Match
each name with its picture. To see if you're right, click
your mouse below each picture. Then scroll down this page
to learn more about these rare plants of Washington.
Symphyotrichum
jessicae
(Jessica's aster) grows in the Palouse grasslands
and prairie/forest transition zones of southeastern Washington.
Loss of habitat to agriculture may have contributed to the
decline of this State endangered species. It's also possible
that its pollinators have been affected by pesticide use.
Carex
comosa (bristly
sedge) is found in wet meadows, marshes and lakeshores.
Changing water regimes (human activity altering wetland
landscapes) and competition from an invasive species, reed
canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea), challenge this
sedge's survival. Shoreline development and logging may
also contribute to its decline.
Epipactis
gigantea (giant
helleborine) grows in many parts of the state,
especially along the Columbia River. It has been upgraded
to Washington's Watch List. But changes in hydrologic regime,
grazing, road construction, deforestation and development,
and possibly the use of herbicides in lakes and waterways
all threaten this orchid.
Saxifragopsis
fragarioides
(strawberry saxifrage)
is known to grow in one small area in Chelan County. It's
adapted to harsh habitats — cliffs and rocky outcrops.
Still, rock climbing, road maintenance and herbicide applications
may affect its survival.
Sidalcea
malviflora ssp.
virgata
(rose checker-mallow)
is endangered in the State of Washington because it has
been found in just one prairie. The encroachment of conifers
and non-native shrubs due to fire suppression is a concern.
Teucrium
canadense
ssp. viscidum (woodsage),
on Washington's Watch List,
can deal with seasonal fluctuations between spring inundation
and late summer dryness. But even though rhizomes may help
it tolerate some grazing, heavy grazing is too much for
it. Other threats are ORVs and recreational trampling, competition
with non-natives, changes in hydrologic regime and possibly
weed control.
How
many threats
to Washington's rare plants
can you remember?
These
six species face a lot of challenges! Click your mouse in
the space below to see a list of all the potential threats
mentioned above.
Washington Rare Plant Care & Conservation, UW Botanic Gardens, 3501 NE 41st Street
Box 354115, Seattle, WA 98195-4115 | 206.616.0780 | rarecare@u.washington.edu
