RARE SPECIES SURVEYS OF THEMANITOBA CONSERVATION DATA

CENTRE, 2002

Manitoba Conservation Data Centre MS Report 03-02Elizabeth Reimer and Cary HamelMarch 2003

Manitoba ConservationData CentreBox 24, 200 Saulteaux CrescentWinnipeg, ManitobaR3J 3W3

i

Executive SummarySound stewardship of species at risk is dependent upon having current informationavailable to guide decisions related to species status, protection and recovery. Thisproject provides current information for 14 rare species in Manitoba.

Extensive surveys for target species were conducted between May 27 and September 4,2002. Potential habitat for each species was identified. Landowners with potential habitatwere contacted before surveys to request permission to access private property. Activitiesincluded monitoring known rare species occurrences and surveying for new records.Survey results for each species, as well as recommendations regarding status, futureinventory needs, and stewardship opportunities are presented. Other rare species thatwere encountered incidentally are also reported. All information collected wasincorporated into a rare species database maintained by the Manitoba Conservation DataCentre (CDC).

Surveys were conducted for 14 provincially rare species in 2002:

Latin Name Common Name UpdatedOccurrences

NewOccurrences

Amorpha fruticosa False indigo-bush 2 3Bidens amplissima Vancouver Island beggar-

ticks0 0

Buchloëdactyloides

Buffalograss 1 0

Celtis occidentalis Hackberry 0 0Chenopodiumsubglabrum

Smooth goosefoot 0 0

Cypripediumcandidum

Small white lady’s-slipper 3 0

Dicentracucullaria

Dutchman’s breeches 1 0

Krigia biflora Two-flowered cynthia 6 0Lomatiumorientale

White-flowered desert-parsley

0 0

Mimulus glabratus Roundleaf monkey-flower 1 3Ophioglossumpusillum

Northern adder’s-tongue 1 0

Sanguinariacanadensis

Bloodroot 2 0

Solidago riddellii Riddell’s goldenrod 17 1Veronicastrumvirginicum

Culver’s root 4 0

Information on habitat, precise geographic location, abundance and threats to populationswas collected at all survey sites. This information will be entered into the ManitobaConservation Data Centre Biological and Conservation Data (BCD) system. Habitat lossand fragmentation threaten all species surveyed in 2002.

ii

Many populations of species at risk occur on private land; therefore, the actions of theselandowners have critical bearing on the maintenance of Manitoba’s biodiversity.Developing and implementing management plans in co-operation with landowners willhave the greatest benefit for rare and at-risk species.

AcknowledgementsThis project would not have been possible without support from the Habitat StewardshipProgram, the Manitoba Special Conservation Fund, the Canadian Wildlife Service,Environment Canada, Manitoba Conservation, and the Manitoba Habitat HeritageCorporation. The authors would like to thank Jim Duncan, Jason Greenall, and Ken DeSmet at the Wildlife and Ecosystem Protection Branch of Manitoba Conservation. Manyother individuals provided valuable advice and assistance, including Christie Borkowsky,Dan Chranowski, Blake Coutts, Scott Hamel, John Istace, Kevin Johnson, MarilenaKowalchuk, Reg Kucey, Wayne Lenfesty, Laura Reeves, Janet Skavinski, and PeggyWesthorpe.

iii

Table of ContentsExecutive Summary......................................................................................................................................... iAcknowledgements ........................................................................................................................................ iiTable of Contents .......................................................................................................................................... iiiIntroduction .....................................................................................................................................................1Methods ...........................................................................................................................................................2Results .............................................................................................................................................................2

False Indigo-bush (Amorpha fruticosa).......................................................................................................3Vancouver Island Beggar-ticks (Bidens amplissima) ..................................................................................5Buffalo Grass (Buchloë dactyloides) ...........................................................................................................7Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) .................................................................................................................10Smooth Goosefoot (Chenopodium subglabrum) .......................................................................................13Small White Lady’s-slipper (Cypripedium candidum).............................................................................16Dutchman’s breeches (Dicentra cucullaria)..............................................................................................19Two-flowered Cynthia (Krigia biflora) .....................................................................................................22White-flowered Desert-parsley (Lomatium orientale)...............................................................................25Roundleaf Monkey-flower (Mimulus glabratus).......................................................................................28Northern Adder’s-tongue (Ophioglossum pusillum) .................................................................................31Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) .........................................................................................................34Riddell’s Goldenrod (Solidago riddellii)...................................................................................................37Culver’s Root (Veronicastrum virginicum) ...............................................................................................40

Stewardship Recommendations.....................................................................................................................43Literature Cited..............................................................................................................................................44Appendix: Definitions of Conservation Status Ranks ...................................................................................46

1

IntroductionThe objective of this survey was to collect up-to-date information on rare and uncommonvascular plants in Manitoba to determine their status and aid in making managementdecisions. Land managers benefit from information that helps them determine whatactivity or land use is appropriate for an area that contains rare species. Surveyorscollected information on population size, number of occurrences, geographic distribution,trend in distribution, threats to populations, and threats to habitat. Future studies into thebiology or ecology of rare species could build on the information gathered in the courseof this survey.

In Manitoba, 24% of species tracked by the Conservation Data Centre (CDC) areprovincially rare or uncommon (ranked between S1 and S3, see Appendix 1 fordefinitions of ranks). Of these rare species, 2% are rare globally rare or uncommon(ranked G1 to G3). Many Great Plains species reach the northern limit of theirdistribution in Manitoba, and these populations may represent remnants of formerlywidespread species. Peripheral populations may have unique adaptations that allow themto survive at the edges of their ranges; these adaptations represent important aspects ofthe genetic diversity of a species (White and Johnson 1980). Many rare species inManitoba occur in the mixed-grass and tall-grass prairie associations; both have beennegatively affected by human activities, including intensive agriculture and urbanisation.It is therefore important for the survival of rare species to conserve the few remainingfragments of habitat.

This field report builds on the body of work previously conducted on rare plants in theprovince. In particular, knowledge gained through the extensive field research conductedby Elizabeth Punter has guided much of the work presented in this report. Despite thework already done, there are many gaps in the information available on rare plants,especially concerning the biology and ecology of many species. Rare speciesdistributions in Manitoba remain poorly understood. Boivin conducted the last concertedfloristic survey of Manitoba in the late 1950s (White and Johnson 1980), and informationfor many species has not been updated since then.

2

MethodsSpecies targeted for surveys in 2002 were selected and prioritised by global, national, andprovincial ranks, as given by NatureServe (2001). Species listed by the Committee on theStatus of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), or the Manitoba EndangeredSpecies Act (MESA) were given a higher priority. Species that have not beendocumented recently were considered higher priorities than species that had already beensurveyed extensively in recent years.

Information was collected on preferred habitat for each species by checking herbariumrecords and information in the CDC database. Potential habitat for each species wasidentified using aerial photos, topographic maps, Landsat TM imagery, and soil maps.Where potential habitat existed on private land, landowners were contacted by mail ortelephone to request permission to access their property. Surveys were restricted tosouthern Manitoba. Surveys were focused on plant species; however, information onpriority animal species was collected on an opportunistic basis.

Areas with potential habitat for rare species were surveyed on foot. Surveys wereconducted between May 14 and September 4. When rare plant populations were largeenough to allow it, a voucher specimen was collected and deposited in the University ofManitoba Herbarium (WIN). The following information was collected for each rarespecies occurrence:

Estimates of population size and areal extent

Habitat information (associated species, slope, aspect, landform, soil properties, and landuse)

Possible threats

Geographic co-ordinates (marked with a Garmin handheld GPS unit)

Digital or slide images

All the information collected was entered in the Manitoba CDC database, and newoccurrences were mapped in the Biotics 3.1 GIS application. Results of surveysconducted on privately owned land were sent to each landowner.

ResultsThirteen rare plant species were targeted for surveys in 2002. Results for each species arepresented below.

3

False Indigo-bush(Amorpha fruticosa)

G5, N1N2, S1S2Data Collected in 2002False indigo-bush was surveyed on June 27, 2002. Itwas observed in a band 9 km long from East Selkirk toLarter’s Golf Course along the western side of the RedRiver. Most of this area is heavily affected by humanactivities, especially residential development. Thepresence of false indigo-bush in disturbed areasindicates that it is at least somewhat tolerant ofdisturbance. The banks of the river are stablised insome areas by large chunks of concrete and limestone.River Road runs alongside the river for much of thisarea, and false indigo-bush occurs mainly between theroad and the river. These populations could benegatively affected by road maintenance activities. Anunidentified insect was observed feeding on the leaves,

in many cases nearly defoliating the entireshrub.

Incidentally Encountered RareSpeciesNone.

StatusFalse indigo-bush is ranked N1N2 in Canada,and is ranked S1 in Ontario. Argus and Pryer(1990) consider this species nationally rare.

Globally, this species is secure (NatureServe 2001).This species has been reported from Quebec, but itsstatus has not been determined. It has been introducedoutside its native range as a nursery stock product.False indigo-bush is considered exotic along the EastCoast, including New Brunswick. In Washington, falseindigo-bush invades stream corridors and is considereda weed (Washington State Noxious Weed ControlBoard 2003).

