Market Square, January 1835 | Edward Peckham (1812–1889) | Rhode Island Historical Society
In addition to the diverse array of resident plants, Rhode Island also contains around 550 species that have been introduced and are now naturalized, meaning their populations are self-sustaining. At least 38 of these species are considered invasive: They dominate and outcompete resident species and significantly alter the plant communities in which they grow.
Along with invasive species, other threats such as urban and suburban development, road construction, habitat destruction, climate change and a host of other disturbances all present challenges to our native plants. At least 250 species are considered threatened or endangered, or their limited populations are “of concern” to botanists. Another 69 were historically present in the state but have not been seen for decades.
These exhibition examples from Cat Swamp represent some of the introduced and current rare species in Rhode Island.
Exploring the world of flowers is a wonderful introduction to nature in general. Seeking them out can lead to new places of wonder. The great thing about flowers is that they do not fly or run away. They will let you look, smell and study as long as you like. Clearly Peckham spent a great deal of his time outdoors studying and appreciating the world around him. He was not afraid to hike through the forest or get his feet wet in a marsh. He had a deep pride in Rhode Island and has left us with a collection of illustrations that are part of our botanical heritage.
1882 Hopkins Atlas of Providence | Rhode Island Historical Society
Solanum dulcamara L.
climbing nightshade, Solanaceae (nightshade family)
This plant is native in northern Africa, Europe and Asia. It is widely naturalized around the world and considered an invasive species in North America where it is common throughout New England and across most of the northern parts of the United States. The first record of this plant in New England is from the 1830s, and it was documented in Rhode Island in the 1840s. All parts of the plant are poisonous, as are many members of this family, which includes tomatoes, potatoes and tobacco. In Europe in the Middle Ages, this plant was thought to be effective against witchcraft, and it was often hung around the necks of cattle to ward off the “evil eye.”
The genus, Solanum, comes from an ancient Latin name meaning “comforter.” The species name, dulcamara, means “bittersweet.”
