Coral Bean (Erythrina herbacea) is a drought tolerant species that can survive in disturbed areas and prefers acidic soils. It grows as a shrub or small tree (up to 16 feet here in Florida) and is attractive to butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. However, BEWARE that the colorful springtime flowers do contain bright red seeds that are poisonous if ingested. Coral bean is a member of the pea family and is also commonly referred to as Cherokee bean.

Perennial glasswort (Salicornia perennis) is so called because of the crunching sound that occurs when the plant is broken or steeped upon. It really does sound like broken glass. Glasswort is a fleshy plant, growing matted and low to the ground, common in salt marsh areas such as Wolf Branch. Technically, it is an herb, with the salty stems being the edible part of the plant. Early Floridians both cooked and pickled glasswort due to its high salt content. Another common name for perennial glasswort is chickenclaws.

Sea Purslane (Sesuvium portulacastrum)  is an abundantly branched sprawling mat forming plant that grows on beaches, dunes, and, in the case of Wolf Branch, salt flats. It is often called the sea pickle because the fleshy stems and leaves are edible and taste much like a salty pickle. In Asia, this plant is grown as a vegetable. It is also beiong explored for medicinal purposes as a treatment for kidney disorders. Sea purslane blooms all year long in Florida with single small flowers with no petals.

Brazilian Peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolius) is an exotic (non-native), invasive, terribly aggressive plant in Florida. It invades all types of aquatic and terrestrial habitats in Florida and out competes native species, consequently reducing the quality of natural ecosystems. Brazilian pepper was originally introduced as an ornamental species for its showy red berries and now eradication has proved almost impossible. The berries are transported by birds and establish themselves almost anywhere they are deposited.  Even in a carefully restored area such as Wolf Branch, removal of this species is not achieved. BEWARE: Brazilian pepper is a member of the same family as poison ivy (Anacardiaceae) and is a skin and respiratory irritant to some people.

Prickly Pear (Opuntia humifusa) is a cactus with fleshy pad-like leaves that are covered with barbed bristles that can be painful and difficult to remove from the skin. The pads are edible and can root wherever they fall from a plant,  but BEWARE of the spines if you are going to try to handle them.

Fiddler Crabs (Uca spp.) are evidenced by their burrows all around Wolf Branch Creek. If you notice small holes in the ground surrounded by piles of round dirt or sand “balls” you have found the home of fiddler crabs. You may notice different size round clumps made by the fiddler crabs. These are products of either burrow excavation or digestion. Male fiddler crabs have one large front claw (hence the name fiddler) and one small one while females and young of the species only have two small claws. Fiddler crabs actually communicate with their large claw.

Mangroves: Wolf Branch Creek has all three different species mangrove species present: (1) the red (Rhisophoro mangle), which is typically found closest to the waters edge with its prop roots, (2) the black (Avicennia germinans) with finger like protrusions from the soil called pneumatophores, and (3) the white (Laguncularia racemosa) which may occupy slightly higher elevations. Mangroves all have the ability to survive in salt water by either excluding or eliminating salt from their systems. They all propagate well by allowing their seeds to sprout while still on the trees so the propagules can sprout where ever they land or are transported.

There are also a few critters to be CAUTIOUS of on your walks. Fire ants construct what appear to be loose sand mounds. Watch your step as these are home to thousands of ferocious biters! Wild boars also leave their mark on Wolf Branch Creek. Here you see their scat, but you will also see where they are traveled though and rooted up many areas. A walking stick can be a helpful tool if you should happen to encounter them.

Trespass: Wolf Branch Creek is a Restoration Area that has been created for the preservation of natural areas and the enjoyment of all. Respecting the rules and regulations of this area is essential. As you can see, the use of all terrain vehicles is very detrimental. It disrupts and disturbs both plant and animal communities. Please do your part to keep natural areas in great condition. Leash your pets, pack your trash, respect the rules and, most importantly, ENJOY!

Identified and pictured are just a few examples of the countless species of wildflowers, grasses, trees, birds, waterfowl, and animals that are present at Wolf Branch Creek.  

TAKE A WALK!

 SEE FOR YOURSELF!          MORE PHOTOS