Full text of "Sensitive plants and noxious weeds of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest / by Laura L. Potash."

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Historic, archived document

Do not assume content reflects current
scientific knowledge, policies, or practices.

To The Reader

The purpose of this field guide is to help you to recognize these
rare plants and noxious weeds in the field.

If you find populations of noxious weeds please report them to
the Ranger District contact person in charge of noxious weeds.

If you find any sensitive species, it is extremely important that
you contact the District Botanist or call the Forest Botanist at
the Supervisor's Office (206) 744-3200.

At the end of the section on sensitive species is an example of a
rare plant sighting form. Please follow it as a reference for
noting information about your sighting.

Please take many photographs but do not collect any part of a
rare plant. Take detailed notes so that the District or Forest
botanist can verify your sighting.

Remember... the only way we can protect the rare plants and
prevent the spread of noxious weeds is if we know where they
are, and we need your help. Your cooperation is greatly
appreciated!

Nomenclature

Vascular Plants of the Pacific Northwest by Hitchcock et al.
(1955-1959) was the taxonomic authority for this guide, except as
noted below. For those species not included in this text,
nomenclature follows that used by the Washington Natural
Heritage Program (1990). For noxious weeds, nomenclature
follows the current Washington State Department of Agriculture
Noxious Weed List (RCW 17.10). Descriptions for certain
species of Botrychium were based on Lellinger (1985) and
Alverson (1985). For certain species of Carex , descriptions were
based on Taylor (1983). The description for Cassiope
lycopodioides ssp. cristapilosa was based on Hulten (1968).
Reference to vegetation zones follows a preliminary vegetation
classification of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie N.F. by Henderson,
Lesher, Peter, and Shaw (personal communication).

Note: All measurements under 10 cm (1 dm) are given in
centimeters or millimeters; measurements longer than this are
given in both metric and English units (inches or feet). A metric
ruler has been printed on the back cover for your convenience.

957542

Acknowledgements

Illustrations of all species except composites were produced by
Jeanne R. Janish. Composites (Asteraceae), were drawn by John
Rumley. All illustrations were reproduced from Volumes I-V of
"Vascular Plants of the Pacific Northwest" by Hitchcock et al.
(1959-1969), with permission from the University of Washington
Press. Photographs were generously loaned by numerous
botanists, whose names appear next to each plate. Thanks is due
to the following people who assisted with word processing, data
analysis, or draft species descriptions: Joe Coffey, Mimie
Rodrigo, Demetria Shew, Faye Streier, Sally Claggett, and Kathy
Ahlenslager. Sue Holt and Clayton Antieau volunteered their
time to review and comment on the manuscript. Special thanks to
Cheri Ziebart, who assisted with all aspects of layout, design, and
production. Lois Kemp provided very helpful advice based upon
her experience producing a similar guide for the Mt. Hood N.F.
Catherine Hovanic and Diane Dolstad provided information on
noxious weeds. John Gamon and Jan Henderson were an
invaluable source of botanical and ecological information on the
sensitive species. Robin Lesher also provided important
botanical information and painstakingly reviewed the manuscript.

The enthusiastic support of the Washington Native Plant Society
(state and local chapters) and the Bonneville Power
Administration is greatly appreciated.

Limitations of this Field Guide

Status: The species included in this guide were based upon the
Regional Forester's Sensitive Species List. This list is updated
on an annual basis, based upon documented occurrences or
changes in status of a species. Therefore, there may be species
on future lists that were not included in this field guide. Contact
the Forest Botanist for the most current list.

Habitat and Zone: Information on the habitat and vegetation zone
was based upon the most current information available at the time
of printing. This does not preclude the possibility of any given
species occurring in a habitat or zone other than what is
mentioned here; as we increase our inventories and document
more occurrences, we will be able to refine our understanding of
the habitat requirements and distribution of these species.

Taxonomy: The descriptions in this guide are botanically
accurate, however, the subtle and technical distictions between
many of the sensitive species require the use of a technical
botanical key for positive identification.

SENSITIVE PLANT SPECIES
LISTED BY HABITAT

Some species occur in more than one habitat. Please be
aware that most species are not strictly confined to the
habitats listed below.

