Spring Wildflowers of Inwood Hill Park, Manhattan

151 Seaman Ave,New York NY 10033

20 May, 2023

Description

Located at the northernmost tip of the island of Manhattan, Inwood Hill Park contains the last remaining native forest with old growth trees and salt marsh. Despite total urbanization of its surrounding area, the glacier-carved hills and valley of Inwood Hill Park continue to provide refuge for some of the rarest native plants in the region. Now is the best time to see Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipfera) blooming among Arrowwood Viburnum (Viburnum dentatum) in the rich valley called "The Clove". The flowers of Pinkster Azalea (Rhododendron periclymenoides) should be conspicuous if you don’t get distracted by the profuse blossoms of Smooth Serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis) and Lowbush Blueberry (Vaccinium pallidum) growing on dry rocky ridges. One of the rarest trees in our region, Butternut (Juglans cinerea) was also recently located in the park. Also blooming - the many lily species that live in the herbaceous layer of the forest floor. Marielle will share tips and point out features to help identify the various species. With hand lenses we'll see botanical characteristics up close. Non vascular plants, fungi and wildlife will also be noted. Meet where W. 207th Street dead ends into park at Seaman Ave. Recommended attire: sturdy shoes, brimmed hat, sunscreen and pants tucked into socks and sprayed with tick repellent. Bring water and snacks. Binoculars are helpful, hand lenses will be provided. Severe weather cancels, light rain does not. Walk Leader: Marielle Anzelone is the founder of NYC Wildflower Week. Last year she got to talk trees once a month on WNYC's Brian Lehrer Show #BLTrees >> Her new project is Vote WildflowerNYC << @nycbotanist on instagram + twitter