Decoding The Land-Plants that provide clues to water in dry country

[NightShade]

Rushes and Cattails- sign of marshland or water very near the surface

Pickleweed- indicates salty water at or near the surface

Saltbush- indicates water near the surface but quality may be poor

Mesquite- indicates water is to be found 10 - 50 ft. below the surface

Reeds- signify good quality water very close to the surface

Black greasewood- generally means that mineralized water exists 10 - 40 ft. down

Rabbit brush- will only grow where water is within 15 ft. below ground

Elderberry shrubs- fairly good sign that water is about 10 ft. below ground

got this info from Reader's Digest's "Back to the Basics"
copyright 1981

good book with lots of valuable info.. reccomend picking it up if you see it at a yardsale or used bookstore

[COWBOYSURVIVAL]

Good Post NightShade... I am going to use this and research my property a bit! Thanks.

[Rick]

Algae - You're standing in water.

[NightShade]

Algae - Your standing in water.

LOL... didn't think of that 1!

[wildWoman]

Alders and cottonswoods up here. There will usually be a much denser, more varied vegetation than in the surrounding area, so if you train your eyes, you can pick out places like that from quite a distance away (assuming you're not where it's dead flat, that is...).

[wareagle69]

i have the same book night shade (big surpise)
another one i have noticed just from being out ther is jewelweed, every where i notice it, there is either a water source right there or it is a moist area where you can dig a hole and have water fill it up

[pocomoonskyeyes]

Yes and don't forget The Sycamore - it was used by Native Americans to mark spots where water was( Even if you don't see any). If you find at Sycamore that is bent at Right angles it is Probably an old marker left by them from long ago. Even if the water source is now contaminated,tap the Sycamore as you would a Sugar Maple and the sap rendered is Pure water, no contamination. A natural water filter.