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BOTANICAL EVALUATION OF THE GOAT ISLAND COMPLEX, NIAGARA FALLS, NEW YORK |
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SUMMARY OF THE RARE PLANTS OF THE GOAT ISLAND COMPLEX Day did recognize that "some of the rarest plants of western New York and Ontario grow in the neighborhood of Niagara river, but not within the confines of the Reservation" (Day, 1888), some of these being Fragrant Sumac (Rhus aromatica) found recently to occur on Goat Island, Upland White Aster (Aster ptarmicoides), Four-leaved Milkweed (Asclepias quadrifolia) and Red Mulberry (Morus rubra) in addition to several ferns, Walking Fern (Camptosorus rhyzophyllus) and Maidenhair Spleenwort (Asplenium trichomanes), again, recently found on the First Sister Island. Some plants of the gorge today, occurring on the New York Heritage list of rarities, and some bryophytes (mosses) rare in the State are given in the appendix at the end of this section. Again, Goat Island is a segment of the unusual gorge environment with its correspondingly unusual flora. Rare habitat complexes, such as those at Niagara, with its cataracts and limestone gorge, may be assumed to offer rare substrates or rare combinations of physical parameters that have been, are and will be conducive to biological interactions of an unusual and hence rare or unique character. Rarities may include unusual plant associations, or groups of species brought together which do not occur together elsewhere in the wild, or an unusually high abundance of a few species, unusually high numbers of species per unit space, unusual occurrences of individual species not normally occurring in the region, etc., or combinations of all these possibilities. The list of rare or unusual species noted below is indicative of the uncommon nature of the geological - hydrological situation at Niagara Falls. The fabled abundance of species on Goat Island can only be remembered in the words of those who saw it in years gone by. Historic accounts of unusual plant vigor in the species assemblages on Goat Island are one indication of the unusual habitats associated with the cataracts. All of the island's rare native species occur at the margins of habitats, roughly between the land and the river: at the edge of herbaceous mats and dolomite pavement on the Second of the Three Sisters Islands (Lysimachia quadriflora, Lobelia kalmii, Gerardia purpurea var. parviflora), on the very edge of the cliff and the open air in the spray zone at Terrapin Point, and historically in the old Terrapin Point habitat between the river and the mainland, probably in or near the spray zone, just above the Horseshoe Falls (Hypericum kalmianum, Parnassia glauca, Justicia americana). Goat Island is only one component in the natural phenomenon of Niagara -its rarities are a response to the unusual natural conditions presented throughout the Niagara River in the vicinity of the cataracts and the gorge. The western boundary of Goat Island is, in fact, the head of the gorge and is structurally continuous with it. Other plants that are rare in New York State extend down the length of the Niagara gorge. Both weedy species, alien and native, and rare plants grow where there is unusual opportunity, for example, by reason of recent human disturbance of the typical growing conditions in the region (typical of weeds), or natural disturbance through time, that is, where natural disturbance is characteristic of the environment, and was in effect when the (rare) species first became introduced. Alien species whose establishment is unusual (rare) are also indicative of an unusual environment, and so these are included with the rare list. "... Marie-Victorin (1938) pointed out that several western plants, when grown in limestone beds at the Montreal Botanical Garden, increased their area and throve vigorously until finally crowded out by weeds. Several botanists, including Griggs (1934, 1940), had already noted that weeds are often found in the same habitat as rare plants. Species of both groups are adapted to survive on such typical rare-plant habitats as unstable sea-cliffs and river-gravels, but would be eliminated if the erosion cycle were able to reach a stage permitting establishment of the normal forest-flora of the region. The rare plants share the sun-loving character of weeds. The limestone cliffs, because of their splintered and angular type of weathering (with formation of extensive talus slopes at the base), will still bar conquest by the forest for an indefinite period" (Scoggan, 1978). A population of Fox Squirrel (Sciurus niger) has been observed for several years on Goat Island (1985-89, Dr. R. Andrle, personal communication). This squirrel, abundant in the central and west-central United States is so rare in western New York State that it is frequently reported as absent from the State (Collins, 1981). The Island has an abundance of native nut trees, and people are frequently seen feeding the squirrels at the entrance to the Three Sisters. See the species catalogue for more information regarding each species listed below. The following lists of rare plant species include: 1. Native species, native vascular plants and mosses, on Goat Island listed by the New York Natural Heritage Program as rare in New York State: a) eight native taxa, vascular or flowering plants. b) seven native taxa, mosses. Native species of lichens, not yet part of a heritage program: c) eight native taxa, lichens. 