False indigo-bush (familyFabaceae) is a native, deciduousshrub growing between two tofive metres high. The leaves are15 to 40 inches long, with elevento twenty-five oval leaflets(Looman and Best 1987).Pubescence is highly variable(Gleason and Cronquist 1991).The purplish blue scentedflowers appear in June and occurin racemes up to 20 cm long(Looman and Best 1987). Thefruits are pods up to 9 mm long(Gleason and Cronquist 1991),with conspicuous brownglandular spots (Boivin 1967).

False indigo-bush is commonlyfound on moist woods andstreambanks (Gleason andCronquist 1991). This speciesoccurs in every state in thecontinental US except Nevada,Montana, and Alaska. WithinCanada, the species is found inManitoba, Ontario, Quebec, andNew Brunswick (NatureServe2001). Populations in easternCanada are escaped ornamentals(Scoggan 1978).

4

RecommendationsFuture ResearchResearch is required to identify the insect that was observed feeding on the leaves in2002, and determine whether insect herbivory has a negative impact on the plant’s healthand viability. Searches further south along the Red River could reveal new occurrences.

ManagementInform highways crews or municipal maintenance staffs of false indigo-bush road rights-of-way of these plant occurrences, and determine whether a management strategy can bedeveloped to allow false indigo-bush to survive at this location.

Figure 1. The distribution of false indigo-bush (Amorpha fruticosa) in Manitoba.

Vancouver Island Beggar-ticks(Bidens amplissima)

G3, N3, S1, COSEWIC Special Concern (In British Columbia)Data Collected in 2002The ravine at the Brandon Agricultural ResearchStation was surveyed twice in 2002 in an effort to locateVancouver Island beggar-ticks. On July 17, Bidensplants were observed, but had not yet flowered. Twospecies of Bidens, Devil’s beggar-ticks (B. frondosa),and tall bur-marigold (B. vulgata), were observed onAugust 14. Voucher specimens of both were collected.No other species of Bidens were observed. The ravine ischaracterised by a dense overstory of Manitoba maple(Acer negundo) along with small, untreed wetlandsconnected by an intermittent stream. These wetlands aredominated by reed canary grass (Phalarisarundinacea), marsh marigold (Caltha palustris) andspotted Joe-Pye weed (Eupatorium maculatum).

Incidentally Encountered Rare SpeciesNone.

StatusThe identity of the1952 Brandon specimen wasrecently confirmed (pers. comm. Dr. BrianKlinkenberg, University of British Columbia).The likelihood that this species continues to occurin Manitoba, however, is low. The Brandonravine is approximately 1600 km from the nearestknown population near the Pacific coast. IfVancouver Island beggar-ticks is present at

Vancouver Island beggar-ticks(family Asteraceae) is an annualwetland plant that grows to aheight of 50-100 cm and ischaracterised by large floweringheads containing yellow raypetals (Klinkenberg andKlinkenberg 2001). Fruits areachenes with flat or concavesummits and two to four awns(usually three). Leaves can besimple or three-lobed. Thespecies shares a number offeatures with nodding beggar-ticks (B. cernua), a commonManitoba beggar-tick, and isthought to have evolved onlyrecently (Ganders et al. 2000).

e historical record

Other than on

5

Brandon, it may have been introduced accidentally(Klinkenberg and Klinkenberg 2001).

RecommendationsFuture ResearchGiven its national at-risk status, opportunistic surveysfor Vancouver Island beggar-ticks should continue.Seeds of the species are known to remain dormant inthe seedbank until appropriate climatic conditions arise(Klinkenberg and Klinkenberg 2001); therefore,attempts should be made to survey the Brandon ravine

from Brandon, Manitoba, theentire global distribution of thisspecies is limited to the PacificNorthwest coast. The speciesnormally occupies the narrowband surrounding a stream, pondor lake that is subject to seasonaland annual water levelfluctuations. The sole Manitobarecord, collected in 1952, isf ro m a wooded r av inecontaining a small intermittentstream.

in both wet and dry years. In addition, surveys should be conducted in mid-October, nearthe date of the original 1952 collection. Thisspecies closely resembles nodding beggar-ticks (B. cernua); therefore, if theidentification is uncertain, then specimensshould be submitted to a taxonomic expertfor determination. The date and locationnoted in the original 1952 collection shouldbe checked for accuracy, if possible.

ManagementUntil specimens are observed in Manitoba,this species should be considered historic or

accidental and stewardship activities should be

Deep shade and moist soil characterisesmuch of the Brandon ravine.

6

focused elsewhere. It would be prudent,however, to protect the ravine at the Brandon Agricultural Research Station fromdevelopment.

Figure 2. The distribution of Vancouver Island beggar-ticks (Bidens amplissima) inManitoba.

7

Buffalo Grass (Buchloë dactyloides)G4G5, N1, S1 COSEWIC Threatened

Data Collected in 2002Unbroken native grasslands within the Souris RiverValley south of Melita were searched for buffalo grassbetween July 17 and 19. Thirteen quarter sections weresurveyed; buffalo grass was observed on 12 of these,including 10 parcels from which it was not previouslyreported. Buffalo grass was also found on one roadallowance. Associated species and major sources ofdisturbance were noted at each site, and the extent ofbuffalo grass occurrences was recorded on aerialphotographs. Work in the Souris River Valley was co-ordinated with research conducted through the Mixed-grass Prairie Inventory. Marilena Kowalchuk, theproject biologist, found buffalo grass at 16 additionalquarter sections from which it was not previouslyknown. Including observations from previous surveys,

buffalo grass is now known to occur on portionsof 43 quarter sections within a 25 km long bandwithin the Souris River Valley and Blind RiverValleys of Manitoba. Unsuitable habitat in theform of cultivated fields, improved pastures,roads and railways separated occurrences.

The extent of buffalo grass on surveyed parcelsvaried from small patches less than 10 m indiameter to expansive bands running the lengthof a quarter section. Areas supporting extensivebuffalo grass populations were characterised bysmall knolls and ridges (generally 2-5 m abovethe surrounding valley floor) oriented north-south within the valley (buffalo grass tended to

occur on these rises and on the lower slope of the valleywall). All areas had native vegetation on unbrokenpasture, and moderate to heavy grazing by livestock.

Buffalo grass (family Poaceae),the only species in the genusBuchloë, is a dioecious sod-forming grass, spreading bystolons to form clones up to 2 macross (Harms 1997). Pistillatespikes are 2-5 cm high andmostly concealed by the foliage.The female spikelets areenclosed by a bur-like structurethat disperses intact. Staminatespikes, at the tops of slenderculms mostly less than 12 cmhigh, surpass the foliage. Themale plants resemble stuntedspecimens of blue grama grass,with curled leaf blades and shortone-sided spikes.

In Canada, buffalo grass growsin clay to clay-loam soils, mostlybelow shale outcrops (Harms1997). It occurs within theSouris River Valley in Manitoba,and is associated with gleyedblack solonetzic soils (Reimerand Hamel 2002). It is restrictedto areas of unbroken nativepasture. Grazing and moderatetrampling may be required toreduce competition from othergrasses (Harms 1997).

8

Incidentally Encountered Rare SpeciesSprague’s Pipit Anthus spragueii G4, N4B, S2S3B/SZN;

COSEWIC Threatened

Whorled Milkweed Asclepias verticillata G5, N?, S2

Wooly Plantain* Plantago patagonica G5, N?, SU

*Represents only the second collection of this species from Manitoba.

StatusBuffalo grass has no legal protection in Manitoba. In November 2001, COSEWIC

updated the status of buffalo grass toThreatened based on the use ofquantitative criteria. The distribution ofbuffalo grass in Canada is extremelylimited, occurring only within the SourisRiver Valley and Blind River Valley.Large-scale alterations in water drainageor flow resulting in the prolongedinundation of either valley couldnegatively affect buffalo grasspopulations. Buffalo grass is founddiscontinuously on portions of 43quarter sections of land in Manitoba. Allknown occurrences are on privately

owned land and adjacent road allowances.Changes from current land use could threaten buffalo grass in Manitoba.

RecommendationsFuture ResearchBuffalo grass may exist on quarter sections not surveyed in 2002, especially on thewestern side of the Souris River Valley and in the Blind River Valley. Much of the workconducted on buffalo grass in Manitoba has focused on determining the extent ofpopulations within the Souris River and Blind River Valleys. Detailed maps outlining theaerial extent and density phases of buffalo grass within 12 quarter sections werecompleted in 2002 by this project. Expanding this work to include other parcels where thespecies is known to occur will allow an accurate estimate of area of occupancy to bemade.

ManagementInterested landowners should be encouraged to preserve habitat for buffalo grass andother rare species through public awareness, conservation agreements, and programs thatpromote sustainable grazing.

Buffalo grass habitat in the Souris River Valley.

9

Figure 3. The distribution of buffalo grass (Buchloë dactyloides) in Manitoba.

Map withheld to protect sensitive rare species occurrence data.

10

Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis)G5, N?, S1

Data Collected in 2002Surveying efforts focused on searching for populationsin two areas where hackberry has not been previouslyrecorded but which contain potentially suitable habitat:a sand hill complex near St. Lazare, and portions of thebeach ridge forest on the southern shore of LakeWinnipeg. A small sand hill complex occurs near theconfluence of the Qu’Appelle and Assiniboine Riversjust west of St. Lazare. The northern and eastern sidesof larger hills are forested with a mix of green ash(Fraxinus pennsylvanica), Manitoba maple (Acernegundo), and bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa) andsuperficially resemble forest stands in the Lauder SandHills that contain hackberry. Searches for hackberry

were conducted on May 27, June 20 and 27, andAugust 12. Hackberry was not observed.

