Species: Elassoma boehlkei
Common Name: Carolina pygmy sunfish
http://www.fishbase.org/Photos/PicturesSummary.php?ID=6309&what=species
Basic Description: A small fish.
Reproduction Comments: Suspected to have a one-year life cycle (Smith 1996).
Ecology Comments: May exhibit pronounced variations in abundance (Rohde and Arndt 1987).
Habitat Type: Freshwater
Non-Migrant: N
Locally Migrant: N
Long Distance Migrant: N
Riverine Habitat(s): CREEK, Low gradient, MEDIUM RIVER, Pool
Palustrine Habitat(s): FORESTED WETLAND
Habitat Comments: Habitat includes shallow, quiet water (ponds, pools, streams, and roadside
ditches, including tidal freshwater), with a soft detritus-rich substrate and abundant emergent and/or
submerged aquatic vegetation; occurrences are in weakly alkaline to strongly acidic waters; often in
human-disturbed habitats (Shute et al. 1981, Rohde and Arndt 1987, Rohde 1997, Sandel and Harris
2006. P. W. Shute pers. obs.).
Length: 3 centimeters
Management Summary
Management Requirements: Emergency caretaking procedures are being developed to prevent
extirpation of evolutionarily
significant units (M. Salmon and J.R. Shute, personal communication, cited by Sandel and Harros
2007).
Biological Research Needs: Better information is needed on metapopulation dynamics, geographic
distribution, and life history (Sandel and Harris 2007).
Species: Heterodon simus
Common Name: Southern Hognose Snake
http://srelherp.uga.edu/snakes/hetsim.htm
Basic Description: A stocky snake with a sharply upturned snout.
General Description: A stocky, dark-blotched snake with a sharply upturned snout that is keeled
above; belly unpatterned or mottled with grayish brown; dorsal scales keeled; anal divided; length
usually 36-51 cm (up to 61 cm) (Conant and Collins 1991).
Diagnostic Characteristics: Differs from the eastern hognose snake (H. platirhinos) in that the
underside of the tail is not conspicuously paler than the belly (Conant and Collins 1991).
Reproduction Comments: Clutches of 6-10 eggs have been reported. Based on Heterodon nasicus,
females probably mature at 2-3 years, and some individuals likely live well into their second decade.
Hence generation length may be 5-10 years.
Non-Migrant: Y
Locally Migrant: N
Long Distance Migrant: N
Palustrine Habitat(s): Riparian
Terrestrial Habitat(s): Grassland/herbaceous, Old field, Savanna, Woodland - Conifer, Woodland Hardwood, Woodland - Mixed
Special Habitat Factors: Burrowing in or using soil, Fallen log/debris
Habitat Comments: This snake inhabits open, xeric habitats with well-drained, sandy or sandy-loam
soils such as sand ridges, stabilized coastal sand dunes, pine flatwoods, mixed oak-pine woodlands
and forests, scrub oak woods, and oak hammocks; also old fields and river floodplains (Ashton and
Ashton 1981, Palmer and Braswell 1995, Tennant 1997, Ernst and Ernst 2003). This snake spends
considerable time burrowed in the soil.
Adult Food Habits: Carnivore
Immature Food Habits: Carnivore
Food Comments: Eats mainly frogs and toads, sometimes lizards and small mammals (Ernst and
Barbour 1989). May use snout to excavate buried toads.
Adult Phenology: Crepuscular, Diurnal
Immature Phenology: Crepuscular, Diurnal
Length: 61 centimeters
Management Summary
Stewardship Overview: Research is urgently needed to determine the factor or combination of
factors responsible for the precipitous decline. Once the cause(s) is known, appropriate pro-active
management measures may be implemented, and activities shown to be deleterious may be avoided.
Specific research on the relationship, if any, between the disappearance of this species and the
appearance of imported fire ants is needed.
Management Requirements: Implement/continue seasonally appropriate burning programs in pyric
communities. Environmentally benign fire ant control may be beneficial (necessary?) on sites that still
support H. simus but that are at edge of or within the belt of fire ant expansion.
Management Research Needs: Better information on ecology and behavior is needed (Ernst and
Barbour 1989). See Management Summary.
Species: Myotis sodalis
Common Name: Indiana bat
http://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/mammals/inba/
Basic Description: A small bat.
General Description: Pelage very fine and fluffy, dull grayish chestnut above (hair tips slightly glossy;
basal two-thirds blackish, followed by a grayish band and cinnamon tip), pinkish white underparts;
membranes and ears blackish-brown; total length 75-102 mm; tail length 27-44 mm; wingspread 240267 mm; length of head and body 41-49 mm; ear 10-15 mm, does not extend past end of nose when
laid forward; forearm 36-41 mm; calcar obviously keeled (not always evident in dried study skins); hind
foot small, 7-11 mm, hairs do not extend beyond toes; mass 5-11 g; greatest length of skull 14.2-15.0
mm, usually greater than 14.5 mm; length of maxillary toothrow 5.2-5.6 mm; complete sagittal crest
usually present in adults; dentition I 2/3, C 1/1, P 3/3, M 3/3 (Hall 1981, Barbour and Davis 1969,
Sealander 1979).
Diagnostic Characteristics: Differs from M. grisescens, M. lucifugus, M. velifer, and M.
austroriparius in having an obviously keeled calcar. Has shorter ears than does M. septentrionalis (in
which the ears extend more than 2 mm beyond the nose when laid forward). Lacks the distinct black
face mask of M. leibii, which has a shorter skull (greatest length 13.1-14.7 mm, usually less than 14.5
mm). Skull is smaller, narrower, and lower than that of M. lucifugus. Myotis lucifugushas long hairs on
toes, foot length greater than 10 mm, fur with a glossy sheen. Myotis grisescens has fur the same
color from base to tip, and web attached to ankle. Myotis austroriparius has long hairs on toes and foot
is greater than 10 mm. Pipistrellus subflavus is smaller, with a lightly colored forearm, partially furred
tail membrane, and paler fur. See Barbour and Davis (1969).
Reproduction Comments: Mating occurs from late August to early October prior to hibernation, or in
spring. Bats assemble at cave entrances at dusk and dawn in late August and September. Such
staging is believed to facilitate breeding and reduce the chances of inbreeding in small summer
colonies (Humphrey and Cope 1977). Males arrive first at the staging areas. Females begin to appear
as early as late July, and the number of bats and the proportion of females rise to a maximum in early
September. Ovulation takes place after the bats arouse in spring. Delayed fertilization (from sperm
stored during the autumn matings) occurs in most reproductively active females (Guthrie 1933). Young
are born in June-July. Litter size is 1. Young first fly at 25-37 days. Maximum longevity is about 15
years. A maternity roost in Illinois included up to 95 individuals (including juveniles) (Kurta et al. 1993).
Main tree roost in Michigan was inhabited by up to 45 individuals (Kurta et al. 1993).
In Indiana, Humphrey et al. (1977) studied a maternity colony that contained between 25 and 28
reproductively active females. Females arrived at the roost sites starting on May 4, with the majority
arriving in late May. Each female bore a single young between June 25 and July 4. The young required
about 25 to 37 days before learning to fly; this time interval was dependent on weather, particularly the
temperature. Mortality between birth and weaning was about 8%. The authors observed mothers
moving non-volant young to warmer roost spots. Apparently, the first flights of the young were tandem
flights with the mother.
Ecology Comments: Hibernating individuals characteristically form large, compact clusters of as
many as 5,000 individuals (averaging 500 to 1,000 bats per cluster; Hall 1962). These individuals may
be difficult to discern in these clusters that average 300 individuals per square foot (LaVal and LaVal
1980). Clusters form in the same area in a cave each year, with more than one cluster possible in a
particular cave (Hall 1962, Engel et al. 1976). Clustering may perform certain functions, such as
protecting the central individuals from temperature changes (Twente 1955), reducing the sensitivity of
most bats to external disturbance (Hall 1962), or rapid arousal and escape from predators (Humphrey
1978).
Garner and Gardner (1992) reported the following data on movements of foragers in Indiana. Data are
sequenced as follows: reproductive condition-sex-age, number of individuals, number of nights, mean
foraging range (ha), distance (km) (mean distance from the roost to the geometric center of foraging
range). FEMALE: adult pregnant, 2, 8, 51.85, 1.05; adult lactating, 5, 16, 94.25, 1.04; adult postlactating, 1, 6, 212.67, 2.60; volant juvenile, 2, 3, 37.00, 0.25. MALE: adult nonreproductive, 2, 6,
57.33, 0.56; volant juvenile nonreproductive, 2, 4, 28.25, 0.54. A post lactating female had the largest
foraging range. Pregnant adults traveled farther than 1 km to reach preferred foraging areas but had a
smaller mean foraging range.
In Indiana, 11 foraging adult females that were tracked for 2-7 days moved up to 8.4 km from their
roost; home range during this period averaged 3.35 square kilometers (335 ha) (Sparks et al. 2005).
Indiana bats show strong homing instincts after being released varying distances from their
hibernaculum. For example, when Hassel (1963) released bats to the west of a winter cave in
Kentucky, over 68% returned to the cave from 12 miles away and only 4% returned from 144 miles
away. Hassell and Harvey (1965) released approximately 500 female bats in all directions (up to 200
miles from their winter cave) and found that over two-thirds returned. Hassell and Harvey (1965) noted
much stronger homing tendencies along a north-south axis, the direction for migrating to and from
summer roosts, than along the east-west direction. Strong homing tendencies are reflected in fidelity to
hibernacula; although only 180 miles apart (east to west), the two major hibernating populations in
Kentucky do not appear to mix (Hall 1962, Barbour and Davis 1969).
Female survivorship in an Indiana population was 76% for ages 1 to 6 years, and 66% for ages 6 to 10
years (Humphrey and Cope 1977). Male survivorship was 70% for ages 1 to 6 years and 36% for ages
6 to 10 years. Maximum ages of banded individuals were 15 years for females and 14 years for males.
Habitat Type: Terrestrial
Non-Migrant: N
Locally Migrant: Y
Long Distance Migrant: Y
Mobility and Migration Comments: Northern breeding populations migrate south to limestone cave
area in Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Missouri, and West Virginia. Winter and summer
habitats may be as much as 480 km apart (Layne 1978). Migrants leave hibernation sites in late March
and April. Females generally leave earlier than do males, with the greatest exodus in mid- to late April
(Barbour and Davis 1969). Some males migrate while most remain in the general geographic vicinity of
the hibernaculum throughout the summer (Hall 1962).
Migration from nursery roosts occurs during late summer; arrival at hibernacula occurs from late
August to early September (Barbour and Davis 1969). Staging or swarming occurs from September to
mid-October and involves a large number of bats congregating at the mouths of a few caves. Migrants
are primarily females; males are more likely to stay near the hibernaculum.
Kurta and Murray (2002) banded 29 adult females, 2 juveniles, and 1 adult male from a maternity
colony in Michigan. Four banded bats were later found in Indiana and Kentucky, hibernating in caves
that were separated by 100-325 km, indicating that all members of a summer colony do not hibernate
or mate in the same location. Migration distances were approximately 410, 424, 472, and 532 km
(mean 460 km) for the four bats.
Palustrine Habitat(s): FORESTED WETLAND, Riparian
Terrestrial Habitat(s): Forest - Hardwood, Forest - Mixed, Forest/Woodland, Woodland - Hardwood
Subterranean Habitat(s): Subterrestrial
Special Habitat Factors: Standing snag/hollow tree
Habitat Comments: Myotis sodalis hibernates in caves; maternity sites generally are behind loose
bark of dead or dying trees or in tree cavities (Menzel et al. 2001). Foraging habitats include riparian
areas, upland forests, ponds, and fields (Menzel et al. 2001), but forested landscapes are the most
important habitat in agricultural landscapes (Menzel et al. 2005).
In hibernation, limestone caves with pools are preferred. Hall (1962) noted that preferred caves are of
medium size with large, shallow passageways. Roosts usually are in the coldest part of the cave.
Preferred sites have a mean midwinter air temperature of 4-8 C (tolerates much broader range) (Hall
1962, Henshaw and Folk 1966), well below that of caves that are not chosen (Clawson et al. 1980).
Roost sites within caves may shift such that bats remain in the coldest area (Clawson et al. 1980);
individuals may move from a location deeper in the cave to a site nearer the entrance as the cold
season progresses; they may move away from areas that go below freezing. Hibernation in the coldest
parts of the cave ensures a sufficiently low metabolic rate so that the fat reserves last through the sixmonth hibernation period (Henshaw and Folk 1966, Humphrey 1978). Relative humidity in occupied
caves ranges from 66 to 95% and averages 87% throughout the year (Barbour and Davis 1969,
Clawson et al. 1980). Because of these requirements, M. SODALIS is highly selective of hibernacula.
During the fall, when these bats swarm and mate at their hibernacula, males roost in trees nearby
during the day and fly to the cave during the night. In Kentucky, Kiser and Elliott (1996) found males
roosting primarily in dead trees on upper slopes and ridgetops within 2.4 km of their hibernaculum.
During September in West Virginia, males roosted within 5.6 km in trees near ridgetops, and often
switched roost trees from day to day (C. Stihler, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, pers.
observ., October 1996, cited in USFWS 1999). Fall roost trees tend to be in sunnier areas rather than
being shaded (J. MacGregor, pers. observ., October 1996, cited in USFWS 1999).
In summer, habitat consists of wooded or semiwooded areas, often but not always along streams.
Solitary females or small maternity colonies bear their offspring in hollow trees or under loose bark of
living or dead trees (Humphrey et al. 1977, Garner and Gardner 1992). Humphrey et al. (1977)
determined that dead trees are preferred roost sites and that trees standing in sunny openings are
attractive because the air spaces and crevices under the bark are warmer. In Illinois, Garner and
Gardner (1992) found that typical roosts were beneath the exfoliating bark of dead trees; other roost
sites were beneath the bark of living trees and in cavities of dead trees. Kurta et al. (1993) found a
large maternity colony in a dead, hollow, barkless, unshaded sycamore tree in a pasture in Illinois. In
Michigan, a reproductively active colony occupied eight different roost trees (all green ash), all of which
were exposed to direct sunlight throughout the day; bats roosted beneath loose bark of dead trees
(Kurta et al. 1993). In western Virginia, a male used a mature, live, shagbark hickry tree as a diurnal
roost; the bat foraged primarily among tree canopies of an 80-year-old oak-hickory forest (Hobson and
Holland 1995). In Missouri, primary maternity roosts were in standing dead trees exposed to direct
sunlight; there were 1-3 primary roosts per colony; alternate roosts were in living and dead trees that
typically were within the shaded forest interior (Callahan et al. 1997). See Garner and Garner (1992)
for detailed information on summer habitat in Illinois. Though maternity sites have been reported as
occurring mainly in riparian and floodplain forests (Humphrey et al. 1977, Garner and Gardner 1992),
recent studies indicate that upland habitats are used by maternity colonies much more extensively
than previously reported. Garner and Gardner (1992) reported that 38 of 51 roost trees in Illinois
occurred in uplands and 13 trees were in floodplains. Of the 47 trees in forested habitat, 27 were in
areas having a closed (80-100%) canopy, and 15 were in areas having an intermediate (30-80%)
canopy. A single roost tree was found in the following types of habitat: a heavily grazed ridgetop
pasture with a few scattered dead trees, a partially wooded swine feedlot, a palustrine wetland with
emergent vegetation, a forested island in the Mississippi river, and a clearcut around a segment of an
intermittent stream where dead trees were retained for wildlife. Roosts were not found in forests with
open canopies (10-30%) or in old fields with less than or equal to 10% canopy cover. In eastern
Tennessee and western North Carolina, several maternity colonies were in sun-exposed conifer snags
(roost sites were above the surrounding canopy); some of these snags fell and were not used in
subsequent years (Britzke et al. 2003). Rarely maternity colonies have been found in crevices in utility
poles or in bat boxes (e.g., Ritzi et al. 2005). See Menzel et al. (2001) for a review of forest habitat
relationships.
Known roost tree species include elm, oak, beech, hickory, maple, ash, sassafras, birch, sycamore,
locust, aspen, cottonwood, pine, and hemlock (Cope et al. 1974, Humphrey et al. 1977, Garner and
Gardner 1992, Britzke et al. 2003, Britzke et al. 2006), especially trees with exfoliating bark.
In Illinois, Indiana bats used the same, evidently traditional, roost sites in successive summers.
Recapture of the same individuals within traditional roost sites during subsequent summers suggests
site fidelity (Garner and Gardner 1992, Gardner et al. 1996).
Relatively few individuals roost in caves at the mouths of which late summer swarming occurs (Cope
and Humphrey 1977, Barbour and Davis 1969).
Adult Food Habits: Invertivore
Immature Food Habits: Invertivore
Food Comments: Flying insects are the typical prey items; diet reflects prey present in available
foraging habitat. Forages along river and lake shorelines, in the crowns of trees in floodplains
(Humphrey et al. 1977), and in upland forest (Brack and LaVal 1985). In Illinois, generally foraged
within about a mile of roost tree (Garner and Gardner 1992). In Indiana, reproductively active females
showed a preference for foraging in floodplain forests with closed canopies and impounded water
(farm ponds; Garner and Gardner 1992). The foraging habitat for an Indiana colony included an
airspace 2-30 m above a stream and a linear distance of 0.8 km; foraging density was 17-29 bats/ha;
feeding rate on aerial insects was 8-17 capture attempts/minute (Humphrey et al. 1977).
Adult Phenology: Hibernates/aestivates, Nocturnal
Immature Phenology: Hibernates/aestivates, Nocturnal
Phenology Comments: Females begin hibernation soon after mating, whereas males often remain
active through mid-October to November (Cope and Humphrey 1977). Most individuals are in
hibernation by late November although some are still active until December (Barbour and Davis 1969).
Activity is resumed generally in April, with few bats still in the hibernation caves by mid-May. In
Michigan, bats were present at tree roosts as late as 10 September (Kurta et al. 1993). Primarily
nocturnal.
Colonial Breeder: Y
Length: 9 centimeters
Weight: 8 grams
Management Summary
Stewardship Overview: Summer habitats need to be identified and protected. Monitoring of
hibernacula should continue and entry to hibernacula should be restricted using signs, gates, or
fences. Proper gating and fencing is critical. Before any management decisions are made concerning
physical barriers at hibernacula, managers should consult with members of the Indiana bat recovery
team (see MONIT.PROG for contact information).
Restoration Potential: A number of important hibernacula have been secured with varying success
(see USFWS recovery plan). Further research is necessary to determine the recovery potential of
summer roost sites.
Management Requirements: Hibernacula need continued protection and management (Engel et al.
1976, Thom 1981). Cave management involves preventing human disturbance. In addition, because
deforestation alters cave temperature, humidity, and air and water flow, forests above and around
hibernacula should not be dramatically altered.
Signs at cave entrances may be used at most caves but should not be used at well-concealed caves
where the sign might attract visitors. All signs should contain a warning and may include information on
the Indiana bat (Brady et al. 1983). Signs should not block air flow or bat flight.
In many cases, signs are not adequate to prevent human disturbance. Gating may be appropriate if
the size and shape of the entrance are amenable. Improperly constructed gates can impede air flow
and/or fill with debris; this may alter internal temperature/humidity characteristics, prevent bat flight, or
subject bats to severe predation; abandonment of the site may result. Any constructed physical
barriers should be monitored after they are in place. For details of acceptable types of physical barriers
see Tuttle and Stevenson (1978) and Tuttle (1977).
Fences are less expensive than gates but are easier to vandalize and climb. Chain link fences should
have barbed wire on the top to discourage climbers, but the wire should not protrude into bat flying
space (Brady et al. 1982, 1983). Fences have successfully blocked flooded entrances adjacent to
reservoirs (Brady et al. 1983). See Tuttle and Stevenson (1978) and Tuttle (1977) for further details.
Eliminating trails to cave entrances prevents many people from finding the cave. Public education,
prosecution of trespassers, and strict control over who may enter the hibernacula may reduce human
disturbance.
Habitat within the currently delineated summer range needs to be identified as suitable or essential
according to the guidelines set forth by Garner and Gardner (1992). If activity is planned in suitable or
essential habitats, a mist net survey for Indiana bats should be conducted. If M. SODALIS is present,
the project should be altered accordingly or terminated (Garner and Gardner 1992). Summer roosts
and surrounding forest and foraging areas need to be maintained in as natural a state as possible
(Brady et al. 1983, Garner and Gardner 1992), so that cave temperature, humidity, and air and water
flow, forests above and around hibernacula should not be dramatically altered.
Habitat within the currently delineated summer range needs to be identified as suitable or essential
according to the guidelines set forth by Garner and Gardner (1992). If activity is planned in suitable or
essential habitats, a mist net survey for Indiana bats should be conducted. If M. SODALIS is present,
the project should be altered accordingly or terminated (Garner and Gardner 1992). Summer roosts
and surrounding forest and foraging areas need to be maintained in as natural a state as possible
(Brady et al. 1983, Garner and Gardner 1992).
Draft revised recovery plan became available in 1999 (www.fws.gov/r3pao/bat.pdf).
See Luensmann (2005) for some detailed management recommendations.
Monitoring Requirements: Searches for summer populations should be conducted where
impoundments are proposed (reservoirs may destroy foraging habitat and nursery colonies) (Layne
1978).
Miniature radio-transmitters can be used to study roosting ecology and foraging behavior in summer
habitat (Garner and Gardner 1992).
Since disruption during hibernation is detrimental, winter censuses should be conducted no more
frequently than every other year; preferred dates are between January 15 and February 15. To reduce
disturbance during a census, the cave should be mapped in the fall before the bats arrive. During the
census, only two or three trained people should be involved, and they should collect the minimum data
needed. Bright lights directly on the bats and excessive noise should be avoided. To estimate total
population, measure the number of square feet of cave wall covered by roosting bats and multiply by
300 bats/square foot (Brady et al. 1983).
