ZION NATIONAL PARK, UTAH

Zion is the most visited National Park in Utah, making it difficult to maintain the native plants. The park uses a database to ensure the native plants are planted back in its natural habitat. Below are 3 species that have been brought to Zion National Park in various ways. 

 

 

Foxtail

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This plant can grow from 8-18 inches. It likes moisture, but is tolerant of drought. It reseeds freely and has hairy nodding heads of up to 4 inches. It's a type of plant dispersal. They can be health hazards for dogs and other animals.  This was brought by the migration of early Euro-American settlers in the late 1850s. Wildland fires and construction have lead to an increase of non-native species.

 

Rip-gut

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Harms animals that eat it with its sharp edges. The statement above applies here as well. This was brought by the migration of early Euro-American settlers in the late 1850s and wildland fires and construction have lead to an increase of non-native species. This plant was first introduced from Europe. It blooms from April to June. It's very flammable when it is dry. It's found in open distubed sites, roadsides, fields, and natural plant communities. The flower head resembles oats. They have tiny teeth which are the ones that can injure others.

 

Tamarisk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tamarisk was originally native to Europe and Asia, and was introduced in the US in the 1800s. It can tolerate extreme solinity. The flower color is pink and white and its seed type is fruit, specifially berry. To the feel, it is hairless and smooth and thrives in warm seasons. This was brought to control erosion but it is now taking over habitat of native species. 

 

Resources

 

Foxtail Barley (Hordeum jubatum). (n.d.).Blackfoot Native Plants.

Retrieved May 25, 2014, from http://www.blackfootnativeplants.com/foxtail-barley-hordeum-jubatum/blackfoot-native-plants/

 

Plant life in Zion - Zion's Flora. (n.d.). Plant life.

Retrieved May 24, 2014, from http://www.zionnational-park.com/zion-national-park-flora.htm

 

Plants of Texas Rangelands. (n.d.). » Saltcedar, Tamarisk.

Retrieved May 25, 2014, from http://essmextension.tamu.edu/plants/plant/saltcedar-tamarisk/

 

Rip-Gut Description. (n.d.).calphotos.berkely.ed.com

. Retrieved May 14, 1925, from http://calphotos.berkeley.edu/cgi/img_query?enlarge=0000+0000+0411+1003

 

Ripgut brome. (n.d.). Ripgut brome.

Retrieved May 25, 2014, from http://www.calflora.net/bloomingplants/ripgutbrome.html