Treasures of the C&O Canal NHP
C&O Canal NHP is home to approximately 1,200 species of native plants. Park records include more than 150 plants listed as rare, threatened or endangered in Maryland and the District of Columbia. This represents one of the highest concentrations of state-listed rare plants in the eastern U.S. Several are GLOBALLY rare, and some occur here because they are dependent upon special habitats and ecological conditions present along the Potomac River.
Why Here?
... Numerous ecological factors along the Potomac River create a mosaic of different natural habitats. Major factors influencing biodiversity here include:
The canal begins just below the fall line and winds it's way westward along the Potomac River, transecting the Piedmont, Blue Ridge, and Ridge & Valley physiographic provinces.
...As a result, a variety of geologic formations are exposed, supporting diverse native plant communities.
Areas along the Potomac River are subjected to frequent floods, causing canopy gaps, scouring and deposition.
...As a result, this changing environment creates a diversity of habitats, and therefore, diversity of organisms.
Distributions of many northern and southern plant species overlap the Potomac River. Also, isolated populations of western species survive where rare prairie habitat persists along the river
...As a result, rare species occur here that are known from few other places in the Mid-Atlantic region, adding to the great diversity of this area.
Did you know?
It is against federal law to pick, dig or otherwise collect plants in the park
Staying on officially marked trails helps prevent damage to and trampling of native vegetation, including rare plants.
Dumping yard waste in parks introduces non-native plants to fragile ecosystems
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