2. Native and alien vascular (flowering) plant species reported as rare for New York State by R. Mitchell, New York State Botanist (1986). a) six native rarities (all noted as heritage rarities below). b) ten alien taxa. Total rarities in New York State reported for the Goat Island complex: 16. 3. Alien and native vascular plant (flowering) species reported as rare in western New York State (within a fifty-mile circumference of Buffalo, New York; Zander & Pierce, 1979). a) thirteen native species b) nineteen alien species Total rarities in western New York reported for the Goat Island complex: 32. Note: a single species may appear on each of the three lists for rare according to the DEC Heritage program, the New York State checklist and the checklist for western New York (the Niagara Frontier Region). 1. Native Species: New York Natural Heritage Program a) Vascular Plants The language interpreting the codes G4 G5 S1 T3 etc. and the code itself is quoted verbatim from the New York Natural Heritage Program Rare Plant Status Report: Spring 1988, ed. by S. E. Clemants (1988). Carex garberi Fern. ELK SEDGE. G4 G5 S1 T3. Apparently secure throughout its range (but possibly rare in parts) or (may be rare in certain areas). Critically imperiled in New York State because of extreme rarity (5 or fewer sites or very few remaining individuals) or extremely vulnerable to extirpation from New York State due to biological factors. The species is threatened with endangerment in New York. The third priority list: native plants known to have occurred in New York State five times or fewer (up to nine historical sites where some are known to be extirpated); sites harboring these species should be preserved if possible, especially in cases where more than one rarity is present. First Sister, east end on dolomite flat, 1988. Special thanks is here made to Dr. William Crins, currently at the New York State Museum for assistance in determining certain of these species in this difficult group. George Clinton wrote in his collecting diary that on May 9, 1864, he collected Carex aurea on Goat Island. I have found no other references to this plant found there. It so closely resembles C. garberi, which grows there today, that it is that species which may be assumed grew on the Island in Clinton's day. Also his references to Carex viridula might more likely be C. granularis, also acknowledged by Clinton in an entry for June 10, 1865. Clinton seems to have done rather well identifying grass-like plants with only a hand-lens, for on July 7 of that year he lamented having no microscope. Carex molesta Mack. TROUBLESOME SEDGE. G4 S1. Apparently secure throughout its range (but possibly rare in parts). Critically imperiled in New York State because of extreme rarity (5 or fewer sites or very few remaining individuals) or extremely vulnerable to extirpation from New York State due to biological factors. First Sister, east end, 1988. Chelone glabra var. dilata Fern. & Wieg. TURTLE-HEAD. G5T? SH R. Demonstrably secure throughout its range (however it may be rare in certain areas). Threatened (the species is threatened with endangerment in New York). No extant sites known in New York State but it may be rediscovered. Rare. Recorded 15 times or fewer in the state (or up to 20 times with known cases of extirpation). Second Sister, west end, 1986. Epilobium glandulosum Lehm. WILLOW-HERB. G5T? SH. Demonstrably secure throughout its range (however it may be rare in certain areas). Threatened (the species is threatened with endangerment in New York). No extant sites known in New York State but it may be rediscovered. Terrapin Point, 1986. Gentiana procera Holm FRINGED GENTIAN. G5 S1 E3 P. Demonstrably secure throughout its range (however it may be rare in certain areas). Critically imperiled in New York State because of extreme rarity (5 or fewer sites or very few remaining individuals) or extremely vulnerable to extirpation from New York State due to biological factors. Endangered (the species is in danger of extirpation from New York). The third priority list: native plants known to have occurred in New York State five times or fewer (up to nine historical sites where some are known to be extirpated); sites harboring these species should be preserved if possible, especially in cases where more than one rarity is present. The plant is on the Protected Native Plants list and protected by New York State law. Torrey, 1843. Day, 1888. Day, 1901. Terrapin Point, Sept. 10, 1986, R. Mitchell (BUF, NYS). Lysimachia