By Alan Abbott, KNPS Field Trip Coordinator
On Sunday, September 7th, KNPS member Alan Abbott led a hike on Mogan Ridge in Perry County, Indiana. Approximately 10 people, including members of both Kentucky Native Plant Society and Indiana Native Plant Society, walked the trail for over 3 hours.
The mixture of more northern and southern plants meant that everyone got to see something new. Those from Indiana were excited to see some Sourwood trees (Oxydendrum arboreum) at the northwestern edge of their range. Carolina Buckthorn (Frangula caroliniana) was also a big hit. It is widely-distributed In Kentucky, but rare in Indiana.
Kentucky participants were excited to see Big Tooth Aspen (Populus grandidentata), which is infrequent in Kentucky.
Other plants seen include Anglepod (Gonolobus suberosus), American Bluehearts (Buchnera americana), Silver Plumegrass (Erianthus alopecuroides), Clasping Aster (Symphyotrichum patens), Blue Waxweed (Cuphea viscosissima), and Prairie Tea (Croton monanthogynus).