DRY MEADOWS

Agoseris elata
Castilleja cryptantha
Gentiana glauca
Pedicularis rainierensis
Saxifraga integrifolia var. apetala

ROCK OUTCROPS

Campanula lasiocarpa
Carex scirpoidea var. scirpoidea
Dodecatheon pulchellum v. watsonii (seep)
Dry as drummondii
Platanthera chorisiana (seep)

Ranunulus cooleyae (seep)

Saxifraga debilis (seep)

Saxifraga integrifolia var. apetala (seep)

MIXED DECIDUOUS AND
CONIFEROUS FORESTS

Botrychium lanceolatum
Botrychium minganense
Botrychium montanum
Botrychium pinnatum
Cimicifuga elata
Galium kamtschaticum
Lycopodium dendroideum
Montia diffusa

MOIST TO DRY
CONIFEROUS FORESTS

Botrychium lanceolatum
Botrychium lunaria
Botrychium montanum
Botrychium pinnatum
Cimicifuga data
Galium kamtschaticum
Lycopodium dendroideum
Motitia diffusa
Platanthera obtusata
Pleuricospora fimbriolata

GRAVEL/SCREE/TALUS

Aster sibericus var. merit us
Dry as drummondii
Luzula arcuata
Poa grayana

Ranunulus cooleyae (seep)

Saxifraga debilis (seep)

Saxifraga integrifolia var. apetala

HIGH ELEVATION OPEN RIDGETOPS

Aster sibericus var. merit us
Botrychium pinnatum
Carex scirpoidea var. scirpoidea
Dry as drummondii
Poa grayana

ROCKY AREAS & BOULDER FIELDS

Aster sibericus var. merit us
Botrychium lanceolatum
Botrychium minganense
Carex scirpoidea var. scirpoidea
Coptis asplenifolia
Dry as drummondii
Lycopodium dendroideum
Poa grayana

Ranunulus cooleyae (seep)

RIPARIAN AREAS (Defined here as areas in or adjacent
to streams or rivers)

Carex interrupta
Carex pluriflora

Carex scirpoidea var. scirpoidea
Carex scopulorum var. prionophylla
Dry as drummondii
Fritillaria camschatencsis
Galium kamtschaticum
Poa grayana

BOGS (Defined here as areas with acidic, organic soils,
and a plant community dominated by sphagnum moss
and members of the heath family)

Carex buxbaumii

Carex pauciflora

Carex paupercula

Carex pluriflora

Carex saxatilis var. major

Carex scopulorum var. prionophylla

Carex stylosa

Gentiana douglasiana

Lycopodium inundatum

Microseris borealis

Platanthera sparsiflora

OTHER WET AREAS (This catagory includes all wet
places except for riparian areas and bogs, e.g. moist to
wet meadows, marshes, lakeshores, and seeps; these areas
may or may not be forested)

Botrychium lunaria
Botrychium pinnatum
Calamagrostis crassiglumis
Carex buxbaumii
Carex comosa
Carex paupercula
Carex pluriflora

OTHER WET AREAS (Continued)

Carex saxatilis var. major
Carex scirpoidea var. scirpoidea
Carex scopulorum var. prionophylla
Carex stylosa
Carex comosa
Carex macrochaeta
Castilleja cryptantha
Dodecatheon pulchellum v. watsonii
Fritillaria camschatencsis
Galium kamtschaticum
Gentiana douglasiana
Gentiana glauca
Lobelia dortmanna
Loiseleuria procumbens
Lycopodium inundatum
Microseris borealis
Pedicularis rainierensis
Platanthera sparsiflora
Platanthera chorisiana
Ranunulus cooleyae
Saxifraga debilis

Saxifraga integrifolia var. apetala
Tillaea aquatica

UNKNOWN (Not enough data to generalize for the Mt.
Baker-Snoqualmie N.F.)

Cassiope lycopodioides cristapilosa
Chaenactis thompsonii

SENSITIVE PLANT SPECIES
LISTED BY ZONE

Scientific Name

Agoseris elata

Aster sibericus var. meritus

Botrychium lanceolatum

Botrychium lunaria

Botrychium minganense

Botrychium montanum

Botrychium pinnatum

Calamagrostis crassiglumis

Campanula lasiocarpa

Carex buxbaumii

Carex comosa

Carex interrupta

Carex macrochaeta

Carex pauciflora

Carex paupercula

Carex pluriflora

Carex saxatilis var. major

Carex scirpoidea var. scirpoidea

Carex scopulorum var. prionophylla

Carex stylosa

Cassiope lycopodioides ssp. cristapilosa*

Castilleja cryptantha

Chaenactis thompsonii*

Cimicifuga elata

Coptis asplenifolia

Many species occur in more than one zone. Please be
aware that species are not strictly confined to the zones
listed below.

