In this day and age, it is likely that any new plant found in a given area would be unwanted. Usually, new plants means aggressive, exotic (not native to northern Illinois or even North America) and it should be controlled by whatever means necessary before spreading all over. However, in the first week of work, Fermilab's consulting restoration ecologist, Ryan Campbell, found two desirable, rare, native species.
The first, Woodland Bluegrass (Poa sylvestris) has never been documented in the years of woodland surveys. Two reasons are possible. Either Dr. Betz and others overlooked this inconspicuous Poa, or it was established more recently through seed trades with local forest preserve ecologists. Either way, we are glad to have it with us in the woodlands of Fermilab.
The second plant is an exciting one! It is known for its blue fruits. These fruits are actually the ripe seed coat itself that burst through the plant ovary during development. It is blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides). We know that seeds of this species were traded to us from a local forest preserve some years ago.
The plants found (one mature and one young) are a testament to the successes of the restoration work here at Fermilab. Again, blue cohosh, we welcome you to your new home at Fermilab, in a woodland that continues to be restored and managed with the right ecological principles in mind.
Photo courtesy: Ryan Campbell
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