Natural History Project

1. Natural History Project Madrona Park, Seattle, Washington Sarah Benbow

2. Big Leaf Maple—Acer macrophyllum Very tall: estimated 60ft tall Deciduous—leaves turn color and fall in Autumn Leaves with 5 deeply grooved lobes, approximately 6 inches in diameter Irregularly shaped trunk, knotted and host to mosses Dark brown moderately grooved bark

3. Bigleaf Maple—Acer macrophyllum Identified With: Revised Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast: Washington, Oregon, British Columbia & Alaska (7) Description Trees are commonly very tall (40-100ft), often make up part of the forest canopy. It is a deciduous tree native to the Northwest, and is characterized by large, palmately lobed leaves with 5 deeply grooved lobes. The bark of mature trees is dark brown and moderately grooved. Where observed This tree was observed several feet from the path in the Madrona woods. It was found in close proximity to several conifers and other deciduous trees. It was located on a slight slope and composed part of the canopy. Ecological facts: • The Bigleaf Maple has a very rapid growth rate, more rapid than native conifers2. • Because of its rapid growth rate, it may be brittle and more susceptible to losing branches in high winds2. Classification3: • Kingdom—Plantae • Subkingdom—Tracheobionta • Superdivision—Spermatophyta • Division—Magnoliophyta • Class—Magnoliopsida • Subclass—Rosidae • Order—Sapindales • Family—Aceraceae • Genus—Acer L. • Species— Acer macrophyllum

4. Pacific Strawberry—Fragaria crinita 5 small white petals Leaves, relatively small, approximately 1-3 cm Parallel venation Deeply serrated edges Usually arranged in threes.

5. Pacific Strawberry— Fragaria crinita Synonym: Fragariavesca L. ssp. bracteata (Heller) Staudt, Woodland Strawberry Identified with: WTU Image Collection: Plants of Washington Lichens of Washington (4) Description The flower of this plant has 5, small white petals, and five green sepals. The stem is herbaceious and thin, may have fine hairs present. The leaves are arranged in threes and on a separate stem from the flowers. They are often arranged in threes, 1-3 cm long, oblong, have parallel venation, and deeply serrated edges. The texture of the leaf is soft, and pliable. Where observed This plant was observed approximately 6 inches from the trail, very low to the ground, and composed into a small patch. It was located on a moderate slope near other berry producing plants. Ecological facts: --Will provide edible red berries in the spring and summer, commonly eaten by humans and animals2. --Is generally a perennial plant2. Classification: • Kingdom—Plantae • Subkingdom—Tracheobionta • Superdivision—Spermatophyta • Division—Magnoliophyta • Class—Magnolioposida • Subclass—Rosidae • Order—Rosales • Family—Rosaceae • Genus– Fragaria L. • Species—Fragaria vesca L.

6. Common Snowberry—Symphoricarpos albus Ovate dull, gray-green leaves Leaves oppositely arranged Brilliant or creamy white terminal berries Brown stem, not totally rigid

7. Common Snowberry—Symphoricarpos albus Identified With: Revised Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast: Washington, Oregon, British Columbia & Alaska (7) Description Leaves are arranged oppositely, generally appear to be ovate, somewhat egg shaped, and dull grey green in color. They smooth edges , and have netted venation. In the fall have white globular fruit that feels spongy. In the spring has pinkish flowers4. Where Observed This plant was observed right next to the path, where the path dropped off down the slope. It was surrounded by other shrubs, some berry producing, and some seedlings trees. Ecological Facts • The common snowberry can tolerate poor soil quality5. • Wildlife often eat the berries but they are poisonous to humans5. • Is generally drought tolerant3. Classification3 • Kingdom—Plantae • Subkingdom—Tracheobionta • Superdivision—Spermatophyta • Dvision—Magnoliophyta • Class—Magnoliopsida • Subclass—Asteridae • Order—Dipsacales • Family—Caprifoliaceae • Genus—Symphoricarpos • Species—Symphoricarpos albus L.

