain species are erect while others are floating an ribbon-like

Flower Lower bulbs or burs are clusters of greenish female

flowers Upper smaller burs are white male flowers

Flowering Period June through August

Fruit A burr-like hea on a short or long stalk

Value Colonies provi e nesting sites for waterfowl an shorebir s The fruit is eaten by a variety of waterfowl an the whole plant is graze by muskrat an eer

Similar Species This plant is easily confuse with wil celery (Vallisneria americana) if the leaves are tape-like or with young cattail (Typha spp) if leaves are emergent For the floating form bur-ree has a ri ge own the back of the long leaf When erect an emergent leaves are shorter in height than those of cattail with a istinct ri ge or almost triangular cross section When in fruit the spiky burr-like fruit is istinctive (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 24

CARDINAL FLOW R

Lobelia car inalis

Status Native

Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s sha e e ges streams an rivers

Height Up to 5 feet tall often growing in large colonies

Stem Smooth stout arising from a horizontal rhizome embe e shallowly in mu

Leaves Alternate lanceolate to oblong toothe tapering at both en s Lower leaves short-stalke upper leaves stalkless Up to 6 inches long an 1 frac12 inches wi e Smooth to slightly owny thin

Flower Long bright-re 2-lippe tubular flower occurring on terminal spike with the upper lip 2-lobe an lower lip 3-lobe

Flowering Period July into October

Fruit Many-see e capsule with two portions

Value Car inal flower is pollinate mostly by hummingbir s since most insects fin it ifficult to navigate the long tubular flowers

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 25

BROAD-L AF CATTAIL

Typha latifolia

Status Native

Habitat Marshes wet swales e ges of lakes an pon s streams an rivers

Height Up to 10 feet tall

Stem Upright stiff growing in ense stan s from thick extensively -creeping un ergroun rhizomes

Leaves Green or bluish-green upright linear 2-6 feet long an up to 1 inch wi e arising from base or alternating along the stem Leaves have a spongy feel

Flower Many small flowers packe into tight cigar-like clusters creating a lower female spike toppe by a smaller male spike with no gap between the two flower types Female spike persists turning into the familiar ark brown ldquotailrdquo

Flowering Period June into August

Fruit Small see -like surroun e by many bristles attache to the base

Value Provi es nesting habitat for many bir s such as the re -winge blackbir Shoots an rhizomes are eaten by muskrats an geese Submerse stalks provi e spawning habitat an shelter for fish One of only a few plants where all parts are e ible to humans

Similar Species Narrow-leaf cattail (Typha angustifolia) has narrower leaves a narrower fruiting hea an a gap between the male an female flower clusters

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 26

COMMON R D

Phragmites australis

Status Most stands are Non-Native xotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire Phragmites australis has been present in wetlan s for millennia but a non-native European species has crossbre with P australis an has forme an invasive plant

Habitat Fresh an brackish marshes e ges of lakes an pon s streams rivers an in roa si e itches Full to partial sun

Height Upright 4-14 feet tall usually forming ense colonies

Stem Calle ldquoculmsrdquo are large hollow an grow up to 1 inch wi e

Leaves Bluish-green lanceolate close together an usually sticking out from stems at a large angle up to 2 feet long an 1 inch wi e

Flower Clusters frac12 - 1 foot long often purple when young an whitish an fluffy when ol

Flowering Period Late July to October

Fruit Rarely pro uces see but sprea s vigorously by rhizomes often running over the surface of the groun

Value This plant has little to offer to bir s an mammals besi es cover Phragmites often outcompetes other native wetlan plants thus limiting the plant iversity an foo source value of the wetlan The only animal that fee s on this to any extent is the muskrat (Smagula an Connor 2007)

Similar Species Sometimes confuse with ree canary grass since they both form ense stan s at isturbe sites Ree canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) can be istinguishe by its shorter an narrower leaves spikelets with only one flower an its shorter height

How To Distinguish Native From Non-Native Phragmites

Stems Stems on the non-native variety are typically green but may have a little purple color along the no es Stems on

the native variety have some chestnut or purple color where leaves are pulle back exposing the stem Stems of the native variety are also often shiny an black spots often appear late in the growing season

