Indian Bluffs State Preserve, Jones Co.
(by Latin family name)

Explanatory Notes

FAMILY
SPECIES
COMMON NAME
ORIGIN
COMMENTS
PTERIDOPHYTES (FERNS & ALLIES)        
Adiantaceae Adiantum pedatum L. Maidenhair fern native  
Adiantaceae Pellaea glabella Mett. ex Kuhn Smooth cliff-brake native Infrequent, steep rock outcroppings, exposed rock in prarie/savanna area.
Aspleniaceae Asplenium platyneuron (L.) Oakes ex DC. Ebony spleenwort native Sandy open woods and thickets.
Aspleniaceae Asplenium rhizophyllum L. [=Camptosorus rhizophyllus (L.) Link] Walking fern native Very common on rocky bluffs and rock outcroppings.
Aspleniaceae Athyrium filix-femina (L.) Roth var.angustum (Willd.) Moore Northern lady fern native  
Aspleniaceae Athyrium pycnocarpon (Sprengel) Tidestrom [=Diplazium pycnocarpon (Sprengel) Broun] Narrow-leaved spleenwort native Lower slopes of rocky bluffs in rich soil, also along streams. Proposed as a special concern species in 1998.
Aspleniaceae Athyrium thelypterioides (Michx.) Desv. [=Deparia acrostichoides (Sw.) M. Kato ined.] Silvery spleenwort native Rich, wooded slopes.
Aspleniaceae Cystopteris bulbifera (L.) Bernh. Bulblet bladder fern native Rocky bluffs and outcrops.
Aspleniaceae Cystopteris protrusa (Weath.) Blasdell Creeping fragile fern native  
Aspleniaceae Dryopteris carthusiana (Vill.) H.P. Fuchs [=D. spinulosa (O.F. Muell.) Watt] Spinulose wood fern native Base of bluff with northern orientation, rich woodland.
Aspleniaceae Dryopteris goldiana (Hooker) Gray Goldies fern native  
Aspleniaceae Matteuccia struthiopteris (L.) Todaro var. pensyvanica (Willd.) Morton Ostrich fern native Also growing in opening under electrical transmission lines.
Aspleniaceae Onoclea sensibilis L. Sensitive fern native  
Aspleniaceae Polystichum acrostichoides (Michx.) Schott Christmas fern native  
Dennstaedtiaceae Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn var. latiusculum (Desv.) Underw. ex Heller Bracken fern native  
Equisetaceae Equisetum arvense L. Common horsetail native Stream bank, sandy floodplain opening.
Equisetaceae Equisetum hyemale L. var. affine (Engelm.) A.A. Eaton Scouring-rush native Alluvial woods, riparian.
Ophioglossaceae Botrychium dissectum Sprengel f. dissectum Dissected grape fern native Both forms usually found together.
Ophioglossaceae Botrychium dissectum Sprengel f. obliquuum (Muhl.) Fern. Oblique grape fern native Both forms usually found together.
Ophioglossaceae Botrychium virginianum (L.) Sw. Rattlesnake fern native  
Osmundaceae Osmunda claytoniana L. Interrupted fern native Nice, large stands locally.
         
GYMNOSPERMS (CONIFERS)        
Cupressaceae Juniperus virginiana L. Red cedar native  
Taxaceae Taxus canadensis Marsh. American yew native Limited to the rims of the larger bluffs where it is locally common.
         
ANGIOSPERMS: DICOTYLEDONS        
Acanthaceae Ruellia humilis Nutt. Wild petunia native Sandy open areas, not common.
Aceraceae Acer negundo L. Box elder native  
Aceraceae Acer saccharinum L. Silver maple native Major componant of the floodplains.
Aceraceae Acer saccharum Marsh. Sugar maple native Common in rich uplands.
Aizoaceae Mollugo verticillata L. Carpet weed Trop. Amer. Moist, disturbed sand.
Amaranthaceae Amaranthus rudis Sauer Amaranth native Riparian (sandbars).
Amaranthaceae Amaranthus tuberculatus (Moq.) Sauer Water hemp native Riparian.
Anacardiaceae Rhus glabra L. Smooth sumac native Thickets in prairie/savanna area.
Anacardiaceae Rhus typhina L. Staghorn sumac native Sandy clearings along river under power lines.
Anacardiaceae Toxicodendron radicans (L.) Kuntze Poison ivy native It is possible that T. rydbergii also occurs at this site, but the species were not segregated.
Apiaceae Chaerophyllum procumbens (L.) Crantz Chervil native Occasional to abundant especially on alluvial soil.
Apiaceae Cryptotaenia canadensis (L.) DC. Honewort native  
Apiaceae Daucus carota L. Queen Anne's lace Eurasia Rare.
Apiaceae Osmorhiza claytonii (Michx.) C.B. Clarke Sweet cicely native  
Apiaceae Osmorhiza longistylis (Torrey) DC. Anise root native  
Apiaceae Sanicula canadensis L. Black snakeroot native  
Apiaceae Sanicula gregaria Bickn. Common snakeroot native  
Apiaceae Thaspium barbinode (Michx.) Nutt. Meadow parsnip native Somewhat riparian.
Apocynaceae Apocynum androsaemifolium L. Spreading dogbane native Woodland openings and prairie/savanna area.
Apocynaceae Apocynum cannabinum L. Indian Hemp native  
Araliaceae Aralia racemosa L. Spikenard native Infrequent, sheltered areas of northern oriented bluffs.
Araliaceae Panax quinquefolia L. Ginseng native Infrequent, rich soil below northern oriented bluffs.
Aristolochiaceae Asarum canadense L. Wild ginger native  
Asclepiadaceae Asclepias exaltata L. Poke milkweed native Open upland woods.
Asclepiadaceae Asclepias incarnata L. Swamp milkweed native Rare, sandy alluvium.
Asclepiadaceae Asclepias syriaca L. Common milkweed native Open areas of light disturbance.