8. Western Bracken Fern—Pteridium aquilinum Lance-shaped end of the leaflet Alternating ovate leaflets on leaf. Leaves oppositely arranged on blade

9. Western Bracken Fern—Pteridium aquilinum Identified With: WTU Image Collection: Plants of Washington Lichens of Washington (4), King County Native Plant Guide (2) Description This fern is characterized by triangular blades which sprout from a center stalk. The blades are generally opposite while the leaves are alternate as well as the ovate leafets. While each of the leaflets are ovate and smooth the leaf has a terminal leaflet which is more lance-shaped. They are light green and stand more upright than other ferns. Where Observed This fern was observed only inches from the path on a slope in partial sunlight. Ecological Facts • Spreads aggressively2 • It often colonizes disturbed sites2 Classification3 • Kingdom—Plantae • Subkingdom—Tracheobionta • Division—Pteridophyta • Class Filicopsida • Family—Dennstaedtiaceae • Genus—Pteridium • Species—Pteridium aquilinum

10. Licorice Fern—Polypodium glycyrrhiza Bigleaf maple on which the fern was found Thick moss in which the fern is rooted Spiny looking fronds, which extend from a rhizome, not a central base Alternating leaflets

11. Licorice Fern— Polypodium glycyrrhiza Identified With: King County Native Plant Guide (2) Description This is a fern that is often found in trees that are either rotting or can collect a lot of moss. They generally root in areas with a lot of moss, and areas that can collect soil and remain wet. They are found in the notches of Bigleaf Maples. They are coarser than the delicate Maidenhair fern, but can be confused because of their similar habitat preference. Licorice Ferns are slightly stiffer looking (their leaflets not as delicate). The blades extend from a rhizome that is often hidden by moss, and don’t appear to have a definite center from which they sprout. The leaflets are arranged alternately and come to definite points. Where Observed The Licorice Fern was observed on the horizontal section of a curved Bigleaf Maple trunk, amongst thick patches of moss that had collected along the trunk. The tree it was found on was found in partial sun on a slope. Ecological Facts • Does not grow well if not located in a rotting log2. • Like the sword fern, it is fire resistant2. Classification3 • Kingdom—Plantae • Subkingdom—Tracheobionta • Division—Pteridophyta • Class—Filicopsida • Order—Polypodiales • Genus—Polypodium • Species—Polypodium glycyrrhiza D.C. Eat.

12. Madrona—Arbutus menziesii Ovate leaves Winding tree trunk with many branches Dark red-orange bark often cracked and peeling.

13. Madrona— Arbutus menziesii Identified With: Revised Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast: Washington, Oregon, British Columbia & Alaska (7) Description One of the most defining features of this tree is the bark that changes from yellowish orange to orange-red, to dark auburn red from the spring to the fall. The characteristic bark is thin, often cracked and peeling away from the tree trunk. The leaves are generally evergreen, oblong or oval shaped. The tree trunk winds and curves and usually has many branches extending from it1. Where observed This tree was located on a relatively significant slope, about 5 feet from the path, there were not very many other species in close proximity or much groundcover surrounding it. Ecological facts: • The flowers are very fragrant and often attract hummingbirds2. • Madronas are susceptible to diseases which cause their branches to die one by one2. • This tree is also difficult to transplant even as a sappling2. • It prefers rocky, coarse soils that are well drained2. Classification: • Kingdom—Plantae • Subkingdom—Tracheobionta • Superdivision—Spermatophyta • Division—Magnoliophyta • Class—Magnoliopsida • Subclass—Dilleniidae • Order—Ericales • Family—Ericaceae • Genus—Arbutus L. • Species— Arbutus mensiezii

14. Oregon-grape— Mahonia nervosa Delicately teethed leaves Netted Venation Reddish brown stalk Leaves arranged oppositely