SENSITIVE PLANT SPECIES
LISTED BY ZONE

Scientific Name

C/3

C/5

Dodecatheon pulchellum var. watsonii

Dryas drummondii

Fritillaria camschatencsis

Galium kamtschaticum

Gentiana douglasiana

Gentiana glauca

Lobelia dortmanna

Loisleuria procumbens

Luzula arcuata

Lycopodium dendroideum

Lycopodium inundatum

Microseris borealis

Montia diffusa

Pedicularis rainierensis

Platanthera chorisiana

Platanthera obtusata

Platanthera sparsiflora

Pleuricospora fimbriolata

Poa grayana

Ranunulus cooleyae

Saxifraga debilis

Saxifraga integrifolia var. apetala

Tillaea aquatica

Don Eastman

Agoseris data (AGEL2)
tall agoseris

Aster Family (Asteraceae)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This is one of the
"false dandelions" with a single head of yellow flowers, basal
leaves and milky sap. The primary difference between this
species and pale agoseris (A. glauca ), is that the achene (dry
fruit) has a prolonged slender tip that is scarcely or not at all
marked with parallel lines. Blooms June- August.

HABITAT: Suspected in meadows and open woods, from low
elevations to timberline.

Julie Kierstead

DESCRIPTION: A rather stout perennial 2-7 dm (8-28") tall,
with a leafless flowering stem. Plants hairless or with short
hairs.

LEAVES: Basal, oblanceolate, entire or toothed, 10-30 cm long,
1-7 cm wide.

FLOWER: Solitary yellow head, often drying to pink; fruiting
involucre 2-3 cm high.

FRUITS: Achene 8-10 mm long, beak of about equal length,
pappus 12-14 mm long.

pappu

ache

Aster sibiricus var. meritus (ASSI2)

arctic aster

Aster Family (Asteraceae)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This aster is often
only 10 cm tall (occasionally up to 40 cm), with entire leaves. It
has purple ray flowers that are subtended by purple-tinged
bracts. The closely related rough-leaved aster (A. radulinus) is
taller and has sharply toothed leaves. Blooms July-August.

HABITAT: On the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie N.F. it has been found
from 4400' to 7200' in elevation, in unstable, rocky or gravelly
substrate, with Phlox diffusa and Carex spp.

DESCRIPTION: Rhizomatous perennial, flower heads solitary or
few, plants without glands.

LEAVES: Firm, entire or with a few short teeth, stem and lower
leaf surfaces with short hairs.

FLOWERS: 12-23 purple rays on each head, subtended by
purple-tinged bracts.

Botrychium lanceolatum (BOLA)
lance-leaved grape-fern

Adder' s-tongue Family (Ophioglossaceae)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: Botrychium species
have a somewhat succulent appearance, with a divided sterile
blade that resembles a fern, and a fertile spike of spore bearing
structures that resemble tiny bunches of grapes. This species is
most apt to be confused with B. virginianum , but can be
identified by its less divided sterile blade and by its smaller
fruiting spike.

HABITAT: Moist sites from 760' to 6000' elevation. On the Mt.
Baker-Snoqualmie N.F. it has been reported on a variety of
habitats: a wet, mossy bench in an old-growth western red-cedar
forest, a creek drainage on a mossy talus slope with big-leaf
maple, an alpine meadow, an alpine rocky, mossy area, and a toe-
slope in a 125 year old stand dominated by Douglas-fir and
hardwoods.

DESCRIPTION: Plants mostly 5-35 cm tall, with a common
(shared) stalk 3-25 cm long.

STERILE BLADE: Sessile (without a stalk) or nearly so,
attached near the summit of the plant, as wide or wider than long,
commonly 1-6 cm long and 1-9 cm wide.

