Rare Plants of Fall Creek Gorge

Gorges provide conditions for plants not typically found in this area. From where you are standing, there are two uncommon plants growing on the gorge walls. On the north side of this bridge, the hot and dry limestone and shale ledges with little soil are ideal conditions for the rare little fern, rusty woodsia (Woodsia ilvensis). On the south side, the shade and cool water percolating through the rock walls provide constant moisture and cool temperatures for the rare Canadian primrose (Primula mistassinaca) and butterwort (Pinguicula vulgaris).