See Garner and Garner (1992) for mist netting guidelines.
Management Research Needs: (1) Identify summer habitat requirements, and determine the effect of
disturbance and habitat degradation. (2) Assess effects of cave management. (3) Study the effect of
pesticides. (4) Study food sources, foraging habitat requirements, and threats to food resources. (5)
Study reproductive biology and potential for artificial propagation and stocking.
In the early 1990s, the recovery team recommended that genetic studies be initiated to determine if
small peripheral populations warrant special protection (End. Sp. Tech. Bull. 16(6):10).
Species: Iasmigona decorata
Common Name: Carolina Heelsplitter
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3d/Lasmigona_decorata_shell.jpg
Basic Description: A freshwater mussel with a greenish brown to dark brown shell. Younger shells
may have faint rays.
General Description: The shell is an ovate trapezoid with the dorsal margin straight and may end with
a slight wing. The umbo is flattened. Beaks are depressed and projectr a little above the hinge line.
The beak sculpture is double-looped. The unsculpltured shell can have a yellowish, greenish or
brownish periostracum. Periostracum can also have greenish or blackish rays. The lateral teeth may or
may not be well developed, in most cases they are thin. The pseudocardinal teeth are lamellar and
parallel to the dorsal margin, and there is a slight interdentum. Nacre varies from an iridescent white to
a mottled pale orange (Adams et al., 1990).
Diagnostic Characteristics: The Carolina heelsplitter has an ovate, trapezoid-shaped, unsculptured
(smooth with no distinct bumps or protrusions) shell. The shell of the largest known specimen
measures 11.5 centimeters (cm) (4.5 inches (in)) in length, 3.9 cm (1.5 in) in width, and 6.8 cm (2.7 in)
in height. The shell's outer surface varies from greenish brown to dark brown in color, and shells from
younger specimens have faint greenish brown or black rays. The nacre (inside surface) is often pearly
white to bluish white, grading to orange in the area of the umbo (bulge or beak that protrudes near the
hinge of a mussel). However, in older specimens the entire nacre may be a mottled pale orange. The
hinge teeth (pseudocardinal teeth and lateral teeth) of the species are well developed but thin and
rather delicate. The left valve (half of a mussel shell) has two bladelike pseudocardinal teeth and two
lateral teeth, and the right valve has one of each. The left valve may also have an interdental
projection, a slight projection located between the lateral and pseudocardinal teeth (adapted from
Keferl, 1991). Clarke (1985) provides a detailed description of the shell, with illustrations.
Reproduction Comments: Living specimens have been collected in late June, August and late
October and none had any glochidia (Adams et al., 1990). Eads et al. (2010) found the species gravid
from January and late February indicating it is bradytichtic, spawning in late summer or fall, and
releasing glochidia in late winter or spring of the following year. Eads et al. (2010) confirmed the
following fish hosts: bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), satinfin shiner (Cyprinella analostana), bluehead
chub (Nocomis leptocephalus), golden shiner (Notemigonus crysoleucas), whitemouth shiner (Notropis
alborus), highfin shiner (Notropis altipinnis), spottail shiner (Notropis hudsonius), yellow bullhead
(Ameiurus natalis); with pirate perch (Aphredoderus sayanus), largemouth bass (Micropterus
salmoides), redlip shiner (Notropis chiliticus), fantail darter (Etheostoma flabellare), tessellated darter
(Etheostoma olmstedi) serving as poor hosts (<10% transformation rate).
Habitat Type: Freshwater
Non-Migrant: Y
Locally Migrant: N
Long Distance Migrant: N
Riverine Habitat(s): CREEK, Low gradient, MEDIUM RIVER, Pool
Lacustrine Habitat(s): Shallow water
Special Habitat Factors: Benthic
Habitat Comments: It exists in very low abundances, usually within 2 m of shorelines, throughout its
known range. Its best populations are found in areas with significant woodland as a dominant land use.
Substrates found in creek reaches associated with the species vary from clay to various combinations
of coarse substrates. It appears that creeks with complex mixtures of fine to coarse substrates may be
required by the species and / or its fish host(s). It also appears that the species now exists in creeks or
small rivers near or within the transition from Piedmont to Coastal Plain / Sandhills physiographic
regions (Alderman 1998a). Past records indicate this mussel may have also inhabited mill ponds.
Length: 6.8 centimeters
Management Summary
Stewardship Overview: This species was listed as federally endangered in the U.S. in 1993 and a
recovery plan created (USFWS, 1996). Also, critical habitat was designated (USFWS, 2002).
Alderman (1998b) prepared a Carolina heelsplitter threat analysis for the U.S. Forest Service's Sumter
National Forest. Critical habitat was designated (USFWS, 2002) for the following areas: Unit 1 Goose
Creek and Duck Creek (Pee Dee River system), Union County, North Carolina (encompasses 7.2 km
of the main stem of Goose Creek, Union County, North Carolina, from the N.C. Highway 218 Bridge,
downstream to its confluence with the Rocky River, and approximately 8.8 km of the main stem of
Duck Creek, Union County, North Carolina, from the Mecklenburg/Union County line downstream to its
confluence with Goose Creek); Unit 2 Waxhaw Creek (Catawba River system), Union County, North
Carolina (encompasses 19.6 km of the main stem of Waxhaw Creek, Union County, North Carolina,
from the N.C. Highway 200 Bridge, downstream to the North Carolina/ South Carolina State line); Unit
3 Gills Creek (Catawba River system), Lancaster County, South Carolina (encompasses 9.6 km of the
main stem of Gills Creek, Lancaster County, South Carolina, from the County Route S-29-875,
downstream to the S.C. Route 51 Bridge, east of the city of Lancaster); Unit 4 Flat Creek (Pee Dee
River system), Lancaster County, South Carolina, and the Lynches River (Pee Dee River system),
Lancaster, Chesterfield, and Kershaw Counties, South Carolina (encompasses 18.4 km of the main
stem of Flat Creek, Lancaster County, South Carolina, from the S.C. Route 204 Bridge, downstream to
its confluence with the Lynches River, and approximately 23.6 km of the main stem of the Lynches
River, Lancaster and Chesterfield Counties, South Carolina, from the confluence of Belk Branch,
Lancaster County, northeast (upstream) of the U.S. Highway 601 Bridge, downstream to the S.C.
Highway 903 Bridge in Kershaw County, South Carolina); Unit 5 Mountain and Beaverdam Creeks
(Savannah River system), Edgefield County, South Carolina, and Turkey Creek (Savannah River
system), Edgefield and McCormick Counties, South Carolina (encompasses 11.2 km of the main stem
of Mountain Creek, Edgefield County, South Carolina, from the S.C. Route 36 Bridge, downstream to
its confluence with Turkey Creek; approximately 10.8 km of Beaverdam Creek, Edgefield County, from
the S.C. Route 51 Bridge, downstream to its confluence with Turkey Creek; and approximately 18.4
km of Turkey Creek, from the S.C. Route 36 Bridge, Edgefield County, downstream to the S.C. Route
68 Bridge, Edgefield and McCormick Counties, South Carolina); and Unit 6 Cuffytown Creek
(Savannah River system), Greenwood and McCormick Counties, South Carolina (encompasses
approximately 20.8 km of the main stem of Cuffytown Creek, from the confluence of Horsepen Creek,
northeast (upstream) of the S.C. Route 62 Bridge in Greenwood County, South Carolina, downstream
to the U.S. Highway 378 Bridge in McCormick County) for a total of 148.2 linear km of critical habitat.
Biological Research Needs: Possible fish hosts need to be determined for this species. The effects
of various pesticides and increased nutrient loading need to be determined.
Species: Elliptio lanceolata
Common Name: Yellow Lance
http://216.27.39.101/Wildlife_Species_Con/WSC_Mussel_16.htm
Basic Description: A freshwater mussel
General Description: This elongate, freshwater mussel has shells over twice as long as tall. The
periostracum is usually bright yellow over the entire surface in younger individuals. Older individuals
may have a brown discoloration at the posterior end of the shell. Uniformly brown individuals are also
found, however, yellow and brown individuals are not found at the same location. The nacre may
range from salmon to white to an iridescent blue color. The posterior ridge is distinctly rounded and
curves dorsally toward the posterior end. Rays are usually never present; however, one individual has
been onserved with three wide, prominent green rays on the posterior third of the shell in the Tar River
drainagte basin. Brownish growth rests are clearly evident on the periostracum. The palolial line and
adductor muscle scars are less impressed than the anterior adductor muscle scars. The lateral teeth
are long- two on the left valve and one on the right valve. Two pseudocardinal teeth are on each valve.
On teh left valve one is before the other with the posterior tooth tending to be vestigial. On the right
valve, the two pseudocardinal teeth are parallel with the more anterior one rather vestigial (Adams et
al., 1990).
Reproduction Comments: Ortmann (1919) found gravid females during the spring in the James
River. Gravid females have been found in the Tar River drainage basin in June (Alderman in Adams et
al., 1990). Glochidia are hookless. Hosts are unknown.
Habitat Type: Freshwater
Non-Migrant: Y
Locally Migrant: N
Long Distance Migrant: N
Mobility and Migration Comments: This species probably is rather sessile with only limited
movement in the substrate. Passive downstream movement may occur when mussels are displaced
from the substrate during floods. Major dispersal occurs while glochidia are encysted on their hosts.
Riverine Habitat(s): CREEK, MEDIUM RIVER
Special Habitat Factors: Benthic
Habitat Comments: This species is found in sandy substrates, rocks and in mud, in slack water areas
(Johnson, 1970), but apparently is absent from lakes (Britton and Fuller, 1979). It is also found buried
deep in sand and may migrate with shifting sands (J. Alderman, pers. comm.). Although it prefers
clean, coarse to medium sized sands as substrate, on occasion, specimens are also found in gravel
substrates. This species is found in the main channels of drainages down to streams as small as a
meter across.
Length: 8.6 centimeters
Management Summary
Biological Research Needs: Toxicological studies are needed to assess the impacts of chemical
pollutants on Elliptio lanceolata, including those most common in the run-off of urbanized areas. The
entire Elliptio lanceolata species complex is in need of genetic and taxonomic study, and should
include Elliptio spp. from the Satilla River drainage in Georgia to the Potamac River in Virginia that
were historically included in the synonomy of this species.
Species: Polycentropus carlsoni
Common Name: Carlson’s Polycentropus Caddisfly
No image available
Non-Migrant: N
Locally Migrant: N
Long Distance Migrant: N
Riverine Habitat(s): CREEK
Special Habitat Factors: Benthic
Management Summary
none
Species: Macbridea caroliniana
Common Name: Carolina Bird-in-a-nest
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=MACA
Basic Description: A perennial herb with erect stems, 6-9 dm tall, and alternate leaves. Clusters of
pink to lavender flowers in a terminal mixed inflorescence, the petals striped with purple and white,
bloom at the top of the stems above whorls of overlapping bracts. The overall appearance leads to the
common name "bird-in-a-nest." Flowering: mid-July - September (first-frost)
Technical Description: "Perennial herb with underground stolons. Stems erect, leafy, quadrangular,
6-9 dm tall, glabrous or pubescent, resinous-glandular, often rooting from the lower nodes. Leaves 613 cm long, 1.5-4 cm wide, shallowly serrate to entire; cymule 1-3 flowered; bracts ovate to widely
elliptic, 0.7-1.8 cm long, acute to obtuse, foliaceous, but not resembling the leaves. Calyx mostly
hidden by the bracts, narrowly campanulate, 8-12 mm long, irregular, 3-lobed, the 2 wide lobes
obliquely notched, the narrow one entire; corolla zygomorphic, 2-lipped, pink to lavendar, striped with a
deeper shade, or white, 2-4 cm long, upper lip galeate, entire or notched, lower lip 3-lobed. Stamens 4,
arched under the upper lip, exserted; stigma 2-lobed, equaling the stamens. Mericarps light brown,
distinctly, irregularly ribbed, obovoid to oblanceolate, 3.5-4 mm long, 2-lobed at apex" (Radford et al
1968).
Diagnostic Characteristics: No characterizing features are described. Only species of this genus
found in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.
Duration: PERENNIAL
Habitat Comments: Wet longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) or pond pine (P. serotina) savannas and
acidic (blackwater) swamp forests.
Management Summary
None.
Species: Baldunia atropurpea
Common Name: Purple Balduina
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Balduina_atropurpurea_purple_honeycomb_gead.jpg
Basic Description: An erect, autumn-blooming perennial herb, 6-8 dm tall. Flower heads have yellow
ray flowers surrounding the dark purple disk. In fruit, the heads show a distinctive honycomb pattern.
Diagnostic Characteristics: Balduina is the only composite genus in which the fruiting head becomes
a hardened, globose, "honeycomb" (Chafin 2007; Patrick et al. 1995). Also distinctive are its punctate
leaves (Weakley 2007). Besides B. atropurpurea, only one other species of Balduina (B. uniflora) may
be found in moist habitats. B. atropurpurea has reddish stem bases, multiple flowering branches in
robust specimens, and purple disk flowers, while B. uniflora has greenish stem bases, usually only one
or two flowering branches, and yellow disk flowers (Patrick et al. 1995). Helenium spp. often have
purple disk flowers but they bloom in the spring and early summer and have winged stems whereas B.
atropurpurea blooms in the fall (Chafin 2000).
Habitat Comments: Wet pine flatwoods, savannahs, peaty hillside seepage bogs, and pitcherplant
bogs (Chafin 2000). Usually associated with longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) or slash pine (P. elliottii).
Management Summary
Stewardship Overview: Burn every 2 to 3 years during the growing season to control woody
vegetation (Chafin 2000; Chafin 2007; Patrick et al. 1995). Prevent alterations to wetland hydrology by
avoiding draining, ditching, firebreak construction, clearing, bedding, and soil disturbance (Chafin
2000; Chafin 2007). Hand thinning of shading trees may be beneficial (Patrick et al. 1995).
Species: Rhus michauxii
Common Name: Michaux’s Sumac
http://www.goldendelighthoney.com/tes/RHMI11/Rhus_michauxii_leaf.jpg
Basic Description: A low-growing, densely hairy, dioecious shrub, mostly 0.3 to 0.6 m tall. Leaves are
pinnately compound with 7-13 leaflets that are coarsely toothed. Female plants produce erect clusters
of greenish-yellow to white 4-5 parted flowers and conspicuous red drupes. Flowers from April to June.
Fruits persist from August through September or October.
Diagnostic Characteristics: Rhus michauxii is distinguished from other Rhus species by its small
stature (mostly 0.3 to 0.6 m tall), 7-13 leaflets, and its overall pubescence (both the leaves and the
stems are densely pubescent). In addition, the leaf rachis is often winged at the terminal portion of the
leaf (Patrick et al. 1995; Weakley 2004). For a technical description see Radford et al. (1968).
Duration: PERENNIAL, DECIDUOUS
Reproduction Comments: Many populations do not contain plants of both sexes (USFWS 1990).
Ecology Comments: Fire or some other suitable form of disturbance, such as mowing or careful
clearing, appears to be essential for maintaining the open habitat preferred by Rhus michauxii. Without
such periodic disturbance, this type of habitat is gradually overtaken and eliminated by the shrubs and
trees of the adjacent woodlands. As the woody species increase in height and density, they overtop
the Rhus michauxii, which is shade-intolerant.
Habitat Comments: Michaux's sumac occurs in sandy or rocky open woods, sometimes in
association with circumneutral soils (USFWS 1990). In the fall line sandhills region it occurs in
submesic loamy swales. In the eastern Piedmont, it occurs on sand soils derived from granite. In the
central Piedmont, it occurs on clayey soils derived from mafic rocks (Weakley 2004). In all of its
habitats, Rhus michauxii is dependent upon some form of disturbance to maintain the open quality of
its habitat (USFWS 1989). Periodic, naturally occurring fires provided such disturbance historically.
Today, however, many of the Michaux's sumac occurrences are in areas that are artificially disturbed,
such as highway and railroad rights-of-way, pine plantations, edges of cultivated fields, and other
cleared lands (USFWS 1989, TNC 1991-93, NCNHP 1993, Center for Plant Conservation 2002).
Although roadside occurrences appear to be thriving in the presence of some level of disturbance (i.e.,
mowing), they are always under the constant threat of catastrophic disturbance. Roadbed widening or
heavy equipment activity on cleared lands, for example, may dramatically reduce the number of
individuals. These reductions, if they come at a crucial stage in the species' reproductive cycle (i.e.,
during flower or fruit production), could have severe long-term effects on the population. Although it
appears that Michaux's sumac can rebound from large disturbances, it is not clear how much genetic
diversity is lost with each disturbance.
In the North Carolina Sandhills region, naturally occurring Rhus michauxii appears to be restricted to
slightly loamy, but still well- drained, sites which are scattered through longleaf pine/scrub
oak/wiregrass woodlands. Loamy soil sites are usually found in slight depressions, swales, or along
lower slopes and are quickly recognized by their high diversity of herbs, especially with regard to their
high number of legume, composite and grass species. Associated species consistently found in these
loamy sites are considered good "Rhus michauxii indicators" by Sandhills botanists and
include Ceanothus americanus, Paspalum bifidum, Tridens carolinianus, Aristida lanosa, Onosmodium
virginianum, and Helianthus divaricatus. These sites are also characterized by a higher frequency of
mesophytic hardwoods, such as Cornus florida, Carya alba, and Quercus stellata, than surrounding,
drier woodland areas.
Like all upland longleaf pine communities, this loamy swale community (classified as Pine/Scrub Oak
Sandhill, loamy soil variant by Schafale and Weakley 1990) is fire-maintained. Natural fires, resulting
from lightning strikes mainly in early summer, were believed to have occurred every three to seven
years in upland areas of the North Carolina Sandhills (Schafale 1993). These episodic fires were
important for reducing hardwood encroachment, recycling nutrients, and creating conditions necessary
for the regeneration of longleaf pine, wiregrass, and associated herb species. Since the early part of
the 20th century, natural fire regimes and processes have been virtually eliminated as a result of
landscape fragmentation and active fire suppression. This has led to an obvious decline in Rhus
michauxii habitat, and more than likely a dramatic decline in the number of occurrences.
Of notable exception to this trend are the lands on Fort Bragg, Camp MacKall, and Sandhills Game
Land. These properties, which all support large occurrences of Michaux's sumac, have been managed
(for various reasons) with prescribed burns since the 1960s. Prior to that time, these areas were
periodically impacted by wildfires. Large sections of these properties have, therefore, never been firesuppressed for extended periods of time (over 30 years), and it is likely for this reason that Michaux's
sumac has survived there. A greater number of loamy sites and more and larger occurrences of Rhus
michauxii are found on Sandhills Game Land than on Fort Bragg or Camp MacKall, all within close
proximity to each other. This disparity may be explained by topographic differences. Loamy swales
and depressions, while relatively uncommon on the more highly dissected and hilly terrain of Fort
Bragg in Hoke and Cumberland counties, are common on the more gently rolling landscape of
Sandhills Game Land in Richmond and Scotland counties. These depressions and swales can often
be identified on topographic maps.
According to Weakley (1993b), in the Piedmont, Rhus michauxii historically occurred in both sandy,
acidic soils and clayey, circumneutral soils on dry upland sites. Piedmont occurrences are in
communities which formerly experienced frequent to occasional lightning-set fires. Fire, in combination
with soil droughtiness, maintained open woodlands or oak savannas which provided suitable habitat
for R. michauxii. Fire suppression in the Piedmont has been nearly universal and led to vegetative
succession, eliminating R. michauxii to an even greater degree than in the Fall-line Sandhills and Inner
Coastal Plain (Weakley 1993b).
The following discussion is from Fleming (1993): The recently discovered Fort Pickett occurrence is
located well into the Virginia Piedmont on rolling, gently dissected uplands underlain by a granitic
formation. The thriving population is confined to a 10,000-acre "impact area" which has been subjected
to frequent wildfires from incendiary ammunition during the past 50 years. The great majority of the
population occurs in subacid, clay loam or sandy clay loam soils over granite, although a small portion
occurs on a 50-acre sill of basic rock with circumneutral soils. Subpopulations occupy all topographic
positions except bottomlands, often (but not always) preferring slopes and ridge crests with shallow or
rocky soils. Habitats, which typically burn at one- to five-year intervals, are predominantly thinly
canopied oak-hickory woodlands, grassy oak-hickory "savannas," and openings in hardwood coppice.
Within these habitats, the species also colonizes previously disturbed areas, such as old clearings and
military jeep trails. The most common and typical associates
include Quercus spp., Carya spp., Liquidambar styraciflua, Cornus florida, Rhus glabra, R. copallinum,
Schizachyrium scoparium, Desmodium spp., Lespedeza spp., and various composites. A list of
associated "indicators" might include Sorghastrum elliottii, Brickellia eupatorioides, Eupatorium
godfreyanum, E. sessilifolium, Silphium compositum, and Helianthus divaricatus. In the floristically
distinctive basic rock area, "indicator" associates includeViburnum rafinesquianum, Scleria oligantha,
Clematis ochroleuca, Sanicula smallii, Salvia urticifolia, Parthenium auriculatum,and Helianthus
strumosus.
Additional surveys at Fort Pickett in 1994-1995 resulted in Rhus michauxii being found not only in the
above described habitat but also in habitats associated with disturbances from old homesites,
fencerows, and agricultural fields (Van Alstine and Smith 1995). The habitat of the first known
occurrence in Virginia found outside of Fort Pickett is described as ruderal next to a railroad grade with
aggressive Lonicera japonica and other species including Pinus taeda, Liquidambar
styraciflua, Juniperus virginiana,Campsis radicans, Lespedeza cuneata, Solidago
altissima, Toxicodendron radicans, Rhus copallinum, etc.