Leaf Collars Leaf collars on the non-native variety are always green while leaf collars on the native variety may be

purple

Leaf Sheaths On fall stems the leaf sheaths on the non-native variety remain attache Leaf sheaths on the native variety are lost or very loosely attache so leaves rop off the native plants before the intro uce plants This is the best

in icator base seasonal changes that istinguishes native or non-native varieties

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 27

J W LW DSPOTT D TOUCH-M NOT

Impatiens capensis

Status Native

Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers

Height Up to 4 feet tall Often growing in ense colonies

Stem Upright smooth slightly branching hollow somewhat succulent slightly translucent

Leaves Alternate egg-shape toothe on stalks up to 4 inches long Silvery appearance when hel un er water an appear completely ry upon removal Size an color of foliage vary with ifferences in light exposure an available moisture

Flower Few to several angling orange-yellow three-petale tubularfunnel-shape flowers with re ish brown spots an curve spur at their en s

Flowering Period June through September

Fruit Flat green capsules approximately 1 inch long which at maturity burst when touche ejecting ark-brown see s

Value Especially a apte to hummingbir pollination but bees an butterflies are also important pollinators

The sap from this plant has been clinically proven to relieve skin rashes Jewelwee can be applie to the affecte part of the bo y an neutralizes the urishol oil pro uce by poison ivy an poison oak (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 28

JO PY W D

Eupatorium maculatum

Status Native

Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers

Height Up to 6 feet tall Branche growing in small to me ium-size colonies

Stem Stout smooth purple or purple-spotte somewhat rough towar the top arising from a fibrous roote base

Leaves Lanceolate toothe rough short-stalke with large single mi -vein Up to 8 inches long an 2 frac12 inches wi e tapere at the base an tip in whorls of 3-7

Flower Small rose-purple in ense flat-toppe clusters at the top of the stem an at the en s of the branches

Flowering Period July through September

Fruit Angular nutlet with a plume of fine bristles at the top

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 29

PICK R LW D

Ponte aria cor ata

Status Native

Habitat Marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers

Height Up to 3 feet tall often growing in ense colonies

Stem Upright stout smooth arising from a rhizome bearing one leaf an one terminal spike

Leaves Basal an alternate very large arrowhea to heart-shape glossy with prominent parallel veins blunt tip on a spongy leaf stalk

Flower Many small tubular violet-blue flowers approximately frac12 inch long on solitary spike with a sheath at the base

Flowering Period June through August

Fruit Small bla er-like with toothe ri ges containing one see

Value See s are consume by waterfowl an muskrats Networks of rhizomes an leaves also offer sha e an shelter for fish

Similar Species This plant can be istinguishe from its close look-alikes arrow arum an arrowhea by its light bluish-purple flower spike Bases of the leaves are more roun e whereas arrowhea an arrow arum leaves are more pointe (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 30

PURPL LOOS STRIF

Lythrum salicaria

Status Non-Native xotic Invasive This species is prohibited in New Hampshire

Habitat Marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams rivers an in roa si e itches Full to partial sun

Height 2-6 feet tall

Stem Upright smooth to slightly- owny Square four-si e almost woo y

Leaves Opposite to whorle lanceolate often with heart-shape bases somewhat clasping stem sometimes in whorls of 3 Gra ually tapering to a point 3 to 4 inches long an frac12 to 1 inch wi e

Flower 5-7 purple petals in a ense terminal spike

Flowering Period July through September

Fruit Many-see e capsule

Value Little wil life value See s are low in nutrition an roots are too woo y The flowers are attractive to insects They pro uce nectar an are regularly visite by honeybees

This plant outcompetes other wetlan plants which are beneficial foo sources for wil life an insects It repro uces by pro ucing millions of see s per plant an quickly takes over the lan scape when intro uce It also sprea s by rhizome (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 31

R D CANARY GRASS

Phalaris arun inacea

Status Non-Native xotic Invasive

Habitat Swales marshes e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Although it is usually a shoreline plant it can survive in knee- eep water by sprouting ldquowater rootsrdquo on the submerse portion of the stem Forms ense stan s in isturbe areas where clearing gra ing siltation filling or other isruptions have create an opening with moist soil

