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The Rocky Bar and Shore – Water–willow Type natural community grows on rocky bars in the stream channels of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers in Harpers Ferry. It’s easy to recognize because it features one thing: American water-willow, a flowering plant (not a willow tree!) that grows in colonies, rooted in shallow flowing water.
Can you find this combination of key features?
Identifying This Natural Community
- A mass of water-willow plants (one to three feet tall) and very little else
- Shimmering dragonflies (on hot sunny days)
- Location: on a low rocky bar in the Potomac or Shenandoah River
If so, welcome to the Rocky Bar and Shore – Water-willow Type at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.
Not sure? Check out the Compare Natural Communities Tool.