WORLD'S LAST KNOWN POPULATIONS OF LAKESIDE DAISIES: OH

COLUMBUS, OH -- One of the world's truly rare wildflowers is
thriving in an area on the Marblehead Peninsula in Ottawa County as a result
of donations to the state income tax check-off fund for nature preserves and
scenic rivers.
The Lakeside daisy is known to grow naturally in only three places
worldwide. The bright-yellow blooming perennial flourishes where few other
plants can - on nearly barren limestone bedrock in full sunlight, according
to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
Lakeside Daisy State Nature Preserve on the Marblehead Peninsula is
home to the only remaining natural population of this colorful wildflower in
the United States. The 19-acre preserve, a former limestone quarry, was
purchased by the ODNR Division of Natural Areas & Preserves in 1988 with
$50,000 in tax check-off funds. An additional $5,100 in check-off money was
used to make improvements at the preserve and build an educational display
for visitors.
"Lakeside Daisy State Nature Preserve is one of Ohio's great natural
treasures and an example of the rare and threatened ecosystems protected by
tax check-off donations," said ODNR Director Sam Speck.
While the Lakeside daisy is the preserve's "star" resident,
additional communities of unusual wildflowers flourish there. The most
significant are Great Plains ladies'- tresses, a rare wild orchid;
butterflyweed, a prairie species that blooms in mid-summer; balsam
squaw-weed; and spiked blazing-star, a dramatic wildflower that displays
big, purple blooms in the summer.
The preserve is open to the public during the month of May when the
daisies are in full bloom. During the remainder of the year, visitors must
obtain an access permit.
Approximately 300-400 people attend the preserve's annual open house
held in May. This year's event is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on
Saturday, May 10. Participants are urged to dress comfortably and wear
sturdy shoes, suitable for walking. Staff from the ODNR Division of Natural
Areas & Preserves will answer questions and provide details about this rare
Ohio wildflower.
Lakeside Daisy State Nature Preserve is located south of Marblehead
on the east side of Alexander Pike (Twp. Rd. 142), half-mile south of Route
163.

Source: ODNR