quadriflora Sims FOUR-FLOWERED LOOSESTRIFE. G5? SH E3. Demonstrably secure throughout its range (however it may be rare in certain areas), ?. No extant sites known in New York State but it may be rediscovered. Endangered (the species is in danger of extirpation from New York). The third priority list: native plants known to have occurred in New York State five times or fewer (up to nine historical sites where some are known to be extirpated); sites harboring these species should be preserved if possible, especially in cases where more than one rarity is present. Second Sister, east end, on edge of soil mat east end, July 14, 1987. Physocarpus opulifolius var. intermedius (Rydb.) Robins. NINEBARK, G5T?, S1, R Demonstrably secure throughout its range (however it may be rare in certain areas). Rare. Recorded 15 times or fewer in the state (or up to 20 times with known cases of extirpation). Critically imperiled in New York State because of extreme rarity (5 or fewer sites or very few remaining individuals) or extremely vulnerable to extirpation from New York State due to biological factors. First of the Three Sisters Islands, west end, 1988; Second of the Three Sisters Islands, west end, 1985 [probably throughout the Three Sisters and Niagara River Gorge]. Veronica peregrina ssp. xalapensis (Kunth) Pennell PURSLANE SPEEDWELL. G5T5 SH, R. Demonstrably secure throughout its range (however it may be rare in certain areas). No extant sites known in New York State but it may be rediscovered. Rare. Recorded 15 times or fewer in the state (or up to 20 times with known cases of extirpation). Goat Island, along paths, near the Three Sisters, 1986.
Heritage vascular plants extirpated from Goat Island Hypericum kalmianum L. KALM'S ST. JOHN'S WORT. G4 SX X3. Apparently secure throughout its range (but possibly rare in parts). Apparently extirpated from New York State. Extirpated (the species is probably extirpated from New York). The third priority list: native plants known to have occurred in New York State five times or fewer (up to nine historical sites where some are known to be extirpated); sites harboring these species should be preserved if possible, especially in cases where more than one rarity is present. Torrey, 1843. Clinton, 1864. Day, 1883. "Goat Island. "Rochers au bas de la chute de Niagara," Provancher (Fl. Canad. p. 104), Day, 1888. First Sister, east end, 1892 (BUF). Day, 1901. Zenkert (1934) gives the additional information of a specimen collected by C. S. Osborne in 1867 (BUF) and two specimens in the New York State Herbarium, Albany, collected by E. Hunt and Asa Gray, without dates. This is the only known locality for the species in New York State. Zenkert (1934) reported it as "not observed at the Falls in recent years." See species catalogue. This extirpation appears to have been due to dewatering the Terrapin Rocks. Pellaea glabella Mett. SMOOTH CLIFF BRAKE. G5 S1 T3 P. Demonstrably secure throughout its range (however it may be rare in certain areas). Critically imperiled in New York State because of extreme rarity (5 or fewer sites or very few remaining individuals) or extremely vulnerable to extirpation from New York State due to biological factors. Threatened (the species is threatened with endangerment in New York). The third priority list: native plants known to have occurred in New York State five times or fewer (up to nine historical sites where some are known to be extirpated); sites harboring these species should be preserved if possible, especially in cases where more than one rarity is present. The plant is on the Protected Native Plants list and protected by New York State law. (As P. atropurpurea) "Formerly on Goat Island and the Three Sisters. Not lately seen by us. Probably extirpated," Day, 1888. For discussion, see the species catalogue. Potamogeton alpinus Balbis var. tenuifolius (Raf.) Ogden ALPINE PONDWEED. G5 S1 R. Demonstrably secure throughout its range (however it may be rare in certain areas). Critically imperiled in New York State because of extreme rarity (5 or fewer sites or very few remaining individuals) or extremely vulnerable to extirpation from New York State due to biological factors. Rare. Recorded 15 times or fewer (up to nine historical sites where some are known to be extirpated); sites harboring these species should be preserved if possible, especially in cases where more than one rarity is present. "From lower edge of Goat Island, opposite Luna Island - growing on mud," Clinton [probably Aug. 15, 1865 - see species catalogue]. "Rapids of the Niagara River, near Bath Island," Zenkert, 1934. Satureja glabella (Michx.) Briquet var. angustifolia (Torr.) Svenson LOW CALAMINT (As Calamintha arkansana) G5 SH E3. Demonstrably secure throughout its range (however it may be rare in certain areas). No extant sites known in New York State but it may be rediscovered. Endangered (the species is in danger of extirpation from New York). The third priority list: native plants known to have occurred