Asclepiadaceae Asclepias verticillata L. Whorled milkweed native Open areas, not common.
Asteraceae Achillea millefolium L. Yarrow native Sandy openings in woods, and pastured areas.
Asteraceae Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. Common ragweed native  
Asteraceae Ambrosia trifida L. Giant ragweed native  
Asteraceae Antennaria plantaginifolia (L.) Richardson Ladies' tobacco native Top of bluffs with southern exposure, savanna like areas, and pastured areas.
Asteraceae Arctium minus Bernh. Burdock Eurasia Open disturbed sandy soil, riparian..
Asteraceae Artemisia ludoviciana Nutt. incl. var. gnaphalodes (Nutt.) T&G White sage native Generally found along river banks, and in clearings under high voltage power lines, the var. gnaphalodes however is confined to a sandy pastured area in the SE section.
Asteraceae Aster cordifolius L. [=A.cordifolius L. var. sagittifolius (Wedem. ex Willd.) A.G. Jones] Blue wood aster native Upland woods and bluffs.
Asteraceae Aster ericoides L. Heath aster native Woodland edge, dry soil.
Asteraceae Aster lateriflorus (L.) Britton Side-flowered aster native Woodland edge, dry soil.
Asteraceae Aster oblongifolius Nutt. Aromatic aster native Open woods, bluff with southern orientation.
Asteraceae Aster ontarionis Wieg. Ontario aster native Frequently seen on floodplain.
Asteraceae Aster pilosus Willd. Hairy aster native Sandy opening.
Asteraceae Aster shortii Lindley Short's aster native Bluffs.
Asteraceae Bidens cernua L. Bur marigold native Riparian.
Asteraceae Bidens connata Muhl. ex Willd. Beggar-ticks native Sandbars and mudflats.
Asteraceae Bidens frondosa L. Beggar-ticks native Riparian.
Asteraceae Cacalia muhlenbergii (Sch.-Bip.) Fern. Great indian plantain native  
Asteraceae Carduus nutans L. Musk thistle Europe  
Asteraceae Cirsium altissimum (L.) Sprengel Tall thistle native Open ground under electric transmission lines.
Asteraceae Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop. Canada thistle Eurasia Open ground under electric transmission lines.
Asteraceae Cirsium discolor Muhl. ex Willd. Field thistle native Open ground under electric transmission lines, old field.
Asteraceae Cirsium vulgare (Savi) Tenore Bull thistle Eurasia Open ground under electric transmission lines.
Asteraceae Conza canadensis (L.) Cronq. Horseweed native  
Asteraceae Erechtites hieracifolia (L.) Raf. ex DC. Fireweed native Under power lines.
Asteraceae Erigeron philadelphicus L. Fleabane native Riparian.
Asteraceae Erigeron pulchellus Michx. Robin's plantain native Open, southern-oriented bluff, prairie/savanna area. Also pastured bluff.
Asteraceae Erigeron strigosus Muhl. ex Willd. Daisy fleabane native Openings
Asteraceae Eupatorium altissimum L. Tall thoroughwort native Sandy soil in clearing under power lines.
Asteraceae Eupatorium purpureum L. Purple joe-pye-weed native  
Asteraceae Eupatorium rugosum Houtt. White snakeroot native  
Asteraceae Galinsoga quadriradiata Ruiz & Pavon Quickweed C&S. Amer. Extremely disturbed soil.
Asteraceae Gnaphalium obtusifolium L. Everlasting native Sandy openings.
Asteraceae Helenium autumnale L. Sneezeweed native Riparian.
Asteraceae Helianthus giganteus L. Tall sunflower native Woodland edges.
Asteraceae Helianthus grosseserratus Martens Sawtooth sunflower native Sandy, alluvial opening.
Asteraceae Helianthus strumosus L. Pale-leaved sunflower native Woodland edges.
Asteraceae Heliopsis helianthoides (L.) Sweet Ox-eye, false sunflower native Prairie/savanna, openings in woodland.
Asteraceae Krigia biflora (Walter) Blake False dandelion native Open, southern-oriented bluff, prairie/savanna area.
Asteraceae Lactuca biennis (Moench) Fern. Tall blue lettuce native Rare in this part of state, specimen should have been secured.
Asteraceae Lactuca canadensis L. Tall lettuce native Clearings.
Asteraceae Lactuca floridana (L.) Gaertner Blue lettuce native Woodland edges.
Asteraceae Ratibida pinnata (Vent.) Barnh. Gray-headed coneflower native Prairie/savanna, Prairie relict.
Asteraceae Rudbeckia hirta L. Black-eyed Susan native Pastured openings in woodland, and prairie/savanna area.
Asteraceae Rudbeckia laciniata L. Tall coneflower native Alluvial soil.
Asteraceae Rudbeckia triloba L. Brown-eyed Susan native  
Asteraceae Senecio pauperculus Michx. Prairie ragwort native Sandy opening in woods, former agricultural use highly probible.
Asteraceae Silphium laciniatum L. Compass plant native Relict prairie.
Asteraceae Silphium perfoliatum L. Cup plant native Alluvial soil
Asteraceae Solidago canadensis L. var. canadensis Tall goldenrod native Openings.
Asteraceae Solidago flexicaulis L. Zig-zag goldenrod native Bluffs and rich woods.
Asteraceae Solidago gigantea Aiton Smooth goldenrod native Woodland edge.
Asteraceae Solidago ulmifolia Muhl. ex Willd. Elm-leaved goldenrod native  
Asteraceae Sonchus oleraceus L. Common sow thistle Europe Opening for electric transmission lines.
Asteraceae Taraxacum officinale Weber Dandelion Eurasia  
Asteraceae Veronia fasciculata Michx. Smooth ironweed native Sandy pasture.
Balsaminaceae Impatiens capensis Meerb. Jewelweed native Riparian.
Balsaminaceae Impatiens pallida Nutt. Yellow jewel weed native  
Berberidaceae Caulophyllum thalictroides (L.) Michx. Blue cohosh native Rich woodland, also under electric transmission line.
