Floristic Investigation of Crooked Creek Community of Juan Solomon Park, Indianapolis Indiana

Raelene M. Crandall
Rebecca W. Dolan, Butler University

Abstract

The protection of plant resources in urban areas is a growing conservation concern. InveI1lory activities that document species presence and stewardship plans that protect and enhance these areas are needed. The results of a botanical inventory of the Crooked Creek Community Juan Solomon Park in Indianapolis, Indiana, are reported in this paper. The 46-acre park contains three distinct habitats, supporting a wide variety of plants. One hundred seventy-nine vascular plant species from 64 families were identified, including 53 (29.6%) non-native species that are naturalizing within the park. Despite its high percentage of alien species and urban setting, the park is an important natural area. The flora's coefficient of conservatism was 54.1. Several exotic, invasive species (most notably garlic mustard, annul' bush honeysuckle, and wintercreeper) pose potential future threats to the park's natural flora, and management efforts should be focused on their removal.