in New York State five times or fewer (up to nine historical sites where some are known to be extirpated); sites harboring these species should be preserved if possible, especially in cases where more than one rarity is present. "Goat Island," Torrey, 1843. See species catalogue. b) Bryophytes (Liverworts, Mosses) Data on rarity in New York State is derived from Clemants & Ketchledge (in press), except for the last mosses two on this list which are new reports for the State. Acknowledgement is made to Drs. Richard H. Zander and William R. Buck for permission to use their bryophyte data here. Didymodon rigidulus Hedw. G4 G5 S3 Third of the Three Sisters, west end, 2 Nov. 1988,W. R. Buck, 16438 (BUF, NY). Apparently secure throughout its range (but possibly rare in parts); demonstrably secure throughout its range (however, it may be rare in certain areas). Didymodon tophaceus (Brid.) Lisa G5 S3 Demonstrably secure throughout its range (however, it may be rare in certain areas). Goat Island, dolomite ballast, SE end, Eckel, 880722, June 4, 1988 (BUF). Base of Goat Island, just outside spray area of Horseshoe Falls, on rubble, talus slope, Zander 3491a, Oct. 28, 1979 (BUF). Base of Goat Island, just outside spray area of Horseshoe Falls, talus slope, dripping area, rocks, Zander 3493, Oct.28,1979 (BUF). Second of the Three Sisters, west end, tree roots, wet in high water, Oct. 29, 1988 (BUF) Hyophila involuta (Hook.) Jaeq. & Sauerb. G5 S1 Demonstrably secure throughout its range (however it may be rare in certain areas). Critically imperiled in New York State because of extreme rarity (5 or fewer sites). Goat Island, base , just outside spray area of Horseshoe Falls, boulder, thin soil, midslope. With Tortella fragilis, Hymenostylium recurvirostrum, Trichostomum crispulum. Zander 3484c Oct. 28, 1979 (BUF). Orthotrichum pusillum Mitt. G5 SH Demonstrably secure throughout its range (however, it may be rare in certain areas). No extant sites known (verified within the past 15 years) in New York State but it may be rediscovered. Goat Island, north slope, base of maple, 1 Nov. 1988, W. R. Buck, 16287 (NY). Philonotis muhlenbergii (Schwaegr.) Brid. GUQ SH Status unknown: a question exists concerning the taxonomy of the species. No extant sites known (verified within the past 15 years) in New York State but it may be rediscovered. Goat Island, SW shoreline, flats east of the Horseshoe Falls, wet hummock, roots of Cornus, Eckel, 880718, June 3, 1987 (BUF); Second Sister, west end. Thuidium pygmaeum BSG. Demonstrably secure throughout its range (however, it may be rare in certain areas). Critically imperiled in New York State because of extreme rarity (5 or fewer sites). Central woods on smooth cobble, shade, Eckel, Sept. 9, 1984 (BUF). Trichostomum crispulum Bruch in F. A. Muell. Base of Goat Island, just outside spray area of Horseshoe Falls, boulder, thin soil, midslope, with Hyophila involuta, Hymenostylium recurvirostrum, Tortella fragilis, Zander, 3484a, Oct. 28, 1979 (BUF). NEW STATE RECORD. Weissia hedwigii Crum Second locality in New York State, unknown in the state outside of one other area in Niagara County (Eckel, 1987; Eckel & Eckel, 1988). Goat Island, lawns by west parking lot, Eckel & Eckel, 1988. c) Lichens No New York State Heritage list has yet been developed for rare lichens in New York State. It is probable, if there were such a list, the following species would be included in it. Collections made by Dr. Richard Harris, New York Botanical Garden on Goat Island, the Three Sisters and Luna Island have produced the following records for seven species, one in a previously unrecorded genus for the State, all previously unknown to the lichen flora of New York State. He has collected several which might prove to be new to science (i.e., new species, Harris, personal communication). Arthonia lapadicola (Taylor) Branth & Rostrup New to New York State. N side Goat Island, on slope near water just E of Luna Is. bridge, on rock, R.H. Harris, 22855 (NY). Bacidia epixanthoides (Nyl.) Lettau New to New York State. First Sister west, on Mnium thomsonii, R.H. Harris, 16341 (NY) Caloplaca cirrochroa (Ach.) Th. Fr. New to New York State. First Sister, east end, on rock, R.H. Harris, 22917 (NY) Lecania perproxima (Nyl.) Zahlbr. New to New York State. Second Sister, east end, on rock, R.H. Harris, 22904 (NY). Lecanora umbrosa Degel. New to New York State. Third Sister, east end, north side, on rock, R.H. Harris, 22940 (NY). Leptogium juniperinum Tuck. New to New York State. First Sister, west end, in rock crevice, R.H. Harris, 16346 (NY). Pyrenocollema strontianensis (Swinscow) R. C. Harris Genus and Species New to New York State. Luna Island, on rock, R.H.Harris, 16317 (NY). Teloschistes chrysophthalmus (L.) Th. Fr. "Sisters" Niagara Falls. "The only inland New York record," 1870. 