Berberidaceae Podophyllum peltatum L. Mayapple native  
Betulaceae Betula nigra L. River birch native Riparian.
Betulaceae Carpinus caroliniana Walter Blue beech native Infrequent to locally common.
Betulaceae Corylus americana Walter Hazelnut native  
Betulaceae Ostrya virginiana (P. Miller) K. Koch Ironwood native  
Boraginaceae Hackelia deflexa (Wahl.) Opiz Stickseed native  
Boraginaceae Lithospermum caroliniense (Walter) MacM. Hairy puccoon native Sandy, open pastures.
Boraginaceae Onosmodium molle Michx. False gromwell native Prairie/savanna area, rare.
Brassicaceae Alliaria petiolata (Bieb.) Cavara & Grande Garlic mustard Europe Most common along river, following alluvial soil inland. Although absent from some areas, on a whole very well established throughout Preserve.
Brassicaceae Arabis glabra (L.) Bernh. Tower mustard native Sandy pastured areas.
Brassicaceae Arabis laevigata (Muhl. ex Willd.) Poiret Rock cress native Frequently seen in areas of exposed bedrock, on outcrops of rock and shallow soil.
Brassicaceae Arabis shortii (Fern.) Gl. Rock cress native Frequently seen, rock bluffs and outcrops, alluvial soil.
Brassicaceae Barbarea vulgaris R. Br. Yellow rocket Eurasia Infrequent.
Brassicaceae Cardamine penslyvanica Muhl. ex Willd. Bitter cress native Riparian.
Brassicaceae Dentatia laciniata Muhl. ex Willd. Toothwort native  
Brassicaceae Hesperis matronalis L. Dame's rocket Eurasia Quite frequent on edges of flood plain and some moist alluvial openings where it has established itself quite nicely..
Brassicaceae Lepidium campestre (L.) R. Br. Field cress Europe Sandy pastured areas.
Brassicaceae Lepidium virginicum L. Poor-man's pepper native Along river bank. Sandy openings.
Brassicaceae Rorippa palustris (L.) Besser Yellow cress native Intermittent wet areas.
Brassicaceae Sisymbrium altissimum L. Tumble mustard native Disturbed sandy soil, undoubtably more common than noted.
Brassicaceae Sisymbrium officinale (L.) Scop. Hedge mustard Eurasia Opening under electric transmission lines.
Brassicaceae Thlaspi arvense L. Field penny cress Europe Rare on southern oriented bluff with disturbance.
Capparaceae Polanisia dodecandra (L.) DC. Clammy-weed native Disturbed sandy soil.
Campanulaceae Campanula americana L. Tall bellflower native  
Campanulaceae Campanula rotundifolia L. Harebell native Crevices and tops of steep stone bluffs, also exposed rock in prairie/savanna area.
Campanulaceae Lobelia inflata L. Indian tobacco native Open ground under electric transmission lines.
Campanulaceae Lobelia siphilitica L. Great lobelia native Open ground under electric transmission lines.
Campanulaceae Lobelia spicata Lam. Pale-spike lobelia native Sandy pastures and prairie/savanna area.
Campanulaceae Triodanis perfoliata (L.) Nieuw. Venus' looking-glass native Open woods and clearings.
Caprifoliaceae Lonicera dioca L. var.glabrescens (Rydb.) Butters Wild honeysuckle native  
Caprifoliaceae Lonicera morrowii Gray Morrow's honeysuckle Japan Edge of pastured woodland.
Caprifoliaceae Lonicera prolifera (Kirchner) Rehder Wild honeysuckle native  
Caprifoliaceae Lonicera tatarica L. Tararica honeysuckle Eurasia This introduction is not as rampant here, as it sometimes is elsewhere.
Caprifoliaceae Sambucus canadensis L. Elderberry native  
Caprifoliaceae Triosteum aurantiacum Bickn. Horse gentian native Open, southern-oriented bluff, and open woods.
Caryophyllaceae Cerastium nutans Raf. Nodding chickweed native Exposed hilltops and alluvial valleys.
Caryophyllaceae Dianthus armeria L. Deptford pink Europe Open areas in sandy soil.
Caryophyllaceae Myosoton aquaticum Moench Giant chickweed Europe  
Caryophyllaceae Saponaria officinalis L. Bouncing bet Eurasia cult. Sandy, disturbed soil.
Caryophyllaceae Silene antirrhina L. Sleepy catchfly Europe Sandy old agr. area.
Caryophyllaceae Silene pratensis (Rafn) Gren. & Godron [=Lychnis alba P. Miller] White campion Europe Sandy pastured areas and openings, rock outcrops, infrequent.
Caryophyllaceae Stellaria graminea L. Common stitchwort Europe Quite common in floodplain pastures with no canopy, less common in woodland edge.
Caryophyllaceae Stellaria media (L.) Vill. Common chickweed native Areas disturbed by moving water
Celastraceae Euonymus atropurpureus Jacq. Wahoo native Upland woods and bluffs, likely more widespread than noted.
Chenopodiaceae Chenopodium album L. Lamb's quarters Eurasia Rock bluffs, sandy soil.
Chenopodiaceae Chenopodium hybridum L. Maple-leaved goosefoot native Open areas under electric transmission lines.
Convolvulaceae Calystegia sepium (L.) R. Br. Bindweed native Usually in moist open alluvial soil.
Convolvulaceae Calystegia spithamaea (L.) Pursh Low bindweed native Sandy soil of prairie/savanna area. Very common locally.
Convolvulaceae Cuscuta cuspidata Engelm. Dodder native Alluvial woods, growing on Aster ontarionis.
Convolvulaceae Cuscuta gronovii Willd. Common dodder native Alluvial woods, growing on Laportea canadensis.
Convolvulaceae Cuscuta indecora Choisy Dodder native Listed as special concern by Iowa DNR. Sandy soil on high river terrace. Growing on Solidago, Ambrosia trifida, etc.
