In May 1968, botanist Daniel Higman published An Ecologically Annotated Checklist of 

the Vascular Flora at the Chesapeake Bay Center for Field Biology, with Keys through the 

Smithsonian Institution’s Office of Ecology. Henceforth referred to as The Flora, it was based 

on Higman’s exploration of plant species found on three tracts of Smithsonian-owned land 

near the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland known as Java Farm, Corn Island, and Ivy Neck, which 

together represent a broad spectrum of ecological systems. 

As part of the fiftieth anniversary celebration of the Smithsonian Environmental Research 

Center (SERC), this first-known SERC publication has been updated by editors Dennis 

Whigham, Geoffrey Parker, and Olav Oftedal and is reprinted with support from the 

Smithsonian’s Atherton Seidell Grant Program for the Dissemination of Previously 

Published Scientific Research.

Smithsonian Institution

Scholarly Press

Smithsonian Environmental

Research Center

www.serc.si.edu

www.scholarlypress.si.edu

ISBN (online): 978-1-935623-99-1

ISBN (print): 978-1-935623-98-4

Available for download at Open SI (http://opensi.si.edu)

An Ecologically Annotated 

Checklist of the 

Vascular Flora at the 

Chesapeake Bay Center 

for Field Biology, with Keys

Updated Edition

An Ecologically Annotated 

Checklist of the 

Vascular Flora at the 

Chesapeake Bay Center 

for Field Biology, with Keys

DANIEL HIGMAN

Updated Edition

EDITED BY

DENNIS WHIGHAM, GEOFFREY PARKER, AND OLAV OFTEDAL

WASHINGTON, D.C.

2016

Smithsonian Institution

Scholarly Press

Smithsonian Environmental

Research Center
Originally published by the Smithsonian Institution’s Office of Ecology in May 1968. 

Updated by the editors for the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center in July 2015.

Published by 

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION SCHOLARLY PRESS

P.O. Box 37012, MRC 957

Washington, D.C. 20013-7012

www.scholarlypress.si.edu

Cover photo: “Taking Back the Land” by A. Mark Haddon. A successional forest slowly reclaims an 

eighteenth-century carriage road on Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) property. 

The trail is now used by SERC scientists for access to research areas.

Back cover photo: Detail from aerial image taken 24 July 1960 of SERC site and adjacent lands and 

waterways; courtesy of SERC.

Use of materials in this publication is permitted for personal, educational, or noncommercial purposes. Users must cite author and source of content and must comply with all other terms or restrictions that may be applicable. Users are responsible for securing permission from a rights holder for 

any other uses.

ISBN (digital): 978-1-935623-99-1

ISBN (print): 978-1-935623-98-4

Publication date (online): 6 May 2016

c The paper used in this publication meets the minimum requirements of the American National 

Standard for Permanence of Paper for Printed Library Materials Z39.48–1992. 
Contents

LIST OF FIGURES vi

LIST OF TABLES vii

PREFACE TO THE UPDATED EDITION ix

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS x

INTRODUCTION 1

Physical Environment of the Chesapeake Bay Center 3

History of Vegetation and Land Use 8

Present Vegetation Types 10

STRUCTURE OF THE CHECKLIST AND KEYS 33

Nomenclature 34

Annotations 35

Hectare Coordinates of the Chesapeake Bay Center for Field Biology 36

Literature Cited 39

Families Represented at the Chesapeake Bay Center for Field Biology 40

Adventive and Introduced Species at the Chesapeake Bay Center 42

PLANT ANNOTATIONS (TAXONOMY AND LOCATIONAL 

INFORMATION) 45

APPENDIX I: Additional Species Collected at the Chesapeake Bay 

Center for Field Biology during the Preparation of This Checklist 225

APPENDIX II: Additional Annotations for Species in This Checklist 229

APPENDIX III: Common Names of Plants at the Chesapeake Bay

Center, Local to That Vicinity 233

APPENDIX IV: New Plant Species Found after Original Publication 

of Higman’s Checklist 235
vi

List of Figures

1. Vicinity map 2

2. Java Farm soil map 5

3. Ivy Neck soil map 7

4. Java Farm vegetation map 13

5. Ivy Neck vegetation map 15

6. Java Farm hectare map 37

7. Ivy Neck hectare map 38
 vii

List of Tables

Table I. Comparative composition of vegetation types at Java Farm 

and Ivy Neck 16

Families represented at the Chesapeake Bay Center for Field Biology 40

Adventive and Introduced Species at the Chesapeake Bay Center 42

Appendix IV. New Plant Species Found after Original Publication

of Higman’s Checklist 235

 ix

A

s part of the fiftieth anniversary celebration of the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC), it is appropriate to update and reprint the first 

known SERC publication. In May 1968, botanist Daniel Higman published 

An Ecologically Annotated Checklist of the Vascular Flora at the Chesapeake Bay Center for Field Biology, with Keys through the Smithsonian’s Office of Ecology. The 

document, henceforth referred to as The Flora, was based on Higman’s exploration of plant species found on three tracts of land owned by the Smithsonian: Java 

Farm, Corn Island, and Ivy Neck. Plants collected during Higman’s study became 

the foundation of the current small herbarium at SERC, and duplicate specimens 

were placed in the herbarium at the National Museum of Natural History’s Botany 

Department. 

Since its release, The Flora has been a valuable resource for botanists and 

plant ecologists working at SERC. Over the years, the number of copies—according 

to Higman, only 100 copies were printed—has naturally decreased. The copies 

that remain in use at SERC have become worn and deteriorated. In 2013, SERC 

was awarded a grant through the Smithsonian’s Atherton Seidell Grant Program 

for the Dissemination of Previously Published Scientific Research to update and 

reprint The Flora and make it available online in a digital format, with a limited 

number of print copies distributed to libraries and repositories within and outside 

the Smithsonian.

The updated edition retains the taxonomic and common names as they appeared in the original document and also provides current names of species, genera, and families. Where an updated name is included, it appears in bold. Any 

outdated taxonomic and common names appear in parentheses after the current 

accepted names. We consulted the most current and reliable resources for plant 

taxonomy and nomenclature: Flora of Virginia Project (http://floraofvirginia.org), 

USDA’s PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov), and Kew Gardens’ The Plant 

List (www.theplantlist.org). The USDA and Kew websites provided the current acceptable taxonomic nomenclature for species identified by Higman. To ensure consistency, a decision was made to use taxonomic names in the PLANTS Database. 

In keeping with the Seidell guidelines, no changes were made in the taxonomic 

Preface to the Updated Edition
keys that appear in The Flora, thus the keys may refer to prior taxonomic names 

that now appear in parentheses. Changes to the publication are limited to digitalizing and updating maps, a new plant species appendix, and this preface. In addition 

to editors Oftedal and Whigham, contributions to the appendix were provided by 

Jay O’Neill, John Parker, and Jessica Shue.

Acknowledgments

We especially thank Heather Soulen for moving away from her estuarine animal 

background to lend her skills to the task of identifying the current taxonomic 

nomenclature for species found in the original publication, creating GIS maps, 

designing the framework used to produce the revision, and creating an online 

searchable database using the revised edition. We thank Heather Soulen and Kristen Minogue for linking the original and revised documents to the SERC website. 

The efforts of Meghan Williams, working with and directing Heather in map creation using SERC’s GIS facilities, is most appreciated. Finally, we thank the Smithsonian committee that provided the funding for the project through the Atherton 

Seidell Grant program. We are especially pleased that the funding enabled us to 

reproduce the first SERC publication during the year celebrating fifty years of research at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center.

Dennis Whigham, Senior Botanist and Principal Investigator

Geoffrey G. Parker, Forest Ecologist

Olav T. Oftedal, Emeritus Scientist

Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

647 Contees Wharf Road

Edgewater, Maryland 20137 USA

x PREFACE TO THE UPDATED EDITION
An Ecologically Annotated 

Checklist of the 

Vascular Flora at the 

Chesapeake Bay Center 

for Field Biology, with Keys

Updated Edition

 1

T

he 690 acres of land owned by the Smithsonian Institution at the Chesapeake 

Bay Center for Field Biology lie on the west shore of the Bay in Anne Arundel 

County, Maryland, approximately 7 miles south of Annapolis and 30 miles 

east of Washington, D. C. The Center consists of three tracts: Java Farm, Corn 

Island, and the southern part of Ivy Neck peninsula (referred to herein simply as 

Ivy Neck). The topographic map (Figure 1) shows their relationship. Java Farm and 

Corn Island lie on Rhode River, on opposite sides of Muddy Creek estuary. Ivy 

Neck lies on West River. The topography of the Center ranges from rolling upland 

at Java Farm to nearly level lowland at Ivy Neck. There is also much variation in 

the soils and drainage. The vegetation includes extensive areas of hardwood forest, abandoned fields and pastures, and coastal salt marsh. Ivy Neck also contains 

cultivated fields and sandy beach areas. Thus the Center presents a broad spectrum 

of ecological systems. 

The Smithsonian Institution recently acquired the land, and in 1966 established a consortium with The Johns Hopkins University and the University of 

Maryland for a cooperative program of ecological research. One of the first projects 

at the Center has been a survey of the vascular flora and the preparation of an 

ecologically annotated checklist with artificial keys. This checklist provides basic 

information required in the planning of future projects. 

The floristic survey has concentrated on the areas of Java Farm and Ivy Neck, 

with less comprehensive coverage of Corn Island. The reason for this restriction 

is that the previous owner of the island is still in residence there, and much of the 

vegetation is subject to slight disturbance. Part of the island has been landscaped 

and a grass turf is maintained. The chestnut oak forest vegetation on the rest of the 

island resembles that of Hog Island, which is part of Java Farm. 

As background information the physical environment, history of land use, 

and present vegetation at the Center are presented in the first part of this introduction. The second part will explain the checklist, the format of its keys, and the 

ecological annotations which accompany each entry. 

Introduction
2 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Figure 1.
Introduction 3

Physical Environment of the Chesapeake Bay Center

The physiography of the Center ranges from rolling upland at Java Farm to gently 

south-sloping lowland at Ivy Neck. Java Farm has two steep north-south ridges near 

the headquarters area, of which the taller has an elevation of 100 feet. Elsewhere, 

the elevation averages 20 to 60 feet. Moderately steep forested slopes occur in all 

directions. The Farm lies at the mouth of the watershed of Muddy Creek, and is 

drained by the north fork of this creek and by several springs. Although most of 

the farm is well drained, one abandoned pasture is vernally inundated until May 

or June.

Muddy Creek becomes tidal near the junction of its forks and apparently 

grows increasingly saline toward its estuary, as reflected by a gradient in the vegetation. Salt marshes line much of the coast of Java Farm. One marsh at the mouth 

of Fox Creek drainage (near the head of Fox Creek estuary) changes abruptly from 

freshwater to salt. 

In contrast to Java Farm, Ivy Neck is virtually level and poorly drained. Three 

small streams drain the northern part, but on the peninsulas much of the soil is 

vernally saturated and the many small coves are closed by salt marshes. Severe erosion occurs along the coast, especially at the confluence of Rhode and West Rivers. 

The soils of the Chesapeake Bay Center range in texture from loamy sand 

to silt loam. Fine sandy loams predominate at Java Farm, silt loams at Ivy Neck. 

This distribution of soil types reinforces the differences in drainage. The soil maps 

(Figures 2 and 3) illustrate the distribution of 15 soil types, according to a soil survey of Anne Arundel County now being conducted by the U. S. Soil Conservation 

Service. Detailed descriptions of the compositions of these types will not become 

available until the soil survey is published in 1969. However, three of the types 

were described in an earlier soil survey (Phillips, Perkins, and Winant, 1928). Brief 

descriptions of these three soil types are given below: 

1. Collington Fine Sandy Loam: Brown surface loam and underlying glauconite, both with a high iron content, friable but sticky. Substratum of fine sand, silt, 

and clay. Drainage excellent. Agriculturally important. Needs moderate amounts 

of lime. Much of the area formerly mapped under this type is now designated 

Monmouth Fine Sandy Loam. 

2. Keyport Silt Loam: Brown surface loam with a compact underlying hardpan one or two feet deep. Drainage poor. Deficient in phosphate and lime. 

3. Elkton Silt Loam: Similar to Keyport Silt Loam. Drainage and agricultural 

value poor. Much of the area now mapped under this type was formerly designated 

Keyport Silt Loam.

Coastal plain sediments underlie virtually all of Anne Arundel County. At 

the Chesapeake Bay Center they are approximately 2,000 feet thick. The most 

recent deposits are of Pleistocene age. These cover much of Ivy Neck and correspond approximately with the occurrence of Keyport silt loam. On Java Farm the 

Pleistocene deposits have been eroded away to reveal those of Miocene and Eocene 

age. These older sediments are composed of sand, gravel, marl, silt, and clay. Some 
4 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Figure 2. (Opposite)

SOIL TYPES AT JAVA FARM AND CORN ISLAND

Loam

762 Donlonton

Sandy Loam

334 Adelphia

774 Colemantown

Fine Sandy Loam

323 Collington

373 Monmouth

763 Donlonton

Silt Loam

318 Marr

341 Shrewsbury

581 Bibb

771 Colemantown

Tidal Marsh

4

Man Made

9
Introduction 5
6 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Figure 3. (Opposite)

SOIL TYPES AT IVY NECK

Loamy Sand

377 Monmouth

Sandy Loam

334 Adelphia

Fine Sandy Loam

373 Monmouth

Silt Loam

401 Keyport

411 Elkton

771 Colemantown

Tidal Marsh

4

Man Made

9
Introduction 7
8 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

contain artesian aquifers. The deeper strata go down to Lower Cretaceous age, and 

finally reach a crystalline basement rock of undetermined depth. 

The climate is characterized by mild summers and winters, moderated by 

the proximity of Chesapeake Bay. Approximate annual temperatures range from 

1.6°C (35°F) in January to 25.0°C (77°F) in July. The growing season is about 203 

days, from mid-April to late October. Annual precipitation averages 44 inches, usually reaching a maximum in August, but may be quite variable for single months. 

The annual snowfall averages 21 inches (Mack, 1962).

History of Vegetation and Land Use

The presettlement forest of Anne Arundel County probably consisted of mixed 

mesophytic hardwoods, with pine on the drier sites. In an attempt to reconstruct 

this forest, Braun (1950) places the boundary of her Oak-Chestnut and OakPine forest regions approximately within the county. On the Maryland Coastal 

Plain these two regions correlate roughly with the Wicomico and Talbot Pleistocene terraces, both of which occur at the Chesapeake Bay Center. The canopy 

of Braun’ s Oak-Chestnut forest includes American chestnut, beech, white oak, 

Spanish oak, red maple, and pignut hickory. The Oak-Pine forest differs from 

this primarily in having much more sweet gum, less chestnut, and persistent 

stands of loblolly and Virginia pines on the drier sites. On the upland the OakPine forest also contains black, scarlet, and post oaks; on the lowland are loblolly 

pine, sweet gum, sour gum, red maple, pin and willow oaks, beech, and tuliptree. Shelford (1963) describes a similar canopy composition for the area, but 

adds shagbark and mockernut hickories and blackjack oak. A historical reference to Ivy Neck (Kelly, 1965) mentions a stand of tuliptree on a hilltop near the 

Center and one of white oak on the adjacent lowland during the 1650’s. Virtually 

all of the above species except shagbark hickory now occur at the Center (see 

next section). 

The composition of the presettlement forest was subject to several influences, but at present it is difficult to draw conclusions as to their relative importance. Shelford (1963) describes the inhibitive effect of the selective consumption 

of nuts and berries by deer, bears, squirrels, etc., and of the selective browsing of 

tree seedlings by the deer. However, Hairston, Smith, and Slobodkin (1960) point 

out that in order for a community to persist the herbivores must be limited by predation below the level at which they deplete the vegetation, or the depleted species 

will be replaced by more resistant ones. Major predators in the presettlement forest 

included bears, cougars, wolves, bobcats, and foxes (Shelford, 1963). The last two 

still persist in the vicinity of the Center. 

Storms and hurricanes, aided by the county’s normally heavy precipitation, 

probably caused periodic damage. Craven (1926) notes five major storms between 

the years 1658 and 1787; other big storms have been recorded at 10- to 20-year intervals in the late 19th Century. 
Introduction 9

Probably the most important disturbances to the presettlement forest were 

caused by Indians. Indian occupation at the Chesapeake Bay Center is documented 

by 22 heaps of discarded oyster shells, 11 of which are large enough to indicate 

permanent campsites. Fragments of pottery permit five of these sites to be dated 

within the interval 250 B.C. to 1200 A.D. Other artifacts indicate that besides oysters the Indians ate deer, gathered nuts and other fruits, and probably cultivated 

corn. They killed the small game and cut the young trees for firewood, moving 

on when these resources were temporarily exhausted (H. T. Wright, unpublished 

data). By 1608, however, these sedentary Indians had disappeared, apparently 

driven away by the warlike Susquehannocks, and the western shore of the Bay 

north of the Patuxent River was uninhabited (Marye, 1955). 

Marye describes the Susquehannock practice of setting recurrent forest fires, 

principally ground fires, to encourage the growth of grass for deer and elk. Early 

settlers held these fires partly responsible for huge areas of “barrens,” or “sapling 

land,” on the Maryland Piedmont, and for an extremely thin shrub layer in the 

forest of the Coastal Plain. The Indians also set fires to drive game and to clear village sites (Middleton, 1953). Early settlers imitated the practice of forest burning to 

benefit their cattle and to clear fields (Marye, 1955). 

However, the importance of forest fires should not be overestimated. Fire did 

not prevent the thin-barked tuliptree or yellow-poplar from being a characteristic 

species, as evidenced by the names Tulip Hill (Kelly, 1965), Poplar Neck, Poplar 

Knoll, etc. given by early settlers. The nuts of other fire-sensitive trees, such as 

beech and hickory, were eaten by the Indians who left the shell heaps and probably also by the later Susquehannocks. The normally heavy rainfall and numerous 

streams in Anne Arundel County probably kept the forest fairly moist and limited 

the spread of ground fires. 

Colonial settlement in the county began about the year 1650, and tobacco 

soon became the principal crop. It was raised throughout the vicinity of the Chesapeake Bay Center (Kelly, 1965). As tobacco consumes much nitrogen and potash, 

only freshly cleared land produced good crops, and the forest was rapidly cleared 

to yield the best crops obtainable (Craven, 1926). Soil erosion and stream siltation 

became so serious that in 1704 and 1743 laws were passed against the clearing of 

stream banks (Middleton, 1953). For this reason, and because of rough terrain or 

inaccessibility, part of the present forest on Java Farm (along Muddy Creek and 

on Fox Point and Hog Island) may have escaped from cultivation, although it was 

almost certainly lumbered, burned, and browsed by cattle. This forest has not been 

cultivated at least since 1846. 

Colonial cultivation methods encouraged erosion and the development of 

hardpan. After a few tobacco crops the land was briefly farmed to corn and wheat, 

then abandoned. Tobacco exports periodically flooded the British market, producing severe depressions and the abandonment of fields (Craven, 1926). Reaccumulation of soil nutrients probably was slow.
10 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Before 1800 no fertilization or renewal of the soil was attempted. The monopoly of arable land for tobacco deprived livestock of corn and pasturage. Cattle 

browsed the forests and probably grazed the salt marshes. There is no available 

record of the marshes having been cultivated, mowed, or reclaimed. 

Between 1800 and 1850 the fertilization of fields with manure, marl, and 

gypsum developed and slowly became standard practice. Soil erosion was checked. 

Large tobacco plantations gave way to small farms where more efficient use of fertilizer was possible and crops were diversified. General prosperity continued until 

the Civil War (Craven, 1926). A postwar depression crippled agriculture until 1880, 

after which grain and truck farming slowly recovered. 

Java Farm served as a dairy from 1915 until its abandonment in 1945. Although the forest there was not lumbered during this period, fallen logs were 

removed every spring. Cultivated fields were rotated between corn and barley, but 

from 1937 to 1945 alfalfa was largely substituted for corn. The present meadow 

north of the headquarters area was used as pasture. No cultivation, burning, or 

mowing of the marshes took place. Since the dairy was abandoned in 1945, it has 

remained unused. No fires or tenant farming disturbed the development of the 

vegetation. A broad spectrum of communities now occurs. 

Portions of Ivy Neck are still under cultivation to corn and wheat. One 

field was abandoned in 1963, but was recultivated in 1967. Both Scaffold Peninsula (between Scaffold and Cheston Creeks) and Cheston Peninsula (between 

Cheston Creek and Rhode River) were entirely cultivated until about 1900. The 

present deciduous forest on Scaffold Peninsula has apparently developed naturally since the abandonment of agriculture there. It was lumbered about 1942. 

The loblolly pine stand on Cheston Peninsula was planted in 1933 and has been 

left undisturbed. 

Present Vegetation Types

The present vegetation of the Chesapeake Bay Center falls into six major 

categories: hardwood forest, coniferous forest, cultivated field, formerly cultivated 

field, freshwater marsh, and salt marsh. Within each category variations occur in 

the composition of the vegetation. These variations usually take the form of patterns of plant communities, referred to here as vegetation types. The boundaries 

of the types are not always sharply distinctive, especially where the vegetation is 

immature, but they form a mosaic within the hardwood forest and other main 

categories. 

The present vegetation types provide baselines for studies of vegetation development. The similarities and differences among the types in each major category 

may reflect environmental characteristics or recent histories, but further research 

is required to establish correlations. Most of the Center has been abandoned from 

cultivation within the past 70 years or less, and the vegetation in these areas is still 

immature and changing considerably. The older hardwood forests appear to be 

mature and relatively stable. 
Introduction 11

The two vegetation maps of the Center (Figures 4 and 5) are based on 28 vegetation types, which are listed in the legends of the maps. Details of the types are 

given in Table I, which includes lists of the more abundant plants and provides a 

basis for comparing the vegetation on Java Farm and Ivy Neck. There is less overlap 

between the vegetation types of the two areas than might be expected, probably in 

part because of the more level topography and poorer drainage at Ivy Neck, and in 

part because of differences in recent historical land use. No vegetation map of Corn 

Island has been prepared. 

The remainder of this report will explain the structure of the checklist and 

of its artificial keys. The ecological annotations which show the relationship of each 

species to its vegetation pattern will also be described.
12 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Figure 4. (Opposite) 

VEGETATION TYPES AT JAVA FARM

FOREST TYPES

Hardwoods

1A. Beech, Tuliptree 

1B. Beech, Tuliptree, Oaks, Hickories 

1C. Beech, Tuliptree, White Oak, 

Sycamore, Sweetgum 

2. Tuliptree, Black Oak, Blackgum 

3. White, Black, and Spanish Oaks, 

Sweetgum 

*4A. Chestnut Oak, White and Black 

Oaks, Hickories

(4B to AD only at Ivy Neck)

5. Spanish and Willow Oaks, 

Sweetgum, Tuliptree 

6A. Walnut, Sweetgum 

6B. Walnut, Sweetgum, Spanish Oak, 

Beech 

7A. Locust, Sweetgum, Elm 

7B. Locust, Black Oak, Sweetgum, Red 

Maple, Sassafras 

7C. Locust, Sweetgum, Tuliptree, 

Sycamore

(7D to 7F only at Ivy Neck)

8A. White Ash, Sycamore 

8B. White Ash, Sycamore, Red Maple, 

Elm, Sweetgum 

9. Tuliptree, Sweetgum, Red Maple, 

Sassafras 

10. Dogwood, Sweetgum, Red Maple, 

Sassafras

(11 to 17 only at Ivy Neck)

Conifers

18A. Virginia Pine predominant 

FOREST TYPES (continued)

Conifers (continued)

18B. Virginia Pine, Sweetgum, Tuliptree, 

Hickories 

*19A. Loblolly Pine, Sweetgum (pine 

predominant)

(19B and 19C only at Ivy Neck)

ABANDONED FIELD TYPES

(20 and 21 are CULTIVATED FIELD

TYPES, and occur only at Ivy Neck)

22A. Reed Canary Grass 

22B. Kentucky Bluegrass 

*23. Goldenrod, Aster, Brambles, 

Poison Ivy, Honeysuckle, young 

hardwoods 

24A. Sweetgum, Cherry, Red Maple, Pin 

Oak, Elm, Sassafras, Persimmon, 

Dogwood, Tuliptree, Hornbeam 

24B. Virginia Pine predominant 

24C. Virginia Pine, hardwoods of 24A.

(25 only at Ivy Neck)

MARSH TYPES

Fresh Marsh 

26A. Grass, Rose, Black Willow 

26B. Hempweed, Touch-me-not, Black 

Willow 

Salt Marsh 

*27A. Sea Myrtle, Salt Reedgrass, Salt 

Cordgrass 

*27B. Saltmeadow Grass, Alkali Grass 

*27C. Cattail, Marsh Mallow, Salt 

Cordgrass, Wild Bean

*Occurs also at Ivy Neck
Introduction 13
14 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Figure 5. (Opposite)

VEGETATION TYPES AT IVY NECK

FOREST TYPES

Hardwoods

(1 to 3 only at Java Farm)

*4A. Chestnut Oak, White and Black Oaks, 

Hickories 

4B. Chestnut Oak, White Oak, Hickories, 

Red Maple, Beech 

4C. Chestnut Oak, Black and Scarlet 

Oaks, Walnut 

4D. Chestnut Oak, White Oak, Virginia Pine 

(5 to 7C only at Java Farm)

7D. Locust, Sweetgum, Persimmon, 

Tuliptree, Red Maple 

7E. Locust, Sweetgum, Walnut, Willow Oak 

7F. Sweetgum, Walnut, Black Oak, Red 

Maple 

(8 to 10 only at Java Farm)

11A. White Oak, Sweetgum, Locust, Red 

Maple 

11B. White and Black Oaks, Sweetgum, 

Tuliptree, Hickories 

11C. White and Spanish Oaks, Sweetgum, 

Tuliptree 

12. Persimmon, Locust, Cherry, 

Sycamore, Maples 

13A. Bitternut Hickory, White Oak, 

Persimmon, Tuliptree 

13B. Bitternut Hickory, White and Pin 

Oaks, River Birch 

14. Tuliptree, Sweetgum, Locust, River 

Birch 

15. White Oak, Sycamore, Walnut, Red 

Maple 

16. Willow Oak, Black and Blackjack 

Oaks, Locust 

17A. Cherry, Locust, Sweetgum

17B. Cherry, Locust, Black Oak, Mockernut 

Hickory

FOREST TYPES (continued)

Conifers

(18 only at Java Farm)

*19A. Loblolly Pine, Sweetgum (pine 

predominant) 

19B. Loblolly Pine, Sweetgum, Locust 

19C. Loblolly Pine, Virginia Pine, 

Sweetgum, Walnut 

CULTIVATED FIELD TYPES

20. Pasture 

21. Cropland 

ABANDONED FIELD TYPES

(22 only at Java Farm)

*23. Goldenrod, Aster, Brambles, 

Poison Ivy, Honeysuckle, young 

hardwoods 

(24 only at Java Farm)

25A. Locust, Sweetgum, Cherry, Red 

Maple, Sassafras, Mulberry, Elm, 

Persimmon, Pin Oak 

25B. Virginia Pine, hardwoods of 25A. 

MARSH TYPES

(26 only at Java Farm)

*27A. Sea Myrtle, Salt Reedgrass, Salt 

Cordgrass 

*27B. Saltmeadow Grass, Alkali Grass 

*27C. Cattail, Marsh Mallow, Switchgrass

28. Sea Rocket, False Indigo, Salt 

Cordgrass, Wild Bean 

POND TYPES

Small Pond: Swamp Dock, Duckweed, 

Water Purslane 

Large Pond: Salt Cordgrass, Horned 

Pondweed, Marsh Mallow, Sea Myrtle

*Occurs also at Java Farm
Introduction 15
16 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Table I.

COMPARATIVE COMPOSITION OF VEGETATION TYPES AT JAVA FARM AND IVY NECK

Java Farm Ivy Neck

FOREST TYPES

HARDWOODS

1A. Beech, Tuliptree. 

Mature upland hardwoods on gentle westor south-facing slopes above tributary of 

Muddy 

Creek. Canopy mainly Fagus grandifolia; 

less Liriodendron tulipifera, Quercus 

coccinea, and other hardwoods. Understory 

of canopy species, plus Cornus florida, 

Acer rubrum, etc. Shrub and ground floras 

include Euonymus americanus, Epifagus 

virginiana, and Hypoxis hirsuta (none of 

these found in Type 1B). Rhus radicans and 

Lonicera japonica virtually absent.

1B. Beech, Tuliptree, Oaks, Hickories.

Mature upland hardwoods. Fagus grandifolia

and Liriodendron tulipifera throughout 

canopy; Liquidambar styraciflua, Quercus 

alba, Q. coccinea, Q. velutina, Carya 

tomentosa, and fewer C. falcata and 

C. glabra. Composition of canopy variable. 

Understory of canopy species, plus Cornus 

florida, Acer rubrum, Carpinus caroliniana,

and infrequent sprouts of Castanea dentata. 

Shrubs include Viburnum prunifolium and 

infrequent Vaccinium staminium. Rhus 

radicans and Lonicera japonica moderately 

abundant. Rich herbaceous flora, most 

species not found in Type 1A. Herbaceous 

flora seems to vary with composition of the 

canopy. At one point, near the head of the 

tidal portion of Muddy Creek, the shrub and 

herbaceous flora resembles that of Type 4A

FOREST TYPES

HARDWOODS

No counterpart.

11B. White and Black Oaks, Sweetgum, 

Tuliptree, Hickories. 

Moderately mature lowland hardwoods; 

canopy resembles that of Type 1B, but 

contains infrequent Robinia pseudoacacia

and has less Fagus grandifolia. Main 

difference is in understory and ground 

floras, which reflect poor drainage of Ivy 

Neck. (More Nyssa sylvatica, Viburnum 

prunifolium, Cercis canadensis, Lindera 

benzoin, Podophyllum peltatum, Arisaema 

atrorubens, etc.) Rhus radicans and 

Lonicera japonica moderately abundant. 

(Types 11A and 11C are

described on the following pages.)
Introduction 17

Java Farm Ivy Neck

1C. Beech, Tuliptree, White Oak, Sycamore, 

Sweetgum.

Mature lowland hardwoods, on level bank of 

Muddy Creek near head of tidal portion and 

on bottom of tributary valley downstream. 

Quercus alba prominent in canopy, also 

Fagus grandifolia, Liquidambar styraciflua, 

Liriodendron tulipifera, and Platanus 

occidentalis. Understory of Cornus florida on 

bank upstream; Lindera benzoin, Viburnum 

prunifolium, and V. dentatum in tributary 

valley.

2. Tuliptree, Black Oak, Blackgum. 

Moist lowland hardwoods, on gentle 

north-facing slope. Canopy of Liriodendron 

tulipifera and Quercus velutina throughout; 

Nyssa sylvatica primarily on the west 

side, Quercus alba on the east; few Pinus 

virginiana. Transition to Type 4A.

Understory of Aralia spinosa, Acer rubrum,

and Prunus serotina. Ground cover of 

Smilax rotundifolia.

3. White Oak, Black and Spanish Oaks, 

Sweetgum.

Mature hardwoods, on southwest-facing 

slope. Canopy of Quercus alba, Q. velutina,

a few very big Q. falcata, Liquidambar 

styraciflua, and Nyssa sylvatica. Understory 

of Cornus florida, Carya tomentosa, and 

Liquidambar. Ground cover of Rhus radicans

and Lonicera japonica.

No counterpart.

No counterpart.

No counterpart. Resembles Type 11C on 

Scaffold Peninsula (described below), but 

the latter has a level, poorly drained habitat.

11C. White and Spanish Oaks, Sweetgum, 

Tuliptree. 

Moderately mature; canopy of Quercus 

alba, Q. falcata, Liquidambar styraciflua, 

Liriodendron tulipifera, Nyssa sylvatica, and 

a few mature Pinus virginiana. 

Understory chiefly Ilex opaca; fewer Juniperus 

virginiana, Acer rubrum, Viburnum prunifolium, 

and Carya cordiformis. Ground cover of dense 

Lonicera japonica and Rhus radicans. 
18 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Table I. (Continued)

Java Farm Ivy Neck

4A. Chestnut Oak, White and Black Oaks, 

Hickories.

Mature hardwoods of coastal zone. Canopy 

of Quercus alba, Q. prinus, Q. velutina, and 

Carya tomentosa, with fewer C. falcata and 

C. glabra. Mature Pinus virginiana usually few. 

Understory typically of Ilex opaca, Cornus 

florida, Acer rubrum, and a few Pinus 

virginiana (many young pines at Fox Point); 

also scattered Amelanchier arborea and 

Viburnum acerifolium. Castanea dentata

sprouts. 

Ericaceous shrub layer characteristic: 

Kalmia latifolia, Gaylussacia baccata, 

G. frondosa, Vaccinium spp. Ground flora 

includes mosses, Hieracium venosum, and 

Deschampsia flexuosa. Smilax rotundifolia

usually sparse; Rhus radicans and Lonicera 

japonica conspicuously absent.

4A. Very similar in composition to that at 

Java Farm, and occupies the same habitat: 

a narrow zone where the bank drops steeply 

to the Bay (probably a zone of improved 

drainage caused by a drop in the soil water 

table); the finer texture of soil at Ivy Neck 

seems to make little difference with this type. 

4B. Chestnut Oak, White Oak, Hickories, Red 

Maple, Beech. 

Differs from Type 4A in having Fagus 

grandifolia and Acer rubrum in the canopy, 

and a more heterogeneous understory which 

seems transitional to inland Types 11B and 

11C. Understory includes Cercis canadensis, 

Sassafras albidum, Viburnum prunifolium, 

and Carya cordiformis. Rubus spp. and 

Campsis radicans also. 

4C. Chestnut Oak, Black and Scarlet Oaks, 

Walnut. 

Canopy and understory are more varied than 

in either 4A or 4B; has less Quercus prinus

and almost no ericaceous shrubs. New 

canopy species include Q. coccinea, Juglans 

nigra, Liquidambar styraciflua, Liriodendron 

tulipifera, Asimina triloba, etc.

4D. Chestnut Oak, White Oak, Virginia Pine. 

Differs from 4A in having infrequent Pinus 

virginiana in canopy Hardwoods formerly 

lumbered. Pine abundant in understory, with 

Acer rubrum and Liquidambar styraciflua. 

Ilex opaca and ericaceous shrubs infrequent. 
Introduction 19

Java Farm Ivy Neck

5. Spanish and Willow Oaks, Sweetgum, 

Tuliptree. 

Mature lowland hardwoods adjacent Hog 

Island salt marsh. Canopy of Quercus 

falcata, Q. phellos, Liquidambar 

styraciflua, and Liriodendron tulipifera. 

Understory of Cornus florida, 

Liquidambar, Aralia spinosa, and 

Viburnum dentatum; infrequent Quercus 

stellata and Pinus virginiana. Seems to 

be invading drier areas of salt marsh. 

6A. Walnut, Sweetgum. 

Mature stand, probably persistent 

from cultivation, on steep east- and 

west-facing slopes of ridge. Canopy 

of Juglans nigra only on east side; 

with Pyrus communis, Liquidambar 

styraciflua, and Sassafras albidum

on west side. Understory of Lindera 

benzoin on east slope, Rubus on west. 

Dense Lonicera japonica on both sides.

6B. Walnut, Sweetgum, Spanish Oak, 

Beech. 

Moderately mature, at top of southfacing slope. Canopy of Liquidambar 

styraciflua, Juglans nigra, Quercus 

falcata, Fagus grandifolia, and Platanus 

occidentalis. Understory of Lindera 

benzoin and Cornus florida. Lonicera 

japonica on ground.

No counterpart. 

No counterpart. Walnut grows infrequently along 

both sides of Cheston Creek estuary, in Types 

4C, 7E, 7F, and 19C, and on upper Scaffold 

Creek estuary in Type 15, but not abundantly 

enough to characterize a stand.

No counterpart.
20 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Table I. (Continued)

Java Farm Ivy Neck

7A. Locust, Sweetgum, Elm. 

Immature, on south- and southeastfacing slopes overlooking Fox Creek 

estuary. Canopy of Robinia pseudoacacia, 

Liquidambar styraciflua, and Ulmus 

americana; fewer Sassafras albidum and 

Quercus velutina, the latter mostly on the 

lower slopes. Understory of canopy species. 

Dense ground cover of Lonicera japonica. 

Also contains scattered Acer rubrum and 

Cornus florida. 

7B. Locust, Black Oak, Sweetgum, Red 

Maple, Sassafras. 

Immature, on south-facing slope near head 

of Fox Creek estuary. Canopy of Robinia 

pseudoacacia and Liquidambar styraciflua,

with fewer Quercus velutina, Acer rubrum, 

Cornus florida, and Sassafras albidum. 

Understory of canopy species, plus Ulmus 

americana. Ground cover of Lonicera 

japonica and Rhus radicans. 

7C. Locust, Sweetgum, Tuliptree, 

Sycamore. 

Moderately mature, along the shore of 

Muddy Creek estuary. Canopy chiefly 

Robinia pseudoacacia, especially near Hog 

Island salt marsh; also includes Liquidambar 

styraciflua, Cornus florida, Liriodendron 

tulipifera, and Platanus occidentalis near the 

eastern end. Understory of canopy species. 

Ground layer of Rhus radicans, Smilax 

rotundifolia, and Lonicera japonica.

Types 7D, 7E, and 7F at Ivy Neck resemble 

Types 7A and 7B at Java Farm in species 

composition. Chief difference is in the 

habitat: from moderately steep south-facing 

slope and fine sandy loam soil at Java Farm 

to poorly drained level lowland and silt loam 

soil at Ivy Neck. 

7D. Locust, Sweetgum, Persimmon, 

Tuliptree, Red Maple. 

Immature, covers watershed of east fork of 

Scaffold Creek. Canopy seems to contain no 

Quercus velutina but does include Diospyros 

virginiana, Nyssa sylvatica, and Platanus 

occidentalis. Otherwise the same as at Java 

Farm (Robinia, Liquidambar, Ulmus ) 

Understory highly variable, includes 

Sassafras albidum, Cornus florida, Lindera 

benzoin, Viburnum prunifolium, Acer 

rubrum, and Carya cordiformis. Shrub and 

ground layers of Rubus spp., Rhus radicans,

and Lonicera japonica. 

Type 11A, described on the next page, 

seems to be a transition between 7D above 

and 11B (described on p. 16). 

7E. Locust, Sweetgum, Walnut, Willow Oak. 

Immature, covers west bank of Cheston 

Creek estuary north of Type 4B. Resembles 

Type 7F (p. 21) and differs from other 

variations of Type 7 in having Juglans nigra

in the canopy. 

Canopy of Robinia pseudoacacia, 

Liquidambar styraciflua, Juglans nigra, and 

Quercus phellos. Understory of Robinia 

pseudoacacia, Cornus florida, and Sassafras 

albidum. Ground layer Lonicera japonica and 

Smilax rotundifolia.
Introduction 21

Java Farm Ivy Neck

No counterpart. 

No counterpart. 

8A. White Ash, Sycamore. 

Moderately mature, follows bottom of 

Muddy Creek valley above tidal limit. Canopy 

mostly Fraxinus americana, fewer Platanus 

occidentalis, few species of Type 8B 

below. Understory of Lindera benzoin, with 

few Acer rubrum, Fraxinus, Liquidambar, 

Ulmus americana, and Carpinus caroliniana. 

Ground layer of Rubus spp., Vitis spp., and 

Rhus radicans. Herbaceous flora mostly 

Impatiens capensis, Podophyllum peltatum,

and assorted grasses. 

7F. Sweetgum, Walnut, Black Oak, Maple. 

Immature, adjoins Type 7E. Canopy has 

little or no Robinia, added Quercus velutina, 

Salix nigra, Acer rubrum, and Platanus 

occidentalis. Understory of Viburnum 

prunifolium, Prunus serotina, and Cercis 

canadensis. Ground layer as in Type 7E. 

11A. White Oak, Sweetgum, Locust, Red 

Maple. 

Immature, apparently a transition between 

Types 7D and 11B. Canopy of Quercus 

alba, Liquidambar styraciflua, Nyssa 

sylvatica, Acer rubrum, and Carya spp.; 

Robinia pseudoacacia becomes infrequent 

southward; Ulmus americana infrequent. 

Understory varied, includes Rhus typhina, 

Ailanthus altissima, Cornus florida, Viburnum 

prunifolium, Morus alba, Cercis canadensis,

etc. Ground cover of Lonicera japonica and 

Rhus radicans.

12. Persimmon, Locust, Cherry, Sycamore, 

Maples.

Moderately mature, follows drainage of 

Cheston Creek above tidal limit. Persimmon 

and cherry may be cultivated. Understory 

inhibited by browsing cattle. 

Canopy of Diospyros virginiana, Robinia 

pseudoacacia, Prunus serotina, Platanus 

occidentalis, Acer rubrum, A. saccharinum, 

A. negundo, Liquidambar styraciflua, 

Nyssa sylvatica. Understory of Viburnum 

prunifolium, Salix nigra, Cercis canadensis, 

Celtis occidentalis. Ground layer chiefly 

grass, or forbs in wet areas.
22 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Table I. (Continued)

Java Farm Ivy Neck

8B. White Ash, Sycamore, Red Maple, Elm, 

Sweetgum. 

Similar to Type 8A but farther upstream. 

More heterogeneous canopy includes Acer 

rubrum, Ulmus americana, Liquidambar 

styraciflua, and Quercus palustris. 

Understory as in Type 8A, with more Ulmus 

americana and Carpinus caroliniana. Ground 

layer same.

9. Tuliptree, Sweetgum, Red Maple, 

Sassafras. 

Immature, covers north- and west-facing 

slopes of hill overlooking wet meadow. 

Canopy of Liriodendron tulipifera, 

Liquidambar styraciflua, Acer rubrum,

and Sassafras albidum. Understory 

similar, plus Ilex opaca, Prunus serotina, 

Nyssa sylvatica, Cornus florida, Viburnum 

prunifolium. Ground layer of Lonicera 

japonica. 

10. Dogwood, Sweetgum, Red Maple, 

Sassafras. 

Immature, covers east-facing slope at head 

of Fox Creek estuary; merges with Virginia 

pine stand (Type 18A) on upper slope. 

Canopy of Cornus florida, Acer rubrum, 

Sassafras albidum, Liquidambar styraciflua, 

Pinus virginiana, few Fagus grandifolia and 

Morus rubra. Understory similar. Ground 

layer of Smilax rotundifolia, stopping sharply 

at edge of pine canopy. 

No counterpart. 

No counterpart. 
Introduction 23

Java Farm Ivy Neck

No counterpart.

No counterpart. (Habitat of Type 7C 

resembles that of 13B except that 7C has 

fine sandy loam soil; 13B has silt loam). 

No counterpart, 

13A. Bitternut Hickory, White Oak, 

Persimmon, Tuliptree. 

Moderately mature but canopy thin. Lower 

valley of Scaffold Creek (east fork) above 

tidal limit. Canopy of Carya cordiformis,

fewer Quercus alba, Platanus occidentalis, 

Diospyros virginiana, and Liriodendron 

tulipifera. Understory thin, of Morus rubra, 

Juglans nigra, Ulmus rubra, Quercus 

palustris, etc. Shrub and ground layers very 

dense, of Rubus spp., Smilax rotundifolia,

and Lonicera japonica.

13B. Bitternut Hickory, White and Pin Oaks, 

River Birch. 

Moderately mature, borders field between 

forks of Scaffold Creek. Canopy of Carya 

cordiformis, Quercus alba, Q. palustris. 

Understory of Cornus florida and Viburnum 

prunifolium, few Quercus alba, Q. stellata, 

Carya glabra, and Fagus grandifolia. Ground 

layer of mixed grasses, few woody vines. 

14. Tuliptree, Sweetgum, Locust, River 

Birch. 

Immature, covers drainage of west fork 

of Scaffold Creek. Canopy of Liriodendron 

tulipifera, less Liquidambar styraciflua, 

Robinia pseudoacacia, Betula nigra, and 

Juniperus virginiana. Understory of Viburnum 

spp., Carya cordiformis, Quercus velutina,

and Q. palustris. Ground layer of Rhus 

radicans. 
24 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Table I. (Continued)

Java Farm Ivy Neck

No counterpart. 

No counterpart. 

No counterpart. 

15. White Oak, Sycamore, Walnut, Red 

Maple. 

Moderately mature, at head of west fork 

of Scaffold Creek estuary. Canopy of 

Quercus alba, Platanus occidentalis, fewer 

Acer rubrum, Juglans nigra, and Carya 

tomentosa. Understory of Liquidambar 

styraciflua, Morus rubra, Carya cordiformis.

Ground layer of Lonicera japonica, less 

Smilax rotundifolia and Rhus radicans.

16. Willow Oak, Black and Blackjack Oaks, 

Locust. 

Immature, along east shore of upper 

Cheston Creek estuary, borders cultivated 

field. Canopy has Quercus phellos 

throughout; Diospyros virginiana near 

upstream end; Liquidambar styraciflua near 

middle; Quercus velutina, Q. marilandica, 

Q. palustris, and Q. prinus near downstream 

end. Understory of Viburnum prunifolium, 

Prunus serotina, Maclura pomifera, 

Sassafras albidum, etc. Ground layer 

of Rubus spp., Lonicera japonica, Rhus 

radicans, other vines. 

17A. Cherry, Locust, Sweetgum. 

Immature; coves behind salt marsh on 

lower Cheston Peninsula. Canopy thin, 

variable, includes Prunus serotina, Robinia 

pseudoacacia, Liquidambar styraciflua, 

Cornus florida, Betula nigra, Liriodendron 

tulipifera, Carya tomentosa, Quercus 

velutina. Understory merges with canopy; 

one clump Rhus typhina. Ground layer of 

dense Lonicera japonica, Rhus radicans,

other vines. 
Introduction 25

Java Farm Ivy Neck

No counterpart. (Habitat like that of Type 4). 17B. Cherry, Locust, Black Oak, Mockernut 

Hickory. 

Immature; on Cheston Point and low 

headlands adjoining salt marsh. Canopy 

of Prunus serotina, Robinia pseudoacacia, 

Quercus velutina, Carya tomentosa, Q. alba, 

Betula nigra. Understory on Cheston Point of 

Liquidambar styraciflua and Ulmus americana; 

on headlands of Ilex opaca and Viburnum 

prunifolium. Ground layer of Smilax rotundifolia

on one headland; Rubus spp., Rhus radicans,

and Lonicera japonica elsewhere.

CONIFERS

18A. Virginia Pine predominant. 

Moderately mature; scattered stands usually 

on upper slopes or summits, exception at 

head of tidal part of Muddy Creek. Canopy of 

Pinus virginiana, may have few Liquidambar 

styraciflua, stand at bend of Fox Point Rd. 

has few Quercus velutina and Q. marilandica. 

Understory of mixed hardwoods, chiefly 

Liquidambar, Acer rubrum, etc. Ground layer 

usually Lonicera japonica. 

CONIFERS

No counterpart. 
26 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Table I. (Continued) 

Java Farm Ivy Neck

18B. Virginia Pine, Sweetgum, Tuliptree, 

Hickories. 

A mixture of Type 18A above and hardwood 

Type 1B (p. 16). West-facing slope of ridge 

with water tank. Canopy on lower slope of 

Pinus virginiana and Liquidambar, latter gives 

way upslope to Liriodendron tulipifera, Carya 

tomentosa, and few Quercus velutina. Mature 

pine only on slope, summit has young pine and 

hardwood stands (Types 24A, B, C). Understory 

all over slope of Liriodendron, Acer rubrum, 

Sassafras albidum, and few Pinus virginiana. 

Shrubs only on lower slope: Vaccinium spp., 

Myrica cerifera. Ground layer below of Mitchella 

repens and Lycopodium complanatum, of Rhus 

radicans on upper slope.

19A. Loblolly Pine, Sweetgum (pine 

predominant). 

Mature; on south-facing slope of ridge with 

water tank, described for Type 18B. Canopy 

of Pinus taeda and Liquidambar styraciflua. 

Understory of Liquidambar, Liriodendron 

tulipifera, and Acer rubrum. Ground layer of 

Rhus radicans. 

Also one mature Pinus taeda at headquarters 

area and one at west end of Fox Point Road; 

few young ones in old fields (Type 23). 

No counterpart.

No true counterpart; few mature Pinus 

virginiana remain of former stand on 

Scaffold Peninsula (now hardwood Type 

11C). This area resembles Type 18B to the 

extent that Type 11C resembles Type 1B at 

Java Farm, see discussion on pp. 16–17.

19A. Loblolly Pine, Sweetgum (pine 

predominant). 

Mature; planted in 1933 on Cheston 

Peninsula. Very dense; many trees down, 

rest with thin crowns; reproduction at 

stand borders. Canopy of Pinus taeda, few 

Liquidambar styraciflua and Liriodendron 

tulipifera. Understory of dense Liquidambar, 

Liriodendron, Cornus florida; fewer Prunus 

serotina, Ulmus americana, and Quercus 

velutina. Ground layer of dense Rhus 

radicans and Lonicera japonica. 

19B. Loblolly Pine, Sweetgum, Locust. 

Immature; triangular area on Cheston 

Peninsula between 19A and coast. Thin 

canopy of Pinus taeda, Liquidambar 

styraciflua and Robinia pseudoacacia. 

Dense understory same as for Type 19A, 

with few young Pinus taeda. Dense ground 

layer of Rhus radicans, Lonicera japonica, 

Campsis radicans, Vitis sp. 
Introduction 27

Java Farm Ivy Neck

No counterpart. 19C. Loblolly Pine, Virginia Pine, Sweetgum, 

Walnut. 

Immature; on Cheston Peninsula between 

Type 19A and cultivated field. Canopy of 

Liquidambar styraciflua, fewer Pinus taeda, 

P. virginiana, and Juglans nigra. Understory 

of Acer rubrum, Carya cordiformis, Ilex 

opaca, Nyssa sylvatica, Quercus alba, 

Q. palustris, and Q. phellos. Shrubs: Myrica 

cerifera, Viburnum prunifolium. Ground layer 

of Rhus radicans and Lonicera japonica.

No counterpart. 

No counterpart.

CULTIVATED FIELD TYPES

20. Pasture. 

Single pasture, grazed by dairy herd. Gentle 

south-facing slope, bordered on 3 sides by 

Cheston Creek drainage. Flora of Andropogon 

virginicus, Digitaria ischaemum, Trifolium 

repens, Taraxacum officinale, other forbs. 

21. Cropland. 

Cultivated to corn, barley, wheat, and 

sorghum. Wild flora mostly Ipomoea 

purpurea, I. hederacea; also (vernal): 

Stellaria media, Draba verna, Lepidium

spp., Barbarea spp., Cerastium spp., etc. 

and (autumnal) Aster spp.; restricted or 

infrequent species: Datura stramonium, 

Echinochloa pungens; Setaria lutescens

often abundant near borders. 
28 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Table I. (Continued) 

Java Farm Ivy Neck

One field on Scaffold Peninsula, described 

in text as “abandoned wheatfield” (since 

recultivated) was fallow 3 yrs. (1963–66); 

60 species were found there in 1966, 

especially Oenothera biennis, O. fruticosa, 

Gnaphalium obtusifolium, Cerastium 

viscosum, Dianthus armeria, Hypericum 

perforatum, Ambrosia artemisiifolia. Locally 

dense Trifolium pratense and T. hybridum. 

Woody species found under forbs: Campsis 

radicans dense; Quercus velutina, Prunus 

serotine, and Vitis sp. few.

FORMERLY CULTIVATED FIELD TYPES

22A. Reed Canary Grass. 

Former pasture in valley north of 

headquarters area, marshy at the west 

end, drains into Muddy Creek. Very dense 

Phalaris arundinacea throughout; Juncus 

effusus, Scirpus rubricosus, Polygonum 

pensylvanicum, and P. sagittatum at marshy 

end; few clumps of young Acer rubrum, 

Liquidambar styraciflua, and Rosa spp. 

Invasion from outside slow. 

22B. Kentucky Bluegrass. Small areas 

of dense Poa pratensis turf in former 

cultivated fields, being overrun by Rhus 

radicans. Associated forbs: Gnaphalium 

obtusifolium, Erigeron canadensis, 

Asclepias syriaca, Solanum carolinense, 

Cirsium discolor.

FORMERLY CULTIVATED FIELD TYPES

No counterpart. (When the field described 

above was abandoned, its north end 

adjacent Cheston Creek drainage had 

marshy species like that of western part of 

Type 22A.)

No counterpart.
Introduction 29

Java Farm Ivy Neck

23. Goldenrod, Aster, Brambles, Poison Ivy, 

Honeysuckle, scattered young hardwoods. 

Very heterogeneous vegetation throughout 

most former cultivated fields. Forbs often 

more abundant than woody vines but often 

less so. Principal forbs: Solidago altissima, 

S. graminifolia, Aster pilosus, A. dumosus, 

Eupatorium serotinum, Rubus occidentalis, 

Lespedeza cuneata, Rosa micrantha, 

R. multiflora, Allium vineale. Early spring 

forbs: Barbarea spp., Draba verna, Lepidium

spp., etc. Principal vines: Rhus radicans, 

Lonicera japonica, Campsis radicans, Vitis 

vulpina. Many less frequent species. Trees 

scattered or locally dense; see Type 24A.

24A. Sweetgum, Cherry, Red Maple, 

Pin Oak, Elm, Sassafras, Persimmon, 

Dogwood, Tuliptree, Hornbeam. 

Very dense young stands, often 

predominantly Liquidambar styraciflua but 

often heterogeneous. Covers parts of old 

fields and usually merges with Type 23. 

Principal species: Liquidambar, Prunus 

serotina, Acer rubrum, Quercus falcata, 

Sassafras albidum, Cornus florida. Less 

frequent: Liriodendron tulipifera (central 

upland), Diospyros virginiana (lowland), 

Ulmus americana, U. rubra (near pier), 

Carpinus caroliniana (forest border), Celtis 

occidentalis (all over). Understory usually 

none. Ground layer of dense Lonicera 

japonica and Rhus radicans in all stands. 

Special cases: 

South-facing slope at north border (adjacent 

Type 22A) is an old orchard; canopy of 

Liquidambar, Liriodendron, and Pyrus 

malus. Understory of Rubus spp. 

23. Goldenrod, Aster, Brambles, Poison Ivy, 

Honeysuckle, scattered young hardwoods. 

Similar to that at Java Farm but with fewer 

vines, more grass and forbs. Merges with 

Types 25A, 25B. Grasses include Setaria 

lutescens, Andropogon virginicus.

25A. Locust, Sweetgum, Cherry, Red 

Maple, Sassafras, Mulberry, Elm, 

Persimmon, Pin Oak. 

Corresponds to Type 24A but has 

Robinia pseudoacacia usually abundant; 

Liriodendron, Carpinus, Ulmus rubra, and 

Celtis infrequent to absent. 

Special cases: 

Stand at head of Scaffold Creek drainage 

includes Nyssa sylvatica, Platanus 

occidentalis, Carya cordiformis, and shrubs 

Viburnum prunifolium and Sambucus 

canadensis. 

Stand on Cheston Peninsula below Type 

21 includes dense understory of Myrica 

cerifera. 

Hedgerows between cultivated fields usually 

contain Celtis occidentalis, Liquidambar 

styraciflua, Maclura pomifera, Acer rubrum, 

or Viburnum prunifolium; also Campsis 

radicans. 
30 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Table I. (Continued) 

Java Farm Ivy Neck

West-facing slope down to Muddy Creek 

near head of tidal portion has very dense 

Carpinus canopy; so does stand at end of 

Springhouse Road. 

24B. Virginia Pine predominant. 

Dense young stands of Pinus virginiana. 

Two occur on summit and west-facing slope 

of ridge west of headquarters area, one in 

old field on northeast-facing slope near Fox 

Point Rd. Few Liquidambar in stands, no 

understory; ground cover of Rhus radicans

and Lonicera japonica. 

Pine also infrequent in Type 23.

24C. Virginia Pine, hardwoods of 24A. 

Simultaneous growth of young Pinus 

virginiana and Liquidambar styraciflua in old 

fields. Stand overlooking head of Fox Creek 

estuary also has Robinia pseudoacacia, 

Quercus palustris, Cornus florida, and 

Sassafras albidum. Stand at west end of 

field overlooking Muddy Creek at southwest 

corner of Farm has Liriodendron tulipifera 

and Aralia spinosa. 

Ground cover of Rhus radicans and Lonicera 

japonica.

No counterpart.

25B. Virginia Pine, hardwoods of 25A. 

Infrequent occurrence of Pinus virginiana 

throughout young hardwood canopies 

between forks of Scaffold Creek estuary 

and on Cheston Peninsula between pine 

stand and cultivated fields. 

Ground cover of Rhus radicans and Lonicera 

japonica.

MARSH TYPES

Freshwater Marsh

26A. Grass, Rose, Black Willow. 

Freshwater portion of marsh at mouth of 

Fox Creek drainage, separated from salt 

marsh by hedge of Rosa palustris and Smilax 

rotundifolia. Assorted grasses, scattered 

Salix nigra, clumps of Rosa palustris, 

Impatiens capensis, and Scirpus spp. 

MARSH TYPES

No freshwater marshes occur at Ivy Neck.
Introduction 31

Java Farm Ivy Neck

26B. Hempweed, Touch-me-not, Black 

Willow. 

Two sites: marshy streambed at western 

border of Farm and at base of Fox Point 

peninsula adjoining Fox Creek estuary. 

Both sites have dense Impatiens capensis

and Mikania scandens, and scattered Salix 

nigra and Smilax rotundifolia. Scutellaria 

lateriflora and Rosa spp. grow at the first 

site, Sambucus canadensis at the second.

Salt Marsh

27A. Sea Myrtle, Salt Reedgrass, Salt 

Cordgrass. 

Covers the wettest and apparently most 

saline marsh areas and follows tide 

channels into apparently less saline areas. 

Chiefly Baccharis halimifolia, Spartina 

cynosuroides, S. alterniflora; less abundant 

species: Iva frutescens, Aster subulatus, 

A. tenuifolius, Limonium carolinianum, 

Phragmites communis. 

27B. Saltmeadow Grass, Alkali Grass. 

Covers more sheltered, inland areas of 

large marshes; often absent from smaller 

ones. Chiefly Spartina patens, Distichlis 

spicata; less abundant species: Solidago 

sempervirens, Eleocharis halophila. 

27C. Cattail, Marsh Mallow, Switchgrass. 

Occurs at landward margins of marshes or 

throughout less saline ones. Chiefly Typha 

latifolia, T. angustifolia, Hibiscus palustris, 

Kosteletzkya virginica, Panicum virgatum;

less abundant species: Acnida cannabina, 

Pluchea camphorata. 

Salt Marsh and Beach

27A. Sea Myrtle, Salt Reedgrass, Salt 

Cordgrass. 

Same as at Java Farm; Spartina cynosuroides

infrequent, only at edge of water. 

27B. Saltmeadow Grass, Alkali Grass. 

Same as at Java Farm but areas often too 

small to map. 

27C. Cattail, Marsh Mallow, Switchgrass. 

Same as at Java Farm, but areas often too 

small to map. 
32 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Table I. (Continued) 

Java Farm Ivy Neck

Tidal portion of Muddy Creek has gradient of 

decreasing salinity. Species there not cited 

above: Scirpus americanus, S. robustus

(Hog I. Marsh); Atriplex patula, Dryopteris 

thelypteris (with Typha), Polygonum 

hydropiperoides, Asclepias incarnata, and 

Mikania scandens (at upstream end).

No counterpart.

Salt marsh at head of Cheston Creek 

estuary has several species cited for tidal 

Muddy Creek. 

Trees occasionally found in salt marshes 

include Diospyros virginiana and Juniperus 

virginiana at several locations, Robinia 

pseudoacacia at Sand Point, Quercus falcata

and Q. phellos at Hog Island marsh, and Salix 

nigra at head of Fox Creek. The last three 

species occur near the dry land border.

28. Sea Rocket, False Indigo, Salt 

Cordgrass, Wild Bean 

Sandy beach along Cheston Peninsula, 

and sandbars of salt marshes. Species 

include Cakile edentula, Amorpha fruticosa, 

Spartina alterniflora, Strophostyles helvola, 

Cenchrus tribuloides, Ammophila arenaria, 

Asparagus officinale. 

Baccharis halimifolia dense on Sand Point.

POND TYPES

No counterpart (types 26A and 26B may be 

temporarily innundated, but true ponds are 

lacking.) 

No counterpart.

