A cool farewell to Summer.
Off the Beaten Path: Hidden Gems of PA Parks
Pennsylvania is home to some incredible trails, parks, waters, and cities — and greenery, too! According to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, we have about 2,100 native plants. Not to mention, there’s around 613 trees for every one person in the state. From sunflowers to Moon trees, Pennsylvania’s parks are not short of natural green wonders. So, if you’ve come to read about some of the vibrant, colorful, and popular plants, flowers, and trees of PA and where to find them, you’ve certainly come barking up the right tree.
Parks in Full Bloom
Did you know Pennsylvania is home to five different native species of roses? You might not have realized because they don’t quite look like your stereotypical roses. Many of our roses have five petals and, believe it or not, come in colors other than red. In fact, they aren’t red at all! But hey, we still think they probably make for a nice Valentine’s Day gift. Allentown’s Parks and Recreation boasts the Malcolm Gross Rose Garden, a garden with All American roses, reflective ponds with waterlilies, gazebos, and even yoga sessions on Sundays.
Pretty in Pink
You may have seen it across many gardens and parks, but you may not have ever heard the name until now. The mountain laurel was named Pennsylvania’s state flower in 1933, mainly because of its presence in nearly every single county. The pale and hot pink petals make it beautiful, and most definitely unmissable. And a trip to the Laurel Highlands of PA may be the ideal destination to catch a glimpse.
There are many other wildflowers in Pennsylvania and many other places to spot them. One great way is to take a hike. You’ll be getting a feast for your eyes and a workout for your legs. And remember the tried-and-true phrase, “Look with your eyes, not your hands!” Avoid messing with, pulling out, or stepping on any of these natural beauties along your walk. VisitPA lists some of the best hiking trails to spot floral wonders, from bluebells to rhododendrons. (Try saying that five times fast!)
Don’t Mind the Dandelions
Another ubiquitous flower of PA is good enough to eat! Dandelions are a sight of childlike wonder when in white-puffball form, their golden yellow form, or maybe in their liquid form. Dandelion wine, anyone? But, it’s always best to be careful and know what is and isn’t allowed when it comes to picking flowers in parks and public areas. That said, if you do happen to safely and appropriately obtain some dandelions, invite us over for dinner!
Trees, Please!
Pennsylvania is no stranger to a variety of trees. Oaks, sycamores, and maples are some classic tree breeds you’re likely to find in our neck of the woods. In fact, mixed oak forests take up about 54 percent of the Commonwealth, with hardwoods taking up 32 percent. But there are some other native species that while they take up less space, they certainly make a big impact. Hungry to learn about them? Meet the black cherry tree. 30% of all U.S. volume of the black cherry tree is located in our great state. The cherry on top? Kane, Pennsylvania, is even known as the black cherry tree capital of the world. They’re pretty easy to spot since their bark becomes dark and scaly as it grows old (not to mention, its branches will be growing the dark delicious fruit from August through September). If you’re looking to catch a glimpse, you may want to check out Cherry Springs State Park, named after the abundant trees.
Help the Hemlocks
That’s right, the Eastern Hemlock is Pennsylvania’s state tree — but it is also in need of our help. This massive species is beautiful, ecologically beneficial for wildlife and trout streams, and unfortunately endangered by an invasive species. The Hemlock Natural Area in the Tuscarora State Forest makes for a great hike to see these large wonders.
Since autumn is steadily approaching, this is one of the best times to get out and see all that PA has to offer when it comes to gorgeous fall foliage. Better to catch a glimpse of these beautiful leaves before they fall off for winter. In Pennsylvania, spots like Fairmount Park, Three Rivers Heritage Trail, and York County Rail Trail, are privy to not only incredible fall colors, but other cool things to see (like those historic railways) — it’s two sights in one!
Once you head into the outdoors, if you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to ID’ing trees, the Pennsylvania Forest Stewardship Program has detailed how and what to look for in great detail.
Plants That Enchant
On top of the very common ragweed, we also have a great ragweed. This plant can grow up to a whopping 15 feet tall, with leaves up to 8 inches long. This giant of a plant often grows in fields and by stream banks. While this may be a cool plant to ID, keep in mind that one single ragweed plant can produce up to 1 billion pollen grains. For our allergy-attacked friends, this could easily be a nightmare — so careful when you go looking!
The Morris Arboretum and Gardens in Chestnut Hill, Pennsylvania, is a fun day to spend with the kiddos, and to get out to see some incredible plants and flowers. They have garden tours and info sessions about some pretty cool topics like prehistoric plants that made for great dino lunch!Looking to find other rare or special native plants of Pennsylvania? Check out the Wild Plant Sanctuary Program helping to create a network of sanctuaries to house native pollinators and unique and rare natural sights where they’re protected by the DCNR from things like timbering, etc.
With a state that is this abundant in history and horticulture, there’s plenty of ways to get out to a park or natural area and learn about some of our native trees, flowers, and plants. You’ve got the beginner lesson from us, now get out into the world and discover more!
