10 rare, endangered or threatened plants in Pennsylvania

There are a host of native plants struggling in Pennsylvania. Here’s a breakdown of the classifications and a list of some of the most vulnerable.

Pennsylvania Endangered

Plant species which are in danger of extinction throughout most of their natural range within this Commonwealth, if critical habitat is not maintained or if the species is greatly exploited by man. This classification shall also include any populations of plant species that have been classified as Pennsylvania Extirpated, but which subsequently are found to exist in this Commonwealth.

Pennsylvania Threatened

Plant species which may become endangered throughout most or all of their natural range within this Commonwealth, if critical habitat is not maintained to prevent their future decline, or if the species is greatly exploited by man.

Pennsylvania Rare

Plant species which are uncommon within this Commonwealth because they may be found in restricted geographic areas or in low numbers throughout this Commonwealth.

Pennsylvania Extirpated

Plant species believed by the Department to be extinct within this Commonwealth. These plants may or may not be in existence outside the Commonwealth. If plant species classified as Pennsylvania Extirpated are found to exist, the species automatically will be considered to be classified as Pennsylvania Endangered.

Pennsylvania Vulnerable

Plant species which are in danger of population decline within Commonwealth because of their beauty, economic value, use as a cultivar, or other factors which indicate that persons may seek to remove these species from their native habitats.

Tentatively Undetermined

A classification of plant species which are believed to be in danger of population decline, but which cannot presently be included within another classification due to taxanomic uncertainties, limited evidence within historical records, or insufficient data.

Check out the beauty of these native varieties that are on the ropes. This is just a few of the rare, endangered and threatened plants in Pennsylvania.

Rare plants

Trautvetteria caroliniensis or Tassel Rue.

Potentilla anserina or Silverweed.

Endangered plants

Acorus americanus or Sweet Flag.

Alnus viridis or Mountain Alder.

Chasmanthium laxum or Slender Sea Oats.

Clematis viorna or Vase Vine Leather Flower.

Threatened plants

Chrysopsis mariana Maryland Golden-aster.

Cypripedium reginae or Showy Lady’s Slipper.

Erigenia bulbosa Harbinger Of Spring.

 

Here’s a complete list of rare, endangered and threatened plants of Pennsylvania.

Doug Oster is editor of Everybody Gardens, a website operated by 535Media, LLC. Reach him at 412-965-3278 or doster@535mediallc.com. See other stories, videos, blogs, tips and more at everybodygardens.com.

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