POND TYPES

29A. Small pond on Cheston Peninsula, 

separated from Rhode River by an 

apparently stable sandbar. Vegetation 

indicates low salinity at present; species 

include Rumex verticillatus, Echinochloa 

walteri, Sparganium eurycarpum, Lemna 

minor, Spirodela polyrhiza, Ludwigia 

palustris. 

29B. Larger pond on Cheston Peninsula, 

separated from Rhode River by an eroding 

sandbar. Vegetation indicates a salinity 

equivalent to that of marshes; species 

include Spartina alterniflora, Zannichellia 

palustris, Hibiscus palustris, Baccharis 

halimifolia, Pluchea camphorata.
 33

T

he checklist includes 553 species of vascular cryptogams and phanerogams, 

distributed among 98 families. They were collected at Java Farm in the autumn of 1965 and at both Java Farm and Ivy Neck during the growing seasons 

of 1966 and 1967. Collection will be started at Corn Island in 1968 and continued 

elsewhere in coordination with studies of vegetation development. An appendix 

(p. 225) is provided for the addition of new species. It now contains eight species 

collected during the preparation of this checklist. When the Center becomes further developed the checklist will be revised for final publication. 

The families represented in the checklist are indexed on page 40 and arranged according to the Engler and Prantl system. When a family is represented 

by more than one species artificial keys are provided. Although many of the keys 

are set up in a form similar to that used in Gray’s Manual of Botany, 8th edition (Fernald, 1950), the keys developed for this checklist are less extensive than 

Fernald’s, since they are restricted to the flora of the Center and its near vicinity. 

In addition, the terminology has been simplified and in some of the more complex 

keys the sequence has been revised. 

The keys in three families have been adapted from those of local taxonomic 

studies compiled for the Washington-Baltimore area, which includes Anne Arundel County (Hermann, 1946). These three families are the Gramineae (Gilman, 

1957), the Cyperaceae (Hermann, 1941), (O’Neill, 1941), and the Umbelliferae (Dayton, 1942). The adapted keys were modified to exclude species having a strictly 

Piedmont distribution and those restricted to habitats which do not occur at the 

Chesapeake Bay Center. Entirely new keys were prepared for some of the more 

complex taxa which have limited representation at the Center.

There are two reasons for any similarities present between keys in the literature cited above and keys in the checklist. First, the dependability of the characters in the keys in the literature. Second, the need of a framework to facilitate the 

anticipated periodic revision of the keys as additional species are collected. Such 

Structure of the Checklist 

and Keys
34 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

revisions will be accomplished more readily if the organization of the checklist keys 

is designed to allow for them. 

Therefore, when a couplet in one of the keys in the literature separates a 

genus or species which has in fact been collected at the Center from one not yet 

discovered there but expected to occur in the vicinity, both halves of the couplet are 

included in the checklist key but the word “expected” follows the unused half and 

the taxa to which it refers are named in parentheses. This practice appears justifiable in view of the continued investigations to be conducted at the Center and the 

rich and fluctuating flora of the surrounding county, described by Stieber (1967). 

Stieber notes a great intermingling of northern, southern, and introduced species, the whole assembly subjected to widespread human disturbance. From field 

collections west of the Chesapeake Bay Center and an examination of the District 

of Columbia and Vicinity collection in the U. S. National Herbarium, Stieber has 

compiled a checklist of 647 vascular species for the county. His list cites 316 species not yet discovered at the Chesapeake Bay Center; the writer has collected at 

the Center 209 species which are not included on Stieber’s list for the county. This 

complementary collection reinforces Stieber’s observation on the need for further 

systematic floristic study of the region, and supports the writer’s provision for the 

inclusion of additional taxa in the keys of the present list. 

To prevent the checklist keys from becoming top-heavy with “expected” taxa, 

the writer has used the following criteria in selecting them: 

1. They must be named as established in F. J. Hermann’s A Checklist of 

Plants in the Washington-Baltimore Area, 2nd edition (Hermann, 1946). 

2. They must be described in the available literature as having a distribution 

which includes the Maryland Coastal Plain, and must not be restricted to 

swamps or other habitats which do not occur at the Center. 

3. They must not be too numerous to keep the keys relatively simple and 

short. 

This system of including “expected” taxa in the keys has already facilitated 

the identification of several species listed in Appendix I. Further research at the 

Center may reveal other taxa not yet listed as “expected.” The identification of new 

taxa may be confirmed by the use of Gray’s Manual. 

Nomenclature

The nomenclature of the checklist follows that of Gray’s Manual of Botany, 8th edition, except in the family Gramineae; there, Gilman (1957) follows the nomenclature of A. S. Hitchcock’s Manual of the Grasses of the United States. Whenever the 

nomenclature used conflicts with that of The New Britton and Brown Illustrated 

Flora (Gleason, 1952), the names from the latter are given in parentheses. Common 

names of species given by Gray’s Manual are placed opposite the scientific names. 
Structure of the Checklist and Keys 35

Additional common names used by residents of the vicinity of the Chesapeake Bay 

Center are distinguished by the letter “(L),” for “local,” or are listed separately in 

Appendix III. 

Annotations

The ecological annotation which accompanies each species has five categories: the 

general location (Java Farm or Ivy Neck), the estimated abundance of the species, 

its exact collection site or specific habitat, the dominant or canopy species of the 

collection site, and some of the associate species observed in the same location and 

stratum. 

The estimated abundance of an entry indicates the ease or rediscovering that 

species in the field; the four categories are: 

Abundant (plentiful throughout the habitat) 

Moderately abundant (evenly distributed but not plentiful) 

Infrequent (thinly scattered) 

One station (a single plant or very small, compact group) 

The last category is preferred to “Rare” or “Local” because the Center has not 

yet been studied in sufficient detail to permit a safe assumption concerning the 

restriction of distribution of species. Additional annotation data are being sought 

and are listed in Appendix II, When the checklist is revised a more precise evaluation will be made. 

The specific location of a species is described in relation to existing landmarks and to the numbered grid now being constructed for the entire Center (see 

Figures 6 and 7). The units of the grid are in hectares (a hectare equals 2.471 acres 

or 10,000 square meters). The hectare was chosen to facilitate the future establishment of sample plots, since it can easily be broken down into smaller metric units. 

Once the location of a species is established the reader may check the soil and 

vegetation maps (Figures 2 to 5) for additional details. 

The remaining annotation data summarize the vegetation of the collecting 

sites. The dominant species are listed when these are apparent. Also listed are 

“associate species” collected or observed at the same location and in the same 

stratum. Further investigation of the coincidence of these associate species 

should lead to more reliable correlations among them and with their habitats. 

Additional details of the vegetation may be obtained from Figures 4 and 5 and 

from Table I. 

The specimen collection numbers of each species follow its annotation. All 

specimens collected by the writer are preserved in the U. S. National Herbarium, 

Washington, D.C. Duplicate specimens will be filed at the Chesapeake Bay Center. 

A few additional specimens collected by Dr. H. David Hammond are kept in the 

Howard University Herbarium, Washington, D.C. 
36 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Hectare Coordinates of the 

Chesapeake Bay Center for Field Biology

These maps (Figures 6, 7) represent a grid system which provides a large number 

of fixed points for designating sampling stations and recording collections. Each 

square of the grid is 100 meters on a side and has an area of 10,000 square meters 

or 1 hectare (1 hectare = 2.471 acres). The squares may be easily broken down into 

smaller metric units. Each of the larger squares (with heavier borders) contains 

100 hectare squares. 

The vertical grid lines run north and south at right angles to the baseline, 

not according to magnetic north. The heavy horizontal line crossing Java Farm is 

the baseline; trees and brush along this line have been cleared to make a relatively 

open footpath. Disturbance to the vegetation along the other grid lines has been 

kept to a minimum. 

Although the grid lines on these maps extend beyond the boundaries of the 

Chesapeake Bay Center, the actual surveying has been confined to the Smithsonian property. In the field the corners of each square are pinpointed either by concrete monuments or by pipes driven into the ground. The monuments are placed 

two hectares apart, and have brass plates bearing the numbers of the adjoining 

squares. Where pipes are used, stakes bearing the grid numbers accompany them. 

No markers have been planted in the estuaries. 
Structure of the Checklist and Keys 37

Figure 6.
38 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Figure 7.
Structure of the Checklist and Keys 39

Literature Cited

Braun, E. Lucy. 1950. Deciduous forests of eastern North America. Blakiston Press, Philadelphia. 596 p. 

Craven, Avery O. 1926. Soil erosion as a factor in the agricultural history of Virginia and 

Maryland, 1606–1860. Univ. Illinois Press, Urbana. 179 p. 

Dayton, William A. 1942. Preliminary treatment of Umbelliferae, Washington-Baltimore 

Flora. Mimeographed. Distributed by the Conference on District Flora, Smithsonian 

Institution, Washington, D.C. 34 p. 

Fernald, Merritt L. 1950. Gray’s Manual of Botany, 8th edition. American Book Co., New 

York. 1632 p. 

Gilman, Elizabeth M. 1957. Grasses of the Tidewater-Piedmont region of northern Virginia 

and Maryland. Castanea 22: 1–105. 

Gleason, Henry A. 1952. The new Britton and Brown illustrated flora of the northeastern 

United States and adjacent Canada. Lancaster Press, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. 3 vol. 

Hairston, Nelson G., Frederick E. Smith, and Lawrence B. Slobodkin. 1960. Community 

structure, population control, and competition. American Naturalist 94: 421–425. 

Hermann, Frederick J. 1941. Key to the genus Carex in the Washington-Baltimore area. 

Mimeographed. Distributed by the Conference on District Flora, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. 24 p. 

———. 1946. A checklist of plants in the Washington-Baltimore area, 2nd edition. 

Mimeographed. Issued by the Conference on District Flora, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. 134 p. 

Kelly, J. Reaney. 1965. “Tulip Hill,” its history and its people. Maryland Hist. Soc. Mag. 60: 

349–403. 

Mack, Frederick K. 1962. Ground water supplies for industrial and urban development in 

Anne Arundel County. Maryland Dept. Geol., Mines, & Water Res. Bull. 26: 90 p. 

Marye, William B. 1955. The great Maryland barrens. Maryland Hist. Soc. Mag. 50: 11–23, 

120–142, 234–253. 

Middleton, Arthur P. 1953. Tobacco Coast, a maritime history of the Chesapeake Bay in the 

Colonial era. Mariner’s Museum, Newport News. 487 p. 

O’Neill, Hugh T. 1941. Cyperaceae of the Washington-Baltimore area (exclusive of Carex). 

Mimeographed. Distributed by the Conference on District Flora, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. 8 p. 

Phillips, S. W., S. O. Perkins, and H. B. Winant. 1928. Soil survey of Anne Arundel County, 

Maryland. U. S. Dept. Agr., Bur. Chem. and Soils. Ser. 28, no. 10: 29 p., map. 

Shelford, Victor E. 1963. The ecology of North America. Univ. Illinois Press, Urbana. 610 p. 

Stieber, Michael T. 1967. An annotated checklist of the vascular flora of Anne Arundel 

County, Maryland. Master of Science thesis, Catholic Univ. of America, Washington, 

D.C. 70 p.

USDA, NRCS. 2015. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 23 June 2015). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.

The Plant List (2013). Version 1.1. Published on the Internet; http://www.theplantlist.org/ 

(accessed 1st January). 
40 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Families Represented at the Chesapeake Bay Center for Field Biology

DIVISION AND 

CLASS FAMILY

NO. 

SPECIES PAGE FAMILY

NO. 

SPECIES PAGE

Pteridophyta: Dicotyledonae (continued):

Articulatae: Equisetaceae 1 45 Nymphaeaceae 1 122

Lycopodiinae: Lycopodiaceae 1 45 Ranunculaceae 8 122

Filicinae: Ophioglossaceae 2 45 Berberidaceae 1 125

Osmundaceae 2 46 Magnoliaceae 1 126

Polypodiaceae 10 47 Annonaceae 1 126

Spermatophyta: Lauraceae 2 126

Gymnospermae: Pinaceae 3 50 Papaveraceae 1 127

Angiospermae: Cruciferae 12 127

Monocotyledonae: Typhaceae 2 51 Crassulaceae 1 131

Sparganiaceae 1 52 Saxifragaceae 1 131

Zosteraceae 2 52 Hamamelidaceae 1 131

Alismataceae 2 52 Platanaceae 1 131

Gramineae 75 53 Rosaceae 28 132

Cyperaceae 26 77 Leguminosae 33 140

Araceae 2 93 Oxalidaceae 3 149

Lemnaceae 2 94 Geraniaceae 2 150

Commelinaceae 1 95 Simaroubaceae 1 151

Pontederiaceae 1 95 Euphorbiaceae 4 151

Juncaceae 8 95 Anacardiaceae 5 152

Liliaceae 8 97 Aquifoliaceae 1 153

Dioscoreaceae 1 100 Celastraceae 2 153

Amaryllidaceae 4 100 Aceraceae 4 154

Iridaceae 1 101 Balsaminaceae 1 155

Orchidaceae 3 101 Vitaceae 3 155

Malvaceae 3 156

Dicotyledonae: Saururaceae 1 102 Guttiferae 4 157

Salicaceae 3 102 Cistaceae 1 158

Myricaceae 1 104 Violaceae 5 158

Juglandaceae 4 104 Passifloraceae 1 159

Betulaceae 3 105 Lythraceae 2 160

Fagaceae 12 106 Nyssaceae 1 160

Ulmaceae 4 110 Onagraceae 7 160

Moraceae 4 111 Haloragaceae 1 162

Urticaceae 1 112 Araliaceae 2 163

Polygonaceae 16 112 Umbelliferae 6 163

Chenopodiaceae 3 117 Cornaceae 3 166

Amaranthaceae 3 118 Pyrolaceae 2 167

Phytolaccaceae 1 119 Ericaceae 9 167

Aizoaceae 1 120 Primulaceae 1 171

Portulacaceae 1 120 Plumbaginaceae 2 171

Caryophyllaceae 8 120 Ebenaceae 1 171
Structure of the Checklist and Keys 41

DIVISION AND 

CLASS FAMILY

NO. 

SPECIES PAGE FAMILY

NO. 

SPECIES PAGE

Dicotyledonae (continued):

Oleaceae 4 172 Bignoniaceae 1 190

Gentianaceae 2 173 Orobanchaceae 1 190

Apocynaceae 1 174 Phrymaceae 1 190

Asclepiadaceae 2 174 Plantaginaceae 4 190

Convolvulaceae 5 175 Rubiaceae 7 191

Boraginaceae 3 176 Caprifoliaceae 8 193

Verbenaceae 4 177 Valerianceae 2 196

Labiatae 16 179 Campanulaceae 3 196

Solanaceae 6 184 Compositae 72 197

Scrophulariaceae 10 186

Summary

DIVISION AND CLASS NO. FAMILIES NO. SPECIES

Pteridophyta:

Articulatae: 1 1

Lycopodiinae: 1 1

Filicinae: 3 14

 

Spermatophyta:

Gymnospermae: 1 3

Angiospermae:

 Monocotyledonae: 16 139

 Dicotyledonae: 76 387 

 Totals: 98 545

 13 species in Appendix I.

558
42 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Adventive and Introduced Species at the Chesapeake Bay Center

Pteridophyta:

Filicinae:

 Osmunda regalis L.

 Athyrium filix-femina (L.) Roth

Spermatophyta:

Gymnospermae: None

Angiospermae:

 Monocotyledonae:

Gramineae

 Anthoxanthum odoratum L. 

 Arrhenatherum elatius (L.) Mert. 

 & Koch 

 Bromus commutatus Schrad. 

 inermis Leyss. 

 japonicus Thunb. 

 racemosus L. 

 Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. 

 Dactylis glomerata L. 

 Digitaria ischaemum (Schreb.) Muhl, 

 Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn. 

 Festuca elatior L. 

 Holcus lanatus L. 

 Phleum pratense L. 

 Phragmites communis Trin. 

 Poa annua L. 

 compressa L. 

 Secale cereale L. 

 Setaria glauca (L.) Beauv. 

 faberii Herrm. 

 Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers. 

 Triticum aestivum L. 

Cyperaceae

 Scirpus validus Vahl. var. creber Fern.

Commelinaceae

 Commelina communis L.

Liliaceae

Allium vineale L. 

Asparagus officinalis L. 

Hemerocallis fulva L. 

Narcissus poeticus L. 

 pseudo-narcissus

Ornithogalum umbellatum L.

Dicotyledoneae:

Salicaceae

X Populus eugenei Simon-Louis

Ulmaceae

Ulmus procera Salisb. 

 pumila L.

Moraceae

Broussonetia papyrifera (L.) Vent. 

Madura pomifera (Raf.) Schneid. 

Morus alba L.

Polygonaceae

Polygonum aviculare L. 

 cespitosum Blume var. 

 longisetum (DeBruyn) Stewart 

 persicaria L. 

Rumex acetosella L. 

 crispus L. 

 obtusifolius L. 

 pulcher L.

Chenopodiaceae

Chenopodium album L.

Amaranthaceae

Amaranthus hybridus L. 

 spinosus L.

Aizoaceae

Mollugo verticillata L.
Structure of the Checklist and Keys 43

Caryophyllaceae

Cerastium viscosum L. 

 vulgatum L. 

Dianthus armeria L. 

Lychnis alba Mill. 

Silene noctoflora L. 

Stellaria media (L.) Cyrillo

Ranunculaceae

Clematis dioscoreifolia Levi. & Vaniot 

Ranunculus bulbosus L.

Cruciferae

Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. 

Barbarea verna (Mill.) Aschers. 

 vulgaris R. Br. 

Cardamine hirsuta L. 

Draba verna L. 

Lepidium campestre (L.) R. Br. 

Nasturtium officinale R. Br. 

Sisymbrium officinale (L.) Scop.

Crassulaceae

Sedum sarmentosum Bunge

Rosaceae

Duchesnea indica (Andr.) Focke 

Potentilla recta L. 

Prunus avium L. 

 persica (L.) Batsch 

Pyrus communis L. 

 malus L. 

Rosa canina L. 

 micrantha Sm. 

 multiflora Thunb. 

Rubus phoenicolasius Maxim.

Leguminosae

Lespedeza cuneata (Dumont) G. Don. 

 stipulacea Maxim. 

Medicago lupulina L. 

Melilotus alba Desr. 

 officinalis (L.) Lam. 

Trifolium arvense L. 

 hybridum L. 

 pratense L. 

 procumbens L. 

 repens L. 

Vicia angustifolia Reichard 

 sativa L. 

 tetrasperma (L.) Moench. 

 villosa Roth

Simaroubaceae

Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle 

Aceraceae

Acer platanoides L. 

Malvaceae

Abutilon theophrasti Medic. 

Guttiferae

Hypericum perforatum L. 

Violaceae

Viola kitaibeliana R. & S. var. rafinesquii

 (Greene) Fern. 

Onagraceae

Ludwigia palustris (L.) Ell. 

Haloragaceae

Myriophyllum spicatum L. 

Umbelliferae

Daucus carota L.

Primulaceae

Anagallis arvensis L. 

Oleaceae

Syringa vulgaris L. 

Ligustrum vulgare L. 

Convolvulaceae

Ipomoea hederacea (L.) Jacq. 

 purpurea (L.) Roth 
44 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Labiatae

Glechoma hederacea L. var. micrantha 

 Moricand 

Lamium amplexicaule L. 

 purpureum L. 

Mentha spicata L. 

Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt. 

Solanaceae

Datura stramonium L. 

Solanum nigrum L. 

 sarachoides Sendtner 

Scrophulariaceae

Paulownia tomentosa (Thunb.) Steud. 

Verbascum blattaria L. 

 thapsus L. 

Veronica arvensis L. 

 hederaefolia L. 

Plantaginaceae

Plantago lanceolata L. 

 major L.

Caprifoliaceae

Lonicera japonica Thunb. 

Valerianaceae

Valerianella olitoria (L.) Poll.

Compositae

Achillea millefolium L. 

Anthemis arvensis L. 

Arctium minus (Hill) Bernh. 

Centaurea cyanis L. 

Chondrilla juncea L. 

Chrysanthemum leucanthemum L. 

Cichorium intybus L. 

Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop. 

 vulgare (Savi) Tenore 

Galinsoga ciliata (Raf.) Blake 

Hieracium scabrum Michx. 

 venosum L. 

Lactuca canadensis L. 

 floridana (L.) Gaertn. 

Pyrrhopappus carolinianus (Walt.) DC. 

Rudbeckia serotina Nutt. 

Sonchus asper (L.) Hill 

Taraxacum officinale Weber
 45

EQUISETACEAE

Equisetum

Equisetum arvense L Field Horsetail

(Common Horsetail)

Java Farm. One station: rubble of ruined house at main building area. Hectare 

2580. Higman 752.

LYCOPODIACEAE

Lycopodium

Lycopodium digitatum Dill. ex A. Braun Fan Clubmoss

(Lycopodium complanatum L. var. flabelliforme Fern.) (Groundpine)

Java Farm. Moderately abundant on north-and west-facing slopes of ridge between 

Muddy Creek valley and main building area. Hectares 2477, 2478, 2487. Canopy 

of mature Pinus virginiana, Fagus grandifolia, Liriodendron tulipifera, Liquidambar 

styraciflua, etc. Higman 489.

OPHIOGLOSSACEAE

Botrychium

(Botrichium)

1. Sterile blade sessile, about midway on the stalk; plant fruiting in spring. (Also, 

divisions of the sterile blade spatulate and serrate or cleft) . . . . . B. virginianum

1. Sterile blade on a petiole half the height of the stalk; plant fruiting in autumn. 

(Species typically has divisions of the sterile blade cleft into many linear notched 

teeth; in forma obliquum the divisions are broader and crenate-serrulate to 

entire) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. dissectum

Plant Annotations (Taxonomy 

and Locational Information)
46 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Botrychium virginianum (L.) Sw. Rattlesnake Fern

(Botrichium virginianum (L.) Sw.) 

Java Farm. Moderately abundant in mature upland forest west of Muddy Creek 

valley. Canopy of Fagus grandifolia, Carya tomentosa, Quercus alba, Liriodendron tulipifera, etc. Associate species: Botrichium dissectum.

Ivy Neck. Moderately abundant in mature forest of central Scaffold Peninsula. 

Canopy resembles that at Java Farm but lacks Fagus grandifolia. Same associate 

species. Higman 1241.

B. dissectum Spreng. Cutleaf Grapefern

(Botrychium dissectum Spreng. (typical)) (Grape Fern)

Java Farm. Infrequent in same habitat as B. virginianum above. Also one station at 

north edge of Phalaris arundinacea meadow and base of south-facing slope (hectare 

2469). Higman 155.

B. dissectum Spreng. Cutleaf Grapefern

(B. dissectum forma obliquum (Muhl.) Fern. (var. obliquum (Muhl.) Clute)

Java Farm. One station along northern border between Muddy Creek Road gate 

and Muddy Creek. Associated with typical form above.

Ivy Neck. One station on Cheston Peninsula, in mature stand of Pinus taeda. Hectare 5719. Higman 1101, 1102.

OSMUNDACEAE

Osmunda

1. Sterile and fertile fronds bipinnate, the sterile with simple pinnules . . . . . . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . O. regalis

1. Sterile fronds once pinnate, with pinnatifid pinnae; fertile fronds separate, 

cinnamon-colored, densely wooly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . O. cinnamomea

Osmunda regalis L. var. spectabilis (Willd.) A. Gray Royal Fern

(Osmunda regalis L. var. spectabilis (Willd.) Gray) (var. not in Britton & Brown))

Java Farm. One station: Ravine on east-facing slope between Fox Point Road and 

Fox Creek estuary. Hectare 3544. Canopy of Pinus virginiana. Associate species: 

Osmunda cinnamomea. Higman 516.

O. cinnamomea L. Cinnamon Fern

Java Farm. Principal station on north shore of Hog Island near junction with salt 

marsh. Hectare 3582. Canopy of Quercus prinus, Q. alba, etc. Second station in Hog 

Island salt marsh near border of mainland. Hectare 3572. Partial canopy of young 
Plant Annotations 47

Quercus falcata, C. stellata. C. phellos. Third station at east-facing slope between Fox 

Point Road and Fox Creek estuary. Hectare 3544 (same site as O. regalis above). 

Canopy of Pinus virginiana. Higman 104, 442, 515.

DRYOPTERIDACEAE, THELYPTERIDACEAE, ASPLENIACEAE

(POLYPODIACEAE)

1. Indusium obsolete.

2. Fronds leathery, evergreen, simply pinnatifid. Expected (Polypodium).

2. Fronds herbaceous, deciduous, 2-to 4-times pinnate or pinnatifid.

3. Rhizome short and stout, forming a crown; fronds lanceolate, in vase-like 

clumps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Athyrium

3. Rhizome slender, long and forking; fronds deltoid or broader, solitary or 

scattered . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dryopteris

1. Indusium present.

4. Indusium formed by revolute margin of the frond. Expected (Pellaea, Cheilanthes, Dennstaedtia).

4. Indusium not formed by margin of frond, either dorsal or marginal.

5. Indusium borne beneath the sorus, surrounding its base as a saucershaped structure.

6. Fertile and sterile fronds similar, not rigid. Expected (Woodsia, Dennstaedtia). 

6. Fertile and sterile fronds very dissimilar, stiff, the sterile much larger, 

the fertile erect and rigid.

7. Fronds forming tall vase-like clumps, the sterile and fertile simply 

pinnate. Expected (Pteretis).

7. Fronds solitary or scattered, the sterile coarsely pinnatifid, the fertile 

bi-pinnate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Onoclea

5. Indusium spreading above or outside the sorus.

8. Indusium attached at center, orbicular to reniform.

9. Indusium shield-shaped, without a sinus . . . . . . . . . . . Polystichum

9. Indusium reniform or with deep sinus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dryopteris

8. Indusium attached at margin, linear or oblong to crescent-shaped. 

(Also, sori parallel to oblique lateral veins).

10. Fronds deciduous, pinnate to tripinnate; stipes flat, angled or 

furrowed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Athyrium

10. Fronds evergreen, pinnate (in species collected); stipes slender, 

nearly terete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asplenium

Athyrium

1. Fronds bi- to tripinnate; sori roundish or reniform; indusium crescent-shaped

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. filix-femina 

1. Fronds simply pinnate or deeply bipinnatifid; sori straight or nearly so. Expected 

(A. pycnocarpon).
48 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Athyrium filix-femina

1. Rhizome compact, covered with persistent old stipe-bases; frond widest near 

middle; indusia toothed, if ciliate the hairs not gland-tipped. (Also, fertile 

fronds more leathery and contracted than the sterile; mature sori confluent) 

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . var. michauxii

1. Rhizome horizontally creeping, with few or no stipe-bases; frond widest toward 

base; indusia ciliate, the cilia gland-tipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . var. asplenioides

Athyrium filix-femina (L.) Roth ssp. angustum Subarctic Ladyfern 

(Willd.) R.T. Clausen (Lady Fern)

(A. filix-femina (L.) Roth var. michauxii (Spreng.) 

Farw. (var. michauxii Mett.))

Ivy Neck. One station: mature stand of Pinus taeda on Cheston Peninsula. Hectare 

5719. Higman 1103.

A. filix-femina (L.) Roth ssp. angustum (Willd.) R.T. Clausen Subarctic Ladyfern

(A. filix-femina var. michauxii form rubellum Farw.) 

(A. angustum var. rubellum Butters)

Java Farm. One station: along Muddy Creek entrance road, at culvert of small 

tributary of Muddy Creek. Hectare 2497. Canopy of Platanus occidentalis. Higman 480.

A. filix-femina (L.) Roth ssp. asplenioides (Michx.) Hultén Asplenium Ladyfern

(A. filix-femina var. asplenioides (Michx.) Farw.) 

(A. asplenioides A. Eaton)

Java Farm. One station: floor of tributary valley of Muddy Creek, slightly upstream 

from Hog Island salt marsh. Hectare 3530. Canopy of Fagus grandifolia, Quercus 

alba, Liriodendron tulipifera, Liquidambar styraciflua. Higman 456.

Thelypteris, Dryopteris

1. Rhizome slender, forking, long; fronds thin, annual, scattered; stipe slender, 

naked or with scales 1–6 mm long. 

2. Fronds long-lanceolate, with 17 to 46 pairs of pinnae, the lowest pinnae 

shorter than to equaling the middle ones. 

3. Lateral veins of segments of sterile fronds forking; indusia glabrous or 

long-ciliate, not glandular . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D. thelypteris

3. Lateral veins of segments of sterile fronds simple; indusia finely glandularciliate. (Also, 23 to 46 pairs of pinnae) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D. noveboracensis

2. Fronds triangular to triangular-ovate, simple or with 8–30 pairs of pinnae, the 

lowest pinnae longest. Expected (D. hexagonoptera), See Appendix I, p. 225. 
Plant Annotations 49

1. Rhizome stout, short; fronds firm to evergreen, forming terminal crowns; stipe 

stout, with abundant basal scales 0.5–3.5 cm long. (Also, lowest pinnae mostly 

over 2 cm long and 1 cm wide; indusia not overlapping). 

4. Frond tripinnate or tripinnatifid, firm, evergreen; teeth of frond segments 

bristle-tipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D. dilatata

4. Frond bipinnate or bipinnatifid, firm to leathery, deciduous; teeth of segments not bristle-tipped. (Also, sori not marginal; fertile fronds much taller 

and narrower than the sterile) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D. cristata

Thelypteris palustris Schott var. pubescens (G. Lawson) Fernald Eastern Marsh Fern

(Dryopteris thelypteris (L.) Gray var. pubescens (Lawson) nakai) Marsh Fern

(Thelypteris palustris Schott. var. pubescens (Lawson) Fern.)

Java Farm. Infrequent. Principal station in Typha latifolia salt marsh at upstream 

end of tidal portion of Muddy Creek. Hectare 3403. Also in ravines on east-facing 

slope between Fox Point Road and Fox Creek estuary. Hectares 3543, 3544. Canopy 

of Pinus virginiana. Higman 286, 524.

T. noveboracensis (L.) Nieuwl. New York Fern

(D. noveboracensis (L.) Gray)

(T. noveboracensis (L.) Nieuwl)

Java Farm. One station: source of Fox Creek drainage at north boundary, west of 

new entrance gate. Hectare 2573. Canopy of young Ulmus americana, Liquidambar 

styraciflua, and Juglans nigra. Higman 317.

D. expansa (C. Presl) Fraser-Jenkins & Jermy Spreading Woodfern

(D. dilatata (Hoffmann) Gray) (Florist’s Fern)

(D. spinulosa (O. F. Muell) Watt, var.)

Java Farm. One station: near western apex of triangular area west of old Muddy 

Creek Road. Hectare 2470. Level ground adjacent marsh; canopy of mature Fagus 

grandifolia. A rare species in this region. Higman 251.

Dryopteris cristata (L.) A. Gray Crested Woodfern

(D. cristata (L.) Gray)

Java Farm. One station: bottom of Muddy Creek valley. Canopy of mature Fraxinus 

americana, Platanus occidentalis. Higman 74.

Onoclea

Onoclea sensibilis L. Sensitive Fern

Java Farm. Two stations: bank of Muddy Creek upstream from culvert of old entrance road. Canopy of Platanus occidentalis, Fagus grandifolia, Fraxinus americana. 

Also found along deep, narrow ditch of Fox Creek drainage. Higman 182, 325.
50 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Polystichum

Polystichum acrostichoides (Michx.) Schott. Christmas Fern

Java Farm. Infrequent to moderately abundant on shaded slopes. Found along trail 

at north border between Muddy Creek and old entrance gate, in forest overlooking 

Rhode River and north side of Fox Creek salt marsh, and on east-facing slope west 

of main buildings. Grows under a variety of hardwood canopies. Higman 160, 161, 

237, 376, 497.

Asplenium

Asplenium platyneuron (L.) Britton, Sterns & Poggenb. Ebony Spleenwort

(Asplenium platyneuron (L.) Oakes)

Java Farm. Infrequent. Found along trail at north border between Muddy Creek 

and old entrance gate, in old fields, and on bank overlooking salt marsh at northeast corner of Farm.

Ivy Neck. One station on bank overlooking halophytic area at Sand Point, on Cheston Peninsula. Hectare 4860. Higman 143, 162, 164, 209, 218, 470, 875.

CUPRESSACEAE, PINACEAE

1. Leaves opposite or in 3’s, scale-like; fruit berry-like, blue and glaucous . . . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Juniperus

1. Leaves sheathed in fascicles; fruit a woody cone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pinus

Juniperus

Juniperus virginiana L. var. virginiana Eastern Redcedar

(Juniperus virginiana L. var. crebra Fern. & Grisc.) (Redcedar)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Moderately abundant along roads and fences, in old fields, 

and in a variety of hardwood forest types. Infrequent in dry, halophytic areas and 

salt marshes. Higman 112, 259, 1130.

Pinus

1. Needles 14–25 cm long; cone scales with stout spine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. taeda

1. Needles usually shorter than 12 cm; cone scales with awl-shaped spine. 

2. Needles in 3’s. Expected (P. rigida, P. serotina). 

2. Needles in 2’s. 

3. Twigs glaucous; needles 7–12 cm long; spine of cone scale 1 mm long, 

weak. Expected (P. echinata). 

3. Twigs brown, not glaucous; needles 4–8 cm long; spine of cone scale 

2–3 mm long, firm, straight or recurved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. virginiana
Plant Annotations 51

Pinus taeda L. Loblolly Pine

Java Farm. Infrequent; mature stand on south-facing slope of ridge, west of main 

buildings and below water tank. Scattered through canopy of mature Pinus virginiana, Fagus grandifolia, and Quercus alba on adjacent west-facing slope. Young 

individuals scattered in old fields. 

Ivy Neck. Mature, planted stand on lower Cheston Peninsula. Higman 41, 415, 508, 

574, 649.

P. virginiana Mill. Virginia Pine

(Scrub Pine)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Frequently dominates understory of Quercus prinus forest; infrequent to moderately abundant in old fields, there associated with Robinia 

pseudoacacia, Liquidambar styraciflua, Acer rubrum, etc. 

Java Farm. Dominant or co-dominant on west-facing slope overlooking old entrance 

road, and along Fox Point Road near base of Fox Point Peninsula. Higman 265.

TYPHACEAE

Typha

1. Staminate and pistillate parts of the spike contiguous; pistillate part 1.5 to 3.5 cm 

in diameter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T. latifolia

1. Staminate and pistillate parts of the spike separated; pistillate part 6 to 12 mm 

in diameter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T. angustifolia

Typha latifolia L. Broadleaf Cattail

(Common Cattail)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Abundant or moderately abundant in salt marshes near 

heads of estuaries and at the landward margins of more saline marshes. Associate 

species: Dryopteris thelypteris (co-dominant in one marsh near head of tidal portion 

of Muddy Creek), Scirpus americanus (co-dominant in marsh at head of Cheston 

Creek estuary), Hibiscus palustris, Kosteletzkya virginica, Panicum virgatum (infrequent at landward margins of other salt marshes). Higman 90.

T. angustifolia L. Narrowleaf Cattail

(Narrow-leaved Cattail)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Infrequent to moderately abundant near landward margins of salt marshes. Associate species: Typha latifolia. Higman 211, 533.
52 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

SPARGANIACEAE

Sparganium

Sparganium eurycarpum Engelm. Broadfruit bur-reed

(Burreed)

Ivy Neck. One station: large clump on dried mud bottom of cut-off pond on Cheston Peninsula. Hectare 4880. Associate species: Rumex verticillatus, Sambucus 

canadensis, Sium suave. Higman 944.

POTAMOGETONACEAE, ZANNICHELLIACEAE

(ZOSTERACEAE)

1. Flowers in spikes or on a long axis. 

2. Spike more than 2-flowered, raised above the stipule in anthesis; carpels in 

fruit sessile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Potamogeton

2. Spike 2-flowered, enclosed in the sheathing leaf base in anthesis; carpels in 

fruit raised on slender stalks. Expected (Ruppia). 

1. Flowers axillary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zannichellia

Potamogeton

Potamogeton perfoliatus L. Claspingleaf Pondweed

(Potamogeton perfoliatus L. var. bupleuroides (Fern.) Farw.) (Pondweed)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Abundant in estuaries. Associate species: Myriophyllum 

spicatum. Higman 272, 1009.

Zannichellia

Zannichellia palustris L. Horned Pondweed

Ivy Neck. One station: cut-off pond on Cheston Peninsula. Higman 1154.

ALISMATACEAE

1. Carpels in a single ring, strongly flattened; style on the ventral margin of the 

carpel, below the tip; flowers all perfect; stamens 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alisma

1. Carpels in dense heads; style apical; upper flowers staminate (or all either staminate or pistillate); stamens numerous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sagittaria
Plant Annotations 53

Alisma

Alisma subcordatum Raf. American Water Plantain

(Mud-plantain)

Ivy Neck. One station: shore of small cut-off pond on Cheston Peninsula, south of 

Sand Point. Hectare 5800. Associate species: Rumex verticillatus, Cephalanthus occidentalis, Echinochloa walteri, Galinsoga ciliata. Higman 946.

Sagittaria

Sagittaria latifolia Willd. Broadleaf Arrowhead

(Sagittaria latifolia Willd. var. pubescens (Muhl.) J. C. Sm.) Duckpotato

Java Farm. One station: dry, sandy bed of north fork of Muddy Creek, upstream 

from culvert of old entrance road, near barrier of piling (collected during drought). 

Hectare 2467. Canopy of Platanus occidentalis, Fagus grandifolia, and Liriodendron 

tulipifera. Under-story chiefly Lindera benzoin. Associate species: Impatiens capensis, Polygonum arifolium. Also observed in the freshwater part of Fox Creek marsh. 

Hectare 3526. Higman 1056.

POACEAE

(GRAMINEAE)

Key to Tribes

1. Spikelets 1-to-many-flowered; articulation above the glumes except in Oryzeae. 

2. Plants woody; culms perennial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bambuseae (Expected)

2. Plants herbaceous; culms annual. 

3. Spikelets 3-flowered, with 2 rudimentary florets below the perfect one . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Phalarideae (p. 54)

3. Spikelets 1- to -several-flowered, with no rudimentary florets below the 

perfect one (but sometimes above it). 

4. Spikelets unisexual; plants monoecious. 

5. Pistillate spikelets embedded in joints of the rachis . . . Tripsaceae (p. 54)

5. Pistillate spikelets not embedded in the joints of the rachis . . . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zizanieae (Expected) 

4. Spikelets perfect or, if unisexual, the plants dioecious. 

6. Glumes minute or wanting; articulation below them . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oryzeae (p. 55) 

6. Glumes, or at least one of them, well-developed; articulation above 

them. 

7. Spikelets sessile; rachis continuous except in Hordeum. 

8. Spikelets on opposite sides of the rachis; spikes terminal, 

solitary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hordeae (p. 55) 

8. Spikelets on one side of the rachis; spikes digitate or racemose 

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chlorideae (p. 57) 
54 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

7. Spikelets pedicellate, in open, contracted, or spikelike panicles, 

rarely in racemes. (Spikelets subsessile in Phleum). 

9. Spikelets usually 1-flowered . . . . . . . . . . . . . Agrostideae (p. 59)

9. Spikelets 2-to several-flowered. 

10. Glumes as long as the lowest floret, usually as long as 

the spikelets; lemmas awned from the back (awnless in 

Sphenopholis, awned between the teeth of a bifid apex in 

Danthonia) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aveneae (p. 61) 

10. Glumes, or at least one of them, shorter than the first floret; lemmas awnless or awned from the tip, or from the 

back just below the tip, or from between the teeth of a bifid 

apex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Festuceae (p. 63)

1. Spikelets with 1 perfect terminal floret and one imperfect or sterile lower floret; 

articulation below the glumes. 

11. Spikelets paired, one sessile and perfect, the other pediceled and staminate, 

sterile, or wanting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andropogoneae (p. 69) 

11. Spikelets single (or in rows on one side of a continuous rachis in Digitaria

and Paspalum) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paniceae (p. 70)

Phalarideae

1. Lower florets reduced to small, awnless, scale-like lemmas, smaller than the 

fertile florets; glumes equal, sometimes winged on the keel . . . . . . . . Phalaris

1. Lower florets consisting of awned, hairy, sterile lemmas exceeding the fertile 

floret; glumes very unequal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anthoxanthum

Phalaris

Phalaris arundinacea L. Reed Canarygrass

(Reed Canary-grass)

Java Farm. Abundant in somewhat marshy 5-acre meadow north of main buildings. 

Infrequent on roadsides near main buildings. Higman 149, 772, 779, 826, 894.

Anthoxanthum

Anthoxanthum odoratum L. Sweet Vernalgrass

(Sweet Vernal Grass)

Ivy Neck. One station. Miss A. Colhoun’s garden. Higman 1155.

Tripsacum

(Tripsaceae)

Tripsacum dactyloides L. Eastern Gamagrass

(Gamagrass)

Java Farm. Infrequent, along roads and in scattered clumps in old fields. Higman 25.
Plant Annotations 55

Oryzeae

Leersia

1. Lower panicle branches fascicled; spikelets about 5 mm long; leaf sheaths and 

blades very harshly scabrous; rhizomes long and slender . . . . . . . . L. oryzoides

1. Lower panicle branches not fascicled; spikelets about 3 mm long; leaf sheaths 

and blades scabrous but not very harsh, not ciliate; rhizomes short, thick, and 

scaly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. virginica

Leersia oryzoides (L.) Sw. Rice Cutgrass

(Leersia oryzoides (L.) Wx.) (Rice-Cutgrass)

Java Farm. One station: in freshwater part of Fox Creek marsh. Hectare 3516. Associate species: Rosa palustris, Aster puniceus, Impatiens capensis. Higman 246.

L. virginica Willd. Whitegrass

Java Farm. Infrequent, in woods near bank of Muddy Creek upstream from entrance road culvert; also along Fox Creek drainage; also one station in old field 

south of old entrance road. Associate species: Onoclea sensibilis, Epilobium coloratum, Glyceria striata, Elephantopus carolinianus. Higman 141, 188, 326.

Hordeae

1. Spikelets solitary at each node of rachis. 

2. Spikelets placed edgewise to the rachis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lolium

2. Spikelets placed flatwise to the rachis.

3. Annuals, cultivated. 

4. Glumes ovate, 3-nerved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Triticum

4. Glumes subulate, 1-nerved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Secale

3. Perennials, not cultivated; plants with creeping rhizomes . . . . . Agropyron

1. Spikelets usually more than 1 at each node of the rachis. 

5. Spikelets 1-flowered, 3 at each node, the middle one sessile and perfect, 

the lateral pair usually pediceled, often reduced to awns and simulating an 

involucre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hordeum

5. Spikelets 2-to 6-flowered, all alike, usually 2 or more at each node. 

6. Spikes dense; glumes as long as the lemmas, simulating an involucre; 

spikelets ascending or slightly spreading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elymus

6. Spikes loose; glumes reduced to minute awn; spikelets widely spreading

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hystrix
56 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Lolium

Lolium perenne L. Perennial ryegrass

(Common Darnel)

Java Farm. One station: along north boundary fence, adjacent neighboring cornfield. 

Associate species: Clematis virginiana. Amaranthus hybridus, Ambrosia artemisiifolia.

Ivy Neck. One station: waste ground around old house, near entrance road, above 

drainage of east fork of Scaffold Creek. Hectare 4658. Associate species: Elymus 

villosus, Plantago aristata. Higman 769, 863.

Triticum

Triticum aestivum L. Common Wheat

(Wheat)

Ivy Neck. One station: path to abandoned wheat field on upper Scaffold Peninsula. 

Hectare 4740. Escaped from cultivation. Associate species: Polygonum avicular, 

Polygonum pensylvanicum, Diodia teres, Cyperus strigosus. Higman 684.

Secale

Secale cereale L. Cereal Rye

(Rye)

Ivy Neck. One station: abandoned wheat field on upper Scaffold Peninsula. Hectare 4761. Associate species: Trifolium pratense, Trifolium hybridum. Higman 747.

Elymus

(Agropyron)

Elymus repens (L.) Gould Quackgrass

(Agropyron repens (L.) Beauv.) (Quickgrass)

Java Farm. Infrequent: grassy field south of main buildings. Associate species: 

Agrostis alba, Cirsium discolor, Poa pratensis, Asclepias syriaca. Also one station beside new entrance road. Higman 829, 950.

Hordeum

Hordeum pusillum Nutt. Little Barley

Ivy Neck. One station: unpaved trail between cornfields on upper Scaffold Peninsula. Hectare 4771. Associate species: Anthemis arvensis, Plantago virginica, 

Lepidium virginicum, Rumex acetosella. Higman 697.

Elymus

1. Glumes narrow, bristle-like; glumes and lemmas hirsute . . . . . . . . . E. villosus

1. Glumes broadened near the base; glumes and lemmas glabrous or nearly so. 
Plant Annotations 57

2. Glumes about 1 mm wide at the middle, the bases not bowed out; palea much 

shorter than the lemma. Expected (E. riparius). 

2. Glumes 1.5–2 mm wide at the middle, the bases bowed out; palea about equal 

to the lemma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. virginicus

Elymus villosus Muhl. ex Willd. Hairy Wildrye

(Elymus villosus Muhl.) (Wild Rye)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Infrequent to moderately abundant; seems to prefer moderately moist, moderately shaded sites like borders of forest. No consistent associate species. One station at Java Farm: summit of ridge northeast of main buildings, 

under canopy of Juglans nigra. Three stations at Ivy Neck, near streams or estuaries. Liquidambar styraciflua canopy. Higman 831, 850, 865, 871.

E. virginicus L. Virginia Wildrye

(Terrell Grass)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Infrequent: dry, sandy sites near salt marshes. Two stations at Java Farm: small salt marsh on Rhode River above pier. Associate species: 

Asplenium platyneuron, Triodia flava, Rhus typhina, Celastrus scandens. One station 

at Ivy Neck: bank overlooking dry halophytic area at Sand Point, Cheston Peninsula. Hectare 4860. Higman 225, 227, 1108.

Elymus

(Hystrix)

Elymus hystrix L. var. hystrix Eastern Bottlebrush Grass

(Hystrix patula Moench) (Bottle-brush Grass)

Ivy Neck. One station: side of low bank at southwest border of Sand Point marsh. 

Hectare 4870. Junction of sand and mineral soil; shaded by forest. Associate species: Elymus villosus. E. virginicus. Higman 940.

Chlorideae

1. Spikelets with more than 1 perfect floret. 

2. Spikes slender, numerous, racemose; spikelets short-pediceled. Expected 

(Leptochloa). 

2. Spikes stout, few, digitate; spikelets sessile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eleusine

1. Spikelets with only 1 perfect floret, sometimes additional imperfect florets above. 

3. Spikelets without additional imperfect florets. 

4. Spikes racemose; culms erect; spikelets articulate below the glumes; salt 

marsh habitat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spartina

4. Spikes digitate; culms creeping by rhizomes or stolons; spikelets articulate 

above the glumes; terrestrial habitat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cynodon

3. Spikelets with 1 or more imperfect florets above the fertile one. Expected 

(Gymnopogon).
58 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Eleusine

Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn. Indian Goosegrass

(Goosegrass (L), Wiregrass)

Infrequent, on unshaded waste ground. Java Farm. One station: rubbish pile at 

main buildings. Hectare 2580. Associate species: Datura stramonium, Amaranthus 

spinosus, Solanum nigrum.

Ivy Neck. One station: near artificial pond at source of Cheston Creek drainage. 

Hectare 4722. Associate species: Datura stramonium, Polygonum persicaria, Abutilon theophrasti, Potentilla norvegica. Higman 499, 1001.

Spartina

1. Plants robust, usually more than 1 m tall; keel of glumes and lemmas hispidscabrous or ciliate; blades flat (involute after drying), more than 5 mm wide; 

spikelets more than 1 cm long. 

2. First glume nearly as long as the floret; second glume with an awn up to 

7 mm long. Expected (S. pectinata). 

2. First glume much shorter than the floret; second glume awnless, acute or 

mucronate. 

3. Margins of blades very harsh and scabrous; glumes strongly hispidscabrous on the keel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S. cynosuroides

3. Margins of blades glabrous or minutely scabrous; glumes soft-hispidulous 

or ciliate on the keel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S. alternifolia

1. Plants rather slender, usually less than 1 m tall; keels of glumes scabrous; blades 

involute, less than 5 mm wide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S. patens

Spartina cynosuroides (L.) Roth. Big Cordgrass

(Salt Reedgrass)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Moderately abundant in salt marshes on Rhode River 

and lower estuaries, on seaward side. Associate species: Aster subulatus, Baccharis 

halimifolia, Scirpus robustus, Atriplex patula. Higman 59.

S. alterniflora Loisel. Smooth Cordgrass

(S. alternifolia Loisel.) (Salt-water Cordgrass)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Moderately abundant in salt marshes on Rhode River and 

lower estuaries, and in dry, halophytic areas such as Sand Point. Associate species: 

Baccharis halimifolia, Distichlis spicata, Cakile edentula. Higman 115, 285.
Plant Annotations 59

S. patens (Aiton) Muhl. Saltmeadow Cordgrass

(S. patens (Ait.) Muhl.) (High-water Grass)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Moderately abundant in drier, more inland parts of salt 

marshes and halophytic sandy areas. Forms dense carpets. Associate species: Distichlis spicata. Panicum virgatum, Iva frutescens, Acnida cannabina. Higman 270.

Cynodon

Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. Bermudagrass

(Wiregrass (L), Bermuda Grass)

Java Farm. One station: parking area at main buildings, in cracked pavement. Hectare 2580. Higman 823.

Agrostideae

1. Panicle dense, spikelike. (Also, glumes as long as the lemma; articulation above 

the glumes.) 

2. Glumes glabrous, awnless; spikelets 11–14 mm long . . . . . . . . . . Ammophila

2. Glumes with spreading trichomes, abruptly awned; spikelets not more than 

4 mm long . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Phleum

1. Panicle somewhat open, not spikelike. (Also, lemma usually awned except in 

Cinna and some species of Agrostis). 

3. Fruit hardened; callus sharp-pointed. Expected (Aristida). 

3. Fruit thin; callus not sharp-pointed. 

4. Glumes as long as the lemma or longer. 

5. Callus of lemma bearded. Expected (Calamagrostis). 

5. Callus of lemma not bearded. 

6. Lemma minutely awned from just below the apex; spikelets falling 

entire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cinna

6. Lemma awnless or awned from the back or near the base; glumes 

persistent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Agrostis

4. Glumes usually shorter than the lemma. 

7. Rachilla not prolonged as a bristle behind the palea; grain enclosed in 

the lemma and palea at maturity. (Also, plant with slender rhizome unless first glume is obsolete) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Muhlenbergia

7. Rachilla prolonged behind the palea as a bristle; or if not, the grain falling from the lemma and palea at maturity. Expected (Brachyelytrum).

Ammophila

Ammophila arenaria (L.) Link European Beachgrass

(Sand-reed)

Ivy Neck. One station: beach on south shore of Sand Point. Hectare 4861. Higman 

1153.
60 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Phleum

Phleum pratense L. Timothy

Ivy Neck. Infrequent in abandoned grassy field on Scaffold Peninsula. Hectare 

4761. Associate species: Festuca elatior, Polygonum aviculare, Hypericum perforatum. 

Higman 810.

Cinna

Cinna arundinacea L. Sweet Woodreed

(Wood Reedgrass)

Java Farm. Infrequent in Muddy Creek valley; canopy of Fraxinus americana, Platanus occidentalis; understory of Lindera benzoin. Also one station at forest border 

of old field south of old entrance road; canopy of Fagus grandifolia and Quercus 

velutina. Higman 66, 85, 134.

Agrostis

1. Palea much smaller than the lemma or wanting, nerveless. (Also lemma awnless; plants perennial).

2. Panicle diffuse, its long branches forking at or above the middle. Expected 

(A. hyemalis). 

2. Panicle open but not diffuse, its branches forking at or below the middle. 

3. Spikelets mostly 2–2.5 mm long . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. perennans

3. Spikelets mostly 2.5–3.5 mm long, crowded near ends of panicle branches. 

Expected (A. altissima)

1. Palea at least half as long as lemma, 2-nerved. (Also, ligule 2–6 mm long; panicle 

branches spikelet-bearing to base.) 

4. Panicle open; long stolons absent. 

5. Culms erect, with strong creeping rhizomes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. alba

5. Culms decumbent; rhizomes wanting. Expected (A. stolonifera). 

4. Panicle narrow; long stolons usually present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. palustris

Agrostis perennans (Walter) Tuck. Upland Bentgrass

(Agrostis perennans (Walt.) Tuckerm.)

Java Farm. Infrequent, along Fox Creek drainage and in large field adjacent road to 

pier. Higman 324, 334.

A. stolonifera L. Redtop

(A. alba L.)

(A. stolonifera L.)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Infrequent in grassy abandoned fields. Associate species 

at Java Farm: Agropyron repens, Allium vineale, Cirsium discolor, Asclepias syriaca. 

Associates at Ivy Neck: Eleocharis intermedia, Carex scoparia, Agropyron repens. Higman 858, 951.
Plant Annotations 61

A. stolonifera L. Creeping Bentgrass

(A. palustris Huds.)

(A. stolonifera L.)

Java Farm. One station: bank of tidal portion of Muddy Creek, near mouth of tributary stream. Hectare 3437. Associate species: Brasenia schreberi, Carex lurida, Polygonum punctatum. Higman 989.

Muhlenbergia

Muhlenbergia schreberi J.F. Gmel. Nimblewill

(Muhlenbergia schreberi Gmel.)

Java Farm. Infrequent, along Fox Creek drainage and vicinity. Associate species: 

Perilla frutescens, Duchesnea indica, Aster lateriflorus, Geum canadense. Higman 309, 

318, 348.

Aveneae

1. Florets 2, one perfect, the other staminate. 

2. Lower floret staminate, with a long, bent, twisted awn; upper floret perfect

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arrhenatherum

2. Lower floret perfect, awnless; upper floret staminate, with a short, hooked 

awn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Holcus

1. Florets 2 or more, all alike except the reduced upper ones. 

3. Lemmas bifid, awned from between the lobes; florets several . . . . Danthonia

3. Lemmas awnless, mucronate, or awned from the back; florets usually 2 or 3 

(up to 6 in Avena). 

4. Glumes more than 1 cm long. Expected (Avena). 

4. Glumes less than 1 cm long. 

5. Glumes shorter than the florets; lemmas awnless or mucronate. 

6. Glumes unequal in shape, the second obovate and much broader 

than the first. (Also, plant 3–10 mm high in species collected) . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sphenopholis

6. Glumes similar in shape, unequal in size. (Also, plant 3–6 dm high). 

Expected (Koeleria). 

5. Glumes as long as or longer than the florets; lemmas awned from the 

back. 

7. Lemmas keeled, awned from near the apex; awn bent and twisted. 

Expected (Trisetum). 

7. Lemmas rounded on the back, awned from below the middle. 

8. Rachilla extending as a bristle behind the upper floret; plants 

perennial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deschampsia

8. Rachilla not extending; plants delicate annuals. Expected (Aira).
62 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Arrhenatherum

Arrhenatherum elatius (L.) P. Beauv. ex J. Presl & C. Presl Tall Oatgrass

(Arrhenatherum elatius (L.) Mert. and Koch) (Fall Oatgrass)

Java Farm. Infrequent along roads near main building area, and in old fields. Associate species: Triosteum perfoliatum, Galium circaezans, Houstonia purpurea, Lychnis 

alba. Higman 661, 716, 763, 778.

Holcus

Holcus lanatus L. Common Velvetgrass

(Velvet-grass)

Java Farm. One station: road to springhouse. Hectare 3417. Associate species: 

Melilotus alba, Taraxacum officinale, Valerianella olitoria, Duchesnea indica, Rhus 

radicans. Higman 800.

Danthonia

Danthonia spicata (L.) P. Beauv. ex Roem. & Schult. Poverty Oatgrass

(Danthonia spicata (L.) Beauv.) (Poverty-grass, White Oatgrass)

Java Farm. One station near marshy west end of Phalaris arundinacea meadow, 

north of main buildings. Hectare 2467. Associate species: Glyceria striata, Lindera 

benzoin, Allium vineale, Carex Wanda. 

Ivy Neck. Infrequent along banks of upper Cheston Creek estuary. Canopy of 

Quercus velutina, Prunus serotina, Liquidambar styraciflua, Acer rubrum. Associate 

species: Hieracium venosum, Amelanchier intermedia, Elymus villosus. Higman 787, 

843, 872.

Sphenopholis

Sphenopholis nitida (Biehler) Scribn. Shiny Wedgescale

(Sphenopholis nitida (Bieler) Scribn.)

Java Farm. One station: shoulder of old Muddy Creek Road, near entrance gate. 

Hectare 2473. Higman 643. 

Deschampsia

Deschampsia flexuosa (L.) Trin. Wavy Hairgrass

(Common Hairgrass)

Java Farm. Infrequent on Fox Point Road and moderately abundant at Fox Point 

under Quercus prinus canopy. Associate species: Rhododendron viscosum, Gaylussacia baccata, Kalmia latifolia, Juncus tenuis, Baptisia tinctoria. Higman 435, 645, 802.
Plant Annotations 63

Festuceae

1. Plants dioecious . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Distichlis

1. Plants not dioecious; flowers usually perfect. 

2. Plants more than 1.5 m tall; salt marsh habitat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Phragmites

2. Plants not more than 1.5 m tall, usually shorter; terrestrial habitat.

3. Lemmas with 3 prominent nerves. 

4. Lemmas pubescent on the nerves and callus, the midnerve extended as 

a short awn. 

5. Palea densely long-ciliate on upper half of keel; panicle with few 

spreading, few-flowered branches; sandy beach habitat. Expected 

(Triplasis). 

5. Palea not long-ciliate on upper half of keel; panicle large and open; 

roadside-old field habitat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Triodia

4. Lemmas not pubescent on the nerves and callus, awnless . . . . Eragrostis

3. Lemmas with 5 to many nerves, these sometimes faint. 

6. Lemmas keeled. 

7. Spikelets with 1–4 empty lemmas below the fertile florets . . . Uniola

7. Spikelets with no empty lemmas below the fertile florets. 

8. Spikelets flat, nearly sessile, in thick 1-sided clusters at the ends of 

stiff branches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dactylis

8. Spikelets only slightly flattened, not in 1-sided clusters. 

9. Spikelets more than 1 cm long; lemmas awned . . . . . . Bromus

9. Spikelets not more than 6 mm long; lemmas awnless . . . Poa

6. Lemmas rounded on back. 

10. Nerves of lemma prominent, parallel. (Also, glumes not papery; all 

florets alike; spikelets usually green) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Glyceria

10. Nerves of lemma less prominent, converging toward the summit. 

11. Lemmas minutely bifid at apex, awned from between the teeth

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bromus

11. Lemmas acute, awned from the tip or awnless.

12. Lemmas awned (except in F. elatior and F. obtusa); without 

cobwebby pubescence at base . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Festuca

12. Lemmas awnless; with cobwebby pubescence at base (Except in P. annua, P. autumnalis, and P. compressa) . . . Poa

Distichlis

Distichlis spicata (L.) Greene Saltgrass 

(Alkali-grass)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Moderately abundant in the more inland parts of salt 

marshes. Associate species: Spartina patens, Panicum virgatum, Iva frutescens. 

Higman 52.
64 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Phragmites

Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud. Common Reed

(Phragmites communis Trin.) (Reed)

Java Farm. One station in Hog Island salt marsh. Hectare 3583. Associate species: 

Spartina cynosuroides, Panicum virgatum. One other station reported in Corn Island 

salt marsh. Higman 441.

Tridens

(Triodia)

Tridens flavus (L.) Hitchc. var. flavus Purpletop Tridens

(Triodia flava (L.) Smyth (Tridens flavus (L.) Hitchc.) (Fall Redtop)

Java Farm. One station: old field near Fox Point Road on north side, near stand of 

Pinus virginiana. Hectare 3533. Higman 363.

T. flavus (L.) Hitchc. var. flavus Purpletop Tridens

(T. flava, forma cuprea (Jacq.) Fosberg) (Fall Redtop)

Java Farm. Infrequent in old fields. Also one station in cracked pavement at main 

buildings. Hectare 2580. Associate species: Euphorbia maculata, Juncus tenuis, Eupatorium serotinum. Higman 13, 226, 341.

Erogrostis

Eragrostis spectabilis (Pursh) Steud. Purple Lovegrass

(Love-grass, Tumble-grass)

Java Farm. Infrequent to moderately abundant in Fox Point Road, Associate species: Plantago aristata, Dianthus armeria, Digitaria ischaemum, Juncus tenuis. Higman 26, 365.

