The animal and floral species of the marsh

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THE SPECIES ANIMALS AND FLORALS OF THE MARAIS

Marsh plant species

Marsh population
From the same family as the Bouton d'or, the Populage des marais lights up the place with its magnificent golden yellow from the beginning of spring. It gives the start of sunny days. Affecting wetlands it is preferable to find it in ditches. Impossible to miss !

Observation: March to May

Orchid with loose flowers
The loose-flowered orchid is characteristic of wet meadows. The mowing activity suits him perfectly as long as it is not done before mid-June to allow him to reproduce. It is one of two typical orchid species that love marshes with the Epipactis helleborine. It can grow in large quantities and stands of several hundred feet are not uncommon.

Observation: May to July

Officinal marshmallow
Have you noticed this tall, fluffy-looking plant whose flower strangely resembles a hollyhock? It's the Marshmallow. Both are close cousins of the Malvaceae family.
Originally the candy called "marshmallow" was made with mucilage from its roots. Replaced by animal gelatin for economic reasons, the plant is no longer part of the composition of this confectionery.

Observation: July to September

Great Hogweed of the Caucasus
This perennial species settles very easily in natural spaces and spreads in abundance. It belongs to the same family as the Carrot, and the Hemlock. The notable difference is that it can measure more than 4 meters!
This species is a danger for the native flora because it does not allow other plants to grow in the shade of its large leaves which sometimes exceed 1 m2. In addition, it is toxic and can cause blisters and burns when in contact with the sun. Not growing in areas open to the public, it is therefore recommended to stay on the paths.

Observation: July to October

Marsh animal species

Gray heron
In flight, hovering over the meadows, either immobile, posted waiting for a prey, the Gray Heron is one of the regulars of the place. It can be observed almost all year round. It feeds on pastures or on the edge of ponds, occasionally hunting frogs and field mice.

Observation: all year round

White stork
Often attached to the image of Alsace, the Stork colonized other regions. Normandy is one of its privileged host lands. Several hundred couples nest there, including one in the marsh since 2012. This gave birth to three young in the same year, two of which were able to take flight to Spain. Parents will remain faithful to their place of reproduction.

Observation: April to July

Bittern
The Bittern is more discreet than the Heron or the Stork. With its very mimetic plumage, it camouflages itself at the edge of the reed beds. This host is only passing through during winter. For the moment, the site does not have a reed bed large enough for it to nest! Funny feature: its melodious song resembles a cow's howling.

Observation: November to March

Tree frog
A frog climbing trees? But yes, this also exists in Normandy. In fact the tree frog is not very rare but can be discreet. You can still enjoy his love songs while walking in the evening in spring on sweet nights, around the "stork plot". At this period the males meet in choir in order to increase the range of their song and thus attract the females of the surroundings.

Observation: April to October