2. Native and alien species of vascular plants reported as rare for New York State by R. Mitchell, New York State Botanist (1986) Extant species: Native: RNY, Carex garberi Fern. GARBER'S SEDGE. Reported by Mitchell (1986) as "threatened with endangerment in New York State" and as "native plants known to have occurred in New York State five times or fewer (up to nine historical sites where some are known to be extirpated); sites harboring these species should be preserved if possible, especially in cases where more than one rarity is present." First Sister, east end on dolomite flat, 1988. RNY, Chelone glabra L. var. dilatata Fern. & Wieg. TURTLEHEAD. Second Sister, west end, 1986. RNY, PRE Gentiana procera Holm SMALLER FRINGED GENTIAN. Reported by Mitchell (1986) as "endangered (the species is in danger of extirpation from New York State" and as "native plants known to have occurred in New York State five times or fewer (up to nine historical sites where some are known to be extirpated); sites harboring these species should be preserved if possible, especially in cases where more than one rarity is present." Torrey, 1843. Day, 1888. Day, 1901. Terrapin Point, Sept. 10, 1986, R. Mitchell (BUF, NYS). RNY, Lysimachia quadriflora Sims. LINEAR-LEAVED LOOSESTRIFE, PRAIRIE MONEYWORT. Reported by Mitchell (1986) as "endangered (the species is in danger of extirpation from New York State" and as "native plants known to have occurred in New York State five times or fewer (up to nine historical sites where some are known to be extirpated); sites harboring these species should be preserved if possible, especially in cases where more than one rarity is present." Second Sister, east end, on edge of soil mat, east end, July 14, 1987. RNY, Physocarpus opulifolius var. intermedius, NINEBARK. RNY, Veronica peregrina L. var. xalapensis (Kinth) St. John & Warren. PURSLANE SPEEDWELL. Goat Island, along paths, near the Three Sisters, 1986. Alien: RNY, * Bromus erectus Huds. UPRIGHT BROME-GRASS. Goat Island, south side by culvert, 1988. RNY, * Cerastium semidecandrum L. SMALL MOUSE-EARED CHICKWEED. Second Sister, east end, 96122611. First Report for the Niagara Frontier Region. RNY, * Diplotaxis muralis (L.) DC. SAND ROCKET. Woods, Goat Island, 1987. RNY, * Diplotaxis tenuifolia (L.) DC. WALL ROCKET. "Base," 1986. RNY, * Heracleum mantegazzianum Som. & Lev. GIANT HOGWEED. "Dense thickets on the S side of the island," 8705199. Green Island, 1988 [obs.]. New to the Niagara Frontier Region. RNY, * Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. TOMATO. Restaurant midden, 1988. First report for western New York State. RNY, * Lycopus europaeus L. EUROPEAN WATER HOREHOUND. First Sister, 1988. RNY, * Narcissus pseudo-narcissus L. DAFFODIL. Central woods, 1988. RNY, * Poa chapmaniana Scribn. CHAPMAN'S BLUE-GRASS. First Sister, west end, on boulder, 1988. Second collection made in the Niagara Frontier Region. RNY, * Viburnum lantana L. WAYFARING-TREE. Central woods, 1986. Extirpated from the Goat Island Complex: Native: RNY, # Euonymus atropurpureus Jacq. WAHOO, [BURNING BUSH]. Sept. 19, 1877 (J.D. Hooker's American Journal). Day, 1883. June 27, 1896, Marion Jessup Wright (BUF). Day, 1888. Oct. 14, 1899, Edna Porter (BUF). RNY, # Hypericum kalmianum L. KALM'S ST. JOHN'S WORT. [see citations above]. RNY, # Panax quinquefolium L. GINSENG. "Rare," Day, 1888. Commercially exploited in New York State, "native plants known to have occurred in New York State five times or fewer (up to nine historical sites where some are known to be extirpated); sites harboring these species should be preserved if possible, especially in cases where more than one rarity is present," (Mitchell, 1986). R# Pellaea glabella Mett. SMOOTH CLIFF BRAKE. Reported by Mitchell (1986) as rare in New York State, recorded 15 times or fewer in the State (or up to 20 times with known cases of extirpation). Endangered (the species is in danger of extirpation from New York State. The third priority list: native plants known to have occurred in New York State five times or fewer (up to nine historical sites where some are known to be extirpated); sites harboring these species should be preserved if possible, especially in cases where more than one rarity is present. RNY, # Potamogeton alpinus Balbis var. tenuifolius (Raf.) Ogden ALPINE PONDWEED. "Rapids of the Niagara River, near Bath Island," Zenkert, 1934. RNY, # Satureja glabella (Michx.) Briquet var. angustifolia (Torr.) Svenson LOW CALAMINT. "Goat Island," Torrey, 1843. Reported by Mitchell (1986) (as Calamintha arkansana) as "endangered (the species is in danger of extirpation from New York State" and as "native plants known to have occurred in New York State five times or fewer (up to nine historical sites where some are known to be extirpated); sites harboring these species should be preserved if possible, especially in cases where more than one rarity is present." Alien: RNY, # Chenopodium hybridum L. MAPLE-LEAVED GOOSEFOOT. (As Chenopodium stramonifolium) Sept. 19, 1877 (J. D. Hooker's American Journal). Day, 1888. Reported by Mitchell (1986) as a rare introduction in New York State. 