Management Summary
Stewardship Overview: Management efforts should focus on maintaining open habitat and increasing
the number of sexually reproductive individuals (Center for Plant Conservation 2002). Rhus
michauxii is shade intolerant, thus some form of disturbance, such as prescribed burning or mowing, is
necessary to control the growth of other woody plants in its habitat (USFWS 1990). Hand-thinning of
shading trees in the vicinity, if done carefully, may be beneficial (Patrick et al. 1995). Timber harvesting
and roadside management should be done very carefully to protect this species' habitat (USFWS
1990). Of great concern is Rhus michauxii's low reproductive capacity due to the small number of
populations containing both male and female plants (USFWS 1990). Reintroducing male or female
plants into single sex populations should continue. Additional genetic resesearch to determine the
success of efforts to conserve genetic diversity should also be conducted over time (Center for Plant
Conservation 2002).
Species: Sporobolus teretifolius
Common Name: Wire-leaved Dropseed
No image available.
Basic Description: A tuft-forming perennial grass with round, wiry leaves. Flowers July-September
(and later in response to growing-season fire).. Flowering stems are typically 3.5 to 8 dm tall, with
slender, delicate flowering branches.
General Description: A densely tufted perennial grass. Leaf blades are narrow, cylindrical or rolled
inward, 25-50 cm long, green to yellowish-green, and generally hairless (may have sparse hairs at the
base). Flowering stems typically 35-80 cm tall, erect, and wiry, with a tuft of hairs at the top. Flowers
(spikelets) in an open, branched arrangement with an overall narrow pyramid to egg shape. Spikelets
purplish-brown.(adapted from Weakley and Peterson 1998).
Technical Description: Culms (20-)35-80 (-100) cm tall, erect, wiry, nodes all basal; base diameter 12mm, flattened; internodes glabrous. Sheaths glabrous to appressed hairy, hairs up to 4mm long; base
shiny and endurated; margins hyaline; summit with a tuft of contorted hairs, hairs up to 4mm long.
Ligules0.2-0.4mm long, a line of hairs. Blades (19-)25-54cm long, 0.5-1.2 mm wide, tightly involute or
terete, green to yellowish-green, senescing or turning tan in late autumn, glabrous above and below;
base often sparsely hairy, hairs up to 3mm long. Panicles 10-26cm long, 1-9 cm wide, mostly open to
somewhat contracted when immature, narrowly pyramidal to ovate; main axis scabrous; pulvini in axils
of primary branches often hairy; primary branches 1-8cm long, ascending to spreading 0-40 degrees
from culm axis, not floriferous on lower 1/3; pedicels 3-18mm long, longer than spikelet, usually
spreading, with scattered ascending hairs. Spikelets 4-5.6mm long, purplish-brown. Glumes 2-5.6 mm
long, linear-lanceolate, membranous, 1-veined, unequal, ratio of lower/upper glume length (0.53-)0.550.70(-0.77); lower 2-3.8mm long, apex acuminate; upper 4-5.6mm long, apex acuminate, Lemmas 3.44.4mm long, ovate, membranous, 1-veined, glabrous; apex acuminate. Lemmas 3.4-4.4mm long,
ovate, membranous, glabrous; apex acute. Paleas 3.3-4.4mm long, ovate, membranous, glabrous;
apex acute. Stamens 3, anthers 1.5-2.6 mm long, purplish. Grains not seen. All from Weakley and
Peterson (1998).
Diagnostic Characteristics: The leaves are terete and distinctive. The dry blades (on either dried
specimens or in nature in dry field conditions) of the other eastern species with narrow blades, S.
curtissii and S. pinetorum, can superficially resemble S. teretifolius. S. curtissii, however, has much
shorter blades and generally occurs in drier habitats (Weakley and Peterson 1998). The blades of S.
pinetorum have distinctly rough edges (Weakley and Peterson 1998). Weakley and Peterson (1998)
suggest running one's finger along the blade toward the base or viewing under 10 degree or greater
magnification to examine the rough blades of S. pinetorum. The blades of S. teretifolius are glabrous
above and below. Can also be distinguished from relatedSporobolus species by its preference for a
specific habitat hydrology. In general, this species prefers habitats with semi-permanent to seasonal
saturation, generally drier than those preferred by S. floridanus, but wetter than those preferred by S.
pinetorum, S. silveanus, S. curtissii, and S. junceus (Weakley and Peterson 1998). Sporobolus
teretifolius is also very similar vegetatively to Aristida stricta. It can be distinguished from A. stricta by
its tuft of hairs at the base of the otherwise glabrous blade (as opposed to a line of pilose hairs the
length of the blade) (Weakley 2008).
Duration: PERENNIAL
Habitat Comments: Permanently moist to wet savannas on essentially flat terrain underlain by a clay
layer. The open canopy is composed of pond and/or longleaf pine (P. serotina or P. palustris) with
sparse to locally dense shrub patches. Characteristically occurs in the Pinus palustris-Pinus
serotina/Magnolia virginiana/Sporobolus teretifolius-Carex striata Woodland plant association
(Weakley and Peterson 1998). Within its group of similar Sporobolus species, S. teretifolius prefers
among the wettest pine savannas, usually so wet as to exclude Aristida stricta; in these communities, it
may be the sole dominant, or it may be codominant with Sporobolus pinetorum, Ctenium aromaticum,
and/or Muhlenbergia expansa.Also found in ecotones between pine/oak/wiregrass (Aristida stricta)
uplands and red maple-sweet gum-swamp tupelo (Acer rubrum-Liquidambar styraciflua-Nyssa
sylvatica var. biflora) drainages. These narrow or linear areas are ecologically similar to wet pine
savannas but differ in having a dense shrub and wetland tree border. A third habitat type is broad
seepage slopes at the headwaters of small streams. In this habitat, branching rivulets form complex
patterns of wet areas interspersed with drier spots. The seepage is is active, curtailed only by drought.
Also found in pitcherplant bogs. 10-150 m.
Management Summary
Stewardship Overview: Prescribed burnings and/or thinning of overstory is a necessary part of a
management regime for this species. Its habitat should not be drained. Prescribed fire, where feasible,
appears to be the most effective form of management, as the species is morphologically adapted to
flower post-fire (Weakley and Peterson 1998). Mechanical clearing appears to be a relatively suitable
proxy for stimulating reproduction at some sites (e.g. a site in North Carolina, where the population
was "blooming only where bush-hogged"), but apparently is not always effective (e.g. at a mowed site
in Georgia, it was observed that "many plants of Sporobolus curtissii had fruited, but none of S.
teretifolius, indicating that mowing does not stimulate sexual reproduction in the latter").
Species: Lilium pyrophilum
Common Name: Panhandle Lily (Sandhills Lily)
http://www4.ncsu.edu/~wahoffma/ConservationEcology/ConservationEcology.html
Basic Description: A perennial herb with a flowering stem 1.5 m tall. Flowers are showy, pendant,
with recurved tepals ranging in color from yellow to orange or dusky red and spotted with magenta.
Stamens (6) are very exserted. Leaves usually whorled, whorls often clustered toward the bottom of
the plant. Flowers late July-mid August. Capsules mature in October (Skinner and Sorrie 2002).
Diagnostic Characteristics: Among the generally southern lilies, L. pyrophilum is superficially similar
to Lilium.michauxii but leaves are densely papillose-scabrid on the margins and (usually) on the veins
below, flowers are not particularly fragrant (vs. distinctly fragrant), leaves are generally widest toward
the middle (vs. widest towards the tip), leaves are only slightly paler below and lacking a waxy sheen
(vs. leaves much paler below and with a pronounced waxy sheen) (Weakley 2000). Shorter in height
and with smaller flowers than L. superbum. Weakley (2000) also distinguishes on the basis of the
densely rough-protuberant leaf margins (vs. smooth in L. superbum). This taxon has been considered
just a northern extension of L. iridollae, but as treated as distinct, the two are allopatric.
Habitat Comments: Based on Skinner and Sorrie (2002): Almost exclusively restricted to narrow (210 m wide) transition zones between dry longleaf pine uplands and wet, wooded creaks and
streamheads. Sandy, wet to dry ecotonal situations such as streamheads, seeps, swampy streams,
and wet, maintained powerlines. Requires an unusual combination of saturated soils and periodic fire
(or disturbance that mimics fire).
Management Summary
Stewardship Overview: This species requires some form of periodic disturbance to remove
encroaching shrubs and trees. It is known only from areas that are frequently burned, either
intentionally (e.g., for habitat maintenance) or unintentionally (e.g., due to exploding ordnance), or in
areas that are mechanically cleared to facilitate human access (e.g., to power and gas lines). Skinner
and Sorrie (2002) note that it is unclear whether mechanical brush cutting is an adequate substitute for
fire in the long-term. Therefore, where feasible, periodic burns should be tried. However, the
frequency, seasonality, and intensity optimal for this species is not currently understood (Skinner and
Sorrie 2002). Where burning is not feasible, woody plants should be mechanically removed every few
years. Herbicides (which are sometimes used to clear rights-of-way) should be avoided, as should any
type of drainage. Unfortunately, managment needs for this species, as for many rare lilies, may need
to include protection from collection. L. pyrophilum would almost certainly fail to thrive once moved out
of its very specific habitat (Skinner and Sorrie 2002), but that does not often deter unethical (and often
illegal) collection.
Species: Lobelia boykinii
Common Name: Boykin’s Lobelia
http://www.centerforplantconservation.org/Collection/CPC_ProfileImage.asp?FN=2646a
Basic Description: A perennial herb, 40-80 cm tall, with inconspicuous bract-like leaves. Flowers are
blue with a white eye at the throat. Blooms mostly from May into August. Flowering is apparently
dependent on fluctuating water levels.
General Description: Glabrous perennial from a rather short rhizome, simple or sparingly branched,
often immersed at base; leaves filiform, often deciduous before anthesis; raceme open; pedicels
slender, spreading, exceeding the filiform bracts; bracteoles none; sepals loose or spreading, filiform;
corolla blue with a white center, the lower lip bearded at base; fruiting hypanthium subglobose
(Gleason and Cronquist 1991).
Technical Description: Rhizomatous perennial. Stem slender, sometimes spongy below, simple or fewbranched, 5-8.5 dm tall. Leaves sessile, subulate or narrowly linear, to 2.5 cm long and 0.5 mm wide,
entire or with a few minute callosities marginally; leaves on lower 1/3-1/2 of stem commonly shed
before anthesis. Raceme loose, delicate, of 10-25 flowers, the flower stalks filiform, about 1 cm long,
without bractlets, subtending bracts filiform, much shorter than the stalks. Floral tube glabrous; calyx
segments, filiform-subulate, glabrous, entire, without basal auricles. Corolla blue with a white eye at
the throat, 10-12 mm long, lower lip usually pubescent inside and with 2 tubercles near the base.
Filament tube 3-5 mm long, anther tube 1.5-2 mm long. Capsule campanulate-hemispheric, about 3
mm across. Seeds brown, irregularly turbinate, rough-tuberculate, about 0.4 mm long (Godfrey and
Wooten 1981). 2n=14 (Gleason and Cronquist 1991).
Diagnostic Characteristics: Distinguished from other species by blue corolla with tube 7 mm long or
less; central stem leaves less than 0.5 mm wide, pedicels without bracteoles; subtending bracts
present and plant perennial by rhizomes (Radford et al. 1968); leaves less than 1.0 mm wide or, to 0.8
mm wide (LeBlond 1993).
Duration: PERENNIAL
Reproduction Comments: Lobelia boykinii is an obligate outcrosser.
Habitat Comments: Cypress-gum depressions or ponds, wet pine savannahs and flatwoods. Some
sites have continuous, shallow standing water; others are only seasonally very moist or inundated.
Management Summary
None.
Species: Pteroglossaspis ecristata
Common Name: Crestless Plume Orchid
http://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=15447
Basic Description: A perennial orchid. Leaves are long (up to 7 dm), narrow, overlapping, and
clustered at the base. Flowers are yellowish green with dark purple markings and are borne in a
terminal cluster of 10-30 on the tall scape. Flowers June-September.
General Description: The following description was adapted from MNHP Special Plant Abstract
(undated), Radford, et al. (1968), Long and Lakela (1971), and Luer (1972). A terrestrial orchid from a
large (5 cm) corm, with basal, overlapping leaves about 1-3.5 cm wide and from 15-70 cm long.
Inflorescence at the top of a long (30-170 cm), naked stalk, with 5-30 flowers in the top 10-15 cm.
Flowers with a three-lobed lip with the 10-15 mm central lobe prominent with a maroon to purplishbrown center edged in green. Sepals and petals yellow to yellow-green and curving over the top of the
lip. A long (to 6 cm), narrow bract is present beneath each flower, greatly exceeding the flowers and
very conspicuous. The fruit is a 1-2 cm long ovoid capsule.
Technical Description: The following was adapted from Radford, et al. (1968), Long and Lakela
(1971), Luer (1972), Wunderlin (1982), and the author Bridges's interpretations (1986). A member of
the Orchid Family (Orchidaceae), Pteroglossaspis ecristata is a terrestrial, scapose plant from 34-170
cm tall, from a thickened, fleshy corm to 5 cm in diameter bearing many slender, fibrous roots. Stem
entirely concealed by membranaceous, imbricate leaf sheaths. Leaves two to four or more, all basal,
plicate, sheathing each other at the base, long-petioled, linear-lanceolate to sometimes elliptic, from
15-70 cm long and 1.5-3.5 cm wide, long-acuminate, and three- to five-nerved. Inflorescence borne on
a long, erect, terete scape, covered by scarious sheaths. Scape terminated by a raceme of 10-30
green and dark purple flowers, loosely or densely clustered over 10-15 cm of the scape. Floral bracts
ascendant, green or variously colored, lanceolate or linear-lanceolate, to 6 cm long and 0.5 cm wide.
Ovary pedicellate, stout, 1-2 cm long. Sepals and petals lemon-yellow to yellow-green, linear-oblong to
oblong-lanceolate, obtuse to acuminate, the sepals 13 mm long and 4 mm wide, the laterals oblique,
the petals 10 mm long and 4 mm wide, all converging over the lip. Lip deeply three-lobed, ovate, the
lateral lobes truncate, curving upward, the middle lobe obtuse, slightly crenate-erose, slightly concave
at the base, 10-15 mm in diameter when spread out, magenta or deep purple to deep purplish-brown
or sometimes light brown, with a yellow-green or green margin; the disk smooth but veined. Column
green, short, blunt, 3 mm long, 3 mm wide, the anther terminal with one pair of yellow pollinia. Fruit an
ovoid capsule, erect and appressed to the rachis, from 1.5-2 cm long and about 1 cm in diameter.
Diagnostic Characteristics: The long, plicate (pleated) leaves are distinctive (Weakley 2004) among
southeastern temperate orchids. Nonetheless, when small and not yet flowering, it can be confused
with Calopogon tuberosus. Pteroglossaspis, however, typically has 2-3 leaves emerging directly from
the corm, while Calopogon typically has only one leaf that emerges from the scape (Weakley 2004).
Luer (1972) also noted that in early spring the long, narrow, ribbed leaves can be easily overlooked as
they appear very similar to the grasses and palmetto seedlings with which this species commonly
grows. In tropical South Florida, it is even more important to look for this species during flowering as
the plicate leaves do not uniquely identify it; that character must be used in combination with the naked
scape, distinctive yellowish/purplish flowers, and large flower bracts, exceeding the flowers (Bridges
1995).
Duration: PERENNIAL, DECIDUOUS
Reproduction Comments: Little has been written on the biology or ecology of Eulophia ecristata.
Luer (1972) gives the phenological cycle of established plants as follows: "Early in the spring the
leaves rise from a solid, tuberous corm. The new growth appears from the side or top of last year's
corm along with a new set of roots which fan out from the base of the new corm. There are usually
several long...leaves, two of which dominate...From the corm and near the leaves, the growth of the
scape soon follows and reaches its blooming height any time from late July to late September... Often
twelve or more flowers bloom at once and each lasts for about one week. The fruits, which quickly
follow, ripen as erect, globular, pods. By November the capsules have dried, soon to split and scatter
their dustlike seeds. During the winter the leaves wither, die, and disappear, leaving a healthy corm for
the next season."
No information exists on germination and establishment of Eulophia ecristata or on pollinators or
reproductive biology, life history, etc. A few questions and hypotheses by this author constitute the
remainder of this section. Eulophia ecristata generally occurs in small, dispersed populations. Several
collectors mention seeing only one plant at a site (and collecting it!), and it typically is described as
being rare or occasional, or occurring in low numbers. Only at two sites, both within the city of Tampa,
has Eulophia been described as "frequent" or "numerous," numbering in the hundreds of plants. It is
possible that these generally low reported population numbers reflect a count of only the plants which
flowered in a given year, and that many other individuals may only exhibit vegetative growth or lie
dormant underground in some years. This situation has been commonly reported for other orchids,
particularly some of those whose growth may be stimulated by fire (Sheviak 1974). The inconspicuous
nature of vegetative specimens makes it nearly impossible to make estimates of their population
numbers. Also, the moisture relations of a given site in a particular year may influence the number of
individuals which flower. Particularly in the more xeric habitats, favorable rainfall conditions may be
required for development and flowering, and the plants may even remain dormant in drier years. In the
moister habitats, such as moist pine savannahs, it seems that soil moisture would rarely be a limiting
factor, and absence of fire may explain low population numbers. Experimental studies and much
further observation will be necessary in order to understand the ecology of Eulophia ecristata.
Ecology Comments: Little has been written on the biology or ecology of Pteroglossaspis ecristata. A
few questions and hypotheses by this author constitute the remainder of this section. Pteroglossaspis
ecristata generally occurs in small, dispersed populations. Several collectors mention seeing only one
plant at a site (and collecting it!), and it typically is described as being rare or occasional, or occurring
in low numbers. Only at two sites, both within the city of Tampa, has Pteroglossaspis been described
as "frequent" or "numerous," numbering in the hundreds of plants. It is possible that these generally
low reported population numbers reflect a count of only the plants which flowered in a given year, and
that many other individuals may only exhibit vegetative growth or lie dormant underground in some
years. This situation has been commonly reported for other orchids, particularly some of those whose
growth may be stimulated by fire (Sheviak 1974). The inconspicuous nature of vegetative specimens
makes it nearly impossible to make estimates of their population numbers. Also, the moisture relations
of a given site in a particular year may influence the number of individuals which flower. Particularly in
the more xeric habitats, favorable rainfall conditions may be required for development and flowering,
and the plants may even remain dormant in drier years. In the moister habitats, such as moist pine
savannas, it seems that soil moisture would rarely be a limiting factor, and absence of fire may explain
low population numbers. Experimental studies and much further observation will be necessary in order
to understand the ecology of Pteroglossaspis ecristata. Pteroglossaspis ecristata is unlikely to persist
in areas with a closing shrub layer, and as such, it is a successional species in some habitats in the
absence of fire. The natural role of fire in most coastal plain communities has been well documented,
and fire must be considered a part of the natural cycle of most of the habitats occupied by
Pteroglossaspis. The unnatural suppression of fire would result in Pteroglossaspis eventually being
displaced by woody species in all its habitats.
Habitat Comments: SUMMARY: Found in numerous Coastal Plain habitats. This species tolerates a
relatively wide range of moisture conditions, from very xeric to seasonally inundated or almost
permanently saturated soils, although most of the records of the plant are from dry, at least seasonally
droughty sites. Habitats include scrub oak lands, pine rocklands, pine-palmetto flatwoods, and drymesic pine savannah. END SUMMARY.
The broad range of habitats prohibits a concise description of the physical and biological features of
"the" habitat of Eulophia ecristata. Published habitat descriptions and label notes for all specimens
from Florida and Mississippi have been compiled and correlated with personal knowledge of Coastal
Plain habitats and the draft natural community classifications of Florida (Duever 1984) and North
Carolina (Schafele 1984). This resulted in 37 site-specific habitat descriptions for Eulophia, falling into
10 natural communities or habitat types which are presented and described below in general order
from the most xeric to most mesic.
1) Scrub; Sand Pine Scrub; Central Florida Sand Pine-Scrub Oaks - A very distinctive natural
community and the object of many ecological investigations (Laessle 1958, Mulvania 1931, Kurz 1942,
Veno 1976, and others) developed on old dunes with deep white fine sand substrate and occasional or
rare fire (Duever 1984). The open canopy is composed of Pinus clausa and/or Quercus myrtifolia or
chapmanii. There are scattered to dense shrubs, mostly Ceratiola ericoides, Serenoa repens, or
various woody mints. The herbs are widely scattered between the shrubs, as presumably is Eulophia.
Six records of Eulophia can be placed in this type, all in central Florida, where Wunderlin (1982)
suggests that this is the most common habitat for the species.
2) Sandhill; Pine-Oak Sandhill Woodland - (Central Florida type?) - Developed on deep sandy uplands
with annual or frequent fire (Duever 1984) not quite as xeric as scrub. Object of much study in Florida
(op. cit.) as well as in North Carolina (Wells and Shunk 1931) and Georgia (Faust 1976). Longleaf pine
is usually present as an open canopy, with an understory of oaks such as Quercus incana, laevis,
and/or margaretta, with wiregrass (Aristida stricta) often conspicuous in the herb layer. Only 2 Eulophia
sites were in this natural community, both in central Florida.
3) Pine Rockland; South Florida Pine Rockland - Developed on flatland with exposed limestone
substrate and frequent fire (Duever 1984). Characterized by Pinus elliottii var. densa and mixed
tropical shrubs and herbs (Duever 1984). An endangered (G1) community, with one Eulophia record
from Dade Co., FL.
4) Pine Rockland (?); Northern Florida Pine Rockland (?) - One Eulophia collection is from a "high
rocky pineland" in Columbia Co., FL. This region is underlain by the Ocala Limestone and other
Limestone formations and is a karst plain. The exact vegetation type here is unknown to me but is
likely to be quite interesting.
