List of wildflowers of Soldiers Delight facts for kids

The Soldiers Delight Natural Environment Area is a special place in Owings Mills, Maryland, USA, covering about 1,900 acres (7.7 square kilometers). Much of this area is a unique type of land called a serpentine barren. This kind of soil is unusual because it has high levels of certain minerals and low levels of others, making it a tough place for most plants to grow. However, some very rare and endangered plant species thrive here, making Soldiers Delight a really important spot for nature.

Discovering Wildflowers at Soldiers Delight

Soldiers Delight is like a hidden treasure chest for wildflowers! Because of its special serpentine soil, you can find many plants here that don't grow anywhere else nearby. These plants have adapted over time to live in this challenging environment. Scientists and plant lovers have studied this area for many years to understand and protect its amazing plant life.

What is a Wildflower?

Wildflowers are simply flowers that grow in nature without being planted or cared for by people. They are an important part of any ecosystem, providing food and shelter for insects, birds, and other animals. At Soldiers Delight, you can find all sorts of wildflowers, from tiny ones hiding in the grass to tall, colorful blooms.

Main Groups of Wildflowers

Plants are often grouped into big families based on their features. At Soldiers Delight, you'll find two main groups of flowering plants:

• Magnoliopsida - These are called dicotyledons or dicots. Their seeds usually have two "seed leaves" (cotyledons). Many common flowers, trees, and shrubs are dicots.
• Liliopsida - These are called monocotyledons or monocots. Their seeds have just one "seed leaf." Grasses, lilies, and orchids are good examples of monocots.

Common Wildflower Families You Might See

Here are some of the interesting wildflower families found at Soldiers Delight:

• Asteraceae - The Aster Family: This is a huge family with many familiar flowers. Think of plants like the bright yellow Black-eyed Susan (Maryland's state flower!), cheerful Ox-eye Daisy, and fluffy Dandelion. You might also spot Yarrow with its flat-topped clusters of tiny white flowers, or tall Joe-pye weed with its purple blooms.
• Apocynaceae - The Dogbane Family: This family includes Common Milkweed, which is super important for Monarch butterflies! Their caterpillars only eat milkweed leaves. You might also find Swamp Milkweed in wetter areas.
• Fabaceae - The Bean Family: This family includes many plants that can help improve soil quality. Look for Red Clover with its round, pinkish-purple flowers, or Wild Indigo which has pretty yellow blooms.
• Brassicaceae - The Mustard Family: Many plants in this family have small, four-petaled flowers. You might see Winter Cress or Wild Peppergrass.
• Caryophyllaceae - The Pink Family: This family includes delicate flowers like Deptford Pink with its small, spotted petals, and Common Chickweed which often grows low to the ground.
• Ericaceae - The Heath Family: These plants often prefer acidic soils. You might find Trailing Arbutus, a beautiful early spring bloomer with fragrant pink or white flowers, or the ghostly white Indian-pipe which doesn't have chlorophyll.
• Lamiaceae - The Mint Family: Many plants in this family have square stems and fragrant leaves. Keep an eye out for Heal-all, a common plant with purple flowers, or different types of Mountain-mint.
• Orchidaceae - The Orchid Family: Orchids are known for their unique and often beautiful flowers. Soldiers Delight is home to some, like the striking Pink Lady's Slipper with its large, pouch-like petal, and the elegant Showy Orchis. These are very special and need to be protected.

Why are some plants rare or endangered?

Some plants at Soldiers Delight are considered rare or endangered. This means there aren't many of them left, and they could disappear if we don't protect their homes. The unique soil of the serpentine barren creates a special habitat that only certain plants can survive in. When these habitats are disturbed or destroyed, the plants that depend on them are at risk. Protecting places like Soldiers Delight helps keep these special wildflowers alive for future generations.

See also

• Woody Plants of Soldiers Delight
• Graminoids of Soldiers Delight
• Ferns of Soldiers Delight
• Lichens of Soldiers Delight
• Lichens of Maryland