Invasive multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora) is a threat to the wetlands/watercourse margins in particular. Appearance of other, non-invasive exotics such as clover, dandelion and plantain on the barrens are indicative of some loss of Ecological Integrity. I have some concern that continued loss of Ecological Integrity could result in substantial change in the “nationally unique and globally rare” Jack Pine/Broom Crowberry communities.
Purcell’s Cove Conservation Lands are disturbed
periodically by fire (burned stands can be seen in the
distance, unburned Jack Pine/Broom Crowberry
Barrens up close) but there were no exotic species in a
2012 survey. What about now?
Click on image for larger version
Post & related pages by David Patriquin
June 13, 2021
A remarkable feature of the Backlands is that there are very few exotic plant species within in its confines.
Exotic species (also described as alien, introduced or non-native) are those that have arrived in NS since European colonization, as opposed to native species which “been observed in the form of a naturally occurring and self-sustaining population in historical times”. (However species that are native in adjacent areas like N.B. but that have been recorded here only recently would be considered “native”.) View Definitions
Roughly 1/3rd of the approximately 2400 vascular (higher) plant species in Nova Scotia are species of exotic origin. Most of these exotic species are species of human-disturbed habitats such as clovers , plantain and Queen Anne’s lace. Many arrived here with the early settlers, but exotic species also continue to arrive either through deliberate introductions (e.g. for gardens) or inadvertently and some of them to naturalize (“go wild”).
The general absence of exotic species in the Backlands is good news because it is an indication that the plant communities in the Backlands have a high degree of ‘Ecological Integrity‘.
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