This Wednesday and Thursday I volunteered withe US Fish and Wildlife Service to help collect seeds from the federally listed Lakeside Daisy in Marblehead. These seeds will be dried and then later in the year they will be spread in new areas to try to increase its range. The FWS expects to keep collecting Lakeside seeds over the next few years, so keep you eyes out for an opportunity to collect next year.
The Lakeside Daisy is considered by some to be Ohio's rarest plant. In the US there are only 2 known natural populations. The largest (with an estimated 1 million plants) is in Marblehead, mostly in the Lafarge quarry. There are also plants in a small nature preserve in Marblehad, the Lakeside Daisy State Nature Preserve (19 acres) . The second population is only about 200 plants in the upper peninsula of Michigan. The plant has been introduced into 3 sites in Illinois, Kellys Island, and at least one other area in Ohio. There are also a few large populations in Ontario around the great lakes. One of the factors that makes this plant rare is that it grows in limestone habitat know as alvars and on cliffs. It will also grow on piles of limestone gravel, making the quarry an excellent site for this flower. The weather around the great lakes also seems to be a factor. Below are some photos of the plant. Most plants were past their prime, but a few plants were still in full bloom. As the blossom ages, the yellow petals turn white and then fall off.
The Lakeside Daisy is considered by some to be Ohio's rarest plant. In the US there are only 2 known natural populations. The largest (with an estimated 1 million plants) is in Marblehead, mostly in the Lafarge quarry. There are also plants in a small nature preserve in Marblehad, the Lakeside Daisy State Nature Preserve (19 acres) . The second population is only about 200 plants in the upper peninsula of Michigan. The plant has been introduced into 3 sites in Illinois, Kellys Island, and at least one other area in Ohio. There are also a few large populations in Ontario around the great lakes. One of the factors that makes this plant rare is that it grows in limestone habitat know as alvars and on cliffs. It will also grow on piles of limestone gravel, making the quarry an excellent site for this flower. The weather around the great lakes also seems to be a factor. Below are some photos of the plant. Most plants were past their prime, but a few plants were still in full bloom. As the blossom ages, the yellow petals turn white and then fall off.
Here are some links to additional information about the Lakeside Daisy. Note that the scientific name has been changed recently to Hymenoxys herbacea, at least by some.
USFWS 5 year report
USFW Bulletin
Lakeside Daisy State Nature Preserve
Illinois Wildflowers
Michigan Bulletin
Balsam Squaw Weed or Balsam Ragwort
I also spotted a plant looking similar to the Golden Ragwort that was in abundance at the quarry. It turns out it is Balsam Ragwort, or Balsam Squaw Weed (Packera paupercula) This is listed as threatened in Ohio, and is not found in Lucas or Wood counties. Below are some photos and a link for it.
Illinois Wildflowers
USFWS 5 year report
USFW Bulletin
Lakeside Daisy State Nature Preserve
Illinois Wildflowers
Michigan Bulletin
Balsam Squaw Weed or Balsam Ragwort
I also spotted a plant looking similar to the Golden Ragwort that was in abundance at the quarry. It turns out it is Balsam Ragwort, or Balsam Squaw Weed (Packera paupercula) This is listed as threatened in Ohio, and is not found in Lucas or Wood counties. Below are some photos and a link for it.
Illinois Wildflowers