A 3-km portion of the beach ridge forest at thesouthern end of Lake Winnipeg was searched onJune 27. Forest composition was characterisedby a dense canopy of Manitoba maple, greenash, cottonwood (Populus deltoides), andAmerican elm (Ulmus americana), and appearedsimilar to stands at the south end of LakeManitoba that contain hackberry, as describedby Nash (1995). A 360-m portion of the beachridge had been cleared recently for cottagedevelopment. Hackberry was not observed inthe remaining intact forest.

One previously known hackberry population at theManitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation’s (MHHC)property in the Lauder Sand Hills was surveyed on May29. As in 2001, the individuals observed appeared to bein poor health (Reimer and Hamel 2002).

Hackberry (family Ulmaceae) isa small deciduous tree withascending or spreading branchesthat form a large crown (Farrar1995). The bark of matureindividuals is greyish-brown anddeeply furrowed. Branches arealternate, as are leaves. Leavesare simple, oval to lance-shaped,5-15 cm long, 3/5 as wide,tapered to the tip, sharp toothedto the middle, and lop-sided atthe base. The minute, greenflowers appear with, or before,the leaves. Orange-red berriesturn dark purple at maturity.

Hackberry has a localiseddistribution in Manitoba (Reimerand Hamel 2002). The largestpopulations are found on beachridges at the south end of LakeManitoba, at Delta Marsh.Additional populations occur indry prairie habitats of the sandhills of southwestern Manitoba.Sand Hill populations aretypically found growing on thenortheastern slopes of sandridges, and are often limited tofewer than 20 matureindividuals.

11

Incidentally Encountered Rare SpeciesSand bluestem Andropogon hallii G4, N1, S1Smooth blue beard-tongue Penstemon nitidus G5, N?, S2Low townsendia Townsendia exscapa G5, N?, S2

StatusThe Manitoba Endangered Species Advisory Committee recommended a provinciallyThreatened status for hackberry on February 14, 2003. The distribution of this species in

Manitoba is restricted, populationsare disjunct, and many sand hillpopulations appear to have lowreproductive rates and are underconsiderable disease stress(Reimer and Hamel 2002). Smallportions of Manitoba’shackberry population areprotected at the beach ridge atthe south end of Lake Manitobaand at the MHHC property in theLauder Sand Hills. Furtherprotection of additionalpopulations would help to ensure

the continued presence of thisspecies in Manitoba.

The beach ridge forest at the south end of Lake Winnipeg may be important to migratingbirds as a rest stop prior to or after migration over the lake, as it is at the south end ofLake Manitoba (Nash 1995). The permanent protection of a portion of this ridge wouldensure the continued contribution of the area to Manitoba’s biodiversity, and protect anyhackberry that may be present.

Surveys of the sand hill complex near St. Lazare resulted in the collection of informationon three provincially rare species, including sand bluestem (Andropogon hallii) anationally rare species. These species are likely to be limited, on a regional scale, to thesmall stabilising sand dunes found at the confluence of the Assiniboine and Qu’AppelleRivers. The nearest sand hills in Manitoba are the Routledge Sand Hills, 82 km to thesoutheast. The St. Lazare sand hills are threatened by sand extraction and aspenencroachment.

RecommendationsFuture ResearchBeach ridge forest extends for approximately 30 km along the south end of LakeWinnipeg. Only a small portion was surveyed in 2002. While much of the beach ridgehas been developed for cottages, a large portion is relatively inaccessible andundeveloped. Surveys in these areas may yield new hackberry occurrences. Surveys for

Recently cleared beach ridge forest at the south end ofLake Winnipeg.

12

hackberry elsewhere in the province have been fairly exhaustive (Nash 1995, Reimer andHamel 2002, Dr. Norm Kenkel pers. comm.); however, surveys of appropriate habitat inthe Portage Sand Hills and unsurveyed private lands near St. Lazare may result in thediscovery of new populations.

ManagementHabitat protection of sand hill areas through conservation agreements or otherstewardship programs may be essential to the continued existence of the rare speciesoccurrences found there.

Figure 4. The distribution of hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) in Manitoba.

Smooth Goosefoot(Chenopodium subglabrum)

G3G4, N2, S1, COSEWIC Special ConcernData Collected in 2002Searches for smooth goosefoot included eight quartersections of open, destabilised sand dunes in areas ofpotential habitat in the Routledge Sand Hills. All opensand on these properties was surveyed between July 24and 26. Voucher specimens of all species ofChenopodium encountered were collected and examinedunder high magnification to determine identity. Nosmooth goosefoot was observed.

While smooth goosefoot was not encountered, surveys ofprivate land in the Routledge Sand Hills provided newinformation on five rare species, including twoconsidered Threatened by COSEWIC.

Incidentally Encountered Rare SpeciesSandBluestem

Andropogonhallii

G4, N1, S1

Sprague’sPipit

Anthusspragueii

G4, N4B,S2S3B/SZN;COSEWICThreatened

Schweinitz’sFlatsedge

Cyperusschweinitzii

G5, N?, S2

PincushionCactus

Escobariavivipara

G5, N?, S2

WesternSpiderwort

Tradescantiaoccidentalis

G5, N1, S1;COSEWICThreatened;

Smooth Goosefoot (familyChenopodiaceae) is an erect orsemi-erect annual that grows to aheight of 20-80 cm (Looman andBest 1987). Leaves are glabrous,fleshy, entire, linear, and 1-veined and are arrangedalternately on the numerousascending branches. Stem leaves,however, are mealy. The entireplant is glabrous to onlysparingly farinose. Theinflorescence is open and leafy,and characterised by smallgreenish or reddish flowersproduced in small widely spacedglomerules. Flowering occursfrom June to July.

This is a sdune systespecies haonce, in 1Sand Hillfailed to lnoted thatin the Rousince beenspecies (M

Bonnie Heidel/Montana NHP

13

MESAThreatened

StatusSmooth goosefoot is listed as a species of SpecialConcern by COSEWIC due to its rarity and the rapiddecline of appropriate habitat in the Canadian prairies. Ithas not been documented in Manitoba since 1959. Thespecies may be present but not have been detected due toa number of factors. Firstly, individual plants and flowers

pecies of active sandms. In Manitoba, thes been recorded only959, in the Routledges. Recent searchesocate the species and previously open dunestledge Sand Hills have stabilised by woodyanitoba CDC 2001).

14

are small, green and inconspicuous, secondly, surveys may not have coincided with thespecies’ most conspicuous phenological

stages and, finally, Chenopodiumseeds may persist in the soil for upto 40 years, remaining dormantuntil appropriate conditions allowfor germination (Royer &Dickinson 1999).

RecommendationsFuture ResearchThe original 1959 collection ofsmooth goosefoot in the RoutledgeSand Hills was made on July 4.Surveys conducted in early Julymay have greater detection successthan those reported here.Additional information on thespecific requirements forgermination could help in planningfuture surveys, for example,whether germination is better inwet years compared to dry years. Ifgermination requirements are not

met in the season of the survey, thisannual species may not be present.

ManagementPotential smooth goosefoot habitat in the Routledge Sand Hills occurs mostly on privateland. Landowners should be encouraged to implement or continue managementtechniques that will help maintain open sand and grasslands. Landowners should beencouraged to work with organisations such as the Manitoba Habitat HeritageCorporation and the Mixed-grass Prairie Stewardship Program to implement theseprograms. Conservation agreements with landowners will help secure the continuedpresence of the remarkable diversity of rare and uncommon sand hill species.

Partially destabilised sand provides habitat for a number of rare species, includingnationally rare sand bluestem (Andropogon hallii) and western spiderwort (Tradescantiaoccidentalis). The full diversity of native plants in sand hill areas can be promotedthrough management activities that help maintain a mosaic of open sand, grassland andwooded areas. Controlled burns and light grazing help limit the encroachment of aspeninto grassland areas and, in combination with the control of leafy spurge populations canhelp maintain habitat for both rare and common native species, including smoothgoosefoot.

Potential Smooth Goosefoot habitat in the RoutledgeSand Hills.

15

Figure 5. The distribution of smooth goosefoot (Chenopodium subglabrum) in Manitoba.The pale green circle represents an area of uncertainty related to the exact location of the1959 collection. The site description of the original collection is vague; therefore, theoccurrence was mapped with less precision than occurrences with detailed information onlocation.

16

Small White Lady’s-slipper(Cypripedium candidum)

G4, N2, S1, COSEWIC Endangered, MESA EndangeredData Collected in 2002Small white lady’s-slipper populations near Brandon weresurveyed on June 13. A population in the Brandon Hillswas estimated approximately 2,000 stems. An exactnumber could not be determined because some flowerswere just starting to open. Before the flowers are fullyopen, it is difficult to distinguish between small whitelady’s-slippers and hybrids. A road allowance nearBrandon held approximately 60 flowering stems of smallwhite lady’s-slippers, and two clumps of hybrids. Arecently dug hole with one orchid growing beside it wasobserved at this site. One small white lady’s-slipper flower

was observed in a pasture near Brandon.

Hughes (2001) reported a small area of nativegrassland north of Emerson as a potentialhabitat for small white lady’s-slippers. This sitewas surveyed on June 15, but only yellowlady’s-slippers (Cypripedium calceolus) wereobserved at that time.