5) Mesic flatwoods; Southern Pine Flatwoods (?) Community developed on flatland with sand
substrate with frequent fire (Duever 1984). Characterized by a (fairly closed) canopy of Pinus palustris
or Pinus elliottii over a grassy (much Aristida stricta) herb layer, with scattered evergreen shrubs. Moist
in winter and spring but often droughty in summer and fall. This is the most common habitat for
Eulophia, presumably throughout its range and particularly in the northern part. Fire is essential for the
maintenance of this type (Garren 1943, Lemon 1949, Quarterman and Keever 1962, et al.) and greatly
influences the composition of the shrub and herb layers. This is the most common vegetation type over
large regions of the Lower Coastal Plain.
6) Pine/Palmetto Flatwoods - This is segregated from the preceding type by the overwhelming
dominance of Serenoa repens in the shrub layer, often forming solid masses over large areas,
particularly in northern and central Florida. Five Eulophia collections specifically mention this
community segregate, and Luer (1972) considers Eulophia to be common in "dry, sandy palmetto
fields," presumably this community type after the trees have been cut.
7) Dry-mesic pine savannah - This type has a more open pine canopy and frequent fire with a
somewhat more diverse herb layer than pine flatwoods. This is the "dry savannah" of Walker and Peet
(1983) and has a predominantly grassy (Aristida, Andropogon) herb layer with many composites and
legumes and few shrubs. Three Eulophia sites could be placed in this type, mostly in the northern part
of the range.
8) Mesic pine savannah - This is what is thought of as the "typical," diverse pine savannah of the
Lower Coastal Plain. The name is from Walker and Peet (1983) and corresponds in part to the "Hydric
Savannah" of NC (Schafele 1984) and "Wet Flatwoods" of FL (Duever 1984). This community is very
wet in winter and spring and usually moist throughout much of the growing season. Frequent fire is
necessary for the maintenance of this type (Kologiski 1977, Christensen 1981), which has been the
object of much ecological study. Four Eulophia sites can be referred to this type.
9) Seepage slope; Lower Coastal Plain (open?) acid seepage slope - This type is on or at the base of
a slope, usually saturated but rarely inundated by downslope seepage and with frequent or occasional
fire. The only Eulophia record for this type is in Liberty Co, FL, although other records are on the
uplands just above seepage slopes.
10) Various natural and unnaturally open areas, not typeable - These include "roadside," "open, grassy
fields," "open hillsides," and "dry, grassy areas" where not enough information is known to define the
natural community type. Four Eulophia records, mostly at the northern limit of the range, are from this
"type."
In thinking further about the habitat of Eulophia and its management, threats, etc., the common
features, as well as the distinctions, of these habitats must be considered. The major requirement
seems to be for a somewhat open area, with at least filtered sunlight and no dense shrub competition.
The areas may be naturally open for long periods without fire, or dependent on frequent or annual fire
to reduce competition. Pines are always present; Eulophia has not been found under a hardwood
canopy, though scrubby oaks may be frequent associates, and the pines may be so scattered as to be
of little effect on the species. About the only moisture limitation seems to be no flooding during the
growing season - winter inundation is acceptable, as is extreme desiccation with water only available
shortly after rains. These habitat conditions are more or less adequately met over much or most of the
land surface of the Lower Coastal Plain from North Carolina to Texas.
Management Summary
Stewardship Overview: Pine management using less destructive logging techniques, and using
natural regeneration or planting without first disrupting the soil surface may under some conditions
improve the habitat (Bridges 1995). Prescribed burning, including burning for timber management, can
be beneficial.
Burning should be done the late fall or winter to maintain a generally fairly open shrub layer and good
herbaceous cover (Bridges 1995).
Other than fire, additional management may be necessary at some sites. It may be necessary to
restrict access if trampling by foot or vehicles is a possibility or if collection or inadvertent picking of the
flowers is likely. Sites should be monitored for the effects of human use and influences of surrounding
land uses on the site, such as drainage, herbicide runoff, grazing, or silt deposition.
Restoration Potential: The requirements for establishment of Eulophia are unknown but are likely, as
with most orchids, quite exacting and difficult to duplicate. As such, recovery by active seeding,
transplantation, etc. seems unlikely. The most likely beneficial technique for the recovery of a declining
or apparently extirpated population is prescribed burning, with or without clearing of some woody
vegetation first. Prescribed burning could also be attempted in apparently suitable habitats where
Eulophia has not been observed to see if the establishment of new populations could be enhanced by
particular fire regimes. Recovery potential using fire is unknown but seems promising due to the
ecology of the communities supporting the species.
Preserve Selection & Design Considerations: Very few specifically protected sites for Eulophia
ecristata currently exist. While the plant is at least historically known from a fairly large number of sites
(approximately 50 counties in 6 states, at least 60, probably more, locations), its habitats are
threatened, and the plant may exist at fewer sites than the range and number of historic sites would
indicate. Sites for protection of Eulophia should emphasize protection of fairly large areas of intact
habitats. In this way, adequate protection can be afforded the communities and probable other rare
species present. Larger areas allow for the populations to spread under proper management and help
mitigate off-site threats. Sites must be designed to facilitate burning of parts of the site, while leaving
some control areas to observe the fire effects on Eulophia. Protection of alteration of drainage pattern
may be necessary at some sites, both to insure a stable water regime and to protect the site from
herbicide run off or silt deposition. With a plant that has such a wide range and apparently sizeable
number of historic sites, it must be emphasized that the protection of any given site must primarily be
the protection of the opportunity of continued occurrence in the area and of the affected community
types. Protected sites do occur on some state properties in Florida.
Management Requirements: It seems fairly clear the Eulophia ecristata needs active management in
order to persist at most sites. This management needs to be prescribed burning in the late fall or winter
to maintain a generally fairly open shrub layer and good herbaceous cover. While there is no direct
evidence of the beneficial effects of burning on Eulophia, its role in the creation and maintenance of
most of the habitats occupied by the species has been well-documented (Garren 1943, Laessle 1958,
Veno 1976, Monk 1968, Quarterman and Keever 1962, Christensen 1981, Folkerts 1982, Kologiski
1977, Lemon 1949, Wells 1928, Wharton 1978, Walker and Peet 1983, all issues of the Proceedings
of the Tall Timbers Fire Ecology Conference, and many others). At this point, what is needed is to
collect data to determine how Eulophia fits into the fire ecology of these communities and correlate the
results with this ecological literature to determine the specific management practices most appropriate
for the species. In the absence of this data, one can only follow the techniques shown to be most
desirable in maintenance of the community composition of the specific site.
Other than fire, additional management may be necessary at some sites. It may be necessary to
restrict access if trampling by foot or vehicles is a possibility or if collection or inadvertent picking of the
flowers is likely. Sites should be monitored for the effects of human use and influences of surrounding
land uses on the site, such as drainage, herbicide runoff, grazing, or silt deposition. The site on Fort
Bragg is currently under a two-year, winter burn regime, but it is also subject to occasional wildfires
from the adjacent live-ammunition impact area (TNC 1991-93). No other occurrences are know to be
under active management for Pteroglossaspis, although some are most likely burned for its timber
management benefits.
Monitoring Requirements: Potential habitats throughout its range need searching as do some
historic occurrence sites which have not been recently searched. The Fort Bragg/Camp MacKall rare
plant inventory (TNC 1991-93) rediscovered the species in North Carolina Where it had not been seen
since 1957. Future intensive surveys scheduled for 1994 on the Sandhills Game Land may locate
additional occurrences in the NC Sandhills region. We know little or nothing about population trends or
effects of management practices on this species, and consequently, little about how to insure its
protection.
To monitor Eulophia populations at protected sites, it is suggested that every observed plant be
permanently marked, numbered, and mapped. Notes should be taken on the height of the flowering
stem at maturity, number and length of leaves, number of flowers, and general health of each
individual. These plants should then be followed over time, with searches for "new" plants each year,
which would then be added to the monitoring regime. The condition of each plant over time will
eventually answer the important questions of establishment, survivorship, conditions for flowering, and
senescence for this species. Mere population counts will not do, as one could be counting different
individuals in various years. Permanent marking of individual plants is the only way to understand the
biology of supposedly long-lived herbaceous perennials. Any other important Eulophia populations
which are not likely to be destroyed in the near future should also be monitored in this fashion. Notes
should be kept on weather factors and management practices or natural fires or other disturbances at
all sites to determine their effects. Additionally, less important sites could have simple population
counts and measurements without permanently marking individual plants. In combination, this data
can determine the answers to some of the questions concerning the biology and ecology of individuals
and populations of this species.
Management Programs: Apparently, active management for Eulophia is beginning by the Crosby
Arboretum Foundation at a site in Mississippi. This should include periodic burning, not only of the bog
but of the entire site. The site on Fort Bragg is currently under a two-year burn regime, but it is also
subject to occasional wildfires from the adjacent live-ammunition impact area (TNC 1991-93) No other
occurrences are known to be under active management for Eulophia, although some are most likely
burned for its timber management benefits.
Monitoring Programs: No current monitoring programs are known for Eulophia ecristata.
Management Research Programs: There seem to be no current research programs on this species.
Management Research Needs: The above outlined monitoring approach can provide much data
which can be considered as research on the species. In addition, a more fundamental question which
a larger research project could address is why a species which occupies such a broad range of
habitats over a large range is so sporadic and occurs in such small numbers in most places. The
species biology of many orchids has been intensively studied, and a project on Eulophia would provide
much useful information. Research is needed even to determine how and where to preserve the
species and how to manage preserves to insure its survival.
Also:
1) An assessment needs to be made of the current status of Eulophia in Florida to clarify its variety
and degree of threat in the state where it is historically most common.
2) The Outer Coastal Plain from South Carolina to Louisiana should be searched for additional sites to
clarify its status in the northern part of range. Numerous areas of apparently suitable habitat should be
searched in September and the results used to assess whether the plant is extremely rare and absent
from some regions (i.e. western Florida panhandle, Alabama) or has been neglected or overlooked.
3) Protected sites should be secured on sites in public ownership (Florida State Parks, National
Forests, etc.). Attempts should be made to locate large populations in intact habitats for protection by
land acquisition.
4) Monitoring of protected populations and research into species biology and effects of management
practices should be undertaken.
Species: Schwalbea americana
Common Name: Chaffseed
http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/rareplants/profiles/tep/schwalbea_americana/images/schwalbea_americana_1_l
g.jpg
Basic Description: A perennial herb with mostly unbranched stems, usually 3-6 dm tall. Leaves are
largest at the base of the plant and gradually diminish in size towards the top of the stem. The 2-lipped
flowers are yellow, suffused with purple. This species is parasitic on the roots of a wide variety of
woody and herbaceous plants. It is in bloom from April through June in the South and from June to late
July in the North.
General Description: An erect perennial with unbranched stems or branched only at base, growing to
3-6 dm (to 8 dm, Musselman and Mann 1978), with solitary, two-lipped, yellow and purplish or reddish
flowers. Leaves are largest at the base of the plant and gradually diminish in size towards the top of
the stem. The 2-lipped flowers are yellow, suffused with purple. This species is parasitic on the roots of
a wide variety of woody and herbaceous plants.
This species produces showy, insect-pollinated flowers; the high degree of zygomorphy elaborated for
pollination by bees (Pennell 1935).
Technical Description: Stems: Unbranched or branched (up to a dozen, rarely more) only from the
base, 3-6(8) dm, villous on upper stem, puberulent with ascending hairs on lower stem (Small 1933),
entire plant "copiously covered by soft hairs," these glandular on cotyledons and first leaves, becoming
simple on mature plant from loss of glandular heads; internodes terete, yellow-green, tinged with red or
purple upwards.
Leaves alternate, all cauline, sessile, the lower sometimes spreading, but mostly all ascending or
erect, overlapping in tight spiral, the smallest scale-like at stem base, the largest in the lower third of
the stem (Kral 1983), leaves gradually smaller and narrower upwards, becoming bracteal leaves in
inflorescence; blades entire, 2-4 cm (1-5 cm, Vincent 1982) long, elliptic-oval to lanceolate, rarely
oblanceolate, acute or obscurely reticulate, slightly revolute (Kral 1983), the base cuneate; surface
yellow-green or deep dull green with red undertones, both sides pale; villous-puberulent or strigillose
(Small 1933); blade three-veined with veining impressed above, the midvein slightly raised beneath.
Inflorescence with flowers solitary in the uppermost axils ascending on short pedicels, forming a leafy,
spike-like raceme (Gleason and Cronquist 1991); each pedicel 2.0-2.5 mm long (3-5 mm long
according to Small 1933), villosulous, subtended by two linear bractlets 5-15 mm long, shorter than the
calyx.
Flowers: Calyx 15-22 mm long, forming an irregular tube with five unequal lobes, each shorter than the
tube, the tube strongly 10 to 12-nerved; calyx lobes acute or acuminate, the upper one short and
narrow, 7-10 mm long (Small 1933), the lower pair well-united and broad, 20-22 mm long (Small
1933); corolla strongly two-lipped, about 30 mm long (about 15 mm long according to Musselman and
Mann 1978) and 7 mm wide; lips about as long as the tube, yellow and distally purplish or reddish
(rose-brown), the upper lip nearly straight, oblong, concave, entire or shallowly two-lobed (Kral 1983),
the lower lip short, decurved, shallowly three-lobed, the throat with two slightly pubescent ridges, with
folds extending inward from the sinuses (Gleason and Cronquist 1991); stamens 4, epipetalous,
included and ascending in the upper lip, one pair shorter, the filaments slender, smooth, longer than
the oblong, dorsifixed, nearly glabrous yellow anthers (Kral 1983); ovary superior, erect, bicarpellate,
the slender glabrous style, 2-3 cm long, curved up and arching within the upper corolla lip in line with
the filaments; the narrow capitate stigma protrudes slightly beyond.
Fruit a stout capsule, narrowly ellipsoid to oblong-cylindrical, glabrous, brown, 10-12 mm long at
maturity, with septicidal dehiscence "its narrowed apex developing an annulix around and including
within the persistent style base" (Kral 1983), a persistent calyx with 12 strongly projecting ribs
(Gleason and Cronquist 1991).
Seeds numerous per fruit, pale greenish brown or yellowish tan, narrowly linear, somewhat flattened or
compressed, slightly curved (Small 1933), hence the name chaffseed, about 2.5-3.0 mm (to 6.0 mm
according to Musselman and Mann 1978) long, very minutely cancellate. (Gleason and Cronquist
1991; Kral 1983; Musselman and Mann 1978; Pennell 1935; Small 1933; Vincent 1982)
Diagnostic Characteristics: This species is most similar in its habit, appearance of flowers, and
alternate leaves to other root parasites such as Castilleja (Kral 1983); however, it is distinguished by
the presence of a posterior sepal and two bractlets subtending each flower (Pennell 1935).
Duration: PERENNIAL
Reproduction Comments: This species produces showy, insect-pollinated flowers; the high degree of
zygomorphy elaborated for pollination by bees (Pennell 1935).
Habitat Comments: Acidic, sandy or peaty soils in open pine flatwoods, pitch pine lowland forests,
seepage bogs, palustrine pine savannahs, and other grass- and sedge-dominated plant communities.
Frequently grows in ecotonal areas between peaty wetlands and xeric sandy soils. In these situations,
individuals sometimes extend well into the drier communities, but seldom into the areas that support
species characteristic of wetter soils. Surrounding plant communities are typically species-rich.
Schwalbea americana is primarily a Coastal Plain species of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, with historic
locations ranging from Massachusetts to Florida to east Texas. Exceptions include: a historic
occurrence in sandplains near Albany, New York, which Pennell (1935) considered a remnant
population of possible glacial migration along the shores of the Hudson River; a westernmost
occurrence in Tennessee and Kentucky, these from sandstone knobs and ridges of the Cumberland
Plateau and Highland Rim; and an inland site on the Montague Sandplain near the Connecticut River
and a sandplain in Hubbardston in Massachusetts. Characteristically the species occurs in sandy
(sandy peat, loamy sand, peat loam), acidic, seasonally moist soils, often subject to fires in the
growing season. "Though usually surrounded by xeric soil vegetation, most often it is found on moist to
seasonally wet sites such as pitch pine lowlands, moist pine flatwoods and savannas, and ecotonal
areas between peaty wetlands and xeric sandy soils"; throughout its range, Schwalbea americana
"occurs in species-rich communities" (Rawinski and Cassin 1986). In South Carolina, plants are found
in flatwoods rather than pine savannas, where it has only been observed once to have migrated into a
savanna area from adjacent flatwoods (Porcher 1993). The flatwoods are generally dominated by
Pinus palustris with Quercus stellata and Q. marilandica as associates. Some sites support only oaks
now, although it is believed that longleaf pine was once a component (Porcher 1993). Tephrosia
virginiana and Pterocaulon pycnostachyum are present in almost every site, which are sandy, moist to
dry, grassy areas (Porcher 1993). The fire regime at these sites, either prescribed or natural (or a
combination of both), is a mixture of growing-season and non-growing-season burns; it is unknown
what mix best favors chaffseed (Porcher 1993). Growing-season burns maintain the grassy areas
chaffseed depends upon for survival. In sites where grassy areas lie adjacent to woodlands, chaffseed
is restricted to the grassy areas (Porcher 1993). In North Carolina, the species occurs on moist to
dryish pine flatwoods, pine savannas, and on longleaf pine/oak sandhills, composed of Upper
Cretaceous deep, white sands, at the western edge of the Coastal Plain. Habitats where Schwalbea
americana occurs on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, can be summarized as follows: (1) upper ecotones of
Streamhead Pocosins (shrubby headwaters and seepage areas), usually extending well out into
longleaf pine/wiregrass (Pinus palustris/Aristida stricta) savannas and seldom down to where the
ecotone supports moisture-requiring species such as Calamovilfa brevipilis, Panicum virgatum,
Polygala lutea, Pinus serotina, Lyonia lucida, etc.; soils at these sites are usually loamy rather than
clayey and thus support Quercus marilandica, Q. margarettiae, Stylodon carneus, Rhynchospora
harveyi, *Lespedeza angustifolia, Ageratina aromatica, Ceanothus americana, and Cyperus plukenetii;
(2) sites closer to Streamhead Pocosins or in shallow depressions in the landscape, showing an
increase in soil moisture and supporting *Rhexia alifanus, *Xyris caroliniana, Buchnera floridana, Ilex
glabra, Pycnanthemum flexuosum, Rhynchospora plumosa, *Aletris farinosa, Bigelowia nudata,
Eupatorium leucolepis, *Juncus biflorus, and Orbexilum pedunculatum var. psoralioides; and (3) a few
occurrences extend into or occur solely on drier slopes with sparser wiregrass mixed with bare sand
patches, growing with Quercus laevis, Cirsium repandum, Aster linariifolius, Carphephorus bellidifolius,
Gaylussacia dumosa, Pityopsis aspera var. adenolepis, and Rhynchospora grayi. Starred (*) species
are characteristic of all sites except the driest. This latter plant community is known as Xeric Sandhill
Scrub by Schafale and Weakley (1990). The vast majority of plants in North Carolina's Sandhills occur
in sites much drier than anticipated from the conventional concepts derived from floras, literature
reports, etc. (TNC 1991-93). Since so few field botanists have encountered the species during the past
50 years, there is little wonder that, at least in North and South Carolina, misconceptions have arisen
over chaffseed's preferred habitat. Of all the pocosin ecotone species on Fort Bragg, Schwalbea
americana is among the least moisture-dependent; soil descriptors such as "peaty" and "seasonally
wet" are quite misleading. In North Carolina, the plants have been found growing on a variety of soils
series, including Blaney (Arenic Hapludults), Candor (Arenic Paleudults), Gilead (Aquic Hapludults),
Fuquay (Arenic Plinthic Paleudults), Lakeland (Typic Quartzipsamments), and Vaucluse (Typic
Hapludults) (Hudson 1984, TNC 1991-93, NCNHP 1993). It is also often found growing in close
proximity to a number of other rare Sandhills species such as Onosmodium virginianum, Phaseolus
sinuatus, Pteroglossaspis ecristata, Solidago verna, Sporobolus sp.1, Tofieldia glabra (to a lesser
degree), and Tridens carolinianus (TNC 1991-93, NCNHP 1993). In Virginia, a historic occurrence of
Schwalbea americana along the fall belt was in moist to dry woods and clearings. Fernald (1939)
reports Buchnera americana (=B. floridana) as an abundant associate of Schwalbea. Associated
genera reported to occur with Schwalbea in the Southeast include grass species of Andropogon,
Aristida, Panicum, and Paspalum; sedge species of Carex, Dichromena, Fimbristylis, Rhynchospora,
Scleria, and other monocot species of Aletris, Calopogon, Eriocaulon, Juncus, Lachnocaulon, Xyris; as
well as dicot species of Asclepias, Erigeron, Eryngium, Helenium, Heterotheca, Orbexilum, Phlox, and
Polygala. In wetter sites ("grass-sedge complexes interrupted by stands of shrubs"), species of
Cliftonia, Gaylussacia, Ilex (glabra, coriacea), Lyonia, Leucothoe, Myrica, and Vaccinium occur as
associates (Kral 1983).
Management Summary
Stewardship Overview: Light, and perhaps competition for other resources as well, appears to be
most critical to the persistence of the species. Periodic annual fire, fluctuating water tables (sufficiently
high for part of the year to exclude many woody plant species) or, annual mowing to maintain an open
or semi-open habitat, all appear to reduce competition for light, and thus favor Schwalbea. The species
occurs in transient, ecotonal areas where light is sufficient, where competition is less than in
surrounding habitats, and where woody plant roots are available to parasitize. However, mowing more
frequently than annually (or late in the season?) could adversely affect seed production and dispersal
(Rawinski and Cassin 1986). Observations on Fort Bragg, North Carolina suggest that fire may be
especially important to this species (TNC 1991-93, NCNHP 1993). At many sites, burns (early in the
growing season?) every two to eight years may be necessary to maintain species viability and habitat
integrity.