Cornaceae Cornus alternifolia L. f. Alternate-leaved dogwood native  
Cornaceae Cornus drummondii C.A. Meyer Rough-leaved dogwood native Alluvial ground along stream.
Cornaceae Cornus foemina P. Miller ssp. racemosa (Lam.) J.S. Wilson Gray dogwood native Woodland edges.
Cucurbitaceae Echinocystis lobata (Michx.) T. & G. Wild cucumber native Open areas under electric transmission lines and riparian.
Elaeagnaceae Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb. Autumn olive e. Asia Sandy open soil under power lines, bluff tops, woodland edges; infrequent.
Ericaceae Monotropa uniflora L. Indian pipe native Rich upland woods.
Ericaceae Pyrola elliptica Nutt. Shinleaf native North orientation on wooded ravine by prairie/savanna.
Euphorbiaceae Acalypha rhomboidea Raf. Three-seeded mercury native Riparian, sandbars.
Euphorbiaceae Acalypha virginica L. Three-seeded mercury native Bluff top.
Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia corollata Engelm. Flowering spurge native Sandy open ground, Prairie relict.
Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia cyathophora Murray Wild poinsettia native Sandy openings and river banks.
Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia hexagona Nutt. ex Sprengel Six-angled spurge native Sandy river banks.
Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia maculata L. spotted spurge native Sandy soil, river banks.
Fabaceae Amorpha canescens Pursh Leadplant native Relict prairie.
Fabaceae Amphicarpaea bracteata (L.) Fern. Hog peanut native  
Fabaceae Apios americana Medicus Ground-nut native  
Fabaceae Desmodium canadense (L.) DC. Showy tick-trefoil native  
Fabaceae Desmodium glutinosum (Muhl. ex Willd.) Wood Pointed tick-trefoil native  
Fabaceae Gleditsia triacanthos L. Honey locust native  
Fabaceae Lespedeza capitata Michx. Round-headed bush clover native Sandy pastures and prairie/savanna area.
Fabaceae Lotus corniculatus L. Bird's-foot trefoil Europe Disturbed openings, pastures.
Fabaceae Melilotus officinalis (L.) Pallas Yellow sweet clover Eurasia Disturbed soil of river bank.
Fagaceae Quercus alba L. White oak native  
Fagaceae Quercus bicolor Willd. Swamp white oak native Floodplain.
Fagaceae Quercus borealis Michx. f. var. maxima (Marsh.) Ashe [=Quercus rubra L.] Northern red oak native  
Fagaceae Quercus ellipsoidalis E.J. Hill Hill's oak native  
Fagaceae Quercus macrocarpa Michx. Bur oak native Uplands.
Fagaceae Quercus muhlenbergii Engelm. Chinquapin or chestnut oak native On upper portion of bluffs with southern exposure.
Fagaceae Quercus velutina Lam. Black oak native Uplands.
Geraniaceae Geranium carolinianum L. Cranesbill native Sandy pastured open areas.
Geraniaceae Geranium maculatum L. Wild geranium native  
Hydrophyllaceae Ellisia nyctelea L. Wild tomato native  
Hydrophyllaceae Hydrophyllum appendiculatum Michx. Appendaged waterleaf native Northern oriented slopes, under rock outcrops in rich, moist soil.
Hydrophyllaceae Hydrophyllum virginianum L. Virginia waterleaf native  
Hypericaceae Hypericum punctatum Lam. Spotted St. John's wort native Edges of upland woods.
Hypericaceae Hypericum pyramidatum Aiton Giant St. John's wort native Plants noted in pasture next to woodland, and other open areas.
Juglandaceae Carya cordiformis (Wang.) K. Koch Bitternut hickory native  
Juglandaceae Carya ovata (P. Miller) K. Koch Shagbark hickory native  
Juglandaceae Juglans cinerea L. Butternut native  
Juglandaceae Juglans nigra L. Black walnut native  
Lamiaceae Agastache nepetoides (L.) Kuntze Yellow giant-hyssop native  
Lamiaceae Agastache scrophulariifolia (Willd.) Kuntze Purple giant-hyssop native  
Lamiaceae Blephilia hirsuta (Pursh) Bentham Woodmint native Common in moist woodland, usually along drainage areas.
Lamiaceae Glechoma hederacea L. Creeping Charlie Eurasia Areas of disturbance, riparian.
Lamiaceae Leonurus cardiaca L. Motherwort Asia Disturbed rocky areas, etal.
Lamiaceae Lycopus americanus Muhl. ex Barton Water horehound native Riparian.
Lamiaceae Lycopus virginicus L. Water horehound native Sandbars.
Lamiaceae Mentha arvensis L. Wild mint native Riparian.
Lamiaceae Monarda fistulosa L. Wild bergamot native Sandy opening in woods, pastured areas.
Lamiaceae Monarda punctata L. Spotted horsemint native Sandy open area.
Lamiaceae Physostegia parviflora Nutt. ex Gray False dragonhead native Riparian.
Lamiaceae Prunella vulgaris L. var. lanceolata (Bartram) Fern Self heal native Sandy opening in woods, pastured areas.
Lamiaceae Pycnanthemum virginianum (L.) Dur. & Jackson Mountain mint native Woodland openings.
Lamiaceae Scutellaria lateriflora L. Mad-dog skullcap native Riparian.
Lamiaceae Scutellaria ovata Hill Skullcap native Woodland.
Lamiaceae Stachys tenuifolia Willd. var. hispida (Pursh) Fern. Hedge nettle native Riparian.
Lamiaceae Teucrium canadense L. Germander native Woodland openings.
Menispermaceae Menispermum canadense L. Moonseed native  
Moraceae Cannabis sativa L. Hemp, Marijuana Eurasia Uncommon, areas of disturbance.
Moraceae Morus alba L. White mulberry e. Asia  
Nyctaginaceae Mirabilis nyctaginea (Michx.) MacM. Wild four-o'clock native Open, disturbed sandy areas.