FERTILE SEGMENT: Spike 1-3 cm long, stalk short, (0.5) 1-3
cm long. The fertile segment of B. virginianum is generally 4-17
cm long.

Botrychium lunaria (BOLU)
moonwort

Adder' s-tongue Family (Ophioglossaceae)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This small grape-
fern has a sterile leaf attached well above ground. The leaf is
pinnately divided only once, with more or less fan shaped
segments, the lowest pair of segments similar to the others.

HABITAT: This species is usually known to occur in deep
shaded forests at low to mid elevations. On the Mt. Baker-
Snoqualmie N.F. it has been reported in a lush subalpine meadow
at 5900' elevation and on an alluvial terrace, in an old-growth
forest dominated by western hemlock and grand fir.

DESCRIPTION: Plants average 6-18 cm tall, hairless.

STERILE BLADE: Sessile or on a short stalk up to about 5 mm
long, the blade mostly 1.5-7 cm long and 0.7-3 cm wide,
distinctly once pinnate, usually with 3-6 pairs of fan-shaped
pinnae.

FERTILE SEGMENT: Spike and stalk about equal length, each
0.5-7 cm long.

Botrychium minganense (BOMI)
Victorin's grape-fern

Adder ' s-tongue F amily (Ophioglossaceae)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This is a yellow
green grape-fern; the sterile leaf has numerous, well developed
oblong to wedge-shaped segments. It can be distinguished from
moonwort (B. lunaria) because the segments on the latter are
more fan-shaped and spaced closer together along the stem.
Identifiable June- August.

HABITAT: Moist sites from 2700' to 5600' in elevation. On the
Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie N.F. it has been reported on a mossy talus
slope under big-leaf maple and on an open, rocky, subalpine site
with moss and low herbaceous plants.

DESCRIPTION: Plants about 5-30 cm tall.

STERILE PORTION: Attached at about 1/3 of the way up the
plant. Leaf margins entire but commonly with one or more
incisions in the outer margins. The outside margins of the
segments form an angle of 90 degrees or less.

FERTILE SEGMENT: 1.5-15 cm long, branches of the fertile
portion mostly spreading.

Botrychium montanum (BOMO)
mountain grape-fern

Adder’s tongue Family (Ophioglossaceae)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This species can be
distinguished from other grape-ferns in this area by the
irregularly shaped and sometimes confluent pairs of lobes of
the sterile blade.

HABITAT: On the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie N.F. it has been
reported in mossy, moist sites from 1600 to 2700' in elevation.
One site was a wet bench in an old-growth western red-cedar
stand. The other site was in a rocky creek drainage with conifers
and big-leaf maple.

DESCRIPTION: Plants bluish green, 4-12.5 cm tall.

STERILE BLADE: Oblong to linear, 0.7 to 4 cm long and very
narrow (2-9 mm wide). The 1-6 pairs of lobes are irregularly
shaped, often merged together, the most distant lobes toothed to
lacerate.

FERTILE SEGMENT: 1 to 6.5 cm long.

Botrychium pinnatum* (BOPI)
pinnate grape-fern

Adder' s-tongue Family (Ophioglossaceae)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: A small and rather
inconspicuous plant, 1 to 2 dm (under 10") tall, yellowish-green
in color. The sterile blade is attached at or above the middle
of the plant and twice-pinnate with rounded segments.

HABITAT: On the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie N.F., it has been
found on moist to dry sites at elevations from 2100-6500' in
elevation. Reported sites include: a moist coniferous forest, a
mossy talus slope under mixed deciduous and coniferous cover, a
lush subalpine meadow, and an alpine ridgetop.

* will key out as Botrychium boreale

DESCRIPTION: Plants mostly 1-2 dm tall, hairless, commonly
yellowish-green.

STERILE BLADE: Attached near or more commonly above
the middle of the plant, sessile or nearly so, mostly 2-5 cm long
and 1.5-4 cm wide, somewhat fleshy, with prominent veins,
bipinnate or subbipinnate (at least toward the base). The pinnae
mostly 3-6 pairs, segments rounded, somewhat crowded.

FERTILE SEGMENT: Fertile spike 1.5-6 cm long, erect, the
fertile stalk mostly 1-4 cm long.