Where the species occurs adjacent to human activities, such as ballfields or roadsides, cooperative
agreements with governing authorities are necessary for protection of this species. Where the species
occurs in annual burn areas fire must not be prevented. Where the species is dependent on fluctuating
moisture conditions, protection of the surrounding watershed may be necessary to maintain adequate
habitat conditions.
Restoration Potential: One of the most unique occurrences of Schwalbea populations in is Hoke
County, North Carolina, on the bombing range of Fort Bragg. Fires from explosions occur at least
annually, maintaining "open habitat", apparently suitable to this species. Four of the five extant
populations in North Carolina occur here (Weakley 1988). A newly discovered Florida population was
found in a burned over scrub community (White 1988). Populations in South Carolina and Georgia
occur in fire-prone pine communities. Annual burning may thus favor persistence, but there is no
research demonstrating the species' ability to establish or expand populations with this treatment.
The single remaining population in New Jersey occurs along a roadside which is mowed annually. It
remains a "vigorous" population (Rawinski and Cassin 1986).
Preserve Selection & Design Considerations: Light, and perhaps competition for other resources as
well, appears to be most critical to the persistence of the species. Periodic annual fire, fluctuating
water tables, sufficiently high for part of the year to exclude many woody plant species, or, annual
mowing to maintain an open or semi-open habitat, all appear to reduce competition for light, and thus
favor Schwalbea. The species occurs in transient, ecotonal areas where light is sufficient, where
competition is less than in surrounding habitats, and where woody plant roots are available to
parasitize.
Where the species occurs adjacent to human activities, such as ballfields or roadsides, cooperative
agreements with governing authorities are necessary for protection of this speices. Where the species
occurs in annual burn areas, fire must not be prevented. Where the species is dependent on
fluctuating moisture conditions, protection of the surrounding watershed may be necessary to maintain
these conditions.
Management Requirements: Management of Schwalbea americana populations is necessary to 1)
prevent land development, agricultural practices, and wetlands modifications, where these would be
harmful to populations, and 2) to prevent natural succession, and thus competition from woody
vegetation. Seeding potential habitats might expand or establish S. americana populations.
Sites containing Schwalbea americana should be burned during the growing season on a three-to-fiveyear rotation using landscape-level, ecological burns when possible. Monitoring programs should
continually evaluate the response of plants to current and new land management practices.
Monitoring Requirements: Biological monitoring is needed to document what appears to be a rapid
decline in the number of individuals. Rayner (1986) reported that eight previously known South
Carolina populations were extirpated, or unable to be located. New Jersey lost one of two extant
populations in 1988 (Snyder 1988). Weakley (1988) reports that four North Carolina populations were
last able to be located between 1949 and 1957, and are apparently now extirpated. Rayner (1986)
points out that the species is difficult to locate when population size is small or the species is not
flowering, making monitoring of populations difficult.
Monitoring is needed for single surviving populations in New Jersey, Florida, Mississippi, and Georgia
to insure their protection; for populations in North Carolina to determine population trends in bomb
site/annual burn areas; and in South Carolina, where the largest extant populations occur, to
determine the optimum environmental regime, and to test management techniques.
Management Research Programs: Rawinski and Cassin (1986) reported that the effects of mowing
will be assessed in 1986 for the Mississippi hayfield population. The results of this analysis were not
found reported. Rayner (1988), SCNHP (1988) and Streich, New Jersey-Pennsylvania TNC began a
study in 1988 to assess the effects of prescribed fires on population structure in the Francis Marion
National Forest in South Carolina. This study will continue in 1989. Requirements for seed germination
and seedling establishment are being researched at Garden in the Woods, New England Wildflower
Society (Brumback 1988).
Management Research Needs: Research is needed to assess the effects of controlled mowing and
burning and to assess the effects of soil moisture variations on this species. Formal listing as a
Federally Endangered species in November 1992 will increase this species' protection, as would
private and public ownership agreements with Natural Heritage Programs. Rayner (1986) reports that
11 South Carolina occurrences are still in private ownership.
Species: Oxypolis canbyi
Common Name: Canby’s Dropwort
http://warnell.forestry.uga.edu/service/library/index.php3?docID=69&docHistory%5B%5D=5&docHistory%5B
%5D=202&docHistory%5B%5D=359
Basic Description: A perennial herb with strong, fleshy rhizomes. Plants have slender stems, often
more than 1 m tall. Leaves are thin and quill-like. Herbage smells slightly of dill. From mid-August to
October the plants bear compound clusters of small white flowers (sometimes tinged with red).
General Description: From Chafin (2007): Perennial herb forming colonies by long, thin underground
stems (rhizomes). Stems up to 150 cm tall, erect, smooth, the lower portion purple, branching only
near the top. Leaves 20-30 cm long, alternate, round in cross-section and tapering to a point, hollow
except for cross-partitions; lower leaves usually drop by flowering. Flowers in flat-topped clusters
containing 7-12 smaller, flat-topped clusters. Flowers with 5 tiny, white petals curving up and inward.
Fruits less than 6.5 mm long, flattened and broadly oblong, with corky ribs and broad, thickened wings,
giving the fruit a flattened, rectangular shape in cross-section. All parts of the plant smell faintly of dill.
Technical Description: Oxypolis canbyi is an herbaceous perennial which produces numerous pale,
fleshy stoloniferous rhizomes. Buds formed at the ends of these rhizomes produce an ascending
rhizome which expands into an erect stem base usually embedded in the substrate.
Stems are erect to ascending, slender, terete, fistulose and finely ribbed. They are simple to tell above
the middle with the internodes elongating into the inflorescence. The lower portion of the stem is
usually strongly suffused with purple or pink, while the upper portion is more uniformly green. Plants
are up to 1.5 meters tall with stems 3-10 mm thick.
Leaves are alternate, simple, nodose-septate and terete, comprised of petiole and rachis only, thus
appearing phyllodial. Generally, the leaves are slender, elongate and linear-subulate. Leaf bases are
dilated and clasping. By flowering time, the lower leaves are usually absent. The lower leaves are 12(3) dm long with the median and upper leaves gradually decreasing in length.
Inflorescence is composed of axillary, compound umbels on erect or ascending, terete primary
peduncles which are 4-10 cm in length. The slender, stiff primary rays (secondary peduncles) usually
number 5-9(12) and are (1) 2-3 cm long. These are subtended by 3-7 linear-setaceous involucral
bracts, 0.5-2.5 cm long. The secondary umbels are 1 cm high, on pedicels 2-7 mm long and are
subtended by involucel bractlets 3-10 mm long.
Flowers are regular, bisexual, or unisexual. The inner flowers of some umbels are male, while some
outer flowers are female. The flowers are small with 5 inconspicuous sepals and 5 clawed white petals.
The petals are 1.2-1.3 mm long with the blades strongly incurved. The inferior ovary is topped by a
conical stylopodium with two short fleshy style branches and slightly capitate stigmas. Functionally,
male flowers bear 5 stamens.
Fruits are broadly ovate or elliptic to suborbicular schizocarps. Each is (4)5-7 mm long and 4-6 mm
wide, dorsally flattened, notched apically and frequently bowed inward due to the unequal growth of
the paired mericarps. Toward the edge of the fruit is a dilated corky tissue which forms wing-like
structures. There are 3 parallel ribs over the seed cavity of each mericarp.
Diagnostic Characteristics: Oxypolis canbyi is distinguished by its stoloniferous rhizomes; lower
internodes suffused with pink or purple; primary rays of the umbel 5 to 9, rarely more; fruits dorsally
flattened with dilated margins (i.e., thickest at the edges).
In the Apiaceae, there are two other taxa which could be confused with Oxypolis canbyi. These
are Ptilimnium nodosum andOxypolis filiformis. P. nodosum can be distinguished from O. canbyi by
the terete and wingless fruits. And, unlike O. canbyi, P. nodosum is an annual. The following features
are important in separating O. canbyi and O. filiformis:
O. canbyi has stoloniferous rhizomes; lower internodes that are suffused with pink or purple; primary
rays of the umbel that are 5 to 9, rarely more. It tends to have somewhat finer stems and leaves
than O. filiformis and usually loses its lower leaves before flowering. The fruits of O. canbyi are dorsally
flattened with thick, corky ridges and dilated margins, i.e., thickest at the edges.
In contrast, O. filiformis has crown buds; lower internodes are usually green; primary rays of the umbel
are 10 to 20. It retains its lower leaves while flowering The fruits of O. filiformis are dorsally flattened
with rather narrow delicate wings thinnest at the edges and only a few corky ribs, giving them a
spindle-shape in cross-section.
The above description was adapted in part from Kral (1983), Tucker et al. (1983), and Chafin (2007).
Duration: PERENNIAL
Reproduction Comments: Existing populations of Oxypolis canbyi are maintained mainly through
asexual reproduction. This species is strongly clonal, reproducing vegetatively by means of
stoloniferous rhizomes. Stems also become decumbent and root at the nodes, especially in drier sites
where there is little or no water to support the stems. The flowers can be either unisexual or bisexual.
Bisexual flowers may facilitate some self-pollination; however, the flowers are protandrous, which is
indicative of some degree of outcrossing.
Known Pests: Larvae of black swallowtail butterfly (Papilio polyxenes asterius); scale insects and
grasshoppers
Ecology Comments: Existing populations of O. canbyi are maintained mainly through asexual
reproduction. This species is strongly "clonalizing," reproducing vegetatively by means of stoloniferous
rhizomes. Stems also become decumbent and root at the nodes, especially in drier sites where there
is little or no water to support the stems.
Perfect (bisexual) flowers are produced which may result in some self-pollination; however, the flowers
are protandrous which may ensure some degree of outcrossing. The potential for outcrossing may be
higher in those umbels which produce inner male flowers and outer female flowers. Outcrossing
results in increased recombination and heterozygosity, thereby ensuring increased evolutionary
potential. Sexual reproduction theoretically should act as a sort of evolutionary buffer enabling the
species to survive environmental changes. This may not be the case in O. canbyi due to a possible
high selfing rate and/or the isolation of small populations.
Predation by the caterpillar of the black swallowtail butterfly (Papilio polyxenes asterius) may be a
factor in reducing the sexual reproductive potential of O. canbyi. This caterpillar chews through the
stems just below the inflorescence.
Habitat Comments: O. canbyi has been found in a variety of Coastal Plain habitats prone to long
periods of inundation, including pond cypress ponds, grass-sedge dominated Carolina bays, wet pine
savannahs, shallow pineland ponds and cypress-pine swamps or sloughs. The largest and most
vigorous populations reported occur in open bays or ponds which are flooded throughout most of the
year and which have little or no canopy cover. Many sites are on a sandy loam or loam soil which is
underlain by a clay layer. Based on county soil surveys, known soil types which support populations
of O. canbyi include Rembert loam, Portsmouth loam, McColl loam, Grady loam, Coxville fine sandy
loam, and Rains sandy loam. These soil types are similar in that they have a medium to high organic
content, high water table, and are deep, poorly drained, and acidic. Historically, fire was a key element
maintaining the open nature of the habitat at many O. canbyi sites.
The following species are frequently found associated with O. canbyi: Ilex myrtifolia, Nyssa
biflora, Taxodium ascendens, Pinus serotina, Stillingia aquatica, Rhynchospora tracyi, R.
inundata, Manisuris rugosa, Rhexia aristosa, Polygala cymosa, Pluchea rosea, Lobelia
boykinii and Hypericum denticulataum.
Management Summary
Stewardship Overview: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's immediate emphasis for recovery of this
species is on protection (i.e., prevention of drainage and other site alterations which are known to be
detrimental), in cooperation with the landowners, until appropriate management procedures have been
developed through research. In Georgia, Chafin (2007) recommends applying prescribed fire every 2-3
years to remove competing vegetation. If burning is not possible, it may help to carefully remove
encroaching woody species by other means, to allow the herbaceous layer in which O. canbyi is found
to thrive.
Restoration Potential: For those sites which have been altered or damaged in some way, the
potential for recovery of O. canbyiis good provided that the natural hydrologic regime can be restored
and O. canbyi is present in sufficient numbers to recolonize the site.
Preserve Selection & Design Considerations: The actual amount of land needed to protect a
population of O. canbyi would depend on the type of habitat in which it occurs. Water levels appear to
be critical to O. canbyi; therefore, that part of the watershed which contributes to the inflow and
maintenance of water levels within the site should be protected. If there is an outflow, enough land
should be acquired to ensure natural drainage. Thus, in addition to protection of the actual site, it is
necesary to protect as a buffer that part of the watershed which is essential to the hydrology of the site.
Monitoring Requirements: Monitoring the populations should help to determine whether there is a
need for active mangement.
Management procedures are unknown at this time. For those sites that have been altered or partially
destroyed, restoration of the natural hydrologic regime and thinning of the canopy may be needed. Fire
may be a recommended tool. Until this is known and due to the evidence of past fires at some sites,
natural fires should not be prevented from occurring in O. canbyi sites. Furthermore, the process of
putting out a fire could possibly alter the hydrologic regime through the construction of ditches and fire
breaks.
Management Programs: University of South Carolina, Department of Biology Contact: Dr. James
Morris Program currently not active
University of North Carolina, Department of Biology Contact: Dr. C. Ritchie Bell Program currently
active?
Management Research Needs: At least some of the sites show evidence of past fires. Research on
the effects of fire is needed to determine whether it is important in the management of O.
canbyi populations.
An in-depth analysis of the sites is needed to determine associated species and possible indicator
species.
The ability of O. canbyi to successfully compete with other herbaceous plants is unknown.
Species: Echinacea laevigata
Common Name: Smooth Coneflower
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/07/Echinacea_laevigata.jpg
Basic Description: A rhizomatous perennial herb, which grows to a height of about 1.5 m, with
smooth stems, few leaves and pink to purplish flowers. This species flowers from May to mid-July and
fruits from late June to September (Gaddy 1991).
Diagnostic Characteristics: Unlike Echinacea purpurea, E. laevigata does not have heart-shaped
leaves. The flower is smooth, with longer, narrower corollas. Also, the awn on the chaff is shorter, only
1/4 the length of the body, as opposed to 1/2 the length for E. purpurea.
Duration: PERENNIAL
Reproduction Comments: Flowering occurs May through July; fruiting occurs June to October.
Seldom produces viable seeds. Rhizomatous/Cormophyte.
Known Pests: Host for a leaf beetle (Family Chrysomelidae) - effects, if any, are unknown.
Habitat Comments: Formerly, a plant of prairie-like habitats or oak-savannas maintained by natural or
Native American-set fires. Now, primarily occurs in openings in woods, such as cedar barrens and
clear cuts, along roadsides and utility line rights-of-way, and on dry limestone bluffs. Usually found in
areas with magnesium- and calcium-rich soils. Requires full or partial sun. Associated species
include: Juniperus virginiana and Eryngium yuccifolium.
Management Summary
Stewardship Overview: Natural fires, as well as large herbivores (such as bison) historically
maintained the habitat in the open condition needed by this coneflower. Currently, fire or some other
suitable form of disturbance, such as well-timed mowing or the careful clearing of trees, is essential to
maintaining the glade remnants upon which this species depends. Without such periodic disturbance,
the habitat is overtaken by shrubs and trees [Endangered Spp. Tech. Bull. 17(1-2): 9-10].
Management Research Needs: In 1992, flowering quadrupled four months after a controlled, late
winter burn. Another, previously unknown site, was also discovered following a burn.
Species: Hymenocallis coronaria
Common Name: Shoals Spiderwort
http://www.bulbsociety.org/GALLERY_OF_THE_WORLDS_BULBS/GRAPHICS/Hymenocallis/Hymenocallis
_coronaria/H_coronaria.html
Description and habitat[edit]
Hymenocallis coronaria requires a swift, shallow, water current and direct sunlight to flourish.[2] The
plant grows to about 3 feet (0.9 m) tall and develops from a bulb that lodges in cracks in
rocky shoals.[3] It blooms from early May to late June.[2]Each fragrant flower blossom opens overnight
and last for one day. They are visited and possibly pollinated by Paratrea plebeja, commonly known as
the plebian sphinx moth, and Battus philenor, the pipevine swallowtail butterfly.[4]
The plant was first scientifically described in 1783 by William Bartram as the “odoriferous Pancratium
fluitans which almost alone possesses the little rocky islets”. He observed it growing in the Savannah
River near Augusta, Georgia.[5]
Populations[edit]
Hymenocallis coronaria is under consideration for protection under the Endangered Species Act, due
to entire populations being wiped out by dam construction.[5] There are only approximately 50 extant
populations of Hymenocallis coronaria left, all in the states of Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina.
The three largest remaining populations are located in the Cahaba River in Alabama, the Catawba
River in South Carolina, and in the Flint River in Georgia.[4] The Cahaba River has four separate
populations, with three within the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge and one in Buck Creek); the
Catawba has one within theLandsford Canal State Park; and the Flint has four, from Yellow Jacket
Shoals to Hightower Shoals. Significant populations remain in the Savannah River basin, with three in
the main channel and one each in the tributaries of Stevens Creek in South Carolina and the Broad
River in Georgia.[4]
Management Summary
None.
Species: Lindera subcoriacea
Common Name: Bog Spicebush
http://www.namethatplant.net/gallery_comparison.shtml?compare=flowers%20of%20Sassafras%20and%20Spic
ebush
Basic Description: A multi-stemmed, erect, deciduous shrub, usually 1-2 m in height; occasionally up
to 4 m. Leaves are bluish-green above and pale green and hairy below. Flowers are small and yellow
and appear in clusters of 3-4. The fruit is a vivid-red drupe. This species is less aromatic than the
common spicebush (Lindera benzoin) but, when crushed or bruised, the stem and leaves have a
piney-lemon smell, described as resembling lemon furniture polish. Flowering in early spring, before
the leaves appear (March-April; February in Florida). Fruits mature in late summer.
Technical Description: "Dioecious (occasionally polygamo-dioecious), deciduous shrub to 2 m (4 m).
Stems smooth, reddish-tan and pubescent when young, with obvious lenticels, becoming grayish and
glabrous with age. The stem, when crushed or bruised, with a faint 'piney-lemon' smell (often
described as resembling lemon furniture polish). Leaves with petiole caniculate, 3-10 mm long,
pubescent; blade subcoriaceous, horizontal to ascending, elliptic to oblanceolate, 4-7.5 by 2-3.5 cm
(lower stem leaves reduced), apex obtuse to rounded, rarely slightly acuminate (mucronate when
young), venation eucamtrodromous, lower surface pale green, glaucescent, moderately pubescent,
upper surface darker green, pubescent when young, becoming essentially glabrous with age. Flowers
appearing before leaves in axils of preceding year's leaves on stout, supraaxillary branches 1.5 mm
long and terminated by vegetative bud; inflorescences of 1 to 4 umbellike cymose clusters, each
cluster 3- or 4- (rarely 5-) flowered, subtended by 2 pairs of concave, decussate, coriaceous,
deciduous bracts, with the outer pair 2.5 by 3 mm, inner pair 3 by 3.5 mm, the secondary bracts
caducous, tepaploid, flowers imperfect (rarely perfect), regular, tepals 6, 2.2 mm by 1.8 mm, glabrous,
pellucid-punctate, perianth tube short. Staminate flowers on pedicels to 4 mm long; stamens 9,
introrse, 2-locular, yellow, those of series I and II similar, 2.5 mm long, with anther 1 by 1 mm, those of
series III 2.5 mm long, filament broadened, each with pair of conspicuous glands at base, those of
series IV lacking; pistillodium 1.2 mm long. Pistillate flowers on pedicels to 1.5 mm long; tepals slightly
smaller than those of staminate flowers; stamens variously developed, often reduced to glands
resembling those at base of series III stamens of staminate flowers; stigma papillose, style 1 mm long,
the ovary elliptic, 1 by 0.6 mm. Drupes bright red, ca. 10 mm long, elliptic, borne on pedicels to 4 mm
long." (Wofford in Gordon, 1986)
Diagnostic Characteristics: Distinguished from the two other North American Lindera species,
including the common spicebushL. benzoin, by its thick leaves, especially evident when the plant is in
full-sun situations, and by leaf undersides that are strongly whitened (Weakley 2004). Leaves of L.
subcoriacea are also distinctly less aromatic than than those of the other two species (FNA 1997).
Duration: PERENNIAL, DECIDUOUS
Reproduction Comments: Older stems within a clone tend to be replaced by younger stems which
originate from root suckering (Gordon et al., 1986).
Habitat Comments: Summary: Bog spicebush inhabits permanently moist to wet, shrub-dominated
seepage wetlands ("bogs" or "pocosins") (Gordon, et al., 1986). On the Gulf Coastal Plain of Alabama,
Mississippi, and Louisiana such wetlands occur on level to slightly sloping terrain and have been
termed pitcher plant bogs or quaking bogs, depending on depth of peat buildup. Dominants include
sphagnum moss, sedges, grasses, pitcher plants, and diverse shrubs and herbs. Bog spicebush also
inhabits hillside seepage bogs and bayheads, which are shrub-dominated wetlands on slight to
moderate slopes. In the Sandhills region of the Carolinas and Georgia, bog spicebush occurs in
streamhead pocosins, shrub-and-tree- dominated wetlands that border headwater streams draining
the variously sloping hills.
