New England is a region known for its mix of life. The area holds many kinds of plants and animals. Still, a hard fact remains. Nearly one out of five local plants is rare. That sums up to close to 600 types. In this piece, we look at rare plants of New England, give some clear examples, and talk on work to save them.
Understanding "Rare" in Botanical Terms
Plant rarity matters in saving life. A plant earns the tag "rare" when few live in one place. Some plants have five or fewer groups. One case is Jesup’s milk-vetch (Astragalus robbinsii var. jesupii). It lives on three rock spots in the Connecticut River Valley.
Some plants are marked as imperiled. They live in no more than 20 groups. Boott’s rattlesnake-root (Nabalus boottii) grows high in New England. Other plants are called vulnerable. They exist in under 80 groups. Bushy frostweed (Crocanthemum dumosum) grows on back dunes and on sand plains.
The Endemic Species of New England
New England has plants that live only here. Ten types stay in this area. Out of these, three are gone for good. One crabgrass vanished in New Hampshire. One hawthorn lost its space. One milk-vetch relative disappeared when a dam changed a river in Vermont.
Not all stories end in loss. Robbin’s cinquefoil (Potentilla robbinsiana) stands as a win. Once, only two groups lived in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Work by the New England Wild Flower Society and other groups spurred change. New methods for seed storage and plant care have grown that number to about 14,000. This shows that careful work can bring back lost life.
Ecosystems and Changing Conditions
Many rare plants live in small spots. They need changes in their homes to grow well. New England boneset (Eupatorium novae-angliae) grows in coastal ponds. Shifts in water levels help its life. Knowing these needs helps in the care of rare plants.
Getting Involved in Conservation
Saving rare plants in New England is a task we all share. People can lend a hand by working with local groups. Many clubs stand for the care of plant life. The New England Plant Conservation Program invites new and skilled plant lovers to search for, record, and keep these plants safe. Close work by many friends builds a strong effort for saving plant life.
Conclusion: Why We Should Care
Saving rare plants holds weight. Each one helps nature and feeds life in the land. When people care for them, they look after the land and their lives. New England hides many unique, rare plants that need our care and action. The work of saving these plants fills us with hope and a sense of duty. Join in, learn more, and find a way to help save these special plants.
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