Flora of Mecklenburg County

Welcome to the Flora of Mecklenburg County website, maintained by the staff at the James F. Matthews Center for Biodiversity Studies at Reedy Creek Nature Center. This site is intended as an educational tool to assist with plant identification in Mecklenburg County, with emphasis on plant species that have been documented within Park and Recreation properties. Ultimately, each plant listed will have a brief description accompanied by a photograph. Please be patient as this site is a work in progress.

Featured Species: Vernonia noveboracensis

New York Ironweed thrives in moist to wet soil and full sun but can adapt to partial shade and various soil conditions. This species can grow to 8 feet or higher in the right location but can be pruned in late spring to constrain its height. The purple blooms that appear in late summer are a favorite among pollinators attracting butterflies, moths and bees. Birds will eat the seeds that form later in the fall.

More Info: Flora of the Southeastern United States