Chasmanthium

(Uniola)

Chasmanthium laxum (L.) Yates Slender Woodoats

(Uniola laxa (L.) BSP.) (Spikegrass, Spanglegrass)

(new comb. Chasmanthium laxum (L.) Yates)

Java Farm. Infrequent in Hog Island salt marsh. Associate species: Distichlis 

spicata, Panicum virgatum. Higman 342, 452.

Dactylis

Dactylis glomerata L. Orchardgrass

(Orchard-grass)

Java Farm. Infrequent: stations beside old and new entrance roads. Associate species: Galium aparine, Carex blanda, Carex muhlenbergii var. enervis, Fragaria virginiana, Poa pratensis. Higman 640, 1107.
Plant Annotations 65

Bromus

1. Spikelets strongly flattened, lemmas keeled; awn short or wanting. Expected 

(B. catharticus). 

1. Spikelets not strongly flattened, terete before flowering; awn usually present. 

2. Plants perennial; culms usually 1 m tall or more. 

3. Creeping rhizomes present; panicle erect, contracted at maturity; lemmas 

glabrous; awn minute or wanting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. inermis

3. Creeping rhizomes wanting; panicle open, spreading or drooping; lemmas evenly pubescent; awn present. Expected (B. latiglumis). 

2. Plants annual; culms usually shorter than 70 cm 

4. Lemmas narrow, acuminate, with a sharp callus at the base; awns usually 

more than 1.5 cm long. Expected (B. tectorum). 

4. Lemmas broad, rounded above, without a sharp callus; awns usually less 

than 1 cm long or wanting. 

5. Panicle contracted, its branches erect or ascending. 

6. Lemmas pubescent. Expected (B. mollis). 

6. Lemmas scabrous or glabrous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. racemosus

5. Panicle open, its branches spreading or drooping. 

7. Lemma inflated, awnless. Expected (B. brizeaformis). 

7. Lemma not inflated, awned. 

8. Branches of panicle rather stiffly spreading, not drooping . . . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. commutatus

8. Branches of panicle lax, drooping. 

9. Lemmas obtuse; awn flexuous; palea distinctly shorter than 

lemma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. japonicus

9. Lemmas acute, bifid; awn straight or nearly so; palea about as 

long as lemma. Expected (B. arvensis).

Bromus inermis Leyss. Smooth Brome

(Awnless Bromegrass)

Ivy Neck. One station: beside trail to abandoned grassy field on Scaffold Peninsula. 

Hectare 4740. Associate species: Rumex crispus, Anagallis arvensis, Galinsoga ciliate, 

Mollugo verticillata, Oenothera biennis. Higman 854.

B. racemosus L. Bald Brome 

(Bromegrass)

Java Farm. One station: broken pavement in Fox Point Road. Associate species: 

Plantago aristata, Festuca myuros, Cyperus filicinus. Higman 1112.
66 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

B. racemosus L. Bald Brome

(B. commutatus Schrad.) (Hairy Chess)

(B. racemosus L.)

Java Farm. Infrequent along new entrance road and Fox Point Road. Also one station on south-facing slope east of Muddy Creek and adjacent north border. Hectare 

2458. Associate species: Allium vineale, Juncus canadensis, Carex tribuloides, Plantago aristata. Higman 788, 891, 1136.

B. arvensis L. Field Brome

(B. japonicus Thunb.) (Japanese Chess)

Java Farm. One station: old field on south side of Fox Creek marsh. Hectare 3524. 

Partial canopy of Pinus virginiana and Liquidambar styraciflua. Associate species: 

Erigeron annuus, Solidago graminifolia, S. altissima. Higman 890.

Poa

1. Plants not more than 25 cm tall; annuals. 

2. Lemmas with webby pubescence at base, distinctly 3-nerved, the intermediate nerves faint, thickly pubescent on the lateral nerves and keel; plants pale 

green . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. chapmaniana

2. Lemmas glabrous at base, distinctly 5-nerved, somewhat pubescent on the 

lower half of all nerves, especially the keel; plants bright green . . . . P. annua

1. Plants more than 25 cm tall; perennials. 

3. Creeping rhizomes present. 

4. Culms very flattened, 2-edged; lemmas glabrous or nearly so at base . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. compressa

4. Culms rounded or slightly flattened; lemmas with webby pubescence at base. 

5. Blades shorter than the culm; lower branches of panicle in a whorl of 5

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. pratensis

5. Blades about equal to the culm in length; lower branches of panicle usually in 2’s. Expected (P. cuspidata). 

3. Creeping rhizomes wanting. 

6. Lemmas glabrous at base, tips of lemma blunt and scarious . . . . . . . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. autumnalis

6. Lemmas webbed at base. 

7. Lemmas slightly pubescent on the keel or glabrous on all nerves. Expected (P. trivialis). 

7. Lemmas pubescent on the keel and marginal nerves. 

8. Lower panicle branches spreading or reflexed at maturity; panicle erect, much longer than wide; intermediate nerves of lemma 

prominent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. sylvestris

8. Lower panicle branches not reflexed at maturity; panicle long, open; 

intermediate nerves of lemma faint. Expected (P. palustris).
Plant Annotations 67

Poa chapmaniana Scribn. Chapman’s Bluegrass

(Meadowgrass)

Java Farm. One station: broken pavement at main building area. Hectare 2580. Associate species: Poa annua, Juncus tenuis, Triodia flava. 

Ivy Neck. One station at border of cornfield on Scaffold Peninsula. Higman 587, 822.

P. annua L. Annual Bluegrass

Java Farm. One station: broken pavement at main building area. Hectare 2580. Associate species: Poa chapmaniana above. Higman 1113.

P. compressa L. Canada Bluegrass

(Wiregrass, Canada bluegrass)

Ivy Neck. Moderately abundant in grazed woods at head of Cheston Creek estuary. Canopy of Robinia pseudoacacia, Platanus occidentalis, Diospyros virginiana. Also 

one station on east bank of estuary. Higman 731, 734, 876.

P. pratensis L. Kentucky Bluegrass

(Junegrass)

Java Farm. Moderately abundant; dominant species in the few remaining grass areas 

in old fields. Infrequent along roadsides at both Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Forms 

dense turf, invaded by Rhus radicans and Cirsium discolor. Higman 335, 547, 621.

P. autumnalis Muhl. ex Elliott Autumn Bluegrass

(P. autumnalis Muhl. ex Ell.) (Meadowgrass)

Java Farm. One station: Mature forest near old entrance road. Hectare 2474. Canopy of Fagus grandifolia, Quercus alba, Nyssa sylvatica, Liriodendron tulipifera, Liquidambar styraciflua. Higman 678.

P. sylvestris A. Gray Woodland Bluegrass

(P. sylvestris Gray) (Meadowgrass)

Java Farm. Infrequent; stations at old entrance gate and at bank of Muddy Creek 

upstream from entrance road. Canopy of mature Fagus grandifolia, Liriodendron 

tulipifera. Associate species (none at both stations): Dactylis glomerata, Galium 

aparine, Glyceria striata. Higman 641, 791.

Glyceria

1. Spikelets linear, 1–4 cm long . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G. septentrionalis

1. Spikelets ovate, 2–7 mm long. (Also, panicle open; lemmas prominently nerved; 

first glume less than 1 mm long; florets crowded toward ends of branches, often 

purplish) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G. striata
68 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Glyceria septentrionalis Hitchc. Floating Mannagrass

(Sweet Grass, Floating Eastern Mannagrass)

Ivy Neck. One station: moist, grazed woods at head of Cheston Creek estuary. Hectare 4733. Canopy of mature Platanus occidentalis, Diospyros virginiana, Liquidambar 

styraciflua, Robinia pseudoacacia. Associate species: Glyceria striata, Poa compressa, 

Carex crinita, Carex tribuloides. Higman 735.

G. striata (Lam.) Hitchc. Fowl Mannagrass

(Fowl Meadowgrass)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Infrequent to moderately abundant in stream valleys, 

moist woodland, etc. Principal stations are at head of Cheston Creek estuary (described above) and at shore of Muddy Creek, upstream from culvert of old entrance 

road (Java Farm). Associate species besides those listed above: Panicum clandestinum, Lindera benzoin, Carex blanda, Duchesnea indica, Danthonia spicata. Higman 

180, 730, 732, 745, 756, 790.

Schedonorus, Festuca, Vulpia

1. Blades usually 4–8 mm wide, flat. (Also, plants tall perennials, not densely 

tufted; lemmas awnless except in F. elatior forma aristata). 

2. Spikelets 8–15 mm long, 6- to 11-flowered; panicle contracted; lemmas acute

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F. elatior

2. Spikelets 4–6 mm long, 2- to 5-f lowered; panicle diffuse; lemmas obtuse. 

3. Spikelets lanceolate, scattered at tips of branchlets; glumes and lemmas 

appressed. Expected (F. obtusa). 

3. Spikelets ovate, close together; glumes and lemmas loosely ascending . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F. paradoxa

1. Blades usually less than 1.5 mm wide, involute or, if flat, less than 3.5 mm wide. 

4. Plants annual; stamen 1. (Also, lemmas glabrous).

5. First glume much shorter than the second; awns about 1 cm long . . . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F. myuros

5. First glume 2/3 to 3/4 as long as the second; awns 3 to 5 mm long . . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F. octoflora

4. Plants perennial; stamens 3. (Also, culms densely tufted). 

6. Culms somewhat decumbent at base; base reddish, the basal sheaths 

becoming fibrous shreds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F. rubra

6. Culms erect; base not reddish or shreding. Expected (F. ovina).

Schedonorus pratensis (Huds.) P. Beauv. Meadow Fescue 

(Festuca elatior L.) Meadow-Fescue

Ivy Neck. One station: abandoned grassy field on Scaffold Peninsula. Hectare 

4772. Associate species: Phleum pratense, Trifolium arvense, Hypericum perforatum. 

Higman 809.
Plant Annotations 69

Festuca paradoxa Desv. Clustered Fescue

(Fescue)

Java Farm. One station: beside new entrance road. Hectare 2582. Associate species: 

Panicum clandestinum, Vicia sativa, Lepidium campestre, Melilotus alba. Higman 833.

Vulpia myuros (L.) C.C. Gmel. Annual Fescue

(F. myuros L.)

Java Farm. One station: broken pavement on Fox Point Road. Associate species: 

Plantago aristata, Cyperus filicinus, Dianthus armeria. Higman 807.

V. octoflora (Walter) Rydb. var. octoflora Sixweeks Fescue

(F. octoflora Walt.) (Six-weeks Fescue)

Ivy Neck. One station: west shore of Cheston Creek estuary. Canopy of Quercus velutina, Acer rubrum, Juglans nigra, Liquidambar styraciflua. Associate species: Glyceria striata. Higman 742.

F. rubra L. Red Fescue

Java Farm. Infrequent; road to springhouse. Hectare 3417. Associate species: 

Taraxacum officinale, Poa pratensis, Rhus radicans. Higman 1109, 1110.

Andropogoneae

1. Spikelets all alike, perfect. (Also, spikelets surrounded by copious soft hairs; 

lemmas awned). Expected (Miscanthus, Erianthus).

1. Spikelets dissimilar, one of each group sessile and perfect, the other 1 or 2 pedicellate and either staminate, sterile, or reduced to a pedicel. 

2. Blades ovate; plant a weak, trailing annual. Expected (Arthraxon). 

2. Blades linear, elongate; plant erect, stiff, perennial. 

3. Racemes terminal and axillary; rachis with several to many joints, promptly 

disarticulating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andropogon

3. Racemes terminal only; rachis with 2 or 3 tardily separating joints. 

4. Fertile spikelet awnless (awn very early-deciduous); pediceled spikelets 

staminate or sterile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sorghum

4. Fertile spikelet with a long, persistent, basally twisted awn; pediceled 

spikelets usually rediced to hairy pedicels . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sorghastrum

Schizachyrium, Andropogon

1. Racemes solitary on each peduncle; internodes and pedicels club-shaped . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. scoparius

1. Racemes 2 to several on each peduncle, digitate; internodes and pedicels slender. (Also, pedicellate spikelet reduced to a pedicel or to empty glumes; racemes 

silky villous, not conspicuously aggregate at the summit of the culm). 
70 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

2. Peduncles mostly 5 to 15 cm long. Expected (A. elliottii, A. ternarius). 

2. Peduncles not more than 1 cm long. 

3. Upper sheaths conspicuously inflated. Expected (A. elliottii). 

3. Upper sheaths not inflated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. virginicus

Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash var. scoparium Little Bluestem

(Andropogon scoparius Michx.) (Bluestem, Bunchgrass)

Java Farm. Infrequent in Hog Island salt marsh. Associate species: Panicum virgatum, Myrica cerifera, Diospyros virginiana, Distichlis spicata. Higman 287, 292, 302.

Andropogon virginicus L. Broomsedge Bluestem

(Broomsedge)

Java Farm. Infrequent in Phalaris arundinacea meadow and on adjacent southand west-facing slopes. Associate species: Asplenium platyneuron, Hypericum mutilum, Paspalum laeve, Sorghastrum nutans. Higman 150.

Sorghum

Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers. Johnsongrass

(Johnson-grass)

Java Farm. Infrequent in old fields, especially near the pier. Associate species: Gnaphalium obtusifolium, Triosetum perfoliatum, Solidago altissima. Higman 144, 243.

Sorghastrum

Sorghastrum nutans (L.) Nash Indiangrass

(Indian Grass)

Java Farm. Infrequent in old fields; often solitary among dense Lonicera japonica

and Rhus radicans. Higman 205, 207, 467.

Paniceae

1. Spikelets subtended by an involucre of 1 to many distinct or united bristles. 

2. Bristles united into a spiny bur permanently enclosing the spikelet . . . . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cenchrus

2. Bristles separate, persistent, the spikelets deciduous . . . . . . . . . . . . . Setaria

1. Spikelets not subtended by an involucre. 

3. Glumes or sterile lemma awned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Echinochloa

3. Glumes and sterile lemma awnless. 

4. Fruit tough but flexible; margins of lemma not inrolled. 

5. Spikelets in slender, rather digitate terminal racemes . . . . . . .Digitaria

5. Spikelets in diffuse panicles. Expected (Leptoloma).
Plant Annotations 71

4. Fruit hard and rigid; margins of lemma inrolled. (Also, spikelets placed 

with the back of the lemma toward the rachis, or spikelets pedicellate in 

panicles). 

6. First glume wanting; spikelets plano-convex, in spikelike racemes . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paspalum

6. First glume present; spikelets not plano-convex, in panicles. 

7. Spikelets on short pedicels; second glume inflated like a sac near the 

base. Expected (Sacciolepis). 

7. Spikelets on long pedicels; second glume not inflated . . . . . . Panicum

Cenchrus

Cenchrus tribuloides L. Sanddune Sandbur

(Sandbur)

Ivy Neck. Infrequent on sandy beach on Rhode River shore of Cheston Peninsula. Associate species: Strophostyles helvola, Spartina alterniflora, Cakile edentula. 

Higman 1013.

Setaria

1. Bristles of involucre at least 5. (Also, panicle dense, spikelike). 

2. Plants with short, knotty rhizomes; spikelets about 2.5 mm long; palea 

reduced; plant perennial. Expected (S. geniculata). 

2. Plants without rhizomes; spikelets about 3 mm long; palea developed; plant 

annual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S. glauca

1. Bristles of involucre 1 to 3, or appearing more by abortion of spikelets. 

3. Bristles retrorsely scabrous. Expected (S. verticillata). 

3. Bristles antrorsely scabrous. 

4. Fertile lemma coarsely transversely rugose; spikelets about 3 mm long

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S. faberii

4. Fertile lemma smooth or slightly rugose; spikelets not more than 2.5 mm 

long. Expected (S. viridis). 

Setaria pumila (Poir.) Roem. & Schult. subsp. pumila Yellow Foxtail

(Setaria glauca (L.) Beauv.) (Foxtail Grass, Yellow bristlegrass)

(S. lutescens (Weigel) F. T. Hubbard)

Java Farm. Infrequent in old fields. 

Ivy Neck. Moderately abundant near margins of cultivated fields. Associate species: Strophostyles umbellata, Echinochloa walteri, Polygonum persicaria, Eupatorium 

serotinum, Datura stramonium. Higman 140, 336, 1045, 1052, 1127.
72 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

S. faberi Herrm. Japanese Bristlegrass

(S. faberii Herrm.) (Foxtail Grass)

Java Farm. One station: rubbish pile at main building area. Hectare 2580. Associate species: Eleusine indica, Datura stramonium. Also one station at north border, 

beside neighboring cornfield. 

Associate species: Clematis virginiana, Amaranthus hybridus. 

Ivy Neck. One station: pile of dry soil near artificial pond at head of Cheston Creek 

drainage. Hectare 4722. Associate species: Echinochloa pungens. Higman 5, 878, 1035.

Echinochloa

1. Second glume awnless (often acuminate in E. pungens); spikelets ovoid; fruit 

ovoid to oval; sheaths of leaves glabrous. 

2. Fertile (coriaceous) lemma obtuse to subacute, the tip soft and wilting; spikelets with appressed slender trichomes, pustular-based trichomes if present 

few and marginal. Expected (E. crusgalli). 

2. Fertile lemma acuminate, the tip firm; spikelets with conspicuous bristles, 

the trichomes usually pustular-based . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. pungens

1. Second glume awned (awn shorter than that of sterile lemma); spikelets ellipsoid; fruit slenderly lanceolate to lance-ellipsoid, acute; sheaths of leaves usually 

hirsute, the hairs pustular-based . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. walteri

Echinochloa muricata (P. Beauv.) Fernald var. muricata Rough Barnyardgrass

(Echinochloa pungens (Poir.) Rydb.) (Barnyard Grass)

(E. crusgalli (L.) Beauv.)

Java Farm. One station: marshy west end of Phalaris arundinacea meadow, north of 

main building area. Hectare 2467. Associate species: Erechtites hieracifolia, Juncus 

effusus, Polygonum pensylvanicum, Polygonum sagittatum.

Ivy Neck. Infrequent at borders of cultivated fields: one station near artificial pond 

at source of Cheston Creek drainage; one in weedy field near forested valley of 

Scaffold Creek drainage. 

Associate species: Eleusine indica, Ludwigia palustris, Polygonum persicaria, Setaria 

glauca, Strophostyles umbellata. Higman 174, 255, 866, 996, 1138.

E. walteri (Pursh) A. Heller Coast Cockspur Grass

(E. walteri (Pursh) Nash)

Java Farm. One station: upstream limit of salt marsh on Muddy Creek, beyond 

margin of forest. Hectare 3430. Associate species: Echinochloa pungens, Baccharis 

halimifolia, Cyperus strigosus, Asclepias incarnata, Eclipta alba, Scirpus validus var. 

creber. Higman 541.
Plant Annotations 73

Digitaria

Digitaria ischaemum (Schreb.) Schreb. ex Muhl. Smooth Crabgrass

(Digitaria ischaemum (Schreb.) Muhl.) (Crabgrass)

Java Farm. Infrequent along Fox Point Road and in yard of burned house on road 

to springhouse. Associate species: Juncus tenuis, Rhus typhina, Paspalum setaceum. 

Higman 27, 387.

Paspalum

1. Racemes both terminal and axillary, the latter sometimes hidden in the sheaths; 

spikelets not more than 2 mm long. 

2. Blades usually not over 8 mm wide; spikelets about 1. 5 mm long . . . . . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. setaceum

2. Blades up to 20 mm wide; spikelets at least 2 mm long. (Also, culms erect; 

leaves sparsely to densely pilose). Expected (P. pubescens). 

1. Racemes terminal on the primary culm or on leafy branches, not axillary; spikelets 2.5–4 mm long. 

3. Spikelets conspicuously ciliate on the margins; leaves glabrous. (Also, culms 

geniculate at base). Expected (P. dilatatum). 

3. Spikelets not ciliate; leaves pilose. 

4. Plants robust, usually 1–2 m tall; spikelets 4 mm long . . . . . P. floridanum. 

4. Plants not robust, less than 1 m tall; spikelets usually under 3.5 mm long.

5. Spikelets orbicular, 3–3.2 mm long. (Also, blades as long as or longer 

than the culm). Expected (P. circulare). 

5. Spikelets longer than broad, mostly under 3 mm long. 

6. Sheaths and blades very pilose; culms ascending to erect. Expected 

(P. longipilum). 

6. Sheaths and blades glabrous or sparsely pilose; culms more spreading 

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. leave

Paspalum setaceum Michx. Thin Paspalum

Java Farm. One station: yard of burned house on road to springhouse. Hectare 3417. 

Partial canopy of Rhus typhina. Associate species: Digitaria ischaemum, Lonicera japonica, Trifolium repens, Lepidium virginicum, Clematis virginiana. Higman 386.

P. floridanum Michx. Florida Paspalum

(P. floridanum Michx., var. glabratum Engelm. ex Vasey)

Java Farm. Infrequent: one station on Fox Point Road; associate species: Juncus 

tenuis, Eragrostis spectabilis, Plantago aristata. Also one station in Hog Island salt 

marsh; associate species: 

Distichlis spicata, Andropogon scoparius, Panicum virgatum, Juncus dichotomus. Higman 18, 299.
74 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

P. laeve Michx. Field Paspalum

Java Farm. One station: south-facing slope north of Phalaris arundinacea meadow, 

north of main building area. Hectare 2458. Spreading Rhus radicans, Campsis radicans, and Rubus spp.: few grassy spots. Associate species: Lespedeza repens, Hieracium scabrum. Higman 165.

Panicum, Dichanthelium

1. Basal leaves similar to culm leaves, not forming winter rosettes. 

2. Plants annual. 

3. Spikelets warty, tuberculate. Expected (P. verrucosum). 

3. Spikelets smooth. 

4. First glume about 1/4 as long as the spikelet, blunt, rounded, or truncate; sheaths glabrous; nodes glabrous . . . . . . . . . . . P. dichotomiflorum

4. First glume about 1/2 as long as the spikelet, acute or acuminate; 

sheaths hirsute or villous; nodes bearded. (Also, panicle erect; spikelets 

not more than 4 mm long). 

5. Panicle more than 1/2 the entire length of plant. (Also, panicle as 

broad as long) spikelets 2–2.5 mm long . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. capillare

5. Panicle not more than 1/3 the entire length of plant. Expected 

(P. philadelphicum). 

2. Plants perennial. 

6. Plants without creeping, scaly rhizomes. Expected (P. agrostoides, P. stipitatum). 

6. Plants with creeping, scaly rhizomes. 

7. Pedicels of spikelets usually over 3 mm long. 

8. Panicle long and narrow; spikelets 5–6.5 mm long; sandy seacoast 

habitat. Expected (P. amarum). 

8. Panicle moderately diffuse; spikelets 4.5 mm long; salt marsh 

and tidal stream habitat. (Also, culms rigid, terete; sheaths not 

compressed) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. virgatum

7. Pedicels of spikelets 1–3 mm long. (Also, panicle open; spikelets 3.3–

3.7 mm long; culms firm to soft; culms and sheaths compressed; terrestrial habitat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. anceps

1. Basal leaves unlike the cauline ones, forming winter rosettes (except in P. depauperatum, the leaves then crowded near the base). 

9. Spikelets glabrous or nearly so. 

10. Spikelets about 3.5 mm long. (Also, sheaths pilose; blades scabrous 

above, pilose beneath). Expected (P. depauperatum). 

10. Spikelets less than 3 mm long. 

11. Spikelets 1.5 mm long or less. (Also, ligule not over 1.5 mm long; 

nodes bearded) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. microcarpon

11. Spikelets 2–3 mm long. Expected (5 species, especially P. dichotomum). (Also, blades 2 cm wide or more, strongly nerved, scabrous, 

round at base; spikelets 3 mm long).
Plant Annotations 75

9. Spikelets pubescent, some sparingly so. 

12. Spikelets 3 mm long or more. 

13. Blades of leaves at midculm 15 times as long as wide. (Also, sheaths 

hispid or glabrous; spikelets pointed). Expected (P. depauperatum). 

13. Blades of leaves at midculm seldom over 10 times as long as wide. 

(Also, spikelets 3.5–4 mm long or more). 

14. Blades velvety-pubescent beneath. Expected (P. ravenelii, P. boscii, 

P. molle). 

14. Blades not velvety-pubescent beneath. 

15. Sheaths glabrous or minutely puberulent. 

16. Nodes bearded; spikelets 4 mm long or more. Expected 

(P. boscii). 

16. Nodes not bearded; spikelets about 2.8 mm long . . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. commutatum

15. Sheaths bristly. (Also, blades 2 cm wide or more) . . . . . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. clandestinum

12. Spikelets less than 3 mm long. (Also, blades usually over 5 mm wide). 

17. Spikelets attenuate at base; blades tapering from base to apex. Expected (P. angustifolium). 

17. Spikelets not attenuate at base; blades otherwise. (Also, sheaths not 

retrorsely pilose). 

18. Ligule (1.5) 2–5 mm long. 

19. Sheaths, or all but the lowest, glabrous. (Also, ligule 4–5 mm 

long; spikelets 1.5 mm long: leaf blades and axis of panicle 

glabrous or nearly so). Expected (P. lindheimeri).

19. Sheaths pubescent. (Also, culms and spikelets usually so). 

20. Spikelets not more than 2 mm long. 

21. Ligule 1–1.5 mm long. Expected (P. tsugetorum). 

21. Ligule 2–5 mm long. 

22. Axis of panicle glabrous or puberulent. 

(Also, spikelets 1.3–1.6 mm long). Expected 

(P. meridionale). 

22. Axis of panicle pilose. 

23. Spikelets 1–1.3 mm long. Expected 

(P. leucothrix). 

23. Spikelets 1.6–1.9 mm long. 

24. Culms, sheaths, and blades velvety . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. lanuginosum

24. Culms, sheaths, and blades spreadingpilose. Expected (P. huachucae).

20. Spikelets about 2.5 mm long. (Also, culms, sheaths, and 

blades densely villous). Expected (P. villosissimum). See 

Appendix I. 
76 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

18. Ligule absent. 

25. Nodes bearded. 

26. Spikelets 1.3–1.5 mm long . . . . . . . . . . . . P. microcarpon 

26. Spikelets 2 mm long or more. Expected (P. mattamuskeetense). 

25. Nodes not bearded. 

27. Plant velvet-pubescent throughout. Expected (P. scoparium). 

27. Plant not velvety throughout. 

28. Sheaths pilose or hispid.

29. Blades 2 cm wide or more . . . . . P. clandestinum

29. Blades less than 1 cm wide. Expected (P. addisonii). 

28. Sheaths glabrous or puberulent. 

29. Spikelets spherical. (Also, blades cordate, whitemargined). Expected (P. polyanthes). 

29. Spikelets ovate. 

30. Spikelets 2.3–3 mm long. 

30. Spikelets less than 2 mm long. Expected 

(P. columbianum). 

31. Culms glabrous or nearly so; blades 

1.5 cm wide or more . . . P. commutatum

31. Culms puberulent; blades not over 1 cm 

wide. Expected (P. ashei). 

Panicum dichotomiflorum Michx. Fall Panicgrass

Java Farm. One station: border of salt marsh on tidal portion of Muddy Creek. Associate species: Spartina alterniflora, Rumex verticillatus. Higman 290.

P. capillare L. Witchgrass

(Old-witch Grass)

Java Farm. One station: small old field north of main building area. Hectare 2580. 

Lonicera japonica and Vitis vulpina dominant. Higman 539.

P. virgatum L. var. spissum Linder Switchgrass

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Moderately abundant in salt marshes, especially the more 

inland parts. Associate species: Distichlis spicata, Pluchea camphorata, Spartina patens. Higman 89, 344, 440, 973, 1027, 1050, 1051.

P. anceps Michx. Beaked Panicgrass

Java Farm. Infrequent in woods between Muddy Creek and Phalaris arundinacea

meadow, north of main building area. Canopy of Fagus grandifolia, Platanus occidentalis, and Quercus alba. Associate species: Lindera benzoin, Glyceria striata, 

Onoclea sensibilis, Duchesnea indica. Higman 181, 474, 1111.
Plant Annotations 77

Dichanthelium sphaerocarpon (Elliott) Gould var. isophyllum Roundseed Panicgrass

(Scribn.) Gould & C.A. Clark 

(P. microcarpon Muhl.) 

Java Farm. Infrequent in Hog Island salt marsh, near landward margin. Associate 

species: Panicum virgatum, Cyperus filicinus, Juncus dichotomus. 

Ivy Neck. Infrequent on west shore of Cheston Creek. Associate species: Danthonia 

spicata, Hieracium venosum, Panicum commutatum, Rosa Carolina. Higman 303, 

446, 847.

D. commutatum (Schult.) Gould Variable Panicgrass

(P. commutatum Schult.)

Ivy Neck. One station: west shore of Cheston Creek. Canopy of Quercus prinus, 

Quercus alba, Associate species: Danthonia spicata, Hieracium venosum, Panicum 

microcarpon. Higman 848.

D. clandestinum (L.) Gould Deertongue

(P. clandestinum L.)

Java Farm. Infrequent along Muddy Creek valley and Fox Creek drainage. Associate 

species: Geum canadense, Carex blanda, Danthonia spicata, Muhlenbergia schreberi, 

Perilla frutescens. Higman 87, 308, 322, 785, 832.

D. acuminatum (Sw.) Gould & C.A. Clark var. fasciculatum Western Panicgrass

(Torr.) Freckmann

(Panicum lanuginosum Ell., var. fasciculatum (Torr.) Fern.)

Ivy Neck. One station: abandoned unpaved road through forest on Scaffold Peninsula. Canopy of Quercus alba, Quercus velutina, Fagus grandifolia, Liriodendron 

tulipifera. Associate species: Houstonia purpurea, Juncus tenuis, Vernonia glauca. 

Higman 841.

CYPERACEAE

1. Flowers unisexual, the staminate and pistillate in the same or in different spikes 

(the latter resembling spikelets). 

2. Achene naked, bony, supported on a disc. Expected (Scleria). 

2. Achene enclosed in a sac (perigynium) borne in the axil of a bract or scale. 

(Also, culms mostly triangular; leaves with sheath, ligule, and midrib; spikes 

in axils of leafy or scalelike bracts, often aggregated into heads) . . . . . Carex

1. Flowers perfect, spikes essentially uniform. 

3. Spikelets 1–2-f lowered, with 2-many empty basal scales. Expected (Rhynchospora).
78 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

3. Spikelets many-flowered (if only 1-flowered, the spikelets in densely glomerulate heads with 2-ranked scales), with 1 of the lower scales empty (more in 

Eriophorum). 

4. Scales of spikelet strictly 2-ranked, folded lengthwise and keeled. 

5. Inflorescences terminal simple or compound umbels or glomerules; 

flowers without perianth bristles; achene without a tubercle or enlarged 

style-base . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cyperus

5. Inflorescences axillary, from leaf sheaths; flowers with a perianth of 

bristles; achene capped by a long tubercle. Expected (Dulichium). 

4. Scales of spikelet spirally arranged (sometimes 2-ranked in Eleocharis, 

with single terminal spikelets). 

6. Achene crowned by a persistent bulbous tubercle. 

7. Culms naked, the basal colored sheaths usually bladeless; spikelet 

terminal; perianth of bristles often present . . . . . . . . . . . . Eleocharis

7. Culms leafy or leafy-based; spikelets 2-many, in terminal or axillary 

inflorescences with leafy involucres; perianth wanting. Expected 

(Bulbostylis, Psilocarya). 

6. Achene without a tubercle (Scirpus may have a small point on the 

achene, left by the fallen style). 

8. Flowers with one or more inner subtending scales or with dilated 

sepals. Expected (Hemicarpha). 

8. Flowers without inner subtending scales or dilated sepals (may have 

bristle perianth). 

9. Style dilated at base, deciduous below the enlargement; perianth 

wanting. Expected (Fimbristylis). 

9. Style terete, slender; perianth usually present. 

10. Perianth of 1 to 6 broad bristles. (Also, spikelets with an involucre of 1 erect or several spreading leaves) . . . . . . . . Scirpus

10. Perianth of many long silky bristles. Expected (Eriophorum).

Carex

(from Hermann, 1941)

Key to Sections

1. Spike one. 

2. Spikes with pistillate flowers above, staminate ones below, many-flowered; 

perigynia strongly inflated, sessile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Squarrosae (p. 81) 

2. Spikes with staminate flowers above, pistillate ones below; perigynia not inflated. Expected (Phyllostachyae, Polytrichoideae). Species in expected sections 

are listed on p. 87. 

1. Spikes more than one. 

3. Stigmas two; achenes lenticular. 

4. Lateral spikes sessile, short; terminal spike usually with both pistillate and 

staminate flowers. 
Plant Annotations 79

5. Culms arising singly or few-together from long-creeping rootstocks. Expected (Divisae, Arenariae). 

5. Culms tufted, the rootstocks occasionally prolonged with short internodes but not long-creeping. 

6. Spikes with staminate flowers above, pistillate ones below. 

7. Perigynia tapering into the beak or, if abruptly contracted, the 

culms flaccid and flattening in drying. Expected (Vulpinae). 

7. Perigynia abruptly contracted into the beak; culms not flaccid nor 

flattening in drying. 

8. Spikes usually 10 or fewer, greenish . . . . . . . Bracteosae (p. 82) 

8. Spikes numerous, yellowish or brownish at maturity; leafsheaths often red-dotted ventrally.

9. Perigynia plano-convex, thin, yellowish; bracts mostly much 

exceeding the spikes; leaf-sheaths usually transversely rugose ventrally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Multiflorae (p. 84) 

9. Perigynia thick-plano-convex or unequally biconvex, brown; 

bracts mostly shorter than the spikes; leaf-sheaths not transversely rugose. Expected (Paniculatae). 

6. Spikes with pistillate flowers above, staminate ones below. 

10. Perigynia with winged margins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ovales (p. 84) 

10. Perigynia without winged margins, at most thin-edged. Expected 

(Stellulatae, Deweyanae, Heleonastes). 

4. Lateral spikes peduncled or, if sessile, elongate; terminal spike usually 

staminate. 

11. Achenes constricted in the middle; scales 3-nerved, long-awned . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cryptocarpae (p. 85) 

11. Achenes not constricted in the middle; scales 1-nerved, not longawned. Expected (Acutae). 

3. Stigmas three; achenes trigonous. 

12. Perigynia or foliage pubescent. 

13. Style continuous with the achene, persistent, indurated. Expected 

(Paludosae). 

13. Style articulated with the achene, at length deciduous. 

14. Achenes closely enveloped by the perigynia; bracts sheathless or 

nearly so. 

15. Perigynia obtusely triangular or orbicular-triangular in crosssection; plant (except perigynia) glabrous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Montanae (p. 85)

15. Perigynia sharply triangular in cross-section; plant pubescent. Expected (Triquetrae). 

14. Achenes not closely enveloped by the perigynia or, if so, the 

bracts strongly sheathing. 
80 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

16. Beak of perigynium strongly bidentate; leaves septate-nodulose. Expected (Hirtae). 

16. Beak of perigynium at most shallowly bidentate; leaves not septatenodulose. 

17. Bracts long-sheathing, or at least the lower ones . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Laxiflorae (p. 85) 

17. Bracts sheathless or the lower ones short-sheathing . . . . . . . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Virescentes (p. 87) 

12. Perigynia and foliage glabrous. 

18. Style not articulated, continuous with the achene, persistent, 

indurated. 

19. Perigynia subcoriaceous, firm. Expected (Paludosae). 

19. Perigynia membranaceous. 

20. Perigynia obconic or broadly obovoid, truncately contracted 

into long, subulate beaks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Squarrosae (p. 81) 

20. Perigynia lanceolate to ovoid or globose-ovoid, not truncately 

contracted. 

21. Perigynia lanceolate or ovoid-lanceolate, tapering into 

the beak. Expected (Lupulinae, Collinsiae, Folliculatae). 

21. Perigynia broader, abruptly contracted into the beak, 

usually strongly ribbed. 

22. Perigynia finely and closely ribbed. Expected (Pseudocyperi). 

22. Perigynia coarsely ribbed.

23. Perigynia 7–10 mm long; achenes 2–3 mm long, 

1.25–2.25 mm wide . . . . . . . . . Vesicariae (p. 87) 

23. Perigynia 10–20 mm long; achenes 2.5–6 mm 

long, 2–4 mm wide. Expected (Lupulinae). 

18. Style articulated with the achene, at length deciduous. 

24. Achenes strongly constricted at base, rounded at apex; lower pistillate scales bract-like. Expected (Phyllostachyae). 

24. Achenes not strongly constricted at base, short-pointed at apex; 

lower pistillate scales not bract-like. 

25. Lower bracts sheathless or short-sheathing. Expected (Shortianae, Atratae, Gracillimae). 

25. Lower bracts long-sheathing. 

26. Bracts bladeless or with rudimentary blades . . . . . . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Laxiflorae (p. 85) 

26. Bracts with well-developed blades. 

27. Foliage, especially the sheaths, pubescent or puberulent. Expected (Gracillimae, Sylvaticae). 

27. Foliage glabrous. 
Plant Annotations 81

28. Beak of perigynium bidentate. Expected (Extensae). 

28. Beak of perigynium at most emarginate. 

29. Pistillate spikes elongate, linear to cylindric, 

on slender peduncles, the lower usually 

drooping; perigynia not sharply trigonous. 

Expected (Gracillimae, Sylvaticae).

29. Pistillate spikes short, oblong or linear, erect 

or, if drooping, either on long capillary peduncles or with the perigynia sharply trigonous. 

30. Perigynia with numerous fine impressed nerves. Expected (Oligocarpae, 

Griseae). 

30. Perigynia with few to many strongly 

raised nerves. 

31. Perigynia rounded at the base, suborbicular in cross-section, loosely 

enveloping the achenes. Expected 

(Granulares). 

31. Perigynia tapering at the base, 

trigonous, closely enveloping the 

achenes. 

32. Rootstocks elongate, often with 

long horizontal stolons. Expected (Paniceae). 

32. Rootstocks not elongate, without long horizontal stolons

 . . . . . . . . . . . Laxiflorae (p. 85)

Keys to the Species

Section Squarrosae

1. Perigynia shorter than the rough-awned scales, 14–20 ribbed; terminal spike 

usually staminate, narrowly linear, 0.5–2.5 mm long; ligule not longer than wide 

or slightly so; achenes about 1.5 mm long . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. frankii

1. Perigynia much longer than the scales, several-ribbed above; terminal spike 

with pistillate flowers above, staminate ones below; ligule much longer than 

wide; achenes 2.2–3 mm long.

2. Beaks of perigynia appressed-ascending; spikes oblong-cylindric; achenes 

obovoid, their sides concave; pistillate scales mostly blunt; style straight 

below. Expected (C. typhina) 

2. Beaks of perigynia widely radiating; spikes oval or oblong-oval; achenes 

linear-oval, their sides almost flat; pistillate scales acute to short-awned; style 

strongly curved below . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. squarrosa
82 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Carex frankii Kunth Frank’s Sedge

(Sedge)

Java Farm. One station: beside old entrance road near junction with road to springhouse. Hectare 3408. Associate species: Juncus tenuis, Agropyron repens, Verbascum 

blattaria. 

Ivy Neck. Infrequent; at edge of woods near drainage of Cheston Creek. Canopy 

of Liquidambar styraciflua, Platanus occidentalis, Diospyros virginiana. Higman 797, 

859, 1020.

C. squarrosa L. Squarrosa Sedge

(Sedge)

Ivy Neck. One station: west bank of upper Cheston Creek estuary. Canopy of 

Quercus velutina, Acer rubrum, Juglans nigra, Liquidambar styraciflua. Higman 744.

Section Bracteosae

1. Sheaths loose, mottled with green and white, usually septate-nodulose dorsally; 

leaf-blades 4.5–8 mm wide. Expected (C. aggregata, C. sparganioides). 

1. Sheaths tight, not mottled or inconspicuously so, nor septate-nodulose dorsally 

(except sometimes in C. leavenworthii); leaf-blades 1–4.5 mm wide. 

2. Perigynia distended and spongy at the base, usually wide-spreading or reflexed at maturity. 

3. Beaks of perigynia smooth, scarcely exceeding the acuminate, deciduous 

scales. Expected (C. retroflexa). 

3. Beaks of perigynia minutely serrulate, much exceeding the obtuse or 

somewhat acute, persistent scales. 

4. Stigmas long, slender, seldom twisted, light reddish; perigynium tapering into the beak; leaf-blades 1–2 mm wide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. rosea

4. Stigmas short, stout, strongly twisted or contorted, deep red; perigynium abruptly contracted into the beak. 

5. Leaf-blades (1.5) 2.5 (3) mm wide; perigynia 3.3–4.5 mm long, 6–20 

per spike . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. convoluta

5. Leaf-blades 1 (1.75) mm wide; perigynia 2.3–3 mm long, 2–6 per 

spike. Expected (C. radiata). 

2. Perigynia not distended and spongy at the base, mostly ascending. 

6. Inflorescence ovoid or oblong-ovoid; spikes densely capitate. 

7. Scales much shorter than bodies of the perigynia. 

8. Perigynia broadest below the middle, round-tapering at the base, with 

raised margins ventrally; beaks long, serrulate . . . . . . C. cephalophora

8. Perigynia broadest at the truncate-cordate base, flat ventrally; beaks 

short, smooth. Expected (C. leavenworthii). 
Plant Annotations 83

7. Scales slightly shorter to longer than bodies of the perigynia. 

9. Culms lax; perigynia faintly nerved dorsally. Expected (C. mesochorea). 

9. Culms stiff, erect; perigynia usually strongly nerved or ribbed dorsally; stigmas long, slender . . . . . . . . . . C. muhlenbergia, var. enervis

6. Inflorescence oblong or linear-oblong to elongate and interrupted; spikes 

not capitate. 

10. Spikes all aggregated; inflorescence 1.5–4 cm long; sheaths concave or 

convex at the mouth. 

11. Scales reddish-brown to purplish-red; perigynia few nerved dorsally; sheaths not thickened at the mouth. Expected (C. spicata).

11. Scales greenish; perigynia strongly ribbed dorsally; sheaths thickened at the mouth. 

12. Perigynia strongly nerved and low convex ventrally, the margins usually slightly raised. Expected (C. muhlenbergii). 

12. Perigynia nerveless or basally nerved ventrally, the margins 

not raised at maturity . . . . . . . . . . C. muhlenbergii, var. enervis

10. Spikes not aggregated, the lower ones separate; sheaths truncate and 

thickened at the mouth. Expected (C. virens).

Carex rosea Schkuhr ex Willd. Rosy Sedge

(Carex rosea Schk.) (Sedge)

Java Farm. Infrequent; two stations: Along old entrance road under canopy of mature Fagus grandifolia, Quercus alba, Liriodendron tulipifera, etc. Also at summit of 

south-facing slope overlooking Fox Creek salt marsh, in small depression: canopy 

of Robinia pseudoacacia and Ulmus americana; ground cover of Lonicera japonica. 

Higman 676, 765.

C. rosea Schkuhr ex Willd. Rosy Sedge

(C. convoluta Mack. (C. rosea Schk.)) (Sedge)

Java Farm. One station: mature forest west of Muddy Creek, near old entrance 

road. Hectare 2474. Canopy of Fagus grandifolia, Liriodendron tulipifera, Quercus 

alba, Acer rubrum, etc. Higman 1098.

C. cephalophora Muhl. ex Willd. Oval-leaf Sedge

(C. cephalophora Muhl.?) (Sedge)

Java Farm. One station: shore of Muddy Creek upstream from old entrance road. 

Hectare 2467. Canopy of Fagus grandifolia, Platanus occidentalis, Liriodendron 

tulipifera; Understory of Cornus florida, Lindera benzoin. Associate species: Carex 

blanda, Duchesnea indica, Glyceria striata, Onoclea sensibilis. Higman 1096.
84 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

C. muehlenbergii Schkuhr ex Willd. var. enervis Boott Muhlenberg’s Sedge

(C. muhlenbergii Schk., var. enervis Boott.) (Sedge)

Java Farm. Infrequent, along new entrance road. (Collected before resurfacing. 

Associate species: Carex blanda, Melilotus alba, Ranunculus bulbosus, Vicia sativa, 

Lepidium campestre.) Higman 623, 1094, 1095.

Section Multiflorae

Carex valpinoidea Michx. Fox Sedge

(Sedge)

Ivy Neck. One station: strip of moist woods at source of Cheston Creek drainage. Hectare 4752. Canopy of Platanus occidentalis, Diospyros virginiana, Robinia 

pseudoacacia, etc. Associate species: Carex crinita, Glyceria striata, Poa compressa. 

Higman 736.

Section Ovales

1. Wing of perigynium abruptly narrowed near middle of body; sterile culms strongly 

developed, their leaf-blades numerous, spreading, not clustered at the apex. 

2. Tips of perigynia appressed or ascending; perigynia thin, barely distended 

over the achenes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. tribuloides

2. Tips of perigynia recurved or spreading; perigynia firm, obviously distended 

over the achenes. Expected (C. cristatella). 

1. Wing of perigynium not narrowed near middle of body; sterile culms often 

poorly developed, their leaf-blades erect or ascending, clustered toward the apex. 

3. Perigynia obovate, widest near the top. Expected (C. longii, C. albolutescens, 

C. alata). 

3. Perigynia not obovate, widest near middle or base. 

4. Leaf-sheaths green and strongly nerved ventrally nearly to the mouth. 

Expected (C. hormathodes). 

4. Leaf-sheaths strongly white-hyaline ventrally. 

5. Perigynia lanceolate to narrowly ovate-lanceolate, 3 to 4 times as long as 

wide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. scoparia

5. Perigynia ovate-lanceolate or broader, at most twice as long as wide. 

Expected (C. tenera, C. normalis, C. festucaea, C. molesta).

Carex tribuloides Wahlenb. Blunt Broom Sedge

(Carex tribuloides Wahl.) (Sedge)

Java Farm. One station: beside Fox Point Road, approx. hectare 3523. Associate species: Eragrostis spectabilis, Dianthus armeria, Juncus tenuis, Euphorbia maculata, etc. 

Higman 733, 893. 

Ivy Neck. See next page.
Plant Annotations 85

Ivy Neck. One station: moist woods at head of Cheston Creek drainage. Hectare 

4752. Canopy of Platanus occidentalis, Diospyros virginiana, Robinia pseudoacacia, 

etc. Associate species: Carex crinita, Glyceria striata, Poa compressa, Carex vulpinoidea. Higman 733, 893.

C. scoparia Schkuhr ex Willd. Broom Sedge

(C. scoparia Schk.) (Sedge)

Ivy Neck. One station: north end of grassy abandoned field near Cheston Creek 

drainage. Hectare 4762. Associate species: Carex frankii, Juncus effusus, Juncus 

dichotomus. Higman 879.

Section Cryptocarpae

Carex crinita Lam. Fringed Sedge

(Carex crinita Lam.?) (Sedge)

Ivy Neck. One station: moist woods at source of Cheston Creek drainage. Hectare 

4752. Canopy of Platanus occidentalis, Diospyros virginiana, Robinia pseudoacacia, 

etc. Associate species: Carex vulpinoidea, Carex tribuloides, Glyceria striata, Poa compressa. Higman 729.

Section Montanae

Carex albicans Willd. ex Spreng. var. emmonsii Emmons’ sedge

(Dewey ex Torr.) J. Rettig (Sedge)

(Carex emmonsii Dewey)

Java Farm. One station: low, mossy bluffs at head of short, broad valley tributary to 

Muddy Creek, south of Fox Point Road. Hectare 3531. Canopy of mature Quercus 

alba, Quercus velutina, Carya tomentosa, and Pinus virginiana. Associate species: 

Luzula echinata, Carex digitalis. Higman 614, 615.

Section Laxiflorae

1. Bract-sheaths, base of culms, and staminate scales strongly red-tinged. Expected 

(C. plantaginea). 

1. Bract-sheaths not red-tinged, base of culms rarely so; staminate scales greenish 

white to dull reddish brown. 

2. Perigynia sharply triangular, short-tapering at base, closely 35–50-nerved. 

3. Spikes erect, nearly sessile; leaf-blades smooth except on margins, the 

larger 12–25 mm wide, those of fertile culms much smaller than those of 

the sterile. Expected (C. platyphylla).

3. Spikes drooping on filiform peduncles; leaf blades hispidulous on the 

veins, 2–12 mm wide, those of the fertile culms moderately smaller than 

those of the sterile. 
86 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

4. Staminate spikes sessile or subsessile, inconspicuous; pistillate ones 

close together; lowest bract exceeding the inflorescence. Expected 

(C. abscondita). 

4. Staminate spikes peduncled, conspicuous; pistillate ones scattered; 

lowest bract not exceeding the inflorescence. 

5. Pistillate spikes without a staminate flower at the base; leaf-blades 

2–5 mm wide, erect, green . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. digitalis

5. Pistillate spikes with 1 or 2 staminate flowers at the base; leaf-blades 

5–12 mm wide, weak, glaucous-green. Expected (C. laxiculmis). 

2. Perigynia obtusely triangular at least below, long-tapering at the base. 

6. Bract-sheaths entire or slightly serrulate on the edges. Expected (C. styloflexa, C. laxiflora). 

6. Bract-sheaths strongly serrulate on the edges. 

7. Sterile shoots reduced to tufts of leaves, not forming culms; leaf-blades 

7–30 mm wide; pistillate scales broadly obovate-orbicular. Expected 

(C. albursina). 

7. Sterile shoots forming conspicuous culms; leaf-blades 3–12 mm wide; 

pistillate scales mucronate to long-awned. 

8. Culms not red-tinged at base; lower pistillate spikes not on long capillary peduncles; staminate scales usually greenish white or slightly 

reddish brown; staminate spike sessile or very short-peduncled; perigynia obovoid, 3–4 mm long . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. blanda

8. Culms red-tinged at base; lower pistillate spikes on long capillary peduncles; staminate scales strongly tinged with reddish brown; staminate spike long-peduncled; perigynia broadly obovoid, 2.5–3.2 mm 

long. Expected (C. gracilescens).

Carex digitalis Willd. Slender Woodland Sedge

(Sedge)

Java Farm. One station: low, mossy bluffs at head of short, broad valley tributary to 

Muddy Creek, south of Fox Point Road. Hectare 3531. Canopy of mature Quercus 

alba, Quercus velutina, Carya tomentosa, and Pinus virginiana. Associate species: 

Luzula echinata, Carex emmonsii. Higman 1129.

C. blanda Dewey Eastern Woodland Sedge

(Sedge)

Java Farm. One station: moist wooded bank of Muddy Creek, upstream from culvert 

of old entrance road. Hectare 2467. Canopy of Platanus occidentalis, Fagus grandifolia, 

Liriodendron tulipifera, etc.; understory of Cornus florida, Lindera benzoin. Associate 

species: Carex cephalophora, Onoclea sensibilis, Duchesnea indica, Glyceria striata. 

Ivy Neck. One station: east shore of Scaffold Creek. Canopy of Quercus alba, Quercus 

velutina, Carya tomentosa. Understory of Viburnum prunifolium. Higman 546, 786.
Plant Annotations 87

Section Virescentes

Carex swanii (Fernald) Mack. Swan’s Sedge

(Carex swanii (Fern.) Mack.) (Sedge)

Java Farm. Moderately abundant under mature canopy of Fagus grandifolia, Quercus 

alba, Quercus velutina, Liriodendron tulipifera, Carya tomentosa, and Liquidambar styraciflua. Collected at shoulders of old Muddy Creek Road, near old entrance road, 

and on slopes over-looking Muddy Creek and its upper tidal portion. Higman 698, 

712, 987, 992.

Section Vesicariae

Carex lurida Wahlenb. Shallow Sedge

(Carex lurida Wahl.) (Sedge)

Java Farm. Infrequent along tributary streams of Muddy Creek (tidal portion). 

South-facing slope. Canopy of Fagus grandifolia, Quercus velutina, Carya tomentosa,

and Liriodendron tulipifera. Associate species: Saururus cernuus. 

Ivy Neck. Infrequent, in salt marsh at head of Cheston Creek estuary. Associate 

species: Typha latifolia, Scirpus americana. Higman 399, 738, 986.

Species of Carex in Expected Sections

Phyllostachyae: C. willdenowii Schkuhr ex Willd. (C. willdenowii Schkuhr), C. jamesii

Schwein. 

Polytrichoideae: C. leptalea Wahlenb. (C. leptalea Muhl.) 

Arenariae: C. arenaria L. 

Divisae: C. divisa Huds. 

Vulpinae: C. stipata Muhl. ex Willd. (C. stipata Muhl.), C. stipata Muhl. ex Willd. 

var. maxima Chapm. (C. stipata v. maxima Chapm.), C. laevivaginata (Kük.) 

Mack. (C. laeyivaginata (Kukenth.) Mack.) 

Paniculatae: C. decomposita Muhl. 

Deweyanae: C. bromoides Schkuhr ex Willd. (C. bromoides Schkuhr) 

Stellulatae: C. seorsa Howe, C. interior L.H. Bailey (C. interior Bailey), C. atlantica

L.H. Bailey subsp. capillacea (L.H. Bailey) Reznicek (C. howei Mack.), C. atlantica L.H. Bailey subsp. atlantica (C. incomperta Bickn.), C. atlantica L.H. Bailey

(C. atlantica Bailey) 

Heleonastes: C. canescens L. subsp. disjuncta (Fernald) Toivonen (C. canescens L. var. 

disjuncta Fern.) 

Acutae: C. emoryi Dewey, C. stricta Lam., C. stricta Lam. (C. stricta var. strictior

(Dewey) Carey), C. torta Boott ex Tuck. (C. torta Boott) 

Paludosae: C. lacustris Willd. (C. riparia var. lacustris (Kukenth.) Mack.) 

Triquetrae: C. hirtifolia Mack.

Hirtae: C. pellita Muhl. ex Willd. (C. lanuginosa Michx.), C. hirta L., C. vestita Willd. 
88 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Lupulinae: C. grayi Carey (C. grayii Carey), C. intumescens Rudge, C. louisianica

L.H. Bailey (C. louisianica Bailey), C. lupulina Muhl. ex Willd. (C. lupulina

Muhl.), C. lupuliformis Sartwell ex Dewey (C. lupuliformis Sartw.) 

Collinsiae: C. collinsii Nutt. 

Folliculatae: C. folliculata L. 

Pseudo-cyperi: C. hystericina Muhl. ex Willd. (C. hystricina Muhl.), C. comosa Boott

Shortianae: C. shortiana Dewey 

Atratae: C. buxbaumii Wahlenb. (C. buxbuamii Wahl.) 

Gracillimae: C. gracillima Schwein., C. prasina Wahlenb. (C. prasina Wahl.), C. davisii

Schwein & Torr.

Sylvaticae: C. venusta Dewey var. minor Boeckeler (C. oblita Steud.), C. debilis Michx., 

C. debilis Michx. var. pubera A. Gray (C. allegheniensis Mack.) 

Extensae: C. viridula Michx. 

Granulares: C. granularis Muhl. ex Willd. (C. haleana Olney), C. granularis Muhl. 

ex Willd. (C. granularis Muhl.) 

Oligocarpae: C. oligocarpa Schkuhr ex Willd. (C. oligocarpa Schkuhr), C. hitchcockiana Dewey 

Griseae: C. amphibola Steud., C. grisea Wahlenb. (C. grisea Wahl.), C. glaucodea

Tuck. ex Olney (C. glaucodea Tuckerm.) 

Paniceae: C. woodii Dewey

Cyperus

(from O’Neill, 1941)

1. Achene lenticular, flat with an edge facing the rachilla; styles bifid; spikelets very 

flat. 

2. Spikelets 1.5 to 2 mm long, 1-flowered, congested into a solitary cluster of 

dense, sessile heads. Expected (C. tenuifolius). 

2. Spikelets 3 to 20 mm long, 3- to 40-flowered, digitate in an umbel-like panicle. 

3. Achene suborbicular, black, transversely wrinkled. (Also, spikelets yellow, 

2–2.5 mm wide.) Expected (C. flavescens). 

3. Achene obovate to oblong-obovate, purplish-brown, not wrinkled. 

4. Spikelets 1 to 1.5 mm wide. Expected (C. polystachyos var. texensis). 

4. Spikelets 2 to 3.5 mm wide. 

5. Rachilla winged, the wings forming a collar 0.2 to 0.3 mm wide at 

the base of the achene; salt marsh habitat . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. filicinus

5. Rachilla wingless; freshwater marsh habitat. Expected (C. rivularis). 

1. Achene 3-angled; styles trifid; spikelets thicker in the center. 

6. Rachilla readily disarticulating into 1-fruited joints. Expected (C. odoratus). 

6. Rachilla not articulated or articulating only at the base. 

7. Rachilla wingless; stamens 1 or 2 (3 in C. filicinus). 

8. Glumes long-awned, conspicuously 9- to 13-nerved; plants scented. Expected (C. inflexus). 

8. Glumes obtuse to mucronate, 3-nerved; plants odorless.
Plant Annotations 89

9. Glumes 9- to 11-nerved; stamens 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. filicinus 

9. Glumes 3-nerved; stamens 1 or 2. Expected (C. pseudovegetus, 

C. fuscus). 

7. Rachilla winged; stamens 3. 

10. Spikelets not all deflexed, the uppermost ascending or spreading, 3- to 

40-flowered (sometimes 2-flowered in C. ovularis). 

11. Achenes 0.8–1 mm long; glumes 3- to 7-nerved. Expected (C. dentatus, C. erythrorhizos). 

11. Achenes 1.3–3 mm long; glumes 7- to many-nerved. 

12. Achenes 2.2–3 mm long, 3 to 5 times as long as wide; glumes 

4–5.5 mm long. Expected (C. refractus, C. lancastriensis). 

12. Achenes 1.3–2 mm long (rarely 2.2 mm in C. ovularis), ovoid to 

oblong; glumes 1.5–4 mm long (rarely 4.5 mm in C. strigosus). 

13. Spikelets 2- to 3-flowered, densely congested into subglobose heads at the ends of the rays; achenes 1.8–2.2 mm 

long . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. ovularis 

13. Spikelets 5- to 40-flowered, not in subglobose heads; 

achenes 1.3–2 mm long. 

14. Spikelets nearly flat; achenes linear, 1.5–1.8 mm long; 

glumes 3.7–4.5 mm long . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. strigosus 

14. Spikelets subterete or sub-quadrangular; achenes 

ovoid to oblong, 0.5–1.2 mm long; glumes 1.5–3.5 mm 

long. Expected (C. esculentus, C. grayii). 

10. Spikelets all deflexed at maturity, 1- or 2-flowered. Expected (C. retrofractus, C. dipsaciformis).

Cyperus filicinus Vahl Fern Flatsedge

(Cyperus filicinus Vahl.)

Java Farm. Infrequent. One station in Hog Island salt marsh on inland side. 

Hectare 3572. Associate species: Panicum virgatum, Juncus dichotomus, Osmunda 

cinnamomea, Distichlis spicata. 

Also one station on Fox Point Road; associate species: Festuca myuros, Plantago 

aristata, Lepidium virginicum, Juncus tenuis, Digitaria ischaemum, Cyperus ovularis. 

Higman 438, 804.

C. echinatus (L.) Alph. Wood Globe Flatsedge

(C. ovularis (Michx.) Torr.)

Java Farm. Infrequent along Fox Point Road. Associate species same as for 

C. filicinus. 

Ivy Neck. One station: marshy north end of grassy abandoned field on Scaffold Peninsula. Hectare 4762. Associate species: Juncus effusus, Juncus dichotomus, Phleum 

pratense, Trifolium pratense, Agrostis alba, Carex frankii. Higman 17, 490, 1099.
90 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

C. strigosus L. Strawcolored Flatsedge

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Moderately abundant in a variety of habitats; seems to prefer unshaded sites whether dry, moist, or slightly saline. Collected at old entrance 

gate of Java Farm, Spartina patens community of Fox Creek salt marsh, old field 

south of Fox Point Road (associate species: Lespedeza cuneata), upstream limit of 

salt marsh on Muddy Creek, and border of cornfield on Cheston Peninsula. Higman 97, 124, 154, 256, 1006, 1032.

Eleocharis

1. Spikelet not thicker than the culm; scales persistent. (Also, culm quadrangular, 

not septate). Expected (E. quadrangulata). 

1. Spikelet much thicker than the culm; scales deciduous. 

2. Achenes lenticular or biconvex, styles 2-cleft. 

3. Uppermost sheaths white, scarious and loose at the mouth; dwarfed 

annual usually less than 10 cm tall. Expected (E. olivacea). 

3. Uppermost sheaths greenish or reddish, opaque, tight-fitting at the mouth; 

plant 10–130 cm tall. (Also, achenes whitish to tawny or brown at maturity).

