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Capulin Volcano National Monumentcolor photgraph of caterpillar
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Capulin Volcano National Monument
Exotic Species
 
Color photograph of Common Mullein in bloom.

NPS photo

Mullein

While the prairie surrounding Capulin is grazed by cattle, the prairie and grasslands within the monument are preserved in their native state. Unfortunately, interspersed among the native grasses are several nonnative plant species that disrupt the ecological integrity of the mixed-grass prairie. Common Mullein, Houndstongue, Hoary Cress, Cheatgrass and Russian Thistle are just some examples of invasive nonnative plants that are competing with the native species. The monument, through its resource management efforts, renders aid to the native prairie plants and actively discourages the invasive exotics.
 

Exotic Species

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 color photograph of flowers and grasses in prairie
Flowers and grasses
Short and mixed grass prairie species are found at the monument.
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 closeup color photograph of pinyon pine needles and immature cone
Pinyon pine branch
Pinyon/juniper woodlands cover most of Capulin Volcano
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color photograph of prairie with woods in foreground  

Did You Know?
The high plains of northeastern New Mexico, including Capulin Volcano, are where shortgrass prairie and mountain forest meet.

Last Updated: May 10, 2008 at 09:30 EST