Vines

Many of the plants, which thrive in floodplain areas, are those with seeds dispersed by birds. They grow rapidly, and thus avoid being washed away by floodwaters.

Vines fit this category well, and abound along the trails. The illustration shows four common species, three native vines and one invader. As you walk, watch out for the tendrils of grape, the ‘leaves of three’ of poison ivy (beware) or the hand like leaves of Virginia creeper.

More insidious are the strangling runners of Tartarian and Japanese honeysuckle, which choke out native vegetation. In many places the vines climbed to the canopy many years ago and look like thickened rope as you walk underneath.

	The Fox Grape is the parent of the Concord and other domestic grapes. Its’ sweet fruit is dark purple and about one half inch in size. It can climb high into the trees.
	Virginia Creeper, sometimes called woodbine, is relative to the grape but its’ fruit is not recommended for taste. Its’ leaves grow in groups five or seven.
	Trumpet Honeysuckle, sometimes called Coral Honeysuckle, develops bright red fruit.
	Poison Ivy can grow in several forms and sometimes does not appear to be vine, its’ leaves are not always shiny. Look out for leaves in groups of three.