Staff at the Manitoba Tall Grass PrairiePreserve (TGPP) checked allevery knownpatches of small white lady’s-slipper at theTGPP in 2002. All but one patch out of 24 waspresent at the time of survey; no new patcheswere recorded. In 2002, a completed census was

not completed, but 925 flowering and vegetative stemswere counted in four permanent plots, down slightly from1,013 the previous year (C. Borkowsky pers. comm.).

Incidentally Encountered Rare SpeciesYellow stargrass Hypoxis hirsuta G5, N?, S3

StatusThe small white lady’s-slipper is listed as Endangered

under the Manitoba Endangered Species Act. The species has also been assigned a statusof Endangered by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada(COSEWIC), and is listed as Endangered under Ontario’s Endangered Species Act. Thesmall white lady’s-slipper is considered rare in virtually every state and province where itoccurs, but overall it is considered apparently secure globally by NatureServe (2001).

The small white lady’s-slipper(family Orchidaceae) is aherbaceous perennial that cangrow to a height of 10 to 35 cm.Plants grow in clumps, with eachflowering stem surrounded bytwo to four leaves. One flower isfound at the tip of a floweringstem, and consists of a white,pouch-shaped “slipper”, streakedwith a rose-purple colour, andtwo twisted, greenish-yellowside petals that can be spotted orstreaked with purple (ManitobaConservation 2000).

In Manitoba, the small whitelady’s-slipper can be found incalcareous (calcium-rich, oralkaline) prairie openings inwooded grasslands, or on moreopen, south-facing slopes. Itmost often grows in relativelyundisturbed grassland, but canalso be seen in disturbed sitessuch as roadside ditches(Manitoba Conservation 2000).

17

Threats to the species include encroachment of woody species, late spring frosts, illegalcollection of plants, spraying of herbicides and clearing of ditches, weedy speciesinvasion, urbanisation, hybridisation with yellow lady’s-slippers, and conversion ofnative prairie to agricultural land (Manitoba Conservation 2000).

The Manitoba TGPP protects over 2,100 hectares (5,200 acres) of habitat for nativeprairie species, including the small white lady’s-slipper. The Brandon Naturalists Societyhas purchased a property near Brandon to protect the lady’s-slippers found there.

RecommendationsFuture ResearchThe Brandon Hills landowners are dedicated to maintaining the population of small whitelady’s-slipper on their property. Future research should focus on getting landownersinvolved with monitoring. There is a need to develop methods for surveying that would

allow landowners to conduct surveys for this species ona voluntary basis. Information thatlandowners collected would be providedto the Manitoba Conservation DataCentre, and would be used to maintaincurrent information on this species.

ManagementLeafy spurge (Euphorbia esula) is aproblematic invasive plant in theBrandon Hills site. The landownerscontrol spurge with spot spraying.

Monitoring of small white lady’s-slipperpopulations is done regularly in Manitoba

sites. Controlled burning, mowing and twice-overgrazing can have positive effects on lady’s-slippers, as

these practices appear to improve growing conditions by controlling woody species andclearing excess thatch (Manitoba Conservation 2000).

Habitat for small white lady’s-slipper near the City of Brandon.

18

Figure 6. The distribution of small white lady’s-slipper (Cypripedium candidum) inManitoba.

19

Dutchman’s breeches (Dicentra cucullaria)G5, N?, S1

Data Collected in 2002There is a single naturally occurring population ofDutchman’s breeches in Manitoba on private property onthe shore of Whitemouth Lake. The soil is rich and highin organic matter. The treed area of the property isapproximately 0.2 km2, although portions of the canopyhad been removed recently, some removed by beaver,and others chopped down. In addition, elms (Ulmusamericana) on this property have all succumbed to DutchElm Disease, creating extensive gaps in the canopy.Fifteen clumps of Dutchman’s breeches weretransplanted from this property to the nearby Whitemouth

Island between 1989 and 2001.

Portions of shoreline and Whitemouth Islandwere surveyed on May 17. Several thousandstems of Dutchman’s breeches coverapproximately 0.016 km2 of shoreline. Fifteentransplanted clumps at Whitemouth Islandproduced 788 stems with ten inflorescences and49 flowers.

Incidentally Encountered Rare SpeciesBluecohosh

Caulophyllumthalictroides

G4G5,N4N5, S2

Sessilebellwort

Uvulariasessilifolia

G5, N?, S2

StatusDr. Karen Johnson at the Manitoba Museum of Man andNature collected data from this population from 1987until 2001, when she retired. In 1989, individual plantswere tagged along two transects, and annual monitoringwas initiated. The land previously belonged to the RuralMunicipality of Piney; however, the land was sold toprivate owners who have removed many of the tags.

The transplanted population is within the Whitemouth Island Ecological Reserve.Ecological Reserves are set aside for ecosystem and biodiversity preservation, research,education and nature study; they are not intended to be recreation, resource harvest ormultiple-use areas.

Dutchman’s breeches (familyFumariaceae) is a perennial withfinely dissected fern-like leaves.The plant gets its name from theflowers that resemble baggywhite pants dangling upsidedown along the arched stem. Theflowering stems are between 10and 25 cm high. Both leaves andflowers arise from a shortrootstock that bears white orpink bulblets (Flora of NorthAmerica Editorial Committee1997).

Dutchman’s breeches is a springephemeral. In Manitoba, flowersappear in early to mid-May (Dr.Karen Johnson pers. comm.).Bumblebees and other long-tongued insects pollinate theflowers (Flora of North AmericaEditorial Committee 1997), andsoon after, spindle-shapedseedpods appear. Afterreproduction is finished,Dutchman’s breeches goesdormant and disappears until thefollowing spring.

Recent clearing for recreational use along the shoreline may have negative effects on theDutchman’s breeches population. Canopy openings may allow encroachment of weedierspecies like stinging nettle, which is abundant in other local clearings.

Manitoba’s population of Dutchman’s breeches is disjunct from the rest of the species’range. If the population is extirpated, it is unlikely that the plant would become re-established without human intercession. An elaiosome is present on the seeds of

Dutchman’s breeches (Flora of NorthAmerica Committee 1997), anindication that ants play a major role indispersal. The nearest native populationof Dutchman’s breeches isapproximately 200 km away inMinnesota, likely too far for ants totravel.

RecommendationsFuture ResearchFuture surveys are dependent on thelevel of interest of the currentlandowners. Research is required todetermine what species of ants disperse

the seeds.

ManagementThe Flora of North America Committee (1997) reports

f

P ner privacy.

Recent clearing near the shore oWhitemouth Lake. Greenvegetation in the middle groundis Dutchman’s breeches.

hoto withheld to protect landow

20

that Dutchman’s breeches occurs in deciduous woods and clearings in rich loam soils.Management activities that promote deciduous woods and the formation of rich forestsoils would likely benefit this species at Whitemouth Lake.

Figure 7.

21

The distribution of Dutchman’s breeches (Dicentra cucullaria) in Manitoba.

Map withheld to protect sensitive rare species occurrence data.

22

Two-flowered Cynthia (Krigia biflora)G5, N2, S2

Data Collected in 2002The area surveyed within the Rural Municipalities ofWoodlands and Armstrong was comprised of a mosaic ofaspen woodland, shrubland, grassland, and wetlands.Two-flowered cynthia occurred in grassland, on the moistopen upland areas found between wetlands andwoodlands. Common species associated with two-flowered cynthia included redtop (Agrostis gigantea), bigbluestem (Andropogon gerardii), silverberry (Eleagnuscommutata), and aspen (Populus tremuloides). Habitatfor two-flowered cynthia may also support populations ofDakota Skipper; however, these butterflies require closeexamination for identification, which was not attempted

as part of this survey.

Populations of two-flowered cynthia on the TallGrass Prairie Preserve (TGPP) and RM ofStuartburn were not examined in 2002; however,staff at the Preserve regularly update information onall rare plants at the Preserve and these data areshared with the Manitoba Conservation Data Centre.

Fieldwork in 2001 identified potential habitat fortwo-flowered cynthia within the study area (Reimerand Hamel 2002). Many of these lands are held byprivate landowners. Landowners were contacted in2002 and permission was granted to access 12

quarter sections; in addition, 24 quarter sections weresurveyed from the road, totalling 36 parcels of land.Two-flowered cynthia was present on 30 of the surveyedparcels of land, and was not observed on six quartersections. Three parcels of land were examined in greater depth

between July 3 and July 5; on these parcels, a list of plant species list was compiled, andthe population of two-flowered cynthia was estimated. No population estimates weremade on parcels that were surveyed on or after July 8, due to the difficulty in identifyingplants after flowering was complete. The quarter sections examined in detail had anaverage of 1,200 stems. Based on aerial extent of appropriate habitat, determined usingaerial photographs, the total population of two-flowered cynthia in the Municipalities ofWoodlands and Armstrong area likely exceeds 30,000.

Two-flowered cynthia (familyAsteraceae) is a perennial withseveral orange dandelion-likeflowers atop the stem. The plantexudes milky sap when the stemis broken, similar to sow thistles(Sonchus spp.). The involucralbracts are smooth, and all equalin length. A double pappusdistinguishes Krigia speciesfrom similar composite flowers.Fruit is a small dark achene. Thestem has few clasping leaves.