Calamagrostis crassiglumis (CACR5)
thickglume reedgrass

Grass Family (Poaceae)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: Members of this
genus generally have only 1 floret per spikelet and an awned
lemma. This species has thick glumes, which are rounded at
the base, and a straight awn, attached near midlength of the
lemma (see illustration). Identifiable July- August.

HABITAT: Suspected in wet meadows and by lake margins.

DESCRIPTION: A stiffly erect grass, 1.5-4 dm (6-16") tall,
with a congested panicle of flowers,

LEAVES: Blades tough, flat to rolled and only 3-5 mm wide.
FLOWERS: Panicle congested, 3-8 cm long, purple.

Campanula lasiocarpa (CALA5)
Alaska harebell

Harebell Family (Campanulaceae)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This species should
be nicknamed "hairy harebell" because it's noted for having
sepals covered with long, loosely spreading hairs. It also
differs from other harebells by having toothed leaves, and a
relatively large corolla; the lobed portion of the corolla is
much shorter than the tubular portion. Flowers July-August.

HABITAT: Rock crevices in alpine zones, generally in
unglaciated areas. On the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie N.F. it has
been reported from dry, rocky microsites within cool, wet alpine
areas. Associated species included Phyllodoce glanduliflora,
Artemesia trifurcata, and Erigeron aureus.

DESCRIPTION: Perennial with 1 to several lax stems up to 15
cm tall.

LEAVES: Conspicuously to sometimes obscurely serrated, stem
leaves smaller than basal ones, stalks of basal leaves hairy.

FLOWERS: Blue, 18-30 mm long, corolla lobes shorter than
corolla tube, solitary or rarely a few flowers per plant.

John Gamon/WA Natural Heritage Program

Carex buxbaumii (CABU3)
Buxbaum's sedge

Sedge family (Cyperaceae)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This sedge differs
from its closest relatives by having a perigynium that is densely
and conspicuously papillate (covered with short, rounded
projections) and awn-tipped female scales. Identifiable June-
September.

HABITAT: Peat bogs, marshes, wet meadows, and other wet
places. On the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie N.F. it has been found in
a bog in the Silver Fir Zone.

DESCRIPTION: Plants 3-10 dm tall and vigorously rhizomatous.
Stems arising singly or just a few together, not surrounded by old
sheaths from previous year's growth.

LEAVES: Smooth, mostly 2-4 mm wide.

FLOWERS: 2-5 more or less erect spikes, the top spike is
gynaecandrous (female flowers in the upper portion, male
flowers below). The female scales are usually dark with a pale
midrib, longer than the perigynia, and have a short awn 0.5 to 3
mm long.

FRUITS: Perigynium with prominent marginal nerves.

Care x comosa (CAC05)
bristly sedge

Sedge Family (Cyperaceae)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: a tall sedge with
large spikes that have a bristly, "bottle brush" appearance. It's
distinguished from its closest relatives by the elongate, divergent
teeth on the perigynia and by the shape of the female scales.
Identifiable May through August.

HABITAT: Suspected in marshes, lake margins, drainage ditches,
rivulets, wet meadows, and other wet places.

DESCRIPTION: Stems coarse, more or less densely clustered
from a short, stout rhizome, 5-10 dm (20-40 inches) tall.

LEAVES: Flat, 4-11 mm wide, the leaf subtending the
inflorescence elongate, often much longer than the flowering
stem.

FLOWERS: Several female spikes, more or less grouped and
nodding, 2-7 cm long by 1.5 cm thick. Female scales with a
short, thin or translucent body only 1-2 mm long, and a
prominent, rough awn-tip, 2-6 mm long.

FRUITS: Perigynia pale greenish, densely crowded, prominently
15-20 nerved, long-beaked with 2 conspicuously divergent
teeth 1.2-2 mm long.

Carex interrupta (CAIN3)
green-fruited sedge

Sedge Family (Cyperaceae)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This sedge is noted
for having very small fruits and an achene that is closely
enveloped by the perigynium. It is often confused with Carex
lenticularis , which has a more elongated perigynium and which
has evident nerves on the perigynium faces. Identifiable April-
August.

HABITAT: Suspected along sandy or rocky riverbanks, in
streambeds, or other open wet places at lower elevations.

DESCRIPTION: Plants loosely to somewhat strongly tufted
from short rhizomes, 1.5 to 7 dm (6-28") tall.