4. Tubercle only slightly constricted from the achene; plants densely tufted 

annuals without long, firm rhizomes or stolons. 

5. Perianth bristles wanting or rarely as long as the achene; tubercle 

less than 1/4 as high as achene. Expected (E. engelmanni). 

5. Perianth bristles longer than the achene and tubercle; tubercle 1/3 to 

1/2 as high as achene . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. obtusa 

4. Tubercle deeply constricted from the achene; plants not densely tufted, 

with long, firm rhizomes or stolons. 

6. Basal scales of spikelet 2 or 3, the lowest not encircling the culm. 

Expected (E. palustris). 

6. Basal scale 1, encircling the culm. 

7. Spikelet closely many-flowered; scales broadly obtuse or rounded, 

opaque, appressed. Expected (E. calva). 

7. Spikelet loosely 5- to 30-flowered; scales acute or subobtuse, lustrous, loosely ascending . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. halophila 

2. Achenes trigonous, styles 3-cleft. 

8. Achenes with shallow to deep honeycomb reticulation, or with prominent 

longitudinal ridges. Expected (E. acicularis, E. tortilis). 

8. Achenes smooth or minutely roughened. 

9. Perianth bristles longer than the achene and tubercle; plant a tufted 

annual. (Also, mouth of sheath oblique; spikelets lanceolate; achene 

smooth) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. intermedia 

9. Perianth bristles shorter than the achene; plant perennial with long, 

slender rhizomes. (Also, culms flat, scales acuminate or attenuate). Expected (E. compressa).
Plant Annotations 91

Eleocharis obtusa (Willd.) Schult. Blunt Spikerush

(Eleocharis obtusa (Willd.) Schultes? (immature)) (Spikerush)

Ivy Neck. One station: abundant in salt marsh at head of Cheston Creek estuary. 

Hectare 4753. Associate species: Typha latifolia, Scirpus validus. Higman 741.

E. halophila (Fernald & Brack.) Fernald & Brack. Saltmarsh Spikerush

(E. halophila L.) (Spikerush)

Java Farm. Two stations in salt marshes: Hog Island marsh (pure stand north of 

Hog Island, hectare 3582) and Typha latifolia marsh at junction of forks of Muddy 

Creek (hectare 3436). Higman 298, 677.

E. intermedia Schult. Matted Spikerush

(E. intermedia L.) (Spikerush)

Ivy Neck. Two stations near drainage to Cheston Creek estuary: north end of grassy 

abandoned field on Scaffold Peninsula (hectare 4762) and beside artificial pond 

above Cheston Peninsula (Murray property) Higman 881, 883, 994.

Schoenoplectus, Scirpus

1. Involucre subtending the inflorescence consisting of a single bract resembling 

a continuation of the culm; culms leafless or basally leaved. 

2. Inflorescence without long branches, either a spike, a spikelet, or a cluster of 

spikelets; culms 3-angled, or if terete less than 3 mm thick at the base. 

3. Plants tufted, annual, without rhizomes; mature achenes black or blackish. Expected (S. smithii, S. purshianus). 

3. Plants mostly solitary or scattered, perennial, with long rhizomes; mature 

achenes whitish, drab, or brown. (Also, rhizome hard; upper leaf sheaths 

closed; spikelets solitary or clustered, ovoid, reddish-brown to dark brown; 

scales ovate to orbicular, the margins irregular). 

4. Involucre linear, 2–15 cm long, acute; upper sheath concave but not 

notched at orifice, with a long, linear, sharp-pointed blade . . . . . . . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S. americanus

4. Involucre lance-triangular, 1–3.5 cm long, blunt; upper sheath V-notched 

at orifice, with a lanceolate, blunt-pointed blade 8–15 mm long. Expected 

(S. olneyi).

2. Inflorescence with long branches; culms terete, 3 to 20 mm thick at the base. 

(Also, style 2-cleft; achenes plano-convex; scales reddish to deep brown). 

5. Scales glabrous, not gummy or spotted, the green midrib projecting as an 

awn; basal sheath membranaceous, with scarious margin . . S. validus, var. 

creber

5. Scales pubescent, with many gummy dots, midrib mucronate; basal 

sheath firm, with fibrillose margin. Expected (S. acutus). 
92 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

1. Involucre of 2 or more flat leaves; culms leafy. 

6. Culms sharply 3-angled, solitary or scattered; spikelets 1 to 5 cm long, 5 to 

11 mm thick. (Also, midribs of scales awned). 

7. Achenes equilaterally 3-angled; freshwater marsh habitat. Expected 

(S. fluviatilis). 

7. Achenes plano-convex to obtusely 3-angled; salt marsh habitat. (Also, 

spikelets reddish-brown, blunt or rounded at apex; ligule scarious) . . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S. robustus

6. Culms obtusely angled, or sometimes sharply at summit; spikelets 2 to 

15 mm long, 1 to 3 mm thick. (Also, spikelets 35 to over 100, in decompound 

umbelliform panicles). 

8. Bristles retrorsely barbed; culms solitary or few; stolons thick and scaly. 

9. Bristles barbed nearly to base; lower sheaths reddish. Expected 

(S. expansus). 

9. Bristles barbed only above the middle; all sheaths greenish. 

10. Bristles twice as long as achene; spikelets reddish-brown. Expected 

(S. polyphyllus). 

10. Bristles not exceeding achene; spikelets pale to dark brown. (Also, 

scales round) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S. atrovirens

8. Bristles smooth or with few hairs; culms tufted; stolons absent. 

11. Bristles barely exceeding the scales. Expected (S. lineatus). 

11. Bristles greatly exceeding scales at maturity. (Also, lateral spikelets in 

the ultimate fascicles pedicelled, central one sessile; spikelets reddishbrown, ovoid) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S. rubricosus

Schoenoplectus americanus (Pers.) Chairmaker’s Bulrush

Volkart ex Schinz & R. Keller (Bulrush)

(Scirpus americanus Pers.)

Java Farm. Infrequent in Hog Island salt marsh, at shore of Muddy Creek estuary. 

Associate species: Atriplex patula, Polygonum punctatum, Aster puniceus. 

Ivy Neck. One station: beach at Sand Point, on Cheston Peninsula. Associate species: Cakile edentula, Spartina alterniflora. Higman 295, 451, 937.

S. americanus (Pers.) Volkart ex Schinz & R. Keller Chairmaker’s Bulrush

(S. americanus Pers. (extreme form))

Ivy Neck. Salt marsh at head of Cheston Creek estuary. Associate species: Typha 

latifolia, Scirpus validus, Carex lurida, Juncus bufonius, Eleocharis sp. Higman 856.
Plant Annotations 93

S. tabernaemontani (C.C. Gmel.) Palla Softstem Bulrush

(S. validus Vahl., var. creber Fern.) (Bulrush)

Java Farm. Infrequent in Hog Island salt marsh. Associate species: Scirpus americanus, Pluchea camphorata, Distichlis spicata, Panicum virgatum. 

Ivy Neck. Moderately abundant in salt marsh at head of Cheston Creek estuary. 

Co-dominant with Typha latifolia. Less frequent in moist woods of Cheston Creek 

drainage, under canopy of Platanus occidentalis, Diospyros virginiana, Liquidambar 

styraciflua. Higman 257, 294, 737.

S. robustus (Pursh) M.T. Strong Sturdy Bulrush

(S. robustus Pursh.) (Bulrush)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Infrequent in salt marshes. Collected at Fox Point and at 

the head of Cheston Creek estuary. Also observed along the tidal portion of Muddy 

Creek. Associate species: Typha latifolia, Pluchea camphorata, Scirpus americanus, 

Iva frutescens. Higman 56, 857.

Scirpus atrovirens Willd. Green Bulrush

(Bulrush)

Ivy Neck. One station: moist woods at Cheston Creek drainage. Mature canopy of 

Platanus occidentalis, Diospyros virginiana, and Liquidambar styraciflua. Associate 

species: Carex crinita, Glyceria striata, Poa compressa, Eupatorium coelestinum, Carex 

vulpinoidea. Higman 728.

S. cyperinus (L.) Kunth Woolgrass

(S. rubricosus Fern.) (Bulrush)

Java Farm. Infrequent; stations in the freshwater part of Fox Creek marsh and at 

the marshy west end of the Phalaris arundinacea meadow north of the main building area. Associate species: Juncus effusus, Polygonum pensylvanicum, Impatiens 

capensis, Aster praealtus, Salix nigra, Sambucus canadensis. Higman 190 495.

ARACEAE

Arisaema

1. Lateral leaflets very rounded on lower side, tapering to base on the upper side; 

tube of spathe 3.5–7.0 cm long, summit flange 2–8 mm broad, hood 3–6 cm 

broad; fruiting head 3–6 cm long . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. atrorubens

1. Lateral leaflets narrowed subequally at base, not especially rounded on the lower 

side; measurements of other parts usually smaller than above but slightly overlapping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. triphyllum
94 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Arisaema triphyllum (L.) Schott ssp. triphyllum Jack in the Pulpit

(Arisaema atrorubens (Ait.) Blume) (Jack-in-the-pulpit)

Java Farm. Infrequent; prefers moist, shaded sites. Along old entrance road under 

canopy of Liquidambar styraciflua, Fagus grandifolia, Quercus alba, Acer rubrum, etc. 

Associate species: Podophyllum peltatum. 

Also along moist terrace of Muddy Creek under canopy of Fraxinus americana and

Platanus occidentalis. 

Ivy Neck. Moderately abundant in similar habitats, especially source of Scaffold 

Creek, under canopy of Liquidambar styraciflua, Acer rubrum, Robinia pseudoacacia, 

etc. Associate species: Viola spp., Podophyllum peltatum, Claytonia virginica. Higman 72, 600.

A. triphyllum (L.) Schott Jack in the Pulpit

(Small Jack-in-the-pulpit)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Habitats and associate species the same as for A. atrorubens

above. Higman 544.

LEMNACEAE

1. Floating frond flattish, ovate to circular; rootlets present, 1 to several. 

2. Rootlet 1; frond 1- to 5-nerved, green beneath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lemna

2. Rootlets 2 or more; frond 4- to 15-nerved, purple beneath . . . . . . . . . . Spirodela

1. Floating frond ellipsoid to globose (like green rice); rootlets absent. Expected 

(Wolffia, Wolffiella).

Lemna

Lemna minor L. Common Duckweed 

(Duckweed)

Ivy Neck. Abundant on surface of small cut-off pond near Sand Point on Cheston 

Peninsula. Hectare 4870. Associate species: Spirodela polyrhiza above. Higman 1225.

Spirodela

Spirodela polyrrhiza (L.) Schleid. Common Duckmeat

(Spirodela polyrhiza (L.) Schleid.) (Water- flaxseed)

Ivy Neck. Abundant on surface of small, fresh to slightly saline cut-off pond near 

Sand Point on Cheston Peninsula. Hectare 4872. Associate species: Lemna minor, 

Rumex verticillatus, Sparganium eurycarpum. Higman 1226.
Plant Annotations 95

COMMELINACEAE

Commelina

Commelina communis L. Asiatic Dayflower

(Commelina communis L. var. ludens (Miquel) C. B. Clarke) (Dayflower)

Java Farm. Infrequent along Old Muddy Creek Road and in ditch at entrance gate. 

Partly shaded by adjacent canopy of Fagus grandifolia, Quercus alba, and Liriodendron tulipifera. Associate species: Polygonum spp., Oxalis stricta, Galium aparine, 

Dactylis glomerata, Geranium carolinianum, Sphenopholis nitida, Tovara virginiana, 

Hieracium scabrum. Higman 352.

PONTEDERIACEAE

Heteranthera

Heteranthera reniformis Ruiz & Pav. Kidneyleaf Mudplantain

(Heteranthera reniformis R. & P.) (Mud-plantain)

Ivy Neck. One station: muddy bank of artificial pond at source of Cheston Creek 

drainage, on Murray farm. Associate species: Gratiola neglecta, Ranunculus sceleratus. Higman 874.

JUNCACEAE

1. Leaves and young steins pubescent; capsule 1-locular . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Luzula

1. Leaves and young stems glabrous; capsule 3-locular . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Juncus

Luzula

Luzula echinata (Small) F.J. Herm. Hedgehog Woodrush

(Luzula echinata (Small) F. J. Herm.) (Woodrush)

Java Farm. Infrequent on moist, south-facing forested slope overlooking upper 

tidal portion of Muddy Creek, One station adjacent to Typha latifolia salt marsh 

and one at source of tributary stream. 

Canopy of Quercus alba, Q. velutina, Carya tomentosa, Liriodendron tulipifera, etc. 

Associate species: Carex emmonsii. Higman 717, 1097.

Juncus

1. Individual flowers subtended by a pair of bracteoles as well as the bractlet at 

base of pedicel. 

2. Inflorescence terminal, subtended by one or more slender divergent leaves. 

3. Leaf sheaths tapering to summit, not auricled; inflorescence at least one 

quarter height of plant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J. bufonius
96 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

3. Leaf sheaths auricled at summit; inflorescence less than one quarter 

height of plant. (Also, auricles entire; rhizome short, hidden by tussock; 

tips of sepals not appressed to capsule). 

4. Auricles prolonged, scarious, lance-triangular; leaves flat . . . . . . . J. tenuis

4. Auricles rounded, not lance-triangular; leaves terete or only channeled 

on upper side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J. dichotomus

2. Inflorescence apparently lateral, the subtending leaf like a continuation of 

the stem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J. effusus 

1. Individual flowers subtended only by a bractlet at base of the very short pedicel. 

5. Leaves not septate. Expected (J. repens, J. biflorus). 

5. Leaves septate. (Also, heads of flowers not spherical).

6. Heads hemispherical to nearly spherical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J. canadensis

6. Heads less than hemispherical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J. acuminatus

Juncus bufonius L. Toad Rush

(Toad-rush)

Ivy Neck. Principal station in marsh at head of Cheston Creek estuary. Hectare 

4753. Co-dominant with Eleocharis palustris. Adjacent to stands of Typha latifolia

and Scirpus validus. 

Infrequent at forest border of cornfield; there associated with Juncus tenuis. Higman 739, 838.

J. tenuis Willd. Poverty Rush

(Bog-rush)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Moderately abundant on dry, unshaded areas (fields, bluffs 

overlooking Rhode River near Sand Point, etc.), roadsides, and cracked pavement. 

Wide variation of associate species. Higman 24, 173, 796, 824, 837, 839.

J. anthelatus (Wiegand) R.E. Brooks Greater Poverty Rush

(Juncus tenuis, f. anthelatus (Wieg.) F. J. Herm.)

Java Farm. One station in broken pavement at Fox Point. Hectare 3557. Canopy of 

Quercus prinus. Higman 434.

J. dichotomus Elliott Forked Rush

(J. dichotomus Ell.) (Bog-rush)

Java Farm. One station: in Hog Island salt marsh. Hectare 3582. Associate species: 

Panicum virgatum. 

Ivy Neck. One station: marshy north end of abandoned wheat-field. Hectare 4762. 

Associate species: Juncus effusus, Carex frankii, Carex scoparia, and Scirpus atrovirens. Higman 304, 749.
Plant Annotations 97

J. effusus L. var. solutus Fernald & Wiegand Lamp Rush

(J. effusus L., var. solutus Fern. & Wieg.) (Soft Rush)

Java Farm. Infrequent at marshy west end of meadow north of main buildings. 

Hectare 2468. Associate species: Phalaris arundinacea (dominant), Polygonum saggitatum, and Scirpus rubricosus. 

Ivy Neck. Infrequent at marshy end of abandoned wheatfield. Hectare 4762. Associate species: Carex scoparis, Eleocharis intermedia. Higman 748, 880.

J. canadensis J. Gay ex Laharpe Canadian Rush

(J. canadensis J. Gay) (Bog-rush)

Java Farm. One station: bank of Muddy Creek above entrance road culvert. Hectare 2467. Open canopy of Platanus occidentalis, Fagus grandifolia, and Liriodendron tulipifera. Understory of Cornus florida and Lindera benzoin. Associate species: 

Glyceria striata, Panicum clandestinum, and Duchesnea indica. Higman 792.

J. acuminatus Michx. Tapertip Rush

(Bog-rush)

Ivy Neck. One station: dry bank of artificial pond on upper Cheston Peninsula. Associate species: Echinochloa pungens. Higman 997.

AGAVACEAE, LILIACEAE, SMILACACEAE

1. Flowers or inflorescence terminal. 

2. Flowers solitary. Expected (Lilium, Erythronium). 

2. Flowers in clusters. 

3. Plant woody, evergreen; leaves rigid, erect, with marginal shreddy fibers. 

Sandy shore habitat. (Also, flowers white, campanulate, in a panicle) . . . . . 

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yucca 

3. Plant herbaceous, not evergreen; leaves not rigid, without marginal 

shreddy fibers. Inland habitat. 

4. Flowers 1 dm long or more, very showy. 

5. Flowering stem arising from fibrous roots; leaves basal . . . . . . . . . . 

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hemerocallis 

5. Flowering stem arising from a scaly bulb; leaves cauline. Expected 

(Lilium). 

4. Flowers considerably smaller. 

6. Flowers in umbels. 

7. Flowers white or pink; leaves basal; plant onion-scented . . . Allium 

7. Flowers greenish yellow; leaves cauline; plant odorless. Expected 

(Medeola). 

6. Flowers in racemes, corymbs, or panicles. 
98 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

8. Styles 3. Expected (Amianthium, Stenanthium). 

8. Style 1, sometimes cleft at tip. 

9. Base bulbous; leaves linear, basal; fruit a capsule. (Also, perianth 

segments white with broad green midribs) . . . . . Ornithogalum

9. Base not bulbous, arising from long rhizomes; leaves oblong to 

ovate, cauline; fruit a berry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Smilacina

1. Flowers or inflorescences axillary. 

10. Plant thorny, a woody vine, often with tendrils . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Smilax

10. Plant thornless, herbaceous, without tendrils. 

11. Leaves reduced to small scales; plant extremely branched . . . . . Asparagus

11. Leaves normally developed. Expected (Uvularia). See Appendix I.

Yucca

Yucca filamentosa L. Adam’s Needle

Ivy Neck. Infrequent on sandy beach facing Rhode River, well north of Sand Point. 

Higman 1076.

Hemerocallis

Hemerocallis fulva (L.) L. Orange Daylily

(Hemerocallis fulva L.) (Day Lily)

Ivy Neck. One station: yard of abandoned house north of entrance road. Hectare 

4720. Persistent after cultivation. Higman 961.

Allium

Allium vineale L. Wild Garlic

(Wild Onion, Field Garlic)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Moderately abundant to abundant in old fields and in moist, 

moderately shaded areas near freshwater marshes and streams. Higman 784.

Ornithogalum

Ornithogalum umbellatum L. Star of Bethlehem

Java Farm. One station: large field along north border. Hectare 3508. Dense Rhus 

radicans. Higman 1146.
Plant Annotations 99

Maianthemum

(Smilacina)

Maianthemum racemosum (L.) Link Feathery False Lily of the Valley

ssp. racemosum (False Solomon’s Seal)

(Smilacina racemosa (L.) Desf.)

Java Farm. Infrequent to moderately abundant in mature forest beside old entrance 

road. Canopy of Fagus grandifolia, Quercus alba, Liriodendron tulipifera, etc. Associate species: Dentaria laciniata, Dentaria heterophylla, Claytonia virginica. Higman 

412, 668.

Smilax

1. Leaves whitened or glaucous beneath; berries blue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S. glauca

1. Leaves green beneath; berries blue-black . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S. rotundifolia

Smilax glauca Walter Cat Greenbrier 

(Smilax glauca Walt.)

Java Farm. Infrequent on Fox Point. Canopy of mature Quercus prinus. Associate 

species: Baptisia tinctoria, Epigaea repens, Gaylussacia baccata. Higman 1072.

S. rotundifolia L. Roundleaf Greenbrier

(Greenbriar)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Abundant on the landward borders of salt marshes, 

often forming a dense barrier. Apparently delimits the saline and freshwater parts 

of marshes. Associate species: Rosa palustris, Typha latifolia, Hibiscus palustris. 

Higman 269.

Asparagus

Asparagus officinalis L. Garden Asparagus

(Asparagus)

Java Farm. One station: lawn at main building area. Hectare 2580. Associate species: Medicago lupulina, Melilotus alba, Allium vineale. 

Ivy Neck. Infrequent on sandbars, landward borders of salt marshes, and muddy 

shores of Cheston Creek and Scaffold Creek estuaries. Higman 740.
100 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

DIOSCOREACEAE

Dioscorea

Dioscorea villosa L. Wild Yam

(Yam)

Java Farm. One station: beside old entrance road. Hectare 2474. Mature canopy 

of Fagus grandifolia, Quercus alba, Liriodendron tulipifera, etc. Associate species: 

Claytonia virginica, Dentaria heterophilla, Smilacina racemosa, Viola papilionacea. 

Higman 699.

LILIACEAE

(AMARYLLIDACEAE)

1. Perianth and fruit glabrous; base a truncated bulb. (Also, flowers loosely spreading or nodding; perianth with a slender tube and campanulate or cup-like crown 

and a spreading limb) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Narcissus

1. Perianth pilose on the outside; base a corm, rhizome, or tuber. (Also, tube of 

perianth covering ovary and perianth segments converging to form a beak over 

the fruit; leaves linear, usually pubescent) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hypoxis

Narcissus

1. Flowers yellow; crown about as long as perianth-segments . . . N. pseudonarcissus

1. Flowers white; crown much shorter than perianth-segments . . . . . . . N. poeticus

Narcissus pseudonarcissus L. Daffodil

Java Farm. One station: steep east-facing slope of ridge near north border, north 

of new entrance road (yard of old house). Hectare 2562. Canopy of mature Juglans 

nigra. Persistent after cultivation. Higman 552.

N. pseudonarcissus L. Daffodil

(N. pseudonarcissus L., var.?)

Ivy Neck. One station: yard of old house between entrance road and source of Scaffold Creek drainage. Hectare 4658. Persistent after cultivation. Higman 586.

N. poeticus L. Poet’s narcissus

(Poets’ Narcissus)

Java Farm. One station: summit of steep ridge near north border, north of new 

entrance road (yard of old house). Hectare 2562. Canopy of mature Juglans nigra. 

Persistent after cultivation. Higman 601.
Plant Annotations 101

Hypoxis

Hypoxis hirsuta (L.) Coville Common Goldstar 

(Stargrass)

Java Farm. One station: bank of tributary of Muddy Creek, near old Muddy Creek 

Road. Hectare 2491. Canopy of mature Fagus grandifolia. Associate species: Claytonia virginica, Smilacina racemosa. Higman 670.

IRIDACEAE

Sisyrinchium

Sisyrinchium angustifolium Mill. Narrowleaf Blue-eyed Grass 

(Blue-eyed Grass)

Java Farm. One station: mound of charcoal in yard of burned house on road to 

springhouse. Hectare 3417. Partial canopy of Rhus typhina. Associate species: Trifolium repens, Lepidium virginicum. Higman 709.

ORCHIDACEAE

1. Inflorescence a terminal spike; stem with narrow, clasping leaves. (Also, basal 

leaves fleshy and evergreen, with white veins) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Goodyera

1. Inflorescence a raceme or of one terminal flower; flowers borne on a scape. 

2. Flowers remotely racemose, exceeded by leafy bracts; lips of corolla pink and 

white; flowers 2 to 3 cm long . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Orchis

2. Flowers solitary, terminal, without leafy bracts; lip of corolla pink or roseate, 

inflated, drooping, 3.5 to 7 cm long . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cypripedium

Goodyera

Goodyera pubescens (Willd.) R. Br. Downy Rattlesnake Plantain 

(Rattlesnake-plantain, Latticeleaf)

Java Farm. Infrequent in mature forest west of Muddy Creek. Canopy of Fagus 

grandifolia, Liriodendron tulipifera, Quercus alba. Also one station in mature forest 

at Fox Point. Canopy of Quercus alba, Quercus prinus. Higman 250.

Galearis

(Orchis)

Galearis spectabilis (L.) Raf. Showy Orchid

(Orchis spectabilis L.) (Showy Orchis)

Java Farm. One station: mature forest west of Muddy Creek, near old entrance 

road. Canopy of Fagus grandifolia, Quercus alba, and Liriodendron tulipifera. Associate specie: Dentaria heterophilla, Claytonia virginica, Smilacina racemosa. Rare species. Higman 654.
102 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Cypripedium

Cypripedium acaule Aiton Moccasin Flower

(Cypripedium acaule Ait.) (Lady-slipper)

Java Farm. Infrequent: two stations under canopy of mature Fagus grandifolia and 

Quercus alba. One station near apex of triangular area west of old Muddy Creek 

Road, near freshwater marsh. One on northeast-facing slope between old entrance 

road and main building area, north of water tank. Rare species. Higman 476, 669.

SAURURACEAE

Saururus

Saururus cernuus L. Lizard’s Tail

(Lizard’s-tail)

Java Farm. Infrequent, in valleys of tributaries to Muddy Creek. Canopy of Quercus 

alba, Fagus grandifolia, etc. Higman 397, 985.

SALICACEAE

1. Leaves linear to lanceolate, acute; aments ascending or divergent . . . . . . . Salix

1. Leaves broadly ovate or triangular, acuminate; aments arching or drooping . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Populus

Salix

The species included in this key are those from the Washington-Baltimore flora 

(Hermann, 1946) which the available literature does not report as restricted to the 

Piedmont. Of these seven species, three (S. nigra, S. sericea, and S. tristis) are represented from the Maryland Coastal Plain in the U. S. National Herbarium. Only 

S. nigra has been found at the Chesapeake Bay Center to date. This key should 

facilitate the search for additional species there.

1. Leaves entire or sparingly undulate-crenate, narrowly oblanceolate to obovate; 

plant a shrub. (Also, aments preceding the leaves; staminate and pistillate 

flowers each with one basal gland.) Expected (S. humilis, S. tristis). 

1. Leaves closely serrulate, linear-lanceolate to broadly lanceolate; plant a tree 

(shrubby in S. sericea). (Also, scales of ament pubescent.) 

2. Aments sessile, preceding the leaves; scales blackish, persistent; capsules 

silky-puberulent; staminate flowers each with one basal gland. (Also, leaves 

acuminate, glaucous and silky beneath; stamens 2.) Expected (S. sericea).

2. Aments on leafy peduncles, accompanying the leaves; scales yellow, deciduous; capsules glabrous; staminate flowers each with two basal glands. 

3. Petioles not glandular above at apex; stamens 3 to 8; pistillate flowers 

whorled. (Also, leaves long-acuminate). 
Plant Annotations 103

4. Leaves glaucous beneath. (Also, leaves somewhat pubescent, especially 

on midribs). Expected (S. caroliniana). 

4. Leaves green beneath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S. nigra

3. Petioles glandular above at apex; stamens usually 2; pistillate flowers spirally arranged. 

5. Leaves glabrous at maturity, with 4 to 6 teeth per cm of margin; capsules short-pedicelled. Expected (S. fragilis). 

5. Leaves silky-pubescent, with 7 to 9 teeth per cm of margin; capsules 

sessile. Expected (S. alba).

Salix nigra Marshal Black Willow

(Salix nigra Marsh.)

Java Farm. Infrequent, in freshwater portion of marsh at mouth of Fox Creek 

drainage and at the landward margin of small marsh on the north side of Fox Point 

peninsula. Hectares 3526, 3557. Associate species: Rosa palustris. 

Ivy Neck. Infrequent, in moist wooded strip at source of Cheston Creek estuary. 

Hectare 4733. Canopy of Diospyros virginiana, Robinia pseudoacacia, Platanus occidentalis, etc. Higman 465, 493, 525, 589.

Populus

1. Leaves ovate, short-acuminate, wooly when young but glabrate at maturity; teeth 

remote, deltoid, unequal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. grandidentata

1. Leaves triangular, acuminate, glabrous at all ages; teeth numerous, equal . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . x P. eugenei

Populus grandidentata Michx. Bigtooth Aspen 

(Big-toothed Aspen)

Java Farm. One station: rubbish pile on north side of headquarters, near big steel 

shed. Hectare 2489. Associate species: Paulownia tomentosa, Celtis occidentalis. 

Higman 913.

P. x canadensis Moench (pro sp.) [deltoides x nigra] Carolina Poplar

(x P. eugenei Simon-Lewis)

(P. deltoides Marsh, x P. nigra L. var. italica Muench.) 

(x P. canadensis Moench var. eugenei (Simon-Lewis) Schelle))

Ivy Neck. One station: two large trees in yard of old house near entrance road. Hectare 4658. Higman 1089, 1142.
104 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

MYRICACEAE

Morella

(Myrica)

Morella cerifera (L.) Small Wax Myrtle

(Myrica cerifera L.)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Moderately abundant along shores of estuaries, under 

a variety of hardwood canopies. Infrequent on sand-bars and at margins of salt 

marshes. Higman 572.

JUGLANDACEAE

1. Leaves with 10 to 17 leaflets; nut with fleshy indehiscent husk and irregularly 

furrowed shell; pith of branchlets separating into thin plates . . . . . . . . . . Juglans

1. Leaves with 5 to 9 leaflets; nut with dry, partly or wholly dehiscent husk and 

smooth bony shell; pith of branchlets continuous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carya

Juglans

Juglans nigra L. Black Walnut

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Infrequent to moderately abundant in mature canopies, 

usually associated with Liquidambar styraciflua in canopy and Lindera benzoin in 

understory. Dominant at Java Farm on steep east- and west-facing slopes of ridge 

near north boundary (hectare 2562); co-dominant with Quercus falcata, Fagus grandifolia, Platanus occidentalis, and Liquidambar styraciflua on south-facing slope above 

Muddy Creek (hectare 3415, 3416). Co-dominant at Ivy Neck with Quercus prinus at 

two points on shore of Scaffold Peninsula (hectares 5704, 5745). Higman 159, 755.

Carya

1. Terminal buds yellow, somewhat lanceolate. (Also, leaf­lets 5 to 9, lanceolate to 

lance-ovate) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. cordiformis

1. Terminal buds brown, ovoid-acute. 

2. Leaflets 5; young branchlets glabrous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. glabra

2. Leaflets 7 to 9; young branchlets tomentose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. tomentosa

Carya cordiformis (Wangenh.) K. Koch Bitternut Hickory

(Carya cordiformis (Wang.) K. Koch)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Infrequent to moderately abundant in understory of mature forest, under canopy of Quercus alba, Fagus grandifolia, Quercus velutina, Liriodendron tulipifera, etc. Most abundant near top of south-facing slope overlooking 

tidal portion of Muddy Creek. Higman 170, 247, 403.
Plant Annotations 105

C. glabra (Mill.) Sweet Pignut Hickory

(C. glabra (Mill.)) 

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Infrequent in understory of mature forest, like C. cordiformis above. Also observed under canopy of Quercus prinus. Associate species: 

Cornus florida, Acer rubrum, Carpinus caroliniana, Carya tomentosa, Liquidambar 

styraciflua. Higman 521.

C. tomentosa (Lam.) Nutt. Mockernut Hickory

(C. tomentosa (Poir.) Nutt.)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Infrequent to moderately abundant in understory and 

canopy of mature forest. Associated with C. cordiformis and C. glabra above. Higman 418, 419, 420.

BETULACEAE

1. Bark smooth, with rounded ridges (muscular); fruit a nutlet at the base of a 

lobed, leafy bract; nutlet wingless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carpinus

1. Bark smooth only on younger trees, without rounded ridges; fruit a number of 

small winged nutlets grouped into a cone, without leafy bracts. 

2. Pith of branchlets triangular; cones woody, persistent, ovoid . . . . . . . Alnus

2. Pith of branchlets circular; cones cylindrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Betula

Carpinus

Carpinus caroliniana Walter American Hornbeam

(Carpinus caroliniana Walt.) (Hornbeam, Blue Beech)

Java Farm. Infrequent to moderately abundant in the understory of mature hardwood forest, under canopy of Fagus grandifolia, Quercus alba, Liriodendron tulipifera, 

etc. Seems to prefer slopes overlooking streams and freshwater marshes. Higman 

187, 1105.

Alnus

Alnus incana (L.) Moench ssp. rugosa (Du Roi) R.T. Clausen Speckled Alder 

(Alnus rugosa (Du Roi) Spreng.) (Smooth Alder)

(A. serrulata (Air.) Willd., var. vulgaris)

Java Farm. One station: base of Fox Point peninsula, on north side. Hectare 3557. 

Canopy of Nyssa sylvatica, Quercus velutina, Quercus alba, Quercus prinus, Pinus virginiana. Associate species: Aralia spinosa, Prunus serotina, Acer rubrum. Higman 650.
106 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Betula

Betula nigra L. River Birch

(Red Birch)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Infrequent along banks of estuaries, bottom of Muddy 

Creek valley and on Fox Point Road. Occasionally found under Quercus prinus canopy. Higman 651, 1106.

FAGACEAE

1. Leaves simple, sharply and regularly serrate, acuminate; fruit a nut in a spiny bur. 

2. Leaves oblong-ovate; leaf buds linear-lanceoloid and sharply pointed; bark 

pale gray; large tree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fagus

2. Leaves oblong-lanceolate; leaf buds short and blunt; bark dark brown; stump 

sprouts only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Castanea

1. Leaves lobed, or if simple, entire or with round-tipped teeth; fruit a smooth 

acorn with a basal cup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Quercus

Fagus

Fagus grandifolia Ehrh. American Beech

(Beech)

Java Farm. Moderately abundant in mature canopy, especially on upland west of 

Muddy Creek and on north- and west-facing slopes of ridge between old entrance 

road and main building area. Less frequent on lower south-facing slopes overlooking the tidal portion of Muddy Creek. Associate species: Quercus alba, Quercus 

velutina, Liriodendron tulipifera, Liquidambar styraciflua. 

Ivy Neck. Infrequent in southern part of Quercus alba forest on Scaffold Peninsula. 

Higman 277, 558.

Castanea

Castanea dentata (Marshall) Borkh. American Chestnut 

(Castanea dentata (Marsh.) Borkh.) (Chestnut)

Java Farm. Infrequent in mature mixed hardwood forest, occurring only as stump 

sprouts. Collected under canopy of Fagus grandifolia and its associates, also one station on Hog Island under canopy of Quercus prinus. Higman 107, 402.

Quercus

1. Lobes or teeth of leaves not bristle-tipped; acorn cup with puberulent scales, 

rust-puberulent within. 

2. Leaves not lobed, or with sinuses less than 1/3 of distance to midrib. (Also, 

leaves puberulent beneath; acorn puberulent above). 
Plant Annotations 107

3. Acorns on peduncles 2–7 cm long, exceeding petioles; leaves much paler 

and densely stellate-tomentose beneath, often shallowly lobed. Expected 

(Q. bicolor). 

3. Acorns sessile or nearly so; leaves slightly paler and moderately stellatepuberulent beneath, coarsely serrate with sharp or rounded teeth (never 

lobed). 

4. Leaves sharply serrate (tips of teeth round); acorn 1.5–2.0 cm long, subglobose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Q. muehlenbergii

4. Leaves dentate with broadly rounded teeth; acorn 2–3 cm long, ovoidellipsoid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Q. prinus

2. Leaves lobed with sinuses more than 1/3 of distance to midrib. 

5. Mature leaves glabrous, whitened beneath, irregularly lobed (lobes ascending); acorn ovoid-ellipsoid, 2–3 cm long, glabrous . . . . . . . . . . . . . Q. alba

5. Mature leaves densely stellate-pubescent beneath, lobed like a cross; acorn 

ovoid, 1–1.5 cm long, puberulent above . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Q. stellata

1. Lobes of leaves (or tip in Q. phellos) bristle-tipped. 

6. Leaves unlobed, entire. (Also, leaves glabrous beneath, acorn globose, 

10–15 mm long; acorn cup very shallow, with appressed scales, nearly 

sessile) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Q. phellos

6. Leaves lobed, the lobes usually cleft. 

7. Leaves broadly obovate, shallowly 3-lobed. (Also, leaves rounded at base, 

minutely rust-puberulent beneath; acorn cup turbinate, with tomentose 

scales, covering about 1/2 of nut) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Q. marilandica

7. Leaves oblong or elliptic in general outline, moderately to deeply 5- to 

7-lobed. 

8. Base of leaf blade rounded to petiole, often unevenly; basal lobes broadly 

divergent, terminal one long and narrow. (Also, acorn cup deeply saucershaped, covering 1/3 of nut, its scales appressed, rounded) . . . Q. falcata

8. Base of leaf blade tapering to petiole; lobes all ascending-spreading. 

(Also, leaves often pubescent only in axils of veins beneath). 

9. Acorn cup turbinate, covering more than 1/3 of nut; leaf buds 

tomentose. 

10. Upper scales of acorn cup loosely imbricated, forming a fringe, 

pubescent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Q. velutina

10. Upper scales of acorn cup appressed, becoming glabrous. (Also, 

leaf sinuses often broadly circular; acorns often with pale concentric rings around the tip) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Q. coccinea

9. Acorn cup saucer-shaped, covering about 1/4 of nut; leaf buds usually glabrous (or tomentose above in Q. rubra). 

11. Leaves lobed moderately, bottom of sinus rarely more than 2/3 

the distance from lobe-tip to midrib; acorn cup 1.5–3 cm wide; 

nut 2–3 cm long. (Also, bark often with pale gray streaks on 

upper trunk; forest habitat). Expected (Q. rubra).
108 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

11. Leaves lobed deeply, bottom of sinus often 3⁄4 or more the distance from lobe-tip to midrib; acorn cup 1–1.6 cm wide; nut 1–1.3 

cm long. (Also, lower branches often spreading downward; frequently in old field habitat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Q. palustris

Quercus muehlenbergii Engelm. Chinquapin Oak

(Quercus muehlenbergii Engelm.?) (Yellow Oak)

(Q. prinoides Willd. var. acuminata (Michx) Gl.)

Java Farm. Infrequent, large trees overhanging Rhode River (Fox Creek estuary). 

Adjacent forest canopy of Robinia pseudoacacia and Ulmus americana dominants. 

Higman 766.

Q. montana Willd. Chestnut Oak

(Q. prinus L.)

Java Farm. Co-dominant with Quercus alba in canopy at Fox Point and Hog Island. 

Hectares 3558 and 3592. Associate canopy species include Carya glabra and Carya 

tomentosa. Understory dominants are Pinus virginiana (at Fox Point under thin canopy) and Kalmia latifolia (at Hog Island). Understory associates include Ilex opaca, 

Acer rubrum, and Liquidambar styraciflua. Ericaceous shrubs numerous. Also one 

station in bottom of Muddy Creek valley, with canopy dominant Fagus grandifolia. 

Hectare 3403. 

Ivy Neck. Dominates most of the shoreline of lower Scaffold Peninsula, usually 

on banks 6 to 10 feet above the estuary. Co-dominants include Quercus alba, Carya 

tomentosa, Acer rubrum, and locally Fagus grandifolia. On Cheston Peninsula (west 

shore) Quercus velutina usually co-dominates. Understory resembles that at Java 

Farm. Higman 261.

Q. alba L. White Oak

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Moderately abundant in most hardwood canopies, on 

dry to moderately moist sites. Co-dominant on upland with Quercus velutina, Acer 

rubrum, Liriodendron tulipifera, Carya Tomentosa, Fagus grandifolia, etc. Often codominant with Quercus prinus on estuary shores. Higman 263.

Q. stellata Wangenh. Post Oak

(Q. stellata Wang.)

Java Farm. Infrequent on banks of tidal portion of Muddy Creek, under canopy 

of Quercus velutina and Quercus alba. One station on Fox Point, under canopy of 

Quercus prinus. Prefers the shoreline, overhanging the water. Also adventive in 

Hog Island salt marsh. Higman 260, 275, 460.
Plant Annotations 109

Q. phellos L. Willow Oak

Java Farm. One station in Hog Island salt marsh. Hectare 3572. Associate species: Pinus virginiana, Juniperus virginiana, Liquidambar styraciflua, Quercus stellata, 

Quercus palustris, Myrica cerifera. Higman 278, 591.

Q. marilandica Münchh. Blackjack Oak

(Q. marilandica (L.) Muench.) (Black-jack Oak)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Infrequent, associated with Pinus virginiana. Also at Java 

Farm: one station west of Old Muddy Creek Road, in canopy of Liriodendron tulipifera and Fagus grandifolia. Higman 407.

Q. falcata Michx. (L) Southern Red Oak

(Spanish Oak, Red oak)

Java Farm. Moderately abundant in canopy of bottomland forest at northwest corner of Hog Island salt marsh. Hectares 3561, 3571. Adventive into the marsh. Infrequent on south-facing slope along tidal portion of Muddy Creek, with dominants 

Quercus alba, Fagus grandifolia, and Quercus velutina. Also one station on Fox Point. 

Hectare 3558. Canopy there of Quercus prinus. 

Ivy Neck. One station on east bank of Scaffold Peninsula. Canopy of Quercus alba, 

Quercus velutina. Higman 91, 262, 404.

Q. velutina Lam. Black Oak

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Moderately abundant in most mature hardwood canopies, especially on upper slopes and moderately dry sites. Also moderately abundant on estuary shore of Cheston Point, where Quercus prinus would be expected. 

Higman 588.

Q. coccinea Münchh. Scarlet Oak

(Q. coccinea Muench.)

Java Farm. Infrequent in canopy of mature upland forest west of Muddy Creek; 

also on ridge west of main building area and on south-facing slope overlooking 

meadow, north of main buildings. Canopy dominants include Fagus grandifolia, 

Quercus alba, Liquidambar styraciflua, and Liriodendron tulipifera. Higman 414, 557.

Q. palustris Münchh. Pin Oak

(Q. palustris Muench.)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Moderately abundant adventive in abandoned fields; associate species: Acer rubrum, Liquidambar styraciflua, Cornus florida, etc. Also at Java 

Farm: infrequent in valley of Muddy Creek, under canopy of Platanus occidentalis

and Fraxinus americana. Higman 75, 169.
110 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

ULMACEAE

1. Leaves entire, glabrous, prominently 3-veined at base, very oblique at base, usually 

with insect galls; buds appressed to stem; fruit a dark green drupe . . . . . . . Celtis

1. Leaves serrate or dentate, pubescent or roughened on both surfaces (except 

U. pumila), moderately to slightly oblique at base, without insect galls; buds 

somewhat spreading; fruit a samara . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ulmus

Celtis

Celtis occidentalis L. Common Hackberry

(Hackberry, Sugarberry)

Java Farm. Moderately abundant in old fields and along roadsides, especially those 

with oyster shell paving. Prefers calcareous soil. 

Ivy Neck. One station at old house, between entrance road and source of Scaffold 

Creek drainage. Hectare 4658. Higman 367, 370, 463, 473, 483, 633, 773.

Ulmus

1. Leaves smooth, simply serrate, very slightly oblique at base; samaras entirely 

glabrous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U. pumila

1. Leaves rough or harsh above, doubly serrate, definitely oblique at base; samaras 

pubescent. 

2. Leaves slightly folded at the midrib, very harsh above, ciliate; buds and branchlets downy pubescent; samaras pubescent only in the center . . . . . . . U. rubra

2. Leaves flat, moderately scabrous above, glabrous; buds and branchlets glabrous 

or sparingly pilose; samaras pubescent only on the margins . . . . U. americana

Ulmus pumila L. Siberian Elm

(Ulmus pumila L.) (Dwarf Elm)

(not in Britton & Brown)

Ivy Neck. One station: edge of bank above Rhode River, just north of Sand Point. 

Hectare 4769. Associate species: Maclura pomifera, Liquidambar styraciflua. Higman 1074.

U. rubra Muhl. Slippery Elm

Java Farm. Infrequent near northeast corner and in vicinity of pier. Associate species: Fraxinus tomentosa, Ulmus americana, Celtis occidentalis. Higman 347, 391, 

619, 771.
Plant Annotations 111

U. americana L. American Elm

Java Farm. Infrequent in old fields north of main building area. Associate species: Celtis occidentalis, Liquidambar styraciflua, Quercus palustris. One station along 

shore of Muddy Creek estuary east of Hog Island salt marsh. Associate species 

there: Robinia pseudoacacia, Cornus florida, Liquidambar styraciflua, Prunus avium, 

Morus rubra. 

Ivy Neck. Infrequent in Quercus alba forest of central Scaffold Peninsula. Higman 428.

MORACEAE

1. Leaves entire; branches with axillary spines; staminate flowers in rounded 

racemes; mature syncarp (fleshy aggregate fruit) 7 to 15 cm in diameter, with a 

dry rind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maclura

1. Leaves coarsely serrate, often lobed; branches spineless; staminate flowers in 

long aments; mature syncarp 1 to 2 cm thick. 

2. Buds with 2 or 3 scales; syncarp globose, with protruding fruits . . . . . . . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Broussonetia

2. Buds with 3 to 6 scales; syncarp cylindric or ellipsoid, juicy, the fruits not 

protruding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Morus

Maclura

Maclura pomifera (Raf.) C.K. Schneid. Osage Orange

(Maclura pomifera (Raf.) Schneid.)

Ivy Neck. Infrequent to moderately abundant along coast of upper Cheston Peninsula, both on the Cheston Creek and Rhode River sides. Also in hedgerows and 

along drainage of Cheston Creek above the estuary. Higman 869, 1010.

Broussonetia

Broussonetia papyrifera (L.) L’Hér. ex Vent. Paper Mulberry

(Broussonetia papyrifera (L.) Vent.)

Java Farm. One station: west fence of field at northeast corner of Farm. Hectare 

3600. Associate species: Liquidambar styraciflua, Ulmus Americana, Ulmus rubra. 

Higman 346, 1137.

Morus

1. Leaves densely pubescent on veins and surface beneath . . . . . . . . . . . M. rubra

1. Leaves pubescent only in axils of veins beneath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . M. alba
112 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Morus rubra L. Red Mulberry

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Infrequent in understory of a variety of mature hardwood 

canopies; seems to prefer low stream banks, poorly drained woods, etc. Higman 

425, 527, 770.

M. alba L. White Mulberry

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Infrequent, same habitat as Morus rubra above. Higman 

479.

URTICACEAE

Boehmeria cylindrica (L.) Sw. Smallspike False Nettle

(False Nettle)

Java Farm. Infrequent along old entrance road near culvert of Muddy Creek and 

along new entrance road near culvert of Fox Creek drainage. Both sites densely 

shaded by adjacent forest. Associate species: Lycopus virginicus, Cryptotaenia 

canadensis, Agrimonia microcarpa, Elephantopus carolinianus. Higman 458, 978.

POLYGONACEAE

1. Outer sepals wide-spreading or reflexed, inner ones (valves) enlarged in fruit . . 

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rumex

1. All sepals equal, erect or ascending and petaloid. 

2. Styles 2, deflexed and hooked, persistent on achene as rigid beaks; flowers 

remote on terminal raceme, deflexed in fruit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tovara

2. Styles 2–3, not deflexed or hooked, deciduous; flowers in dense raceme, not 

deflexed in fruit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Polygonum

Rumex

1. Leaves hastate, with 2 spreading basal lobes; racemes red or yellowish; flowers 

dioecious; plant spreading by slender horizontal rootstocks . . . . . R. acetosella

1. Leaves without basal lobes, entire or with crisped or uneven margins; racemes 

greenish, brown in fruit; flowers monoecious or perfect; vertical taproot. 

2. Margins of leaves entire, not crisped or uneven. (Also, margins of valves 

entire). 

3. Salt marsh or sub-aquatic habitat; leaves narrowly elliptic; fruiting pedicels 

clavate and reflexed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . R. verticillatus

3. Terrestrial habitat; leaves oblong-lanceolate, with cordate bases in one species; fruiting pedicels slender, not reflexed. Expected (R. altissimus). 
Plant Annotations 113

2. Margins of leaves undulate or crisped. 

4. Valves entire or obscurely dentate. (Also, valves broadly ovate; leaves with 

crisped or crumpled margin) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . R. crispus

4. Valves with long teeth. (Also, habitat not saline; margins of leaves slightly 

uneven). 

5. Plant 2–7 dm high; length of panicle more than 1/2 height of plant . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . R. pulcher

5. Plant 6–15 dm high; length of panicle less than 1/2 height of plant . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . R. obtusifolius

Rumex acetosella L. Common Sheep Sorrel

(Red Sorrel)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Infrequent to moderately abundant in dry, open soil (abandoned fields, roadsides, etc.) Higman 590, 759, 1083.

R. verticillatus L. Swamp Dock

(Water Dock)

Java Farm. Moderately abundant in salt marshes along Muddy Creek. Associated 

with Panicum virgatum, Scirpus spp. 

Ivy Neck. Moderately abundant in estuarine salt marshes and at coastal overflow 

ponds on Cheston Peninsula. Higman 289, 945.

R. crispus L. Curly Dock

(Sour Dock)

Ivy Neck. Infrequent in abandoned wheatfield. Also one station in dry, sandy halophytic marsh on tip of Scaffold Peninsula. Higman 688, 852, 915, 975.

R. pulcher L. Fiddle Dock

(Dock)

Java Farm. One station: grassy patch at entrance gate. Hectare 2463. Associated 

with Cyperus strigosus, Perilla frutescens, Trifolium spp. Higman 1084.

R. obtusifolius L. Bitter Dock

Java Farm. One station: on Fox Point Road just before turn eastward to Fox Point; 

in front of old barn. Hectare 3543. 

Ivy Neck. One station: abandoned road through forest on Scaffold Peninsula. Canopy of Liquidambar styraciflua, Robinia pseudoacacia, Nyssa sylvatica, Morus rubra. 

Higman 523, 976.
114 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Polygonum

 (Tovara)

Polygonum virginianum L. Jumpseed

(Tovara virginiana (L.) Adans.) (Virginia Knotweed)

(Polygonum virginianum L.)

Java Farm. Infrequent; seems to prefer moist, partly shaded sites. At entrance gate; 

along entrance road under canopy of Quercus alba, Fagus grandifolia, Liquidambar 

styraciflua, etc.; on moist valley of Muddy Creek under canopy of Fraxinus americana and Platanus occidentalis; and at main buildings. Higman 38, 65, 354, 538.

Polygonum

1. Plant prostrate-spreading; flowers in axillary fascicles . . . . . . . . . . . P. aviculare

1. Plant erect; flowers in spiciform racemes or panicles, or capitate. 

2. Stem prickly; leaves sagittate or hastate. 

3. Leaves sagittate; inflorescence capitate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. sagittatum

3. Leaves hastate, the basal lobes horizontally spreading; inflorescence a short 

raceme or panicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. arifolium

2. Stem smooth; leaves elliptic. 

4. Ocreae (sheathing stipules) without marginal cilia.

5. Leaves strigose; peduncles and axis with stalked glands . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. pensylvanicum

5. Leaves glabrous to scabrous; peduncles and axis glandless. (Also, ocreae 

short-strigose; base of plant creeping) . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. hydropiperoides

4. Ocreae with marginal cilia (lower ocreae may have top torn off). 

6. Plant annual, with fibrous roots. 

7. Mature calyx glandular-punctate. 

8. Calyx greenish; achene dull. Expected (P. hydropiper). 

8. Calyx white; achene lustrous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. punctatum

7. Mature calyx glandless. 

9. Leaves ciliate on margins and lower veins; spikes terminal, 

3–5 mm thick; cilia of ocreae equal to or longer than the sheath . . . 

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. cespitosum, var. longisetum

9. Leaves glabrous, or sparsely strigose beneath; spikes in panicles, 

7–11 mm thick; cilia of ocreae shorter than the sheath. (Also, leaves 

often with purple blotch above but this character not consistent) 

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. persicaria

6. Plant perennial, with subligneous forking rootstocks. 

10. Mature calyx glandular-punctate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. punctatum

10. Mature calyx glandless. 

11. Calyx pink; leaves glabrous to scabrous; ocreae short-strigose 

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P. hydropiperoides
Plant Annotations 115

11. Calyx white; leaves strigose; ocreae strigose-hirsute . . . . . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. setaceum

See also Appendix I, p. 227: P. cristatum.

Polygonum aviculare L. Prostrate Knotweed

(Smartweed)

Ivy Neck. One station: unpaved road to abandoned wheatfield. Hectare 4740. Associated with Diodia teres, Lespedeza stipulacea, Polygonum pensylvanicum, Cyperus 

strigosus. Higman 1059.

P. sagittatum L. Arrowleaf Tearthumb

(Smartweed)

Java Farm. Two stations: freshwater part of Fox Creek marsh (associated with Aster 

puniceus, Lycopus virginicus, Leersia oryzoides, Solidago graminifolia, Impatiens capensis), and in marshy western end of Phalaris arundinacea meadow north of main 

buildings (associated with Polygonum punctatum, P. pensylvanicum, Scirpus rubricosus). Higman 152.

P. arifolium L. Halberdleaf Tearthumb

(Smartweed)

Java Farm. One station: low bank of Muddy Creek, adjacent to west end of meadow 

above. Hectare 2467. Canopy of Platanus occidentalis, Fagus grandifolia, Liriodendron tulipifera. Understory of Lindera benzoin, Cornus florida. Higman 1055.

P. pensylvanicum L. Pennsylvania Smartweed

(Smartweed)

Java Farm. One station: large clump at marshy western end of Phalaris arundinacea meadow north of main buildings. Hectare 2467. Associates: see P. sagittatum 

above. 

Ivy Neck. Infrequent in open fields, unpaved roads. Associated with Strophostyles 

umbellata, Desmodium perplexum, Lespedeza stipulacea, Oenothera biennis. Higman 

151, 1023, 1123, 1124.

P. hydropiperoides Michx. Swamp Smartweed

(P. hydropiperoides Michx., forma leucochranthum A. H. Moore) (Smartweed)

(form not in Britton and Brown)

Java Farm. One station: border of salt marsh at upstream end of tidal portion of 

Muddy Creek. Hectare 3403. Associated with Mikania scandens, Pluchea camphorate, Lobelia cardinalis, Hibiscus palustris, Typha latifolia. Higman 80.
116 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

P. punctatum Elliott Dotted Smartweed

(P. punctatum Ell.) (Smartweed)

Java Farm. Infrequent in fresh and brackish marshes. Stations in Hog Island salt 

marsh, muddy shore of tidal portion of Muddy Creek, in Fox Point salt marsh, and 

at marshy west end of Phalaris arundinacea meadow north of main buildings. 

Associates in freshwater marsh: see P. sagittatum above. 

Associates in salt marshes: Aster puniceus, Atriplex patula, Scirpus americanus, Distichlis spicata, Kosteletzkya virginica. Higman 58, 153, 449, 990, 1245.

P. punctatum Elliott var. confertiflorum (Meisn.) Fassett Dotted Smartweed

(P. punctatum, var. Leptostachyum (Meisn.) Small) (Smartweed)

(variety not in Britton and Brown)

Java Farm. One station: large abandoned field south of entrance road and east of 

road to springhouse. Solidago graminifolia, Rubus spp., Rhus radicans, and Lonicera 

japonica dominant. Higman 132.

P. cespitosum Blume var. longisetum (Bruijn) A.N. Steward Oriental Lady’s Thumb

(P. cespitosum Blume, var. longisetum (deBruyn) Stewart) (Smartweed)

Java Farm. Three stations: along entrance road between gate and Muddy Creek 

(canopy of Quercus alba, Fagus grandifolia, Liquidambar styraciflua, etc.; associate 

species Desmodium spp., Agrimonia microcarpa, Elephantopus caroliniana, Tovara 

virginiana); two stations along Fox Creek ditch (canopy of Juglans nigra, Liquidambar styraciflua; associate species Perilla frutescens, Duchesnea indica, Eupatorium 

serotinum, Geum canadense). 

Also observed along stream at northeast border of farm. Higman 35, 223, 314, 922.

P. persicaria L. Spotted Ladysthumb

(Smartweed)

Ivy Neck. One station: near small barn on south bank of artificial pond, Cheston 

Peninsula. Hectare 4723. Dry, unshaded. Associate species: Potentilla norvegica, 

Ipomoea hederacea, Abutilon theophrasti, Eleusine indica. Higman 1002.

P. setaceum Baldw. Bog Smartweed

(P. setaceum Baldw. (P. hydropiperoides, var. setaceum (Baldw.) Gl.)) (Smartweed)

Java Farm. One station: north boundary fence, adjacent neighbor’s cornfield. Associate species: Ambrosia trifida, Clematis virginiana, Amaranthus hybridus. Higman 

1243.
Plant Annotations 117

CHENOPODIACEAE

1. Leaves alternate, or the lower opposite in Atriplex, flat, neither reduced to scales 

nor spine-tipped. (Also, plants erect; stems and branches green with white longitudinal stripes; flowers in small, spicate clusters). 

2. Terrestrial habitat; flowers perfect; calyx 5-parted. (Also, leaves narrowly to 

broadly lanceolate, entire to dentate) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chenopodium

2. Salt marsh habitat; flowers unisexual, monoecious or dioecious; calyx absent 

in pistillate flowers, these enclosed by two appressed bracts. (Also, in species 

collected, leaves hastate; spikes reddish) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Atriplex

1. Leaves opposite and reduced to scales, or alternate and spine-tipped. Expected 

(Salicornia, Salsola).

Chenopodium

1. Leaves and inflorescence glandular, aromatic. Expected (C. ambrosioides, C. botrys). 

1. Leaves and inflorescence not glandular but often farinose (covered with mealy 

substance in dry specimens). 

2. Principal leaves deltoid or rhomic too broadly ovate, their margins serrate or 

sinuate. (Also, seeds all horizontal if collected in late autumn). 

3. Leaves with lustrous upper surface, coarsely serrate margin, and long 

petiole, usually not farinose; inflorescence short, spreading, branched. Expected (C. murale). 

3. Leaves with dull or glaucous upper surface, sinuate-dentate margin, tapering to short petiole, slightly too densely farinose; inflorescence of dense 

clusters, these forming long, short-branching, continuous or interrupted 

spikes. (Spikes may be shorter than leaves in C. rubrum). 

4. Terrestrial habitat. 

5. Leaves glaucous above, densely farinose beneath; young stem greenish; fresh calyx-lobes barely keeled. (Also, leaves and inflorescence 

often red in late autumn; leaves subtending the individual spikes 

narrowly linear, unlike the serrate cauline leaves) . . . . . . . . C. album 

5. Leaves dark green or yellowish, slightly farinose beneath; young 

stem red or purple; fresh calyx-lobes strongly keeled. Expected 

(C. paganum).

4. Salt marsh habitat. (Also leaves and inflorescence red at maturity. Seeds 

often vertical) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. rubrum 

2. Principal leaves lanceolate, elliptic, narrowly ovate or oblong, the margins 

usually entire (often sinuate in C. glaucum). Expected (C. glaucum, C. leptophyllum, C. lanceolatum).
118 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Chenopodium album L. Lambsquarters

(Lamb’s Quarters)

Java Farm. One station: entrance road near road to springhouse. Hectare 3408. 

Dry, unshaded site. 

Ivy Neck. One station: abandoned wheatfield. Hectare 4772. Higman 982, 1121.

C. rubrum L. Red Goosefoot

(Goosefoot)

Java Farm. Probably in salt marsh near Fox Point Peninsula. (Collected by H. David 

Hammond).

Atriplex

Atriplex prostrata Bouchér ex DC. Triangle Orache

(Atriplex patula L., var. hastata (L.) Gray) (Spearscale)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Moderately abundant in salt marshes. Associate species: 

Polygonum punctatum, Distichlis spicata, Scirpus robustus, Kosteletzkya virginica, 

Rumex verticillatus, Pluchea camphorata, etc. Higman 60, 276, 282, 450.

AMARANTHACEAE

1. Leaves alternate, anthers 2-locular. (Also, flowers unisexual; filaments separate). 

2. Salt marsh habitat; flowers dioecious; leaves lance-linear; spikes remotely 

flowered in loose, spreading panicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Acnida

2. Terrestrial habitat; flowers monoecious; leaves lance-ovate; spikes densely 

flowered in compact, erect panicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amaranthus

1. Leaves opposite; anthers 1-locular. Expected (Iresine).

Amaranthus 

(Acnida)

Amaranthus cannabinus (L.) Sauer Tidalmarsh Amaranth

(Acnida cannabina L.) (Water Hemp)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Infrequent in salt marshes, seems to prefer drier parts of 

marsh, also sandbars or low hummocks. Associate species: Distichlis spicata, Spartina patens, Panicum virgatum, Baccharis halimifolia, Gerardia maritima, Juniperus 

virginiana. Higman 99, 971.

Amaranthus

1. Spines absent from axils of leaves; utricle circumscissle, the top falling off as 

a lid. 

2. Plant slender; blades of principal leaves 0.5 to 7 cm long; flowers in small 

axillary clusters; stamens 2 or 3. Expected (A. albus). 
Plant Annotations 119

2. Plant stout; blades of principal leaves 5 to 30 cm long; flowers monoecious in 

terminal and axillary simple or panicled spikes; stamens 5. 

