Blueberries are members of the heath family that grow in acidic soils. Blueberries and leatherleaf frequently occur together in bogs. Leatherleaf is a key indicator of bogs.
Over thirty species of Sphagnums are characteristic of acidic bogs. They often form thick layers of peat as they grow on the top and die on the bottom. Pitcher-plants trap insects and use them as a source of nutrients.
Wild calla is a member of the arum family whose fruits contain calcium oxalate crystals that are very irritating. Thus the plants are not consumed by animals.
Duckweed, shown here floating on the water surface, is the smallest flowering plant, though it more frequently reproduces by dividing. This highly nutritious plant is important food for surface-feeding ducks such as American Black Ducks and Wood Ducks that visit the bog.
Ferns are ancient spore-bearing plants that grow along the edge of the bog.
Arrowhead tubers are known as duck potatoes and are consumed by waterfowl and other wildlife.
This photograph shows the beautiful mosaic of plants at the North Springfield bog.