Zone 2: Beginning of the Marsh: Bur-marigold; Soft stemmed Bulrush; Pickerelweed; Other Plant Species may also be found here

Zone 2

Table of Contents

1. Description of Zone2

2. Asteraceae (Aster Family)Bidens spp. (Bur Marigold)

3. Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani (Scirpus validus)(Soft-stem Bulrush) (Cyperaceae the Sedge Family)
   

4. Pontederiaceae (Pickerelweed Family)Pontederia cordata(Pickerelweed)

1.  Description of  Zone 2

Zone 2 is the beginning of the Marsh Proper (6.1 to 22 meters along a transect line, perpendicular to the shoreline from the low tide line to the landward marsh edge). Many of the mobile animals described in Zone 1 move into this area as the tide comes in. Pickerel-weed inhabits the lower part of Zone 2 followed by Soft-stemmed Bulrush. The sediment surface beneath them is home to many of the species found in Zone 1.

The three species described here may also be found in other  zones. 

 

2. Asteraceae (Aster Family)

Bidens spp. (Bur Marigold)

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bidens

http://Plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=BILA

 

 

 

The Bur- Marigold, about 40 cm tall, is an annual that colonizes the sediment between Soft Bulrush and Wild Rice stems. It also occurs higher in the marsh in association with other marsh plants. The leaves are lanced shaped with toothed edges. The flowers, about 50 mm wide, are bright yellow. Roots extend from the stem into the sediment. Species belonging to the genus Bidens have been used to treat a variety of ailments such as colds, flu and fever.

Adaptations:

1. Bright yellow flowers that attract pollinators.

2. Leaves arranged in circular whorls providing a large surface area for collecting sunlight used in photosynthesis.

3. A well developed root system that anchors the plant in the sediment.

4. Seeds that can lay dormant for long periods of time before sprouting.

5. The ability to thrive in the same area occupied by dense populations of sedges and wild rice. How is this possible?

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3. Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani (Scirpus validus)(Soft-stem Bulrush) (Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schoenoplectus_tabernaemontani

http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=SCTA2

 

The soft-stem bulrush grows in abundance, generally above (landward) populations of pickerel-weed (described below). The tall plant (about 3 meters high) sways back and forth when the wind blows. The stem emanates from a relatively thick rhizome (underground stem) and roots extend from the rhizome into the sediment. Small (about 12 mm long) scale covered spikelets shown below contain flowers. Note the stems emerging from the sediment in the spring. The plants are an important source of food for waterfowl. The rhizome, stem base and roots apparently can be eaten raw or cooked and plant juices have been used as an astringent and diuretic. The stems are also used to weave baskets.

 

Adaptations:

1. A flexible stem that bends with the wind thereby reducing drag and the chance of being torn loose.

2. A sub-surface rhizome and roots that anchor the plant securely. The thick roots also tend to crowd out other species that grow too close to the Bul-rush.

3. A long stem that usually extends above most other species allowing them to capture enough light for the process of photosynthesis.

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4. Pontederiaceae (Pickerelweed Family)

Pontederia cordata (Pickerelweed)

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontederia

http://Plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=POCO14

 

 

Pickerel-weed, about 60 cm high, often grows in dense colonies. The lance-shaped leaves (about 10 cm wide) are attached to a relatively thick stem. A spike of violet to white colored flowers arises from a single stalk attached to the stem just below the leaf. Leaves have parallel venation. At the stem base numerous roots extend into the sediment. Raw and steamed young leaves and stems are edible . Raw or roasted seeds are also edible.

 

Adaptations: 

1. Horizontal rhizome that extends laterally allowing the plant to quickly colonize new areas.

2. Roots that anchor the plant securely in the sediment.

3. Large leaves that intercept light, supplying the energy for photosynthesis.