Oleaceae Fraxinus americana L. White ash native Uplands.
Oleaceae Fraxinus pennsyvanica Marsh. var. lanceolata (Borkh.) Sarg. Green ash native Floodplain.
Oleaceae Fraxinus nigra Marsh. Black ash native Base and lower slopes of bluffs.
Onagraceae Circaea lutetiana L. ssp. canadensis (L.) Ascherson & Magnus Enchanter's nightshade native  
Onagraceae Oenothera laciniata Hill Cut-leaf evening-primrose native Disturbed sandy soil.
Onagraceae Oenothera villosa Thunb. Gray evening primrose native Riparian.
Oxalidaceae Oxalis dillenii L. Yellow wood sorrel native Sandy, open soil.
Oxalidaceae Oxalis violacea L. Violet wood sorrel native Southern oriented bluffs.
Papaveraceae Dicentra canadensis (Goldie) Walp. Squirrel corn native Northern oriented slopes, under rock outcrops in rich, moist soil.
Papaveraceae Dicentra cucullaria (L.) Bernh. Dutchman's breeches native  
Papaveraceae Sanguinaria canadensis L. Bloodroot native  
Phrymaceae Phryma leptostachya L. Lopseed native  
Phytolaccaceae Phytolacca americana L. Pokeweed native  
Plantaginaceae Plantago lanceolata L. Buckhorn or English plantain Eurasia Disturbed sandy soil.
Plantaginaceae Plantago rugelii Dcne. Common plantain native  
Platanaceae Platanus occidentalis L. Sycamore native  
Polemoniaceae Phlox divaricata L. Sweet William, Blue phlox native  
Polemoniaceae Polemonium reptans L. Jacob's ladder native  
Polygalaceae Polygala senega L. Seneca snakeroot native Thin soil on southern oriented bluffs, prairie/savanna area.
Polygonaceae Polygonum achoreum Blake Knotweed native Disturbed sandy soil.
Polygonaceae Polygonum erectum L. Knotweed native Disturbed soil.
Polygonaceae Polygonum hydropiper L. Common smartweed native Woodland.
Polygonaceae Polygonum hydropiperoides Michx. Wild water pepper native  
Polygonaceae Polygonum lapathifolium L. Dock-leaved smartweed native Riparian.
Polygonaceae Polygonum persicaria L. Lady's thumb Europe Along river bank.
Polygonaceae Polygonum punctatum Ell. Water-smartweed native  
Polygonaceae Polygonum scandens L. False buckwheat native Woodland edges.
Polygonaceae Polygonum virginianum L. Jumpseed native  
Polygonaceae Rumex acetosella L. Red sorrel Eurasia Sandy opening in woods, sandy pastured areas.
Polygonaceae Rumex crispus L. Curly dock Europe Sandy pastures.
Polygonaceae Rumex mexicanus Meisner Dock native Open area, with prairie grasses under transmission line.
Portulacaceae Claytonia virginica L. Spring Beauty native  
Primulaceae Dodecatheon meadia L. Shooting star native Prairie relict, small population. Also on disturbed eastern oriented bluff.
Primulaceae Lysimachia nummularia L. Moneywort Europe Alluvial woodland.
Ranunculaceae Actaea pachypoda Ell. White baneberry native  
Ranunculaceae Aquilegia canadensis L. Columbine native Usually on rock outcrops.
Ranunculaceae Anemone canadensis L. Canada anemone native Moist soil.
Ranunculaceae Anemone quinquefolia L. Wood anemone native Moist slopes and floodplains.
Ranunculaceae Anemone virginiana L. Tall anemone native  
Ranunculaceae Clematis virginiana L. Virgin's bower native  
Ranunculaceae Hepatica nobilis P. Miller var. acuta (Pursh) Steyerm. Hepatica native  
Ranunculaceae Isopyrum biternatum (Raf.) T. & G. False rue anemone native Carpeting the lower slopes of the bluffs almost exclusively, down to the floodplains.
Ranunculaceae Ranunculus abortivus L. Small-flowered crowfoot native  
Ranunculaceae Ranunculus longirostris Godron White water crowfoot native Sandbar and bank of river.
Ranunculaceae Ranunculus recurvatus Poiret Hooked buttercup native Bluff tops, rich woodland.
Ranunculaceae Ranunculus sceleratus L. Cursed crowfoot native Riparian.
Ranunculaceae Ranunculus septentrionalis Poiret Swamp buttercup native  
Ranunculaceae Thalictrum dasycarpum Fischer & Ave-Lall. Purple meadow-rue native Moist, woodland opening.
Ranunculaceae Thalictrum thalictroides (L.) Eames & Boivin Rue anemone native  
Rhamnaceae Ceanothus americanus L. var. pitcheri T. & G. New Jersey tea native Prairie/savanna area.
Rosaceae Agrimonia gryposepala Wallr. Agrimony native Open woods, Shrubby areas.
Rosaceae Amelanchier arborea (Michx. f.) Fern. Serviceberry native  
Rosaceae Crataegus crus-galli L. Cockspur hawthorn native Alluvial woodland
Rosaceae Crataegus margaretta Ashe Hawthorne native Upland woods.
Rosaceae Crataegus punctata Jacq. Hawthorn native Foodplain, and edges of woods.
Rosaceae Crataegus succulenta Schrader ex Link Hawthorn native Floodplain
Rosaceae Fragaria virginiana Duchesne Wild strawberry native Sandy opening in woods and prairie/savanna area.
Rosaceae Geum canadense Jacq. White avens native  
Rosaceae Geum vernum (Raf.) T. & G. Spring avens native Locally quite common in pastured floodplain woodland. Currently listed as special concern by Iowa DNR.
Rosaceae Potentilla norvegica L. Strawberry weed Eurasia/
native
Opening under powerlines.
Rosaceae Potentilla recta L. Sulfur cinquefoil Europe Sandy opening, disturbed.
Rosaceae Potentilla simplex Michx. Common cinquefoil native Sandy pastured areas and prairie/savanna area.
