This natural community occurs along the shoreline of the Potomac River, in areas where large piles of driftwood have accumulated following major floods.

The range map shows the states in which this natural community has been documented.

More About This Natural Community

You’ll find the unusual Orange Jewelweed Herbaceous Vegetation growing on piles of driftwood on the banks of the Potomac River. The piles are left behind by floods. Each major flood will likely rearrange the pile—adding to it or washing it away.

The vegetation in this community consists almost entirely of orange jewelweed, which has beautiful blossoms in the summer. Other plants may include pale jewelweed, Canadian wood-nettle, and Allegheny monkeyflower. The non-native invasive Japanese stiltgrass* may also be present. (* indicates non-native)

There is not much soil on the driftwood piles, but plants can take root wherever small pockets of sediment have been deposited by the river.

For a more in-depth look at this community, click on a link under “Where to Explore It.”

Look for It in These National Parks

• Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
• Harpers Ferry National Historical Park