NPSpecies

see vouchers; Data Source: Lea, 2000

see comments; Data Source: Lea, 2000

see comments; Data Source: Lea, 2000

Park Species Detail: Lea, C. April, 2000:This sedge species is presently treated as synonymous with Fimbristylis puberula (Michx.) Vahl by the Maryland Heritage and Biodiversity Conservation Program (Maryland Natural Heritage Program, 1994), with a rank of SU. It is assumed that basis for the current rank is confusion regarding the identity of the species. Fernald (1950) treats the two names as synonymous for one species, which may be the basis for synonymous treatment in Maryland. Gleason and Cronquist (1991) treat the two as separate species with F. caroliniana a more-or-less maritime species with long rhizomes and F. puberula a more inland species with short rhizomes. Other taxa listed under various treatments (e.g. Fimbristylis spadicea (L.) Vahl, Fimbristylis drummondii Boeckl.) may also have contributed to some confusion. During this survey, a plant was found in maritime grassland south of Green Run (near site of former Green Run inlet). This collection (at TAWES herbarium) and Hill's material in the ASIS herbarium are consistent with F. caroliniana, sensu Gleason and Cronquist's (1991). According to B. McAvoy (Delaware Natural Heritage Program) (pers. comm.), F. caroliniana is relatively frequent in coastal swales in Delaware. F. caroliniana superficially appears much like Fimbristylis castanea (Michx.) Vahl, a common species on Assateague, and may be somewhat under-reported in Maryland. The former species should be targeted in both future field surveys and (as necessary) herbaria searches (to resolve possible taxonomic confusion with F. puberula). Based on Assateague populations alone, Fimbristylis caroliniana should be added as a separate element to the Maryland Natural Heritage list, with a current rank of S1 (with some expectation that it may prove to be more frequent)(S1=Extremely rare; usually 5 or fewer populations or occurrences in the state; or may be a few remaining individuals; often especially vulnerable to extirpation). Current known occurrences should be tracked and given needed conservation and management attention until it can be demonstrated that the species is more secure. Fimbristylis puberula, if extant in Maryland, should be evaluated as a separate species./ Hill, 1986: Native. Perennial herb. July-Oct. Fresh marsh, but also to be found in brackish marshes, in full sun. Infrequent and widewpread, considered frequent by Brown & Brown (1984) but very rare by the MNHP (As F. puberula (Michx.) Vahl). Higgins collected this plant in both MD & VA (specimens at MARY) but did not report it. First reported by Harvill (1967). MD & VA./ Hamilton, 2004: Voucher specimen probable at CNWR./, Park Species Data Source: Lea, 2000