SUCCESSIONAL OLD FIELDS/URBAN LOT
Successional old fields/urban lots are home to some of the toughest native plants that New York
City can claim. These plants can thrive in areas with low nutrient levels, low permeability, a
minimal amount of organic matter, and high salinity levels resulting from urban fill and runoff.
Many may see these plants as “weeds” growing out of concrete cracks, but these pioneer
species can find their way in the most severe landscapes, providing important ecosystem
services. Many non-native species thrive in these communities as well. Native plants that can
compete with these non-native species are key players in maintaining a balance in the constant
battle of invasive plant control.
Examples Include: Van Cortlandt-Vault Hill (BX), Marine Park (BK), Central Park-North Woods
(MN), Idlewild (QU), Mount Loretto (SI).
Recommended Plants:
Graminoids
Andropogon virginicus Broom-sedge
Aristida oligantha Prarie threeawn
Carex blanda Eastern woodland sedge
Eragrostis spectabilis Purple lovegrass
Juncus tenuis Path rush
Tridens flavus Purpletop tridens
Panicum virgatum Switchgrass
Schizachyrium scoparium Little bluestem
Forbs
Apocynum cannabinum Indian hemp
Asclepias syriaca Common milkweed
Bidens frondosa Beggarticks
Desmodium paniculatum Panicled tick-trefoil
Eupatorium serotinum Late eupatorium
Euthamia graminifolia Lance-leaved goldenrod
Krigia virginica Virginia dwarfdandelion
Oenothera biennis Common evening primrose
Plantago aristata Largebracted plantain
Potentilla canadensis Dwarf cinquefoil
Potentilla simplex Common cinquefoil
Solidago canadensis Canada goldenrod
Solidago juncea Early goldenrod
Solidago nemoralis Gray goldenrod
Solidago rugosa Wrinkleleaf goldenrod
Solidago sempervirens Seaside goldenrod
Symphyotrichum ericoides White heath aster
Symphyotrichum laeve Smooth blue aster
Symphyotrichum pilosum Hairy white oldfield aster