3. Calyx of pistillate flowers about 3 mm long, the bracts 2 to 3 times this 

length. Expected (A. retroflexus). 

3. Calyx of pistillate flowers 1.5 to 2 mm long, the bracts slightly longer to 

twice as long. 

4. Lateral spikes of terminal panicle divergent; bracts red or purple; utricle 

longer than calyx. Expected (A. cruentus). 

4. Lateral spikes of terminal panicle ascending to erect; bracts green to 

red-tinged; utricle shorter than to equaling the calyx . . . . . . A. hybridus

1. Spines paired in axils of leaves; utricle bursting irregularly . . . . . . . . A. spinosus

Amaranthus hybridus L. Slim Amaranth

(Prince’s Feather, Amaranth)

Java Farm. One station: north boundary fence, adjacent to neighbor’s cornfield. 

Associate species: Clematis virginiana, Ambrosia trifida. 

Ivy Neck. One station: rubbish pile between old house and tobacco barn, near 

road. Hectare 4658. Associate species: Juncus tenuis, Barbarea vulgaris, etc. Higman 1037, 1117.

A. spinosus L. Spiny amaranth

(Thorny Amaranth)

Java Farm. One station: rubbish pile near old house, at main buildings. Hectare 

2580. Associate species: Solanum nigrum, Eleusine indica, Datura stramonium, Juncus tenuis, Melilotus alba. Higman 500.

PHYTOLACCACEAE

Phytolacca

Phytolacca americana L. American Pokeweed

(Pokeweed, Pokeberry)

Java Farm. Infrequent around main buildings and in abandoned fields. 

Ivy Neck. Apparently an initial dominant in abandoned fields on Scaffold Peninsula. Moderately abundant in stands of young Liquidambar styraciflua and Acer 

rubrum. Infrequent in hardwood forests of Scaffold and Cheston Peninsulas, 

under canopy of Liquidambar styraciflua, Juglans nigra, Robinia pseudoacacia, Nyssa 

sylvatica, etc. Higman 3.
120 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

MOLLUGINACEAE

(AIZOACEAE)

Mollugo

Mollugo verticillata L. Green Carpetweed

(Carpet-weed)

Ivy Neck. Infrequent in cornfields. Associate species: Ipomoea hederacea, Barbarea 

verna, Draba verna, Lepidium virginicum, etc. Higman 958, 1062.

PORTULACACEAE

Claytonia

Claytonia virginica L. Virginia Springbeauty

(Spring Beauty)

Java Farm. Moderately abundant in mature forest in vicinity of old entrance road and 

gate. Canopy of Acer rubrum, Quercus alba, Liquidambar styraciflua, etc. Associate 

species: Sanguinaria canadensis, Dentaria laciniata, Desmodium spp. Higman 562.

CARYOPHYLLACEAE

1. Sepals distinct; petals, if present, without basal claws. 

2. Leaves with scarious stipules. Expected (Spergularia). 

2. Leaves without stipules. 

3. Petals not apically notched or deeply 2-cleft. (Petals may be absent in 

Sagina). Expected (Sagina, Arenaria, Holosteum). 

3. Petals apically notched or 2-cleft. 

4. Styles 3; capsule ovoid or ellipsoid; flowers solitary or in cymes . . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stellaria

4. Styles 5; capsule cylindric; flowers not in umbels but may be clustered

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cerastium

1. Sepals united into a tube; petals, if present, with basal claws. 

5. Petals absent. (Also, calyx a hard cup; flowers green, sessile in upper axils). 

Expected (Scleranthus). 

5. Petals present. 

6. Petals red-violet; calyx with scarious or leafy basal bracts . . . . . . . Dianthus

6. Petals white or pinkish; calyx without basal bracts. 

7. Styles 5; capsule opening by 5 or 10 teeth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lychnis

7. Styles 2 or 3; capsule with 3, 4, or 6 valves. 

8. Calyx 10-nerved; styles 3; capsule 3- or 6-valved . . . . . . . . . . . Silene

8. Calyx obscurely nerved and cylindric or 5-nerved and ovoid; styles 2; 

capsule 4-valved. Expected (Saponaria).
Plant Annotations 121

Stellaria

Stellaria media (L.) Vill. Common Chickweed

(Stellaria media (L) Cyrillo) (Chickweed, Starwort)

Java Farm. Infrequent to abundant along roadsides and in sparsely shaded old 

fields. Principal station near junction of old entrance road and base line. Canopy 

of Platanus occidentalis and Fraxinus americana. Associate species: Ranunculus 

sceleratus, Duchesnea indica, Lonicera japonica. 

Ivy Neck. Infrequent in cornfields and abandoned grassy field. Higman 550, 753.

Cerastium

1. Plants perennial, with long, matted, creeping basal branches. (Also, bracts of 

inflorescence scarious-margined or the lowest ones herbaceous). 

2. Basal leafy branches herbaceous, without axillary tufts, their leaves hirsute 

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. vulgatum

2. Basal leafy branches becoming dry and withering but persistent, with conspicuous axillary tufts, their leaves not hirsute. Expected (C. arvense var. 

villosum). 

1. Plants annual or winter-annual, without creeping basal branches. 

3. Leaves narrowly oblong to oblanceolate; capsules 2–3 times as long as sepals; 

sepals oblong, blunt or acute. Expected (C. nutans). 

3. Leaves broadly elliptic to ovate or obovate; capsules 1–2 times as long as sepals; sepals lance-attenuate. 

4. Bracts of inflorescence scarious-margined. Expected (C. semidecandrum). 

4. Bracts of inflorescence herbaceous. (Also, sepals scarious-margined) . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. viscosum

Cerastium fontanum Baumg. ssp. vulgare (Hartm.) Big Chickweed 

Greuter & Burdet

(Cerastium vulgatum L.) (Mouse-ear Chickweed)

Ivy Neck. Abundant in fallow cornfields. Associate species: Cerastium viscosum, 

Stellaria media, Draba verna, Barbarea vulgaris, etc. Also one station on dike through 

salt marsh at head of Cheston Creek estuary. Higman 868.

C. glomeratum Thuill. Sticky Chickweed

(C. viscosum L.) (Mouse-ear Chickweed)

Java Farm. Infrequent in grassy old fields between south side of main building area 

and old entrance road. Associate species: Poa pratensis, Cirsium vulgare, Asclepias 

syriaca. 

Ivy Neck. Moderately abundant in fallow cornfields. Associated with C. vulgatum

above. Higman 636.
122 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Dianthus

Dianthus armeria L. Deptford Pink

Java Farm. Infrequent along unshaded portions of Fox Point Road and new entrance road, and in old field south of Fox Creek marsh. 

Ivy Neck. Infrequent along tractor trails and in abandoned grassy field. Higman 

23, 722.

Silene

(Lychnis)

Silene latifolia Poir. ssp. alba (Mill.) Greuter & Burdet Bladder Campion

(Lychnis alba Mill.) (White Campion)

Java Farm. Infrequent to moderately abundant in grassy old fields south of main 

building area. Associate species: Cerastium viscosum above. Higman 8, 662.

Silene

1. Calyx glabrous or virtually so. 

2. Stem not sticky; calyx somewhat inflated, its nerves not prominent. 

3. Leaves in whorls of 4; petals fringed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S. stellata

3. Leaves opposite; petals 2-lobed. Expected (S. cucubalus, S. nivea). 

2. Stem with sticky areas; calyx tight around the capsule, its 5 to 10 straight 

nerves prominent. (Also, flowers in loose panicles, with long pedicels; petals 

inconspicuous or wanting) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S. antirrhina

1. Calyx pilose. (Also, plants annual, without persistent bases; calyx prominently 

5- to 10-nerved; inflorescence an open cymose panicle) . . . . . . . . . S. noctoflora

Silene stellata (L.) W.T. Aiton Widowsfrill

(Silene stellata (L.) Ait.) (Starry Campion)

Java Farm. One station: large mound on bottom of Muddy Creek valley, between old 

entrance road and Muddy Creek. Hectare 2497. Canopy of Quercus alba, Quercus 

velutina, Fagus grandifolia, Carya glabra. Higman 1041.

S. antirrhina L. Sleepy Silene

(Catchfly)

Ivy Neck. One station: southern part of grassy abandoned field on Scaffold Peninsula. Hectare 4772. Higman 693.

S. noctiflora L. Nightflowering Silene

(S. noctoflora L.) (Catchfly, Campion)

Java Farm. One station on Fox Point Road. Higman 803.
Plant Annotations 123

CABOMBACEAE

(NYMPHACEAE)

Brasenia

Brasenia schreberi J.F. Gmel. Watershield

(Brasenia schreberi Gmel.) (Water-shield)

Java Farm. One station on shore of tidal portion of Muddy Creek, near mouth of small 

tributary below springhouse. Hectare 3437. Growing on soft mud. Associate species: 

Panicum virgatum, Pluchea Camphorate, Polygonum punctatum. Higman 998.

RANUNCULACEAE

1. Pistils forming follicles (pods opening down one side) or berries. Expected 

(Caltha, Coptis, Aquilegia, Delphinium, Aconitum, Cimicifuga, Actaea). 

1. Pistils forming achenes or utricles borne in heads or dense spikes. 

2. Plant a vine; leaves opposite; sepals 4, petaloid (petals absent); styles long and 

plumose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clematis

2. Plant erect; leaves alternate or radical, the upper sometimes opposite or 

whorled; sepals 3 to 20. 

3. Petals 5, yellow; sepals 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ranunculus

3. Petals absent or represented by modified stamens; sepals 3 to 20. 

4. Leaves all alternate; flowers in racemes, panicles, or corymbs. (Also, 

leaves 2-to 3-temately compound; flowers dioecious) . . . . . . . Thalictrum

4. Leaves at summit of stem or peduncle opposite or whorled, forming an 

involucre; flowers solitary or in umbels. 

5. Basal leaf 1, involucral leaves compound (3 leaflets); roots tuberous; 

sepals 5 to 10, petaloid. (Also, sepals white or pink) . . . . . Anemonella

5. Basal leaves several, basal and involucral leaves simple roots not tuberous; sepals 4 to 6. 

6. Involucral leaves unlobed, near the flower, sepals bluish, white or 

pink; plant stemless. Expected (Hepatica). 

6. Involucral as well as basal leaves with 3 to 5 deeply lobed divisions; 

involucral leaves remote from the flower; sepals greenish-yellow; 

plant with stem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anemone

Clematis

1. Leaflets toothed or dissected; sepals 6 to 12 mm long; achenes pilose or villoushirsute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. virginiana

1. Leaflets entire or wavy-margined; sepals 10 to 17 mm long; achenes appressedsilky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. dioscoreifolia
124 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Clematis virginiana L. Devil’s Darning Needles

(Virgin’s Bower)

Java Farm. Infrequent in old fields, among Rhus radicans and Lonicera japonica. 

Higman 130, 710, 1038.

C. terniflora DC. var. terniflora Sweet Autumn Virginsbower

(C. dioscoreifolia Levi & Vaniot) (Clematis)

Java Farm. One station: steep southeast-facing slope at shore of Rhode River, 

slightly below pier. Hectare 3610. Shaded by Robinia pseudoacacia. Associate species Lonicera japonica. Higman 1039.

Ranunculus

1. Basal leaves simple or lobed, cauline ones divided; roots fibrous, without corm. 

2. Habitat aquatic or amphibious; plant fleshy; the lower and middle cauline 

leaves long-petioled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . R. sceleratus

2. Habitat terrestrial; plant not fleshy; cauline leaves short-petioled to sessile. 

(Also, achene beakless; basal leaves shallowly dentate or crenate) . . . . . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . R. abortivus

1. Basal and cauline leaves compound; roots spreading from sub-globose corm 

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . R. bulbosus

Ranunculus sceleratus L. Cursed Buttercup

(Cursed Crowfoot)

Ivy Neck. Infrequent along Cheston Creek drainage and near artificial pond at 

source of the drainage. Canopy of Platanus occidentalis, Diospyros virginiana, Liquidambar styraciflua. Higman 877, 1157.

R. abortivus L. Littleleaf Buttercup

(Small-flowered Crowfoot)

Java Farm. Two stations, both shaded and apparently well-drained; at north boundary west of new entrance gate, and along cut bank of old Muddy Creek Road. Higman 580, 605.

R. bulbosus L. St. Anthony’s Turnip

(Common Buttercup)

Java Farm & Ivy Neck. Moderately abundant along dirt roads, and in old fields not 

yet swamped by Rhus radicans. Prefers moderately dry, sunny or partly shaded 

areas. Higman 627, 1147, 1148.
Plant Annotations 125

Thalictrum

Thalictrum dioicum L. Early Meadow-rue

(Meadow Rue)

Ivy Neck. One station: steep bank overlooking Rhode River, slightly above Sand 

Point. Hectare 4749. Higman 1012.

Thalictrum

(Anemonella)

Thalictrum thalictroides (L.) Eames & B. Boivin Rue Anemone

(Anemonella thalictroides (L.) Spach.)

Ivy Neck. One station in poorly-drained forest of central Scaffold Peninsula. Canopy of Liquidambar styraciflua, Acer rubrum, Liriodendron tulipifera, Fagus grandifolia, Juglans nigra, Quercus alba, Carya cordiformis, etc. Higman 570, 631.

Anemone

Anemone virginiana L. Tall Thimbleweed

(Anemone, Wind-flower)

Java Farm. Infrequent on summit of ridge, northwest of water tank. Canopy of Pinus 

taeda, Fagus grandifolia, Quercus alba, Q. velutina, Carya tomentosa, etc. Higman 504.

BERBERIDACEAE

Podophyllum

Podophyllum peltatum L. May Apple

(Mandrake)

Java Farm. Moderately abundant in bottom of Muddy Creek valley, under canopy 

of Fraxinus americana and Platanus occidentalis. Less frequent on slopes of valley, 

under canopy of Fagus grandifolia, Quercus alba, Liriodendron tulipifera, etc. Associate species: Claytonia virginica, Smilacina racemosa, Viola papilionacea. 

Ivy Neck. Moderately abundant in valley of Scaffold Creek drainage, and less frequently in central Scaffold Peninsula. Canopy of Liquidambar styraciflua, Acer rubrum, Liriodendron tulipifera, Platanus occidentalis, etc. Higman 628.
126 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

MAGNOLIACEAE

Liriodendron

Liriodendron tulipifera L. Tuliptree

(Tulip-tree, Yellow-poplar)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Infrequent to moderately abundant in a variety of mature 

hardwood canopies. Seems to prefer moderately moist upland, sides of stream 

valleys, etc. Associate species: Quercus alba, Fagus grandifolia, Acer rubrum, Carya 

cordiformis, Quercus velutina, Cornus florida. Higman 266, 1122.

ANNONACEAE

Asimina

Asimina triloba (L.) Dunal Pawpaw

(Asimina triloba (L.) Duval) (Papaw)

Ivy Neck. Infrequent in mixed hardwood forests of Scaffold and Cheston peninsulas. Small clump between cornfield and Sand Point salt marsh. Higman 573.

LAURACEAE

1. Leaves usually with 1 or more lobes; flowers in peduncled corymbose racemes, 

appearing with the leaves; fruit a blue drupe, its pedicel thickened at the end

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sassafras

1. Leaves not lobed; flowers in sessile clusters, appearing before the leaves; fruit a 

red drupe, its pedicel not thickened . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lindera

Sassafras

Sassafras albidum (Nutt.) Nees. Sassafras

Java Farm. Moderately abundant in old fields and along fences. Associate species: Acer rubrum, Quercus palustris, Liquidambar styraciflua. Infrequent in mature 

mixed hardwood forest. 

Ivy Neck. Infrequent at margins of fields. Higman 382, 584.

Lindera

Lindera benzoin (L.) Blume Northern Spicebush

(Lindera benzoin (L.) Blume, L. benzoin, var. pubescens (Spice-bush)

(Palmer & Steyerm.) Rehd.)

Java Farm. Abundant in valley bottom of Muddy Creek. Canopy of Fraxinus americana and Platanus occidentalis. Associate species: Cornus florida, Rubus sp. Infrequent to moderately abundant in forested valleys of tributaries to Muddy Creek. 

Higman 73, 559, 583, 632.
Plant Annotations 127

PAPAVERACEAE

Sanguinaria

Sanguinaria canadensis L. Bloodroot

Java Farm. One station: along old entrance road under canopy of mature Fagus 

grandifolia, Quercus alba, Liriodendron tulipifera, etc. Associate species: Dentaria 

laciniata, Dentaria heterophylla, Claytonia virginica, Viola papilionacea, Desmodium

spp., etc. Higman 560.

BRASSICACEAE

(CRUCIFERAE)

1. Petals yellow or orange. 

2. Leaves all simple, not deeply divided. Expected (Erysimum, Rorippa, Conringia, Camelina). 

2. Leaves, at least the lower, deeply divided, lyrate, or pinnate. 

3. Petals 1 to 2 cm long. Expected (Raphanus, Brassica). 

3. Petals 0.5 to 10 mm long. 

4. Cauline leaves clasping the stem by pinnatifid bases . . . . . . . . Barbarea

4. Cauline leaves not clasping, or if so their bases entire or shallowly 

dentate. 

5. Sepals erect at anthesis; petals 6 to 10 mm long; ovary and fruit 

beaked. Expected (Brassica). 

5. Sepals spreading at anthesis; petals shorter; ovary and fruit beakless. 

6. Dry habitat; sepals and ovary linear. (Also, terminal segment of 

the pinnatifid cauline leaves bluntly to sharply serrate; flowers 

pale yellow) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sisymbrium

6. Damp to aquatic habitat; sepals and ovary ovate to elliptic. Expected (Rorippa). 

1. Petals white, purple, or pink. 

7. Petals purple to pink; leaves palmately 3-divided; plant perennial with fleshy 

rhizomes; forest habitat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dentaria

7. Petals white; leaves simple or pinnate; plant usually annual or biennial without rhizomes; roadside and field habitat. (Raphanus, above, may have whitish 

to pale purple petals, lyrate leaves).

8. Leaves simple, not deeply divided. 

9. Basal rosettes present. (Lepidium may have a false rosette of cauline 

leaves). 

10. Cauline leaves absent; flowering stem a scape. (Also, petals cleft to 

middle) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draba

10. Cauline leaves present. 

11. Leaves sagittate at base. Expected (Capsella, Arabis). 
128 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

11. Leaves not sagittate at base. (Also, ovary linear; petals spatulate; 

plant annual with slender taproot) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arabidopsis

9. Basal rosettes absent. 

12. Plants halophytic, succulent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cakile

12. Plants not halophytic or succulent; old-field habitat. 

13. Cauline leaves clasping the stem, sagittate. 

14. Ovary notched at summit; style absent or very short. 

15. Plant pubescent; petals 1.5 mm long . . . . . . . . . Lepidium

15. Plant glabrous; petals 2–4 mm long. Expected (Thlaspi). 

14. Ovary not notched, but subglobose or cordate; style filiform. Expected (Cardaria). 

13. Cauline leaves not clasping. 

16. Ovary short, lanceolate to ovate; petals 1 to 2 mm long or 

absent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lepidium

16. Ovary long, linear or cylindric.

17. Cauline leaves deltoid-ovate, cordate, long-petioled; 

plant onion-scented. Expected (Alliaria). 

17. Cauline leaves tapering to base, sessile or nearly so; 

plant odorless. (Also, blades of petals not raised above 

sepals; cauline leaves blunt-toothed) . . . . . Cardamine

8. Leaves deeply pinnatifid, lyrate, or pinnate. 

18. Petals 1 to 2 cm long. Expected (Cardamine, Raphanus). 

18. Petals not over 8 mm long, or absent. 

19. Ovary lance-oblong to round or obcordate. Expected (Teesdalia, 

Lepidium, Coronopus, Armoracia). 

19. Ovary slenderly linear. 

20. Wet or aquatic habitat; petals 4 to 5 mm long . . . . Nasturtium

20. Dry habitat; petals shorter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cardamine

Barbarea

1. Uppermost leaves coarsely and irregularly dentate; lyrate lower leaves with 1 to 

4 pairs of lateral lobes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. vulgaris

1. Uppermost leaves lyrate-pinnatifid; lyrate lower leaves with 10 to 20 lateral 

lobes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. verna

Barbarea vulgaris W.T. Aiton Garden Yellowrocket

(Barbarea vulgaris R. Br.) (Winter Cress)

Java Farm. Moderately abundant in old fields, in areas not yet covered by Rhus radicans and Lonicera japonica. Also along roadsides and around headquarters. Associate species: Draba verna, Stellaria media, Arabidopsis thaliana, Cerastium vulgatum. 

Ivy Neck. Moderately abundant in cultivated fields. Same associate species as Java 

Farm. Higman 596.
Plant Annotations 129

B. verna (Mill.) Aschers. Early Yellowrocket

(Winter Cress)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Moderately abundant. Associated with B. vulgaris above. 

Higman 575, 617, 1082.

Sisymbrium

Sisymbrium officinale (L.) Scop. Hedgemustard

(Sisymbrium officinale Scop., var. leiocarpum DC.) (Hedge Mustard)

Ivy Neck. One station: pasture behind mule shed, north of Cheston Creek drainage. Higman 724.

Cardamine

(Dentaria)

1. Bracts of inflorescence more or less hirsute; flowering stem usually without a 

basal leaf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D. laciniata

1. Bracts of inflorescence glabrous (occasionally densely hirsute); flowering stem 

with basal leaf; leaves violet beneath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D. heterophylla

NOTE: These species are difficult to distinguish, may hybridize.

Cardamine concatenata (Michx.) Sw. Cutleaf Toothwort

(Dentaria laciniata Muhl.) (Toothwort)

Java Farm. Infrequent, along old entrance road under mature canopy of Fagus grandifolia, Quercus alba, Liriodendron tulipifera, etc. Associate species: Claytonia virginica, 

Sanguinaria canadensis, Viola papilionacea, Smilacina racemosa, etc. Higman 1081.

C. angustata O.E. Schulz Slender Toothwort

(D. heterophylla Nutt.) (Toothwort)

Java Farm. Infrequent, associated with D. laciniata. Higman 561.

Draba

Draba verna L. Spring Draba

(Whitlow Grass)

Ivy Neck. Abundant in cultivated fields and along tractor trails, Associate species: 

Cerastium vulgatum, Barbarea vulgaris, Arabidopsis thaliana, etc. 

Java Farm. Infrequent to moderately abundant. Roadsides and open fields. Higman 555.
130 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Arabidopsis

Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. Mouseear Cress

(Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh.) (Mouse-ear Cress)

(Sisymbrium thalianum Gray)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Infrequent to moderately abundant. Same habitat as 

Draba verna above and associated with it. Higman 582, 624.

Cakile

Cakile edentula (Bigelow) Hook. American Searocket

(Cakile edentula (Bigel.) Hook.) (Sea Rocket)

Ivy Neck. Infrequent to moderately abundant on sandy bars and beaches of Cheston Peninsula. Associated with Spartina alterniflora. Higman 860, 936.

Lepidium

1. Plant densely short-villous; cauline leaves sagittate-clasping at the base, oblanceolate to obovate in shape, entire or shallowly serrate . . . . . . . . . . L. campestre

1. Plant glabrous or nearly so; cauline leaves tapering to base, very variable in 

shape and serration. 

2. Petals equaling or longer than the sepals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. virginicum

2. Petals shorter than the sepals or wanting. Expected (L. densiflorum).

Lepidium campestre (L.) W.T. Aiton Field Pepperweed

(Lepidium campestre (L.) R. Br.) (Field Cress)

Java Farm. Infrequent along new entrance road. Associate species: Dactylis glomerata, Lepidium virginicum, Melilotus alba, Vicia sativum, Trifolium repens. Higman 637.

L. virginicum L. Virginia Pepperweed

(Pepper Grass)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Infrequent along roads and tractor trails. Associate species: Juncus tenuis, Trifolium repens. Higman 681, 704, 708, 794.

Cardamine

Cardamine hirsuta L. Hairy Bittercress

(Bitter Cress)

Ivy Neck. Infrequent to moderately abundant in cultivated fields. Associate species: Draba verna, Cerastium vulgatum, Stellaria media, etc. Higman 554, 634.
Plant Annotations 131

Nasturtium

Nasturtium officinale W.T. Aiton Watercress

(Nasturtium officinale R. Br.) (Water Cress)

Java Farm. One station: bank of tidal portion of Muddy Creek at mouth of tributary 

from springhouse. Canopy of Fagus grandifolia and Quercus velutina. Higman 616.

CRASSULACEAE

Sedum

Sedum sarmentosum Bunge Stringy Stonecrop

(Stonecrop)

Ivy Neck. One station: stone flower box in yard of old house (persistent after cultivation). Higman 721.

CRASSULACEAE

(SAXIFRAGACEAE)

Penthorum

Penthorum sedoides L. Ditch Stonecrop

(put in Crassulaceae by Britton and Brown)

Ivy Neck. One station: mud bottom of dry overflow pond on Rhode River shore of 

Cheston Peninsula. Associate species: Sparganium eurycarpum. Higman 1015.

HAMAMELIDACEAE

Liquidambar

Liquidambar styraciflua L. Sweetgum

(Sweet Gum)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Infrequent to moderately abundant in canopy and understory of all hardwood forest types. Adventive in abandoned fields, often forming 

very dense stands. Higman 63.

PLATANACEAE

Platanus

Platanus occidentalis L. American Sycamore

(Sycamore)

Java Farm. Dominates canopy along upper Muddy Creek near culvert of old entrance road and at source of tributary near junction of old entrance road and 

springhouse road. Hectares 2466, 2476, and 2497. Associate with canopy dominant Fraxinus alba along Muddy Creek valley bottom. Also one station at main 

building area. 
132 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Ivy Neck. Dominates canopy along drainage of Cheston Creek estuary. Hectares 

4722, 4732, 4752. Co-dominants include Diospyros virginiana and Liquidambar styraciflua. Higman 459. 

ROSACEAE

1. Trees or woody shrubs. 

2. Ovary inferior; fruit a pome or berry. 

3. Plant not spiny; mature carpels papery. 

4. Flowers in racemes; pome small, berry-like . . . . . . . . . . . . Amelanchier

4. Flowers in corymbed or umbellate cymes, very showy; pome large and 

fleshy (a berry in P. melanocarpa) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pyrus

3. Plant with long spines; mature carpels hard, with 1 to 5 bony nutlets . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Crataegus

2. Ovary superior; fruit a follicle, capsule, or drupe. 

5. Plant a shrub; fruit dehiscent, a follicle or capsule. (Also, flowers white in 

dense elongate panicles in species collected; cultivated) . . . . . . . . Spiraea

5. Plant a tree; fruit indehiscent, a drupe. (Also, flowers in racemes or 

corymbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prunus

1. Herbs or semi-woody shrubs, the latter thorny. 

6. Ovaries partly or entirely enclosed by the calyx. 

7. Plant herbaceous. 

8. Calyx covered with stiff, hooked bristles; petals 5, yellow; leaves pinnately compound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Agrimonia

8. Calyx without hooked bristles; petals none, flowers greenish; leaves palmately cleft. Expected (Alchemilla). 

7. Plant a thorny shrub. (Also, flowers white and pink, showy; calyx an open 

cup, ripening as a fleshy lip; leaves pinnately compound) . . . . . . . . . . Rosa

6. Ovaries not enclosed by the calyx.

9. Plant a thorny shrub; fruit a cluster of juicy drupelets . . . . . . . . . . . Rubus

9. Plant herbaceous; fruit achenes. 

10. Plant prostrate-spreading. 

11. Receptacle pulpy, enlarged in fruit (strawberry-like); leaflets 3, 

digitate. 

12. Petals white; bractlets of calyx similar to the narrow lobes . . . . . 

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fragaria

12. Petals yellow; bractlets of calyx much broader than the lobes, 

3-toothed. (Also, plant very pilose; stipules 3-divided) . . . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Duchesnea

11. Receptacle dry, hairy, not enlarged in fruit; leaflets 5, palmate. 

(Also, petals yellow) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Potentilla

10. Plant erect. (Also, receptacle hairy). 
Plant Annotations 133

12. Petals yellow; receptacle flatish; leaves oblanceolate to narrowly 

obovate, coarsely serrate, never lobed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Potentilla

12. Petals white; receptacle conic-cylindric; leaves broadly oblanceolate 

or rhombic, serrate, the lower often lobed or cleft . . . . . . . . . Geum

Amelanchier

1. Racemes ascending; sepals divergent in fruit; petals 7–12 mm long; leaves blunt 

or acute at apex, glabrous beneath, round at base . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. canadensis

1. Racemes drooping; sepals tightly reflexed in fruit; petals 1–2 mm long; leaves 

acuminate at apex, tomentose beneath, round or cordate at base . . . . A. arborea

Amelanchier canadensis (L.) Medik. Canadian Serviceberry

(Amelanchier canadensis Medic.) (Shad-bush, Service Berry)

Ivy Neck. Two stations: head of Scaffold Creek estuary and east bank of Scaffold 

Peninsula. Canopy of Quercus alba, Carya tomentosa, Fagus grandifolia, Acer rubrum. 

Higman 594, 844.

A. arborea (Michx. f.) Fernald Common Serviceberry

(A. arborea (Michx. f.) Fern.) (Shad-bush, Service Berry)

Java Farm. One station: Hog Island. Hectare 3592. Canopy of Quercus prinus. Associate species: Rhododendron nudiflora, Nyssa sylvatica, Gaylussacia baccata, Cornus 

florida. Higman 117.

Photinia, Pyrus, Malus

1. Leaves glandular along upper midrib; petals less than 1 cm long and 7 mm 

broad; fruit small and berry-like . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. melanocarpa

1. Leaves not glandular; petals 1–2 cm long and 0.8–1.5 cm broad; fruit large and 

fleshy. 

2. Leaves and branchlets glabrous; fruit pear-shaped, yellow . . . . . . P. communis

2. Leaves and branchlets white-tomentose; fruit apple-shaped, red . . . . P. malus

Photinia melanocarpa (Michx.) K.R. Robertson & Phipps Black Chokeberry

(Pyrus melanocarpa (Michx.) Willd.) (Chokeberry)

(Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Ell.)

Java Farm. One station on Fox Point, under canopy of Quercus prinus. Also observed on Hog Island. Hectares 3558, 3592. Higman 532.

Pyrus communis L. Common Pear

(Pear)

Java Farm. Infrequent on steep west-facing slope overlooking meadow, adjacent 

northern boundary. Persistent after cultivation. Canopy of Juglans nigra.
134 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Malus sylvestris (L.) Mill. European Crab Apple

(P. malus L.) (Apple)

Java Farm. Infrequent on south-facing slope overlooking meadow, adjacent northern boundary. Persistent after cultivation. Open canopy also includes Liriodendron 

tulipifera and Robinia pseudoacacia. 

Ivy Neck. Infrequent on borders of cultivated fields. Presumably cultivated. Higman 157, 506, 578, 597, 604.

Crataegus

Crataegus pruinosa (Wendl. f.) K. Koch Waxyfruit Hawthorn 

(Crataegus pruinosa (Wendl.) K. Koch) (Hawthorn, Red Haw)

Ivy Neck. One station on east shore of Scaffold Creek; canopy of Quercus prinus, 

Q. velutina, and Carya tomentosa. Another station on east shore of Cheston Creek; 

small area of Quercus phellos-mixed hardwoods. Higman 656, 1073.

Spiraea

Spiraea prunifolia Siebold & Zucc. Bridalwreath Spirea 

(Spiraea prunifolia Sieb. & Zucc?) (Spiraea)

Ivy Neck. Two stations near old houses. Hectares 4720, 4658. Persistent after cultivation. Higman 593, 1144.

Prunus

1. Flowers in long racemes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. serotina

1. Flowers umbellate or corymbed. 

2. Ovary and fruit tomentose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. persica

2. Ovary and fruit glabrous, not glaucous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. avium

Prunus serotina Ehrh. Black Cherry

Java Farm. Infrequent to moderately abundant in old fields and along roadsides. 

Associate species: Sassafras albidum, Acer rubrum, Quercus palustris, Liquidambar 

styraciflua, Cornus florida. 

Ivy Neck. Infrequent in old fields between east and west forks of Scaffold Creek 

estuary, in forest at source of Scaffold Creek drainage (east fork), and in forest of 

central Scaffold Peninsula. Moderately abundant on Cheston Point and in coves 

behind salt marsh there. Associate species: those at Java Farm plus Robinia pseudoacacia, Rhus typhina, Quercus velutina. Higman 139, 644.

P. persica (L.) Batsch Peach

Java Farm. One station at main buildings. Hectare 2580. Persistent after cultivation. Higman 598, 867.
Plant Annotations 135

P. avium (L.) L. Sweet Cherry

(P. avium L.)

Java Farm. Infrequent along shore of Muddy Creek and Fox Creek estuaries. Associate species not definite, may include Robinia pseudoacacia, Liquidambar styraciflua, Ulmus rubra, Cornus florida. 

Ivy Neck. Infrequent along shores of estuaries and at Cheston Point, not associated 

with Quercus prinus canopy. Also one station (presumably cultivated) beside old 

house on upper Scaffold Peninsula. Higman 422, 424, 585, 767, 1163, 1164.

Agrimonia

1. Larger leaflets of middle and upper leaves lance-acuminate, sharply serrate, 

villous and copiously white-glandular-dotted beneath. (Also, axis of raceme 

minutely glandular) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. parviflora

1. Larger leaflets of middle and upper leaves ovate-oblong, coarsely dentate, either 

villous or glandular-dotted but not both. 

2. Axis of raceme minutely glandular, glabrous or nearly so; rachis and lower 

leaflet surfaces glabrous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. rostellata

2. Axis of raceme glandless, pubescent; rachis and lower leaflet surfaces 

pubescent. 

3. Larger leaflets broadly obtuse at apex; mature hypanthium about 2 mm 

long . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. microcarpa

3. Larger leaflets acute to blunt at apex; mature hypanthium about 3 mm 

long. Expected (A. pubescens).

Agrimonia parviflora Aiton Harvestlice

(Agrimonia parviflora Ait.) (Agrimony)

Java Farm. Infrequent in grassy fields between south side of main building area 

and old entrance road. Associate species: Solanum carolinense, Cirsium discolor, 

Erigeron annuus, Verbascum Thapsus, Asclepias syriaca. 

Ivy Neck. One station: drainage into Cheston Creek estuary. Hectare 4743. Canopy 

of Robinia pseudoacacia, Diospyros virginiana, Platanus occidentalis. Associate species: Elephantopus carolinianus, Cuphea petiolata.

A. rostellata Wallr. Beaked Agrimony

(Agrimony)

Java Farm. Infrequent along abandoned trail between old entrance gate and Muddy 

Creek, parallel to north boundary. Canopy of mature Fagus grandifolia, Carya tomentosa, Quercus alba, Liriodendron tulipifera, etc. Higman 1079. 
136 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

A. microcarpa Wallr. Smallfruit Agrimony

(Agrimony)

Java Farm. Infrequent along old entrance road between gate and Muddy Creek. 

Canopy same as for A. rostellata above. Associate species: Lactuca floridana, Eupatorium purpureum, Desmodium paniculatum, Desmodium glutinosum, Elephantopus 

carolinianus, Polygonum cespitosum var. longisetum. Higman 32.

Rosa

1. Styles united into a column equaling the stamens. 

2. Stipules entire; leaflets 3. Expected (R. setigera). 

2. Stipules fringed like a comb; leaflets 7 or 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . R. multiflora

1. Styles free (sometimes partly united) and shorter than the stamens. 

3. Sepals persistent in fruit; foliage not glandular-aromatic. Expected (R. cinnamomea). 

3. Sepals deciduous in fruit, if persistent, the foliage glandular-aromatic. 

4. Mature hips 2 cm long or more, ellipsoid-ovoid, the achenes often visible 

through the walls. (Also, leaves glabrous, glandless, not aromatic) . . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . R. canina

4. Mature hips usually 1 cm long or shorter (1.5 cm long in R. micrantha), 

ovoid-subglobose, opaque. 

5. Leaves glandular beneath at least, oval-ovate, the teeth glandular or 

gland-tipped; hips sparsely glandular-hirsute to glabrous; sepals fringed 

like a comb. 

6. Sepals persistent until fruit is entirely ripe (only sure distinction); leaflets strongly glandular above; styles pubescent. Expected (R. eglanteria). 

6. Sepals promptly deciduous in fruit; leaflets sparsely glandular above; 

styles glabrous or nearly so . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . R. micrantha

5. Leaves glandless, narrowly elliptic-obovate; hips and sepals glandularhirsute; sepals entire or with 2 narrow lateral divisions. 

7. Stipules upwardly dilated, the spreading adnate part of the pair 

3–10 mm broad. Expected (R. virginiana). 

7. Stipules with parallel sides, the adnate part 0.5–2 mm broad. 

8. Sepals entire; leaflets glabrous, or pilose only on veins beneath; 

cauline thorns stout and recurved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . R. palustris

8. Sepals with 2 narrow lateral divisions; leaflets pilose beneath; 

cauline thorns slender and straight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . R. Carolina

Rosa multiflora Thunb. Multiflora Rose

(Rose)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Infrequent, usually on banks of streams and in nearby old 

fields. Associate species: Gratiola virginiana, Trifolium repens, Tripsacum dactyloides, Panicum clandestinum, Viburnum prunifolium, Rhus typhina, Celastrus scandens. 

Higman 221, 328, 680, 703, 727.
Plant Annotations 137

R. canina L. Dog Rose

Ivy Neck. One station: steep bluff above sandy shore of Rhode River on Cheston 

Peninsula, north of Sand Point. Associate species: Amorpha frutescens, Rhus typhina, 

Verbascum thapsus, Daucus carota, Atriplex patula, Plantago lanceolata, Juncus tenuis, 

Solidago sempervirens, Cirsium discolor, Arctium minus. Higman 368, 1162.

R. micrantha Borrer ex Sm. Smallflower Sweetbrier

(R. micrantha Sm.) (Sweetbrier)

Java Farm. Infrequent in old fields. Associate species: Rosa palustris, Solidago 

altissima, Rhus radicans. Higman 377, 761.

R. palustris Marshall Swamp Rose

(R. palustris Marsh.)

Java Farm. Infrequent along shores of streams and estuaries, landward margin of 

salt marsh on tidal portion of Muddy Creek, and scattered along Fox Creek drainage 

and adjacent fields. Associate species: Salix nigra, Rosa micrantha, Myrica cerifera, 

Viburnum prunifolium. Higman 291, 368, 379, 466, 861.

R. carolina L. Carolina Rose

(Rose)

Ivy Neck. One station: east shore of Scaffold Peninsula. Canopy of mature Quercus 

prinus, Quercus alba, Carya tomentosa, Acer rubrum, Fagus grandifolia. Higman 846.

Rubus

1. Flowers 3–4 cm broad, with spreading petals; fruit often drying in the receptacle 

without falling; leaves pale green beneath, pilose on both sides; stems and 

petioles very bristly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . R. hispidus

1. Flowers much smaller, with calyx lobes exceeding petals; fruit readily falling 

from receptacle; leaves densely white-woolly beneath, nearly glabrous above; 

stems and petioles pubescent or glabrous. 

2. Stems, petioles, pedicels, and calyx with dense red glandular hairs; leaflets 

red-veined; fruit red . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . R. phoenicolasius

2. Stems glabrous but often very glaucous; petioles and pedicels slightly pilose 

with non-glandular hairs; calyx tomentose; leaflets green-veined; fruit purpleblack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . R. occidentalis

Rubus hispidus L. Bristly Dewberry

(Dewberry, Bramble)

Java Farm. One station: border of mixed hardwood forest at end of road to springhouse. Hectare 3427. 
138 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Ivy Neck. One station: prostrate in cornfield on Scaffold Peninsula and in adjacent 

forest. 

(May be infrequent to moderately abundant at forest borders.) Higman 658.

R. phoenicolasius Maxim. Wine Raspberry

(Wineberry)

Java Farm. One station: near northeast border fence. Hectare 2550. Summit of 

steep west-facing slope (old orchard); dense canopy of Juglans nigra, dense ground 

layer of Lonicera japonica. Also in small ravine at base of slope, adjoining meadow. 

Higman 781. 

R. occidentalis L. Black Raspberry

Java Farm. Dominant in many old fields, forming dense clumps. Seems to compete well with Campsis radicans and Lonicera japonica. Also scattered in grassy 

areas. Higman 702, 648.

Fragaria

Fragaria virginiana Duchesne Virginia Strawberry

(Strawberry)

Java Farm. Three stations: grassy triangle at entrance gate, washed-out culvert on 

upper Fox Creek, and open glade at end of springhouse road. All sites moderately 

moist, moderately sunny, and moderately free of Rhus radicans and Lonicera japonica. Associated with Viola spp., Duchesnea indica, assorted grasses. Higman 622.

Duchesnea

Duchesnea indica (Andrews) Teschem. Indian Strawberry

(Duchesnea indica (Andr.) Focke.) (False or Indian Strawberry)

Java Farm. Moderately abundant to abundant in same habitat as Fragaria virginiana above. Also found in bottom of Muddy Creek valley, under canopy of Fraxinus 

americana and Platanus occidentalis; associate species there include Ranunculus 

sceleratus and Allium vineale. 

Ivy Neck. Moderately abundant along Cheston Creek drainage. Canopy of mature 

Platanus occidentalis, Robinia pseudoacacia. Higman 177, 313, 609, 783.

Potentilla

1. Stem erect, 2–9 dm high. 

2. Leaves digitately 5-to 7-foliate; teeth of larger leaflets narrowly deltoid, ascending toward the apex; petals notched at apex; flowers 15 to 25 mm broad

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. recta

2. Leaves palmately 3-foliate; teeth of larger leaflets broadly acute, spreading; 

petals only slightly notched at apex; flowers 3 to 10 mm broad . . . P. norvegica
Plant Annotations 139

1. Stem prostrate-trailing. 

3. Rhizome short and blunt, max. 2 cm long; stipules of basal leaves with 

oblong-lanceolate flat auricles; leaves small at anthesis . . . . . . P. canadensis

3. Rhizome irregularly enlarged, max. 8 cm long; stipules of basal leaves with 

linear-lanceolate inrolling auricles; leaves expanded at anthesis . . . . P. simplex

(NOTE: These last two species look very similar in the field and on herbarium 

sheets, and distinguishing characters cannot be fully trusted.)

Potentilla recta L. Sulphur Cinquefoil

(Five-finger)

Java Farm & Ivy Neck, One station each: both on open, unshaded roadsides. Higman 720.

P. norvegica L. Norwegian Cinquefoil 

(Five-finger)

Java Farm. One station at border of parking lot, main building area. Hectare 2580. 

Ivy Neck. One station: near old barn on south side of artificial pond at source 

of Cheston Creek drainage. Hectare 4723. Associate species: Ipomoea hederacea, 

Datura stramonium, Cyperus strigosus, Abutilon theophrasti, Eleusine indica, Polygonum persicaria. Higman 932, 998.

P. canadensis L. Dwarf Cinquefoil 

(Five-finger)

Java Farm. One station: near old entrance gate. Hectare 2463. Canopy of mature 

Fagus grandifolia, Quercus alba, Quercus velutina, Liriodendron tulipifera, Carya 

tomentosa, etc. Higman 664.

P. simplex Michx. Common Cinquefoil 

(Five-finger)

Java Farm. One station: along old Muddy Creek Road. Same habitat as P. canadensis above. Hectare 2472. Higman 665.

Geum

Geum canadense Jacq. White Avens

Java Farm. Moderately abundant along new entrance road, especially near culvert 

of Fox Creek drainage. Associate species: Panicum clandestinum, Duchesnea indica, 

Agrimonia microcarpa, Lonicera japonica. Site is partly shaded by Juglans nigra and 

Liquidambar styraciflua. Less frequent in forest north of Fox Creek marsh and in 

Muddy Creek valley near old entrance road. Both areas have dense, mature canopy 

and a dense ground layer of Lonicera japonica. Associate species at both locations: 

Elephantopus carolinianus. Higman 184, 248, 830.
140 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

FABACEAE

(LEGUMINOSAE)

1. Stamens completely separate, (monadelphous at base in Amorpha). 

2. Stamens inserted on the calyx. 

3. Herbs; flowers yellow; petioles with 1 or more glands . . . . . . . . . . . Cassia

3. Trees; flowers white or pink; petioles without basal glands. 

4. Plants thorny. Expected (Gleditsia). 

4. Plants thornless. 

5. Leaves bipinnate, with ovate leaflets; flowers white, not papilionaceous; legumes thick and woody, 1 dm or more in length . . . . . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gymnocladus

5. Leaves simple, cordate; flowers pink, papilionaceous, appearing before the leaves; legumes not woody, approx. 5–7 cm long . . . . . Cercis

2. Stamens inserted on the corolla. 

6. Shrubs; sandy shoreline habitat; leaves with 13 to 35 leaflets; corolla of 

1 violet petal; legumes resin-dotted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amorpha

6. Herbs; inland habitat; leaves with 3 leaflets; corolla of 5 yellow petals (papilionaceous); legumes not resinous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baptisia

1. Stamens monadelphous or diadelphous. Herbs, except Robinia. (Wisteria and 

Cytisus omitted).

7. Anthers of 2 forms; legume dehiscent. (Also, stamens monadelphous). Expected (Lupinus). 

7. Anthers uniform. (Stylosanthes has 2 forms but legume is indehiscent). 

8. Leaflets denticulate or serrulate. 

9. Inflorescence a head; petals persistent in fruit . . . . . . . . . . . . .Trifolium

9. Inflorescence a raceme or spike; petals deciduous in fruit. 

10. Legume straight; plant about 1 m tall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Melilotus

10. Legume curved; plant (in species collected) low and spreading . . . 

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Medicago

8. Leaflets entire. 

11. Trees, thorny. (Also, 3 to 10 pairs of leaflets) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robinia

11. Herbs, thornless. 

12. Plant not a vine, without tendrils nor twining. (2 species of Lespedeza are prostrate and spreading). 

13. Leaflets 5 or more, up to approx. 25; legume dehiscent. Expected (Aeschynomene, Tephrosia). 

13. Leaflets 3; legume indehiscent. 

14. Leaflets stipellate (with appendages like stipules); calyx 

2-lipped; flowers purple to pink; legume adhesive . . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Desmodium
Plant Annotations 141

14. Leaflets not stipellate; calyx subequally 5-toothed; flowers 

yellow or whitish; legume not adhesive.

15. Flowers whitish with purple markings; stamens diadelphous; calyx persistent in fruit. (Some species 

have apetalous flowers also) . . . . . . . . . . . . Lespedeza

15. Flowers yellow; stamens monadelphous (2 kinds of 

anthers); calyx deciduous in fruit . . . . . . Stylosanthes

12. Plant a vine, trailing or twining, may have tendrils. 

16. Tendrils terminating the pinnate leaves; leaflets 10 or more 

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vicia

16. Tendrils absent; leaves odd-pinnate, with 3 to 9 leaflets. 

17. Leaflets usually 5 to 9, ovate-lanceolate . . . . . . . . . . Apios

17. Leaflets 3. 

18. Corolla yellow. Expected (Rhynchosia). 

18. Corolla blue or purple to white. 

19. Style not bearded. 

20. Flowers both petaliferous and apetalous, the 

latter attached to roots; calyx of petaliferous 

flowers without small bracts at base of pedicel; calyx teeth subequal . . . . . . Amphicarpa

20. Flowers all petaliferous; calyx with small 

bracts at base of pedicel; calyx 2-lipped, 

deeply cleft. Expected (Pueraria). 

19. Style bearded. 

21. Style bearded at summit around stigma. Expected (Centrosema). 

21. Style bearded along upper surface.

22. Flowers numerous in racemes or panicles; keel spirally coiled . . . . . Phaseolus

22. Flowers 1 to few in heads or short racemes; keel curved but not spirally coiled. 

23. Flowers 4–6 cm long. Expected 

(Clitoria). 

23. Flowers 0.6–2.5 cm long. (Also, keel 

long and blackened; flowers creamy 

with pink tinge; legume linear, flat)

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Strophostyles
142 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Chamaecrista

(Cassia)

Chamaecrista fasciculata (Michx.) Greene var. fasciculata Partridge Pea

(Cassia fasciculata Michx.)

Java Farm. Infrequent along Fox Point Road. Associate species: Daucus carota, Verbascum thapsus, Plantago major, Prunella vulgaris, Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Erigeron 

canadensis. 

Ivy Neck. Infrequent on tractor trails and field borders. Higman 16.

Gymnocladus

Gymnocladus dioicus (L.) K. Koch Kentucky Coffeetree

(Gymnocladus dioica (L.) K. Koch) (Kentucky Coffee-tree)

Ivy Neck. One station: large tree by parking area, north of entrance road. Hectare 

4720. Probably cultivated. Higman 1047, 1053.

Cercis

Cercis canadensis L. Eastern Redbud

(Redbud)

Ivy Neck. Infrequent in forest of central Scaffold Peninsula. Canopy of Quercus 

alba, Quercus velutina, Nyssa sylvatica, Liriodendron tulipifera, Carya tomentosa, etc. 

Understory includes Rhus typhina. Higman 595.

Amorpha

Amorpha fruticosa L. False Indigo Bush

(False Indigo)

Ivy Neck. Infrequent along landward margin of sandy beach, at shore of Rhode 

River. Associate species: Baccharis halimifolia. Higman 1063.

Baptisia

Baptisia tinctoria (L.) R. Br. Horseflyweed

(Baptisia tinctoria (L.) R. Vr.) (Wild Indigo)

Java Farm. One station: Fox Point, at end of road. Hectare 3558. Canopy of mature 

Quercus prinus, Quercus alba. Associate species: Liatris graminifolia. Higman 431.

Trifolium

1. Flowers sessile in head. 

2. Heads cylindric, not subtended by opposite leaves; flowers pale gray; calyx 

long-villous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T. arvense
Plant Annotations 143

2. Heads subglobose, subtended by opposite leaves; flowers pink or reddish; 

calyx densely short-pilose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T. pratense

1. Flowers pedicellate in head. 

3. Flowers yellow, becoming brown with age . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T. procumbens

3. Flowers white to reddish-pink. 

4. Stems repent or creeping, the peduncles ascending; flowers white . . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T. repens

4. Stems erect or ascending; flowers pink or reddish . . . . . . . . . T. hybridum

Trifolium arvense L. Rabbitfoot Clover

(Rabbit-foot Clover)

Ivy Neck. Infrequent along tractor trail beside grassy abandoned field. Associate 

species: Hypericum perforatum, Festuca elatior, Trifolium hybridum, Rudbeckia serotina. Higman 813.

T. pratense L. Red Clover

Ivy Neck. Moderately abundant in central part of grassy abandoned field. Associate 

species: Trifolium hybridum, Verbascum blatteria, Oenothera fruticosa. Higman 545, 

695.

T. pratense L. Red Clover

(T. pratense, var. sativum (Mill.) Schreb.)

Java Farm. Infrequent along new entrance road. Associate species: Vicia sativa, 

Melilotus alba. Higman 203.

T. campestre Schreb. Field Clover

(T. procumbens L.) (Hop Clover)

Java Farm. One station: south-facing slope adjacent north border, overlooking 

meadow. Hectare 2458. Open canopy of Pyrus malus, Robinia pseudoacacia, Liriodendron tulipifera. Fairly dense Rhus radicans and Lonicera japonica. Higman 1119.

T. repens L. White Clover

Java Farm, Infrequent to moderately abundant along old entrance road and road to 

springhouse. Higman 673, 705, 706.

T. hybridum L. Alsike Clover

Ivy Neck. Moderately abundant in grassy abandoned field. Associated with T. pratense above. Higman 687, 689, 817.
144 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Melilotus

1. Petals yellow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . M. officinalis

1. Petals white . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . M. alba

Melilotus officinalis (L.) Lam. Sweetcover

(Yellow Sweet Clover)

Java Farm. Moderately abundant around main buildings and along sunny roadsides. 

Ivy Neck. Infrequent, around farm buildings. Higman 511, 700.

M. officinalis (L.) Lam. Sweetclover

(M. alba Desr.) (White Sweet Clover)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Same habitat as M. officinalis above; somewhat more 

abundant. Associate species: Cirsium discolor, Osclepias syriaca, Verbascum thapsus. 

Higman 361.

Medicago

Medicago lupulina L. Black Medick

Java Farm. One station: weedy lawn beside parking area at main buildings. Hectare 

2580. Associate species: Melilotus alba. Higman 701,

Robinia

Robinia pseudoacacia L. Black Locust

(Yellow Locust (L))

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Infrequent to moderately abundant in old fields and immature forest, often associated with Liquidambar styraciflua. Absent to infrequent 

in mature hardwood forest. Formerly cultivated at Java Farm, on south- and westfacing slopes overlooking meadow. Higman 264, 696, 1046.

Desmodium

1. Stamens monadelphous; stipe of loment (legume) equal to or exceeding the 

pedicel, more than 3 times as long as calyx. 

2. Inflorescences axillary and terminal; flowers white. Expected (D. pauciflorum). 

2. Inflorescences terminal only; flowers rose to purple. (Also, flowering stem 

leafless or nearly so). 

3. Flowering stem leafless at base; leaves at apex of a sterile stem. Expected 

(D. nudiflorum). 

3. Flowering stem arising from a basal whorl of leaves . . . . . . D. glutinosum

1. Stamens diadelphous (9 and 1); stipe of loment shorter than the pedicel, not 

over twice as long as calyx. 

4. Stipules ovate-attenuate, cordate at base, conspicuous. Expected (D. ochroleucum, D. canescens). 
Plant Annotations 145

4. Stipules linear to lance-ovate-attenuate, often deciduous. 

5. Loments with 1 to 3 articles. (Also, flowers not longer than 6 mm; bracts 

not longer than 3 mm) Expected (D. rigidum, D. ciliare, D. marilandicum). 

5. Loments with 4 or more articles (occasionally only 3). 

6. Leaflets linear-lanceolate to lance-ovate, not ciliate, nearly glabrous; 

stem glabrous or nearly so . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D. paniculatum

6. Leaflets rhombic to ovate, ciliate, pilose on both surfaces; stem puberulent and/or pilose.

7. Venation of leaflets conspicuously reticulate. 

8. Flowers 6.5–13.5 mm long; primary bracts up to 12 mm long; loments sessile or nearly so . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D. canadense

8. Flowers and bracts smaller; loments on stipes. 

9. Leaflets tomentose beneath, velvety to touch, pilose above. Expected (D. viridiflorum). 

9. Leaflets appressed-pilose on both surfaces . . . . . . D. glabellum

7. Venation of leaflets inconspicuous. 

10. Plant prostrate. (Also, stipules ovate-to lance-attenuate). Expected (D. humifusum). 

10. Plant erect. (Also, stipules linear-to lance-attenuate) . . . . . . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D. perplexum

Desmodium glutinosum (Muhl. ex Willd.) Alph. Wood Pointedleaf Ticktrefoil 

(Desmodium glutinosum (Muhl.)) (Wood Tick Trefoil)

Java Farm. Infrequent to moderately abundant along old entrance road. Canopy of 

mature Fagus grandifolia, Quercus alba, Liriodendron tulipifera, etc. Associate species: Agrimonia microcarpa, Lactuca floridana var. villosa, Eupatorium purpureum, 

Elephantopus carolinianus, Smilacina racemosa, Tovara virginiana, Dentaria laciniata,

etc. Higman 34, 36.

D. paniculatum (L.) DC. Panicledleaf Ticktrefoil 

(Tick Trefoil)

Java Farm. Infrequent along old entrance road. Associated with D. glutinosum

above. Higman 33.

D. canadense (L.) DC. Showy Ticktrefoil 

(Tick Trefoil)

Java Farm. Infrequent along old entrance road. Associated with D. glutinosum

above. Higman 40.
146 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

D. glabellum (Michx.) DC. Dillenius’ Ticktrefoil 

(Tick Trefoil)

Java Farm. Infrequent along old entrance road. Associated with D. glutinosum

above. Higman 39.

D. perplexum B.G. Schub. Perplexed Ticktrefoil

(D. perplexum Schub.) (Tick Trefoil)

(not in Britton and Brown) 

Java Farm. One station in large field south of old entrance road and east of road to 

springhouse. Hectare 3419. Rhus radicans and Solidago altissima dominate. Associate species: Lespedeza cuneata, Eupatorium serotinum, Cyperus strigosus, Clematis 

virginiana, Daucus carota. 

Ivy Neck. One station in fallow field between entrance road and Scaffold Creek 

drainage. Hectare 4668. Associate species: Setaria lutescens, Eupatorium serotinum, 

Echinochloa pungens, Strophostyles umbellata. Higman 119, 834.

Kummerowia, 

Lespedeza

1. Stipules and bracts broad and scarious; calyx lobes broad; annuals. (Stem prostrate in species collected). 

2. Flowers and fruits in tiny axillary clusters. Expected (L. striata). 

2. Flowers and fruits in long, bracted spiciform racemes . . . . . . . L. stipulacea

1. Stipules and bracts narrow to awl-shaped; calyx lobes narrow; perennials. 

3. Petaliferous flowers in racemes or panicles; apetalous ones present; calyx 

shorter than the legume, flowers violet. 

4. Peduncles of petaliferous flowers 2 to 4 times as long as the subtending 

leaves. 

5. Stems erect or ascending. Expected (L. violacea). 

5. Stems prostrate, spreading. 

6. Stems and leaf lets, densely pubescent . . . . . . . . . . . . L. procumbens

6. Stems and leaflets glabrous or nearly so . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. repens

4. Peduncles of petaliferous flowers equal to or shorter than the subtending 

leaves. Expected (L. nuttallii, L. virginica, L. intermedia).

3. Petaliferous flowers in heads, spikes, or axillary racemes; apetalous ones absent (except in L. cuneata, in which the calyx equals the legume); flowers 

white with purple markings. 

7. Inflorescences at summit of stems and branches; calyx very pilose. Expected (L. capitata, L. hirta). 

7. Inflorescences axillary along erect branches; calyx nearly glabrous . . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. cuneate
Plant Annotations 147

Kummerowia stipulacea (Maxim.) Makino Korean Clover

(Lespedeza stipulacea Maxim.) (Bush Clover)

Ivy Neck. One station: on dirt road leading to abandoned wheat field. Also old 

house by tobacco barn. Higman 1022. Hectares 4658, 4740.

Lespedeza procumbens Michx. Trailing Lespedeza 

(Bush Clover)

Java Farm. One station: level bank above upper Fox Creek; open area dominated by 

Rubus spp. and Tripsacum dactyloides. Higman 323. Hectare 2593.

L. repens (L.) W.P.C. Barton Creeping Lespedeza

(L. repens (L.) Bart.) (Bush Clover)

Java Farm. One station: south-facing slope adjacent north boundary, overlooking 

meadow. Open canopy of Pyrus malus, Liriodendron tulipifera, and Robinia pseudoacacia. Dense ground cover of Lonicera japonica and Rhus radicans except in a few 

spots like this station. Higman 163. Hectare 2459.

L. cuneata (Dum. Cours.) G. Don Sericea Lespedeza

(L. cuneata (Dumont) G. Don) (Bush Clover)

Java Farm. Infrequent to moderately abundant in old fields dominated by Rubus

spp., Solidago altissima, Campsis radicans, Lonicera japonica, Rhus radicans, etc. Higman 123, 372.

Stylosanthes

Stylosanthes biflora (L.) Britton, Sterns & Poggenb. Sidebeak Pencilflower

(Stylosanthes biflora (L.) BSP.) (Pencil-flower)

Java Farm. Collected by H. David Hammond.

Vicia

1. Peduncle very short or wanting. (Also, flowers purple). 

2. Flower 1.8–3 cm long; mature legumes brown, terete . . . . . . . . . . . V. sativa

2. Flower 1–1.8 cm long; mature legumes black, somewhat flattened . . . . . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V. angustifolia

1. Peduncle equal to or longer than the leaflets. 

3. Flowers 1 to 8, 3–8 mm long. 

4. Legume beakless, not oblique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V. tetrasperma

4. Legume beaked, oblique at the tip. Expected (V. hirsuta). 

3. Flowers 3 to 40 or more, 0.8–2 cm long (if less than 8 in number, then 

1.5–2 cm long). 
148 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

5. Calyx teeth deltoid; flowers scattered in racemes. Expected (V. caroliniana). 

5. Calyx teeth lance-attenuate to linear; flowers strongly overlapping. 

6. Plant glabrous or appressed-pilose. Expected (V. dasycarpa). 

6. Plant villous, the lower calyx teeth ciliate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V. villosa

Vicia sativa L. Garden Vetch

(Vetch)

Java Farm. Infrequent along new entrance road. Associate species: Melilotus alba, 

Trifolium pratense, Lepidium campestre, Ranunculus bulbosus. Higman 635.