Two-flowered cynthia occurs inwoods, roadsides and fields(Gleason and Conquist 1991). InManitoba, populations occur inremnant tall-grass prairie nearWoodlands and Stuartburn.

23

Incidentally Encountered Rare SpeciesMonarch Butterfly Danaus plexippus G4, NZB, S5;

COSEWIC Special Concern

Yellow star-grass Hypoxis hirsuta G5, N?, S3

Northern Leopard Frog Rana pipiens G5, N5, S4;COSEWIC Special Concern

StatusTwo-flowered cynthia was listed as Vulnerable by the Endangered Species AdvisoryCommittee on February 14, 2003. This designation offers no legal protection, but servesas a watch list. Several populations of two-flowered cynthia occur on the TGPP, wheremanagement practices include burning and grazing to reduce shrub encroachment andlitter build-up. Populations on the TGPP are likely protected in the long term. Other

populations, especially in theMunicipalities of Woodlands andArmstrong, have no legal protection.Two-flowered cynthia is presentwithin the Inwood WildlifeManagement Area, which is not aprotected area.

Two-flowered cynthia resemblesweeds like sow thistles (Sonchus spp.);therefore, it may inadvertently betargeted for herbicide application,especially in road rights-of-way.

RecommendationsFuture ResearchMore research is required on thebiology and ecology of two-floweredcynthia, especially to determine

pollinators and limiting factors. No previous dataare available to determine whether populationsare stable, increasing, or decreasing. Recurring

surveys are required to determine population trends.

ManagementManagement practices, such as burning and light grazing should be encouraged onappropriate habitat in order to maintain areas of grassland and prevent furtherencroachment of shrubs and aspen. Conservation agreements with interested landownerscould secure habitat for two-flowered cynthia. No leafy spurge was observed in thecourse of this survey, and with care, this situation can be maintained. Landowners should

The habitat of two-flowered cynthia ischaracterised by a mixture of trees, shrubsand grasses.

24

be informed of the risks of introducing leafy spurge by transporting seeds via hay bales orfarm machinery, especially mowers.

Herbicide application would be detrimental to roadside populations of two-floweredcynthia. Flowering is complete by mid-July most years, and spraying and mowing shouldnot be carried out before then.

Figure 8. The distribution of two-flowered cynthia (Krigia biflora) in Manitoba.

25

White-flowered Desert-parsley(Lomatium orientale)

G5, N2, S1Data Collected in 2002Attempts were made to update information on knownpopulations in Thornhill (June 5), the Souris River Valleysouth of Coulter (July 17-19), and the Souris RiverValley north of Minto (May 29). In addition, searches ofprairie with coarse-textured soils were conducted in theSpy Hill-Ellice and Ellice-Archie Prairie FarmRehabilitation Administration (PFRA) communitypastures near St. Lazare (May 28 and June 18), and in theRoutledge and Lauder Sand Hills (May 29). Potentiallyappropriate habitat was identified near Medora, but this

area was not surveyed in 2002 because of timeconstraints.

White-flowered desert-parsley was not observedin 2002. Habitat that seemed to be suitable wasobserved at Thornhill, south of Coulter, andwithin the Ellice-Archie PFRA communitypasture (unbroken mixed-grass prairie oversandy clay soil). Most of the floodplain of theSouris River Valley north of Minto has beencultivated; therefore, suitable habitat may nolonger exist there. Prairie on the south-facingvalley wall, where the species was last collectedin 1950, was dominated by non-native smoothbrome (Bromus inermis).

Two other species of Lomatium were observed in2002: large-fruit desert-parsley (L. macrocarpum) andcarrotleaf desert-parsley (L. foeniculaceum), as well asother species in the same family, namely Plainswavewing (Cympoterus acaulis) and wild parsley(Musineon divaricatum). These species are provinciallyrare or uncommon, except for carrotleaf desert-parsleywhose conservation status is undetermined. Surveyorscollected information that contributed to the knowledgeof the conservation status and stewardship needs of thesespecies.

White-flowered desert-parsley(family Apiaceae) is a perennialarising from a heavy taproot(Looman and Best 1987). The 3to 4 times pinnately dividedleaves arise basally. Umbels ofwhite or pinkish flowers appearsearly in the growing season. Thisspecies can be distinguishedfrom Lomatium macrocarpum bythe presence of translucent-margined bractlets and wingedseeds not longer than 6 mm.

In Canada, this species occursonly in southeastern Saskat-chewan, and in southwesternManitoba on dry hillsides anddry prairie in the Souris RiverValley, and near Reston,Medora, and Thornhill. Five ofthe eight known occurrences ofwhite-flowered desert-parsley inManitoba were last observedover 40 years ago.

26

Incidentally Encountered Rare SpeciesShining arnica Arnica fulgens G5, N?, S2?Plains wavewing Cymopterus acaulis G5, N?, S3Large-fruit desert-parsley Lomatium macrocarpum G5, N?, S3Wild parsley Musineon divaricatum G5, N?, S2Indian rice grass Oryzopsis hymenoides G5, N?, S2Early yellow locoweed Oxytropis sericea G5, N?, S1Pincushion beardtongue Penstemon procerus G5, N?, S1S2Golden-bean Thermopsis rhombifolia G5, N?, S2

StatusWhite-flowered desert-parsley is nationally rare inCanada and is on the working list of vascular plantcandidates for COSEWIC report preparation (ErichHaber, Chair, COSEWIC Plants and LichensSpecies Specialist Subcommittee pers. comm.).The ephemeral nature of this species and itsconfusing identification characteristics may havecontributed to the paucity of reports fromManitoba. Intensive surveys have failed to locatepreviously known or new populations. Althoughthe species may be easily overlooked, suitablehabitat is scarce, as well. Given the uncertainty ofthe species status in Manitoba, protection of thishabitat would be prudent. The Thornhill area, inparticular, is of concern as unbroken prairie is nowrestricted to only a handful of quarter sections.

Threats at Thornhill and in the Souris River Valleysouth of Coulter include cultivation and the

cessation of grazing and resultant encroachment ofwoody species. Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula) wasobserved on surveyed lands near Thornhill. Unchecked,this species could result in a dramatic decline in the

native biodiversity on these parcels (Mixed-grass Prairie Stewardship Program, undated).

RecommendationsFuture ResearchFuture field surveys are essential in order to make an adequate assessment of the status ofthis species in Manitoba. Previously collected specimens, as logged in the Manitoba CDCrare species database, have been collected from May 16 to June 26, at all stages ofdevelopment. Identification is difficult without fully developed flowers or seeds, andsome records note that identifications should be considered tentative until more fullydeveloped individuals are observed at the same location. Locations from which thespecies was recently collected should be surveyed weekly from early May to early July todetermine the phenology of this and closely related species in Manitoba, and to determine

Unbroken mixed-grass prairienear Thornhill. White-flowereddesert-parsley, last observed atthis location in 1986, was notobserved in 2002.

27

when surveys would offer the best opportunity to distinguish among species. Theinformation gained from this type of research could be used to refine and focus thetemporal range of future surveys.

ManagementWhite-flowered desert-parsley records from the Souris River Valley south of Coulter arelocated on lands that also contain nationally rare buffalo grass (see buffalo grasssummary in this report). Protection of these lands would protect the habitat of bothspecies. Potentially appropriate habitat within the Ellice-Archie PFRA communitypasture is generally protected from cultivation and overgrazing by the conservationmandate of PFRA management.

Figure 9. The distribution of white-flowered desert-parsley (Lomatium orientale) inManitoba.

28

Roundleaf Monkey-flower (Mimulus glabratus)G5, N2, S1

Data Collected in 2002Three new occurrences of roundleaf monkey-flower werelocated in 2002, and one known occurrence was updated.Two new occurrences were located in the Spy Hill-ElliceCommunity Pasture in springs along the Qu’AppelleRiver. Roundleaf monkey-flower was abundant at both ofthese locations. The third new occurrence was located inan unnamed tributary of Scissor Creek in the Ellice-Archie Community Pasture. Scissor Creek flows throughthe Community Pasture, and then empties into theAssiniboine River south of St. Lazare. Surveys of theCommunity Pastures were conducted on August 13.

Populations of roundleaf monkey-flower in SpruceWoods Provincial Park occur in springs thatpercolate through pure mineral sand, creating abowl formation (Reimer and Hamel 2002). Incontrast, the springs within the CommunityPastures are darker, finer textured soils. The site inEllice-Archie is at the top of a seepage slope, andthe flowing water from the spring has not created achannel or a bowl formation. A similar seep alongthe Isputinaw Trail in Spruce Woods ProvincialPark was surveyed on August 14, but no roundleafmonkey-flower was observed.

Roundleaf monkey-flower was reported at WigleSprings in 1951. In 2002, a population was relocatednearby to Wigle Springs. No roundleaf monkey-flowerwas observed in the main bowl formation at WigleSprings during the survey on July 24, however.

Despite habitat differences, all roundleaf monkey-flowerpopulations in Manitoba occur in cold, flowing spring water in predominantly sandysoils.

Incidentally Encountered Rare SpeciesNorthern Leopard Frog Rana pipiens G5, N5, S4; COSEWIC Special Concern

StatusRoundleaf monkey-flower was recommended for listing as a Threatened species inManitoba by the Manitoba Endangered Species Advisory Committee on February 14,

Roundleaf monkey-flower(family Scrophulariaceae) is asmall, low, branching and mat-forming perennial wetland plant(Larson 1993). Leaves areopposite, generally round andsmooth, or sometimes withminute hairs. The small,irregular, bright yellow flowersoccur in the axils of the leaves(Gleason and Cronquist 1991).Flowering occurs from July toAugust. Four varieties arerecognised, but the only one thatoccurs in Manitoba is var.jamesii (Kartesz 1999).

