NPSpecies

see comments; Data Source: TNC, 1999; Wiegand, 1995;

Data Source: Helen Hamilton

Data Source: Helen Hamilton

Park Species Detail: Wiegand, 1995: A small population comprising a few flowering stems of Harperella (Ptilimnium nodosum) was documented during 1994 surveys on a scourbar at the mouth of Sideling Hill Creek. This occurrence is only the second sighting for this state and federally endangered plant species along the Potomac mainstem during the past fifty years. It is currently known from only two other populations in Maryland. Unfortunately, this small population could not be relocated during intense searches of the scour bar in 1995. In 1914 Shreve collected a specimen of Harperella from the Potomac shoreline dounriver 6om Roundtop in Washington County. Harperella was specfically searched for along the river in this area on several occasions during the course of this survey without success. It has not been reported from this area since Shreve's initial report more than eighty years ago. Although potential habitat for Harperella in this area has experienced adverse impacts during the interim, there remains a slim chance the species may still occur here. Because current knowledge of Harperella suggests it is globally rare and restricted in distribution, future plant surveys in this area should target potential habitat and conduct specific searches for this federally endangered plant. One new occurrence (one unconfirmed occurrence) documented in the survey area from Sandy Hook West to Cumberland, Maryland., Park Species Data Source: TNC, 1999;Wiegand, 1995;