Identification of Pennsylvanian Highlands Plants

Abstract

The Mid-Atlantic Highlands region is an area that spans the four states of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania, and is nationally recognized for its considerably diverse range of flora. However, due to human occupation, human development and the introduction of invasive species, the flora of the Mid-Atlantic Highlands region are at risk. This study catalogued 2585 plant species that belong to the Pennsylvania Highlands region using atlases, manuals and the USDA PLANTS database. The addition of this list to previous research done by the BBG completed the first catalogue of flora specific to the Mid-Atlantic Highlands. This list will be used as a reference point for future conservation and ecological efforts in the Pennsylvania Highlands region.