V. sativa L. ssp. nigra (L.) Ehrh. Garden Vetch

(V. angustifolia Reichard) (Vetch)

Java Farm. Infrequent along old entrance road, near main building area. Lonicera 

japonica and Rhus radicans dominant. Higman 1165.

V. tetrasperma (L.) Schreb. Lentil Vetch

(V. tetrasperma (L.) Moench.) (Vetch)

Java Farm. Infrequent along old entrance road, near main building area. Higman 

1166.

V. villosa Roth subsp. varia (Host) Corb. Winter Vetch

(V. villosa Roth, var. glabrescens) (Vetch)

(variety not in Britton and Brown)

Ivy Neck. One station in grassy field near parking area and old house. Hectare 

4720. Higman 719. 

Java Farm. One station beside entrance road. Higman 1246.

Apios

Apios americana Medik. Groundnut

(Apios americana Medic.) (Wild Bean, Ground-nut)

Java Farm. One station: salt marsh along tidal portion of Muddy Creek, upstream 

from Hog Island marsh. Hectare 3540. Associate species: Spartina alterniflora, 

Pluchea camphorata, Kosteletzkya virginica. Higman 283.

Amphicarpaea

(Amphicarpa)

Amphicarpaea bracteata (L.) Fernald American Hogpeanut

(Amphicarpa bracteata (L.) Fern.) (Hog Peanut)

Java Farm. Infrequent along banks of Muddy Creek (fresh-water). Canopy of 

Fraxinus americana; understory of Lindera benzoin. Higman 92, 1044.
Plant Annotations 149

Phaseolus

Phaseolus polystachios (L.) Britton, Sterns & Poggenb. Thicket Bean

(Phaseolus polystachios (L.) BSP.) (Wild Bean)

Java Farm. One station: valley of Muddy Creek, upstream from culvert at old entrance road, near Phalaris arundinacea meadow. Hectare 2467. Canopy of Platanus 

occidentalis, Fagus grandifolia, Quercus alba. Understory of Lindera benzoin. Ground 

layer of Lonicera japonica. Higman 178.

Strophostyles

1. Principal leaflets ovate, may be somewhat 3-lobed, acuminate; stem glabrous or 

spreading-pilose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S. helvola

1. Principal leaflets very narrowly ovate, unlobed; stem retrorsely pilose for 1–2 dm 

back from tip only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S. umbellate

Strophostyles helvola (L.) Elliott Amberique-bean

(Strophostyles helvola (L.) Ell.) (Wild Bean)

Ivy Neck. Infrequent on sand bars and beaches at the Rhode River shore of Cheston Peninsula. Associate species: Cenchrus tribuloides, Spartina alterniflora. Higman 1014.

S. umbellata (Muhl. ex Willd.) Britton Pink Fuzzybean

(S. umbellata (Muhl.) Britt.) (Wild Bean)

Ivy Neck. One station: fallow field between entrance road and forested valley of 

Scaffold Creek drainage. Hectare 4668. Associate species: Desmodium perplexum, 

Echinochloa pungens, Eupatorium serotinum, Setaria lutescens. Higman 1116.

OXALIDACEAE

Oxalis

1. Plant stemless, the leaves and scapes basal; petals purple or white. Expected 

(O. violacea). 

1. Plant with leafy stem; petals yellow. 

2. Petals 12–18 mm long. Expected (O. grandis). 

2. Petals 5–11 mm long. 

3. Stems prostrate, rooting at the node; stipules broad, brownish. Expected 

(O. corniculata). 

3. Stems ascending, not rooting above the base; stipules narrow or wanting. 

4. Fruiting pedicels straight, erect or ascending. Expected (O. europaea). 

4. Fruiting pedicels deflexed, the capsules erect. 

5. Lower internodes of flowering stems glabrous or strigose; styles 

1–2 mm long. 
150 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

6. Capsule densely puberulent, 15–25 mm long . . . . . . . . . O. stricta

6. Capsule glabrous or remotely pilose, 8–12 mm long . . . O. filipes

5. Lower internodes spreading pilose; styles 3–4 mm long . . . . O. florida

Oxalis stricta L. Common Yellow Oxalis

(Wood Sorrel, Sheep Sorrel)

Java Farm. Infrequent to moderately abundant in old fields. Higman 760.

O. dillenii Jacq. Slender Yellow Woodsorrel 

(O. filipes (combined with O. stricta (Small Wood Sorrel, Sheep Sorrel)

in Britton and Brown))

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Infrequent to moderately abundant in old fields; infrequent in open forest. Higman 171, 390, 396, 1115.

O. dillenii Jacq. Slender Yellow Woodsorrel

(O. florida Salisb. (combined with O. stricta (Wood Sorrel, Sheep Sorrel)

in Britton and Brown))

Java Farm. One station: side of ravine, of tributary to tidal portion of Muddy Creek. 

Hectare 3437. Canopy of Juglans nigra, Fagus grandifolia, Quercus alba, Quercus 

velutina. Higman 718.

GERANIACEAE

Geranium

1. Leaves 0.5–1.5 dm wide, glabrous; rhizome at base of stem; petals much exceeding calyx; beak of mature style-column up to 2–3 cm long . . . . . . G. maculatum

1. Leaves not over 0.5 dm wide, hirsute above, hirsute on nerves below; rhizome 

absent, taproots present; petals about equaling calyx; beak of mature stylecolumn 1–2 mm long . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G. carolinianum

Geranium maculatum L. Spotted Geranium 

(Wild Geranium, Crane’s-bill)

Java Farm. Infrequent; along old entrance road under mature canopy of Fagus grandifolia, Quercus alba. Higman 625.

G. carolinianum L. Carolina Geranium 

(Wild Geranium, Crane’ s-bill)

Java Farm. One station in open, grassy triangle before entrance gate. Hectare 2463. 

Associate species: Ranunculus bulbosus, Duchesnea indica, Fragaria virginiana, 

Cyperus strigosus. Higman 642.
Plant Annotations 151

SIMAROUBACEAE

Ailanthus

Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle Tree of Heaven 

Java Farm. One station in old field, approximate hectare 3508. Rhus radicans abundant. Higman 1238.

EUPHORBIACEAE

1. Flowers with a calyx, not in a calyx-like involucre. 

2. Stamens 2 or 3; styles simple. Expected (Phyllanthus). 

2. Stamens 5 to many; styles divided. 

3. Pubescence of branched or stellate hairs. Expected (Croton, Crotonopsis). 

3. Pubescence of simple hairs or absent. (Also, flowers monoecious, the 

staminate ones very small, in spikes; stamens 8 to 16; pistillate flowers at 

the base of the spikes; styles 3, the stigmas cut-fringed, red) . . . . Acalypha

1. Flowers without a calyx, in a calyx-like involucre. (Also, staminate flowers 

clustered around a single pistillate one; styles 3, each 2-cleft; outer structure 

(cyathium) surrounding the involucre and bearing 4 or 5 glands, these often 

with petaloid appendages) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Euphorbia

Acalypha

Acalypha virginica L. Virginia Threeseed Mercury 

(Three-seeded Mercury)

Ivy Neck. Infrequent along trail to artificial pond, above source of Cheston Creek 

drainage. Associate species: Galinsoga ciliata, Gratiola neglecta, Ranunculus sceleratus, Perilla frutescens. Higman 1065.

Euphorbia, Chamaesyce

1. Leaves entire, symmetrical; appendages (on glands of cyathium) broadly obovate, petaloid; inflorescence terminal, umbellate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. corollata

1. Leaves serrulate, oblique at base; appendages narrow or rudimentary; inflorescence of axillary clusters. 

2. Stem semi-prostrate, villous; appendages white, narrow; ovary and capsule 

strigose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. supina

2. Stem erect or ascending, glabrous; appendages pink to maroon, very 

small; ovary and capsule glabrous (purple spot on leaves is not a consistent 

character) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. maculate

Euphorbia corollata L. Flowering Spurge 

Java Farm. Infrequent in old fields among dense Rubus sp., Rhus radicans, and 

Lonicera japonica. Higman 137, 388.
152 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Chamaesyce maculata (L.) Small Spotted Sandmat

(E. supina Raf.) (Milk-purslane)

(not in Britton and Brown) 

Java Farm. One station on Fox Point Road. Associate species: Digitaria ischaemum, 

Eragrostis spectabilis, Juncus tenius. Higman 28.

C. maculata (L.) Small Spotted Sandmat

(E. maculata L.) (Wortweed, Eyebane)

Java Farm. Infrequent in cracked pavement at main building area and along Fox 

Point and old entrance roads. Higman 14, 120, 543, 983.

ANACARDIACEAE

Toxicodendron, Rhus

1. Plant a woody vine, or with woody stems ascending 1 meter or higher; leaflets 3; 

flowers in axillary panicles; drupes whitish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . R. radicans

1. Plant an erect woody shrub; leaflets 11 or more; flowers in terminal pyramidal 

panicles; drupes reddish. 

2. Rachis of leaves winged; leaflets entire or nearly so . . . . . . . . . . . . . . R. copallina

2. Rachis of leaves not winged; leaflets coarsely serrate. 

3. Branches, petioles, and drupes with long, dense pubescence . . . . R. typhina

3. Branches and petioles glabrous, drupes minutely pubescent . . . . . R. glabra

Toxicodendron radicans (L.) Kuntze ssp. radicans Eastern Poison Ivy

(Rhus radicans L.) (Poison Ivy)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Ubiquitous, but conspicuously infrequent under Quercus 

prinus canopy along estuary shores. Absent from salt marshes, but invading 

sparsely wooded sandbar at Sand Point, Cheston Peninsula.

T. radicans (L.) Kuntze ssp. radicans Eastern Poison Ivy

(R. radicans, forma malanotrichocarpa (A. H. Moore) Fern.)

Java Farm. Old field near Fox Creek drainage. Dense, ascending woody stems 3 to 

5 feet tall. Near southern limit of known range. Higman 375.

T. radicans (L.) Kuntze ssp. radicans Eastern Poison Ivy

(R. radicans, var. vulgaris (Michx.) DC., forma negundo (Greene) Fern.)

Java Farm. Twining on tree north of Fox Creek marsh. Near northern limit of 

known range. Higman 768.
Plant Annotations 153

Rhus copallinum L. Winged Sumac

(R. copallina L.) (Dwarf Sumac)

Java Farm. One station in valley of Muddy Creek, upstream from culvert of old 

entrance road. Canopy of Fagus grandifolia, Quercus alba, Liriodendron tulipifera,

etc. Hectare 2457. 

Ivy Neck. Infrequent, in ditch through cornfields on Scaffold Peninsula, also on 

west shore of Scaffold Peninsula under canopy of Liquidambar styraciflua, Acer 

rubrum, etc. Higman 179, 851.

R. typhina L. Staghorn Sumac

Java Farm. Infrequent, usually in scattered clumps; observed around main buildings, around burned house on road to springhouse (charcoal-covered soil), and 

along Rhode River shore near pier. 

Ivy Neck. One clump near Cheston Point, and scattered nearby. Associate species: 

Prunus serotina, Robinia pseudoacacia. Infrequent in forest of central Scaffold Peninsula. Associate species there: Quercus alba, Liquidambar styraciflua, etc. Higman 

222, 360.

R. glabra L. Smooth Sumac

Ivy Neck. Infrequent along top of bluff overlooking Rhode River, on Cheston Peninsula. Hectare 4768. Associate species: Maclura pomifera, Liquidambar styraciflua. 

Higman 1011.

AQUIFOLIACEAE

Ilex

Ilex opaca Aiton American Holly

(Ilex opaca Ait.)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Infrequent to moderately abundant along estuary shores, 

under canopy of Quercus prinus and Quercus alba. Occasional in mature upland 

forest or even in old fields. Higman 288, 522.

CELASTRACEAE

1. Plant a shrub, 1–1.5 meters high; leaves opposite; capsule 5-valved, reddish-pink; 

seeds bright orange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Euonymus

1. Plant a woody vine; leaves alternate; capsule 3-valved, yellow-orange; seeds red 

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Celastrus
154 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Euonymus

Euonymus americanus L. Bursting-heart 

(Strawberry Bush)

Java Farm. Infrequent, triangular area west of old Muddy Creek Road. Hectare 

2472. Canopy of Fagus grandifolia and Liriodendron tulipifera. Higman 409.

Celastrus

Celastrus scandens L. American Bittersweet

(Bittersweet)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. One station each, both at top of bank overlooking Rhode 

River. Also found on an old field fence at Java Farm. Hectares 3407, 3600, 4890. 

Associate species at all sites: dense Rhus radicans. Higman 219, 496. 

ACERACEAE

Acer

1. Leaves pinnately compound; young branches bright green; samaras forming a 

sharp, inverted V . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. negundo

1. Leaves simple, palmately lobed; young branches not green; samaras forming a 

broad, inverted U or divergent. 

2. Leaves 7-lobed, broader than long; sap milky; samaras widely divergent; 

leaves green beneath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. platanoides

2. Leaves (3-) 5-lobed, usually longer than broad; sap clear; samaras forming an 

inverted U or moderately divergent; leaves white beneath. 

3. Lobes extending more than halfway to midrib, sides of terminal and sometimes lateral lobes divergent; buds, flowers, petioles, young branches, and 

samaras yellowish-green . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. saccharinum

3. Lobes usually extending less than halfway to midrib, sides of all lobes converging; buds, flowers, petioles, young branches, and samaras (especially 

young) reddish to bright red . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. rubrum

Acer negundo L. Boxelder

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Infrequent in old fields and at margins of forest. Higman 

427, 577, 620.

A. platanoides L. Norway Maple

Java Farm. One station: single seedling on trail along north boundary from old 

entrance gate to Muddy Creek. Hectare 2471. Canopy of Quercus alba, Liriodendron 

tulipifera, Acer rubrum, Fagus grandifolia, Carya tomentosa, etc. Higman 1078.
Plant Annotations 155

A. saccharinum L. Silver Maple

Ivy Neck. One station: several large trees along marshy border of pasture (source of 

Cheston Creek). Hectare 4733. Grazing cows have prevented understory development and have deposited considerable manure. Canopy of Robinia pseudoacacia, 

Diospyros virginiana. Higman 1071.

A. rubrum L. Red Maple

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Aggressive invader of abandoned fields, often co-dominant 

with Liquidambar styraciflua. Infrequent to moderately abundant in almost all forested areas, especially moister ones. Higman 417, 556.

BALSAMINACEAE

Impatiens

Impatiens capensis Meerb. Jewelweed

(Impatiens capensis Meerb, f. immaculata (Weath.) (Touch-me-not)

Fern. and Schub.)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Abundant in very moist, forested areas, especially the 

upper Muddy and Scaffold Creek valleys. Higman 76.

Impatiens capensis Meerb. Jewelweed

(Impatiens capensis Meerb, f. albiflora (Rand and Redf.) (Touch-me-not)

Fern. and Schub. (I. biflora Willd.)

Java Farm. One station: freshwater part of Fox Creek marsh. Hectare 3516. 

Higman 242.

VITACEAE

1 Leaves simple, may be lobed; bark loosening in ropy shreds, without lenticels 

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vitis

1. Leaves with 5 palmate leaflets; bark tight, with many lenticels . . . . Parthenocissus

Vitis

1. Leaves ovate-squarish, with dense rusty pubescence beneath; grapes 1.5–2.5 cm 

diameter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V. labrusca

1. Leaves cordate at base, acuminate at tip, glabrous except for conspicuous tufts 

in axils of veins, beneath; grapes 3–9 mm diameter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V. vulpine

Vitis labrusca L. Fox Grape

Java Farm. Infrequent in bottom of Muddy Creek valley. Canopy of Fraxinus americana. Associate species: Rubus sp., Lonicera japonica. Higman 67.
156 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

V. vulpina L. Frost Grape

Java Farm. Moderately abundant in old fields. Associate species: Rhus radicans, 

Campsis radicans, Lonicera japonica. Higman 166, 374.

Parthenocissus

Parthenocissus quinquefolia (L.) Planch. Virginia Creeper

(Parthenocissus quinquefolia L.)

Java Farm. Infrequent in old fields and at borders of freshwater marshes. Associated with Rhus radicans, Lonicera japonica, etc. Higman 86, 224.

MALVACEAE

1. Salt marsh habitat; flowers white or pink-violet; carpels 5. 

2. Flowers 8–12 cm broad; petals white with red bases; leaves broadly ovate, 

3-lobed, felt-pubescent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hibiscus

2. Flowers 6–8 cm broad; petals roseate; leaves cordate-ovate; stellatepuberulent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kosteletzkya

1. Roadside habitat; flowers yellow-orange; carpels 12–15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Abutilon

Hibiscus

Hibiscus moscheutos L. Crimsoneyed Rosemallow

(Hibiscus palustris L., forma peckii House) (Rose Mallow)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Moderately abundant at shoreward margins of wet salt 

marshes and marshy estuaries. Associate species: Typha latifolia, T. angustifolia, 

Kosteletzkya virginica, Iva frutescens, Baccharis halimifolia, Panicum virgatum, etc. 

Grows just seaward of the Smilax rotundifolia zone. Higman 78.

Kosteletzkya

Kosteletzkya virginica (L.) C. Presl ex A. Gray Virginia Saltmarsh Mallow

(Kosteletzkya virginica (L.) Presl.) (Seashore Mallow)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Moderately abundant in same habitat as Hibiscus palustris

above. Higman 57, 281.

Abutilon

Abutilon theophrasti Medik. Velvetleaf

(Abutilon theophrasti Medic.) (Velvet-leaf)

Ivy Neck. One station: border of cornfield beside old barn south of artificial pond, 

near source of Cheston Creek. Hectare 4723. Associate species: Datura stramonium, Plantago major, Eleusine indica, and Polygonum persicaria. Higman 1000.
Plant Annotations 157

CLUSIACEAE

(GUTTIFERAE)

1. Sepals 4, in 2 unequal pairs; petals 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ascyrum

1. Sepals 5; petals 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hypericum

Hypericum

(Ascyrum)

Hypericum hypericoides (L.) Crantz ssp. hypericoides St. Andrew’s Cross

(Ascyrum hypericoides L.)

Ivy Neck. One station: abandoned road near southern border of central mixed 

hardwood forest, Scaffold Peninsula. Canopy of Quercus alba, Quercus velutina, 

Fagus grandifolia, etc. Higman 968.

Hypericum

1. Flowers flesh-color or mauve, clustered in axils and top of stem. Expected 

(H. virginicum). 

1. Flowers yellow, in terminal cymes. 

2. Stamens 20–100 or more. 

3. Stamens in 3 to 5 clusters; styles 3; capsules, petals, sepals, and leaves with 

black dots or lines (oil vesicles), leaf dots may also be translucent. 

4. Plant very branched; leaves very numerous, elliptic-linear, usually with 

axillary fascicles on whole stem and branches; petals with black marginal dots; sepals 5–6 mm long, acuminate . . . . . . . . . . . . . H. perforatum

4. Plant branched only at summit for cyme; leaves remote, elliptic-ovate, 

seldom with axillary fascicles except on upper stem near cyme; petals 

with black lines; sepals 2–3 mm long, acute or blunt . . . . H. punctatum

3. Stamens not in clusters; styles united into a sharp beak; capsules, petals, 

sepals, and leaves without oil vesicles or black markings. Expected 

(H. densiflorum). 

2. Stamens 5 to 12, if up to 20 the flowers are very small. 

5. Leaves spreading, not linear-subulate. 

6. Leaves ovate-deltoid or round-oblong, the upper cordate or clasping at 

base . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H. mutilum

6. Leaves lanceolate or linear to narrowly obovate, tapering to sessile or 

short-petioled base. Expected (H. canadense). 

5. Leaves appressed or strongly ascending, linear-subulate. Expected (H. gentianoides).
158 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Hypericum perforatum L. Common St. Johnswort 

(Klamath-weed, St. John’s-wort)

Java Farm. One station: western part of main building area. Hectare 2499. Associate species: Erigeron canadensis, Achillea millefolium, Setaria faberii, Plantago 

lanceolata. 

Ivy Neck. Moderately abundant in abandoned wheatfield, especially near road. 

Higman 7, 812, 955, 956.

H. punctatum Lam. Spotted St. Johnswort 

(St. John’s-wort)

Ivy Neck. Infrequent along abandoned road through forest of Scaffold Peninsula. 

Canopy of Quercus alba, Liriodendron tulipifera, Liquidambar styraciflua, Carya 

tomentosa, Nyssa sylvatica. Higman 928, 929.

H. mutilum L. Dwarf St. Johnswort 

(St. John’s-wort)

Java Farm. One station: border of Phalaris arundinacea meadow, north of main 

building area. Hectare 2560. Higman 156.

CISTACEAE

Lechea

Lechea racemulosa Michx. Illinois pinweed 

(Pinweed)

Ivy Neck. One station: south shore of Scaffold Peninsula. Hectare 5763. Canopy of 

Quercus prinus. Higman 1049.

VIOLACEAE

Viola

1. Stemless; petioles and peduncles rising from thick rhizome; flowers blue to 

violet. 

2. Sepals ciliate. 

3. Petioles and both or only the lower leaf surfaces villous . . . . . . . V. sororia

3. Petioles glabrous; only upper leaf surface villous or strigose . . . . . . . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V. septentrionalis

2. Sepals glabrous (rest of plant same except bearded lateral petals) . . . . . . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V. papilionacea

1. Stem leafy, rising from taproot; flowers white to bluish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V. kitaibeliana, var. rafinesquii
Plant Annotations 159

Viola sororia Willd. Common Blue Violet 

(Wooly Blue Violet)

Ivy Neck. Abandoned road through central Scaffold Peninsula. Canopy of Quercus 

alba, Quercus velutina, Nyssa sylvatica, Liriodendron tulipifera, Carya tomentosa. 

Higman 599.

V. septentrionalis Greene Northern Woodland Violet

(V. septentrionalis Green.) (Violet)

Java Farm. Infrequent along old Muddy Creek Road. Canopy of Fagus grandifolia, 

Quercus alba. Higman 548.

V. sororia Willd. Common Blue Violet

(V. papilionacea Pursh.) (Meadow Violet)

Java Farm. Moderately abundant on steep east-facing slope adjacent north border. 

Hectare 2573. Canopy of Juglans nigra. Higman 581, 602, 629, 630.

V. bicolor Pursh Field Pansy

(V. kitaibeliana R. and S., var. rafinesquii Fern.) (Wild Pansy)

(V. rafinesquii Greene)) 

Java Farm. Infrequent on south-facing slope adjacent north border, overlooking meadow. Hectare 2550. Open canopy of Liriodendron tulipifera, Pyrus malus, 

Robinia pseudoacacia. Found in scattered grassy areas. Higman 1150. 

(NOTE: All violet species except the last appear to be moderately abundant throughout the more moist forested areas, especially on Java Farm. No clear pattern of distribution has yet been determined.)

PASSIFLORACEAE

Passiflora

Passiflora lutea L. Yellow Passionflower 

(Passion-flower)

Ivy Neck. One station: west side of southern Cheston Peninsula. Low bluff overlooking big salt marsh. Hectare 5749. Canopy of Quercus velutina and Carya tomentosa. Higman 1075.
160 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

LYTHRACEAE

1. Flowers regular or nearly so. 2. Calyx short, campanulate to globular. Expected 

(Rotala, Ammannia). 

2. Calyx tubular. (Also, petals white; leaves linear) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lythrum

1. Flowers irregular, the tubular calyx spurred at base on the upper side. (Also, 

petals purple; leaves ovate-lanceolate) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cuphea

Lythrum

Lythrum lineare L. Wand Lythrum 

(Loosestrife)

Java Farm. One station: Fox Creek salt marsh. Hectare 3527. Iva frutescens and 

Distichlis spicata dominant. Higman 61.

Cuphea

Cuphea viscosissima Jacq. Blue Waxweed

(Cuphea petiolata (L.) Koehne)

Ivy Neck. One station: moist woods along Cheston Creek drainage. Hectare 4752. 

Canopy of Platanus occidentalis, Diospyros virginiana, and Liquidambar styraciflua. 

Associate species: Duchesnea indica, Eupatorium coelestinum, Ranunculus sceleratus, 

Viola sp. Higman 1005.

CORNACEAE

(NYSSACEAE)

Nyssa

Nyssa sylvatica Marshall Blackgum

(Nyssa sylvatica Marsh.) (Black Gum, Sour Gum)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Infrequent to moderately abundant in a variety of mixed 

hardwood canopies, especially oaks. Higman 109, 421, 520.

ONAGRACEAE

1. Flowers 2-merous; fruit indehiscent, bristly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Circaea

1. Flowers 4-merous (5-or 6-merous in Jussiaea); fruit dehiscent. 

2. Fruit indehiscent, with 1 to 4 seeds. Expected (Gaura). 

2. Fruit a dehiscent capsule (loculicidal), many-seeded. 

3. Leaves alternate; petals showy; capsule stoutly cylindric . . . . . . Oenothera

3. Leaves opposite; petals inconspicuous or absent; capsule linear-cylindric 

or short and angled to terete. 
Plant Annotations 161

4. Stamens 4; capsule short; seeds glabrous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ludwigia

4. Stamens 8; capsule linear-cylindric, its valves widely splitting; seeds 

with apical tufts of hair, like the bristle pappus on achenes of Compositae

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Epilobium

Circaea

Circaea lutetiana L. ssp. canadensis (L.) Broadleaf Enchanter’s Nightshade

Asch. & Magnus (Enchanter’s Nightshade)

(Circaea quadrisulcata (Maxim.) Franch. and Sav., 

var. canadensis (L.) Hara)

Java Farm. One station: along old entrance road between inter-sections with Fox 

Point road and springhouse road. Hectare 3409. 

Ivy Neck. One station: moist woods at Cheston Creek drainage. Hectare 4752. Canopy of Diospyros virginiana, Platanus occidentalis, Liquidambar styraciflua. Associate 

species: Eupatorium coelestinum, Duchesnea indica, Cuphea petiolata, Ranunculus 

sceleratus. Higman 821, 855.

Oenothera

1. Leaves lyrate-pinnatifid; stem leafy to base, often branching at base. (Also, capsule 2–3 cm long) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . O. laciniata

1. Leaves entire or shallowly serrate; stem often nearly leafless below the middle, 

branching above the middle. 

2. Calyx tube 1.8–4.4 cm long; capsules 1–3.5 cm long, lance-cylindric, nearly 

sessile, appressed ascending . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . O. biennis

2. Calyx tube .5–1.5 cm long; capsules 6–11 mm long, short-ellipsoid, tapering to 

slender stipes 5–15 mm long, ascending-spreading . . . . . . . . . . . O. fruticose

Oenothera laciniata Hill Cutleaf Evening Primrose 

(Evening Primrose)

Ivy Neck. One station in abandoned field on Scaffold Peninsula. Hectare 4761. 

Associate species: Hypericum perforatum, Trifolium pratense, Trifolium hybridum, 

Eupatorium serotinum, Plantago virginica. Higman 690.

O. biennis L. Common Evening Primrose 

(Evening Primrose)

Java Farm. One station on Fox Point Road. 

Ivy Neck. Infrequent in grassy abandoned field on Scaffold Peninsula. Associated 

with O. laciniata above. Higman 145, 954, 1018.
162 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

O. fruticosa L. Narrowleaf Evening Primrose 

(Evening Primrose)

Ivy Neck. Moderately abundant in abandoned field on Scaffold Peninsula. Associated with O. laciniata and O. biennis and their associates above. Higman 1114.

Ludwigia

1. Leaves alternate; stems erect; flowers pedicelled; petals yellow, conspicuous 

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. alternifolia

1. Leaves opposite; stems ascending to depressed; flowers sessile; petals purple to 

green, or wanting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. palustris

Ludwigia alternifolia L. Seedbox

Ivy Neck. One station: marsh at head of Cheston Creek estuary. Hectare 4753. Associate species: Typha latifolia, Scirpus americana, Panicum clandestinum, Eleocharis 

intermedia. Higman 1100.

L. palustris (L.) Elliott Marsh Seedbox

(L. palustris (L.) Ell., var. americana (DC.) Fern. and Grisc.)

Ivy Neck. Infrequent on muddy shore of artificial pond near source of Cheston 

Creek drainage. Hectare 4723. Associate species: Eleocharis sp., Echinochloa pungens, Limnobium spongia, Gratiola neglecta, Juncus acuminatus, Ranunculus sceleratus. Higman 995.

Epilobium

Epilobium coloratum Biehler Purpleleaf Willowherb 

(Willow-herb)

Java Farm. Two stations: old field on north side of main buildings, dominated by 

woody vines. Hectare 2580. Also in deep ditch of Fox Creek drainage. Hectare 

2583. May be infrequent elsewhere. Higman 195, 327.

HALORAGACEAE

(HALORAGIDACEAE)

Myriophyllum

Myriophyllum spicatum L. Eurasian Watermilfoil 

(Eurasian Water Milfoil)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Abundant in estuaries, especially Muddy Creek estuary. 

Found along Muddy Creek to upstream limit of salt marsh vegetation. (Virtually 

disappeared in 1967). 
Plant Annotations 163

ARALIACEAE

1. Leaves 2-or 3-times compound; plant a thorny shrub (in the species collected) 

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aralia

1. Leaves simple, palmately lobed; plant a thornless woody vine . . . . . . . . Hedera

Aralia

Aralia spinosa L. Devil’s Walkingstick 

(Hercules’ Club)

Java Farm. Principal station on north side of Fox Point Road, near base of peninsula and head of Fox Creek estuary. Hectare 3556. Abundant in understory. Canopy 

of Quercus velutina, Quercus alba, Nyssa sylvatica, and Pinus virginiana. Also observed in Hectares 3415, 3530, and 3554. Scattered infrequently under a variety of 

hardwood canopies. 

Ivy Neck. Infrequent in forest on lower Scaffold Peninsula. Canopy of mixed hardwoods. Higman 395.

Hedera

Hedera helix L. English Ivy

Java Farm. Principal station north of Smithsonian property, on north-facing slope 

above stream, near road to pier. Hectare 2599. Canopy of mixed hardwoods; 

understory of Ilex opaca. Also on north bank of Fox Point. Hectare 3558. Canopy of 

Quercus prinus. Higman 1239.

APIACEAE

(UMBELLIFERAE)

(From Dayton, 1942)

1. Leaves without blades, reduced to hollow, linear, cylindrical, septate petioles. 

Expected (Lilaeopsis). 

1. Leaves with blades well-developed. 

2. Leaves simple (only the basal ones in Zizia). 

3. Stems creeping, rooting at the nodes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hydrocotyle

3. Stems erect. Expected (Eryngium, Zizia). 

2. Leaves compound. 

4. Leaves, or most of them, palmately compound. 

5. Umbellets globose; fruit burlike, with hooked bristles . . . . . . Sanicula

5. Umbellets not globose; fruit not burlike nor bristly. 

6. Umbels conspicuously irregular; flowers white; calyx teeth and involucels absent; fruit narrowly oblong, bony, often curved . . . . . . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cryptotaenia
164 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

6. Umbels regular; flowers yellow; calyx teeth and involucels prominent; fruit oblong or oval. Expected (Zizia). 

4. Leaves not palmately compound. 

7. Leaves ternately compound or decompound. Expected (Zizia, Chaerophyllum, Osmorhiza). 

7. Leaves pinnate or pinnately decompound. 

8. Plants annual. 

9. Plants glabrous; leaf segments filiform; fruits glabrous; involucral 

bracts pinnately parted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ptilimnium

9. Plants rough-pubescent; leaf segments lanceolate; fruits with 

hooked bristles; involucral bracts small, lanceolate, sometimes absent. Expected (Torilis). 

8. Plants biennial or perennial. 

10. Plant pubescent. 

11. Plant bristly-hispid; involucre conspicuous, of leafy, pinnately parted bracts; fruit oblong, barbed-bristly on the 

winged ribs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Daucus

11. Plant closely pilose above; involucre absent; fruit oval or 

ovate, pubescent (not barbed), winged laterally, flattened dorsally. Expected (Angelica). 

10. Plant glabrous. 

12. Flowers yellow; plants mesophytic, in fields, etc. Expected 

(Pastinaca). 

12. Flowers white; plants hydrophytic, poisonous. 

13. Fruit wavy-ribbed; involucre and involucels of ovateacuminate bracts; calyx teeth absent. Expected (Conium).

13. Fruit with straight ribs or winged; involucre and involucels of narrow bracts or the former absent; calyx teeth 

present (may be minute). 

14. Fruit winged laterally, flattened dorsally. (Also, roots 

tuberous; leaves simply pinnate; leaflets entire or 

remotely toothed; calyx teeth evident). Expected 

(Oxypolis). 

14. Fruit not winged laterally. (Also, umbels compound; 

fruit ovate to oblong, or orbicular in Cicuta). 

15. Leaves simply pinnate; stems corrugated; involucre present; fruit with prominent corky 

ribs and broad red-brown furrows; calyx teeth 

minute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sium
Plant Annotations 165

15. Leaves twice or thrice pinnate; stems terete; involucre usually absent; fruit with rounded corky 

ribs and dark furrows; calyx teeth prominent. 

(Also, leaf veins tend in direction of notches between teeth). Expected (Cicuta).

Hydrocotyle

Hydrocotyle verticillata Thunb. Whorled Marshpennywort

(Hydrocotyle verticillata Thunb.) (Water Pennywort)

(Collected by H. David Hammond) 

Java Farm. Probably along Fox Point Road.

Sanicula

Sanicula canadensis L. Canadian Blacksnakeroot 

(Black Snakeroot)

Java Farm. One station: new entrance road, near culvert of Fox Creek drainage. Hectare 2573. Canopy of Juglans nigra and Liquidambar styraciflua. Higman 69, 310.

Cryptotaenia

Cryptotaenia canadensis (L.) DC. Canadian Honewort 

(Honewort, Wild Chervil)

Java Farm. Moderately abundant along old entrance road, from entrance gate 

nearly to main building area. Canopy of Quercus alba, Fagus grandifolia, etc. over 

most stations. Higman 793, 820, 933, 980.

Ptilimnium

Ptilimnium capillaceum (Michx.) Raf. Herbwilliam

(Mock Bishop-weed)

Java Farm. One station: shore of Muddy Creek near upstream limit of salt marsh. 

Hectare 3403. Associate species: Panicum virgatum, Baccharis halimifolia, Aster subulatus, Cyperus strigosus. Higman 254.

Daucus

Daucus carota L. Queen Anne’s Lace 

(Wild Carrot)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Infrequent; in grassy old fields, along roadsides, etc. Higman 138, 199, 953.
166 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Sium

Sium suave Walter Hemlock Waterparsnip

(Sium suave Walt.) (Water Parsnip)

Ivy Neck. One station: margin of cut-off pond on Rhode River shore of Cheston 

Peninsula. Hectare 5300. Associate species: Sambucus canadensis, Rumex verticillatus, Sparganium eurycarpum. Higman 948.

CORNACEAE

1. Flowers green or purple, in a close cyme or head, with a large 4-bracted white or 

pink involucre; fruit red . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. florida

1. Flowers white or creamy, in open cymes, without involucre; fruit blue or white. 

2. Leaves alternate, but appearing whorled by crowding at tips of branches . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. alternifolia

2. Leaves opposite, not crowded at tips of branches. 

3. Cymes long, loosely paniculate; leaves 1 to 4 cm broad. (Also, pedicels 

bright red). Expected (C. racemosa). 

3. Cymes compact, broad and flat-topped; leaves 1.5 to 13 cm broad.

4. Pith of branches 1 to 2 years old white. Expected (3 species). 

4. Pith of branches 1 to 2 years old brown. (Also, leaves smooth above, appressed puberulent beneath; fruit blue) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. amomum

Cornus

Cornus florida L. Flowering Dogwood

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Infrequent to moderately abundant in abandoned fields; 

associate species: Liquidambar styraciflua, Acer rubrum, Quercus palustris. Also infrequent to moderately abundant in mature upland forest of old entrance road, under 

canopy of Quercus alba, Fagus grandifolia, Liriodendron tulipifera, etc. Higman 33, 603.

C. alternifolia L. f. Alternateleaf Dogwood

(Green Osier, Pagoda-dogwood)

Java Farm. One station: west slope of Hog Island. Canopy of Quercus alba and 

Quercus prinus. Associate species: Kalmia latifolia, Viburnum acerifolium. Hectare 

3592. Higman 103.

C. amomum Mill. Silky Dogwood 

(Red Willow)

Java Farm. Infrequent in valley of Muddy Creek under canopy of Fraxinus americana, and in freshwater marsh at western boundary, west of old Muddy Creek Road. 
Plant Annotations 167

Ivy Neck. One station near source of a tributary to the east fork of Scaffold Creek 

estuary. Hectare 4677. Associate species: Acer rubrum, Liquidambar styraciflua. 

Higman 71, 186, 413.

PYROLACEAE, MONOTROPACEAE

1. Leaves green, well-developed; plant self-supporting. 

2. Stem leafy; flowers in a corymb. (Also, in species collected, leaves thick and 

shiny, with white veins) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chimaphila

2. Stem scapose, leafy only near base; flowers in a raceme. Expected (Pyrola). 

1. Leaves white, scaly; plant saprophytic or root-parasitic.

3. Plant white, fleshy, odorless; flowers 1 or few, nodding; petals 4 to 6, separate; 

calyx of 2 to 5 bracts; deciduous forest habitat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Monotropa

3. Plant purple-brown, somewhat fleshy, sweet-scented when fresh; flowers several in a raceme, nodding at first; petals united; calyx of 5 regular sepals; pine 

forest habitat. Expected (Monotropsis).

Chimaphila

Chimaphila maculata (L.) Pursh Striped Prince’s Pine

(Chimaphila maculata (L.) Pursh.) (Wintergreen, Waxflower)

Java Farm. Infrequent to moderately abundant on forested slopes overlooking 

Muddy Creek valley and Fox Creek estuary. Canopy usually of Quercus alba, Acer 

rubrum, Liquidambar styraciflua, and a few Pinus virginiana. Higman 94, 884.

Monotropa

Monotropa uniflora L. Indianpipe 

(Indian-pipe, Corpse-plant)

Java Farm. One station: among leaf litter at base of dead Quercus alba, along north 

boundary between old entrance gate and Muddy Creek. Higman 1182.

ERICACEAE

1. Ovary inferior; fruit a dark blue to black berry. (Also, corolla 5-cleft; stamens 10). 

2. Leaves with many amber glandular dots; ovary 10-locular; anthers not awned 

at base . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gaylussacia

2. Leaves not glandular-dotted; ovary either 5 locular and the anthers awnless, or 

ovary 10-locular and anthers awned at base . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vaccinium

1. Ovary superior; fruit a capsule, berry-like in Gaultheria. 

3. Plant prostrate and trailing, sub-herbaceous.

4. Leaves acute at base, glabrous or sparsely bristly beneath; fruit berry-like, 

red. Expected (Gaultheria). 
168 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

4. Leaves round to cordate at base, red-hirsute beneath; fruit a capsule. (Also, 

stems, petioles, and capsules hirsute) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Epigaea

3. Plant an erect shrub. 

5. Corolla globose, ovoid, or tubular; capsule loculicidal. (Also, anthers open 

at apex; flowers white, in lateral racemes or umbelliform clusters). Expected (Lyonia, Leucothoe). 

5. Corolla funnelform, campanulate, or saucer-shaped; capsule septicidal. 

6. Corolla funnelform, irregularly lobed; capsule cylindric, 10–25 mm long. 

(Also, flowers pink, leaves deciduous in species collected) . . . Rhododendron

6. Corolla saucer-shaped, regular; capsule depressed-globose, less than 

10 mm long . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kalmia

Gaylussacia

1. Leaves copiously glandular-dotted on both sides; fruit black, not glaucous . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G. baccata

1. Leaves moderately glandular-dotted, on underside only; fruit dark blue, 

glaucous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G. frondosa

Gaylussacia baccata (Wangenh.) K. Koch Black Huckleberry

(Gaylussacia baccata (Wang.) K. Koch)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Moderately abundant under canopy of Quercus prinus, 

along banks of estuaries and on Hog Island. Also at Java Farm, infrequent on 

slopes overlooking Muddy Creek valley (hectares 2467 and 3415) under canopy of 

Fagus grandifolia and Quercus alba. Associate species: Kalmia latifolia, Rhododendron nudiflorum, Vaccinium staminium. Higman 106, 110, 475, 675.

G. frondosa (L.) Torr. & A. Gray ex Torr. Blue Huckleberry

(G. frondosa (L.) T. and B.) (Dangleberry)

Java Farm. Infrequent on Hog Island (hectare 3592) under Quercus prinus canopy. 

Associated with G. baccata and its associate species, above. Higman 111.

Vaccinium

1. Leaves not more than 1 cm long, rounded at both ends; stem trailing; corolla 

cleft to below the middle, its lobes recurved. Expected (V. macrocarpon). 

1. Leaves 2–7 cm long, acute at both ends (or some apically rounded in V. vacillans); stem erect; corolla shallowly cleft. 

2. Flowers subtended by leafy bracts much smaller than the foliage leaves, in 

panicles or racemes; anthers 2-awned on the back. (Also, leaf veins thinly 

puberulent on both sides; corolla white . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V. stamineum

2. Flowers not subtended by bracts, in small racemes or corymbs; anthers 

awnless. 

3. Leaves finely and sharply serrulate (also entire in V. corymbosum). 
Plant Annotations 169

4. Leaves narrowly elliptic, 2–3 cm long, not over 1 cm wide. Expected 

(V. angustifolium). 

4. Leaves broadly elliptic or ovate, 4–6 cm long, 2 cm wide or more. (Also, 

corollas pink; berries blue to black, glaucous) . . . . . . . . V. corymbosum

3. Leaves entire, occasionally slightly serrulate near the apex. (Also, corolla usually pink to reddish, cylindric to urceolate; berry blue to black, 

5–8 mm dia.). 

5. Leaves elliptic to oval, the smaller lateral ones more circular; twigs often 

bright green. (Also, berry dark blue, faintly glaucous) . . . . . V. vacillans

5. Leaves all elliptic or ovate, acute; twigs dull green or brownish. 

6. Leaves very tomentulose beneath, especially on the veins; berries 

shiny black, not glaucous. 

6. Leaves sparsely puberulent or glabrous beneath; berries dark blue to 

blue-black, glaucous.

7. Leaves 3–5 cm long; corolla 5–6 mm long, dull white; berry 

5–8 mm dia. Expected (V. caesariense ) 

7. Leaves 5–8 mm long; corolla 7–12 mm long, bright white; berry 

6–12 mm dia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V. corymbosum

Vaccinium stamineum L. Deerberry

Java Farm. Infrequent along old Muddy Creek Road and on upland slopes of Muddy 

Creek valley. Canopy of Fagus grandifolia, Quercus alba, Quercus prinus. Associate 

species: Gaylussacia baccata. Higman 647, 671.

V. pallidum Aiton Blue Ridge Blueberry

(V. vacillans Torr.) (Low Bilberry)

Java Farm. Moderately abundant on Fox Point peninsula. Hectare 3559. Canopy of 

Quercus prinus. Associate species: Rhododendron nudiflorum, Vaccinium stamineum, 

Gaylussacia baccata, Kalmia latifolia. Higman 1240.

V. corymbosum L. Highbush Blueberry 

(High-bush Bilberry)

Ivy Neck. One station: southern shore of Scaffold Peninsula. Hectare 5763. Canopy 

of Quercus prinus, Quercus alba, Carya tomentosa, and Fagus grandifolia. Higman 845.

Epigaea

Epigaea repens L. Trailing Arbutus

(Mayflower)

Java Farm. Infrequent at Fox Point and Hog Island. Hectares 3559 and 3592. Canopy of Quercus prinus. Associate species: Gaylussacia baccata, Kalmia latifolia, Vaccinium staminium. Higman 105, 567.
170 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Rhododendron

1. Flowers preceding the leaves or accompanying the young ones. 

2. Plants colonial, with subterranean stolons; corolla buds with rows of stalked 

glands; corolla glabrous within. Expected (R. atlanticum). 

2. Plants not strikingly colonial; corolla buds glandless; corolla tube pubescent 

within. 

3. Leaves pubescent beneath; flowers fragrant. Expected (R. maximum, R. atlanticum). 

3. Leaves glabrous beneath or with strigose midrib; flowers not fragrant. 

(Also, pedicels and calyx not glandular; corolla tube pilose without) . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . R. nudiflorum

1. Flowers expanding after the leaves. 

4. Young branchlets and leaves glabrous; calyx lobes not glandular; ovary densely 

glandular-villous. Expected (R. arborescens). 

4. Young branchlets bristly or strigose; leaves bristly on the midrib beneath; 

pedicels and calyx lobes glandular-hirsute; ovary strigose, not glandular . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . R. viscosum

Rhododendron periclymenoides (Michx.) Shinners Pink Azalea 

(Rhododendron nudiflorum (L.) Torr.) (Election-pink, Pinxter-flower)

Java Farm. Infrequent on Fox Point (hectare 3559; canopy of Quercus prinus) and 

on west-facing slope overlooking Muddy Creek (hectare 3415; canopy of Fagus grandifolia and associates). Canopy at both sites includes Quercus alba, Q. velutina, and 

Carya tomentosa. Associate species at both stations: Gaylussacia baccata, Kalmia 

latifolia, Vaccinium spp. Higman 102, 401.

R. viscosum (L.) Torr. Swamp Azalea 

(Swamp Honeysuckle)

Java Farm. Infrequent at Fox Point. Hectare 3559. Canopy and associates as for 

R. nudiflorum, above. Higman 646.

Kalmia

Kalmia latifolia L. Mountain Laurel

Java Farm. Infrequent to moderately abundant on moderately steep, usually westfacing slopes overlooking Muddy Creek and its tributaries. Canopy of Fagus grandifolia, Quercus alba, Liriodendron tulipifera. 

Dominates understory on steep west-facing slope of Hog Island, under canopy of 

Quercus alba and Quercus prinus. Less frequent under the same canopy at Fox Point 

and along estuary shoreline at Ivy Neck. Associate species: Gaylussacia baccata. 

Higman 801.
Plant Annotations 171

PRIMULACEAE

Anagallis

Anagallis arvensis L. Scarlet Pimpernel

Ivy Neck. One station: beside tractor trail to abandoned field on Scaffold Peninsula. 

Hectare 4740. Associate species: Galinsoga ciliate, Mollugo verticillata, Diodia teres, 

Polygonum aviculare. Higman 835.

PLUMBAGINACEAE

Limonium

1. Calyx tube glabrous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. carolinianum

1. Calyx tube pubescent at base and part way up the angled sides . . . . . . . . . L. nashi

Limonium carolinianum (Walter) Britton Lavender Thrift

(Limonium carolinianum (Walt.) Britt.) (Sea Lavender)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Infrequent in flooded parts of salt marshes. Associate species: Spartina alterniflora, Spartina cynosuroides, Baccharis halimifolia. Higman 993.

L. carolinianum (Walter) Britton Lavender Thrift

(L. nashii Small) (Small Sea Lavender)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Infrequent in flooded parts of salt marshes. Associated 

with L. carolinianum above. Higman 212.

EBENACEAE

Diospyros

Diospyros virginiana L. Common Persimmon 

(Persimmon)

Java Farm. Infrequent in old fields. Associate species: Quercus palustris, Acer 

rubrum, Liquidambar styraciflua. 

Ivy Neck. Infrequent in old fields as above. Also moderately abundant in canopy 

along drainage of Cheston Creek. Associate species there: Robinia pseudoacacia, 

Platanus occidentalis, Liquidambar styraciflua. 

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Infrequent in salt marshes, apparently the less saline 

parts. Associate species: Panicum virgatum, Typha latifolia. Also on sandbars. Higman 116, 158, 233, 293, 383, 512, 746.
172 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

OLEACEAE

1. Plant a large tree; leaves pinnate; fruit a samara . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fraxinus

1. Plant a woody shrub or small tree; leaves simple; fruit a wingless capsule, drupe 

or berry. 

2. Fruit a loculicidal capsule. (Also, plant cultivated or escaped; flowers lilacpurple; leaves ovate, acuminate, entire, petioled, truncate or subcordate at 

base) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Syringa

2. Fruit a drupe or berry. 

3. Petals linear, nearly separate. Expected (Chionanthus). 

3. Petals united, funnelform corolla with broad lobes. (Also, panicles terminal, erect; stigma 2-lobed; berry 2-locular) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ligustrum

Fraxinus

1. Leaflets definitely on wingless petiolules. (Also, leaflets acuminate, with round 

or broadly acute base; samaras with a distinct flat wing and terete body). 

2. Leaflets abruptly acuminate, equilateral at base, oblong to ovate or obovate; 

samaras 3–5 cm long, the wing 4–7 mm broad, the body 0.7–1.6 cm long. 

(Also, leaflets may be serrulate near summit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F. americana

(Typical species has glabrous branchlets, petioles, and lower surfaces of leaflets; var. biltmoreana has these pubescent and the leaflets white beneath).

2. Leaflets long-acuminate, inequilateral at base, lanceolate to oblong or elliptic; 

samaras (4) 5.5 (7.5) cm long, the wing 6–12 mm broad, the body 1–3 cm long. 

(Also, branchlets, petioles, and leaf rachiese velvet-tomentose) . . . F. tomentosa

1. Leaflets sessile, or subsessile on winged petiolules. (Also, leaflets lanceolate to 

oblong, with broadly acute base). 

3. Leaflets entire or undulate, rarely serrulate, often inequilateral at base, on 

winged petiolules; samaras 4–7.5 cm long, wing extending to middle of body. 

(Also, leaflets usually 7). 

(Typical species has pubescent branchlets, petioles, panicles, and lower 

surfaces of leaflets; var. subintegerrima has these glabrous) . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F. pennsylvanica

4. Leaflets conspicuously serrate, equilateral at base, sessile; samaras 

2.5–4 cm long, 6–10 mm broad, the body poorly defined, wing extending 

to base. Expected (F. nigra).

Fraxinus americana L. White Ash

(Fraxinus americana L., var. biltmoreana (Beadle) J. Wright)

Java Farm. Canopy dominant along bottom of Muddy Creek valley above tidal portion. Associate species: Platanus occidentalis, Liquidambar styraciflua, Ulmus Americana, Acer rubrum. Understory chiefly Lindera benzoin. Higman 1043.
Plant Annotations 173

F. profunda (Bush) Bush Pumpkin Ash

(F. tomentosa Michx.) (Red Ash)

Java Farm. One station in old field near junction of old entrance road and road to 

springhouse. Hectare 3407. Associate species: Liquidambar styraciflua. Higman 389.

Syringa

Syringa vulgaris L. Common Lilac 

(Lilac)

Ivy Neck. One station: yard of reconditioned house near parking area. Hectare 

4720. Cultivated. Higman 1145.

Ligustrum

Ligustrum vulgare L. European Privet 

(Privet)

Java Farm. One station: main building area. Hectare 2580. Persistent after cultivation. Higman 828.

GENTIANACEAE

1. Leaves alternate, mostly petioled, compound or crenate. Expected (Menyanthes, 

Nymphoides). 

1. Leaves opposite, sessile, simple, entire. 

2. Style filiform; corolla rotate. (Also, corolla pink, 5-parted; leaves thin, cordateovate, clasping) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sabatia

2. Style short to absent; corolla campanulate. 

3. Calyx lobes 2, resembling leaves. (Also, corolla white, 4-lobed; leaves thick, 

cuneate-obovate) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Obolaria

3. Calyx 4- or 5-parted, not resembling leaves. Expected (Gentiana, Bartonia).

Sabatia

Sabatia angularis (L.) Pursh Rosepink

(Sabatia angularis (L.) Pers.) (Rose-pink, Bitter-bloom)

Ivy Neck. One station: along abandoned road through central Scaffold Peninsula. 

Hectare 5722. Canopy of Quercus alba, Quercus velutina, Liriodendron tulipifera. 

Associate species: Aureolaria virginica, Vernonia glauca, Amphicarpa bracteata. 

Higman 964.
174 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Obolaria

Obolaria virginica L. Virginia Pennywort 

(Pennywort)

Java Farm. One station: mature forest west of Muddy Creek and south of old entrance road. Canopy of Fagus grandifolia, Quercus alba, Carya tomentosa, Quercus 

velutina, Liriodendron tulipifera. Higman 653.

APOCYNACEAE

Apocynum

Apocynum cannabinum L. Indianhemp 

(Dogbane, Indian Hemp)

Java Farm. Infrequent in old fields. Associate species: Solidago altissima, Rubus sp., 

Lonicera japonica, Rhus radicans. Higman 232.

ASCLEPIADACEAE

Asclepias

1. Corolla red to purple; hoods (5 in a crown on tube of stamens) orange or purple. 

2. Tidal stream habitat; umbels several, forming a corymb. (Also, leaves tapering 

to tip; stems and lower leaf surfaces glabrous or nearly so) . . . . . . A. incarnata

2. Moist to dry forest habitat; umbels 1 or few, scattered. Expected (A. tuberosa, 

A. rubra). 

1. Corolla and hoods greenish, yellowish, white, or tinged purple. 

3. Leaves narrowly linear, with revolute margins. Expected (A. verticillata). 

3. Leaves lanceolate to oblong or obovate. 

4. Leaves membranaceous, long-attenuate. Expected (A. quadrifolia). 

4. Leaves firm, thicker, blunt-tipped. 

5. Leaves sessile and clasping at base. Expected (A. amplexicaulis). 

5. Leaves short-petioled, not clasping. 

6. Leaves glabrous, tapering to petioles; flowers 8–12 mm long, white 

with purple center. Expected (A. variegata). 

6. Leaves minutely tomentose below, rounded at base; flowers 12–25 mm 

long, hoods greenish to whitish or purplish . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. syriaca

Asclepias incarnata L. ssp. pulchra (Ehrh. ex Willd.) Woodson Swamp Milkweed

(Asclepias incarnata L., var. pulchra (Ehrh.) Pers.)

Java Farm. Infrequent along tidal portion of Muddy Creek. Associate species: Typha 

latifolia, Smilax rotundifolia, Aster subulatus, Scirpus validus. Higman 268.
Plant Annotations 175

A. syriaca L. Common Milkweed

Java Farm. Moderately abundant along old entrance road near main building area 

and in grassy fields south of main buildings. Associate species: Cirsium discolor, 

Rubus sp., Erigeron canadensis, Verbascum blattaria. Higman 359, 825.

CUSCUTACEAE, CONVOLVULACEAE

1. Parasitic; stem yellowish or reddish; leaves reduced to scales; flowers tiny, 

cymose-clustered . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cuscuta

1. Not parasitic; stem green; leaves normal; flowers much larger, few-clustered to 

solitary. 

2. Stigmas 2, linear-filiform to subulate or slenderly ovoid . . . . . . Convolvulus

2. Stigma 1, capitate or with 2–3 globular lobes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ipomoea

Cuscuta

Cuscuta gronovii Willd. ex Schult. Scaldweed

(Cuscuta gronovii Willd.?) (Dodder, Strangleweed)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Infrequent to moderately abundant in salt marshes. Parasitic on Iva frutescens and Baccharis halimifolia. Higman 62.

Calystegia

(Convolvulus)

Calystegia sepium (L.) R. Br. ssp. sepium Hedge False Bindweed

(Convolvulus sepium L.) (Hedge Bindweed, Wild Morning-glory)

Ivy Neck. One station: salt marsh at southwest end of Scaffold Peninsula, on mud 

flat adjacent water. Hectare 5761. Associate species: Panicum virgatum, Acnida cannabina, Gerardia maritima. Higman 814, 969.

Ipomoea

1. Stem and sepals glabrous, tips of sepals obtuse or blunt; stigma lobes or 2; 

locules of capsule 2. (Also: corolla white with purple in tube, 4.5 to 8 cm long; 

leaves unlobed or with 2 short, rounded basal lobes) . . . . . . . . . . . I. pandurata

1. Stem and sepals pubescent, tips of sepals acute to linear or bristle-tipped; lobes 

of stigma and locules of capsule 3 (2 in I. lacunosa). 

2. Sepals densely yellow-villous near base, short-hirsute above, tapering to long 

linear tips; leaves densely hirsute on both sides, the lobes, if present, with 

narrow U-shaped sinuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I. hederacea

2. Sepals moderately to sparsely pilose, with broadly acute or bristle tips; leaves 

strigose or sparsely pilose, the lobes, if present, with broadly obtuse sinuses. 
176 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

3. Sepals moderately hirsute at base, sparsely so above, with broadly acute 

tips; peduncles long; leaves never lobed, strigose on both sides . . . . . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I. purpurea

3. Sepals sparsely pilose, with bristle tips; peduncles short; leaves sparsely 

pilose, the lobes, if present, with broadly obtuse sinuses. Expected 

(I. lacunosa).

Ipomoea pandurata (L.) G. Mey. Man of the Earth

(Ipomoea pandurata (L.) G. F. W. Mey.) (Wild Potato-vine) 

Ivy Neck. One station: plowed, fallow cornfield on Cheston Peninsula. Higman 1028.

I. hederacea Jacq. Ivyleaf Morning-glory

(I. hederacea (L.) Jacq.) (Blue Morning-glory)

Ivy Neck. Moderately abundant in cornfields. Associate species: Barbarea vulgaris, 

B. verna, Cerastium vulgatum, etc. Higman 999, 1007, 1016.

I. purpurea (L.) Roth Tall Morning-glory

(I. purpurea (L.) Roth.) (Common Morning-glory)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Infrequent along unshaded roadsides, and in cornfields at 

Ivy Neck. Associated with I. hederacea above. Higman 1021, 1064.

BORAGINACEAE

1. Ovary unlobed, surmounted by the style. (Also, leaves oval, 2–5 cm long, petioled; 

spikes bractless, 5–12 cm long; sepals 2–3 mm long). Expected (Heliotropium). 

1. Ovary deeply lobed, the 1-locular divisions forming nutlets around the base of 

the style.

2. Attachment of nutlet strongly plug-like, leaving a pit on the gynobase (enlarged receptacle). (Also, corolla campanulate or rotate, blue, or yellowish in 

Symphytum). Expected (Lycopsis, Borago, Symphytum). 

2. Attachment of nutlet flat or concave, leaving no pit. 

3. Stigmas 2 or style bifid. (Also, leaves linear-elliptic to narrowly oblanceolate). Expected (Echium, Onosmodium, Lithospermum). 

3. Stigma 1, simple. 

4. Nutlets attached near the apex, strongly divergent. (Also, leaves lanceolate to broadly ovate, 10–15 cm long, very bristly, the cauline sessile 

(clasping in species collected); racemes paniculate; carpels very hirsute; 

corolla white in species collected . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cynoglossum

4. Nutlets attached near the middle or base, erect and parallel. 
Plant Annotations 177

5. Flowers of the raceme not subtended by leafy bracts; nutlets smooth. 

(Also, plant not over 5 dm high; cauline leaves sessile, narrowly 

oblanceolate-spatulate, very pilose; calyx somewhat irregular; corolla 

blue or white, 1–3 mm broad) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Myosotis

5. Flowers, at least the lower, with leafy bracts; nutlets prickly, rough, 

or wrinkled. (Also, cauline leaves elliptic to ovate, up to 2 dm long, 

smoothish, petioled). 

6. Nutlets covered with hooked prickles. (Also, racemes about 1 dm 

long, with small bracts; nutlets globose, 3 mm long . . . . . Hackelia

6. Nutlets wrinkled, not prickly. (Also, flowers in scorpioid cymes; 

corolla blue, 1–2 cm long). Expected (Mertensia).

Cynoglossum

Cynoglossum virginianum L. Wild Comfrey 

(Beggar’s-lice)

Java Farm. Infrequent to moderately abundant in mature forest south of old 

entrance road and west of Muddy Creek. Canopy of Fagus grandifolia, Quercus

spp., Liriodendron tulipifera, Carya tomentosa, etc. Associate species: Podophyllum 

peltatum, Claytonia virginica, Galium aparine, Orchis spectabilis, Viola papilionacea,

etc. Higman 666.

Myosotis

Myosotis verna Nutt. Spring Forget-me-not

(species not in Britton and Brown) (Scorpion-grass Forget-me-not)

Ivy Neck. One station: abandoned grassy field on Scaffold Peninsula. Associate 

species: Trifolium hybridum, Trifolium pratense, Oenothera fruticosa, Hypericum perforatum, Eupatorium serotinum, etc. Higman 1085.

