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 home to a considerably diverse range of flora. The Highlands region supports such an array of species due to its varying landscape. 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 cataloged 2585 plant species that belong to the Pennsylvania Highlands region using atlases, manuals and the USDA PLANTS database. This list was used to narrow down a list of flora that belongs particularly to the Pennsylvania Highlands region, which would be used in the future for proper identification and as a reference point for future conservation and ecological efforts in the Pennsylvania Highlands region. Further clarification was needed for some species to appropriately be considered an indicator species. Methods on species clarification are discussed.