Quartzite

Part of Hall of New York State Environment.

Museum case containing illustrations, graphics and models explaining the relations of plants to geology and soil in quartzite terrain.

The Poughquag Quartzite has bluish gray tone and a sharp fracture. The land is useless for agriculture.

The pink lady’s slipper, found in sterile woodlands, dry coastal sands, or sometimes in acid bogs, is far more abundant than either the yellow or the showy species. The checkerberry (also called wintergreen, teaberry, and mountain tea) grows in similar places, and the mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) is a frequent companion.

The soil profile shows a very thin layer of humus.