Hackelia

Hackelia virginiana (L.) I.M. Johnst. Beggarslice

(Hackelia virginiana (L.) Johnst.) (Stickseed Beggar’ s-lice)

Java Farm. Infrequent; principal station in small stream valley on Rhode River 

shore, slightly below pier. Hectare 3519. Canopy of Robinia pseudoacacia, Liquidambar styraciflua, Ulmus americana. Associate species: Lonicera japonica (dominant 

species of ground layer), Verbesina occidentalis. Rich collecting area. Higman 674.

VERBENACEAE

Verbena

1. Spikes panicles at apices of stems and branches; corolla limb 2 to 4.5 mm broad. 

2. Spikes very slender (also interrupted in all species collected); fruiting calyces 

remote. 
178 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

3. Leaves obtuse to subacute, pinnatifid or deeply incised; calyx glandular. 

Expected (V. officinalis). 

3. Leaves acuminate, regularly serrate; calyx not glandular. (Also, corolla 

white to bluish, with limb 2 mm broad). 

4. Leaves narrowly ovate, 3 to 13 cm long, serrate-dentate, harshly scabrous 

above; fruiting calyx 2.5 to 3 mm long, its lanceolate lobes converging 

into an acute beak above the schizocarp (pericarp which splits into nutlets); nutlets 1 to 1.3 mm long, reticulate above . . . . . . . . . . . . V. scabra

4. Leaves oblong-ovate to lanceolate, 8 to 20 cm long, doubly crenateserrate, strigose on veins beneath; fruiting calyx 2 to 2.3 mm long, its 

deltoid subulate-tipped lobes equal to or shorter than the schizocarp; 

nutlets 1.5 to 2 mm long, not reticulate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V. urticifolia

2. Spikes thicker, pencil-like, continuous; fruiting calyces imbricated. (Also, 

corollas violet-blue; mature calyx overtopping the schizocarp, with incurved 

teeth) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V. hastata

1. Spikes single or in 3’s at tips of stems or branches; corolla limb 5 to 6 mm 

broad. (Also, in species collected, leaves narrowly lanceolate to oblanceolate, 3 to 

10 cm long, serrate; fruiting calyx 4 to 5 mm long, with acuminate lobes; corolla 

purple) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V. simplex

Verbena scabra Vahl Sandpaper Vervain 

(Harsh Vervain)

Java Farm. One station: along old entrance road. Canopy of Quercus alba, Fagus 

grandifolia, and Liriodendron tulipifera. Higman 897.

V. urticifolia L. White Vervain

Java Farm. One station: western end of main building area. Hectare 2489. Near 

wooden shed among dense Rhus radicans and Campsis radicans. Higman 4.

V. hastata L. Swamp Verbena 

(Blue Vervain, Simpler’s Joy)

Java Farm. One station: clump of trees in Hog Island salt marsh. Hectare 3582. 

Canopy of Quercus falcata, Quercus stellata, Prunus serotina, Liquidambar styraciflua. 

Associate species: Panicum virgatum, Osmunda cinnamomea, Juncus dichotomus. 

Higman 305.

V. simplex Lehm. Narrowleaf Vervain

(V. simplex Lehm. (V. angustifolia Michx.)) (Vervain)

Ivy Neck. One station: southern part of abandoned grassy field. Hectare 4772. 

Associate species: Rudbeckia serotina, Trifolium hybridum, Ambrosia artemisiifolia, 

Oenothera fruticosa. Higman 815.
Plant Annotations 179

LAMIACEAE

(LABIATAE)

1. Ovary 4-lobed, not deeply divided. 

2. Corolla regular, with 5 subequal lobes. (Also, flowers solitary at ends of terminal pedicels; stamens long-exerted; stem glandular-pubescent) . . Trichostema

2. Corolla irregular, the upper lip apparently wanting . . . . . . . . . . . . . Teucrium

1. Ovary deeply 4-divided. (Also, corolla irregular, with upper lip present or, if regular, 4-lobed). 

3. Stamens included in the corolla tube, not directly visible. Expected (Marrubium). 

3. Stamens exerted from the corolla tube, directly visible. 

4. Upper lip of corolla helmet-shaped or concave. (Also, stamens always 4, 

ascending under the corolla lip, exceeding it only in Agastache). 

5. Calyx with a helmet-like projection on the upper side, closed in fruit. 

(Also, flowers blue to purple, usually in leafy-bracted racemes or panicles but axillary in one species) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scutellaria

5. Calyx without a helmet-like projection on the upper side, open in fruit 

except in Prunella. 

6. Stem prostrate to ascending; leaves cordate to reniform at base. 

(Also, flowers lilac to blue-violet). 

7. Flowers distinctly pediceled, usually 3 per axil; upper stamens 

longer than the lower; corollas blue-violet . . . . . . . . . . . Glechoma

7. Flowers sessile, in dense terminal and axillary verticils; upper stamens shorter than the lower; corollas pink-or red-violet Lamium

6. Stem erect; leaves acute, rounded, or shallowly cordate at base.

8. Flowers axillary. Expected (Leonurus, Ballota). 

8. Flowers in terminal spikes, clusters, or heads; if axillary, the subtending leaves reduced and clustered into a terminal spike. 

9. Spike very dense (may be somewhat interrupted in Nepeta). 

10. Calyx distinctly 2-lipped, closed in fruit. (Also, flowers blueviolet, in clusters of 3 subtended by round bracts) Prunella

10. Calyx nearly regular, open in fruit. Expected (Nepeta, Agastache). See Appendix I. 

9. Spike loose or interrupted. (Also, calyx regular; flowers pale 

purple or pink). 

11. Plant glabrous; flowers single in axils of small bracts. Expected (Physostegia). 

11. Plant pubescent; flowers in small, dense cymes subtended 

by small bracts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stachys

4. Upper lip of corolla not helmet-shaped or concave. 

12. Flowers in dense cymes or heads. (Also, corolla purple to white) . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pycanthemum
180 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

12. Flowers in panicles, racemes, spikes, or clusters, inflorescence terminal or axillary. 

13. Flowers in loose terminal racemes or panicles. (Also, leaves ovate 

or ovate-oblong, serrate, acuminate, with long petioles).

14. Plant annual, without a rootstock; calyx villous; corolla purple 

(at Chesapeake Bay Center) or white; stamens 4. (Also, leaves 

purple beneath) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Perilla

14. Plant perennial, with large woody rootstock; calyx nearly glabrous, minutely glandular; corolla pale yellow; stamens 2. 

(Also, one of the 5 corolla lobes much enlarged and deeply 

fringed; stamens and style long-exserted) . . . . . . Collinsonia

13. Flowers in spikes or clusters, terminal or axillary. 

15. Stamens 2. 

16. Flowers axillary, in dense clusters. 

17. Corolla regular, 4-lobed. (Also, leaves coarsely dentate, 

acuminate at both ends; strong mint odor) . . . Lycopus

17. Corolla irregular, 2-lipped. Expected (Hedeoma, Monarda, and Blephilia). 

16. Flowers in an interrupted spike. (Also, in species collected, leaves basal, lyrate-pinnatifid) . . . . . . . . . . . . . Salvia

15. Stamens 4. 

18. Corolla regular, 4-lobed. (Also, in species collected, flowers 

in an interrupted spike; strong mint odor) . . . . . . . Mentha

18. Corolla irregular, 2-lipped. (Also, flowers axillary). Expected (Melissa, Satureja)

Trichostema

Tricbostema dichotomum L. Forked Bluecurls 

(Bluecurls, Bastard Pennyroyal)

Java Farm. Infrequent in old fields, more abundant near young Pinus virginiana

stands invading these fields. Hectares 3513, 3535. Associate species: Solidago juncea, 

Solidago nemoralis. Higman 378, 462.

Teucrium

Teucrium canadense L. Canada Germander 

(Germander, Wood-sage)

Java Farm. One station: new entrance road. Canopy of mature Quercus alba, Fagus 

grandifolia, Liriodendron tulipifera. Higman 918.
Plant Annotations 181

Scutellaria

1. Racemes not 1-sided; base of stem without stolons. 

2. Cauline leaves round-to oblong-ovate or the lower deltoid, all dentate or serrate. 

3. Principal leaves cordate at base, villous. Expected S. ovata). 

3. Principal leaves not cordate, if shallowly so, not villous. 

4. Principal leaves rhombic-ovate, 3 to 6 cm long. (Also, lower leaves 

slender-petioled, median and upper ones cuneate to short-winged 

petioles; 2 to 5 pairs of leaves below the single or panicled terminal 

racemes; corolla 1.4 to 2 cm long) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S. elliptica

4. Principal leaves ovate or ovate-oblong, 4 to 14 cm long. Expected (S. serrata, S. incana). 

2. Cauline leaves ovate and crenate below, oblong to linear-lanceolate and entire above, successively narrower to summit of stem. (Also, petioles of upper 

leaves short, not winged, 3 to 8 pairs of leaves below the terminal raceme or 

leafy panicle of them) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S. integrifolia

1. Racemes 1-sided; base of stem with creeping rhizomes developed from stolons. 

(Also, in species collected, racemes in upper axils as well as terminal, their 

bracts not minute). 

5. Stolons not forming tubers; lower leaves regularly serrate, with slender 

petioles; stem with incurved-ascending pubescence at least on the angles; 

leaves round to subcordate to base, acuminate to tip . . . . . . . . . S. lateriflora

5. Stolons, leaves, or stem pubescence otherwise. Expected (S. parvula, S. nervosa, S. saxatilis).

Scutellaria elliptica Muhl. ex Spreng. Hairy Skullcap

(Scutellaria elliptica Muhl.)

Ivy Neck. Infrequent in west-central Scaffold Peninsula. Canopy of Quercus alba, 

Quercus velutina, Liriodendron tulipifera, Liquidambar styraciflua, Carya tomentosa. 

Higman 1093.

S. integrifolia L. Helmet Flower 

(Skullcap)

Ivy Neck. Infrequent in west-central Scaffold Peninsula. Associated with S. elliptica

above. 

Java Farm. One station: south-facing slope east of Muddy Creek, adjacent north 

boundary of Center. Hectares 2458, 2459. Partial canopy of Liquidambar styraciflua, 

Pyrus malus, and Liriodendron tulipifera. Dense Rhus radicans on ground, with few 

grassy patches. Higman 545, 849.
182 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

S. lateriflora L. Blue Skullcap 

(Mad-dog Skullcap)

Java Farm. Infrequent in freshwater marsh at western apex of triangular area west 

of old Muddy Creek Road. Hectare 2470. Higman 405.

Glechoma

Glechoma hederacea L. Ground Ivy

(Glechoma hederacea L. var. micrantha Moricand) (Ground-ivy, Gill-over-the-ground)

Java Farm. One station: gravel fill of old Muddy Creek Road, beside stream culvert 

south of entrance gate. Hectare 2491. Shaded by adjacent canopy of Fagus grandifolia; growing among dense Lonicera japonica. Higman 566. 

Lamium

1. Upper or bracteal leaves sessile, reniform; flowers 6–10 per whorl; calyx teeth 

converging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. amplexicaule

1. Upper or bracteal leaves petioled, ovate-subrhombic; flowers 3–7 per whorl; 

calyx teeth divergent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. purpureum

Lamium amplexicaule L. Henbit Deadnettle 

(Henbit, Dead-nettle)

Java Farm. Infrequent around parking apron, main building area. Hectare 2580. 

Associate species: Juncus tenuis. 

Ivy Neck. Infrequent to moderately abundant in cornfields and around old tobacco 

barn near entrance road. Hectare 4658. Associate species: Draba verna, Stellaria 

media, Cerastium vulgatum. Higman 553.

L. purpureum L. Purple Deadnettle 

(Purple Dead-nettle)

Java Farm. One station: edge of old Muddy Creek Road, on top of stream culvert 

south of entrance gate. Hectare 2491. Near station for Glechoma hederacea, but 

drier. Higman 565.

Prunella

Prunella vulgaris L. Common Selfheal 

(Selfheal, Carpenter-weed)

Java Farm. Infrequently along Fox Point and old entrance roads. Partial shading on 

springhouse road by Celtis occidentalis, Liquidambar styraciflua, and Prunus serotina. 

Associate species: Melilotus alba. Higman 20, 118.
Plant Annotations 183

Stachys

Stachys palustris L. Marsh Hedgenettle

(Stachys palustris L.?) (Hedge-nettle Woundwort)

Java Farm. One station: salt marsh at northeast corner of Farm, above pier. Hectare 3620. Flooded at high tide. Associate species: Spartina cynosuroides, Baccharis 

halimifolia, Limonium carolinianum, Aster subulatus. Higman 216.

Pycnanthemum

(Pycanthemum)

Pycnanthemum flexuosum (Walter) Britton, Appalachian Mountainmint

Sterns & Poggenb. (Mountain-mint, Basil)

(Pycanthemum flexuosum (Walt.) BSP.)

Java Farm. One station: old field dominated by Aster spp., Rubus spp., Solidago 

altissima, Rhus radicans, Lonicera japonica, etc. Hectare 3501. Higman 364.

Perilla

Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton Beefsteakplant 

(Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt.) (Beefsteak-plant)

Java Farm. One station: grassy triangle at entrance gate to old Muddy Creek Road. 

Hectare 2463. Associate species: Cyperus strigosus, Duchesnea indica, Fragaria virginiana, Ranunculus bulbosus, Daucus carota. 

Ivy Neck. One station: tractor trail to artificial pond, above source of Cheston Creek 

Drainage. Hectare 4721. Associate species: Mentha spicata, Ambrosia trifida, Galinsoga ciliata. Higman 1031, 1061.

Collinsonia

Collinsonia canadensis L. Richweed 

(Horse-balm, Stoneroot)

Java Farm. One station: mature forest south of old entrance road. Hectare 2484. 

Canopy of Quercus alba, Fagus grandifolia, Liriodendron tulipifera, etc. Higman 1206.

Lycopus

Lycopus virginicus L. Virginia Water Horehound 

(Water-horehound, Bugleweed)

Java Farm. Infrequent along bank of Muddy Creek, upstream from old entrance 

road. Hectare 2467. Canopy of Fagus grandifolia, Platanus occidentalis, Quercus alba. 

Understory of Lindera benzoin. 

Also infrequent in freshwater part of Fox Creek marsh. Hectare 3516. Higman 977, 

1209.
184 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Salvia

Salvia lyrata L. Lyreleaf Sage 

(Cancerweed, Lyre-leaved Sage)

Java Farm. One station: mature forest along old entrance road, near wellhouse. 

Hectare 2487. Canopy of Fagus grandifolia, Quercus alba, Liriodendron tulipifera, etc. 

Higman 819.

Mentha

Mentha spicata L. Spearmint

Ivy Neck. One station: partly shaded border of tractor trail to artificial pond north 

of Cheston Peninsula, near source of Cheston Creek drainage. Hectare 4712. Associate species: Ambrosia trifida, Chondrilla juncea, Solanum carolinense, Cichorum 

intybus. Higman 1026.

SOLANACEAE

1. Plant a shrub. Expected (Lycium). 

1. Plant a forb or vine.

2. Corolla funnelform, 7 to 10 cm long, white with purple tinge; fruit a large, 

spiny capsule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Datura

2. Corolla rotate to campanulate, much shorter, white or yellow (sometimes 

purple, but not in species collected); fruit a berry. 

3. Anthers forming a tube around the style; calyx deeply 5-parted, not inflated 

over berry in fruit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Solanum

3. Anthers separate; calyx 5-lobed only at the summit, inflated and loosely 

covering the berry in fruit. 

4. Sepals united, calyx with round or cordate base in fruit; corolla yellow or 

yellowish-green, with dark center; ovary 2-locular; berry juicy . . . . Physalis

4. Sepals free, sagittate-based; corolla pale blue; ovary 3-to 5-locular; berry 

dry. Expected (Nicandra).

Datura

Datura stramonium L. Jimsonweed

Java Farm. One station: trash pile near ruined house, main building area. Hectare 

2581. Associate species: Melilotus alba, Aster spp., Eleusine indica, Solanum nigrum,

and Amaranthus spinosus. 

Ivy Neck. Infrequent: edge of cornfield near old barn south of artificial pond, north 

of Cheston Peninsula. Hectare 4733. Associate species: Eleusine indica, Abutilon 

theophrasti, Potentilla norvegica, Ipomoea spp. Higman 501, 1008.
Plant Annotations 185

Solanum

1. Calyx lobes very spiny, covering the berry. Expected (S. rostratum, S. sisymbriifolium). 

1. Calyx not spiny, not covering the berry. 

2. Plant a woody vine or climbing shrub; berries red. (Also, corolla violet; leaves 

often basally lobed). Expected (S. dulcamara). 

2. Plant herbaceous, not a vine; berries yellow, green, or black.

3. Stem and leaf veins with yellow spines; berry orange-yellow. (Also, corolla 

violet or white; stein hirsute) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S. carolinense

3. Stem and leaf veins spineless; berries black or green. (Also, corolla white). 

4. Stem glabrous; berries black. 

5. Leaves thin, translucent; berries shiny. Expected (S. americanum). 

Appendix I. 

5. Leaves rather thick, opaque; berries dull . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S. nigrum

4. Stem very spreading-hirsute; berries green . . . . . . . . . . . S. sarachoides

Solanum carolinense L. Carolina Horsenettle 

(Horse-nettle)

Java Farm. Infrequent in old fields, especially in the vicinity of main buildings. 

Associate species: Poa pratensis, Agrimonia parviflora, Verbascum blattaria, Cirsium 

discolor, Asclepias syriaca, Gnaphalium obtusifolium. Higman 45, 133.

S. nigrum L. Black Nightshade

Java Farm. One station: rubbish pile near ruined house, main building area. Hectare 2580. Associate species: Datura stramoneum, Amaranthus spinosus, Eleusine 

indica. Higman 498.

S. physalifolium Rusby Hoe Nightshade

(S. sarachoides Sendtner) 

Java Farm. Infrequent on recently bulldozed area at main buildings. Hectare 2580. 

Higman 1216.

Physalis

1. Plants annual, without rhizomes. 

2. Plant glabrous, glabrate, or puberulent. Expected (P. ixocarpa). 

2. Plant villous. (Also, leaves ovate, obliquely rounded or cordate at base; berry 

yellow) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. pubescens

1. Plants perennial, with deep-seated rhizomes. (Also, corolla yellow, often with 

dark center; berry red, yellow, or green). 

3. Leaves, petioles, and pedicels puberulent; calyx glabrous when mature . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. subglabrata
186 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

3. Leaves, petioles, pedicels, and calyx villous or hirsute. 

4. Leaves cordate or broadly rounded at base; pubescence very dense, often 

glandular. Expected (P. heterophylla). 

4. Leaves cuneate or gradually tapering to base; pubescence not very dense, 

not glandular. 

5. Leaves oblanceolate, oblong, or subspatulate; fruiting calyx not depressed at base; berry yellow or green. Expected (P. lanceolata). 

5. Leaves ovate or ovate-lanceolate; fruiting calyx deeply depressed at base; 

berry red . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. virginiana

Physalis pubescens L. Husk Tomato 

(Ground-cherry)

Java Farm. Collected by David Hammond.

P. longifolia Nutt. var. subglabrata (Mack. & Bush) Cronquist Longleaf Groundcherry 

(Physalis subglabrata Mackenz. and Bush) (Ground-cherry)

(P. longifolia Nutt.)

Java Farm. One station: new entrance road, near culvert of Fox Creek drainage. 

Hectare 2573. Partial canopy of Juglans nigra and Liquidambar styraciflua. Associate 

species: Geum canadense, Duchesnea indica, Agrimonia microcarpa, Panicum clandestinum. Higman 1034, 1181.

P. virginiana Mill. Virginia Groundcherry 

(Ground-cherry)

Ivy Neck. One station: abandoned grassy field on Scaffold Peninsula. Hectare 4772. 

Associate species: Campsis radicans, Oenothera fruticosa. Higman 1088.

SCROPHULARIACEAE

1. Plant a tree; leaves 1.5 to 4 dm wide; cordate. (Also, leaves opposite, tomentose; 

petioles and young stem hollow except at the nodes) . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paulownia

1. Plant herbaceous or only slightly woody; leaves much narrower, not cordate. 

2. Corolla nearly regular. 

3. Leaves opposite (whorled in Veronicastrum), the upper sometimes alternate; stamens 2 or 4, the filaments not bearded. 

4. Corolla yellow or roseate to red-purple, campanulate to funnelform. 

(Also, plant dries black) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gerardia

4. Corolla bluish to dark blue-purple, rotate or salverform. 

5. Corolla rotate, almost tubeless; capsule obcordate or notched at apex; 

flowers axillary or in terminal racemes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Veronica

5. Corolla salverform; capsule blunt or acute at apex; flowers in spikes. 

Expected (Buchnera, Veronicastrum). 
Plant Annotations 187

3. Leaves all alternate; stamens 5, with 3 or more filaments bearded. (Also, 

flowers in spikes or racemes, yellow or white) . . . . . . . . . . . . . Verbascum

2. Corolla 2-lipped. 

6. Leaves, or at least the upper ones, alternate. 

7. Leaves pinnately cleft or dissected. Expected (Castilleja, Pedicularis). 

7. Leaves entire or palmately lobed. 

8. Flowers in racemes or spikes; leaves linear to lanceolate, entire . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Linaria

8. Flowers axillary; leaves broadly ovate, undulate or lobed. Expected 

(Kickxia, Cymbalaria). 

6. Leaves all opposite.

9. Flowers in racemes, spikes, panicles, or cymes. Expected (Chelone, 

Penstemon). 

9. Flowers solitary in axils of leaves or bracts. 

10. Pedicels with 2 bracts just beneath the calyx. (Also, stamens 2; 

flowers small, yellow or white) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gratiola 

10. Pedicels naked at summit. Expected (Mimulus, Micranthemum, 

Lindernia, Bacopa).

Paulownia

Paulownia tomentosa (Thunb.) Siebold & Zucc. ex Steud. Princesstree

(Paulownia tomentosa (Thunb.) Steud.) (Princess-tree)

Java Farm. One station: young tree on rubbish pile near northwest corner of main 

building area. Hectare 2489. Associate species: Populus grandidentata. 

Ivy Neck. One station: young tree on west shore of large cut-off pond on Cheston 

Peninsula. Hectare 5800. Associate species: Phytolacca americana. Higman 1054.

Agalinis, Aureolaria

(Gerardia)

1. Corolla pink or purple; capsules rounded at summit, often mucronate. 

2. Terrestrial habitat. Expected (G. purpurea, G. obtusifolia). 

2. Salt marsh habitat. (Also, stem 0.5 to 3 dm high, glabrous; leaves linear) . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G. maritima

1. Corolla yellow, may have reddish tinge, dries black; capsules acute . . . G. virginica

Agalinis maritima (Raf.) Raf. var. maritima Saltmarsh False Foxglove

(Gerardia maritima Raf.) (Gerardia)

Ivy Neck. Infrequent in sandy, halophytic area at Sand Point on Cheston Peninsula 

(hectare 4861) and in salt marsh on southwest shore of Scaffold Peninsula (hectare 

5761). Associate species: Acnida cannabina, Solidago sempervirens, Panicum virgatum. Higman 972.
188 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Aureolaria virginica (L.) Pennell Downy Yellow False Foxglove

(G. virginica (L.) BSP.) (Downy False Foxglove)

(Aureolaria virginica (L.) Pennel)

(Aureolaria flava (L.) Farw.)

Java Farm. One station: ruined house at Fox Point. Hectare 3558. Canopy of Quercus 

prinus and Quercus alba. Associate species: Gaylussacia baccata, Vaccinium vacillan. 

Ivy Neck. Infrequent along southern shore of Scaffold Peninsula. Hectare 5762 to 

5764. Canopy and associate species as at Java Farm. Also one station along abandoned road through central forest on Scaffold Peninsula. Hectare 5732. Canopy 

of Quercus alba, Fagus grandifolia, Liriodendron tulipifera, Carya tomentosa, etc. 

Higman 350.

Veronica

1. Flowers sessile; sepals lanceolate, short-pilose, differing in length by about 

1 mm; corolla blue-violet; lower leaves round or oval, dentate, the upper ones 

lanceolate to linear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V. arvensis

1. Flowers pediceled; sepals cordate-ovate, ciliate, equal; corolla lilac to blue; all 

leaves reniform to suborbicular, with 2 or 4 big lateral teeth . . . . . V. hederaefolia

Veronica arvensis L. Corn Speedwell

Java Farm. Infrequent, along road to springhouse. Hectare 3417. Associate species: 

Valerianella olitoria, Duchesnea indica, Viola spp., Melilotus alba. Higman 608.

V. hederifolia L. Ivyleaf Speedwell

(V. hederaefolia L.) (Ivy-leaved Speedwell)

Java Farm. Infrequent along road to springhouse. Very calcareous soil. Hectare 

3417. Associate species: Valerianella olitoria, Veronica arvense, Duchesnea indica. 

Higman 564, 629. 

Also along bank of Muddy Creek, upstream from culvert of old entrance road. 

Hectare 2467. Aspect dominant species of ground layer in early spring. Canopy of 

Fagus grandifolia, Platanus occidentalis, Quercus alba. Understory of Cornus florida, 

Lindera benzoin.

Verbascum

1. Stems and leaves tomentose; leaves entire, decurrent down the stem; flowers in 

a dense, cylindrical spike . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V. thapsus

1. Stems and leaves glabrous, or the upper stem glandular-pubescent; leaves 

doubly serrate, the lower petioled, the upper partly clasping; flowers in a loose 

raceme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V. blattaria
Plant Annotations 189

Verbascum thapsus L. Common Mullein

(Flannel-plant)

Java Farm. Infrequent in a variety of old field and roadside habitats, especially 

near main building area. Principal hectares 3409, 3500, 2590. Associate species: 

Asclepias syriaca, Cirsium discolor, Solanum carolinense, Poa pratense (dense turf), 

Verbascum blattaria, Melilotus alba, Daucus carota, Gnaphalium obtusifolium. 

Ivy Neck. Infrequent in side of steep bank along shore of Rhode River above Sand 

Point. Associate species: most of above plus Juncus tenuis, Atriplex patula, Plantago 

lanceolata, Arctium minus, Amorpha fruticosa, Rhus typhina, Solidago sempervirens. 

Higman 43.

V. blattaria L. Moth Mullein

(V. blattaria L., V. blattaria forma albiflora (Don) House) (Moth-Mullein)

Java Farm. Infrequent in old fields south of main building area. Associated with 

V. thapsus above. 

Ivy Neck. Infrequent in grassy abandoned field on Scaffold Peninsula. Hectare 

4762. Associate species: Trifolium pratense, Trifolium hybridum, Oenothera fruticosa. 

Only the white-flowered form occurs at Java Farm; both white- and yellow-flowered 

forms occur at Ivy Neck, sometimes on the same plant. Higman 47, 789, 811.

Nuttallanthus

(Linaria)

Nuttallanthus canadensis (L.) D.A. Sutton Canada Toadflax

Linaria canadensis (L.) Dumont (Old-field Toadflax)

Ivy Neck. Moderately abundant in cultivated fields and along tractor trails. Associate species: Draba verna, Arabidopsis thaliana, Cerastium vulgatum, Stellaria media,

etc. Higman 657.

Gratiola

Gratiola neglecta Torr. Clammy Hedgehyssop 

(Hedge Hyssop)

Infrequent along both forks of drainage to Cheston Creek estuary, and beside artificial pond. Hectares 4752 and 4712 respectively. Canopy of Liquidambar styraciflua, 

Platanus occidentalis, and Diospyros virginiana at the first station; second station 

partly shaded by nearby canopy. Associate species: Ranunculus sceleratus, Limnobium spongia, Galinsoga ciliata, Glyceria striata. Higman 725, 873.
190 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

BIGNONIACEAE

Campsis

Campsis radicans (L.) Seem. ex Bureau Trumpet Creeper

(Campsis radicans (L.) Seem.) (Trumpet-vine)

Java Farm. Aggressive invader of old fields; seems to thrive where Rhus radicans

and Lonicera japonica are not too abundant. Much less frequent than Rhus radicans

in forest. 

Ivy Neck. Abundant to moderately abundant in old fields on small peninsula between forks of Scaffold Creek estuary. Abundant in ground layer of forest at source 

of Scaffold Creek drainage (east fork). Invading abandoned grassy field on Scaffold 

Peninsula. Higman 1.

OROBANCHACEAE

Epifagus

Epifagus virginiana (L.) W.P.C. Barton Beechdrops

(Epifagus virginiana (L.) Bart.) (Beech-drops)

Java Farm. Moderately abundant under mature Fagus grandifolia canopy, especially 

west of old Muddy Creek Road. Hectare 2480. Higman 249.

VERBENACEAE

(PHRYMACEAE)

Phryma

Phryma leptostachya L. American Lopseed

(Lopseed)

Java Farm. Infrequent along old entrance road near gate to old Muddy Creek Road, 

hectare 2463. Canopy of Fagus grandifolia, Quercus alba, Liriodendron tulipifera, 

Quercus coccinea, Liquidambar styraciflua, Carya tomentosa, etc. Associate species: 

Desmodium paniculatum, Desmodium glutinosum, Elephantopus carolinianus, Agrimonia microcarpa, Viola papilionacea, Smilacina racemosa, etc. Higman 931.

PLANTAGINACEAE

Plantago

1. Spike cylindric. 

2. Leaves obovate or spatulate. 

3. Leaves scabrous; scape glabrous. (Also, bracts of spike shorter than to 

equaling calyx) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. major

3. Leaves villous; scape villous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. virginica
Plant Annotations 191

2. Leaves linear, with margined semiclasping petioles. (Also, bracts of spike 

linear, much longer than the flowers; bracts, sepals, and scape villous) . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. aristata

1. Spike ovoid-conic, tapering to apex. (Also, leaves lanceolate to lance-oblong; bracts 

of spike broadly ovate, scarious, with villous green midribs) . . . . . . . P. lanceolate

Plantago major L. Common Plantain

Java Farm. Infrequent around main buildings and along Fox Point Road. Higman 19.

P. virginica L. Virginia plantain 

(Hoary Plantain)

Ivy Neck. Infrequent in abandoned field on Scaffold Peninsula, and along adjacent 

tractor trails. Associate species: Hypericum perforatum, Trifolium arvense, Hordeum 

pusillum, Rumex acetosella, Juncus tenuis, Lepidium virginicum, Trifolium pratense. 

Higman 692.

P. aristata Michx. Largebracted Plantain 

(Bracted Plantain)

Java Farm. One station: broken pavement along Fox Point Road near sharp left 

turn onto peninsula. Hectare 3543. Associate species: Eragrostis spectabilis, Festuca 

myuros. 

Ivy Neck. Infrequent along tractor trail beside abandoned field on Scaffold Peninsula. Associated with Plantago virginica above. Higman 806.

P. lanceolata L. Narrowleaf Plantain 

(Ribgrass, English Plantain)

Java Farm. Infrequent around main building area. Hectare 2590. Associate species: Juncus tenuis, Cyperus strigosus, Achillea millefolium, Erigeron canadensis, Triodia flava, Euphorbia maculata. Higman 12, 1092.

RUBIACEAE

1. Plant a woody shrub; flowers in large spherical heads . . . . . . . . . Cephalanthus

1. Plant herbaceous; flowers not in heads. 

2. Leaves whorled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Galium

2. Leaves opposite.

3. Stem prostrate-trailing; leaves evergreen; flowers paired, their ovaries 

united; fruit a berry. (Also, flowers white; leaves round-ovate; berries red)

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mitchella
192 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

3. Stem erect (somewhat procumbent and spreading in Diodia); leaves 

deciduous; flowers cymose, solitary or clustered, if paired, the ovaries not 

united; fruit a capsule. 

4. Corolla rotate. (Also, flowers sessile in axillary clusters). Expected (Hedyotis). 

4. Corolla funnelform or salverform. 

5. Flowers axillary, 1 to 3 per axil, sessile; leaves without stipules . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diodia

5. Flowers in terminal cymes, or (not in species collected) solitary and 

peduncled; leaves connected by rounded stipules . . . . . . . Houstonia

Cephalanthus

Cephalanthus occidentalis L. Common Buttonbush 

(Buttonbush)

Java Farm. One station at west end of Phalaris arundinacea meadow, north of main 

building area. Hectare 2468. Associate species: Juncus effusus, Erechtites hieracifolia, Polygonum sagittatum, Polygonum pensylvanicum. 

Ivy Neck. One station on sand bar of cut-off pond on Rhode River shore of Cheston Peninsula. Hectare 4880. Associate species: Sium suave, Rumex verticillatus, 

Asparagus officinalis, Sambucus canadensis. Higman 175, 947.

Galium

1. Ovary and fruit smooth, muricate, or granular. Expected (G. verum, G. mollugo, 

G. obtusum, G. concinnum).

1. Ovary and fruit bristly. 

2. Leaves 6 to 8 per whorl; stems weak, reclining.

3. Stem harsh on the angles; leaves 8 per whorl, linear to narrowly 

oblanceolate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G. aparine

3. Stem smooth; leaves 6 per whorl, narrowly elliptic. Expected (G. triflorum). 

2. Leaves 4 per whorl; stems ascending, not reclining.

4. Flowers on distinct pedicels terminating the branches of the panicle. Expected (G. pilosum). 

4. Flowers sessile along the loosely divergent branches of the inflorescence. 

(Also, leaves oval or elliptic) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G. circaezans

Galium aparine L. Stickywilly 

(Cleavers, Bedstraw)

Java Farm. Infrequent in bottom of Muddy Creek valley, above tidal portion. Canopy primarily Fraxinus americana. Also one station at shoulder of old Muddy Creek 

Road, near entrance gate. Associate species: Duchesnea indica, Poa sylvestris, Geranium carolinianum. Higman 95, 639.
Plant Annotations 193

G. circaezans Michx. Licorice Bedstraw 

(Wild Licorice)

Java Farm. Infrequent along old entrance road, west of Muddy Creek. Canopy of 

Fagus grandifolia, Carya tomentosa, Quercus alba, Liriodendron tulipifera, etc. Associate species: Houstonia purpurea, Arrhenatherum elatius. Higman 777.

Mitchella

Mitchella repens L. Partridgeberry 

(Partridge-berry)

Java Farm. Infrequent to moderately abundant beneath canopy of mature Fagus 

grandifolia, especially along old entrance road near wellhouse. Hectares 2477, 

2478, and 2487. 

Ivy Neck. One station: west shore of Cheston Creek estuary. Hectare 5704. Canopy 

of mature Quercus prinus. Higman 93, 774.

Diodia

Diodia teres Walter Poorjoe

(Diodia teres Walt.) (Buttonweed)

Ivy Neck. One station: tractor trail to grassy abandoned field on Scaffold Peninsula. 

Hectare 4740. Higman 1019. 

Houstonia

Houstonia purpurea L. Venus’ pride

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Infrequent in mature hardwood forest, either under canopy of Fagus grandifolia, Quercus alba, Liriodendron tulipifera, etc. or along estuary 

shorelines under Quercus alba and Quercus prinus. Found along north boundary of 

Java Farm west of Muddy Creek, on north shore of Fox Point peninsula, along old 

entrance road west of Muddy Creek, and along west shore of Cheston Creek estuary. Higman 776, 840, 887, 974.

CAPRIFOLIACEAE

1. Corolla funnelform to campanulate, irregular; style long; stigma capitate. 

2. Plant a shrub or woody vine. 

3. Corolla funnelform to tubular; ovary 2- or 3-locular; fruit a berry. (Also, 

plant a woody vine in species collected; flowers fragrant and showy) . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lonicera

3. Corolla short-campanulate to salverform; ovary 4-locular; fruit a berrylike 

drupe, with only 2 nutlets maturing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Symphoricarpos
194 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

2. Plant herbaceous. (Also, leaves over 1 dm long; flowers axillary, sessile; corolla 

tubular, yellowish to dull red; fruit a dry orange-yellow berry) . . . . . . Triosteum

1. Corolla rotate to open-campanulate, regular, deeply 5-lobed; style absent; stigmas 1 to 5. 

4. Plant a woody shrub or small tree; leaves simple; fruit a drupe with 1 stone 

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Viburnum

4. Plant a semi-herbaceous shrub, the stems with large white pith; leaves pinnately compound; fruit a berry, with 3 or more seed-like nutlets . . . . Sambucus

Lonicera

Lonicera japonica Thunb. Japanese Honeysuckle

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Usually abundant throughout old fields, along roadsides, 

and as a dense ground cover in both pine and hardwood forest. Associate species: 

Rhus radicans, Campsis radicans, Vitis vulpina. Conspicuously infrequent (as are its 

associates) along estuary shores under canopy of Quercus prinus. Higman 121.

L. japonica Thunb. Japanese Honeysuckle

(L. japonica, var. chinensis (P. W. Wats) Baker)

Java Farm. Infrequent, in old fields near Fox Point Road and new entrance road. 

Associated with typical form above. Higman 202,

Symphoricarpos

Symphoricarpos occidentalis Hook. Western Snowberry 

(Snowberry, Wolf berry)

Ivy Neck. Two stations: east and west coasts of Cheston Point forest. Canopy of 

Pinus taeda, Robinia pseudoacacia, Liriodendron tulipifera. Higman 1090.

Triosteum

1. Leaves perfoliate below, the upper tapering to base, glabrous or puberulent 

above; flowers 3 or 4 per axil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T. perfoliatum

1. Leaves all tapering to base, strigose above; flowers 1 per axil . . T. angustifolium

Triosteum perfoliatum L. Feverwort

(Tinker’s-weed, Horse-gentian)

Java Farm. Infrequent to moderately abundant on east- to south-facing slopes overlooking Rhode River, north of Fox Creek drainage. Hectares 3517, 3518. Canopy of 

Liquidambar styraciflua, and usually Robinia pseudoacacia and Ulmus americana. 

Associate species: Verbesina occidentalis. 

Also, infrequent in old fields near the above area. Hectares 3507, 3508, 3509. Dominant species: Rhus radicans, Lonicera japonica, Solidago altissima, Rubus spp. Scattered Ulmus americana, Ulmus rubra. Higman 230, 762.
Plant Annotations 195

T. angustifolium L. Yellowfruit Horse-gentian 

(Horse-gentian, Feverwort)

Ivy Neck. One station: beside abandoned road down Cheston Peninsula. Hectare 5719. Very thin canopy of mature Pinus taeda, moderately dense understory 

of Liquidambar styraciflua and other hardwoods, very dense ground cover of Rhus 

radicans and Lonicera japonica. Higman 1077.

Viburnum

1. Leaves palmately 3-lobed, much dotted beneath; petioles stipulate at the base 

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V. acerifolium

1. Leaves unlobed, orbicular to ovate, not dotted beneath; petioles not stipulate. 

2. Leaves coarsely dentate, orbicular to oblong-ovate, usually pubescent . . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V. dentatum

2. Leaves serrulate, ovate, glabrous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V. prunifolium

Viburnum acerifolium L. Mapleleaf Viburnum

(Maple-leaved Viburnum, Arrow-wood)

Java Farm. Infrequent; one station on south-facing slope overlooking tidal portion 

of Muddy Creek, under canopy of Quercus alba, Quercus velutina, Fagus grandifolia, Liriodendron tulipifera, and Carya tomentosa. Also one station on Hog Island, 

under canopy of Quercus alba and Quercus prinus. Hectares 3429 and 4502. Higman 100, 457.

V. dentatum L. Southern Arrowwood 

(Southern Arrow-wood)

Java Farm. Locally abundant, in broad valley tributary to tidal portion of Muddy 

Creek. Hectare 3530. Canopy of Quercus alba, Fagus grandifolia, and Liriodendron 

tulipifera. Associate species: Viburnum prunifolium, Lindera benzoin. 

Also, infrequent in old fields near Fox Point Road. Hectare 3523. Dominant species: Rubus spp., Lonicera japonica, Rhus radicans. Associate species: Diospyros virginiana, Liquidambar styraciflua, Celtis occidentalis. Higman 371, 455, 514.

V. prunifolium L. Blackhaw 

(Black-haw (L), Sweet-haw)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Infrequent to moderately abundant along roadsides, in 

old fields, and under a variety of hardwood canopies, including Juglans nigra and 

Quercus prinus. More frequent and widespread than either V. acerifolium or V. dentatum. Higman 220, 429, 464, 507, 638.
196 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Sambucus

Sambucus nigra L. ssp. canadensis (L.) R. Bolli American Black Elderberry

(Sambucus canadensis L.) (Elderberry)

Java Farm. Infrequent; stations at main building area, west end of marsh meadow 

north of main buildings, and in freshwater marsh of Fox Creek drainage. Hectares 

2580, 2468, and 3516, respectively. Station at main buildings may be persistent 

from cultivation. Associate species at both other stations: Juncus effuses, Polygonum 

pensylvanicum. Associate only at marsh meadow: Phalaris arundinacea (dominant). 

Associates only at Fox Creek: Salix nigra, Aster praealtus, Rosa palustris.

VALERIANACEAE

1. Leaves pinnate or deeply parted; plants perennial. Expected (Valeriana). 

1. Leaves entire or dentate near the base; plants annual . . . . . . . . . . . . Valerianella

Valerianella

1. Bracts (subtending the cymes) ciliate, or at least the outer ones. 

2. Petals blue; fruit glabrous, its fertile locule turgid and ridged on the back . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V. olitoria

2. Petals white; fruit minutely hirsute, its fertile locule flat on the back . . . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V. radiata

1. Bracts not ciliate. Expected (V. patellaria).

Valerianella locusta (L.) Lat. Lewiston Cornsalad

(Valerianella olitoria (L.) Poll.) (Corn-salad, Lamb’s-lettuce)

Java Farm. Infrequent to moderately abundant along road to springhouse and in 

yard of old house there. Hectare 3417. Associate species: Veronica arvensis, Duchesnea indica, Trifolium repens. Higman 607.

V. radiata (L.) Dufr. Beaked Cornsalad 

(Corn-salad Lamb’s-lettuce)

Java Farm. Same location as V. olitoria above; same associate species. Higman 1126.

CAMPANULACEAE

1. Corolla regular; anthers not united into a tube; stigmas 2 or more. (Also, capsule 

opening by pores on the sides). 

2. Corolla rotate; capsule slender-cylindric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Specularia

2. Corolla campanulate; capsule obconic or turbinate to subglobose. Expected 

(Campanula). 

1. Corolla irregular; anthers united into a tube; stigma 1, often fringed . . . . Lobelia
Plant Annotations 197

Triodanis

(Specularia)

Triodanis perfoliata (L.) Nieuwl. Clasping Venus’ Looking-glass

(Specularia perfoliata (L.) A. DC.) (Venus’ Looking-glass)

Java Farm. Infrequent along right-of-way to new entrance gate, around main buildings, and at east (drier) margin of Phalaris arundinacea meadow. Variety of associate species. Higman 723, 782.

Lobelia

1. Flowers 18–45 mm long, including the hypanthium; corolla tube with longitudinal openings near the base. 

2. Flowers bright red . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. cardinalis

2. Flowers blue or purple. Expected (L. puberula). 

1. Flowers 7–18 mm long, including the hypanthium; corolla tube without openings. 

3. Leaves linear to narrowly lanceolate. Expected (L. nuttalli). 

3. Leaves oblong-lanceolate or ovate. 

4. Stem long-hirsute; bracts of raceme leafy below, gradually reduced upward. (Also, flowers bluish-white) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. inflata

4. Stem densely short-pubescent near base; bracts of raceme all reduced 

from cauline leaves. Expected (L. spicata).

Lobelia cardinalis L. Cardinalflower 

(Cardinal-flower)

Java Farm. One station: On Muddy Creek at transition between forested stream 

valley and upstream limit of salt marsh. Hectare 3413. Associate species: Quercus 

falcata, Panicum virgatum, Typha latifolia, Rosa palustris, Mikania scandens, Pluchea 

camphorata. Higman 83.

L. inflata L. Indian-tobacco

Ivy Neck. One station: along abandoned road through central Scaffold Peninsula. 

Approx. hectare 5722. Canopy of Quercus alba, Quercus velutina, Liriodendron tulipifera, Carya tomentosa. Associate species: Vernonia glauca, Amphicarpa bracteata. 

Higman 966.

ASTERACEAE

(COMPOSITAE)

Keys to Tribes

1. Disc-flowers absent (immature ray-flowers at center of head may appear discoid); sap milky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cichorieae (p. 199) 

1. Disc-flowers present, ray-flowers present or absent; sap clear. 
198 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

2. Disc-corollas deeply cleft, resembling rays (true ray-flowers absent). (Also, 

anthers caudate at base; plants often prickly) . . . . . . . . . . . Cynareae (p. 202) 

2. Disc-corollas with small terminal lobes or truncate. 

3. Receptacle with chaffy bracts. (Also, pappus of awns or chaff, or absent). 

4. Outer and sometimes inner phyllaries herbaceous; style-branches usually with pointed, hirsute appendages; leaves usually opposite . . . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Heliantheae (p. 203) 

4. All phyllaries scarious-margined; style-branches truncate, pubescent only 

at the tip, not appendaged; leaves alternate . . . . . . Anthemideae (p. 207) 

3. Receptacle naked (occasionally with slender fimbrillae in Astereae (Solidago) and in Helenieae). (Also, pappus usually of capillary bristles). 

5. Style-branches long and appendaged. 

6. Pappus of awns, scales, or absent. (Also, style-branches usually with 

pointed, hirsute appendages) . . . . . . . . Helenieae (p. 208, Expected) 

6. Pappus of capillary bristles. 

7. Ray-flowers absent; disc-flowers white or lavender; style-branches 

cylindrical or clavate, glabrous or nearly so.

8. Style-branches hispidulous, with pointed tips; anthers sagittate; heads in cymes or glomerules; leaves without resin dots, 

alternate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vernonieae (p. 208) 

8. Style-branches glabrous, with round or obtuse tips; anthers 

round-based; heads in corymbs (racemes in Liatris); leaves with 

resin dots, opposite or whorled (alternate in Liatris) . . . . . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eupatorieae (p. 209) 

7. Ray-flowers present; disc flowers yellow; style-branches narrowly 

lanceolate, hirsute on the outside . . . . . . . . . . . . Astereae (p. 212) 

5. Style-branches short, not appendaged. 

9. Phyllaries entirely herbaceous. (Also, phyllaries in only one series; 

style-branches truncate, pubescent only at tip; pappus bristles capillary, very soft, copious; leaves alternate (except in Arnica) . . . . . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Senecioneae (p. 221) 

9. Phyllaries partly or entirely scarious. 

10. Anthers sagittate, appendaged at base; pappus of capillary bristles; ray flowers absent in genera collected. (Also, plant usually 

wooly, except in Pluchea) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inuleae (p. 222) 

10. Anthers not sagittate, unappendaged; pappus a low crown or absent; ray flowers present in genera collected . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anthemideae (p. 207)
Plant Annotations 199

Cichorieae

1. Pappus chaffy or of both chaff and bristles. 

2. Flowers yellow; pappus of both chaff and bristles. Expected (Krigia). 

2. Flowers blue or white; pappus of small chaffy scales . . . . . . . . . . . Cichorium

1. Pappus of many bristles. 

3. Pappus plumose. Expected (Hypochoeris). 

3. Pappus capillary or scabrous. 

4. Achenes with short, hard points above. 

5. Stems leafy; heads small, few-flowered . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chondrilla

5. Stems scapose; heads broad, many-flowered . . . . . . . . . . . . Taraxacum

4. Achenes usually smooth (fluted and somewhat rough all over in 

Pyrrhopappus). 

6. Achenes flat or flattish; leaves, or most of them, sharply cleft to pinnatifid. 

7. Achenes tapering to acute or blunt summit, beakless; flowers 80 or 

more per head; leaves spiny . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sonchus

7. Achenes tapering to a stout, broadened summit or to a filiform beak; 

flowers 6 to 30 per head; leaves not spiny except in one expected 

species . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lactuca

6. Achenes columnar or nearly so; leaves entire to remotely dentate or serrate, not pinnatifid. 

8. Achenes with long, slender beak. (Also, involucre double, the outer 

phyllaries short; pappus often rust-colored but ivory-white in specimens collected) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pyrrhopappus

8. Achenes beakless (but may taper to apex). 

9. Phyllaries in a single series. Expected (Crepis). 

9. Phyllaries in 2 or more series. 

10. Flowers white or pink; inflorescence a branching raceme 

or panicle of drooping heads; involucre cylindric. Expected 

(Prenanthes).

10. Flowers yellow; inflorescence a corymb or panicle of erect or 

ascending heads; involucre campanulate or broader . . . . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hieracium

Cichorium

Cichorium intybus L. Chicory

(Cichorium intybus L., including forma alba Neum.)

Java Farm. One station at junction of old entrance road and road to springhouse. 

Hectare 3408. 

Ivy Neck. Infrequent at borders of cornfields on Cheston Peninsula. Also along 

tractor trail to artificial pond. Hectare 4721. Higman 952.
200 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Chondrilla

Chondrilla juncea L. Rush Skeletonweed 

(Skeleton-weed)

Ivy Neck. Two stations: along trail from parking area and trail to artificial pond, 

above drainage to Cheston Creek. Hectare 4721. Associate species: Cichorium intybus, Mentha spicata, Ambrosia trifida, Agrostis alba. Higman 1024, 1218.

Taraxacum

1. Mature achenes tuberculate only above the middle. 

2. Leaves dissected to midrib; achenes reddish. Expected (T. erythrospermum). 

2. Leaves not dissected to midrib; achenes brownish . . . . . . . . . . . . T. officinale

1. Mature achenes tuberculate to base . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T. latilobum

Taraxacum officinale F.H. Wigg. Common Dandelion

(Taraxacum officinale Weber) (Dandelion)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Infrequent along roadsides, usually in unshaded locations. Higman 487, 579.

T. officinale F.H. Wigg. ssp. officinale Common Dandelion

(T. latilobum DC. (combined with T. officinale in Britton and Brown)) (Dandelion)

Java Farm. One station: entrance gate on old Muddy Creek Road. Hectare 2463. Associate species: Taraxacum officinale, Galium aparine, Trifolium pretense, Geranium 

carolinianum, Commelina communis. Higman 1131.

Sonchus

Sonchus asper (L.) Hill Spiny Sowthistle 

(Sow-thistle)

Java Farm. One station: base of tile silo at main building area. Hectare 2590. Higman 827.

Lactuca

1. Achenes tapering to a stout, broadened summit; flowers blue. 

2. Pappus tawny or olive. Expected (L. biennis). 

2. Pappus white . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. floridana

1. Achenes tapering to a filiform beak; flowers yellow. 

3. Heads 5- to 8-flowered; achenes 5- to 7-ribbed on each face, oblanceolate to 

narrowly obovate. Expected (L. scariola, L. saligna). 

3. Heads 12- to 20-flowered; achenes 1- to 3-ribbed on each face, oblong, elliptic, 

or oval. (Also, beak jointed) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. canadensis
Plant Annotations 201

Lactuca floridana (L.) Gaertn. var. villosa (Jacq.) Cronquist Woodland Lettuce

(Lactuca floridana (L.) Gaertn., var. villosa (Jacq.) Cronq.) (Lettuce)

Java Farm. One station: along old entrance road between gate at old Muddy Creek 

Road and culvert of Muddy Creek. Canopy of Fagus grandifolia, Quercus alba, 

Liriodendron tulipifera, Carya tomentosa, etc. Associate species: Eupatorium purpureum, Agrimonia microcarpa, Desmodium paniculatum, D. glutinosum, D. glabellum, Elephantopus carolinianus. Higman 30.

L. canadensis L. Canada Lettuce 

(Lettuce)

Java Farm. One station in old field. Hectare 3504. Associate species: Solidago rugosa, S. altissima, Aster lateriflorus. Higman 331.

Pyrrhopappus

Pyrrhopappus carolinianus (Walter) DC. Carolina Desert-chicory

(Pyrrhopappus carolinianus (Walt.) DC.) (False Dandelion)

Ivy Neck. One station: tractor trail to abandoned field on Scaffold Peninsula. Hectare 4740. Associate species: Anagallis arvensis, Galinsoga ciliate, Rumex crispus. 

Higman 957.

Hieracium

1. Involucre barely Imbricated; phyllaries equal. (Also, stem scapose or cauline 

leaves few; rhizome present). Expected (H. pratense, H. florentinum). 

1. Involucre clearly imbricated; phyllaries unequal. 

2. Branches of inflorescence with basal bracts; inflorescence a panicle or corymb. 

3. Leaves chiefly basal at anthesis, broader than the scattered or absent 

cauline ones; bracts minute. (Also, tips of rays fringe-cut) . . . . H. venosum

3. Leaves extending regularly up the stem; bracts leafy. 

4. Stem glabrous except at villous base; branches of inflorescence glabrous. Expected (H. paniculatum). 

4. Stem and branches of inflorescence densely pubescent. (Also, panicle 

may be short-cylindric; peduncles densely glandular) . . . . . . H. scabrum

2. Branches of inflorescence without bracts; inflores- a cylindric panicle. Expected (H. gronovii).
202 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Hieracium venosum L. Rattlesnakeweed 

(Rattlesnake-weed, Poor Robin’s Plantain)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Infrequent, chiefly along estuary shores under canopy 

of Quercus prinus, Quercus alba, Carya tomentosa, etc. Associate species: Gerardia virginica, Gaylussacia baccata, Vaccinium vacillans, Epigaea repens. Also found 

along bank of tidal portion of Muddy Creek, under canopy of Fagus grandifolia and 

Quercus spp. Hectare 3551. Shrub layer at this point resembles that under Quercus 

prinus. Higman 655, 842.

H. scabrum Michx. Rough Hawkweed 

(Hawkweed)

Java Farm. Two stations: one on south-facing slope over abandoned pasture. Hectare 2458. Scattered Liquidambar styraciflua, Liriodendron tulipifera, and Pyrus 

malus. Spreading ground cover of Lonicera japonica, also Rubus spp. and Rhus radicans. Second station at old entrance gate. Hectare 2463. Edge of canopy of Fagus 

grandifolia, Quercus spp., Carya tomentosa, Liriodendron tulipifera, etc. Associate 

species there: Geranium carolinianum, Galium aparine, Commelina communis. Higman 191, 353.

Cynareae

1. Involucre not spiny; flowers blue, the marginal ones resembling rays . . . . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Centaurea

1. Involucre spiny; flowers pink or red-violet, all alike. 

2. Leaves not spiny, the lower ones cordate; phyllaries spiny, with hooked tips 

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arctium

2. Leaves spiny, narrow at base; phyllaries spiny, with straight tips . . . . . Cirsium

Centaurea

Centaurea cyanus L. Garden Cornflower 

(Cornflower, Bachelor’s Button)

Ivy Neck. One station: tractor trail to abandoned field on Scaffold Peninsula. Hectare 4740. Associate species: Anagallis arvensis, Galinsoga ciliata, Pyrrhopappus carolinianus, Taraxacum officinale, Rumex crispus. Higman 808.

Arctium

Arctium minus Bernh. Lesser Burdock

(Arctium minus (Hill.) Bernh.) (Common Burdock)

(A. minus Schk.) 

Java Farm. One station: rubbish pile at main building area. Hectare 2580. Associate species: Eleusine indica, Datura stramonium, Solanum nigrum, Amaranthus spinosus, Phytolacca americana. Higman 6.
Plant Annotations 203

Cirsium

1. Flowers perfect. 

2. Upper half of stem and branches with long, prickly wings decurrent from the 

leaves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. vulgare

2. Upper half of stem and branches not long-winged. 

3. Leaves green beneath. Expected (C. muticum). 

3. Leaves with dense white felt beneath.

4. Heads subtended by spiny leafy bracts; peduncles short, leafy. 

5. Principal cauline leaves deeply pinnatifid into linear-lanceolate lobes 

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. discolor

5. Principal cauline leaves entire or shallowly lobed. Expected 

(C. altissimum). 

4. Heads not subtended by leafy bracts; peduncles long, with scattered and 

reduced bracts. Expected (C. virginianum). 

1. Flowers dioecious. (Also, leaves green both sides) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. arvense

Cirsium vulgare (Savi) Ten. Bull Thistle

(Cirsium vulgare (Savi) Tenore)

Ivy Neck. One station: edge of cornfield on Cheston Peninsula, near head of Cheston Creek estuary. Hectare 4755. Associate species: Datura stramonium, Abutilon 

theophrasti. Higman 1220.

C. discolor (Muhl. ex Willd.) Spreng. Field Thistle

(C. discolor (Muhl.) Spreng.) (Thistle)

Java Farm. Moderately abundant along old entrance road south of main building 

area, and in grassy parts of old fields. Hectares 2590, 3500, 3504. Associate species: Poa pratensis (dense turf), Asclepias syriaca, Apocynum cannabinum, Erigeron 

canadensis, Aster dumosus. Higman 44, 337.

C. arvense (L.) Scop. Canada thistle 

(Canadian Thistle)

Java Farm. One station: beside old entrance road just south of main building area. 

Hectare 3500. Associate species: Cirsium discolor, Asclepias syriaca, Verbascum thapsus, V. blattaris. Higman 888.

Heliantheae

1. Ray flowers absent. 

2. Shrub; salt marsh habitat; heads monoecious, the pistillate flowers 1 to 5, 

marginal, without corolla; the staminate flowers numerous, central, with 

lobed corolla . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Iva
204 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

2. Herbs; terrestrial habitat; heads dioecious, the pistillate ones clustered below 

spikes of staminate ones; pistillate heads 1- or 2-flowered; staminate heads 

5- to 20-flowered.

3. Sandy beach habitat; phyllaries of staminate involucre not united; fruiting 

head a very prickly bur, 2-seeded; leaves simple . . . . . . . . . . . . . Xanthium

3. Roadside and field habitat; phyllaries of staminate involucre united; fruiting head not burlike, 1-seeded; leaves lobed or dissected. (Also, staminate 

heads inverted) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ambrosia

1 Ray flowers present. 

4. Disc flowers sterile; ray flowers fertile. Expected (Polymnia, Silphium, 

Parthenium). 

4. Disc flowers fertile; ray flowers fertile or sterile. 

5. Leaves decurrent down the stem. 

6. Ray flowers sterile; phyllaries bent downward, few; leaves pinnately 

veined; flowers pale yellow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Actinomeris

6. Ray flowers pistillate; phyllaries imbricated, many; leaves 3-nerved; 

flowers golden-yellow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Verbesina

5. Leaves not decurrent. 

7. Achenes turbinate, 5-angled. (Also, leaves opposite; rays white; disc 

yellow) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Galinsoga

7. Achenes flat, 4-angled or, if 5-angled, subterete and slender. 

8. Receptacle conical to columnar; leaves alternate. (Also, rays orange; 

disc brown) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rudbeckia

8. Receptacle flat or slightly convex; leaves opposite in all genera collected or expected. 

9. Flowers white; chaff of receptacle bristly; pappus a minute bristly 

crown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eclipta

9. Flowers yellow; chaff of receptacle broader, flattish; pappus of 

teeth, deciduous scales, or wanting.

10. Pappus of retrorsely or antrorsely barbed awns or teeth (barbs 

not always apparent on immature flowers). (Also, achenes ciliate along the margins) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bidens

10. Pappus of unbarbed teeth, of scales, or wanting. Expected 

(Heliopsis, Coreopsis).

Iva

Iva frutescens L. Jesuit’s bark 

(Marsh-elder, Highwater-shrub)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Moderately abundant in salt marshes, especially the more 

inland parts. Associate species: Distichlis spicata, Solidago sempervirens, Aster subulatus, Spartina patens, Hibiscus palustris. Higman 53, 114.
Plant Annotations 205

Xanthium

Xanthium strumarium L. var. canadense (Mill.) Torr. & A. Gray Canada Cocklebur

(Xanthium pensylvanicum Wallr.) (Cocklebur)

(not included in Britton and Brown)

Ivy Neck. One station: sandbar of cut-off pond on Rhode River shore of Cheston 

Peninsula. Hectare 5800. Associate species: Spartina alterniflora, Asparagus officinalis, Strophostyles helvola. Higman 1030.

Ambrosia

1. Leaves entire or palmately cleft, opposite; staminate involucres unilaterally 

3-ribbed; fruits 3 to 12 mm long . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. trifida

1. Leaves pinnately lobed to bi- or tri-pinnatifid, both opposite and alternate; staminate involucres obscurely radiate-veined; fruit smaller than above . . . . . . . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. artemisiifolia

Ambrosia trifida L. Great Ragweed 

(Giant Ragweed Buffalo Weed)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Infrequent to moderately abundant along unshaded or 

partly shaded roads, tractor trails, and field margins. Wide variety of associate species. Higman 252, 311, 1025.

A. artemisiifolia L. Annual Ragweed 

(Common Ragweed, Hog Weed)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Infrequent to moderately abundant along unshaded or partly 

shaded roads and field margins. Wide variety of associate species. Higman 1167.

