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How to Recognize It
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The Bedrock Floodplain Forest is found on the Potomac River shoreline where the bedrock is at or very near the surface. Plants in this natural community must be able to survive flooding for days at a time during winter. Some good-sized green ash, American sycamore, silver maple, and American elm grow in spots where soil is (or was!) the deepest. Shrubs are not common, but a surprising array of smaller plants live here, including calico aster, blue mistflower, and wingstem.
Can you find this combination of key features?
Identifying This Natural Community
- Many green ash trees, as well as American sycamore, silver maple, and American elm (and more!)
- An open feel, with generous space between the largest trees
- Evidence of flood damage—trunks leaning in the direction of the river’s current, scars and damaged bark on the upstream side, and piles of debris (called flotsam or wrack)
- Few if any shrubs
- Extremely diverse collection of low plants, including calico aster and blue mistflower
- Location: along the shoreline of the Potomac River, usually with exposed bedrock, which may be covered or partially covered with cobbles, sand, and/or soil
If so, welcome to the Bedrock Floodplain Forest at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.
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