Hiking the Appalachian Trail (A.T.), the first National Scenic Trail, is pivotal in the lives of people who have experienced walking almost 2,200 miles in the Appalachian Mountains from Georgia to Maine. Botanist and plant ecologist Ted Elliman, while he introduced a group of plant enthusiasts to the native flora of a short stretch of the A.T. in the Berkshires, peopled our minds with plants of such remarkable diversity of design and function that plants everywhere now shine with the light he shed on those we met in his company. The field session on the A.T. was part of “Natural Plant Communities,” a program sponsored by Berkshire Botanical Garden on July 13 and 15, 2023.
This photo-essay is a brief record of being guided in the landscape by Ted Elliman. The spirit of the Trail, and the trail, is the spirit of discovery and protection of the natural world: Leave No Trace.
One of the most puzzling plants, American Bear-Corn, Conopholis americana, is parasitic, deriving its nutrients from the roots of oaks (Quercus). “How a plant?” It does none of its own photosynthesis. The photograph above captures cone-shaped yellowish flowers that turn brown and may persist all winter, appearing shriveled and black by spring. It is eaten by deer and bears, who serve as effective dispersers of the seeds. (Paraphrased from GoBotany, Native Plant Trust.)
Eastern Bottlebrush Grass, Elmus hystrix, native to most of New England, often grows in sugar maple and American basswood forests, as well as floodplains. According to many sources, bottlebrush grass is easily grown from seed in well-drained soils in full sun to part shade; plants will readily self-seed in the garden under optimum growing conditions. Search local garden centers and nurseries as well as online for seed purveyors.
Four-leaved Milkweed, Asclepius quadrifolia, is extremely rare in most of New England. Missouri Botanical Garden reports that this plant is easily grown from seed in zones 5 to 8, and it will self-seed.
Distinguish Virginia Creeper from poison ivy: Notice the five leaflets of Parthenocissus quinquefolius.
Delightful to visit a Chinquapin Oak, yellow oak, Quercus muehlenbergii, a rare sight in New England and listed as threatened in Massachusetts.
The class had begun with plantain. As participants in the Natural Plant Communities program gathered, we looked at our feet, and the first, most ubiquitous plant we noticed was plantain. I assumed, with utmost confidence, that it was common plantain, Plantago major, a weed of European origin. Ted interjected, “Rugel’s plantain, Plantago rugelii, native to New England: Notice the base of the stems are red.” My mouth was agape as I never had experienced. I felt a sideways blow to my head. My eyes opened wide. And yes, the flower stalk bore pinkish florets.
Ted’s upcoming program, “Asters and Goldenrod,” offered by Berkshire Botanical Garden, convenes September 21 on Zoom, followed by a field excursion on September 23. 
A mostly easy stretch of the Appalachian Trail in the Berkshires is traced by the red line between Route 41, map left, and Kellogg Road in Sheffield, to the right. In the middle, at the Sheffield Road marker, there is access to the trail going east and west, with parking. Double back to return or access a larger map for longer hikes.
Recommended resources:
- Ted Elliman, “Wildflowers of New England,” Timber Press 2016/2022. (Available at Berkshire Botanical Garden gift shop.)
- Pamela B. Wetherbee, “Flora of Berkshire County.” (Out of print, search bookstores.)
- MassWildlife’s Natural Heritage and Invasive Species Program: Patricia Swain.