The species is found in springs,seeps and the banks of spring-fedstreams (Larson 1993),especially in alkaline conditions(Gleason and Cronquist 1991).

29

2003. Populations at Spruce Woods Provincial Pakr are protected under the ProvincialParks Act. Other known populations are currently unprotected.

Changes in groundwater levels could affect the springs in which roundleaf monkey-flower occurs. Farmers in the Carberry area irrigate crops like corn and potatoesextensively. Since CFB Shilo and Spruce Woods Provincial Park occupy large tracts ofland, it is unlikely that groundwater levels in the area from which the species is knownwill be affected (Reimer and Hamel 2002). Irrigation is not common in the Qu’AppelleValley and Upper Assiniboine region of Manitoba.

Populations of roundleaf monkey-flower in the Community Pasturesare trampled by cattle as they cometo drink. The species may betolerant of disturbance, since itcontinues to survive at these sites.

Roundleaf monkey-flower is rare ineach of the Canadian jurisdictionswhere it occurs (NatureServe 2001).Globally it is considered secure,although a closely related sub-species Michigan monkey-flower(Mimulus glabratus var.

michiganensis) is federally Endangered in theUnited States (Penskar and Higman 2001).

RecommendationsFuture ResearchResearch is required to determine the range of pH and water temperature tolerated byroundleaf monkey-flower, and the nutrients available in the spring water where it occurs.This knowledge will allow management efforts to focus on the maintenance of criticalhabitat.

ManagementResearch in Australia indicates that fencing springs to prevent animal grazing leads tosprings being overgrown with vegetation, but if grazing is allowed then feces andsiltation caused by trampling reduce water quality (Unmack 1995). The establishment ofexclosures within the springs in the Community Pastures could help determine whetherkeeping cattle out of the headwaters of springs is beneficial to roundleaf monkey-flowerpopulations.

Cattle trails through a spring in the SpyHill/Ellice Community Pasture.

30

Figure 10. The distribution of roundleaf monkey-flower (Mimulus glabratus) inManitoba.

31

Northern Adder’s-tongue (Ophioglossum pusillum)G5, N?, S1

Data Collected in 2002A single occurrence of northern adder’s-tongue is knownfrom Manitoba. Staff at the Manitoba Tall Grass PrairiePreserve (TGPP) first documented this occurrence in1995 on two adjacent quarter sections bisected by agravel road. This is considered a single occurrence that isbisected by a road. Many stems were observed on eitherside of the road when this site was surveyed on August22.

Other apparently similar habitat exists, but does notappear to be occupied. Similar habitat in the GardentonCommunity Pasture was surveyed on foot on September4, but no northern adder’s-tongue was observed.

Incidentally Encountered Rare SpeciesNorthernLeopardFrog

Rana pipiens G5, N5, S4;COSEWICSpecial Concern

Riddell’sgoldenrod

Solidagoriddellii

G5, N3, S2;COSEWICSpecial Concern;MESAThreatened

StatusNorthern adder’s-tongue is not listed under theEndangered Species Act in Manitoba. A statussummary is currently in preparation for review bythe Manitoba Endangered Species AdvisoryCommittee. The TGPP protects habitat for this

species in Manitoba.

This species is easily overlooked because of itsresemblance to seedlings of many monocot species, andthus may be more common than collections indicate(Flora of North America Editorial Committee 1993).

The Ontario Natural Heritage Information Centre ranksnorthern adder’s-tongue S4S5, indicating that it is likely secure in that province(NatureServe 2001).

Northern adder’s-tongue(family Ophioglossaceae) is aperennial fern arising from tan toyellow-coloured rootstocks.Each stem has a single leaf thatis divided into a fertile portion(sporophore) and a sterileportion (trophophore). Thetrophophore widens gradually toform a blade up to 3.5 cm wideand 10 cm high. The sporophoremay be up to 4.5 times the heightof the trophophore, bearing 10-40 pairs of sporangia at the tip(Flora of North AmericaEditorial Committee 1993).

The single occurrence inManitoba is in wet prairie. Inother areas it grows in fens,marsh edges, pastures, grassyshores and roadside ditches(Flora of North AmericaEditorial Committee 1993).

32

RecommendationsFuture ResearchBefore additional surveys are undertaken, there is a need to understand the factorslimiting northern adder’s-tongue in Manitoba. This species is inconspicuous and difficult

to locate in the field. Better knowledge of habitatspecificity could narrow search parameters andmaximise efficiency, thus increasing thelikelihood of success.

ManagementCurrent management practices on the TGPPinclude burning and mowing to reduce shrubencroachment. Both quarter sections on whichnorthern adder’s-tongue occurs were burned inthe spring of 2002 (L. Reeves pers. comm.).

Northern adder’s-tongue in latesummer at the TGPP.

Figure Manito

33

11. The distribution of northern adder’s-tongue (Ophioglossum pusillum) inba.

Map withheld to protect sensitive rare species occurrence data.

34

Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)G5, N?, S2

Data collected in 2002Potential bloodroot habitat in the Rural Municipalities ofThompson and Lorne, including the Deerwood WildlifeManagement Area (WMA), was surveyed on May 14,2002. A known population of bloodroot was observedeast of St. Lupicin, but no new occurrences were found inthe WMA. At the site east of St. Lupicin, bloodroot wasmost abundant on a north-facing gentle slope nearTobacco Creek. Bloodroot was found under a canopy ofmaple (Acer negundo) and ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica).Dead elm trees (Ulmus americana) were present.

A survey was conducted at the Manitoba ForestryAssociation site near Hadashville on May 24. Some of

the plants at the Manitoba Forestry Associationsite had pedicels, indicating that the plants hadblossomed, but the flowers had been broken off.Based on field work conducted in 2002, it islikely that one occurrence in the Manitoba CDCdatabase was mapped incorrectly. Forested areaswere surveyed along the Whitemouth River northof Hadashville. No new occurrences of bloodrootwere found.

Bloodroot was reported from the Notre Dame deLourdes area in the 1940’s. Some potentialhabitat exists in that area in very narrow bandsalong small streams, some of which areaccessible to cattle.

Incidentally Encountered SpeciesCanada wild-ginger

Asarumcanadense

G5, N5, S3?

Status Bloodroot has no legal protection in Manitoba. Globally,this species is secure (NatureServe 2001). WithinCanada, the Ontario Natural Heritage Information Centreranks this species S5 (secure). Bloodroot may bedeclining globally due to habitat loss and collection formedicinal uses (NatureServe 2001). In Manitoba,appropriate habitat occurs in narrow strips along creeks

Bloodroot (family Papaver-aceae) blooms in early to mid-May. Flowers have 6-12 white topinkish petals (Flora of NorthAmerica Editorial Committee1997). The common name isderived from the bright red latexexuded by damaged tissue,especially the roots. Therhizomes are branched, manyadventitous roots, stems arisingfrom rhizome. A single leafenvelops the developing floralbud. The leaves are prominentlyveined and glaucous on theunderside.

Bloodroot occurs in rich, mesicto somewhat dry deciduousforests and coves with fertilesoils and circumneutral to basicsoil pH (NatureServe 2001). Thisspecies occurs in aspenwoodlands in the northwestportion of its range (NatureServe 2001). Bloodroot occurs inmoist to dry woods and thickets,often on flood plains and shoresor near streams on slopes, lessfrequently in clearings andmeadows, and rarely in disturbedsites (Flora of North AmericaEditorial Committee 1997).

35

and streams that are usually surrounded by agricultural land. These stream banks arethreatened by the invasion of non-native species, such as burdock (Arctium sp.), which is

common at St. Lupicin. Some local residents in St.Lupicin are concerned about large-scale hogoperations scheduled for construction in thearea.

Recommendations Future ResearchMore information is required to determine atwhat level this species is being collected in thewild for traditional or commercial collectingpurposes. A thorough search of possiblehabitat near Notre Dame de Lourdes isrequired to determine whether historicalpopulations remain extant. Determininglimiting factors, especially at the ManitobaForestry Association site, may explain thereasons for the low reproduction observed in2002.

ManagementThe Manitoba Forestry Association is aware of the

bloodroot at the site south of Hadashville, and incorporates the presence of bloodroot intoeducational tours. Public awareness campaigns may prevent picking or unintentionaldestruction of habitat. Efforts should be made to control invasive species at St. Lupicin.

Bloodroot habitat near St. Lupicin.

36

Figure 12. The distribution of bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) in Manitoba.

37

Riddell’s Goldenrod (Solidago riddellii)G5, N3, S2, COSEWIC Special Concern, MESA Threatened

Data Collected in 2002Surveys were conducted on August 22, August 29, andSeptember 4, and focused on monitoring known recordsfrom the Gardenton/Green Ridge area. Twenty of 30known occurrences of Riddell’s goldenrod weresurveyed in 2002. While 17 populations were confirmedas extant, three could not be located.