Rosaceae Prunus americana Marsh. Wild plum native River banks and edges of woodland.
Rosaceae Prunus pensyvanica L. f. Pin-cherry native Rocky bluffs.
Rosaceae Prunus serotina Ehrh. Wild black cherry native  
Rosaceae Prunus virginiana L. Choke cherry native  
Rosaceae Rosa muliflora Thunb. ex Murray Multiflora rose e. Asia  
Rosaceae Rubus allegheniensis Porter ex Bailey Blackberry native Open ground under electric transmission lines.
Rosaceae Rubus idaeus L. var. strigosus (Michx.) Maxim. Wild red raspberry native Open ground under electric transmission lines.
Rosaceae Rubus steelei L.H. Bailey Dewberry native Rocky prairie remnant, prairie/savanna area.
Rosaceae Rubus occidentalis L. Black raspberry native  
Rubiaceae Galium aparine L. Cleavers native  
Rubiaceae Galium boreale L. Northern bedstraw native Rocky bluffs.
Rubiaceae Galium circaezans Michx. Wild licorice native Bluff tops, infrequent.
Rubiaceae Galium concinnum T. & G. Shining bedstraw native  
Rubiaceae Galium triflorum Michx. Sweet-scented bedstraw native  
Rutaceae Zanthoxylum americanum P. Miller Prickly ash native Forming small thickets in disturbed woods, both upland and floodplain.
Salicaceae Populus deltoides Bartram ex Marsh. Cottonwood native Alluvial floodplain.
Salicaceae Populus grandidentata Michx. Big-tooth aspen native Wooded slope by prairie/savanna.
Salicaceae Populus tremuloides Michx. Quaking aspen native Upland woods edge.
Salicaceae Salix amygdaloides Andersson Peach-leaved willow native  
Salicaceae Salix nigra Marsh. Black willow native Alluvial woodland.
Saxifragaceae Heuchera richardsonii R. Br. Alumroot native Open, southern-oriented bluff, prairie/savanna area.
Saxifragaceae Mitella diphylla L. Bishop's cap native Common on the larger rock bluffs
Saxifragaceae Ribes cynosbati L. Prickly gooseberry native On rock outcrops.
Saxifragaceae Ribes missouriensis Nutt. ex T. & G. Gooseberry native  
Scrophulariaceae Castilleja coccinea (L.) Sprengel Indian paintbrush native Sandy soil of prairie/savanna area.
Scrophulariaceae Lindernia dubia (L.) Pennell False pimpernel native Mud flats and sand bars, riparian.
Scrophulariaceae Mimulus ringens L. Monkey flower native Riparian.
Scrophulariaceae Scrophularia lanceolata Pursh Figwort native Rare along river, and sandy pasture.
Scrophulariaceae Scrophularia marilandica L. Figwort native Especially common in clearing under electrical transmission lines.
Scrophulariaceae Verbascum thapsus L. Common mullein Europe Rare on rock outcrop, and old field.
Scrophulariaceae Veronica peregrina L. Speedwell native Sandy soil along river.
Scrophulariaceae Veronicastrum virginicum (L.) Farw. Culver's root native Open woods.
Solanaceae Physalis heterophylla Nees Clammy ground cherry native Sandy, deserted agr. ground.
Solanaceae Solanum americanum P. Miller Black nightshade native Disturbed soil, riparian..
Solanaceae Solanum carolinense L. Horse nettle native Disturbed sandy areas.
Staphyleaceae Staphylea trifolia L. Bladdernut native Locally common, forming thickets on rocky slopes and bluffs.
Thymelaeaceae Dirca palustris L. Leatherwood native Small, scattered groves at the base of bluffs
Tiliaceae Tilia americana L. Basswood native  
Ulmaceae Celtis occidentalis L. Hackberry native  
Ulmaceae Ulmus americana L. American elm native  
Ulmaceae Ulmus rubra Muhl. Slippery elm native  
Urticaceae Boehmeria cylindrica (L.) Sw. Bog hemp native  
Urticaceae Laportea canadensis (L.) Wedd. Wood nettle native On rich slopes and alluvium, this species is hard to ignore when it contacts bare skin.
Urticaceae Pilea pumila (L.) Gray Clearweed native  
Urticaceae Urtica dioica L. Stinging nettle native  
Verbenaceae Verbena hastata L. Blue Verbain native Alluvium.
Verbenaceae Verbena stricta Vent. Hoary Vervain native Sandy open soil.
Verbenaceae Verbena urticifolia L. White vervain native Sandy, woodland openings.
Violaceae Viola pratincola Greene Common blue violet native Woodland openings.
Violaceae Viola pubescens Aiton Yellow violet native  
Violaceae Viola sororia Willd. Hairy blue violet native  
Vitaceae Parthenocissus quinquefolia (L.) Planchon Virginia creeper native  
Vitaceae Parthenocissus vitacea (Knerr) A.S. Hitchc. Woodbine native  
Vitaceae Vitus riparia Michx. Riverbank grape native  
         
ANGIOSPERMS: MONOCOTYLEDONS        
Araceae Arisaema dracontium (L.) Schott Green dragon native  
Araceae Arisaema triphyllum (L.) Schott Jack-in-the-pulpit native  
Commelinaceae Commelina communis L. Common dayflower e. Asia Sandy river banks.
Commelinaceae Tradescantia ohiensis Raf. Spiderwort native Sandy, woodland openings.
Cyperaceae Carex aggregata Mack. Sedge native Sandy alluvial soil. Currently listed as Special Concern by the Iowa DNR.
Cyperaceae Carex albursina Sheldon White bear sedge native Usually on rich, northern oriented slopes.
Cyperaceae Carex amphibola Steudel var. turgida Fern. [=Carex grisea Wahl.] Sedge native Alluvial soil, infrequent; crevices of rich soil in rocky bluffs.