3. Alien and native species reported as rare in western New York State (to fifty miles east of Buffalo, New York; Zander & Pierce, 1979). Extant species: Native: R# Carex aquatilis Wahl. NORTHERN WATER SEDGE. Johnson specimen, Zenkert, 1934. Flats above Horseshoe Falls, 1988. R# Carex garberi Fern. GARBER'S SEDGE. First Sister, east end on dolomite flat, 1988. R# Carex molesta Mackenzie TROUBLESOME SEDGE. First Sister, east end, 1988. R# Carex oligocarpa Schk. FEW-FRUITED SEDGE. First Sister, west, 1988. R# Chelone glabra L. var. dilatata Fern. & Wieg. TURTLEHEAD. Second Sister, west end, 1986. R# Epilobium glandulosum WILLOW-HERB. Terrapin Point, 1986. First report for western New York State. PRE# Gentiana procera Holm SMALLER FRINGED GENTIAN. Torrey, 1843. Day, 1888. Day, 1901. Terrapin Point, Sept. 10, 1986, R. Mitchell (BUF, NYS) R# Lysimachia quadriflora Sims. LINEAR-LEAVED LOOSESTRIFE, PRAIRIE MONEYWORT. Second Sister, east end, on edge of soil mat, east end, July 14, 1987. "On calcareous rocks. Western New York. Rare. Niagara Falls, Eddy, Cooper, Sartwell (Torrey, Flora of New York Vol. 2:10. 1843; Eaton, [Asa] Gray (state herbarium)," House, 1924. R# Ranunculus hispidus Michx. Low, moist area north side just east of vehicular bridge - will soon be extirpated by mowing, 1988. R# Rosa virginiana Mill. PASTURE ROSE. Crest woods. 1987. R# Selaginella apoda (L.) Spring CREEPING SELAGINELLA. Zenkert, 1934. Base of Goat Island, 1970. First Sister, west end, 1988. R# Sisyrinchium montanum Greene MOUNTAIN BLUE-EYED GRASS. Flats, 1986. R# Veronica peregrina L. var. xalapensis (HBK.) St. John & Warren. PURSLANE SPEEDWELL. Goat Island, along paths, near the Three Sisters, 1986. Alien: R* Bromus erectus Huds. UPRIGHT BROME-GRASS. Goat Island, south side by culvert, 1988. R* Butomus umbellatus L. FLOWERING RUSH. Terrapin Point, 1986. First Sister, west end, 8612716. Second Sister, east end, 1988. Spreading along the wet margins of the First and Second Sister, and the flats above the Horseshoe Falls. R* Cerastium semidecandrum L. SMALL MOUSE-EARED CHICKWEED. Second Sister, east end, 96122611. First Report for Western New York State. R* Diplotaxis muralis (L.) DC. SAND ROCKET. Woods, Goat Island, 1987. R* Diplotaxis tenuifolia (L.) DC. WALL ROCKET. "Base," 1986. R* Draba verna L. WHITLOW GRASS. "Introduced...Hardly yet established," Day, 1883. "Perhaps not established," Day, 1888. First Sister, east end, 1988. Second Sister, east end, 1988. R* Geranium pusillum L. SMALL-FLOWERED CRANE'S-BILL. Lawn, area where three roads meet near maintenance building, 1988. Second Sister, east end, dolomite flats, 1987. R* Heracleum mantegazzianum Som. & Lev. GIANT HOGWEED. "Dense thickets on the S side of the island," 8705199. Green Island, 1988 [obs.]. New to the Niagara Frontier Region. R* Hieracium florentinum All. FLORENCE KING-DEVIL. Second Sister, west end, 1988. R* Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. TOMATO. Restaurant midden, 1988. First report for western New York State. R* Lycopus europaeus L. EUROPEAN WATER HOREHOUND. First Sister, 1988. R* Narcissus pseudo-narcissus L. DAFFODIL. Central woods, 1988. R* Poa chapmaniana Scribn. CHAPMAN'S BLUE-GRASS. First Sister, west end, on boulder, 1988. Second collection made in western New York State. R* Poa nemoralis L. WOOD BLUEGRASS. 1988. North side. Second Sister, west end, abundant, 1988. R* Polygonum achoreum Blake HOMELESS KNOTWEED. Area facing the Three Sisters, 8609112. R* Sagina procumbens L. PEARLWORT. First Sister, east end, bridge, S end ledge, 1988; east end, 1986. Second Sister, east end, 1987. R* Tripsacum dactyloides (L.) L. GAMMA GRASS. First Sister, 1988. First report for western New York R* Veronica anagallis-aquatica L. WATER SPEEDWELL. "dolomite flats, SW side of the island," 8612713. First Sister, west end, 1988. R* Viburnum lantana L. WAYFARING-TREE. Central woods, 1986. Specimens of this easily spreading species may be seen in the northern wooded areas just to the west of the vehicular bridge. 1988. Terrapin Point, 1987. First Sister, east end, 1988. First Sister, west end, young plant, [obs. 1988]. Second Sister, west end [obs. 1988]. First report for Western New York State. Extirpated from the Goat Island Complex: Native: R# Aster undulatus L. WAVY-LEAVED ASTER. Sept. 19, 1877 (J.D. Hooker's American Journal). R# Astragalus canadensis L. CANADIAN MILK-VETCH. 1885, A. D. Pease (BUF). R# Astragalus neglectus (T.&G.) Sheld. COOPER'S MILK-VETCH. Sept. 19, 1877 (J. D. Hooker's American Journal). Day, 1888. R# Carex viridula Michx. GREEN SEDGE. (As C. oederi) "near the Horse-shoe Fall" Provancher (Flore Canadienne), Day, 1888. R# Castilleja coccinea (L.) Spreng. PAINTED CUP. Day, 1901. R# Celtis occidentalis L. HACKBERRY. Midst of the central woodlands, 1986. Probably planted or an escape. Reported for Goat Island by the Superintendent in the report of the Commissioners in 1886. I am assuming that Nettletree, used in this report, indicated this species. The Superintendent indicated, however, that his Nettletree was a shrub. Day also uses Nettletree to refer to Celtis occidentalis, which he indicates is "rather common between Queenston and Niagara" on the Canadian shore, based on a report by John Macoun. R# Corylus americana Walt. AMERICAN HAZELNUT. Day, 1883. R# Cubelium concolor (Forst.) Raf. GREEN VIOLET. 