A previously unknown population was discovered at thenorth edge of the Gardenton Prairie Farm RehabilitationAdministration (PFRA) community pasture. Like mostpopulations outside of the Tall Grass Prairie Preserve(TGPP), this occurrence is limited to a thin band of

habitat held within a secondary roadallowance. Surveys within the GardentonPFRA Community Pasture revealed that threeseparate known occurrences of Riddell’sgoldenrod near its western edge are actuallypart of one continuous population comprisedof thousands of individual stems that occupythe margins of forested ridges. An additionalnew population was discovered on a privatelyowned quarter section of land near Hochstadt.Identification of the Hochstadt population istentative, however, as plants were not yet inflower when surveyed on July 30. Hundredsof stems were observed, ranging over 6.2hectares of remnant tallgrass prairie. A newpopulation of Riddell’s goldenrod was alsodiscovered in the north block of the TGPP.

Incidentally Encountered RareSpeciesSlender false-foxglove

Agalinistenuifolia

G5, N?, S2S3

Four-floweredloosestrife

Lysimachiaquadriflora

G5?, N?, S2

Great Plainsladies’-tresses

Spiranthesmagnicamporum

G4, N3, S1?,MESAEndangered

Riddell’s goldenrod (familyAsteraceae) is a perennial witherect stems 40 to 100 cm tall(Zhang et al. 2000). The linear,tapered leaves are recurved andusually three-veined. The yellowinflorescence is flat-topped torounded. Flowering occurs fromlate August to early September.Riddell’s goldenrod canhybridise with both stiffgoldenrod (Solidago rigida) andwhite upland aster (Solidagoptarmicoides).

The species occurs on moist towet calcareous sandy loam soilsalong relatively undisturbedroadsides, in tall grass prairie,and in open shrubby fens. InManitoba, populations occurfrom Ross south to theMinnesota border, but thegreatest concentrations are atKleefeld/Hochstadt, Gardenton,and Green Ridge.

38

StatusWhile Riddell’s goldenrod is legally protected under Manitoba’s Endangered SpeciesAct, permanent habitat protection exists only for populations at the TGPP. Most otherpopulations are on private land or in road or railway allowances where habitat is notprotected. Populations in road allowances may be at risk from maintenance activities suchas haying, spraying of herbicides, drainage improvement, and trenching or digging

activities conducted by municipalities or utilitycompanies. Occasionally, adjacentlandowners hay or cultivate road allowancesas well. Three populations in roadallowances, last observed in 1997 or 1998,could not be located in 2002 and may havebeen eliminated.

RecommendationsFuture ResearchRegular monitoring of known populationsand threats should continue. Searches of the

south-central portion of the Gardenton PFRAcommunity pasture may yield new occurrences.The tentative identification of the new

population at Hochstadt should be confirmed.

ManagementStewardship efforts should be focused on securing the habitat of additional populations ofthis species. The population near Hochstadt, in particular, is near the known northernrange of extant populations in Canada and lies on one of the few unbroken parcels oftallgrass prairie remaining in the area. This parcel of land should be a priority for theestablishment of a permanent conservation agreement with the landowner. Theestablishment of a rotational grazing program may also benefit Riddell’s goldenrod onthis property. Discussions with local road maintenance managers and Rural Municipalitycouncils should be initiated in order to increase local awareness of the presence ofRiddell’s goldenrod in road allowances and available stewardship options. Stewardshipoptions include delaying mowing and haying until after seed set, avoiding the use ofherbicides, and careful road maintenance activities in the vicinity of known populations.

Grazed, remnant tallgrass prairie nearHochstadt. Riddell’s goldenrod occurs at theprairie/woodland interface on this property.

39

Figure 13. The distribution of Riddell’s goldenrod (Solidago riddellii) in Manitoba.

40

Culver’s Root (Veronicastrum virginicum)G4, N2, S1; MESA Threatened

Data collected in 2002Records for several populations in ditches in the RuralMunicipality of Franklin were updated on August 29.Culver’s root and Riddell’s goldenrod occupy similarhabitat, but in the process of gathering information onRiddell’s goldenrod occurrences, no new occurrences ofCulver’s root were discovered.

A known Culver’s root population at a local cemeteryshowed continued decline in 2002. In 1997, thepopulation consisted of 356 stems on a rail embankmentoutside the cemetery, and 46 stems in the cemetery. In1998, the rail embankment was levelled, leaving only theplants within the cemetery. The cemetery has since beencleared of all shrubs, and black topsoil was laid downunder the few remaining oak trees, so that in 2002, theplants in the cemetery could not be located.

Approximately 20 stems of Culver’s root, foundgrowing approximately 190 m west of thecemetery in a ditch at the edge of a hayfield, arelikely all that remains of this occurrence.

Another occurrence was located along a railembankment in 1997. The portion of the sectionwhere Culver’s root was documented wasdominated by alfalfa. No Culver’s root wasobserved at this location, and this population waspresumably destroyed in 1998 when theembankment was levelled.

An occurrence in a roadside ditch had 17 stems in1997 and 16 stems in 2002.

A population of Culver’s root in the RM ofHanover that was last seen in 1997 was not found in2002. There is no information to suggest what lead to thispopulation’s apparent disappearance.

Culver's-Root, belonging to theScrophulariaceae, is a tallperennial, occasionally up to 2 min height. The leaves arearranged around the simplestems in whorls of three to nine.They are lance-shaped, longpointed at the apex, narrowed atthe base, and sharply toothed(Eggers and Reed 1997). Thetube-shaped flowers are white-to-pinkish, with two longprotruding stamens, and arecrowded on a slender, spike-likeinflorescence from 8-20 cm long.Culver’s root blooms from Julyto August. The fruits are ovoidmany-seeded capsules (U.S.Department of Agricultureundated).

Culver's root occurs in a varietyof habitats throughout its range.It is found in moist tallgrassprairie remnants, moist woodsand edges of woodlands, fieldsand meadows. It also occurs inroadsides, road allowances, andrailway rights-of-way (NatureServe 2001).

Incidentally Encountered Rare SpeciesSlender-leaf falsefoxglove

Agalinistenuifolia

G5, N?, S2S3

Cooper’s vetch Astragalusneglectus

G4, N3, S1

Northern LeopardFrog

Rana pipiens G5, N5, S4; COSEWIC SpecialConcern

Riddell’sgoldenrod

Solidagoriddellii

G5, N3, S2; COSEWIC SpecialConcern; MESA Threatened

StatusCulver’s root was listed as Threatened by theManitoba Endangered Species Act in 2001.

Under the Act, it is unlawful to harmthis species or its habitat.

Culver’s root is present at the ManitobaTall Grass Prairie Preserve (TGPP).Management practices at the preserveinclude burning and mowing to reducewoody cover and promote the vitality ofgrassland. The location and aerial extentof each Culver’s root occurrence ismarked on infrared aerial photos that areupdated annually by TGPP staff.

Outside the TGPP, Culver’s root isknown only from road allowances and

roadside ditches. These populations are underthreat from road maintenance.

The Tall Grass Prairie Preserve near Vita,Manitoba provides habitat for Culver’sroot.

41

RecommendationsFuture ResearchCulver’s root is sold commercially as an ornamental species in Manitoba. There is a needto investigate whether cultivation of this species has an impact on natural populations.Cultivated specimens sold in nurseries likely originated from seed collected in the wild,which could reduce native populations (NatureServe 2001).

Surveys of appropriate habitat on private land adjacent to roadside populations arerequired. Continued monitoring is required on the TGPP to ensure that managementstrategies currently in use are not adversely affecting populations of Culver’s root.

ManagementThe production of a Species at Risk fact sheet would promote awareness of Culver’s root.Providing information to landowners within this species’ range could result in thediscovery of additional populations, or prevent the unintentional destruction of existingpopulations.

42

With the co-operation of the cemetery management committee, shrubs could be allowedto grow along the fence of the cemetery. If any dormant rootstocks or seeds were left,then allowing the area to be reclaimed by natural vegetation might allow the Culver’sroot to recover.

Figure 14. The distribution of Culver’s root (Veroncastrum virginicum) in Manitoba.

43

Stewardship RecommendationsStewardship requirements vary among species; however, several issues are common toall. The actions of land managers affect the survival of many rare plant occurrences andtheir habitat. As such, stewardship plans must be produced with input from landownersand managers, especially on private lands. Stewardship programs that inform landownersof the presence of rare species on their lands, present options for conservation, and aidlandowners in implementing their chosen option will have the greatest benefit to rarespecies occurrences.

The following actions will promote stewardship of most rare species in Manitoba:

� Increase landowner awareness of rare species in agro-Manitoba. Species at risk factsheets, pamphlets, and other print media, where they do not currently exist, should beproduced. Local newspapers, radio, and television should be utilised as much as ispractical to raise awareness. In all cases, the importance of sound stewardship bylandowners should be stressed.

� Establish a stewardship resource centre. A variety of organisations offer support tolandowners in the form of conservation agreements, stewardship programs likerotational grazing, prescribed burns, control of invasive species, etc. The assortmentof stewardship options and conservation organisations that offer landowner supporthas lead to duplication of effort and confusion for landowners. The establishment ofone contact point for landowners, acting as a clearinghouse of stewardshipinformation, would simplify the first steps toward expanded stewardship of species atrisk for landowners, help focus and reduce duplication of services amongconservation organisations, and ultimately increase the number of landownersparticipating in stewardship activities.