Full description: Bog spicebush inhabits permanently moist to wet, shrub-dominated seepage wetlands
("bogs" or "pocosins") (Gordon, et al., 1986). On the Gulf Coastal Plain of Alabama, Mississippi, and
Louisiana such wetlands occur on level to slightly sloping terrain and have been termed pitcher plant
bogs or quaking bogs, depending on depth of peat buildup. Dominants include sphagnum moss,
sedges, grasses, pitcher plants, and diverse shrubs and herbs. Bog spicebush also inhabits hillside
seepage bogs and bayheads, which are shrub-dominated wetlands on slight to moderate slopes. In
Mobile County, Alabama, Bridges and Orzell (1989) described one site thus: "Lindera subcoriacea is
occasional in partial shade of evergreen shrub-tree thickets within an extensive series of mid-slope
hillside seepage bogs." Soils have been described as "peaty muck" (Gordon 1993), "very acid ... high
in organic matter ... permanently saturated ... often growing in floating mats of vegetation atop thick
layers of peaty muck" (Gordon, et al., 1986). These descriptions apparently refer to bog communities
in Mississippi; soils at sites in North and South Carolina are much less wet, although Sphagnum is
nearly always present. Soil series which support bog spicebush on Fort Bragg include Blaney (Arenic
Hapludults), Gilead (Aquic Hapludults), Johnston (Cumulic Humaquepts), and Vaucluse (Typic
Hapludults) (Hudson 1984, NCNHP 1993). In the Sandhills region of the Carolinas and Georgia, bog
spicebush occurs in Streamhead pocosins, shrub-and-tree- dominated wetlands that border headwater
streams draining the variously sloping hills. The author believes this habitat to be analogous to the
bayheads (bay forests) and probably also to the hillside seepage bogs of the Gulf Coast. The pocosins
are usually narrow, forming a 5- to 50-meter band along each side of the stream, or in larger stream
systems flanking the zone of tall swamp forest trees. L. subcoriacea is usually found within the
pocosin, often occurring at the transition from shrubby slope to the flat (although narrow), forested
floodplain. This may reflect the species' preference for permanently moist substrate. In southeastern
Virginia, plants inhabit similar habitats along streams that drain uplands within ecosystems formerly
dominated by longleaf pine and turkey oak (McCartney 1990, Ludwig 1993). Lindera subcoriacea sites
share many species in common. Among the most constant are Sphagnum spp., Acer rubrum, Aronia
arbutifolia, Arundinaria tecta, Chamaecyparis thyoides, Cyrilla racemiflora, Ilex coriacea, I. glabra, I.
laevigata, Magnolia virginiana, Myrica heterophylla, M. inodora, Nyssa biflora, Persea palustris, Pinus
serotina, Smilax glauca, S. laurifolia, Symplocos tinctoria, and Toxicodendron vernix. Limited canopy
cover appears to be important; plants under dense shade appear less robust, as if struggling to
compete with Lyonia lucida, Magnolia virginiana, and other shade-tolerant species. On Fort Bragg,
several occurrences are found where roads cross a stream, suggesting that limited disturbance may
reduce competition and provide additional light (TNC 1991-93). Additionally, Lindera subcoriacea is
often found with or near other rare plants in the NC Sandhills, including Lysimachia asperulifolia,
Kalmia cuneata, Eupatorium resinosum, Tofieldia glabra, Xyris scabrifolia, Eriocaulon aquaticum,
Scirpus etuberculatus, Cladium mariscoides, Lilium iridollae, Rhynchospora macra, R. pallida, R.
stenophylla, Oxypolis ternata, Calamovilfa brevipilis, Carex turgescens, Sporobolus sp. 1, and Lycopus
cokeri. In Mississippi, it is often found with or near such rare species as Carex exilis (Bryson, et al.,
1988), as well as Xyris scabrifolia, X. drummondii, Agalinis aphylla, Lachnocaulon digynum, Pinguicula
primulifolia, P. planifolia, Rhynchospora macra, and Calopogon barbatus (Gordon 1993).
Management Summary
Stewardship Overview: Key stewardship needs for bog spicebush include (1) restoring fire to the
communities in which it occurs, using winter, fuel-reduction burns and growing season burns where
appropriate, (2) protecting and/or restoring the hydrologic conditions which support the species, and
(3) monitoring extant subpopulations for responses to current land management practices. Research
into the species' reproductive biology and ecology may indicate that more specialized management
activities are required for its long-term survival.
Species: Ludwigia spathulata
Common Name: Spatulate Seedbox
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ludwigia-Flower-Fruit-080310lw.jpg
Basic Description: A perennial herb with soft-hairy herbage and with prostrate, creeping stems, 1-2
dm long, often intermingling and forming extensive mats. Leaves are elliptical, about 1-2 cm long and 5
mm wide. The small flowers (June-October) lack true petals and are borne in the axils of the leaves.
Reproduction Comments: This species spreads vegetatively by rooting from the nodes of stems and
is probably self-pollinating due to the lack of petals on the flowers (Chafin 2008).
Habitat Comments: Exposed shores and bottoms of sinkhole ponds, bogs, and depression meadows.
Found infrequently in these habitats; apparently appears somewhat unpredictably during low water
periods.
Management Summary
None.
Species: Rhododendron eastmanii
Common Name: May White
http://www.rosebay.org/chapterweb/sgrtr86.htm
Abstract…
I conducted a survey in the piedmont and coastal plain of South Carolina during 2000–2003 that documented 23
population sites in eleven counties for the recently describedRhododendron eastmanii (May-white azalea).
Populations were typically located on north-facing slopes of rich, mature forests above streams dominated by
oaks, hickories, and other deciduous trees. Soils had a loamy sand to sandy loam texture and were circumneutral
to slightly acidic. This species is more widespread than originally thought, and botanists in Georgia and North Carolina should look for the
presence of this species.
Castanea 70(1):1-12. 2005
doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.2179/0008-7475(2005)070[0001:DAEPOR]2.0.CO;2
Distribution and Ecological Preference of Rhododendron eastmaniiKron & Creel (May-white Azalea) in South Carolina
Charles N. Horn*
Management Summary
None.
Species: Symphyotrichum georgianum
Common Name: Georgia Aster
James Henderson, Gloden Delight Honey, Bugwood.org @ http://www.forestryimages.org/browse/detail.cfm?imgnum=1241076
Basic Description: A perennial herb, 4.5-8 dm tall, with dark purple ray flowers surrounding white disk
flowers. Flower heads are large (up to 6 cm across). Blooms in early October-mid-November (Weakley
2000).
Diagnostic Characteristics: This species is distinguished by its colonial, rhizomatious habit and large
flower heads with dark purple corolla and white disk flowers. Specifically, S. georgianum has long, dark
purple ray flowers, as compared to the shorter, lighter purple/blue ray flowers of S. patens. S.
georgianum also has white disk flowers fading to light/dull lavender as opposed the the yellow disk
flowers fading to dark tan of S. patens and S. grandiflorum. S. georgianum also flowers later (mid Oct.
- mid Nov.) than S. patens. S. georgianum is capable of extensive clonal growth/clumping, whereas S.
patens grows in small, sparse clumps (of a few stems). Finally, Cronquist (1980) notes that S.
georgianum can be distinguished by its involucre up to 12 mm high (as opposed to 5-9 mm high in
other taxa of the S. patens group).
Habitat Comments: Dry open woods, roadsides, and other openings. Probably a relict species of the
post oak (Quercus stellata)-savanna communities that existed in the region prior to fire supression and
the eradication of large native grazing animals (Murdock 2001).
Management Summary
Stewardship Overview: Mow or burn to prevent succession and shade but not during the growing
season. Protect populations from development, road expansion, road shoulder grading, herbicide
treatments, invasive species encroachment, and quarry expansion (USFS 2003).
Species: Thalictrum subrotundum
Common Name: Reclined Meadow-rue
http://eol.org/pages/596269/overview
Stems erect to ± reclining, slender, 50-200 cm, glabrous. Leaves basal and cauline; basal and
proximal cauline petiolate, distal cauline sessile; petioles and rachises glabrous, neither pubescent nor
glandular. Leaf blade ternately and pinnately decompound; leaflets grayish green to brownish to bright
green, nearly orbiculate to ovate or obovate, apically undivided or shallowly 2-3-lobed, 5-16(-22) × 318 mm, length 1-3.3 times width, leathery and prominently reticulate abaxially, or sometimes quite
membranous, margins sometimes revolute, lobe margins entire; surfaces abaxially glabrous.
Inflorescences racemes or panicles, elongate, few flowered; peduncles and pedicels neither pubescent
nor glandular. Flowers either unisexual with staminate and pistillate on different plants, or bisexual and
unisexual with staminate and bisexual on some plants, pistillate and bisexual on others; sepals 4(-6),
greenish to white, nearly orbiculate, 1-2 mm; filaments white, filiform or sometimes clavate, 1.8-4 mm,
rigid to flexible; anthers 0.5-1.2 mm. Achenes numerous, slightly stipitate; stipe 0.3-0.7 mm; body
ovoid, 3-4.5 mm, prominently veined, glabrous; beak 0.7-1.7 mm. 2 n = 56.
Flowering late spring-summer (early Jun-mid Jul). Low woods, rich wooded slopes, cliffs, swampy
forests, meadows, and limestone sinks; 500-800 m; Ala., Fla., Ga., Miss., N.C., S.C., Va.
Much variation in Thalictrum macrostylum seems to be associated with habitat differences, especially
the amount of sunlight received. The name T . subrotundum merely represents plants of T .
macrostylum growing in deep shade. Common garden studies and cluster analyses do not support
recognition of two species (M. Park 1992).
Management Summary
None
Species: Carex radfordii
Common Name: Radford’s Sedge
http://www.herbarium.unc.edu/images/TypeImages/Carex_radfordii_565381.jpg
Basic Description: A robust perennial sedge, the stems 4-6 dm tall (usually 1.5 x longer than the
leaves). Distinguished from other Carex species by its long awns, blue-green leaf blades, and
brownish white basal sheaths. Blooms in May and June.
General Description: Similar to Carex purpurifera; section Laxiflorae (Gaddy 1995).
Diagnostic Characteristics: Carex radfordii has brownish white culm bases while C.
purpurifera and C. manhartii have reddish purple culm bases. C. radfordii has asymmetrical pistillate
scale bodies with extremely long awns (1-5 mm) while C. striatula andC. laxiflora have symmetrical
pistillate scale bodies and shorter awns (0.5-3.7 mm) (Gaddy 1995).
Habitat Comments: Calcareous, often rocky, well-drained soils of mesic cove forests and woodlands.
Most known sites are underlain by the Brevard of Chauga Belt, the rocks of which have weathered to
produce very nutrient-rich, alkaline or neutral soils (Gaddy 1995).
Management Summary
None.
Species: Hymenophyllum tayloriae
Common Name: Taylor’s Fern
http://www.discoverlife.org/mp/20p?res=640&see=I_MO1095
Basic Description: A fern that grows directly on rocks. Most often encountered in the gametophyte
stage, where the plants appear as much-branched, flattened, ribbon-like structures bearing abundant,
plate-like asexual propagules (gemmae). The few sporophytes that have been found have small
leaves (< 1 cm long) with prominent star-shaped hairs on the midrib and margins. The leaves are one
cell thick between the veins and are ovate to oblong to lanceolate. Gemmae grow to be mature in less
than a year (in culture) (Farrar 1990).
Diagnostic Characteristics: Nearly all populations of this species lack sporophytes and is described
from gametophyte plants. The mature sporophyte plants, when found, lack sori and leaves are less
than 1cm. The leaves bear stellate hairs. It is noted that this species has been collected where H.
tunbrigense occurs but they differ morphologically, most noteably in that H. tayloriaeproduces many
gemmae (vegetative reproductive structures). These two species also differ in their molecular make up
(enzyme electrophoretic patterns) (Flora North America vol. 2).
Habitat Comments: Moist grotto ceilings and cliff crevices of non-calcareous rock in narrow stream
gorges, and in waterfall spray zones on cliffs behind or near the falls. The plants grow attached to rock,
thin soil or root masses. Sometimes they are found with mosses on boulders below waterfalls (Raine
et al. 1991). The crevice habitat where this species is found is usually referred to as a 'rockhouse'.
Rockhouses, deep cavities in bedrock cliffs, are shaped so that air displacement takes place slowly,
the back of the cavity receives very little light, and the temperature is regulated by the bedrock.
Rockhouses are also capable of maintaining a constant level of moisture (Farrar 1998). In addition to
maintaining constant levels of moisture, rockhouses maintain relatively constant environmental
conditions thoughout the summer and winter and mimic tropical climates. Finally, rockhouses are
found in forests where the trees act to buffer the environmental conditions maintained in the rockhouse
(Farrar 1998). This species is also known to less frequently grow on rocks near streams in ravines or
gorges (pers. comm. P. Davison).
Management Summary
Basic Description: A fern that grows directly on rocks. Most often encountered in the gametophyte
stage, where the plants appear as much-branched, flattened, ribbon-like structures bearing abundant,
plate-like asexual propagules (gemmae). The few sporophytes that have been found have small
leaves (< 1 cm long) with prominent star-shaped hairs on the midrib and margins. The leaves are one
cell thick between the veins and are ovate to oblong to lanceolate. Gemmae grow to be mature in less
than a year (in culture) (Farrar 1990).
Diagnostic Characteristics: Nearly all populations of this species lack sporophytes and is described
from gametophyte plants. The mature sporophyte plants, when found, lack sori and leaves are less
than 1cm. The leaves bear stellate hairs. It is noted that this species has been collected where H.
tunbrigense occurs but they differ morphologically, most noteably in that H. tayloriaeproduces many
gemmae (vegetative reproductive structures). These two species also differ in their molecular make up
(enzyme electrophoretic patterns) (Flora North America vol. 2).
Habitat Comments: Moist grotto ceilings and cliff crevices of non-calcareous rock in narrow stream
gorges, and in waterfall spray zones on cliffs behind or near the falls. The plants grow attached to rock,
thin soil or root masses. Sometimes they are found with mosses on boulders below waterfalls (Raine
et al. 1991). The crevice habitat where this species is found is usually referred to as a 'rockhouse'.
Rockhouses, deep cavities in bedrock cliffs, are shaped so that air displacement takes place slowly,
the back of the cavity receives very little light, and the temperature is regulated by the bedrock.
Rockhouses are also capable of maintaining a constant level of moisture (Farrar 1998). In addition to
maintaining constant levels of moisture, rockhouses maintain relatively constant environmental
conditions thoughout the summer and winter and mimic tropical climates. Finally, rockhouses are
found in forests where the trees act to buffer the environmental conditions maintained in the rockhouse
(Farrar 1998). This species is also known to less frequently grow on rocks near streams in ravines or
gorges (pers. comm. P. Davison).
Species: Isoetes melanospora
Common Name: Black-spored Quillwort
http://www.goldendelighthoney.com/tes/ISME3/Isoetes_melanospora.jpg
Basic Description: A perennial fern ally that forms small tufts of erect to spreading, linear leaves, 2.58 cm tall, usually arranged spirally on the bulbous rootstock. Produces dark-colored megaspores (most
other quillworts have whitish spores), mostly in early May to June.
Habitat Comments: Shallow, flat-bottomed, temporary pools that form in depressions on granite
outcrops. These depressions are less than 3 dm deep and usually contain at least 2 cm of soil. They
may be dry during much of the summer. Associated with other rare and endangered granite outcrop
endemics, including Amphianthus pusillus (poolsprite).
Management Summary
None.
Species: Senecio millefolium
Common Name: Piedmont Ragwort
http://www.namethatplant.net/plantdetail.shtml?plant=1360
Basic Description: A perennial herb, 3-7 dm tall, with highly dissected, "feathery" foliage and with
clusters of yellow flower heads that bloom from late April to early June.
Diagnostic Characteristics: Taxonomically closest to P. anonyma. The difference between the two
appears to be the much more dissected foliage of P. millefolium (Kral 1983). Specifically, it can be
recognized by the bi- to tri-pinnately dissected leaves, the divisions mostly less than 3 mm wide, the
rachis of basal leaves not winged, and none of the basal leaves entire (Massey et al. 1980).
Habitat Comments: Thin, sandy soils that form on and around granite outcrops. Usually in full sun in
cracks or small depressions in granite domes and ledges, but occasionally in light shade. The Virginia
populations are strictly associated with limestone outcrops but are found in soils which are probably as
droughty and thin as those found around granite outcrops. These limestone glades and barrens also
provide a very sunlit to slightly shaded habitat. In South Carolina the species occupies granitic
outcrops in small or large patches along margins of seepages or permanent water flows (cataract
bogs), vegetation mats and shallow soil glades bordering woodlands. In Georgia, suitable habitat is
considered to be granitic ledges at or above 3,000 feet (900 meters) in elevation.
Management Summary
Stewardship Overview: At specific localities some attention may be necessary to ensure that
increased trampling, erosion, and encroaching vegetation do not threaten the species in the future
(Massey et al. 1980). Prescribed burns and thinning or cutting the overstory may be beneficial if done
properly (Kral 1983).
Species: Shortia galacifolia
Common Name: Oconee-bells
http://www.goldendelighthoney.com/tes/SHGA/Shortia_galacifolia2.jpg
Basic Description: A stemless perennial herb that forms a ground cover of round, waxy green leaves
that persist on the plant all year, turning a reddish-bronze color in winter. Nodding, bell-shaped, white
or pink flowers bloom for about a week in early spring.
Habitat Comments: Shady woods and stream banks with rich, humus-enriched soils. Most abundant
on deep ravine slopes where cool, humid conditions prevail. Often in rhododendron thickets within
mixed hardwood stands.
Management Summary
None.
Species: Isotria medeoloides
Common Name: Small Whorled Pogonia
http://plants.usda.gov/java/largeImage?imageID=isme2_002_ahp.tif
Basic Description: A perennial herb that grows up to 3 dm in height. A whorl of 5 or 6 leaves near the
top of the stem and beneath the flower(s) gives the plant its common name. The leaves are grayishgreen and are usually 4-8 cm long. Solitary (or occasionally paired) greenish-yellow flowers arise from
the center of the leaf whorl. Blooms in May in the south, and as late as mid-June in the northern part of
its range. Capsules mature in the fall.
Technical Description: Plant terrestrial, stem pale green, glaucous, glabrous, hollow, up to 31 cm tall.
Roots slender and hairy. Leaves 5 or 6 in a whorl at the summit of the stem, light green, rhombic
elliptic, somewhat pointed, up to 8 cm long, 4 cm wide at maturity. Flowers 1 or 2, yellowish green,
from the top of the stem. Ovary short pedicellate, 15 mm long. Sepals pale green, arching or
spreading, linear oblong, 12-25 mm long and approximately 3 mm wide. Petals oblanceolate, pale
yellowish-green, obovate, 3-lobed, up to 17 mm long and 4 mm wide; lip nerved, obovate to 15 mm
long and 5 mm wide, lateral lobes narrowly triangular, middle lobe rounded, undulate; disc with a
longitudinal yellow-green crest which breaks up into papillae on the middle lobe. Column terete, white,
to 9 mm long; anther white, terminal, hinged; pollinia 2, mealy. Capsule erect, ellipsoid, to 2.5 cm long
and 1 cm wide. (V. Crouch, pers. comm.; Luer, 1975; von Oettingen, 1992)
Diagnostic Characteristics: Isotria medeoloides may be distinguished from I. verticillata (common
whorled pogonia) by the greenish-white color of the hollow stem and yellow-green flower with a
greenish-white tip. Sepal characteristics are also important- sepals linear-lanceolate, 1.2-2.5 cm long,
not greatly exceeding the petals (1.3-1.7 cm); peduncles to 2.5 cm, shorter than the ovary. I.
medeoloides also resembles young plants of Medeola virginiana (Indian cuccumber-root). I.
medeoloides may be distinguished from Medeola by its hollow stout stem; Medeola has a solid more
slender stem (USFWS 1996). For a technical description of I. medeoloides see Flora of North America
(2002).
Duration: PERENNIAL, Long-lived, DECIDUOUS
Reproduction Comments: "Mehrhoff (1989) determined that the leaf whorl diameter in a given year is
a good predictor of the reproductive state for that plant for the following year. Plants that are large one
year are likely to bloom the next year, while plants that are small are more likely to be vegetative, go
dormant, or die (Mehrhoff, 1989; Vitt, 1991)... The small whorled pogonia only occasionally reproduces
vegetatively, as indicated by rare occurrences of two or more stems originating from a single root stock
(Ames, 1922; Brumback and Flyer, 1983; D. Ware pers. comm., 1992). Isotria medeoloides is
scentless, apparently lacks nectar, and is self-pollinating (Mehrhoff, 1983; 1989; Vitt, 1991). Insect
pollination may take place on occasion; however, this has not been documented." (von Oettingen,
1992)
Habitat Comments: Acidic soils, in dry to mesic second-growth, deciduous or deciduous-coniferous
forests; typically with light to moderate leaf litter, an open herb layer (occasionally dense ferns),
moderate to light shrub layer, and relatively open canopy (Flora of North America 2002). Isotria
medeoloides frequently occurs on flats or slope bases near canopy breaks (Flora of North America
2002).
A typical forest community supporting I. medeoloides on fragipan soils in northern New England is
dominated by Acer rubrum, Tsuga canadensis, Betula papyrifera, Quercus rubra, Pinus strobus and
Fagus grandifolia. Younger stands frequently supportPopulus grandidentata. A conspicuous indicator
of I. medeoloides in this region is abundant Betula papyrifera on slopes with a dense fern
understory. Hamamelis virginiana is virtually a constant associate of I. medeoloides here and is usually
the dominant shrub species. In southern New England Clethra alnifolia is usually an additional
associated shrub.
Herbaceous vegetation at northern I. medeoloides sites varies from virtually none beneath
dense Tsuga or Fagus groves to unbroken stands of woodland ferns (mostly Dennstaedia
punctilobula, Athyrium noveboracensis and Osmunda spp.). Medeola virginiana, like Hamamelis, is
virtually a constant associate. Woodland sedges and grasses tend to be conspicuously absent,
only Brachyeletrum erectum occurring with some regularity. Botrychium matricariaefolium and B.
simplex var. tenebrosum are two diminutive ferns which inhabit slightly wetter areas near some I.
medeoloides populations - these ferns might, in the preparer's opinion, have some limited value as
indicator species. Clubmosses (mostly Lycopodium obscurum and L. complanatum) and evergreen
forbs such as Gaultheria procumbens, Epigaea repens, Chimaphila maculata, Mitchella repens, and
Pyrola spp. tend to be abundant. Other orchids such as Cypripedium acaule, Goodyera tesselata, G.
pubescens, Corralorhiza maculata, C. odontorhiza and Triphora trianthophora frequently occur with I.
medeoloides in this region. Brownell (1981) lists an impressive total of eight other orchid species
occurring in the vicinity of the Ontario population. In VA, Grimes (1921) listedMalaxis
unifolia and Liparis lilifolia as associated orchids, while Ware and Saunders (unpublished report 1983)
listed Tipularia discolor and Goodyera sp. as associates.
