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Breaks Interstate Park

Flora and Fauna

Breaks Interstate Park Orchis SpectabilisMore than 60 species of trees can be found here, including northern hardwoods such as walnut (Juglans sp.), chestnut oak (Quercus prinus), black oak (Quercus velutina), red oak (Quercus borealis), white oak (Quercus alba), locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), and beech (Fagus grandifolia). In spring, blossoms of white flowering dogwood, redbud (Cercis canadensis), cherry (Prunus serotina), and two varieties of magnolia sprinkle the woods with color and fragrance.

A wildflower field guide is helpful for identifying the herb robert (Geranium robertianium), showy orchis (Orchis spectabilis), bird's-foot violet (Viola pedata), Virginia bluebell (Mertensia virginica), cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis), and wood lily (Lilium philadelphicum). For variety, visitors might search the edges of rock outcrops, deep woods, stream edges, and river habitats.