15. Oregon-grape— Mahonia nervosa Identified With: Revised Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast: Washington, Oregon, British Columbia & Alaska (7) Description Oregon-grape is a delicate shrub with light, reddish brown stalks. Glossy green leaves extend from the stalks. The leaves are oppositely arranged and have spiny teeth, making them look slightly related to the nonnative holly plant, but these teeth are much less severe. The leaves also display netted venation. Where Observed Oregon grape was observed thoughout the park, but this plant was found next to the path very low to the ground, and was mixed among other groundcover type plants. Ecological Facts • Generally prefers shady environments; does best in partial shade, but can tolerate full shade2. • In the spring it displays clustered yellow flowers2. Classification3: • Kindom—Plantae • Subkingdom—Tracheobionta • Superdivision—Spermatophyta • Division—Magnoliophyta • Class—Magnoliopsida • Subclass—Madnoliidae • Order—Ranunculales • Family—Berberidaceae • Genus—Mahonia • Species—Mahonia nervosa

16. Sword fern—Polystichum munitum Long frond from which leaflets extend Leaflets are lance shaped, and alternately arranged Round Sporophyte from which orange powdery spores are released Leaflets are moderately serrated

17. Sword fern— Polystichum munitum Identified With: Description Fronds extend from a central clump, approximately 2-4 ft long. The lance-shaped leafelets are alternately arranged along the frond and are moderately serrated. On the underside of the leaflets, round sporophytes from which the spores are released. Where Observed Observed this along the path. In between trees, in many places on the ground throughout the park. It was found commonly in patches. Ecological Facts • Sword ferns are resistant to fire2. • The fallen ferns provide habitats for amphibians at their base2. • Can tolerate acidic conditions2. Classification3 • Kingdom—Plantae • Subkingdom—Tracheobionta • Division—Pteridophyta • Class—Filicopsida • Order—Polypodiales • Family—Dryopterdiaceae • Genus—Polystichum • Species—Polystichum munitum

18. Thimbleberry— Rubus parviflorus Netted venation 5 palmate, deeply grooved lobes Jagged margins

19. Thimbleberry— Rubus parviflorus Identified With: WTU Image Collection: Plants of Washington Lichens of Washington (4), King County Native Plant Guide (2). Description This plant has soft, slightly fuzzy, light green leaves, that have netted venation, and jagged margins. They are deeply grooved into 5 palmate lobes. The leaves extend from a herbaceous stalk. Where Observed It was observed about three feet off the path mixed in with other shrubs, some berry producing, and some not. It was found in partial shade receiving some afternoon sunlight. It was also on a gradual slope. Ecological Facts • In other seasons white flowers and edible red berries can be seen2. • It will form a thicket over time2. • It generally prefers most soil in full sun2. Classification3 • Kingdom—Plantae • Subkingdom—Tracheobionta • Superdivision—Spermatophyta • Class—Magnoliopsida • Subclass—Rosidae • Order—Rosales • Family—Rosaceae • Genus—Rubus • Species—Rubus parviflorus Nutt.

20. Western Hemlock— Tsuga heterophylla Leaves: lance-shaped coming to a point at the ends, arranged in two rows on each side of the branch Needles are soft and pliable Light brown moderately grooved bark

21. Western Hemlock—Tsuga heterophylla Identified With: Revised Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast: Washington, Oregon, British Columbia & Alaska (7) Description This very tall tree (estimated 40ft), with light brown moderately grooved bark. The leaves are dark emerald green color, and are arranged in two rows extending from each side of the twig. The leaves are lance shaped, come to a point at their ends, and sometimes vary in length, and are also soft and pliable. The tree has light brown pinecones about 1-3cm in length (not shown). Where Observed This tree was observed several feet from the path. It composes part of the canopy of the forest, reaching approximately 40ft in height. Nothing was found growing directly under it, but plants resumed growth in an estimated 5ft. radius around the tree. Ecological Facts • It has a generally slow growth rate2 • Creates such a dense canopy that other plants have difficulty growing underneath it2. • It grows best in the shade in very rich soils, also preferring deeper soils2. Classification3 • Kingdom—Plantae • Subkingdom—Tracheobionta • Superdivision—Spermatophyta • Division—Conifera • Class—Pinopsida • Order—Pinales • Family—Pinaceae • Genus—Tsuga • Species—Tsuga heterophylla