Although most of the above-mentioned herbaceous species are quite common in a variety of habitats,
they can serve as indicators of I. medeoloides when then occur together in abundance. These ferns,
clubmosses, evergreen forbs and orchids characterize the plant community found on acidic, sloping,
fragipan soils.
Mehrhoff (1980) suggested that declines in I. medeoloides population sizes "are probably related to an
increase of vegetative cover at the sites". Recent findings, however, suggest that the amount of
vegetative cover I. medeoloides populations has at most minimal influence on the long-term viability of
the population. To elaborate, the preparer of this abstract has personally observed hundreds of quite
thrifty I. medeoloides plants growing in very dense fern cover. In fact, at some NH populations, one
finds the majority of individuals growing in this dense cover. Furthermore, Brumback and Fyler (1983)
state, "There seems to no correlation in our study between herbaceous cover and reproductive class....
While it may be true that dense herbaceous cover could certainly limit the size of I. medeoloides, in our
study several blooming plants appeared in over 60% herbaceous cover." In cases where smaller less
vigorous plants are correlated with dense cover, one cannot assume that competition is the cause. The
correlation may simply reflect edaphic conditions which are suboptimal for I. medeoloides but optimal
for dense shrub or herb cover.
Nearly all I. medeoloides populations are described as occurring in "second growth" or successional
forest communities. This fact alone should not elicit the notion that I. medeoloides therefore requires
such relatively young-aged forests. Rather, I. medeoloides is a forest plant and virtually all forests in
the region reflect past logging or clearing. Forest maturation does not appear to be a threat to the
majority of I. medeoloides population because so many populations already inhabit relatively mature
forests.
Nevertheless, the possiblility that some I. medeoloides populations are transitory must not be
dismissed. The declining MI population inhabiting an abandoned apple orchard (Mehrhoff 1980) may
or may not be such a population. In the course of forest community succession and forest soil
development, conditions favorable to I. medeoloides may be only temporarily available. Through time,
as conditions change, I. medeoloides may decline. At this point in our knowledge, we can only
speculate that I. medeoloides is capable of such dynamics.
Because I. medeoloides grows in deciduous as well as evergreen forests, population size is unlikely to
be greatly influenced by overstory tree density, basal area, or specific light conditions. Rather,
population size, as a variable, seems to depend mostly on the extent and quality of soil habitats.
When openings in the tree canopy allow more light to reach the forest floor and I. medeoloides plants,
there is reason to believe that the plant responds favorably, at least in the short term. Brumback (pers.
comm. 1985) observed exceptionally vigorous plants adjacent to a recent clear-cut, and smaller, less
vigorous plants away from clear-cut. In South Carolina, woods-road edges support I. medeoloides, and
extra light might be an important factor (Raynor l985, pers. comm.). Canopy reduction experiments
should be conducted in the future to determine the precise response of I. medeoloides to dramatic
increases of light. These findings should have population management implications.
Although soil moisture varies seasonally and can be difficult to measure, I. medeoloides populations
tend to occur on soils ranging from dry-mesic to wet-mesic. Drought stress, as reported by Homoya
(1977), may periodically occur and cause premature initiation of dormancy. At a NH population, the
preparer of this abstract observed extreme stress in an I. medeoloidesplant that had its corm nearly
totally exposed as result of the erosional effects of water flowing in a migrating intermittent stream
channel. Although such damage is probably rare, certain especially heavy rains may take their toll. In
the long term, however, the damage done to mature I. medeoloides plants by migrating "braided
intermittent streams is probably compensated by the simultaneous creation of new habitats - stream
deposited leaf debris - for new I. medeoloides plants.
Management Summary
Stewardship Overview: Preserve designs should encompass all outlying subpopulations and critical
upslope lands. Management of large, viable populations entails simply maintaining the natural
condition of the forest community and monitoring the population. Small exclosures have been
constructed around some plants at a North Carolina population to minimize herbivore (rabbit) damage,
and it remains to be seen whether exclosures are effective. To minimize human interference, trepass,
or collection managers should keep Isotria medeoloides locatons as confidential as possible. Research
related to basic life history and the development of successful population enhancement techniques
needs to be conducted, as such research may especially benefit certain small, declining populations.
Preserve Selection & Design Considerations: Most Isotria medeoloides populations occur on
slopes where soils are influenced by water draining from upslope areas. Therefore, in addition to the
actual acreage supporting the plant, all upslope lands need to be protected to ensure that crucial water
drainage processes are maintained. Surrounding buffer lands need protection to ensure that the
microclimate within the forest is maintained. Before preserves are designed, intensive field survey of
all adjacent lands should be conducted. Frequently, small, outlying "subpopulations" occur in the
vicinity of major populations. Preserves should be designed to encompass these outlying
subpopulations where feasible.
Management Requirements: In general, management of this species is very easy. Large population
should remain extant for a very long period of time without any form of external human interference
(e.g. habitat manipulation, artificial seedling establishment, etc.). All that is needed is to maintain the
surrounding forest community in a natural condition. Removing or reducing associated herbaceous
vegetation is not recommended because such manipulations are not likely to enhance populations and
may in fact have detrimental consequences.
Certain smaller populations may not, for whatever reasons, have long-term viability and therefore
management practices which enhance population size and vigor are being sought. However, before
any active management takes place at these small populations, the successful management
techniques should be developed at larger populations where such manipulative experiments can be
conducted without jeopardizing the population.
A word of caution - ISOTRIA plants salvaged from indefensible sites should not be transplanted into
existing populations. Such mixing of genotypes could be detrimental to the long-term survival of the
population.
Monitoring Requirements: Intensive studies such as that being conducted by Brumback and Fyler
should be continued. The amount of new information being generated through this particular study is
very impressive and will prove useful to management.
Another need is for less-intensive monitoring of all other known populations to document trends in
population size and reproductive output. At present, throughout the species range, over 2000
individual have been staked and are being followed from year to year. However, the task of visiting and
relocating those staked plants in NH and ME now demands so much time that some staked
populations were not visited in 1985. Because of this large time commitment, some researchers are
planning to monitor subsets of the large populations. A word of caution is that populations on private or
public lands should only be monitored if the land owner or land manager has given approval to the
project.
Monitoring is presently accomplished by staking Isotria medeoloides plants. Stakes should be plastic
because they are quite permanent and chemically rather inert, i.e. wooden stakes rot at the base and
are lost, metal stakes corrode and possibly add foreign chemical elements to the soil environment. To
minimize root damage, stakes should be placed at least six inches from the plant, preferably at a
standard predetermined compass bearing from each stem. On each stake an identifying number can
be written using indelible ink. An effective numbering system, used in NH, consists of a two-part
number - the occurrence number followed by sequential numbers 1 through n, e.g. 22-114. For each
monitored population a notebook should be created, within which one page is devoted to each plant.
All observations of an individual plant through time thereby get recorded on a single sheet of paper.
To accurately determine reproductive status and population size, populations must be visited at least
twice during the growing season. The first visit, during the period of bloom, documents all flowering
plants. The second visit, sometime in mid-summer, documents all fruiting plants as well as lateemerging sterile vegetative plants not in evidence during the period of bloom.
Species: Rudbeckia heliopsidis
Common Name: Sun-facing Coneflower
http://www.discoverlife.org/mp/20p?see=I_AMC9565&res=640
Basic Description: A perennial herb with branched stems, 6-12 dm tall. Flowering occurs from July to
September. The flowering stems are topped with several flower heads, each with bright yellow ray
flowers surrounding a central cluster of reddish-brown disk flowers.
General Description: The stems arise singly from each rosette, usually 0.5 to 1 meter tall. Stems are
erect or decumbent and often are branching only in the infloresence. The rosette leaves are largest,
and blades are mostly ovate or broadly lanceolate, 6-15 cm long, acute or short-acuminate. Lower
leaves similar to rosette leaves and often absent at flowering. The inflorescence is branched and
simple, with 7-10 sterile yellow ray flowers, and disc flowers numerous. The fruits are akenes with very
low blunt triangular teeth at angles (Kral 1983).
Diagnostic Characteristics: This species of Rudbeckia isn't easily confused with others in the genus,
given that it has blunt, hairy chaff tips and stigma tips that are shorter and obtuse, which makes it
different than common Rudbeckias. R. fulgida is the only species that occurs in similar habitats, and it
is highly variable, but has more deeply yellow (orange yellow) rays and different chaff and pappus
characters (Kral 1983).
Reproduction Comments: Rudbeckia heliopsidis flowers from late July through late September (Kral
1983).
Habitat Comments: Moist to wet sites such as acidic swales in pine-oak woodlands, peaty seeps in
meadows, and sandy alluvium along streams. Occurs in full sun to partial shade. Further, it is found in
upland oak-hickory or oak-pine-hickory or open pine-mixed hardwoods. It grows in seeps, bogs, sandy
wet clear crop areas or in places with many boulders. The seeps where it is found are acid with
grasses, sedges and herbs (Kral 1983).
Management Summary
Stewardship Overview: Thin overstory and cut overstory will benefit this species. It is unknown
whether fire benfits this species if done properly (Kral 1983).
Species: Stachys clingmanii
Common Name: Clingman’s Hedge-nettle
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stachys_clingmanii
Basic Description: A perennial, rhizomatous herb with deflexed bristles on stem edges and with a
white corolla having purple spots and lines.
Technical Description: The following description is based on Gleason and Cronquist (1991), Radford
et al. (1968) and Yatskievych (2000): Stem 0.5-0.8 m, hirsute on the angles only with pustulate (= with
little blisters) hairs 1-2 mm. deflexed at 45 degrees; leaves lance-ovate to oblong, 6-18 cm long, 3-7
cm wide, acuminate, sharply serrate, obtuse to subcordate at base, sharply serrate, hirsutulous on
both sides; petioles slender, 0.5-4.5 cm, smooth on the upper side; verticals (= whorls of flowers)
usually 6-flowered; calyx-tube hairy, 3.3-5.3 mm, the lobes deltoid-acuminate, half as long, tapering to
a subulate tip 1 mm. Corolla deep pink, strongly 2-lipped, 14-18 mm. Mericarps 2.2-2.3 mm long
(Dolan 2004).
Diagnostic Characteristics: It is distinguished from other perennial Stachys species with leaf-blades
cordate or truncate at the base by having petioles less than 1/4 as long as the blades, lower leaves
with petioles several times longer than those of the upper, and calyx lobes awned at the tips (Small
1913). Differs from S. latidens in having underside of leaves hispid. This plant is frequently
misidentified (John Nelson pers. comm. 2009) (Dolan 2004).
Habitat Comments: Predominantly found in clearings, forest meadows, forest edges, and periglacial
boulderfields at high elevations in the Appalachian mountains. Soils tend to be calcareous and
occupied sites are often previously disturbed by fire. Sites are typically found within a cove forest
matrix. In Indiana, Deam (1940) reports it as local in various habitats: dry oak slopes, moist sugar
maple and beech woods, and hard white clay soil in a sweet gum "flat".
Management Summary
None.
Species: Trillium persistens
Common Name: Persistant Trillium
http://www.goldendelighthoney.com/tes/TRPE7/Trillium_persistens.jpg
Basic Description: A perennial herb, mostly 1-3 dm tall, with a whorl of 3 leaves at the tip of the stem.
Each flowering plant produces a single, nodding, 3-petaled pink flower in early spring (mid-March to
mid-April) before the surrounding trees leaf out. As with other slow-growing Trillium species, it takes 710 years to produce a mature, 3-leaved, flowering plant.
Diagnostic Characteristics: Trillium persistens can be distinguished from T. grandiflorum, T.
catesbaei, and T. rugeli by its smaller, narrower petals, pale yellow, straight anthers, and leaves mostly
at least two times as long as wide, evenly tapered with straight margins at the apex (Patrick et al.
1995; Chafin 2007).
Habitat Comments: Mixed hemlock-pine-deciduous forests, typically on steep slopes or along
streams near rhododendrons (Rhododendron maximum or R. minus). Occasionally in lowbush
blueberry thickets (Flora of North America Editorial Committee 2002; Chafin 2007).
Management Summary
None.
Species: Waldsteinia lobata
Common Name: Piedmont Strawberry
http://www.goldendelighthoney.com/tes/WALO/Piedmont_barren_strawberry.jpg
Basic Description: A perennial herb with rounded, mostly 3-lobed leaves, 3-5 cm long, borne on
stalks from horizontal rhizomes. The rhizomes can grow to a meter or more in length. Small clusters of
pale yellow flowers are borne on flowering stalks that are usually a little taller than the leaf stalks.
Blooms in May and June.
Habitat Comments: High steep slopes and terraces above watercourses where conditions of constant
high humidity and shade prevail. Often part of the shallow mantle of moss and duff that covers
boulders or river bluff ledges. These sites are often characterized by stands of Rhododendron spp. and
mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia).
Management Summary
None.
Species: Plagiochila sullivantii
Common Name:
http://www.discoverlife.org/mp/20p?see=I_MWS32412&res=640
Basic Description: Adapted from Hicks 1992: Plants are deep green, becoming brownish with age,
1.4-1.8 mm tall. Unbranched or sparsely branched arising from prostrate stems forming 'loose
patches.' Leaves are ovate to obovate, narrow at base, 1 to 1.5 times longer than wide. Marginal teeth
mostly at the tip, irregular, long and spinose. Oil bodies are coarsely granular, 4 to 8 per cell. Rhizoids
lacking or few. Underleaves absent or vestigal. Plantlets are lacking. Plants dioecious.
Diagnostic Characteristics: This is an extremely diverse genera of mostly tropical and subtropical
species, within it's range (and co-occuring) are numerous other members of the genus including: P.
corniculata, P. caduciloba, P. echinata, P. sharpii, P. appalachiana, P. virginica, P. ludoviciana, P.
asplenioides, and P. austini, some of which are more rare. It is distinguished by the spiny look to the
teeth at the leaf margins and the number of cells in those teeth (1 or 2) and at the base (2 cells), and
thus identification requires a microscope. Other Plagiochilia do not have spiny teeth (may be blunted
teeth as in P. caduciloba or rounded margins as in P. asplenioides) at the leaf margins with the
exception of P. ecinata (teeth are composed of 4 or more cells, 2 or 3 at the base) and P. austini may
also have 2 cells, but will be wider at the base, (3 - 4 cells).
Habitat Comments: Plagiochila sullivantii is found in mountains at elevations from about 750 m up to
the spruce-fir zone. Rarely found below 750 m, it occurs on noncalcareous rocks, often deeply
recessed in low light. Most often found in crevices or on shady boulders where the humidity is high but
where water does not flow. It is usually not close to a stream, but rather above it (Hicks and Amoroso
1996). In North Carolina, it apparently occurs on moist rocks, in spray zones of waterfalls and in
spruce-fir forests. In Georgia, it is thought to occur on seepy rock cliffs. It has also been collected from
hardwood tree trunks and bases, including yellow birch (TN), live oak (SC), and Magnolia
grandiflora (MS). In Mississippi, it was found in a rich hardwood forest.
Management Summary
None .
Species: Lophocolea appalachiana
Common Name: Appalachian Lophocolea
http://plants.usda.gov/java/largeImage?imageID=lobi4_001_ahp.jpg
Basic Description: A liverwort; light, clear green, in loose mats of freely branched plants on wet rocks
(Hicks 1996).
Habitat Comments: Occurs on very deeply shaded, wet, noncalcareous rocks in montane habitat.
Usually by waterfalls or cascades or on dripping rocks; associated species are Jubula pensylvanica,
Riccardia multifida, and Metzgeria leptoneura (Hicks 1996).
Management Summary
None.
Species: Plagiochila caduciloba
Common Name: Gorge leafy Liverwort
http://www.buildingthepride.com/faculty/pgdavison/images/liverworts/plcad05cm.jpg
Basic Description: A leafy liverwort with a creeping stoloniferous shoot system and aerial branches at
nearly right angles to substrate. Long ciliate leaf lobes. Olive-green in dense shade, becoming strongly
brownish with diffuse sunlight.
Habitat Comments: Most often occurs on shaded, damp rocks (vertical rock walls or the undersurface
of projecting ledges), usually in areas with very high humidity, at or near the edges of cascading
streams or near waterfall, with no direct sunlight. Often occurs near the spray zone, but never directly
in it. Rock substrate is not calcareous (Boyer 1991). Elevation 300 to 1500 m (Hicks 1996). Schafale
and Weakley (1990) also list this species as occuring in Acidic Cove Forests, which occur in sheltered
sites, primarily narrow, rocky gorges, steep ravines, and low gentle ridges within coves. Soils are rocky
and acidic, and the forest canopy is generally dense with a fairly limited number of mesophytic tree
species, primarily Liriodendron tulipifera, Betula lenta,Betula alleghaniensis (lutea), Tsuga
canadensis, Acer rubrum, and Quercus rubra. The shrub layer is well developed, often forming a
dense thicket, and the herb layer is sparse.
Management Summary
None.
Species: Cheilolejeunea evansii
Common Name: Evan’s Cheilolejeunea
http://www.buildingthepride.com/faculty/pgdavison/Liverworts_P_.htm
Habitat Comments: Bark of trees in moist escarpment gorge or gorge-like habitats, with best
development in relatively open microsites within shaded gorges. Found at lower elevations. Known to
occur on standing trees from just above ground level to 3 m up the trunk, most commonly at 1.2-2 m
aboveground, on a variety of mesic to dry-mesic hardwoods, such as Quercus spp., Liriodendron
tulipifera, Nyssa sylvatica, Carya sp., Liquidambar styraciflua, Fraxinus sp., Ilex opaca.
Liverworts commonly associated with Cheilolejeunea evansii on bark are: Leucolejeunea clypeata,
Radula obconica, and Rectolejeunea maxonii. The moss Fissidens subbasilaris is also nearly a
constant associate. Frequent liverwort associates are: Cololejeunea biddlecomiae, Frullania ericoides,
Harpalejeunea ovata ssp. integra, Lejeunea laetivirens, Lejeunea ruthii, and Metzgeria sp. Infrequently
associated are the liverworts Drepanolejeunea appalachiana, Frullania asagrayana, Frullania
eboracensis, Frullania kunzei, Lejeunea ulicina, Plagiochila cf. virginica var. euryphylla, Radula
australis, and Radula mollis. The moss Schlotheimia rugifolia is also infrequently associated (Boyer
1996 and Davison 1996).
Management Summary
Stewardship Overview: Prevent tree removal in the vicinity of Cheilolejeunea evansii. Ensure sites
are managed for conservation. Further document the species' range, status, and trends.
Species: Vaccinium crassifolium spp. sempervirens
Common Name: Rayner’s Blueberry
http://www.bovees.com/Vaccinium%20crassifolium.jpg
Habitat Comments: Open seepage slopes in association with Atlantic White Cedar.
Management Summary
Stewardship Overview: There is an urgent need for land conservation and active management.
Species: Amorpha georgiana var. georgiana
Common Name: Georgia Leadplant
http://secpnc.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/dsc_0125-small.jpg
Basic Description: Plant, dicot, Fabaceae; low shrub (less than 1m) with reddish-purple flowers.
Habitat Comments: So far as is known, Georgia indigo-bush occurs primarily on pine/shrub/wiregrass
terraces along rivers and large streams.
Nearly all North Carolina occurrences are scattered along the Little River on such terraces, usually
close to the annual high-water mark. These terraces are geologically part of the Middendorf Formation
(upper Cretaceous), fluvial deposits laid down by rivers draining the Piedmont (Bartlett 1967). Soils are
typically loams, sands, and loamy sands, as well as acidic, moderately to well-drained, and subject to
occasional flooding. Soil series associated with these areas include Chewacla (Fluvaquentic
Dystrochrepts), Blaney (Arenic Hapludult), Gilead (Aquic Hapludults), Kalmia (Typic Hapludults),
Kenansville (Arenic Hapludults), Pactolus (Aquic Quartzipsamments), Tarboro (Typic Udipsamments),
and Candor (Arenic Paleudult) (Hudson 1984, TNC 1991-93, NCNHP 1993). Dominant tree species in
these habitats are loblolly and longleaf pine (Pinus taeda and P. palustris) with scattered oaks
(Quercus marilandica, Q. falcata, Q. incana, Q. stellata, and Q. nigra). The shrub layer varies from
relatively dense to sparse; common species are Clethra alnifolia, Gaylussacia frondosa, Ilex glabra,
Lyonia mariana, Rhododendron atlanticum, and locally Nestronia umbellula. Gelsemium sempervirens
commonly climbs over shrubs and up tree trunks, while Vaccinium crassifolium creeps across the
ground. Wiregrass (Aristida stricta) is the dominant ground cover in aspect, but an extraordinary
number of herbaceous species have been recorded from these terraces--up to 129 species per tenth
hectare plot (Schafale and Weakley 1993). This riverside terrace plant community represents a new
variant of Mesic Pine Flatwoods, the Little River mesic terrace variant (Schafale 1993). Indigo-bush
usually occurs at or near the ecotone between the mesic terrace community and the narrow strip of
flood-prone, forested banks along the river. The latter are dominated by Acer rubrum, Betula nigra,
Fraxinus caroliniana, Liriodendron tulipifera, Nyssa biflora, Pinus taeda, and Quercus nigra. Amorpha
georgiana is often found growing in association with or in close proximity to other rare taxa of the
Sandhills region, including Nestronia umbellula, Onosmodium virginianum, and Solidago verna.