Height Up to 7 feet tall Often growing in ense colonies

Stem Upright stiff from extensively-creeping rhizomes

Leaves Alternate upright grayish-green open sheath an ligule at the leaf axis Bla es fairly long an narrow up to 12 inches long an frac34 inches wi e

Flower Green to greenish-purple spikelets single-flowere lanceolate ense Terminal inflorescence up to 7 inches long branche an compresse early in the season but opening after fertilization

Flowering Period June through August

Value Low foo value Provi es summer cover an habitat for waterfowl at isturbe sites However it ten s to mat own in winter provi ing little winter cover for wil life

Similar Species Sometimes confuse with bluejoint grass (Calamagrostis canadensis) However the spikelets of bluejoint are in a loose open arrangement an the no es have a bluish to purplish cast

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 32

SOFT-ST MM D BULRUSH

Scirpus vali us

Status Native

Habitat Wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Usually growing in water less than 5 feet eep Ten s to be foun on ldquomuckierrdquo substrate an will grow in stagnant water

Height Usually up to 5 feet but can grow up to 10 feet tall Often growing in extensive colonies

Stem Upright grayish-green often arching up to frac34 inch thick at the base arising from stout re ish rhizomes Soft roun tapering to a point

Leaves No apparent leaves

Flowers Inconspicuous many-stalke bu like spikelets covere by re ish-brown scales locate imme iately below the top of stem Clusters mostly rooping but not in higher salinity areas

Flowering Period June into September

Fruit See -like nutlet with 4-6 bristles attache to the base

Value Provi es habitat for invertebrates an shelter for young fish Nutlets consume by a variety of waterfowl marsh bir s an uplan bir s Stems an rhizomes eaten by geese an muskrat Also provi es nesting material an cover for waterfowl marsh bir s an muskrat

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 33

SWAMP LOOS STRIF WAT R WILLOW

Deco on verticillatus

Status Native shrub becoming herbaceous towar the tips

Habitat Wetlan s bogs e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Shallow water with muck or peat se iment Can form floating mats in areas of very soft se iment

Height Up to 5 feet tall

Stem Ri gi woo y smooth to slightly- owny 3-9 feet long The lower rooting stems are spongy an buttresse giving rise to new arching stems

Leaves Opposite or in whorls of 3 gra ually tapering to a point 3-4 inches long an frac12 to 1 inch wi e sessile or short-stalke

Flower Pinkish-purple bell-shape with 5-7 sepals an 5 petals forming showy clusters in the axils of the mi le to upper leaves

Flowering Period July through August

Fruit Small brownish capsule with 3-5 partitions the clusters sometimes persisting above the leaf scars throughout winter

Value The many intertwining arching stems may form sizable clusters at the e ges of lakes an sluggish streams or floating bog mats Wherever a stem touches the water air-fille spongy tissue may evelop This tissue buoys the stem so that it may root an form a new arching stem

Similar Species May be confuse with the invasive purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) Swamp loosestrife can be istinguishe by the arching stems an showy axillary flower clusters as well as the roun stem instea of the square stem of purple loosestrife (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 34

THR -WAY S DG

Dulichium arun inaceum

Status Native

Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Extensive be s can be foun in shallow (less than 3 feet) water Grows in a variety of se iment types an can tolerate some turbi ity

Height Up to 3 feet tall solitary or in small colonies

Stem Roun hollow jointe arising from a horizontal rhizome

Leaves Linear up to 4 inches long an 38 inch wi e with a conspicuous sheath the latter close except at the top

When looking own upon the plant the leaves are line up an appear to ra iate from three angles away from the main stem (Smagula an Connor 2007)

Flower Inconspicuous flattene linear sessile spikelets in the axils or two-ranke scales of the brownish spikelets 8-10 along the axillary stalk

Flowering Period July through October

Fruit Flattene brownish see -like nutlet toppe with a beak

Value Eaten occasionally by a variety of ucks an geese Rhizomes an shoots also graze by muskrats

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 35

WOOL GRASS

Scirpus cyperinus

Status Native

Habitat Marshes wet mea ows e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers

Height Up to 5 feet tall growing in small colonies

Stem Upright robust roun to triangular especially at the base

Leaves Elongate from base of stem up to 2 feet long Leaves imme iately below the flower are in clusters of 3-5 an may reach 5 inches long an roop at the tips