1877. "near the center of Goat Island," Day, 1883. Day, 1888. R# Deschampsia caespitosa (L.) Beauv. TUFTED HAIR GRASS. Day, 1888. R# Euonymus atropurpureus Jacq. WAHOO. Sept. 19, 1877 (J.D. Hooker's American Journal). Day, 1883. June 27, 1896, Marion Jessup Wright (BUF). Day, 1888. Oct. 14, 1899, Edna Porter (BUF). R# Hieracium gronovii L. HAIRY HAWKWEED. Day, 1888. R# Hypericum kalmianum L. KALM'S ST. JOHN'S WORT. Torrey, 1843. Clinton, 1864. Day, 1883. "Goat Island. "Rochers au bas de la chute de Niagara," Provancher (Fl. Canad. p. 104), Day, 1888. First Sister, east end, 1892 (BUF). Day, 1901. Zenkert (1934) gives the additional information of a specimen collected by C. S. Osborne in 1867 (BUF) and two specimens in the New York State Herbarium, Albany, collected by E. Hunt and Asa Gray, without dates. [See citations above]. This is the only known locality for the species in New York State. Zenkert (1934) reported it as "not observed at the Falls in recent years." R# Justicia americana. (L.) Vahl WATER-WILLOW. "... shallow water of Niagara River, on limestone, off Goat Island, just above the Falls, where rather abundant," Zenkert, 1934. R# Panicum depauperatum Muhl. STARVED PANIC-GRASS. "... in rocky places," Day, 1888. R# Pellaea glabella Mett. SMOOTH CLIFF BRAKE. (As P. atropurpurea) "Formerly on Goat Island and the Three Sisters. Not lately seen by us. Probably extirpated," Day, 1888. R# Polygonatum biflorum (Walt.) Ell. GREAT SOLOMON'S SEAL. Day, 1888. R# Potamogeton alpinus Balbis var. tenuifolius (Raf.) Ogden ALPINE PONDWEED. "From lower edge of Goat Island, opposite Luna Island - growing on mud," Clinton [probably Aug. 15, 1865 - see species catalogue]. "Rapids of the Niagara River, near Bath Island," Zenkert, 1934. R# Scutellaria parvula Michx. SMALL SKULLCAP. Day, 1883. R# Solidago ulmifolia Muhl. ELM-LEAVED GOLDENROD. Day, 1888. R# Stachys aspera Michx. ROUGH HEDGE-NETTLE. Day, 1888. Alien: R* Agrimonia eupatoria L. COMMON AGRIMONY. Sept. 19, 1877 (J. D. Hooker's American Journal). Day, 1888. R* Populus candicans Ait. BALM OF GILIAD. Sept. 19, 1877 (J. D. Hooker's American Journal. R* Cerastium viscosum L. CLAMMY MOUSE-EAR CHICKWEED. Day, 1888. R* Chenopodium urbicum L. NETTLE-LEAVED GOOSEFOOT. Bath Island, Day, 1883 (problematical). Day may have reidentified a Clinton specimen of Chenopodium murale L. from Green, or Bath Island as Chenopodium urbicum L. for his 1888 publication. If he did, he made no annotation on the specimen in the Clinton Herbarium. R* [# ]Collinsia verna Nutt. BLUE-EYED MARY. "Introduced," Day, 1888. R* Daphne mezereum L. MEZEREUM. "One individual, perhaps planted," Day, 1883. "Introduced and spreading," Day, 1888. "Not observed," Zenkert, 1934. R* [# ] Erigenia bulbosa (Michx.) Nutt. HARBINGER OF SPRING. "Introduced. Established?," Day, 1888. R* Ranunculus bulbosus. BULBOUS BUTTERCUP. "Introduced," Day, 1888. R* [# ]Veronicastrum virginicum (L.) Farw. CULVER'S-ROOT. "Introduced," Day, 1888. Addendum The following are additional stations of Heritage rare plants in and along the Niagara River Gorge, of which the flora of Goat Island is a part. Protection of the Goat Island flora will require the protection of the larger flora of the Niagara Gorge and adjacent areas. This list does not include lichens or fungi. Vascular Plants: Aster azureus Lindl. SKY-BLUE ASTER (As Aster oolentangiensis) G5, SH, E3 Demonstrably secure throughout its range (however, it may be rare in certain areas). No extant sites known in New York State but it may be rediscovered. Endangered (the species is in danger of extirpation from New York). The third priority list: native plants known to have occurred in New York State five times or fewer (up to nine historical sites where some are known to be extirpated); sites harboring these species should be preserved if possible, especially in cases where more than one rarity is present. Liatris cylindracea Michx. CYLINDRIC BLAZING STAR. G5, SH, E3. Demonstrably secure throughout its range (however, it may be rare in certain areas). No extant sites known in New York State but it may be rediscovered. Endangered (the species is in danger of extirpation from New York). The third priority list: native plants known to have occurred in New York State five times or fewer (up to nine historical sites where some are known to be extirpated); sites harboring these species should be preserved if possible, especially in cases where more than one rarity is present Pellaea glabella Mett. SMOOTH CLIFF BRAKE. G5 S1 T3 P. Demonstrably secure throughout its range (however, it may be rare in certain areas). Critically imperiled in New York State because of extreme rarity (5 or fewer sites or very few