On this page I'll document interesting and important species of trees, shrubs, and other plants common on our little plot of Minnesota for reference by the curious.
Trees | Shrubs | Other Plants
Trees
American Hophornbeam (Ironwood)
These are found scattered over the property, particularly along the two-track and the ATV loop. Its flowers, called catkins, are an important food source for ruffed grouse.
Bitternut Hickory
These are found sparsely along the northern edge of the property.
Black Ash
This tree is found alongside White Ash and others along the north side of the property.
Black Cherry
This tree is fairly rare at Riverbottoms but can be identified by its strikingly rough bark.
Common Buckthorn
This aggressively invasive species is found throughout the property. It is destructive in that it shades out all other understory trees and shrubs. It should be removed and treated with herbicide whereever it's not considered critical as habitat enhancement. It can be identified in late fall as one of the last leafy trees to remain green. Its wood ranges from bright yellow-green to orange.
Green Ash
This tree is repopulating our west meadow in large numbers.
Northern Red Oak
These are primarily found on the north end of the shed yard and behind the shed.
Quaking Aspen (Poplar)
This tree is primarily found in the northeast quadrant of the property, with a large grove along the shed yard.
Silver Maple
These are found throughout the property and are among the largest trees to be found at Riverbottoms. The Five Spot hunting stand is in a Silver Maple, and the river bridge is anchored to a cluster of them. They have shaggy bark with vertical strips. Leaves have a deep U shape between lobes.
Sugar Maple
These are found throughout the property. Their leaves have the classic Maple shape and their bark is more rough and solid than Silver Maple.
White Ash
This tree is found along the north border in our new habitat area.
White Pine
This tree is found in only a few places, but they're easy to spot. They're in the shed yard and along the two-track road.
Shrubs
Common Prickly-ash
This tall shrub is found in large mounds along the river in the west meadow and scattered sparingly throughout the property. It can be identified by its heavy thorns.
Smooth Sumac
This often vibrant plant is found primarily along the south edge of the shed yard.
Other Plants
Common Nettle
This plant is found throughout the southern river channel on the property. It features tiny hairs which deliver a stining toxin to bare skin. This can be avoided with heavy clothging and can be effectively washed away with water.
Virginia Iris
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