22. Western Redcedar—Thuja plicata Scaly leaves, covering branches, Arranged in sets of 4 around the branch, are ovate with a pointed end Branches droop toward the ground due to heavy leaves

23. Western Redcedar— Thuja plicata Identified With: Revised Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast: Washington, Oregon, British Columbia & Alaska (7) Description Instead of needles, this tree has scaly leaves, which are heavy and droop down, giving the tree a feathery look. The leaves are arranged in sets of 4 around the stalk. They are ovate coming to a point at the ends. This tree has lighter green leaves than many other conifers and is also characterized by red stripped bark that is present in adult trees. Where Observed This western redcedar was observed near the path on fairly level ground. This particular tree was a sappling and if given the opportunity will become a canopy tree one day. IT was found amongst low shrubs in partial afternoon sun. Ecological Facts • This tree can grow for 200 to 300 years2 • Prefers damp, lowland climates2 • In a couple of decades it will achieve a base diameter of 20 feet2. Classification3 • Kingdom—Plantae • Subkingdom—Tracheobionta • Superdivision—Spermatophyta • Division—Conifera • Class—Pinopsida • Order—Pinales • Family—Cupressaceae • Genus—Thuja • Species—Thuja plicata Donn.

24. Western yew— Taxus brevifolia Dark evergreen needle shaped leaves that come to distinct points at their ends Leaves arranged in two rows on each side of the light green branch. Top sides of needles face uniformly upwards Bright red huckleberry like fruits

25. Western yew—Taxus brevifolia Identified With: Revised Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast: Washington, Oregon, British Columbia & Alaska (7) Description A tall tree, very dark green, extending an estimated 30-40 feet in height. The branches contained long needle shaped leaves with long points, they are arranged in two rows with forming a horizontal plane off the branch. All the top sides of the needles face the sunlight. Around terminal seeds, there is a bright red fruit that at first resembles the huckleberry. Where Observed This tree was observed on the steep slope leading down to the road, right next to a set of steps and metal railing. This made it difficult to judge height. Being on such a dramatic slope it received a large amount of sunlight. Ecological facts • Relatively slow growth rate2 • Fruit in berry form that look like huckleberries but are poisonous to humans, though provide food for wildlife2 Classification3 • Kingdom—Plantae • Subkingdom—Tracheobionta • Superdivision—Spermatophyta • Division—Conifera • Class—Pinopsida • Order—Taxales • Family—Taxaceae • Genus—Taxus • Species—Taxus brevifolia Nutt.

26. Works Cited • VTree I.D. http://www.fw.vt.edu/dendro/dendrology/factsheets.cfm • King County Native Plant Guide: http://dnr.metrokc.gov/wlr/PI/go-native/FindPlant.aspx • USDA Plant Search: http://plants.usda.gov/java/nameSearch • WTU Image Collection: Plants of Washington Lichens of Washington: https://angel.seattleu.edu/angel/section/default.asp?id=BIOL%5F470%5F01%5F07FQ • Oregon State University Landscape plants: http://oregonstate.edu/dept/ldplants/syal-i.htm • WSU Native Plant guide: http://cahedb.wsu.edu/nativePlant/scripts/webDisplayPlant.asp?ID=nv065 • Pojar, Jim, and Andy Mackinnon. Revised Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast: Washington, Oregon, British Columbia & Alaska. Vancouver, B.C.: Lone Pine Publishing, 2004.