EcoQuest Challenge Archive 2021
EcoQuests, part of the NYC EcoFlora Project, challenge New Yorkers to become citizen scientists and observe, study and help conserve the native plants and animals of the City, using iNaturalist, an easy-to-use mobile App.
The New York City EcoFlora project is made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services [MG-70-19-0057-19].
Pining for Pines - December 2021
Pine trees (Pinus spp.) are evergreen conifers that provide food and shelter for animals such as birds and small mammals. Pines are most diverse in the Northern Hemisphere, and their waxy, needle-shaped leaves help to minimize water loss for winter survival. New York City is home to five native and three introduced species of Pinus.
Seek Seaside Goldenrod - November 2021
New York City has been historically home to 19 species of Goldenrod (Solidago), the iconic wildflower heralding cooler weather and the colorful fall foliage season. Mistakenly blamed for hay fever allergies, Goldenrod pollen is transported by insects, unlike wind-borne pollen of the real culprit, Ragweed (Ambrosia).
Search for Solanum - October 2021
Solanum (in the Nightshade family) is one of the largest genera of flowering plants, with 1,500–2,000 species including tomato and potato. In New York City, there are three commonly encountered species: Solanum carolinense (Carolina Horsenettle, native), S. dulcamara (Bittersweet Nightshade, nonnative), and S. nigrum (Black Nightshade, a complex of native and non-native species).
Quercus Quest - September 2021
Native to the Northern Hemisphere, Oaks (Quercus) are iconic trees in forests and woodlands and symbols of resolute longevity. Ecologically important as food and shelter, Oaks support more than 900 species of Moths and Butterflies to rear their caterpillars, in turn feeding songbirds and other wildlife. There are 14 Oak species indigenous to New York City.
Milkweeds and Monarchs - August 2021
Eastern Monarch Butterflies have declined by more than 80% over the past two decades. Although the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service put Monarch Butterflies on the waiting list for Endangered Species Act listing in December 2020, that status does not provide protection for them or their habitat. Milkweed plants (Asclepias), the Monarch caterpillars’ only food source, have also declined.
Locate Lactuca - July 2021
Wild Lettuce (Lactuca) is a genus comprising about 100 species worldwide. In North America there are ten species, six of which occur in New York City. Two of our New York City species are endangered in New York State and haven’t been seen locally in decades, and one (Willowleaf Lettuce, Lactuca saligna) has been observed on iNaturalist, but needs further documentation.
Fern Foray - June 2021
Ferns are an evolutionary lineage of plants with vascular tissue like Conifers and Flowering Plants but that reproduce by spores like Mosses. In 1800 there were 60 indigenous Fern species in New York City. It is estimated that 30 percent of the original Fern flora is locally extinct and 20 percent of the remaining species are rare—primarily due to habitat loss.
Verify Veronica - May 2021
Veronica (Speedwell) is the largest genus in the Plantaginaceae family, with about 500 species. In New York City, there are 12 species: 8 introduced; 2 indigenous likely extinct (American Brooklime, V. americana and Marsh Speedwell, V. scutellata); 1 common indigenous (Purslane Speedwell, V. peregrina); and newly observed Pink Ivy-Leaved Speedwell (V. sublobata), which has tiny pink flowers and hairy flower stalks (pictured here).
Check for Cherries - April 2021
Flowering Cherry trees (Prunus spp.) are synonymous with spring, but the clouds of pink and white flowers that appear in early April are produced by exotic species introduced in the 20th century, a few of which are emerging invasives. Our native species such as Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) and Beach Plum (Prunus maritima) bloom in May and June, well after the leaves have fully developed.
Browse Bryophytes - March 2021
Bryophytes are tiny plants classified as Mosses, Liverworts, and Hornworts. They were the first plants to colonize land and are still important pioneers, establishing an ecological foothold on boulders, barrens, and even buildings. Although they require water for reproduction, they can survive long droughts by going dormant. You can help us conduct the first inventory of New York City’s Bryophytes.
Salute Skunk Cabbage - February 2021
The remarkable Skunk Cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus) is native to the northeast, occurring in swamps and wet woods. A member of the Arum family, most of the plant is underground, anchored by active, contracting roots that pull the buried stem downward. The flower clusters are thermogenic, producing enough heat to melt snow and enable the plant to bloom in late winter.
Locate Lichens - January 2021
Lichens are fungi that form associations with photosynthetic algae. Highly sensitive to air quality, Lichens were all but eliminated from New York City before federal regulations to curb pollution were enacted in 1970.
EcoQuest Challenge Archive
Continue to the New York City EcoFlora EcoQuest archive.
The New Manual of Vascular Plants
Interested in learning more about the region’s biodiversity? Check out The New Manual of Vascular Plants of Northeastern United States and Adjacent Canada, a project by NYBG and indispensable resource that provides new tools to identify plants in North America.
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