Four trail signs highlight common freshwater marsh plants that can be seen in the area near the Burning Basin, such as pickerel weed, tuckahoe, cattails, and wild rice. Each of these plants offers habitat and food for many species. They also absorb nutrients from runoff water and help prevent erosion along the shore. The trail signs also highlight how these plants have been used by indigenous peoples for thousands of years.
Trail sign highlighting pickerel weed (NOAA).
Trail sign highlighting tuckahoe (NOAA).
Trail sign highlighting wild rice (NOAA).
Trail sign highlighting cattails (NOAA).
Tuckahoe growing on the edge of the Mallows Bay shoreline (Megan McCabe/NOAA).
summer
Pickerel weed is easily identified by its purple flowers in the summer (Megan McCabe/NOAA).
summer
Trail signs describe the cultural significance of these plants in more detail (Matt McIntosh/NOAA).
summer
Cattails growing just off the walking path in Mallows Bay park (Matt McIntosh/NOAA).
Cattails growing just off the walking path in Mallows Bay park (Matt McIntosh/NOAA).
Pickerel weed growing on the edge of the shoreline (NOAA).
Wild rice (Courtesy of Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program).
