Cedar Creek Natural History Area

Plants of Cedar Creek

Larix laricina (Tamarack) is an abundant deciduous conifer of wooded swamps.  Found in wetlands throughout the Area, but infrequent south of Co. Rd. 24 except in the swamp behind the Lab.

Four species of Pinus (Pines) occur here, and all but one naturally.  P. sylvestris(Scotch Pine) is an introduced pine (two twisted needles per fascicle) that is a common windbreak species bordering several old fields. Scattered P. strobus (White Pine—five fine needles per fascicle) are found throughout North Section as well as plantings at some homesites. P. resinosa (Red Pine—two long coarse needles per fascicle) occurs along Pine Ridge north of Cedar Bog Lake as well as at homesite plantings and plantations at South House and south of Beckman lake. P. banksiana (Jack Pine) occurs in stands south and east of Ice Lake, but many of these trees are old and dying and there appears to be no recruitment of this fire obligatory species.

Four species of Picea (Spruce) occur on the Area, but only one naturally.  P. mariana (Black Spruce) is found along the boardwalk to the mat bordering Beckman Lake.  This is likely its southernmost occurrence in Minnesota. P. abies (Norway Spruce) planted at South House, P. glauca (White Spruce) planted at South House and Corneia’s, and P. pungens (Colorado Blue Spruce) planted at Corneia’s.

Abies balsamea (Balsam Fir) has only been found off the east edge of Crone’s Knoll and in the woods by Corneia’s Cabin.  It is likely planted.