remaining individuals) or extremely vulnerable to extirpation from New York State due to biological factors. Threatened (the species is threatened with endangerment in New York). The third priority list: native plants known to have occurred in New York State five times or fewer (up to nine historical sites where some are known to be extirpated); sites harboring these species should be preserved if possible, especially in cases where more than one rarity is present. The plant is on the Protected Native Plants list and protected by New York State law. Poa sylvestris Gray. SYLVAN SPEAR-GRASS. G5, SH, R Demonstrably secure throughout its range (however, it may be rare in certain areas). No extant sites known in New York State but it may be rediscovered. Rare. Recorded 15 times or fewer in the state (or up to 20 times with known cases of extirpation). Zygadenus glaucus Nutt. (As Zygadenus elegans ssp. glaucus) WHITE CAMASS, G5TU S1 E3 Demonstrably secure throughout its range (however, it may be rare in certain areas). Critically imperiled in New York State because of extreme rarity (5 or fewer sites or very few remaining individuals) or extremely vulnerable to extirpation from New York State due to biological factors. Endangered (the species is in danger of extirpation from New York). The third priority list: native plants known to have occurred in New York State five times or fewer (up to nine historical sites where some are known to be extirpated); sites harboring these species should be preserved if possible, especially in cases where more than one rarity is present. Bryophytes: Note: several rare species of these plants have been noted for the Niagara Gorge generally or on the Canadian side specifically both recently and historically: Ptychomitrium incurvum, Aloina rigida, Grimmia pilifera and most recently Eucladium verticillatum which has not yet been found in New York State. Since these organisms are so minute and it takes a specialist to collect and identify these plants with certainty, it is quite possible these Heritage rare species may yet be discovered or rediscovered. Also, the taxonomic status of plants historically reported as Didymodon trifarius and D. luridus collected from the Goat Island area and the vicinity of Niagara Falls, and which are rare taxa in North America, is yet to be settled. Bryum cyclophyllum (Schwaegr.) BSG. G5 SH. Demonstrably secure throughout its range (however, it may be rare in certain areas). No extant sites known (verified within the past 15 years) in New York State but it may be rediscovered. See discussion in the bryophyte species catalogue. Judge George Clinton found this moss "on stones wet by spray, at Niagara Falls," reported by Lesquereux and James (1884). Bryum turbinatum (Hedw.) Turn. G5 SH?. Demonstrably secure throughout its range (however, it may be rare in certain areas). No extant sites known (verified within the past 15 years) in New York State but it may be rediscovered. Part of Sullivant and Lesquereux's collection No. 190 of their Musci Boreali-Americani exsiccat (1856) was collected on wet rocks at Niagara Falls (see bryophyte section this manuscript). Desmatodon porteri James ex Austin: only location reported for New York State (Ketchledge, 1980; Eckel, 1987) Didymodon australasiae var. umbrosus, bryophyte, only location for New York State and for North America outside of New Mexico, Mexico and California (Eckel, 1986). Didymodon rigidulus Hedw. G4 G5 S3 Apparently secure throughout its range (but possibly rare in parts); demonstrably secure throughout its range (however, it may be rare in certain areas). Rare in New York State (usually 21-100 extant sites). Didymodon tophaceus (Brid.) Lisa G5 S3 Demonstrably secure throughout its range (however, it may be rare in certain areas). Rare in New York State (usually 21-100 extant sites). Hyophila involuta (Hook.) Jaeq. & Sauerb. G5 S1 Demonstrably secure throughout its range (however, it may be rare in certain areas). Critically imperiled in New York State because of extreme rarity (5 or fewer sites). Platydictya minutissimum (Sull. & Lesq. ex Sull.) Crum G4 S3? Apparently secure throughout its range (but possibly rare in parts); Rare in New York State (usually 21-100 extant sites). A specimen of this plant was collected at Niagara Falls, New York in 1874 by Coe F. Austin (see bryophyte section). Pottia davalliana (Sm. ex Drake) C. Jens. One of the few localities in the State (Eckel, 1987). NEW TO THE NEW YORK STATE FLORA. Seligeria campylopoda Kindb. ex Macoun & Kindb. Apparently or demonstrably secure throughout its range but possibly rare in parts or in certain areas. Imperiled in New York State because of rarity (6-20 sites); rare in New York State (usually 21-100 extant sites) ? [sic]. Seligeria recurvata (Hedw.) BSG. Apparently or demonstrably secure throughout its range but possibly rare in parts or in certain areas. Imperiled in New York State because of rarity (6-20 sites); rare in New York State (usually 21-100 extant sites). |