LEAVES: Flat, 2-5 mm wide, the lowermost leaves reduced to
scales, and the old leaves persist from previous years.

FLOWERS: Terminal spike is male; 2-7 lateral spikes, which
are either entirely female or androgynous (male flowers in the
upper portion). The lowermost spikes are on thin stems and the
flowers are widely spaced towards the base. Female scales
dark brown to purplish black, often with a pale midvien.

FRUITS: Small, 1.4 to 2 mm long, usually olive-green (hence
the common name); achene generally completely fills the
perigynium.

Carex macrochaeta (CAMA4)
Alaskan long-awned sedge

Sedge family (Cyperaceae)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: The most
distinguishing characteristics of this sedge are the elongate spikes
with black or dark brown conspicuously awn-tipped scales, the
lowest spike nodding on a long slender stem and the roots which
are covered with yellowish-brown felt. Blooms June to August.

HABITAT: Suspected in seepage areas and around waterfalls
from 600-3200' elevation.

DESCRIPTION: Stems loosely clustered, 1-7 dm long, leafy;
roots covered with yellowish-brown felt.

LEAVES: Flat, mostly 2-5 mm wide, stem leaves few, the upper
ones equaling or surpassing the flowering stem.

FLOWERS: Terminal spike male, lower 2 to 4 spikes female, 1-3
cm long, the lowest ones nodding on a slender, flexuous, often
elongate stem, spikes somewhat widely spaced. Scales black or
dark brown, distinctly awn-tipped, the awn sometimes as much
as 1 cm long.

FRUITS: Perigynia 3. 3-4. 8 mm long, light green, purple mottled
or wholly dark purple, 10-15 nerved, beak absent or very short.

Car ex pauciflora (CAPA 11)
few-flowered sedge

Sedge Family (Cyperaceae)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This is a unique and
odd looking sedge, because it has only a few, large, deflexed
female flowers in the lower portion of a single spike.

Identifiable June-July.

HABITAT: Sphagnum bogs. On the Mt.Baker-Snoqualmie N.F.
it has been reported from sphagnum bogs in the Silver Fir Zone
and the Mountain Hemlock Zone.

DESCRIPTION: Stems arising singly or a few together, 1-4 dm
(4-16") tall.

LEAVES: 1-3 leaves, originating well above the base, 3-15 cm
long and 0.7 to 2 mm wide.

FLOWERS: Spike single, short, terminating the stem. Male
flowers in upper portion and a few female flowers below. The
female flowers fall off at maturity.

FRUITS: Perigynia slender and very long (6-7.5 mm), the
lower 1-2 mm somewhat shrunken and spongy.

Care x paupercula (CAPA9)
poor sedge

Sedge Family (Cyperaceae)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This sedge has well
developed basal leaves, short spikes (0.7-1. 5 cm long), and
roots covered with a yellowish brown felt. Identifiable in
August.

HABITAT: Suspected in sphagnum bogs and sedge meadows.

DESCRIPTION: Stems 1.5-7 dm (6-28 inches) tall, loosely
clustered in small tufts.

LEAVES: Flat, 1-3 mm wide, the remains of old leaves
commonly persistent around the base of the plant.

FLOWERS: Solitary terminal male spike with 1-4 female spikes
below, nodding on slender stems. Spikes 7-15 mm long, lowest
spike with a leafy bract 2-10 cm long.

FRUITS: Perigynia pale green to straw-colored and densely
covered with tiny, short, blunt projections (papillae). Beak
absent or very short (0.1 mm).

Carex pluriflora (CAPL)
several-flowered sedge

Sedge family (Cyperaceae)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This sedge can best
be distinguished by the black scales of the female spikes and the
bristle-like bract (0.5-2 cm long) below the lowest female spike.
Blooms June and July.

HABITAT: Suspected on boggy lake margins, streambanks,
seeps, and other places that are saturated year-round. It usually
grows on flat or gentle terrain and is commonly associated with
sphagnum.

Janis Burger/Olympic National Park

DESCRIPTION: Stems loosely clustered or single from creeping
rhizomes, 1-6 dm (4-24") tall.

LEAVES: Flat, 2-4 mm wide, densely covered with short white
projections on the lower leaf surface.