Flower Clusters of 6-12 spikelets at en s of rooping stems Flower clusters up to 12 inches long much branche

Flowering Period August through September

Fruit Whitish see -like nutlet with bristles much longer than the scales attache to the base the bristles impart the wooly appearance to the spikelets

Value Provi es foo an cover for waterfowl an other wil life

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 36

Ferns

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 37

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an

Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 38

INNAMON FERN

Osmund cinn mome

Status Native

Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers Often growing near somewhat similar an relate interrupte fern (Polys ichum aros ichoides)

Height Up to 3 feet tall

Stem Upright stout smooth green an covere with cinnamon-colore wooly stalk

Leaves Sterile (vegetative) fron s up to 3 feet high upright to slightly arche lance-shape with 20+ opposite leaflets Fertile fron s o not persist through the summer whereas vegetative fron s remain until first frost

Reproduction Club-like fertile fron with groups of spore cases on leaflets that hug the main axis

Fruiting Period Spring

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 39

OSTRI H FERN

Pteretis pensylv nic

Status Native

Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers

Height Up to 6 feet tall forming tussocks or clumps

Stem Stout nake for up 1 foot from the base green flattene an black at the base covere with papery brown scales Arising from a forking shallowly-embe e rhizome an giving rise to stout black scaly runners

Leaves Sterile fron s forming circles gra ually narrowe at the base an abruptly narrowe to the tip Fertile fron s up to 2 feet tall an 2 inches wi e nake for approximately half their length the nake portions shiny brown crow e sprea ing or ascen ing branches often overlapping or twiste light green at first turning ark green an eventually brown

Reproduction Leaf segments with spore cases beneath become rolle into small har berry-like structures joine along the branches of the fertile fron

Fruiting Period July ndash August Persisting over winter

Similar Species Cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea) Ostrich fern may be istinguishe by the gra ually narrow base an papery scales rather than cinnamon-colore pubescence on the stalk

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 40

ROYAL FERN

Osmund reg lis

Status Native

Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers

Height Up to 5 feet tall growing in scattere groups

Stem Somewhat stout nake for approximately half its length greenish or re ish arising from a stout creeping rhizome

Leaves Fron s with 5-7 pairs of nearly opposite oblong ascen ing ivisions The lowest pair slightly shorter than the others each ivision ivi e into finely toothe oblong blunt alternate segments 10-14 on each si e Fertile fron s terminate by a panicle appearing as a ense cluster of light brown structures

Reproduction Spore cases clustere along short nake leaf segments in a terminal panicle an often at the tips of some of the ivisions One of several ferns that pro uce their spores on mo ifie leaflets not on the un ersi e of the fron s

Fruiting Period Spring an early summer

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 41

SENSITIVE FERN

Onocle sensibilis

Status Native

Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers

Height Up to 3 feet tall Growing solitary or scattere

Stem Upright stout nake for nearly half its length arising from a creeping rhizome

Leaves Sterile fron s up to 3 feet tall the bla e with up to 16 pairs of wi e segments having wavy margins Fertile fron s shorter the berry-like structures clustere in stiffly erect ivisions the entire structure appearing spike-like

Reproduction Leaf segments with spore cases beneath which have become rolle into small har black berry-like structures appearing July through August an persisting over winter

Fruiting Period July into October

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 42

Woody S rubs

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 43

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an

Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 44

NORTHERN ARROW-WOOD Viburnu recognitu

Status Native

Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers

Heig t Up to 15 feet tall forming thickets

Bark Smooth an gray with a white pith

Twigs Brownish-gray hairless highly branche long straight slen er arrow-like smooth

Buds Re ish-brown with 2 pairs of scales Opposite pointe approximately frac14 inch long roun e scales with fringe of minute hairs along the bor ers

Leaves Opposite egg-shape to roun with saw-like coarse teeth 1-2 inches long an 3 inches wi e tapering to a point with very prominent smooth veins

Flower Numerous small white-petale flowers on short stalks in a somewhat ense terminal flat cluster

Flowering Period June through July

Fruit Fleshy blue-black berry-like approximately 13 inch wi e containing a flattene see appearing in August

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 45

BUTTONBUSH Cephalanthus occidentalis

Status Native

Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers

Heig t Up to 12 feet tall typically 3-5 feet tall

Bark Smooth an grayish when young flaky an grayish when ol er Light-brown pith

Twigs Slen er roun or angle grayish-brown to purplish marke with light elongate lenticels