Cyperaceae Carex blanda Dewey Sedge native  
Cyperaceae Carex careyana Dewey Carey's sedge native Not common, rich wooded slopes. Currently listed as Special Concern by the Iowa DNR.
Cyperaceae Carex cephalophora Willd. Capitate sedge native Openings, open upland woods.
Cyperaceae Carex conjuncta Boott Soft fox sedge native Open alluvial plain, not common.
Cyperaceae Carex davisii Schwein. & Torrey Davis's sedge native  
Cyperaceae Carex eburnea Boott Sedge native Thin soil on crest of rocky bluffs.
Cyperaceae Carex gravida Bailey var. lunelliana Mack. Sedge native  
Cyperaceae Carex grayi Carey Sedge native Rare; alluvial woods.
Cyperaceae Carex haydenii Dewey Hayden's sedge native Colony along edge of river.
Cyperaceae Carex hirtifolia Mack. Hairy sedge native  
Cyperaceae Carex hitchcockiana Dewey Sedge native Open ground under electric transmission lines.
Cyperaceae Carex jamesii Schwein. Grass sedge native Not uncommon.
Cyperaceae Carex molesta Mack. Sedge native Sandy open area on alluvial plain.
Cyperaceae Carex muhlenbergii Schkuhr ex Willd. var. muhlenbergii Muhlenberg's sedge native Sandy open pastured areas.
Cyperaceae Carex normalis Mack. Sedge native Floodplain, broken canopy.
Cyperaceae Carex oligocarpa Willd. Sparse-fruited sedge native Common woodland species.
Cyperaceae Carex pedunculata Muhl. ex Willd Sedge native North oriented slopes, local, but forming large colonies which can account for half the plant cover in a given area.
Cyperaceae Carex pensylvanica Lam. Pennsylvania or oak sedge native Top of southern oriented bluff, under broken canopy. Open woodland.
Cyperaceae Carex retroflexa Muhl. ex Willd. Sedge native Quite common in sandy open areas such as pastures and prairie/savanna area. Possibly, this is only the second documentation of this species in Iowa, the other being in Johnson Co. This plant may be reaching its northern limits here. Special Concern.
Cyperaceae Carex rosea Schkuhr. ex. Willd. [=Carex convoluta Mack.] Sedge native The taxonomy of this group is confusing. This should be the right treatment.
Cyperaceae Carex siccata Dewey [=Carex foenea Willd.] Sedge native This is possibly only the second documentation of this species in Iowa, previously known from a prairie in Clay County in 1936. At this site it occurs in a sandy opening in the woods, and in the prairie/savanna area. Special Concern by the Iowa DNR.
Cyperaceae Carex sparganioides Muhl. ex Willd. Sedge native  
Cyperaceae Carex sprengelii Dewey ex Sprengel Long-beaked sedge native Infrequent on rich slopes, to abundant on sandy river terrace with canopy.
Cyperaceae Carex vulpinoidea Michx. Sedge native Sandy opening.
Cyperaceae Cyperus aristatus Rottb. Awned Flat Sedge native Riparian, on sandbars.
Cyperaceae Cyperus filiculmis Vahl. Flat Sedge native Sandy opening.
Cyperaceae Cyperus schweinitzii Torrey Sand Flat Sedge native Sandy open soil under power lines.
Cyperaceae Cyperus strigosus L. Straw-color Flat Sedge native Sandy soil.
Dioscoreaceae Dioscorea villosa L. Wild yam native  
Iridaceae Sisyrinchium campestre Bickn. Blue-eyed grass native Top of southern oriented bluffs, prairie/savanna area.
Juncaceae Juncus tenuis Willd. Pathrush native Sandy openings.
Juncaceae Luzula multiflora (Retz.) Lej. Woodrush native Open woodland on southern oriented bluff, growing around trees in open soil w/ Carex pensylvanica
Liliaceae Allium burdickii (Hanes) A.G. Jones [=A. tricoccum Aiton var. burdickii Hanes] Wild leek native Open upland woods, usually noted at top of bluffs.
Liliaceae Allium canadense L. Wild onion naive  
Liliaceae Erythronium albidum Nutt. Trout-lily, dogtooth-violet native  
Liliaceae Hypoxis hirsuta (L.) Cov. Yellow stargrass native Top of southern oriented bluffs.
Liliaceae Polygonatum biflorum (Walter) Ell. Solomon's seal native  
Liliaceae Smilacina racemosa (L.) Desf. False Solomon's seal native  
Liliaceae Smilax ecirrhata (Engelm. ex Kunth) S. Watson Carrion flower native  
Liliaceae Smilax herbacea L. Carrion flower native  
Liliaceae Smilax hispida Muhl. Greenbriar native  
Liliaceae Trillium flexipes Raf. Nodding trillium native Northern oriented slopes, under rock outcrops in rich, moist soil.
Liliaceae Uvularia grandiflora Small Bellwort native  
Liliaceae Zigadenus glaucus Nutt. White camass native Crevices and tops of steep stone bluffs, northern orientation.
Orchidaceae Corallorhiza odontorhiza (Willd.) Nutt. Fall coral-root orchid native Upland woods with Triphora trianthophora.
Orchidaceae Galearis spectabilis (L.) Raf. Showy orchid native  
Orchidaceae Triphora trianthophora (Sw.) Rydb. Nodding pogonia native Large population under dense canopy in upland woods, few herbaceous plants, with much leave mulch.
Poaceae Agropyron repens (L.) Beauv. Quackgrass Europe,
Asia
Sandy deserted agr. field.
Poaceae Agrostis gigantea Roth Redtop Europe Pastured areas.
Poaceae Agrostis perennans (Walter) Tuckerman Upland bent native Sandy pasture.
Poaceae Andropogon gerardii Vitman Big bluestem native Fence rows, road ditches.
Poaceae Brachyelytrum erectum (Schreber) Beauv. Bearded Shorthusk native Open woods on bluff.
Poaceae Bromus commutatus Schrader Hairy chess Eurasia Sandy openings on alluvial plains.
