Vegetation in the Cranberry Glades

 

Vegetation in the Cranberry Glades

The Cranberry Glades, located in Pocahontas County, West Virginia, boast unique vegetation characteristic of more northern regions. This is due to a number of factors, including the presence of peat and the impact of the ice age. Let's explore the key features of this fascinating plant life:

Northern Species

The vegetation found in the Glades is similar to what one might expect to find in Southern Canada. This unusual phenomenon is attributed to the south-ward movement of the ice sheet, which carried seeds from northern plants to this region.

• Specific examples of these northern species include:
  • Tamarack (Larix laricina)
  • Water birch (Betula occidentalis)
  • Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)
  • Several species of orchids

These plants have adapted to their unusual habitat and thrive in the Glades, showcasing the power of nature's resilience.

Bog Environment

The Cranberry Glades are characterized by their boggy, swampy conditions, influenced by the surrounding mountains and water seepage. This environment has led to the growth of sphagnum moss, which forms a thick, water-saturated carpet in the Glades.

• This moss plays a critical role in the ecosystem.
  • It serves as packing material for florists.
  • It forms a key component of compost for growing pitcher plants and orchids.

Dominant Plant Life

The sources provide a detailed list of dominant plants found in the Cranberry Glades:

• Cranberries: Two edible varieties grow in the Glades, the same species as those found in Massachusetts. Their preference for marshy, peat-rich soil makes the Glades an ideal habitat.
• Hawthorn Trees: Exceptionally large hawthorn trees are a prominent feature of the Glades. One particular tree boasts a circumference of 30 inches and a height exceeding 30 feet.
• Orchids: Despite some discrepancies in reported numbers, orchids are abundant in the Glades. The specific types mentioned include:
  • Grass Pink (Calopogon pulchellus)
  • Snakemouth Orchid (Pogonia ophioglossoides)
  • Yellow-fringed Orchid
  • Tinyblade (Listera Smallii)
• Lichens: These fascinating organisms, formed by a symbiotic relationship between algae and fungus, thrive in the Glades. They attach themselves to moss, forming what is often called "moss-lichen".
• Other notable plants include:
  • Buckbean (Menyanthes trifoliata)
  • Sundew (Drosera rotundifolia)
  • Bog Rosemary (Andromeda glaucophylla)
  • Large-fruited Juneberry (Amelanchier canadensis)
  • Mountain Holly (Ilex montana)
  • Canadian Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)
  • Wild Raisin (Viburnum cassinoides)
  • Leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata)
  • Black Alder (Ilex verticillata)
  • White Alder (Clethra alnifolia)

Competition and Change

The sources note a constant competition between mosses and lichens for dominance in the Glades. This struggle for survival highlights the dynamic nature of this unique environment.

The Cranberry Glades present a diverse and vibrant tapestry of plant life. From the iconic cranberries and towering hawthorns to the delicate orchids and resilient mosses, the Glades offer a glimpse into a unique ecosystem shaped by both geological history and ecological processes.