Verbesina

(Actinomeris)

Verbesina alternifolia (L.) Britton ex Kearney Wingstem

(Actinomeris alternifolia (L.) DC.) (Wing-stem)

(Verbesina alternifolia (L.) Britt.)

Java Farm. One station: source of stream which runs under new entrance road at 

junction with road to pier. Hectare 2599. Canopy of Quercus velutina and Juglans 

nigra. Associate species: Impatiens capensis. Higman 228.

Verbesina

Verbesina occidentalis (L.) Walter Yellow Crownbeard

(Verbesina occidentalis (L.) Walt.) (Crown-beard)

Java Farm. Moderately abundant in moist, partly shaded areas, especially forest 

glades and forest margins of fields. Most abundant in hectares 2479, 2561, 3429, 

and 3508. Often in virtually pure stands. Higman 147.
206 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Galinsoga

Galinsoga quadriradiata Cav. Shaggy Soldier

(Galinsoga ciliata (Raf.)) (Blake)

Ivy Neck. Infrequent along tractor trails and roadsides. Hectare 4740. Also along 

trail to artificial pond on Murray farm. Associate species: Perilla frutescens, Taraxacum officinale, Daucus carota. See also Appendix II. Higman 836, 1060.

Rudbeckia

Rudbeckia hirta L. var. pulcherrima Farw. Blackeyed Susan

(Rudbeckia serotina Nutt.) (Black-eyed Susan)

Ivy Neck. Infrequent to moderately abundant in abandoned field on Scaffold Peninsula. Hectares 4762, 4772. Wide variety of associate species. Also one station 

beside cultivated field on Cheston Peninsula. Higman 816, 1242.

Eclipta

Eclipta prostrata (L.) L. False Daisy

(Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk.)

Java Farm. One station: growing in rotted stump beside tidal portion of Muddy 

Creek, near upstream limit of salt marsh vegetation. Hectare 3413. Accessible only 

by boat at high tide. Associate species: Pluchea camphorata, Scirpus validus, Smilax 

rotundifolia, Typha latifolia. Higman 258.

Bidens

1. Primary leaves bi- or tri-pinnate; achenes linear, very unequal, the inner 2 to 3 

times as long as the outer and inner involucre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. bipinnata

1. Primary leaves once-pinnate or simple; achenes broadened from base to summit, the inner not over 1/3 longer than the inner involucre. 

2. Primary leaves simple or with 3 to 5 coarse lobes, without distinct leaflets. 

3. Achenes with a convex cartilaginous summit. Expected (B. laevis, B. cernua). 

3. Achenes truncate or concave at summit, not cartilaginous. 

4. Mature central achenes strongly 4-angled. (Also, leaves undivided or 

with divergent basal lobes; phyllaries ascending or loosely spreading) 

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. connata

4. Mature central achenes flattish, with slender or obscure midribs. Expected (B. comosa). 

2. Primary leaves deeply pinnate-divided or with distinct leaflets. 

5. Rays wanting or shorter than outer involucre; leaflets uncleft. Expected 

(B. frondosa). 

5. Rays showy, conspicuously longer than outer involucre; leaflets pinnately 

incised or coarsely serrate.
Plant Annotations 207

6. Outer involucre of 8 to 12 smooth or finely ciliate spreading, acute or 

blunt phyllaries 4 to 7 mm long. Expected (B. aristosa). 

6. Outer involucre of 12 to 25 puckered or coarsely serrate ciliate spreading 

or reflexed-curling acuminate phyllaries 7 to 20 mm long . . . . B. polylepis

Bidens bipinnata L. Spanish Needles

Java Farm. Infrequent to moderately abundant along roadsides and in cracked 

pavement at main building area. Associate species: Juncus tenuis, Aster dumosus, 

Perilla frutescens, Lamium amplexicaule, Melilotus alba. Higman 77, 357.

B. connata Muhl. ex Willd. Purplestem Beggarticks 

(B. connata Muhl. var. petiolata (Nutt.) Farw.) (Beggar-ticks, Stick-tight)

(B. tripartita L.)

Java Farm. One station: sand bar in bed of Muddy Creek, upstream from culvert of 

old entrance road. Hectare 2467. Canopy of Fagus grandifolia, Platanus occidentalis, 

Quercus alba; understory of Lindera benzoin. Associate species: Impatiens capensis. 

Higman 168.

B. aristosa (Michx.) Britton Bearded Beggarticks

(B. polylepis Blake) (Beggar-ticks, Stick-tight)

Java Farm. One station: forest margin of old field east of road to springhouse. 

Hectare 3428. Adjacent canopy of Fagus grandifolia and Quercus velutina. Associate 

species: Verbesina occidentalis. Higman 148.

Anthemideae

1. Receptacle chaffy, at least toward summit or center. 

2. Heads numerous in close corymbs; achenes oblong, flattened; receptacle flattish (prolonged in fruit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Achillea

2. Heads solitary at tips of branches and branchlets; achenes terete, angled, or 

ribbed; receptacle conical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anthemis

1. Receptacle naked. (Also, disc flowers yellow). 

3. Heads in spikes, racemes, or panicles. (Also, rays and pappus absent). Expected (Artemisia). 

3. Heads solitary or in corymbs. 

4. Receptacle conical, at least in fruit. (Also, rays and pappus absent). Expected (Matricaria). 

4. Receptacle flattish or low-convex. 

5. Ray flowers present; pappus none; achenes 5- to 10-nerved. (Also, rays 

white (in species collected) or yellow) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chrysanthemum

5. Ray flowers absent; pappus a low crown; achenes 3- to 5-angled. Expected (Tanacetum).
208 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Achillea

Achillea millefolium L. Common Yarrow

(Achillea milleforium L.)

Java Farm. Infrequent to moderately abundant at main building area, in grassy 

fields south of main buildings (hectares 2499, 3409), and in triangular area at 

entrance gate on old Muddy Creek Road (hectare 2463). Associate species: Poa 

pratensis (turf), Erigeron canadensis, Plantago lanceolata, Duchesnea indica, Cyperus 

strigosus. Higman 10, 517.

Anthemis

Anthemis arvensis L. Corn Chamomile

(Anthemis arvensis L., var. agrestis (Wallr.) DC.) (Corn-chamomile)

(variety not in Britton and Brown)

Ivy Neck. One station: beside tractor trail on Scaffold Peninsula, between cornfield 

and grassy abandoned field. Hectare 4771. Associate species: Hordeum pusillum, 

Plantago virginica, Linaria canadensis, Specularia perfoliata. Higman 694.

Leucanthemum

(Chrysanthemum)

Leucanthemum vulgare Lam. Oxeye Daisy

(Chrysanthemum leucanthemum L.) (Ox-eye Daisy)

Java Farm. Infrequent in old fields. Dominant species: Rhus radicans, Rubus spp., 

Solidago spp., Lonicera japonica. Associate species: Oxalis stricta, Rumex acetosella, 

Lespedeza cuneata, Barbarea vulgaris. Higman 652, 758.

Helenieae

No species collected from this tribe; Helenium spp. Expected.

Vernonieae

1. Heads not in glomerules, several-flowered; phyllaries uniform, imbricated; corolla regularly 5-cleft; pappus double; leaves not rosulate . . . . . . . . . . . Vernonia

1. Heads in glomerules, 2–5 flowered; phyllaries alternately flat and folded; corolla 

slightly irregular; pappus single; basal leaves rosulate . . . . . . . . . Elephantopus

Vernonia

1. Phyllaries long-acuminate or with a filiform appendage. 

2. Pappus purplish; phyllaries ovate below appendage, with broad scarious 

margin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V. noveboracensis

2. Pappus creamy; phyllaries lanceolate below appendage, with slightly scarious 

margin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V. glauca

1. Phyllaries obtuse or acute. Expected (V. altissima).
Plant Annotations 209

Vernonia noveboracensis (L.) Michx. New York Ironweed 

(Ironweed)

Java Farm. Infrequent: one station at north margin of freshwater part of Fox Creek 

marsh (hectare 3515); one station in old field south of old entrance road and east 

of road to springhouse (hectare 3418); one station near Muddy Creek, at upstream 

limit of salt marsh vegetation (hectare 3413). Higman 84, 129, 484.

V. glauca (L.) Willd. Broadleaf Ironweed 

(Ironweed)

Ivy Neck. Infrequent: along abandoned road through central Scaffold Peninsula. 

Hectare 5732. Canopy of Quercus alba, Liriodendron tulipifera, Quercus velutina, 

Carya tomentosa. Associate species: Amphicarpa bracteata, Lobelia inflate, Gerardia 

virginica. Higman 965.

Elephantopus

Elephantopus carolinianus Raeusch. Carolina Elephantsfoot

(Elephantopus carolinianus Willd.) (Elephant’s-foot)

Java Farm. Infrequent to moderately abundant in moist, shaded areas, especially 

near streams; grows under a variety of dense, mixed hardwood canopies. Associate species vary, include: Panicum Clandestinum, Aster vimineus, Perilla frutescens, 

Muhlenbergia schreberi, Asplenium platyneuron, Polystichum acrostichoides, Aster 

acuminatus, Glyceria striata, Geum canadense, Onoclea sensibilis. Higman 37, 183, 

236, 306, 471, 1003.

Eupatorieae

1. Leaves alternate; heads in racemes or spikes (Also, flowers rose-purple) . . . . Liatris

1. Leaves opposite; heads in corymbs. 

2. Twining vine; phyllaries 4; flowers 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mikania

2. Erect, not twining; phyllaries more than 4; flowers 3–40 . . . . . . . Eupatorium

Liatris

Liatris pilosa (Aiton) Willd. Shaggy Blazing Star

(Liatris graminifolia (Walt.) Willd.) (Button-snakeroot, Blazing-star)

Java Farm. One station: Fox Point. Hectare 3558. Canopy of Quercus prinus, Quercus 

alba. Associate species: Gerardia virginica, Epigaea repens, Gaylussacia baccata. 

Higman 430.
210 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Mikania

Mikania scandens (L.) Willd. Climbing Hempvine 

(Climbing Hempweed)

Java Farm. Infrequent to moderately abundant in moist habitats, fresh or slightly 

saline. Moderately abundant near landward borders of salt marshes; associate species there: Iva frutescens, Pluchea camphorata, Polygonum hydropiperoides, Panicum 

clandestinum, Hibiscus palustris, Kosteletzkya virginica. 

Also moderately abundant in marsh at west corner of Farm, hectare 2470. Associate species there: Scutellaris lateriflora. Infrequent in old fields, hectares 2580, 

3418. Associate species there: Eupatorium serotinum, Solidago altissima, Aster novibelgii. Higman 81, 146, 196, 408.

Conoclinium, Eutrochium, Eupatorium

1. Receptacle conical; base of stem with prostrate superficial stolons; flowers blueviolet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. coelestinum

1. Receptacle flat; base of stem without superficial stolons; flowers white to purple. 

2. Involucre cylindric, the outer phyllaries closely imbricated, purple to creamy 

white. (Also, leaves usually whorled in 3’s to 5’s, lanceolate to ovate). 

3. Inflorescence round-topped; lower leaf surfaces and upper stem with glutinous dots (sometimes absent in E. purpureum). 

4. Leaves palmately 3-veined; involucre and flowers purple. Expected 

(E. dubium). 

4. Leaves pinnately veined; involucre and flowers white to pale lavender. (Also, stem with dark purple nodes; fresh plant strongly vanillascented) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. purpureum 

3. Inflorescence flat-topped; lower leaf surfaces and upper stem not glutinousdotted. (Also, stem deep purple or purple-spotted; florets 8–20). Expected 

(E. maculatum). 

2. Involucre lax, the outer phyllaries not closely imbricated, green. (Also, leaves 

alternate or opposite, whorled only in E. hyssopifolium, and then linear to narrowly lanceolate). 

5. Leaves sessile or nearly so. 

6. Heads with 10 to 40 flowers. 

7. Leaves perfoliate, lanceolate, acuminate . . . . . . . . . . . E. perfoliatum 

7. Leaves with truncate or round bases, ovate, acute to blunt. Expected 

(E. aromaticum). 

6. Heads with 5 to 7 flowers. 

8. Leaves broadly subtruncate, round or cordate at base. Expected 

(E. album). 

8. Leaves tapering to base.

9. Phyllaries with conspicuously scarious tips, the inner ones equaling the flowers. Expected (E. album). 
Plant Annotations 211

9. Phyllaries without conspicuously scarious tips, shorter than the 

flowers. (Also, leaves linear and entire to lanceolate and serrate, 

all but the lowest with dense axillary fascicles, leaves often in 3’s) 

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. hyssopifolium

5. Leaves definitely petioled. (Also, heads with 8 to 40 flowers). 

10. Outer phyllaries oblong, densely pubescent, not mucronate-tipped; 

phyllaries in 2 or 3 lengths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. serotinum

10. Outer phyllaries acute or blunt, glabrous, mucronate-tipped; phyllaries equal in length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. rugosum

Conoclinium

Conoclinium coelestinum (L.) DC. Blue Mistflower

(Eupatorium coelestinum L.) (Mistflower, Blue Boneset)

Java Farm. One station: abandoned road along north border between Muddy Creek 

and entrance gate at Muddy Creek Road. Hectare 2465. Canopy of Fagus grandifolia, Quercus alba, C. velutina, Liriodendron tulipifera. Associate species: Agrimonia 

rostellata, Houstonia purpurea. 

Ivy Neck. One station: west fork of Cheston Creek drainage, adjacent abandoned 

field on Scaffold Peninsula. Hectare 4752. Canopy of Platanus occidentalis, Diospyros 

virginiana, Liquidambar styraciflua. Associate species: Duchesnea indica. Higman 

1057, 1086.

Eutrochium

Eutrochium purpureum (L.) E.E. Lamont Sweetscented Joe Pye Weed

(Eupatorium purpureum L.) (Sweet Joe Pye-weed)

Java Farm. One station: along old entrance road between Muddy Creek and gate at 

Muddy Creek Road. Canopy of mature Fagus grandifolia, Quercus alba, Liriodendron 

tulipifera, etc. Associate species: Lactuca floridana, Agrimonia microcarpa, Desmodium glutinosum, Elephantopus carolinianus. Higman 31.

Eupatorium, Ageratina

Eupatorium perfoliatum L. Common Boneset 

(Thoroughwort, Boneset)

Java Farm. One station: bottom of Muddy Creek valley, approx. hectare 2486. Canopy of Fraxinus americana, Platanus occidentalis; understory of Lindera benzoin. 

Ivy Neck. One station: moist area along abandoned road on Cheston Peninsula. 

Approx. hectare 4799. Canopy of Juglans nigra, Pinus taeda, P. virginiana, Liquidambar styraciflua. Higman 68.
212 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

E. hyssopifolium L. var. laciniatum A. Gray Hyssopleaf Thoroughwort

(E. hyssopifolium L., var. laciniatum Gray) (Thoroughwort)

Java Farm. One station in old field north of Fox Point Road; hectare 3501. Also, one 

station at south margin of old field between Fox Point Road and Hog Island salt 

marsh; hectare 3585. Dominant species at both stations: Rhus radicans, Lonicera 

japonica, Solidago altissima. Rubus spp. Higman 136, 423.

E. serotinum Michx. Lateflowering Thoroughwort 

(Thoroughwort)

Java Farm. Infrequent to moderately abundant in old fields; dominant species: Rhus 

radicans, Lonicera japonica, Solidago altissima, Rubus spp. Also one station on Muddy 

Creek at upstream limit of salt marsh vegetation, and one beside new entrance road 

at the culvert of Fox Creek drainage. Higman 79, 127, 315, 338, 1017, 1067.

Ageratina altissima (L.) R.M. King & H. Rob. var. altissima White Snakeroot

(E. rugosum Houtt., forma villicaule Fern.)

Java Farm. One station: old fields south of main buildings, near old entrance road. 

Hectares 3408, 3409. Poa pratensis turf being invaded by dense Rhus radicans, 

Lonicera japonica, and Campsis radicans. Higman 488.

Astereae

1. Shrubs; ray flowers absent; disc flowers dioecious . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baccharis

1. Herbs; ray flowers present (very small in a few species); disc flowers perfect. 

2. Ray flowers yellow (white in Solidago bicolor, the rays then small, ascending; 

heads small, in a dense panicle). 

3. Pappus of disc flowers either of chaffy awns or of double bristles (long 

inner bristles, short outer ones). Expected (Chrysopsis, Grindelia). 

3. Pappus of disc flowers a single series of slender bristles . . . . . . . Solidago

2. Ray flowers white, pink, purple, or blue.

4. Pappus none or very short. (Also, rays pistillate, lilac; aspect resembling 

Aster). Expected (Boltonia). 

4. Pappus of many long slender bristles. 

5. Involucre slenderly cylindric or ovoid; disc flowers pale yellow to white; 

achenes very silky. (Also, phyllaries appressed, cartilaginous, whitish, 

with short, spreading green tips; leaves ciliate) . . . . . . . . . Sericocarpus

5. Involucre saucer-shaped or hemispherical to campanulate; disc flowers 

yellow or sometimes purplish; achenes glabrous or pubescent, not silky. 

6. Phyllaries definitely imbricated, the outer series as long as the inner 

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aster

6. Phyllaries not imbricated or very slightly so, in one series or with a 

very short outer one . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Erigeron
Plant Annotations 213

Baccharis

Baccharis halimifolia L. Eastern Baccharis 

(Sea-myrtle)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Abundant to moderately abundant in salt marshes, especially the wetter areas near tidal channels. Associate species: Spartina alterniflora, 

S. cynosuroides. Often parasitized by Cuscuta gronovii. 

Other habitats: Java Farm. One station in old field, near tributary of Fox Creek 

drainage. Hectare 3503. Dense Rubus spp., Lonicera japonica, and Rhus radicans. 

Ivy Neck. One station on sandy beach of Rhode River, on Murray property. Hectare 

4704. Associate species: Amorpha fruticosa. Higman 215, 253, 362.

Euthamia, Solidago

1. Inflorescence a flat-topped corymb, the heads not racemosely arranged on the 

branches. 

2. Leaves not glandular-punctate, the basal petioled and usually much larger 

than the upper; heads pedicelled; ray-flowers 6 to 10, fewer than the discflowers; receptacle naked. Expected (S. rigida).

2. Leaves glandular-punctate, all sessile and similar in size; heads sessile in 

small glomerules; ray-flowers 6 to 20, more than the disc-flowers; receptacle 

fimbrillate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S. graminifolia

1. Inflorescence of axillary clusters or a terminal panicle. 

3. Inflorescence of axillary clusters. (Also, basal leaves small and soon deciduous, not forming rosettes; achenes hairy). 

4. Stem terete, glaucous when fresh; primary leaves lanceolate to narrowly 

oblong, sessile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S. caesia

4. Stem angled, not glaucous; leaves ovate, contracted to a winged petiole. 

Expected (S. flexicaulis). 

3. Inflorescence a terminal panicle. 

5. Branches of panicle not recurved, panicle not nodding at summit; heads 

spirally arranged on the branches, not strongly 1-sided. 

6. Cauline leaves gradually decreasing in size upward; basal rosettes wanting. Expected (S. puberula, S. speciosa). 

6. Cauline leaves sharply decreasing in size upward; basal rosettes present, of large leaves. 

7. Tips of phyllaries strongly recurving. Expected (S. squarrosa). 

7. Tips of phyllaries appressed-ascending or slightly spreading. 

8. Leaves pilose or bristly on one or both surfaces. 

9. Rays silvery white; outer phyllaries with green tips and contrasting whitish bases and margins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S. bicolor

9. Rays yellow; outer phyllaries with less contrast . . . . . . S. hispida

8. Leaves glabrous or minutely puberulent. Expected (S. puberula, 

S. erecta). 
214 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

5. Branches of panicle recurved, panicle nodding at summit; heads borne on 

the upper side of the branches. 

10. Salt marsh habitat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S. sempervirens

10. Terrestrial habitat. 

11. Cauline leaves rapidly decreasing in size upward; basal rosettes 

usually present; cauline leaves 5 to 40. 

12. Leaves sharply serrate; petioles winged, ciliate; plant otherwise glabrous or scabrous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S. juncea

12. Leaves crenate to subentire; petioles wingless; stems and 

leaves with dense grayish puberulence . . . . . . . . S. nemoralis

11. Cauline leaves very gradually decreasing in size upward; basal 

rosettes absent; cauline leaves 20 to over 100. 

13. Leaves pinnately nerved, without 2 conspicuously prolonged 

lateral nerves. 

14. Stem glabrous or nearly so, or puberulent only in lines. 

Expected (S. odora, S. elliottii). 

14. Stem villous or scabrous-pubescent throughout. (Also, 

conspicuous leafy bracts present on branches of panicle) 

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S. rugosa

13. Leaves with 2 conspicuously prolonged lateral nerves, plus the 

midrib.

15. Summit of stem below panicle glabrous or sparsely pilose. 

Expected (S. gigantea). 

15. Summit of stem below panicle densely pilose, most of 

stem closely puberulent. 

16. Leaves sharply serrate; involucres 2 to 2.8 mm high; 

phyllaries slenderly tapering. Expected (S. canadensis). 

16. Leaves remotely serrate or subentire; involucres 3 to 

5 mm high; phyllaries linear, blunt-tipped . . . . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S. altissima

Euthamia graminifolia (L.) Nutt. var. graminifolia Flat-top goldentop

(Solidago graminifolia (L.) Salisb.) (Flat-topped Goldenrod)

Java Farm. Moderately abundant in old fields. Dominant species: Rhus radicans, 

Campsis radicans, Lonicera japonica, Solidago altissima, Rubus spp. Scattered young 

mixed hardwoods. 

Also, one station in freshwater part of Fox Creek marsh. Hectare 3516. Associate 

species: Aster puniceus, Leersia oryzoides. Higman 125, 245, 384.
Plant Annotations 215

Solidago caesia L. Wreath Goldenrod 

(Blue-stem Goldenrod)

Java Farm. Infrequent along old Muddy Creek Road and around entrance gate 

there. Hectare 2463. Canopy of mature Fagus grandifolia, Liriodendron tulipifera. 

Higman 385, 406.

S. bicolor L. White Goldenrod

Ivy Neck. One station: west shore of Cheston Creek estuary. Hectare 5725. Canopy 

of Quercus prinus, Q. alba, Carya tomentosa, Acer rubrum, Fagus grandifolia. Higman 

1068.

S. hispida Muhl. ex Willd. Hairy Goldenrod

(S. hispida Muhl.) (Goldenrod)

Java Farm. One station: Fox Point. Hectare 3558. Canopy of Quercus prinus, Q. alba. 

Associate species: Liatris graminifolia, Epigaea repens, Gaylussacia baccata. Higman 

1133.

S. sempervirens L. Seaside Goldenrod

Java Farm. Infrequent in salt marshes. Associate species: Spartina patens, Distichlis 

spicata, Baccharis halimifolia. Higman 213.

S. juncea Aiton Early Goldenrod

(S. juncea Ait.) 

Java Farm. One station: stand of young Pinus virginiana in old field. Hectare 3523. 

Associate species: Trichostema setaceum. Higman 381.

S. nemoralis Aiton Gray Goldenrod

(S. nemoralis Ait.) (Goldenrod)

Java Farm. One station: old field north of Fox Point Road. Hectare 3523. Partial 

canopy of Pinus virginiana, Liquidambar styraciflua. Dense Lonicera japonica and 

Rhus radicans. Associate species: Solidago juncea, Lespedeza cuneata, Rosa palustris, 

R. micrantha. Higman 373.

S. rugosa Mill. Wrinkleleaf Goldenrod

(S. rugosa Ait.) (Goldenrod)

Java Farm. Infrequent to moderately abundant in old fields. Dominant species: Rhus 

radicans, Lonicera japonica, Rubus spp., Solidago altissima. Associate species: Lespedeza cuneata, Aster dumosus, A. vimineus, Eupatorium serotinum. Scattered trees: 

Liquidambar styraciflua, Cornus florida, Sassafras albidum. Higman 330, 349, 437.
216 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

S. altissima L. Canada Goldenrod 

(Goldenrod)

Java Farm. Abundant to moderately abundant in old fields. Often co-dominant 

with Rhus radicans, Lonicera japonica, and Rubus spp. Associate species: same as 

for Solidago rugosa and S. graminifolia above. Higman 142, 200, 350.

Sericocarpus

Sericocarpus asteroides (L.) Britton, Sterns & Poggenb. Toothed Whitetop Aster

(Sericocarpus asteroides (L.) B. S. P.) (White-topped Aster)

Java Farm. One station: Fox Point. Hectare 3558. Canopy of Quercus alba, Quercus 

prinus. Associate species: Baptisia tinctoria, Gaylussacia baccata, Vaccinium vacillans, Kalmia latifolia, Hieracium venosum, Deschampsia flexuosa, Liatris graminifolia. 

Higman 436, 1178.

Symphyotrichum, Oclemena

(Aster)

1. Salt marsh habitat. 

2. Phyllaries ovate-acuminate, with broadly scarious margins; rays conspicuous, pale purple; stolons present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. tenuifolius

2. Phyllaries linear, with very narrowly scarious margins; rays inconspicuous, 

purple; stolons absent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. subulatus

1. Terrestrial or freshwater marsh habitat. 

3. Phyllaries without herbaceous tips, strongly scarious. (Also, leaves oblonglanceolate to oblong-oblanceolate, serrate above the middle, long-acuminate) 

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. acuminatus

3. Phyllaries with herbaceous tips, their margins always partly herbaceous. 

4. At least the basal leaves cordate and petioled. Expected (A. cordifolius, 

A. sagittifolius). 

4. None of the leaves both cordate and petioled. 

5. Bases of cauline leaves auriculate-clasping. 

6. Involucre glandular-hairy. Expected (A. patens, A. novae-angliae). 

6. Involucre not glandular. 

7. Leaves either tapering to an abruptly widened base or glaucous 

and leathery. Expected (A. prenanthoides, A. laevis). 

7. Leaves tapering to a narrowly auriculate base, neither glaucous 

nor leathery. (Also, plant up to 2.5 m tall; stem and branches of 

inflorescence hirsute or villous; phyllaries linear-attenuate, with 

scarious margins) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. puniceus

5. Bases of cauline leaves attenuate or rounded, not auriculate-clasping. 

8. Leaves whitened or silvery-siIky on both sides. Expected (A. concolor). 

8. Leaves green. 
Plant Annotations 217

9. Phyllaries very hard and stiff except at their herbaceous tips. (Also, 

phyllaries and upper leaves subulate-tipped; upper leaves with 

axillary fascicles; stem pilose) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. pilosus

9. Phyllaries pliable throughout.

10. Phyllaries narrowly herbaceous, with strongly recurving tips; 

rays blue-violet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. novi-belgii

10. Phyllaries scarious-margined, the midribs herbaceous; rays 

white (except in A. praealtus). 

11. Branches of stem widely spreading (arched-ascending in 

A. lateriflorus); phyllaries appressed-ascending, with herbaceous tips conspicuously broader than midribs. (Also, 

leaves glabrous, minutely strigose above and/or pubescent on lower midrib). 

12. Lobes of disc-corollas about 0.5 mm long, about 1/3 

total length of throat; ligules 10 to 30. 

13. Pedicels very leafy, 3 to 5 times as long as heads; 

whole plant extremely leafy; heads scattered on 

branches, not in 1-sided racemes; seems to prefer 

open field habitat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. dumosus

13. Pedicels nearly leafless, 1/2 to 2 times as long as 

heads; plant moderately leafy; heads numerous, 

definitely in 1-sided racemes; seems to prefer 

moist, partly shaded habitat . . . . . . . A. vimineus

12. Lobes of disc-corollas 1 to 1.5 mm long, about 2/3 total 

length of throat; ligules 7 to 14 . . . . . . A. lateriflorus

11. Branches of stem more ascending than spreading; phyllaries loosely ascending, with herbaceous tips only slightly 

broader than midribs. (Also, leaves with sterile axillary 

fascicles). 

14. Ligules blue-violet; network of leaf veins distinct, 

with isodiametric areolae. (Also, leaves always entire) 

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. praealtus

14. Ligules white; network of leaf veins obscure, with long 

areolae. (Also, leaves either entire or serrate) . . . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. simplex

Symphyotrichum tenuifolium (L.) G.L. Nesom Perennial Saltmarsh Aster

(Aster tenuifolius L.) (Aster)

Java Farm. One station: Fox Creek salt marsh. Hectare 3527. Associate species: Baccharis halimifolia, Spartina cynosuroides. Higman 96.
218 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

S. subulatum (Michx.) G.L. Nesom Eastern Annual Saltmarsh Aster 

(A. subulatus Michx.) (Aster)

Java Farm. Infrequent in salt marshes and along tidal part of Muddy Creek. Associate species: Solidago sempervirens, Distichlis spicata, Cyperus strigosus, Spartina 

patens. Higman 210, 267, 447.

Oclemena acuminata (Michx.) Greene Whorled Wood Aster

(A. acuminatus Michx.?) (Aster)

Java Farm. One station: south margin of old field west of road to springhouse. 

Hectare 3416. Dense Lonicera japonica, Rhus radicans, and young Liquidambar styraciflua. Also in rubbish on roof of barn. Higman 393, 356.

S. puniceum (L.) Á. Löve & D. Löve var. puniceum Purplestem Aster

(A. puniceus L.) (Aster)

Java Farm. One station: side of steep bank of Fox Creek drainage. Approx. hectare 

2593. Moist, shaded site. Associate species: Panicum clandestinum, Onoclea sensibilis, Leersia virginica. Higman 321.

S. pilosum (Willd.) G.L. Nesom var. pilosum Hairy White Oldfield Aster

(A. pilosus Willd.) (Aster)

Java Farm. Infrequent in old fields; collected in hectares 3523 and 3585. Dense 

Rhus radicans, Lonicera japonica, and Rubus spp. Partial canopy of Diospyros virginiana, Liquidambar styraciflua, Quercus palustris, Prunus avium, and Viburnum 

prunifolium. 

Also one station in rubbish on roof of barn, main building area. Accessible from 

tile silo. Hectare 2590. Higman 355, 426, 513.

S. novi-belgii (L.) G.L. Nesom var. novi-belgii New York Aster

(A. novi-belgii L.) (Aster)

Java Farm. One station: main building area. Hectare 2580. Associate species: Daucus carota, Achillea millefolium, Epilobium coloratura. Higman 197.

S. dumosum (L.) G.L. Nesom var. dumosum Rice Button Aster

(A. dumosus L.) (Aster)

Infrequent to moderately abundant in old fields. Collected in hectare 3506, near 

south border of large field mostly covered by Rhus radicans. Associate species: Cirsium discolor, Eupatorium serotinum, Aster vinimeus, Poa pratensis. Higman 339.
Plant Annotations 219

S. dumosum (L.) G.L. Nesom var. subulifolium Rice Button Aster (Aster)

(Torr. & A. Gray) G.L. Nesom

(A. dumosus L., var. subulaefolium T. and G.)

Java Farm. One station: roadside at main building area. Hectare 2580. Associate 

species: Aster novi-belgii, Achillea millefolium, Daucus carota. Higman 198.

S. lateriflorum (L.) Á. Löve & D. Löve var. lateriflorum Calico Aster

(A. vimineus Lam.) (Aster)

Java Farm. Infrequent to moderately abundant along bottom of Muddy Creek valley, upstream from tidal portion: also in marshy west end of Phalaris arundinacea

meadow north of main buildings (hectare 2468) and along Fox Creek drainage. All 

stations moist and shaded. Canopy and associate species vary. Also one station in 

old field, approx. hectare 2572. This station dry, unshaded. Rhus radicans, Lonicera 

japonica, and Solidago altissima dense. Higman 194, 208, 329, 1042.

S. racemosum (Elliott) G.L. Nesom Smooth White Oldfield Aster

(A. vimineus Lam., var. subdumosus Wieg.) (Aster)

Java Farm. One station: along Fox Creek drainage. Hectare 2583, near new entrance 

road. Canopy of young Juglans nigra, Liquidambar styraciflua. Associate species: 

Elephantopus carolinianus, Panicum clandestinum, Muhlenbergia schreberi, Ambrosia 

trifida, Perilla frutescens, Sanicula canadensis. Higman 307.

S. lateriflorum (L.) Á. Löve & D. Löve var. lateriflorum Calico Aster

(A. lateriflorus (L.) Britt.) (Aster)

Java Farm. One station: along Fox Creek drainage, upstream from culvert, near 

north boundary of Farm. Hectare 2473. Canopy of Ulmus americana, Juglans nigra, 

Liquidambar styraciflua. Associate species: Dryopteris noveboracensis, Muhlenbergia 

schreberi. Higman 316.

S. praealtum (Poir.) G.L. Nesom var. praealtum Willowleaf Aster

(A. praealtus Poir.) (Aster)

Java Farm. One station: freshwater part of Fox Creek drainage marsh. Hectare 

3526. Associate species: Impatiens capensis, Sambucus canadensis, Salix nigra, Scirpus rubricosus. Higman 492.
220 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

S. lanceolatum (Willd.) G.L. Nesom ssp. lanceolatum White Panicle Aster

var. lanceolatum (Aster)

(A. simplex Willd.)

Java Farm. One station: south-facing slope above tidal portion of Muddy Creek. 

Source of small tributary; hectare 3426. Canopy of Liquidambar styraciflua, Fagus 

grandifolia, Liriodendron tulipifera, Juglans nigra. Associate species: Carex lurida, 

Saururus cernuus. Higman 398.

Conyza, Erigeron

1. Involucre campanulate; rays minute and in several rows, or wanting. 

2. Stem glabrous except sometimes at base; leaves bristly-ciliate only at base; 

phyllaries with a dark purple apical spot. Expected (E. pusillus). 

2. Stem spreading-hirsute throughout; leaves bristly-ciliate to tip, hispid; phyllaries without dark apical spot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. canadensis

1. Involucre saucer-shaped to hemispheric; rays spreading, conspicuous. 

3. Cauline leaves sessile, with rounded or sub-clasping bases; disc-corollas 2.5 

to 4.5 mm long; pappus simple. 

4. Long, superficial stolons present; heads 1 to 7; rays about 50; disc corollas 

3.5 to 4.5 mm long. Expected (E. pulchellus). 

4. Long, superficial stolons absent; heads more numerous; rays 100 or more; 

disc-corollas 2.5 to 3.5 mm long. (Also, stem long-pilose below) . . . . . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. philadelphicus

3. Cauline leaves tapering to base; disc corollas 1.5 to 2.5 mm long; pappus of 

disc-flowers double, with a minute outer series.

5. Leaves coarsely cleft or serrate, ovate to lanceolate, bristly-ciliate; rays 

longer than width of disc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. annuus

5. Leaves entire, linear-lanceolate to broadly oblanceolate, minutely strigose 

to glabrous; rays equal to or shorter than width of disc . . . . . . E. strigosus

Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronquist var. canadensis Canadian Horseweed

(Erigeron canadensis L.) (Horseweed, Fleabane, Hogweed, Butterweed)

Java Farm. Infrequent in old fields south of main building area. Hectares 2499, 

3409. Associate species: Poa pratensis (dense turf), Achillea millefolium, Plantago 

lanceolata, Cirsium discolor, Hypericum perforatum, Asclepias syriaca, Verbascum 

thapsus. Higman 11.

Erigeron philadelphicus L. Philadelphia Fleabane 

(Fleabane)

Ivy Neck. One station: abandoned grassy field on Scaffold Peninsula. Hectares 

4761, 4772. Associate species: Trifolium pratense, T. hybricum, Oenothera fruticosa. 

Higman 726.
Plant Annotations 221

E. annuus (L.) Pers. Eastern Daisy Fleabane

(White-top, Daisy Fleabane)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Infrequent to moderately abundant in old fields. Also 

scattered along old entrance road between Muddy Creek culvert and main building 

area. Variety of associate species, including: Bromus japonicus, Agrimonia parviflora, Solidago altissima, Solanum carolinense. Often among dense Rhus radicans and 

Lonicera japonica. Higman 48, 750, 889, 892.

E. strigosus Muhl. ex Willd. Prairie Fleabane

(E. strigosus Muhl.) (White-top, Daisy Fleabane)

Java Farm. Infrequent in old fields south of main building area and south of Fox 

Point Road. Associate species vary, include: Solidago graminifolia, Cyperus strigosus, 

Lespedeza cuneata, Verbascum thapsus. Higman 49, 122.

Senecioneae

1. Heads monoecious or subdioecious, the hermaphrodite (bisexual) flowers sterile, the pistillate ones fruiting. Expected (Tussilago). 

1. Heads with all or nearly all flowers fertile.

2. Cauline leaves opposite; pappus finely barbed. (Also, flowers yellow). Expected (Arnica). 

2. Cauline leaves alternate; pappus capillary, soft. 

3. Ray-flowers absent; corollas white. 

4. Outer and inner flowers hermaphrodite; corollas 5-cleft. Expected 

(Cacalia). 

4. Outer flowers pistillate only; corollas with 2-to 4-toothed limb . . . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Erechtites

3. Ray-flowers usually present (as in species collected); corollas yellow or 

yellow with red tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Senecio

Erechtites

Erechtites hieraciifolius (L.) Raf. ex DC. American Burnweed

(Erechtites hieracifolia (L.) Raf.) (Fireweed)

Java Farm. Infrequent: two stations in old fields south of main buildings (hectare 

2499) and on north side of Fox Creek drainage (hectare 3505). Also observed in 

Phalaris arundinacea meadow, north of main buildings (hectare 2468). Associate 

species vary with site. Higman 50, 537.
222 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Packera

(Senecio)

Packera obovata (Muhl. ex Willd.) W.A. Weber & Á. Löve Roundleaf Ragwort

(Senecio obovatus Muhl.) (Groundsel, Squaw-weed)

Java Farm. One station: source of small tributary valley of Rhode River, on Fox 

Creek estuary south of pier. Hectare 3508. Canopy of Robinia pseudoacacia, Liquidambar styraciflua, and Ulmus americana. Dense ground layer of Lonicera japonica. 

Associate species: Verbesina occidentalis. Higman 1151.

Inuleae

1. Salt marsh to freshwater aquatic habitat; flowers pink to purple; phyllaries 

slightly scarious. (Also, phyllaries ciliate; plant camphor-scented) . . . . Pluchea

1. Terrestrial habitat; flowers white or yellowish; phyllaries moderately to very 

scarious.

2. Plants dioecious, with all heads either pistillate or staminate; basal rosettes 

present, the cauline leaves much smaller; leaves and stem densely whitewooly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Antennaria

2. Plants not dioecious, the heads with outer pistillate very slender flowers 

and inner perfect flowers; basal rosettes absent; leaves and stem moderately 

pilose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gnaphalium

Pluchea

Pluchea camphorata (L.) DC. Camphor Pluchea 

(Stinkweed)

Java Farm and Ivy Neck. Infrequent in salt marshes near shoreward margin, and 

along upstream shores of estuaries. Associate species: Typha latifolia, T. angustifolia, 

Hibiscus palustris, Mikania scandens, Panicum clandestinum. Higman 82, 113, 217.

Antennaria

Antennaria plantaginifolia (L.) Richardson Woman’s Tobacco

(Antennaria plantaginifolia (L.) Hook.) (Everlasting, Ladies’-tobacco)

Java Farm. Infrequent on eroded banks at Fox Point (hectare 3558) and along old Muddy 

Creek Road near old entrance gate (hectares 2472, 2482). Canopy of Quercus prinus 

and Q. alba at Fox Point; associate species there: Epigaea repens. Canopy at Muddy 

Creek Road of Fagus grandifolia, Liriodendron tulipifera, Quercus alba. Higman 568.

Pseudognaphalium, Gamochaeta

(Gnaphalium)

1. Inflorescence a corymb; phyllaries very white; bristles of pappus free to base 

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G. obtusifolium

1. Inflorescence a spike; phyllaries pale brown; bristles of pappus united at base 

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G. purpureum
Plant Annotations 223

Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium (L.) Hilliard & B.L. Burtt Rabbit-tobacco

ssp. obtusifolium (Catfoot, Cudweed)

(Gnaphalium obtusifolium L.)

Java Farm. Infrequent in old fields. Principal station in grassy area south of main 

building area. Hectares 2499, 3409. Associate species there: Verbascum thapsus, Solanum carolinense, Agrimonia parviflora, Cirsium discolor, Asclepias syriaca, Erigeron 

annuus, Erigeron strigosus, Verbascum blattaria, Apocynum cannabinum, Erechtites 

hieracifolia. Higman 51, 229.

Gamochaeta purpurea (L.) Cabrera Spoonleaf Purple Everlasting

(G. purpureum L.) (Purple Cudweed)

Java Farm. One station: south-facing slope between grassy meadow and north 

boundary of Farm. Hectares 2458, 2459. Partial canopy of Pyrus malus, Liriodendron tulipifera, and Liquidambar styraciflua. Collected in small grassy area, one of 

several among dense Rubus spp., Lonicera japonica, and Rhus radicans. Associate 

species: Trifolium procumbens. Higman 1120.

 225

Additional Species Collected at the Chesapeake Bay Center 

for Field Biology during the Preparation of This Checklist

THELYPTERIDACEAE

(POLYPODIACEAE)

Phegopteris

(Dryopteris)

Phegopteris hexagonoptera (Michx.) Fée Broad Beechfern

(Dryopteris hexagonoptera (Michx.) Christens.) (Broad Beech-fern)

(Thelypteris hexagonoptera (Michx.) Weatherby) 

Java Farm. One station: mature forest south of old entrance road, on western side 

of north fork of Muddy Creek, near a small tributary. Hectare 2475. Canopy of 

Fagus grandifolia, Quercus spp., Liriodendron tulipifera, Carya tomentosa, etc. Higman 1208.

POACEAE

(GRAMINEAE)

Eragrostis

Eragrostis pectinacea (Michx.) Nees ex Steud. Tufted Lovegrass

(Eragrostis pectinacea (Michx.) Nees)

Java Farm. One station: parking area at headquarters, in cracked pavement. Higman 911.

Appendix I
226 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

Dichanthelium

(Panicum)

Dichanthelium villosissimum (Nash) Freckmann Whitehair Rosette Grass

var. villosissimum

(Panicum villosissimum Nash)

Ivy Neck. One station: border of cornfield on Cheston Peninsula, adjacent young 

stand of mixed hardwoods. Higman 925.

LILIACEAE

Uvularia

Uvularia perfoliata L. Perfoliate Bellwort 

(Merry-bells)

Java Farm. One station: mature forest south of old entrance road, on western side 

of north fork of Muddy Creek. Hectare 2493, about 50 ft. southeast of grid marker. 

Canopy of Fagus grandifolia, Quercus spp., Liriodendron tulipifera, Carya tomentosa,

etc. Higman 1247.

DIOSCOREACEAE

Dioscorea

Dioscorea quaternata J.F. Gmel. Fourleaf Yam

(Dioscorea quaternata (Walt.) J. F. Gmel.) (Yam)

Java Farm. Infrequent in mature forest south of old entrance road, on western side 

of north fork of Muddy Creek. Canopy of Fagus grandifolia, Quercus spp., Liriodendron tulipifera, Carya tomentosa, etc. Higman 1210.

ORCHIDACEAE

Tipularia

Tipularia discolor (Pursh) Nutt. Crippled Cranefly 

(Cranefly Orchid)

Ivy Neck. One station in mixed hardwood forest on central Scaffold Peninsula. 

Canopy of Liquidambar styraciflua, Quercus spp., Liriodendron tulipifera, Carya 

tomentosa, etc. Higman 1253.
Appendix I 227

ULMACEAE

Ulmus

Ulmus procera Salisb. English Elm

Java Farm. One station: abandoned field on shore of Fox Creek estuary, near pier. 

Approx. hectare 3610. Associate species: scattered Ulmus rubra, Ulmus americana, 

Acer negundo, Liquidambar styraciflua. Dense ground cover of Rhus radicans and 

Lonicera japonica.

POLYGONACEAE

Polygonum

Polygonum scandens L. var. cristatum Climbing False Buckwheat

(Engelm. & A. Gray) Gleason (Cornbind)

(Polygonum cristatum Engelm. & Gray)

Java Farm. One station: beside old entrance road at culvert of small stream, on 

east side of north fork of Muddy Creek. Hectare 2497. Canopy of Platanus occidentalis. Associate species: Galium aparine, Commelina communis, Duchesnea indica. 

Higman 1207.

BERBERIDACEAE

Berberis

Berberis thunbergii DC. Japanese Barberry

Java Farm. One station: bank of north fork of Muddy Creek, north of old entrance 

road. Canopy of Platanus occidentalis. Higman 1250.

BRASSICACEAE

(CRUCIFERAE)

Capsella

Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik. Shepherd’s Purse

(Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medic.)

Java Farm. One station: recently cleared area at headquarters, near concrete silo. 

Higman 1256.
228 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

LAMIACEAE

(LABIATAE)

Agastache

Agastache nepetoides (L.) Kuntze Yellow Giant Hyssop 

(Giant Hyssop)

Java Farm. One station: north-facing slope overlooking small stream which drains 

into Fox Creek estuary. Hectare 3518. Canopy of Robinia pseudoacacia, Liquidambar 

styraciflua, and Ulmus americana. Higman 1040.

Lycopus

Lycopus europaeus L. Gypsywort 

(Bugleweed)

Ivy Neck. One station: margin of small cut-off pond on Cheston Peninsula, below 

Sand Point. Hectare 4870. Associate species: Rumex verticillatus, Echinochloa 

walteri. Higman 1232.

SOLANACEAE

Solanum

Solanum americanum Mill. American Black Nightshade

(not in Britton & Brown) (Nightshade)

Ivy Neck. One station: crest of sandbar of small cut-off pond on Cheston Peninsula, below Sand Point. Hectare 4870. Associate species: Spartina alterniflora, 

Tripsacum dactyloides. Higman 1222.
 229

Additional Annotations for Species in This Checklist

OSMUNDACEAE

Osmunda

Osmunda regalis L. Royal Fern

Java Farm. One station in Muddy Creek valley near upstream limit of salt marsh. 

Hectare 2493. Canopy of Fagus grandifolia.

PINACEAE

Pinus

Pinus virginiana Mill.

Java Farm. Infrequent at northwest border of Hog Island salt marsh. Hectare 3571. 

Associate species: Quercus falcata, Q. phellos.

POACEAE

(GRAMINEAE)

Echinochloa

Echinochloa walteri (Pursh) A. Heller Coast Cockspur Grass

(Echinochloa walteri (Pursh) Nash)

Ivy Neck. Moderately abundant in marshy inland part of Sand Point, and on inland 

shores of cut-off ponds on Cheston Peninsula below Sand Point. Hectares 4860, 

4870, 5800. Associate species: Panicum virgatum, Scirpus spp.

Appendix II
230 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

COMMELINACEAE

Commelina

Commelina communis L. Asiatic Dayflower

Java Farm. One station along old entrance road, near culvert of small tributary to 

Muddy Creek. Hectare 2497. Canopy of Platanus occidentalis.

DIOSCOREACEAE

Dioscorea

Dioscorea villosa L.

Java Farm. Infrequent in mature forest south of old entrance road. Approx. hectare 2485. Canopy of Fagus grandifolia, Liriodendron tulipifera, Quercus spp., Carya 

tomentosa.

CARYOPHYLLACEAE

Silene

Silene antirrhina L. Sleepy Silene

Java Farm. Principal station near southern border of main building area, near brick 

wall (now mostly destroyed). Very infrequent in old fields.

ROSACEAE

Amelanchier

Amelanchier arborea (Michx. f.) Fernald Common Serviceberry

(Amelanchier arborea (Michx. f.) Fern.)

Java Farm. Infrequent on Fox Point. Hectare 3558. Canopy of Quercus prinus.

ONAGRACEAE

Ludwigia

Ludwigia palustris (L.) Elliott Marsh Seedbox 

(Ludwigia palustris (L.) Ell.)

Ivy Neck. Muddy shore of small cut-off pond on Cheston Peninsula south of Sand 

Point. Hectare 4870. Associate species: Galinsoga ciliata, Rumex verticillatus.
Appendix II 231

RUBIACEAE

Mitchella

Mitchella repens L.

Ivy Neck. Infrequent in forest of central Scaffold Peninsula. Canopy of Quercus 

alba, Liriodendron tulipifera, etc.

CAMPANULACEAE

Triodanis

(Specularia)

Triodanis perfoliata (L.) Nieuwl. Clasping Venus’ Looking-glass

(Specularia perfoliata (L.) A. DC.)

Ivy Neck. Infrequent at borders of cultivated fields.

ASTERACEAE

(COMPOSITAE)

Pyrrhopappus

Pyrrhopappus carolinianus (Walter) DC. Carolina Desert-chicory

(Pyrrhopappus carolinianus (Walt.) DC.)

Ivy Neck. Infrequent in pasture between forks of Cheston Creek drainage.

Galinsoga

Galinsoga quadriradiata Cav. Shaggy Soldier

(Galinsoga ciliata (Raf.) Blake)

Ivy Neck. Infrequent on margin of marshy area in interior of Sand Point, and at 

borders of cut-off ponds on Cheston Peninsula below Sand Point. Hectares 4860, 

4870, 5800.

Eupatorium

Eupatorium perfoliatum L. Common Boneset

Ivy Neck. One station along Cheston Creek drainage. Hectare 4743. Canopy of 

Diospyros virginiana, Robinia pseudoacacia.

Verbesina

Verbesina occidentalis L. Yellow Crownbeard

Ivy Neck. Infrequent on inland shore of small cut-off pond on Cheston Peninsula 

below Sand Point. Hectare 4870.

 233

Common Names of Plants at the Chesapeake 

Bay Center, Local to That Vicinity

(Additional local names are being sought.)

Abutilon theophrasti Medik. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Velvetleaf

(Abutilon theophrasti) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Hemp) 

Cyperus strigosus L. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Strawcolored Flatsedge

(Cyperus strigosus) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Nut Grass)

Solanum carolinense L. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carolina horsenettle

(Solanum carolinense) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Poor Man’s Potato)

Robinia pseudoacacia L. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Black Locust

(Robinia pseudoacacia) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Yellow Locust, Shipmast Locust)

Celtis occidentalis L. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Common Hackberry

(Celtis occidentalis) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Sugarberry)

Quercus falcata Michx. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Southern Red Oak

(Quercus falcate) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Red Oak)

Appendix III

 235

New Plant Species Found after Original 

Publication of Higman’s Checklist

DIVISION AND FAMILY SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME

Lycopodiophyta

Lycopodiaceae Huperzia lucidula (Michx.) Trevis. Shining Clubmoss

Pteridophytes 

Dennstaedtiaceae Dennstaedtia punctilobula (Michx.) T. Moore Eastern Hayscented 

Fern 

Blechnaceae Woodwardia areolata (L.) T. Moore Netted Chainfern 

Monocots 

Potamogetonaceae Stuckenia pectinata (L.) Börner Sago Pondweed

Ruppiaceae Ruppia maritima L. Widgeongrass 

Poaceae Dichanthelium boscii (Poir.) Gould & Bosc’s Panicgrass 

C.A. Clark

Dichanthelium laxiflorum (Lam.) Gould Openflower Rosette 

Grass

Dichanthelium scoparium (Lam.) Gould Velvet Panicum 

Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop. Hairy Crabgrass 

Festuca subverticillata (Pers.) Alexeev Nodding Fescue 

Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauv. Foxtail Millet 

Setaria parviflora (Poir.) Kerguélen Marsh Bristlegrass 

Sphenopholis obtusata (Michx.) Scribn. Prairie Wedgescale 

Cyperaceae Carex gracillima Schwein. Graceful Sedge 

Carex grisea Wahlenb. Inflated Narrow-Leaf 

Sedge 

Carex hystericina Muhl. ex Willd. Bottlebrush Sedge 

(continued)

Appendix IV
236 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

DIVISION AND FAMILY SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME

Cyperaceae (continued)

Carex laevivaginata (Kük.) Mack. Smoothsheath 

Sedge 

Carex lupulina Muhl. ex Willd. Hop Sedge

Carex striata Michx. Walter’S Sedge 

Araceae Orontium aquaticum L. Goldenclub 

Peltandra virginica (L.) Schott Green Arrow Arum 

Juncaceae Juncus roemerianus Scheele Needlegrass Rush 

Liliaceae Erythronium americanum Ker Gawl. Dogtooth Violet

Medeola virginiana L. Indian Cucumber 

Polygonatum biflorum (Walter) Elliott Smooth Solomon’s 

Seal 

Uvularia sessilifolia L. Sessileleaf Bellwort 

Smilacaceae Smilax tamnoides L. Bristly Greenbrier 

Iridaceae Iris germanica L. German Iris 

Orchidaceae Corallorhiza odontorhiza (Willd.) Poir. Autumn Coralroot

Aplectrum hyemale (Muhl. ex Willd.) Torr. Adam And Eve 

Liparis liliifolia (L.) Rich. ex Ker Gawl. Brown Widelip 

Orchid 

Platanthera lacera (Michx.) G. Don Green Fringed 

Orchid 

 

Dicots

Polygonaceae Polygonum perfoliatum L. Asiatic Tearthumb

Juglandaceae Carya ovalis (Wangenh.) Sarg. Red Hickory 

Fagaceae Castanea mollissima Blume Chinese Chestnut 

Quercus ilicifolia Wangenh. Bear Oak 

Quercus michauxii Nutt. Swamp Chestnut 

Oak 

Quercus rubra L. Northern Red Oak 

Urticaceae Pilea pumila (L.) A. Gray Canadian Clearweed 

Portulacaceae Portulaca oleracea L. Little Hogweed 

Caryophyllaceae Cerastium arvense L. Field Chickweed 

Saponaria officinalis L. Bouncingbet 

Scleranthus annuus L. German Knotgrass 

Stellaria graminea L. Grass-Like Starwort 
Appendix IV 237

DIVISION AND FAMILY SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME

Dicots (continued)

Ranunculaceae Actaea racemosa L. Black Baneberry 

Aquilegia canadensis L. Red Columbine 

Ranunculus acris L. Tall Buttercup 

Ranunculus ficaria L. Fig Buttercup 

Ranunculus recurvatus Poir. Blisterwort 

Ranunculus sardous Crantz Hairy Buttercup 

Brassicaceae Alliaria petiolata Garlic Mustard

Brassica rapa L. Field Mustard 

Capparaceae Cleome hassleriana Chod. Pink Queen 

Myricaceae Morella pensylvanica (Mirb.) Kartesz Northern Bayberry

Hydrangaceae Hydrangea arborescens L. Wild Hydrangea

Elaeagnaceae Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb. Autumn Olive 

Rosaceae Agrimonia pubescens Wallr. Soft Agrimony 

Geum vernum (Raf.) Torr. & A. Gray Spring Avens 

Photinia pyrifolia (Lam.) K.R. Robertson Red Chokeberry 

& Phipps

Prunus americana Marshall American Plum 

Rubus allegheniensis Porter Allegheny Blackberry 

Fabaceae Albizia julibrissin Durazz. Silktree

Cytisus scoparius (L.) Link Scotch Broom 

Desmodium nudiflorum (L.) DC. Nakedflower 

Ticktrefoil 

Gleditsia triacanthos L. Honeylocust 

Kummerowia striata (Thunb.) Schindl. Japanese Clover 

Lespedeza capitata Michx. Roundhead 

Lespedeza 

Vicia grandiflora Scop. Large Yellow Vetch 

Oxalidaceae Oxalis violacea L. Violet Woodsorrel 

Euphorbiaceae Chamaesyce polygonifolia (L.) Small Seaside Sandmat 

Euphorbia cyparissias L. Cypress Spurge 

Aquifoliaceae Ilex verticillata (L.) A. Gray Common 

Winterberry 

Celastraceae Celastrus orbiculatus Thunb. Oriental Bittersweet 

Malvaceae Malva neglecta Wallr. Common Mallow 

(continued)
238 ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER FOR FIELD BIOLOGY

DIVISION AND FAMILY SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME

Dicots (continued)

Violaceae Viola blanda Willd. Sweet White Violet 

Viola cucullata Aiton Marsh Blue Violet 

Viola sagittata Aiton Arrowleaf Violet 

Viola triloba Schwein. Three-Lobe Violet 

Lythraceae Lythrum salicaria L. Purple Loosestrife 

Apiaceae Cicuta maculata L. Spotted Water 

Hemlock

Osmorhiza claytonii (Michx.) C.B. Clarke Clayton’s Sweetroot 

Osmorhiza longistylis (Torr.) DC. Longstyle Sweetroot 

Zizia aptera (A. Gray) Fernald Meadow Zizia 

Ericaceae Rhododendron atlanticum (Ashe) Rehder Dwarf Azalea 

Vaccinium fuscatum Aiton Black Highbush 

Blueberry 

Primulaceae Lysimachia quadrifolia L. Whorled Yellow 

Loosestrife 

Viscaceae Phoradendron leucarpum (Raf.) Reveal Oak Mistletoe 

& M.C. Johnst.

Oleaceae Forsythia suspensa (Thunb.) Vahl Weeping Forsythia 

Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marshall Green Ash 

Apocynaceae Vinca minor L. Common Periwinkle 

Asclepiadaceae Asclepias amplexicaulis Sm. Clasping Milkweed 

Asclepias tuberosa L. Butterfly Milkweed 

Matelea carolinensis (Jacq.) Woodson Maroon Carolina 

Milkvine 

Convolvulaceae Ipomoea coccinea L. Redstar 

Boraginaceae Myosotis macrosperma Engelm. Largeseed 

Forget-Me-Not 

Lamiaceae Leonurus cardiaca L. Common 

Motherwort 

 Lycopus americanus Muhl. ex American Water 

W.P.C. Barton Horehound 

Monarda punctata L. Spotted Beebalm 

Salvia urticifolia L. Nettleleaf Sage 

Solanaceae Physalis heterophylla Nees Clammy 

Groundcherry 
Appendix IV 239

DIVISION AND FAMILY SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME

Dicots (continued)

Scrophulariaceae Agalinis purpurea (L.) Pennell Purple False 

Foxglove 

Chelone glabra L. White Turtlehead 

Mimulus alatus Aiton Sharpwing 

Monkeyflower 

Penstemon digitalis Nutt. ex Sims Foxglove 

Beardtongue 

Veronica officinalis L. Common 

Gypsyweed 

Veronica serpyllifolia L. Thymeleaf 

Speedwell 

Caprifoliaceae Lonicera maackii (Rupr.) Herder Amur Honeysuckle 

Callitrichaceae Callitriche heterophylla Pursh Twoheaded 

Water-Starwort 

Asteraceae Carduus nutans L. Nodding Plumeless 

Thistle 

Centaurea nigrescens Willd. Tyrol Knapweed 

Centaurea stoebe L. Spotted Knapweed 

Chrysopsis mariana (L.) Elliott Maryland 

Goldenaster 

Cosmos bipinnatus Cav. Garden Cosmos 

Eurybia divaricata (L.) G.L. Nesom White Wood Aster 

Eutrochium maculatum (L.) E.E. Lamont Spotted Joe Pye 

Weed 

Helianthus tuberosus L. Jerusalem 

Artichoke

Hieracium caespitosum Dumort. Meadow Hawkweed 

Krigia virginica (L.) Willd. Virginia 

Dwarfdandelion 

Oligoneuron rigidum (L.) Small Stiff Goldenrod 

Pluchea odorata (L.) Cass. Sweetscent 

Senecio vulgaris L. Old-Man-In-TheSpring 

Solidago canadensis L. Canada Goldenrod 

Tussilago farfara L. Coltsfoot 

Youngia japonica (L.) DC. Oriental False 

Hawksbeard
In May 1968, botanist Daniel Higman published An Ecologically Annotated Checklist of 

the Vascular Flora at the Chesapeake Bay Center for Field Biology, with Keys through the 

Smithsonian Institution’s Office of Ecology. Henceforth referred to as The Flora, it was based 

on Higman’s exploration of plant species found on three tracts of Smithsonian-owned land 

near the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland known as Java Farm, Corn Island, and Ivy Neck, which 

together represent a broad spectrum of ecological systems. 

As part of the fiftieth anniversary celebration of the Smithsonian Environmental Research 

Center (SERC), this first-known SERC publication has been updated by editors Dennis 

Whigham, Geoffrey Parker, and Olav Oftedal and is reprinted with support from the 

Smithsonian’s Atherton Seidell Grant Program for the Dissemination of Previously 

Published Scientific Research.

Smithsonian Institution

Scholarly Press

Smithsonian Environmental

Research Center

www.serc.si.edu

www.scholarlypress.si.edu

ISBN (online): 978-1-935623-99-1

ISBN (print): 978-1-935623-98-4

Available for download at Open SI (http://opensi.si.edu)