Poaceae Bromus inermis Leysser Smooth brome Europe Disturbed soil by river.
Poaceae Bromus latiglumis (Shear) A.S. Hitchcock Eared brome native  
Poaceae Bromus pubescens Muhl. ex Willd. Canada brome native Rocky wooded areas.
Poaceae Cenchrus longispinus (Hackel) Fern. Sandbur native Sandy, disturbed soil, including sandbars along river.
Poaceae Cinna arundinacea L. Wood reed native  
Poaceae Dactylis glomerata L. Orchard grass Europe Disturbed areas.
Poaceae Danthonia spicata (L.) Beauv. ex R. & S. Poverty oat grass native Prairie/savanna area.
Poaceae Diarrhena americana Beauv. var. obovata Gl. American beakgrain native Quite common in alluvial woods, occasionally in almost solid stands covering relatively large areas, also common in association with Carex sprengelii.
Poaceae Dichanthelium acuminatum (Sw.) Gould & Clark var. acuminatum Panic grass native Deserted sandy field, and top of southern oriented bluffs.
Poaceae Dichanthelium acuminatum (Sw.) Gould & Clark var. implicatum (Scribner) Gould & Clark Panic grass native Prairie/savanna area, transmission lines, etc.
Poaceae Dichanthelium latifolium (L.) Gould & Clark Broad-leaved panic grass native Open woods and edges.
Poaceae Dichanthelium oligosanthes (Schultes) Gould var. scribnerianum (Nash.) Gould Scribner's panic grass native Open, sandy area under power lines.
Poaceae Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop. Common crabgrass Europe Disturbed soil.
Poaceae Echinochloa crusgalli (L.) Beauv. Barnyard grass Eurasia Disturbed river banks.
Poaceae Echinochloa muricata (Beauv.) Fern. var. muricata Barnyard grass native Riparian.
Poaceae Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertner Goose grass Old world: Africa? Disturbed sandy soil.
Poaceae Elymus canadensis L. Canada wildrye native High line opening, not common.
Poaceae Elymus riparius Wieg. River bank wild rye native Riparian, growing with Elymus wiegandii.
Poaceae Elymus villosus Muhl. ex Willd. Silky wild rye native  
Poaceae Elymus virginicus L. Virginia wild rye native  
Poaceae Elymus wiegandii Fern. Broad-leaved wild rye native Riparian, growing with Elymus riparius. Also growing on top of of large dislodged bedrock, in pockets of rich soil; steep valley.
Poaceae Eragrostis frankii C.A. Meyer var. brevipes Fassett Sandbar love grass native Sand bars and mud flats.
Poaceae Eragrostis hypernoides (Lam.) BSP. Creeping love grass native Sand bars and mud flats
Poaceae Eragrostis pectinacea (Michx.) Nees Carolina love grass native Disturbed sandy soil, riparian areas.
Poaceae Eragrostis spectabilis (Pursh) Steudel Purple love grass native Dry, open soil.
Poaceae Festuca obtusa Biehler Nodding fescue native  
Poaceae Hystrix patula Moench [=Elymus hystrix L.] Bottle-brush grass native  
Poaceae Leersia virginica Willd. White grass native  
Poaceae Melica nitens (Scribner) Nutt. ex Piper Three-flowered melic grass native Sandy openings in alluvial woods.
Poaceae Milium effusum L. Millet-grass native Apparently documented only once in Iowa, from Allamakee county. At this preserve the grass was collected in an artificial clearing that is kept free of trees for electric power lines. Currently listed as Special Concern by the Iowa DNR.
Poaceae Muhlenbergia frondosa (Poiret) Fern. Wirestem muhly native Riparian
Poaceae Muhlenbergia mexicana (L.) Trin. Wirestem muhly native Tops of southern oriented bluffs.
Poaceae Muhlenbergia schreberi J.F. Gmelin Nimblewill native Bluff tops, and dry open soil.
Poaceae Muhlenbergia sobolifera (Muhl. ex Willd.) Trin. Rock muhly native Southern oriented bluff tops.
Poaceae Muhlenbergia sylvatica (Torrey) Torrey ex Gray Forest muhly native Open woods.
Poaceae Oryzopsis racemosa (Smith) Ricker Black seeded rice-grass natve Rich soiled slopes and bluffs of any orientation.
Poaceae Panicum capillare L. Common witchgrass native Disturbed soil, sometimes riparian.
Poaceae Panicum dichotomiflorum Michx. Fall panic grass native Sandy river banks.
Poaceae Panicum virgatum L. Switchgrass native Sandy openings under electrical transmission lines.
Poaceae Paspalum setaceum Michx. var. muhlenbergii (Nash) D. Banks Bead-grass native Sandy open soil.
Poaceae Phalaris arundinacea L. Reed canary grass native Sometimes quite abundant on floodplain.
Poaceae Phleum pratense L. Timothy Europe Disturbed areas, pastures.
Poaceae Poa pratensis L. Kentucky bluegrass Europe Sandy opening in woods, and pastured areas.
Poaceae Poa sylvestris Gray Woodland bluegrass native Rich wooded slopes.
Poaceae Schizachne purpurascens (Torrey) Swallen False medic native Not common; in pockets of soil on rock outcrops.
Poaceae Setaria glauca (L.) Beauv. Yellow foxtail Europe Disturbed soil, riparian at times.
Poaceae Sorghastrum nutans (L.) Nash Indian grass native Road ditch.
Poaceae Sphenopholis obtusata (Michx.) Scribner var. major (Torrey) K.S. Erdman [=S. intermedia Rydb.] Wedge grass native Open woods on bluff.
Poaceae Sphenopholis obtusata (Michx.) Scribner var. obtusata Wedge grass native Prairie/savanna area.
Potamogetonaceae Potamogeton nodosus Poiret Pondweed native Farm impoundment.

TOTAL: 448 species
Alien species: 12%, but this is not a comprehensive list. Naturalized species in old fields are not included.        

Last Updated: 04/08/2002

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