Appalachia’s intermittent and ephemeral streams - those that only flow during the wet months of winter and spring or during rain events - and water seeps play a key role in the regional ecology, even when no water is flowing. Many riparian species depend on the naturally damp conditions and organic materials present in intermittent and ephemeral stream beds. A few of the vascular plants closely associated with intermittent and ephemeral streams and water seeps include: woodland stonecrop (Sedum ternatum); heartleaf foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia); Virginia waterleaf (Hydrophyllum virginianum); and northern maidenhair fern (Adiantum pedatum). The photos above were taken along the Mon River Trail in May, 2014, during an especially rainy spring.
