CPC National Collection Plant Profile
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CPC National Collection Plant Profile
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Sedum integrifolium ssp. leedyi
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Sedum integrifolium ssp. leedyi is Not Sponsored |
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Primary
custodian for this plant in the CPC National Collection of Endangered
Plants is: |
Lindsey Parsons contributed to this Plant Profile. |
| Sedum integrifolium ssp. leedyi | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
This subspecies is a glacial relic of the Pleistocene that was widespread at the end of the last glaciation but has become extremely rare in the warmer temperatures of post-glaciation climates. Unfortunately, human activities have exacerbated this decline by disturbing the remaining habitat where this subspecies can still survive. Today it is found in a very unique system that experiences much cooler temperatures than surrounding areas due to cool air that rises through cracks from subterranean caves. This air is thought to create small areas where the temperature more closely resembles that of the Pleistocene Era. These small systems are extremely vulnerable to dumping in sinkholes, clearcutting of upland trees, and anything that alters the water quality and hydrology including development and the use of chemical herbicides and pesticides. As relics, this subspecies is a living fossil that can provide us with a tremendous amount of information about the organisms that lived during the Pleistocene. If we lose this plant, we lose a vital clue to our own history as well as the history of the earth. Perennial plant with waxy leaves. Can tolerate period of water stress. Elongated leafy stem that can become limp in dry weather. Closely packed leaves arise from main stem. Leaves are irregularly toothed and sometimes not toothed at all. Male and female flowers born on separate plants. Flowers have 4-5 petals, and dense heads of flowers at the and of leafy stems. Blooms are dark red, and can be yellow or orange.
State Range
Distribution
Number Left
State/Area Protection
Ecological Relationships
Threats
Current Research Summary
Current Management Summary
Research Management Needs Ex Situ Needs |
References |
Kartesz, J.T. 1999. A synonymized checklist of the vascular flora of the U.S., Canada, and Greenland. In: Kartesz, J.T.; Meacham, C.A., editors. Synthesis of the North American Flora, Version 1.0. North Carolina Botanical Garden. Chapel Hill, NC. |
Olfelt, J.P. 1998. Population Biology of Sedum integrifolium ssp. leedyi. Dissertation Abstracts International. 59-07, Section B: 3172. |
Olfelt, J.P.; Furnier, G.R.; Luby, J.J. 1998. Reproduction and development of the endangered Sedum integrifolium ssp. leedyi (Crassulaceae). American Journal of Botany. 85, 3: 346-351. |
Olfelt, J.P.; Furnier, G.R.; Luby, J.J. 2001. What data determine whether a plant taxon is distinct enough to merit legal protection? A case study of Sedum integrifolium (Crassulaceae). American Journal of Botany. 88, 3: 401-410. |
USFWS. 1992. Determination of Threatened Status for Sedum integrifolium ssp. leedyi (Leedy's roseroot). Federal Register. 57, 78: 14649-14653. |
Vetter M.A. 1981. The Physiological Ecology of Sedum lanceolatum in the Colorado Front Range. Dissertation Abstracts International. 43-02, Section B: 0334. |
Sather, N. 1993. Leedy's Roseroot: A Cliffside Glacial Relict. St. Paul, MN: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. p.10. |
USFWS. 1998. Sedum integrifolium ssp. leedyi (leedy's roseroot) Recovery Plan. Ft. Snelling, Minnesota: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. p.31. [19297]. |
| This profile was updated on 3/4/2010 |