FLOWERS: Terminal spike male, 1-3 female spikes below, 1-3
cm long, nodding on slender stems. Inflorescence subtended by a
short bristle-like bract.

FRUITS: Perigynia 3. 0-4. 4 mm long, pale or sometimes blackish
with dense blunt projections.

Carex saxatilis var. major (CASA2)

russet sedge

Sedge Family (Cyperaceae)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: Russet sedge is
named for the scales, which are usually dark reddish-brown. It
usually has 2 stigmas, and a style that becomes contorted or
bent as the achene matures (see diagram). It can be distinguished
from showy sedge (C. spectabilis) because the latter has 3 stigmas
and a deciduous style.

HABITAT: Shallow water, bogs, and sedge-dominated wetlands
from 2500' to timberline. On the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie N.F. it
has been reported from a wetland by a lake margin in the Silver
Fir Zone.

DESCRIPTION: Plants turf-forming 2-8 dm (8-32") tall, stems
arise singly or a few together from a well developed creeping
rhizome (Showy sedge is more or less closely tufted). Lowest
bract leaf-like, sometimes longer than the infloresence. Stems
sharply triangular, reddish tinged at base.

LEAVES: 2-4 mm wide, old leaves conspicuous.

FLOWERS: Male spike terminal, 1-3 lateral female spikes that
are spreading to drooping from slender stems, densely flowered.

FRUITS: Achene usually lenticular (Showy sedge has a trigonous
achene). Stigmas usually 2, style continuous with the achene

female plants

Car ex scirpoidea var. scirpoidea (CASCS)
Canadian single-spike sedge

Sedge family (Cyperaceae)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This is the only
sedge species with both a single spike and a conspicuously
hairy perigynium. The variety is noted for stem leaves that
originate well above the base. Identifiable July through August.

HABITAT: Moist meadows, rock outcrops with some soil
development, near and above timberline. On the Mt.Baker-
Snoqualmie N.F. it has been reported around 6000' elevation, in
moist alpine meadows and along a small stream.

Peter Zika

DESCRIPTION: Stems clustered or fairly well spaced, 1-4 dm
(4-16") tall.

LEAVES: Flat, 1.5-3 mm wide, originating well above the
base, leaves reduced to scales on the lower stem.

FLOWERS: Spike solitary or occasionally with 1 or 2 short
sessile spikes at base of main spike. Individual plants have
either entirely male or entirely female flowers.

FRUITS: Perigynium short and broad, covered with short hairs.

Car ex scopulorum var. prionophylla*
saw-leaved sedge

Sedge Family (Cyperaceae)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: A tall sedge with
long leaves and a leafy bract that is shorter than the terminal
spike. The lowermost leaves are reduced to scales.

HABITAT: Wet or moist meadows, lakeshores, and streambanks
at moderate elevations. On the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie N.F. it
has been found in a wet meadow within the Mountain Hemlock
Zone.

*will key out as Carex prionophylla

DESCRIPTION: Plants densely tufted, mostly 4-10 dm tall,
culms reddish-brown near the base.

LEAVES: Flat, 2-5 mm wide and 3-6 dm (12-24”) long. Plants
strongly aphyllopodic (lowermost leaves reduced to scales).

FLOWERS: Spikes 3-5, cylindrical, the terminal spike male, the
lateral ones female or androgynous (male flowers in upper
portion). The upper spikes are erect and close together on the
stem. Female scales reddish brown to purplish-black. 2 stigmas.

FRUITS: Perigynium 2. 0-3. 4 mm long, including the very short
beak (0.2-0. 3 mm long). Achene lenticular, 1.2-1. 7 mm long
and only loosely enclosed by the perigynium.

Carex stylosa (CAST3)
long-styled sedge

Sedge Family (Cyperacaeae)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: A densely tufted
sedge with purplish-black female scales and a conspicuously
exserted style. Flowers in August.

HABITAT: Fibrous and sphagnum peat soils that are saturated
and seasonally flooded, or sloping wetlands with surface seepage,
in the Silver Fir Zone and Mountain Hemlock Zone. On the Mt.
Baker-Snoqualmie N.F. it has been found in shallow depressions
with sphagnum, along lakeshores, and in a wet meadow in the
Mountain Hemlock Zone.