Adjacent dry to xeric terraces may support Astragalus michauxii, Carex tenax, Stylisma pickeringii var.
pickeringii, Pyxidanthera barbulata var. brevifolia, and Warea cuneifolia, while adjacent wet riverbanks
may support Rhynchospora crinipes (TNC 1991-93). Other habitats where Georgia indigo-bush occurs
include a large (100 acre), moist clearcut at a streamhead in rolling sandhills; a clearing along
streamhead seepage slopes; and a wet, roadside ditch adjacent to a railroad (TNC 1991-93). All of
these are on small tributaries well away from the Little River in apparently less than ideal habitat; the
significance of such occurrences is obscure. Elsewhere in its historic range habitats appear to be
similar, as recorded on herbarium labels. They include sandy bank of a river, swamp forest, low
flatwoods and creek swamp, low wet pasture, and sandy wiregrass savanna (NCU 1992-93). There is
a marked tendency for this species to favor clearings, often very small ones created by treefall, forest
cutting, flooding, and fire. The relative importance of these types of disturbance needs study. On Fort
Bragg most occurrences have been subjected to controlled, winter burns for 20 years on about a
three-year cycle (Sewell, et al., 1993). Selective cutting also has occurred periodically over the past 70
years. It is likely that disturbance reduces canopy cover and lessens competition (at least temporarily)
from taller shrubs. Amorpha georgiana var. georgiana's nearest relative, A. georgiana var. confusa, is
also clearly a fire-adapted species (Prince 1992).
Management Summary
None.
Species: Porella japonica spp. appalachiana
Common Name:
No image available.
Basic Description: A liverwort; forms loose prostrate olive green to bronzed mats on deeply shaded
damp to wet rocks near streams. Plants are pinnately branched and when well-developed the
branches stand away from the substrate in spray. Leaf lobes are dentate, the teeth broad and
irregular. Underleaves are dentate, often with a bilobed apex and cilia at the base. Lobules are repand
dentate, often with cilia at the base (Hicks 1996).
Habitat Comments: Found on damp, shaded, siliceous rocks in or next to streams where humidity is
high and the plants may be splashed with water, but where they are not inundated or subject to a
heavy flow of water, even temporarily. In creek ravines shaded by a forest canopy. Occur in the gorges
of the "embayment" area of the southern Appalachian escarpment which have the highest rainfall in
the southeast. Additionally, the high and low temperatures are not as extreme as those experienced in
the surrounding areas (Hicks 1996).
Management Summary
None.
Species: Sarracenia rubra spp. jonesii
Common Name: Mountain Sweet Pitcher Plant
S Danskin.
Basic Description: An insectivorous perennial herb with waxy-green, maroon-veined leaves that form
erect, vase-like "pitchers" with ascending "lids." The pitchers are usually about 4.5 dm tall and are
often partially filled with a broth of decaying insects. The sweet-smelling flowers are borne singly, each
nodding on erect flowering stems that are usually taller than the pitcher. Flower petals are pendulous,
maroon on the outside and yellowish, tinged with red on the inner surface. Blooms in spring.
Technical Description: The following is taken directly from Sutter and Frantz 1987.
Sarracenia jonesii Wherry Leaves clustered, numerous, erect, 2-7.5 dm tall, averaging 4.5 dm, hollow
and trumpet shaped (almost tubular), forming long, narrow pitchers covered by a lid (hood), diameter
of pitcher narrow expanding sharply in upper 1/4 of tube, somewhat bulged on abaxial surface below
hood neck, with a narrow linear wing often slightly wider at or below middle, firm, thick waxy dull green,
usually finely but profusely reticulate-veined with maroon-purple, especially on inside of hood neck, the
tube retrorsely hairy within, often partially filled with moisture and decayed insects; hood ascending,
held high over orifice, cordate, 1.5 - 6.5 cm long, 2.0 - 5.4 cm wide, rim tightly rolled, margins weakly to
moderately reflexed; orifice exposed, diameter 1-4 cm. Flowers actinomorphic, solitary, nodding on
erect scapes usually exceeding the leaves, delicately sweet-scented. Bracts 3, appressed, persistent.
Sepals 5, distinct, ovate, 2-3 cm long, obtuse, persistent in fruit, very strongly recurved after petals fall,
maroon on outside with green inner surface; petals 5 distinct, obovate and fiddle-shaped, 2.5-5 cm
long, to 3 cm wide, pendulous between lobes of style disc, obtuse to rounded, dark red to maroon on
outside, often yellow green and tinged with red on inner surface, deciduous, with nectar-secreting
glands at bases; stamen numerous, distinct; gynoecium of 1 compound pistil, ovary superior and
rugose, 3-5 carpelled and loculed and with as many lobes, placentation axile, style 1, much enlarged
apically into an umbrella-shaped disc with 5 lobes, each lobe with a small v-shaped cleft, at the lower
point of which is located a small stigmatic lobe. Fruit a 5-valved loculicidal capsule 5-15 mm in
diameter.
Diagnostic Characteristics: DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: Sarracenia jonesii is
characterized by its tall slender, prominently petiolate and abruptly expanded in the uppermost portion,
evergreen pitchers, cordate hood, and lack of phylloidia. Near its range are two other Sarracenia
species that it could be confused with, excluding the distinct S. purpurea. The following chart outlines
their differences (Case and Case 1976, McDaniel 1971, McDaniel 1986).
Management Summary
Stewardship Overview: 1. Protect Sarracenia jonesii populations on privately owned lands through
acquisition or cooperative agreements.
2. Test strategies for management of succession, and develop the most appropriate management
program.
3. Protect S. jonesii populations from collection.
4. Monitor S. jonesii and its environment in order to understand this species' biology and management
needs.
Restoration Potential: The recovery goal, as set by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (1990), is four
self-sustaining populations in each of the occupied river drainages (French Broad, Enoree, and
Saluda). There is a current lack of information about what S. jonesii populations require in order to be
self-sustaining, and the recovery goal will be adjusted as additional information is gained about this
species (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1990).
Preserve Selection & Design Considerations: Of the four populations in North Carolina, one is a
Registered State Natural Area, one is owned by The Nature Conservancy, and two are privately
owned. Three of the South Carolina populations are publicly owned and the remaining three are on
private lands (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1990). It is currently not known how much buffer land
should be protected around each population to preserve hydrological integrity (U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service 1990).
Management Requirements: The precise management needs of this species are not currently
understood. However, two clear management needs are controlling woody succession and preventing
removal of plants and seeds by collectors.
CONTROLLING SUCCESSION: The question of how best to manage woody succession will be
difficult to resolve until a better understanding is achieved of the causes of this succession and its
effects on S. jonesii. The following are a description of several management alternatives which could
be used. Because of the precariously small number of populations, and the small size of most of these
populations, caution should be exercised when attempting any of these management methods.
Management of succession could have an irreversible impact on the bog habitat.
Fire: According to Folkerts (1982), fire is the most important factor inhibiting succession in Gulf Coast
bogs, because "regardless of moisture regime and soil conditions, the absence of fire inevitably results
in eventual elimination of the bog species". Fire not only eliminates competitors, but may increase
available nutrients in Gulf Coast bogs (Folkerts 1982). It is generally recognized that pitcher plants are
fire adapted and respond well to fire with increased growth , flower production, and seedling
establishment (McDaniel 1971, Christensen 1981, Wells 1928, Eleuterius 1968, Weiss 1980, and
Barker and Williamson 1988).
Fire in the northern part of northeastern peatlands is common, but primarily anthropogenic in origin
(Damman and French 1987). Fires in these peatlands favor dwarf shrubs which recover to original
cover in 3-4 years from underground rhizomes (Damman and French 1987). Fire is uncommon in more
southern part of northeastern peatlands due to wet bog surface and lower fire frequency in the
surrounding area (Damman and French 1987).
The historic role of fire in Southern Appalachian mountain bogs is not known. Nor is there any data
available on the response of natural populations of S. jonesii to fire. However, the use of fire on a
cultivated population of S. jonesii proved to be detrimental (F. Case, pers. comm., in Fish and Wildlife
Service 1990).
Two additional factors need to be considered before fire is used in managing Sarracenia bogs. First of
all, if too much woody material has accumulated and the fire is intense, the heat generated could affect
the underground rhizomes of the pitcher plants (Folkerts 1982). Secondly, small ditches (as shallow as
2 dm) may dry out the surface of a bog, so that plowing fire lanes could be detrimental to the pitcher
plants over the long term (Nixon and Ward 1986).
Manual Removal: Manual removal of woody plants is currently being tested in three sets of paired
plots within one of the North Carolina bogs (Sutter and Benjamin 1991). One potential problem with
this method is that re-sprouting may actually increase the density of woody stems after cutting. This
method of controlling succession is currently being used in Ohio bogs, but stumps are treated with
herbicide after cutting, because stump sprouting created more removal work every year (J. Windus,
pers. comm.). Another drawback of manual removal is that cutting at a large scale, on a regular and
repeated basis, would create a very un- natural, garden-like situation. Trampling by workers making
repeated visits to remove woody growth could also have a negative impact on the pitcher plants.
Grazing: Grazing is thought to have been "nearly universal" in Southern Appalachian bogs (Schafale
and Weakley 1990). Because grazing can maintain an open condition in Sarracenia bogs, light cattle
grazing has been suggested as an option for controlling succession. It is not known whether the bogs
were subject to natural grazing prior to European settlement, but it seems unlikely that cattle grazing
would perfectly mimic the impacts of the pre- settlement grazers. There is some qualitative evidence
that cattle grazing may effect the growth form, seedling establishment, and size class distribution of
pitcher plants through trampling and soil disturbance (S. Herman, pers. comm.). Cattle may also enrich
the soil nutrients and introduce exotic species to the bogs. Trampling by cattle may increase peat
density which could decrease the peat's ability to conduct water (Damman and French 1987). While
cattle do not eat pitcher plants, grazing has been observed to change the composition of bog flora
(Pullen and Plummer 1964), and pitcher plants may be trampled to death by cattle (Folkerts 1977).
Restoration of natural conditions: If human caused disruption of the bogs is causing or contributing to
woody succession, efforts should be made to restore more natural conditions. The natural hydrology
may be at least partially restored by filling in ditches, both within and outside the bogs. Soil chemistry
and the relative depth of the water table are being monitored in all three North Carolina bogs in an
effort to gain a better understanding of dynamics of the bogs and how they may have been altered by
human activities.
COLLECTION: The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (1990) recovery plan suggests that Federal and
State agents should be educated about the presence of this species in their jurisdiction to help combat
this problem. In addition, care should be taken not to identify precise locations of populations in
scientific or popular articles. Access to some populations could be made more difficult through
eliminating parking areas. Educating neighbors to watch for potential poachers may also be a useful
tactic at some sites.
PESTICIDE USE: To decrease the chance of pesticides spreading into S. jonesii bogs, landowners
near bogs should be encouraged to use target- specific herbicides at their lowest effective application
rate, and without aerial application (U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1990). EPA regulations on the use
of pesticides near endangered plants should be followed.
Monitoring Requirements: Monitoring of S. jonesii is needed in order to determine management
needs, to indicate the presence of threats (such as collection), and to provide information for better
understanding of this species' biology. Monitoring data which should be collected includes population
size, stage class distribution, recruitment and mortality, the amount of woody cover and measures of
plant vigor.
The number of pitcher plant clumps and their size class distribution should be measured in each
population. More detailed demographic information should also be collected by marking individual
pitcher plant clumps which are then monitored annually. In small populations, demographic information
may be collected from all members of the population, while in larger populations a subset of the total
population can be monitored this intensively. In populations where succession is a threat, the amount
of woody cover should also be monitored annually.
The impact by investigators on populations of S. jonesii should be minimized by limiting the number of
visits to a site, using non- destructive sampling methods, and avoiding plants which are especially
vulnerable to disturbance (e.g. plants growing on a thin layer of soil and sphagnum in a cataract bog).
Management Programs: The effectiveness of manually removing woody stems is being tested in one
bog using paired experimental and control plots. Manual cutting of woody plants will also be used in
small populations or sub-populations in South Carolina which are showing stress from heavy shading.
Additional active management will proceed cautiously, since efforts to manipulate the bog environment
could lead to irreversible changes in the habitat which may prove detrimental to the pitcher plants.
Monitoring Programs: A monitoring program was begun in 1991 for three North Carolina populations
of S. jonesii (Sutter and Benjamin 1991). (The fourth North Carolina population, a remnant population
in a highly disturbed bog, is not currently accessible for monitoring or rehabilitation). The monitoring
program was extended to include four of the six South Carolina populations in 1992 (Benjamin 1992).
In the first year of monitoring, population size, number of flowers, and location of individual clumps was
recorded for each population. Additional demographic data was collected from marked individuals in
each North Carolina population, and will be collected annually for at least 5-7 years. Woody plant
cover, soil nutrients and depth of water table is also monitored at the three North Carolina sites.
Information on seedling production, plant vigor and woody cover is being collected from the South
Carolina sites.
Management Research Programs: Research needs are starting to be addressed with the monitoring
program discussed above. Included in this program is a test of the effects of removing woody plant
cover, collection of demographic data, and analysis of soil.
Management Research Needs: Demographic and ecological research is needed to determine the
best protection and management strategies, including the best way to deal with woody succession,
and the size of buffer zone needed to protect the hydrology and prevent the spread of pesticides into
bogs (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1990). Additional research maybe needed on genetics and the
potential for inbreeding problems, pollinators and methods of seed dispersal, relationships between S.
jonesii and competing species, and the criteria for self-sustaining populations (U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service 1990).
Community Type: Atlantic White Cedar Bog
ATLANTIC WHITE CEDAR SWAMP
Type: Palustrine
Synonyms: Atlantic white cedar forest. Cedar swamp.
Sites: Periodically or permanently wet swampy areas dominated by Chamaecyparis thyoides,
with a number of other woody species characteristic of Pocosins.
Location: Sandhill drainages, some Carolina Bays, non-alluvial swamps.
Vegetation: Chamaecyparis thyoides, Magnolia virginiana, Acer rubrum, Pinus serotina,
Persea borbonia, Myrica cerifera, M. heterophylla, Cyrilla racemiflora, Lyonia lucida and some
other shrubs are commonly occurring woody plants. Herbaceous vegetation may include Drosera
capillaris, D. rotundifolia, Sarracenia flava, S. rubra, Peltandra virginica, Mayaca aubletii,
Orontium aquaticum, plus various species of other showy herbs, such as Rhexia and Ludwigia.
Potential elements of concern: Rhynchospora alba. Syngonanthus flavidulus. Vaccinium
sempervirens. Gaylussacia mosieri. Pine-barrens tree frog.
Dynamics: Fire is occasional to rare, but very important in maintaining this community.
Without fire, these swamps are thought to succeed to Bay Forest (Wells 1942). The dynamics of
White Cedar Swamps are not completely understood. It appears that this community may
represent a thickly-forested, tall extreme of the variation within the Pocosin "complex".
Associations: Pocosin, Bay Forest, Pond Pine Woodland, Streamhead Pocosin.
Comments: These communities are often thought of (and referred to) as bogs since peat
accumulations are usually present. In general, little floristic variation is expected among different
sites. White cedars are usually present in even-aged stands. Variation in subcanopy and
herbaceous cover is probably due to previous burning or other disturbance. Diverse vertebrate
assemblages are often present in this community. Birds, reptiles and amphibians are particularly
well-represented.
References: Buell & Cain 1943. Kologiski 1977. Korstian 1924. Pittman 1978. Wells 1942.
Community Type: Hillside Herb Bog
HILLSIDE HERB BOG
Type: Palustrine
Synonym: Seepage Herb Bog.
Sites: Seasonally or permanently saturated slopes on sandhills dominated by many herbaceous
species, including grasses, insectivorous plants and orchids that are more commonly considered
savannah species.
Location: Fall-line sandhills, possibly entire coastal plain.
Vegetation: Canopy species are usually absent from this community, but potential woody plants
are Liriodendron tulipifera, Acer rubrum, Liquidambar styraciflua, Alnus serrulata, Clethra
alnifolia and Rhus vernix. Grasses and sedges include Aristida spp., Andropogon virginicus, A.
gerardii, Ctenium aromaticum, Scleria triglomerata, Rhynchospora spp., Fimbristylis spp.
Insectivorous plants are Sarracenia flava, S. purpurea, S. rubra, Utricularia spp., Pinguicula
caerulea, Drosera spp. Orchids include Pogonia ophioglossoides, Spiranthes spp., Habenaria
ciliaris, Calopogon barbatus and potentially other species. Additional showy species include
Tofieldia racemosa, Lilium catesbaei, Amianthium muscaetoxicum, Iris virginica, I. tridentata,
Mayaca fluviatilis, Polygala spp., Rhexia alifanus, R. lutea, R. mariana and Asclepias rubra.
Other common bog genera include Sphagnum, Osmunda and Lycopodium.
Potential elements of concern: Aristida spiciformis. A. affinis. Pine-barrens tree frog.
Dynamics: These bogs are probably dependent on fire for maintenance. Shrub invasion from
adjacent communities occurs without fire. There may be more artificial representatives of this
community type than the "natural" type; construction of gas and power line rights-of-way, and
their maintenance, has often resulted in the presence of these bogs.
Associations: Xeric communities uphill and laterally. Bay Forest. Atlantic White Cedar Swamp.
Streamhead Pocosin, Seepage Pocosin.
Comments: These probably represent mosaic situations within larger sandhill systems. Their
relationship to other communities of the Pocosin "complex" is unclear. The dynamics of these
bogs are conceivably largely those of wet pine savannahs (especially the non-canopied "wet
meadows"), but differences between them involve hydrology and topography.
Community Type: Nyssa biflora - (Acer rubrum) / Ilex / Opaca / Leucothoe axillaris /
Carex / Atlantica spp. Capillacea forest
--Swamp Blackgum Floodplain Seepage Forest
PIEDMONT SEEPAGE FOREST
Type: Palustrine
Sites: Essentially saturated flat areas with closed canopy and distinctive herbaceous flora.
Location: Upper piedmont.
Vegetation: Canopy of Acer rubrum, Nyssa sylvatica var. biflora and other hardwoods. Shrubs
include Viburnum cassinoides, Cornus stricta and Rhus vernix. Herb layer includes many grasses
and sedges.
Potential elements of concern: Carex baileyi. Sagittaria fasciculata. Hexastylis naniflora.
Cornus racemosa. Helenium brevifolium.
Dynamics: This community is characterized by a nearly constant seepage of cool ground water.
The ground thus tends to be saturated year-round, and so separates this community from
temporarily wet spring seeps, which are found essentially throughout the state.
Associations: Forested communities.
Comments: Much more information is needed concerning this rare community.
Community Type: Pinus serotina / Arundinaria gigantea ssp. Tecta woodland
Description: This woodland occurs in association with large peat domes in the tidewater region of
North Carolina and Virginia. The canopy is dominated by Pinus serotina, and canopy closure varies
from woodland structure to a nearly closed canopy. Historic accounts suggest that these communities
were once much more common than now, and formerly had more open canopy [see Pinus serotina /
Arundinaria gigantea ssp. tecta Wooded Shrubland (CEGL003851) in III.A.2.N.j Arundinaria gigantea
Saturated Wooded Shrubland Alliance (A.804)].
*subtype*
Pond Pind Woodland
Type: Palustrine
Synonym: Pond pine forest.
Sites: Forested peatlands dominated by Pinus serotina, with associated pocosin species.
Location: Coastal plain.
Vegetation: A variable canopy is formed by Pinus serotina, Gordonia lasianthus,
Chamaecyparis thyoides, Acer rubrum and Magnolia virginiana. Shrubs species present are the
same ones found in Pocosins, but they are usually much taller.
Potential elements of concern: Peltandra sagittaefolia (within interior pools). Kalmia cuneata
(most likely at margins, in ecotonal areas). Black bear.
Dynamics: This is a fire-maintained community, closely related to Pocosin. Dynamics for sites
in South Carolina are not completely known; more field work is necessary. Presumably, peat soil
is deeper than for pocosin. Severe fires probably result in the formation of semi-permanent pools
on the surface. As in the Pocosins, most of these species re-sprout very vigorously following
fires. Sites are usually difficult to walk through, which may be one reason that more is not
known about them.
Associations: Pocosin. White Cedar Swamp. Bay Forest. Seepage Pocosin.
Community Type: Swale Pocosin
SWALE POCOSIN
Type: Palustrine
Sites: Small irregularly-shaped depressions between or paralleling sandhill ridges, with poor
drainage, that accumulate and hold water indefinitely. Usually no distinct inlet or outlet.
Location: Fall-line sandhills, and possibly elsewhere on the coastal plain.
Vegetation: A variable and tangled association of shrubs and vines occurs, plus canopy species
of more mesic areas. Otherwise, the vegetation is essentially similar to Pocosin. Typical species
are Pinus serotina, Liquidambar styraciflua, Acer rubrum, Nyssa biflora, Aronia arbutifolia,
Alnus serrulata, Cyrilla racemiflora, Erianthus spp., Arundinaria gigantea, Sphagnum spp. and
Smilax laurifolia. Herbaceous flora is probably always sparse.
Potential elements of concern: Polygala nana.
Dynamics: Fire is probably infrequent, unless drought is extensive. Dynamics are probably
much like those of adjacent sandhills.
Associations: Xeric Sandhill Scrub. Pine-Scrub Oak Sandhill. Upland Pine-Wiregrass
Woodland.
Comments: This community may arguably be too small to consider as separate from some
sandhill community types; it remains distinctive, however, if only as microsites within the more
xeric sandhills. Some open boggy places in the sandhills may be more or less permanently wet,
and without a real canopy. These are more likely to be dominated by grasses and sedges.
Vertebrate Animals
Invertebrate Animals
Vascular Plants
Nonvascular Plants
Communities
Threatened and
Endangered Species
Identification and
Management Summary