� Produce a standard, effective landowner contact methodology in co-operation withother agencies. This protocol would streamline and standardise initial and subsequentcontacts, improve reporting, and reduce duplication of effort.

� Establish a road allowance management plan. A number of species at risk occurrencesoccur in remnant native habitat in road and railway allowances and are threatened bymaintenance activities such as haying, spraying of herbicides, drainage alteration, andtrenching or digging activities conducted by municipalities or utility companies. Inmost cases, municipal maintenance staff is not aware of the presence of theseoccurrences. A contact protocol and management plan, produced in co-operation withManitoba Transportation and rural municipalities, is required in order to ensure thecontinued existence of many populations of rare and at-risk species.

44

Literature CitedBoivin, B. 1967. Flora of the Prairie Provinces, Part I Pteroids, Ferns, Conifers and

Woody Dicopsids. Provancheria 2:1-202

Eggers, Steve D. and Donald M. Reed. 1997. Wetland plants and communities ofMinnesota and Wisconsin. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District.Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center Home Page.http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/1998/mnplant/mnplant.htm (Version13SEP98)

Farrar, J.L. 1995. Trees in Canada. Fitzhenry and Whiteside Ltd., Markham, ON andCanadian Wildlife Service, Ottawa, ON. 502 pp.

Flora of North America Editorial Committee. 1993. Flora of North America, North ofMexico Vol. 2. Pteridophytes and Gymnosperms. Oxford University Press, NewYork, NY. 475 pp.

Flora of North America Editorial Committee. 1997. Flora of North America, North ofMexico Vol. 3: Magnoliophyta: Magnoliidae and Hamamelidae. OxfordUniversity Press, New York, NY. 616 pp.

Ganders, F.R., M.B. Berbee and M.P. Pirseyedi. 2000. ITS base sequence phylogeny inBidens (Asteraceae): Evidence for the continental relatives of Hawaiian andMarquesan Bidens. Systematic Botany 25(1):122-133.

Gleason, H.A. and A. Cronquist. 1991. Manual of the Vascular Plants of NortheasternUnited States and Adjacent Canada, second edition. The New York BotanicalGarden, New York, NY. 910 pp.

Harms, V. L. 1997. Status Report on Buffalograss (Buchloë dactyloides) in Canada.Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada, Ottawa, ON. 38 pp.

Hughes, M. 2001. Summer 2001 Field Inventories of Three Nationally Rare Plants inManitoba: Small White Lady’s-slipper, Western Spiderwort, Hairy Prairie-clover.Unpublished. 25 pp.

Kartesz, J.T. 1999. A Synonymized Checklist and Atlas with Biological Attributes for theVascular Flora of the United States, Canada, and Greenland. First Edition. In:Kartesz, J.T., and C.A. Meacham. Synthesis of the North American Flora, Version1.0. North Carolina Botanical Garden, Chapel Hill, NC.

Klinkenberg, B. and R. Klinkenberg. 2001. COSEWIC Status report on Vancouver IslandBeggarticks (Bidens amplissima Greene) in Canada. Committee on the Status ofEndangered Wildlife in Canada, Ottawa, ON. 25 pp.

Larson, Gary E. 1993. Aquatic and wetland vascular plants of the northern Great Plains.Gen. Tech. Rep. RM-238. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture,Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station. NorthernPrairie Wildlife Research Center Home Page.http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/1998/vascplnt/vascplnt.htm (Version02FEB99).

45

Looman, J. and K.F. Best. 1987. Budd’s Flora of the Canadian Prairie Provinces.Publication 1662, Research Branch, Agriculture Canada, Ottawa, ON. 863 pp.

Manitoba Conservation Data Centre. 1998. Manitoba Conservation Data CentreHomepage. http://www2.gov.mb.ca/natres/db/index.html (Accessed December 28,2001).

Manitoba Conservation Data Centre. 2001. Summer 2000 Field Inventories andConservation Requirements of Six Nationally Rare Plants in Manitoba. ManitobaConservation Data Centre, Winnipeg, MB. 21 pp.

Manitoba Conservation. 2000. Manitoba’s Species at Risk: Small white lady’s-slipper(Cypripedium candidum). Manitoba Conservation, Winnipeg, MB.

Mixed-grass Prairie Stewardship Progarm, undated. Leafy Spurge: The Silent Invader.Mixed-grass Prairie Stewardship Program, Carberry, MB. 4 pp.

Nash, R. 1995 Lake Francis Wildlife Management Area Natural Resources Inventory,Technical Report 95-04. Manitoba Natural Resources, Wildlife Branch, Winnipeg,MB. 62 pp.

NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life [web application]. 2001. Version1.6. Arlington, Virginia, USA: NatureServe.http://www.natureserve.org/explorer/. (Accessed October 25, 2002).

Penskar, M.R. and P.J. Higman. 2001. Special Plant Abstract for Mimulus glabratus var.michiganensis (Michigan monkey-flower) Michigan Natural Features Inventory.Lansing, MI. 3 pp.

Reimer, E. and C.D. Hamel. 2002. Rare species surveys of the Manitoba ConservationData Centre, 2001. Manitoba Conservation Data Centre MS Report 02-02,Winnipeg, MB. 37 pp.

Royer, F. and R. Dickinson. 1999. Weeds of Canada and the Northern United States.University of Alberta Press, Edmonton, AB and Lone Pine Publishing, Edmonton,AB. 434 pp.

U.S. Department of Agriculture. No date. Midwestern wetland flora: Field office guide toplant species. U.S.D.A. Soil Conservation Service, Midwest National TechnicalCenter, Lincoln, Nebraska. Jamestown, ND: Northern Prairie Wildlife ResearchCenter Home Page.http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/othrdata/plntguid/plntguid.htm (Version16JUL97).

Unmack, P.J. 1995. Desert Fishes Down Under. Proceedings of the Desert Fishes CouncilVolume XXVI:70-85.

Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board. 2003. A List of Washington’s Class BWeeds. http://www.nwcb.wa.gov/weed_list/weed_list.classb.html#scientific

Zhang, J.J., J.C. Semple, M.J. Oldham and E. Punter. 2000. COSEWIC Status Report onRiddell’s Goldenrod (Solidago riddellii). Committee on the Status of EndangeredWildlife in Canada, Ottawa, ON. 19 pp.

46

Appendix: Definitions of Conservation Status RanksAdapted from the Manitoba CDC website, 1998

Species are evaluated and ranked by the Conservation Data Centre on the basis of theirrange-wide (global - G) status, nation-wide (national – N) status, and province-wide(subnational - S) status according to a standardised procedure used by all ConservationData Centres and Natural Heritage Programs. These ranks are used to determineprotection and data collection priorities and are revised as new information becomesavailable.

For each level of distribution—global, national, and provincial—species are assigned anumeric rank ranging from 1 (very rare) to 5 (demonstrably secure). This reflects thespecies’ relative endangerment and is based primarily on the number of occurrences ofthat species globally, nationally, or within the province. However, other information,such as date of collection, degree of habitat threat, geographic distribution patterns andpopulation size and trends, is considered when assigning a rank. The numbers ofoccurrences listed below are suggestions, not absolute criteria. For example, the GreenFrog (Rana clamitans) is ranked G5, S2. That is, globally the species is abundant andsecure, while in Manitoba it is rare and may be vulnerable to extirpation.

Rank Definition

1 Very rare throughout its range or in the province (5 or fewer occurrences, or very fewremaining individuals). May be especially vulnerable to extirpation.

2 Rare throughout its range or in the province (6 to 20 occurrences). May be vulnerable toextirpation.

3 Uncommon throughout its range or in the province (21 to 100 occurrences).

4Widespread, abundant, and apparently secure throughout its range or in the province, withmany occurrences, but the element is of long-term concern(> 100 occurrences).

5 Demonstrably widespread, abundant, and secure throughout its range or in the province,and essentially irradicable under present conditions.

U Possibly in peril, but status uncertain; more information needed.H Historically known; may be rediscovered.X Believed to be extinct; historical records only, continue search.

47

Other Heritage Codes Code DefinitionG#G#N#N#S#S#

Numeric range rank: A range between two of the numeric ranks. Denotes range ofuncertainty about the exact rarity of the species.

SubrankCode Definition

T Rank for subspecific taxon (subspecies, variety, or population); appended to the globalrank for the full species, e.g. G4T3.

QualifiersCode Definition

A Accidental in the province; including species (usually birds or butterflies) recorded veryinfrequently, hundreds or thousands of kilometres outside their usual range.

BBreeding status of a migratory species. Example: S1B,SZN - breeding occurrences for thespecies are ranked S1 (critically imperilled) in the province, nonbreeding occurrences arenot ranked in the province.

E An exotic established in the province; may be native in nearby regions.HYB Element represents a hybrid of species.

NNon-breeding status of a migratory species. Example: S1B,SZN - breeding occurrences forthe species are ranked S1 (critically imperilled) in the province, nonbreeding occurrencesare not ranked in the province.

P Indicates the element may potentially occur in the province.

Q Taxonomic questions or problems involved, more information needed; appended to theglobal rank.

R Reported in the province, but lacking documentation that would provide a basis for eitheraccepting or rejecting the report.

T Rank for subspecific taxon (subspecies, variety, or population); appended to the globalrank for the full species.

Z Ranking not applicable.

# A modifier to SX or SH; the species has been reintroduced but the population is not yetestablished.

? Inexact or uncertain; for numeric ranks, denotes imprecision.