Buds Small in epresse areas surroun e by bark

Leaves Opposite or in whorls of 3-4 Shiny ark-green above lighter green an slightly owny beneath Leathery smooth oblong to oval 3-6 inches long broa at the base pointe at tips often with short re stalks

Flower Densely clustere spherical creamy white ball-shape flowers long-stalke often in groups of 3 1- 1 frac12 inch wi e Ripe hea s brownish fragrant

Flowering Period July through August

Fruit Small triangular-shape capsules greenish in ball-like hea s like the flowers Persist into winter

Value Butterfly an moth species are often foun fee ing on the sweet nectar of the tubular flowers because of their long curle mouthparts Caterpillar pupas are often foun on buttonbush because of the foo association with larvae an a ults (Smagula an Connor 2007)

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 46

ELDERBERRYBLACK-BERRIED ELDER Sa bucus canadensis

Elderberr showing fruit

Status Native

Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s e ges of streams an rivers

Heig t Up to 12 feet tall often forming thickets

Bark Green

Twigs Pale yellow-brown to light-brown with numerous large raise lenticels Ill-smelling when bruise Flute or square pith very thick white an soft

Buds Small roun to oval covere with brownish scales

Leaves Opposite pinnately compoun with 5 to 11 leaflets usually 7 Lanceolate to ovate abruptly narrowing at the tip Sharply-toothe Lower leaflets often 3-parte Smooth above smooth or owny on veins beneath

Flower Small white nicely-scente flowers with 5 white petals in a flat-toppe cluster up to 6 inches wi e generally with 5 main branches

Flowering Period Late June through July

Fruit Juicy purplish-black berries in flat-toppe clusters containing many see s appearing late August to early October

Value Pro uces fruit that makes tasty jelly an wine It is also an important foo source for many songbir s

Elderberr showing flowers

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 47

GLOSSY BUCKTHORN Rha nus frangula

Status Non-NativeExotic Invasive T is species is pro ibited in New Hamps ire

Habitat Generalist Full-sun or sha e moist ry aci ic or basic soils Woo lan bor ers foreste wetlan s floo plain forests

Heig t Up to 20 feet tall

Twigs Grayish with whitish lenticels

Buds Nake owny up to frac14 inch long

Leaves Alternate whorle oblong 4-5 inches long an 3-4 inches wi e Long growing season leafing out in May an hol ing its leaves into November

Flower Small greenish-white in small clusters in the leaf axis

Flowering Period May through September Flowers an fruits continuously from May through September Plants often isplay bu s flowers immature fruit an mature fruit simultaneously

Fruit Berry with 2-3 pits approximately frac14 inch wi e turning from green to re an eventually blue-black Often all three colore berries are on the plant at the same time Sometimes ifficult to recognize in a foreste situation ue to its non- escript appearance but easily recognize July through September ue to masses of berries

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 48

HIGHBUSH BLUEBERRY Vacciniu cory bosu

Status Native

Habitat Shrub an foreste wetlan s rich woo s e ges of lakes pon s streams an rivers

Heig t Up to 15 feet tall often forming thickets

Bark Rough brown Stem an larger branches shre y

Twigs On some bushes re ish-brown on other bushes they are yellow Covere with small warty lenticels zigzagge or angle

Buds Flower bu s re plump pointe with spine-like pointe scales Leaf bu s smaller two outer scales with hair-like point

Leaves Alternate pointe on both en s green on both si es untoothe Lower si e slightly wooly on the veins Up to 3 inches long an 1 frac12 inch wi e Deep re in autumn

Flower Cylin rical white or pink up to frac12 inch long an frac14 inch wi e in ense terminal or lateral clusters

Flowering Period April through June appearing when leaves are only half grown

Fruit Blue-black berry up to frac12 inch wi e with whitish bloom sweet in clusters

Value Berries eaten by numerous bir s an wil life

Similar Species Maleberry (L onia ligustrina) Highbush blueberry can be istinguishe by its terminal clusters of fruit an by berries rather than capsules for fruit

A Fiel Gui e to Common Aquatic an Riparian Plants of New Hampshire 49