A popular rule of thumb is that “sedges have edges while rushes are round” while it is true that 3-angled stems are found only in Cyperaceae, and most rush stems are in fact round, there are also a lot of Cyperaceae with round stems. The marsh itself is dominated by members of the three primary families of graminoids: grasses (Poaceae), sedges (Cyperaceae), and rushes (Juncaceae). Where the path splits, take the right-hand option to follow the main cattail-lined trail bisecting the marsh. Several other relatively showy non-natives are also present, including red clover ( Trifolium pratense) and chicory ( Cichorium intybus). Field bindweed or wild morning-glory ( Convolvulus arvensis) sprawls along the edge of the path, some plants with lovely pink flowers instead of the usual white. Large patches of purple-flowered Canada thistle ( Cirsium arvense) grow at the edge of the marsh, interspersed with tall stalks of poison-hemlock ( Conium maculatum) covered with small white flowers. These are the special “treasures” of this particular wildflower walk most can be seen from the trail itself, though some might require a stroll along the edge of the mowed area to spot.īegin your walk at the east end of the parking lot, where you can easily see three conspicuous noxious weeds (if not recently mowed). fastigiata) and common avens ( Geum aleppicum), as well as scattered Macoun’s buttercup ( Ranunculus macounii) and pale bulrush ( Scirpus pallidus). The presence of several locally rare plants in the Hidden Springs wetlands bolsters the interpretation of this site as a persisting remnant, in particular the large stands of Nuttall’s cinquefoil ( Potentilla gracilis var. Even these persisting wetlands have been variously altered most of the Hidden Springs wetlands are regularly mowed midsummer, except for the central thicket and surrounding areas that harbor the greatest diversity. The very name “Hidden Springs” is a clue that the existing wetlands here are in fact remnants that have persisted from pre-settlement times, among the very few examples in existence locally (Council Springs being another). These would have been prime sites for the earliest homesteaders, who quickly converted the meadows into pastures and farmlands. Prior to Euro-American settlement, there were undoubtedly numerous natural wetlands on the fertile flatlands at the base of the foothills, where creeks or springs supported rich meadows throughout the summer months. Mowed area around central thicket at Hidden Springs wetlands. Among the worst invasive species that are present at Hidden Springs wetlands are purple loosestrife ( Lythrum salicaria), mis-named Canada thistle ( Cirsium arvense), and reed canarygrass ( Phalaris arundinacea). Because of this, the distinction between “native” and “non-native” becomes increasingly problematic for many species, if not outright arbitrary in some cases (does the plant care if it arrived via waterfowl or human agency?) In spite of this, some rare plants do occur as regional endemics, often threatened by wetland invaders that can shove everything else out, given the chance. Be sure to enjoy the birds as well, and don’t forget your mosquito repellent! Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)Īs a generalized introduction, wetland floristics differ from upland floristics in that, thanks to the ease that seeds and other propagules are transported by waterfowl, plant distribution is determined less by geographic range per se and more by water seasonality, depth, and chemistry, as well as how long the wetland habitat has existed. A trail at the east side of the trailhead cuts south through a selection of marshland habitats to a well-shaded bridge across Dry Creek, where the described portion of the walk ends. The wildflower walk described here, through the exceptionally rich remnant wetlands at Hidden Springs, is the shortest walk in the series, a half-mile ramble that is a pleasant morning or evening outing even on a hot summer day.ĭescription: The walk as described begins at the main trailhead on the south side of Dry Creek Road between Cartwright Road and Seamans Gulch Road. Mid June through July Wetlands at Hidden SpringsĪs an alternative to heading to higher elevations for wildflowers during the summer months, when the foothills proper have largely dried out, check our what’s growing in your local wetlands for a whole new suite of interesting plants, some of which are just hitting their stride. HIGHLIGHTS OF HIDDEN SPRINGS WETLANDS WILDFLOWER WALK
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