DESCRIPTION: Plants 1.5-5 dm (6-20") tall, with densely
clustered stems on short, stout rhizomes.

LEAVES: Coarse and firm, 2-4 mm wide, crowded near the base
and generally shorter than the flowering stem.

FLOWERS: 2-4 relatively short, erect spikes (0. 5-1.0 cm long),
the terminal spike male or with male flowers in the upper portion.
Female scales noticeably purplish-black. Style conspicuously
exserted when young but becoming deciduous.

FRUIT: Perigynia usually yellowish-green (or darker), with a
very short beak (0.2 mm). Achene 1.6-1. 9 mm long.

Cassiope lycopodioides ssp. cristapilosa

(CALYC2)

clubmoss cassiope

Heath family (Ericaceae)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: A matted, dwarf
shrub with thin prostrate branches. The main differences
between clubmoss cassiope and white heather (Merten's mountain
heather, Cassiope mertensiana ) is that the rare one has shorter
leaves (2-3 mm long vs. 5 mm long) and narrower stems (2 mm
thick vs. 4 mm thick).

HABITAT: Disjunct, occurs on mountain slopes in coastal
Alaska. Found in King County on a mountain cliff face in a cold
deep ravine with a northern exposure.

DESCRIPTION: Evergreen dwarf shrub with small, scale-like
leaves.

LEAVES: Opposite, with thin, dry margins. Leaves are
concave above, rounded beneath and not distinctly 4-ranked.

FLOWERS: Bell-shaped, white.

Castilleja cryptantha (CACR6)
obscure Indian paintbrush

Figwort Family (Scrophulariaceae)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTIC: This very small
paintbrush is often hidden among the meadow grasses and forbs.
It has a conspicuous yellow flower and green to purplish-brown
bracts that are covered with sticky hairs. Blooms July-August.

HABITAT: Suspected in subalpine meadows from 4500-6500’
elevation, ranging from sedge and grass dominated communities
on level ground, to herb rich communities on steep slopes.
Endemic to the vicinity of Mt. Rainier National Park.

DESCRIPTION: Perennial with several clustered stems, only 10
to 15 cm tall. Leaves and stems covered with long, sticky
hairs.

LEAVES: Lower leaves linear, upper ones broader and
sometimes with a pair of short lateral lobes.

FLOWERS: Yellow calyx not hidden by bracts, calyx lobes
acute, stigma not (or slightly) exserted. Bracts green to
purplish-brown and covered with soft, sticky hairs.

Chaenactis thompsonii (CHTH)
Thompson's chaenactis

Aster Family (Asteraceae)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This species is noted
for its lax, multiple stems and its flat pinnatifid leaves. The
herbage is covered with fine, woolly hairs, giving it a whitish
cast. It can be confused with C. ramosa , but the latter has more
lax stems and curled leaves. Flowers mid-May through August.

HABITAT: Most of the sightings of this plant have been on
serpentine slopes in the Wenatchee Mountains. There is one
unconfirmed report of this species on a subalpine slope at the
southern end of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie N.F.

DESCRIPTION: Perennial, root crown branched, many stems
with leaves all the way up the flowering stem, 1-3 dm (4-12')
tall.

LEAVES: Alternate, pinnately lobed and flat about 5 cm long,
covered with fine woolly hairs and with a rather broad
midrib.

FLOWERS: Whitish to pink. Heads all discoid with tubular,
bisexual flowers, few or solitary on each stem.

1.6

Cimicifuga elata (CIEL)
tall bugbane

Buttercup Family (Ranunculaceae)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This is a tall plant,
which has large, toothed, compound leaves and a closely packed
raceme of flowers covered with minute hairs and glands. Flowers
June-August.

HABITAT: Suspected in moist, shady woods at lower elevations.

DESCRIPTION: Herbaceous perennial from woody rootstock,
stems branched above, 1-2 m (3-6 ft) tall.

LEAVES: Compound; each leaflet with 3 primary lobes and then
further lobed and finely toothed. The leaflets are arranged as to
appear tiered or layered.

FLOWERS: Petals absent; sepals white to pinkish, falling off
when the flower blooms, leaving only the stamens.

Coptis asplenifolia (COAS)
spleenwort-leaved goldthread

Buttercup Family (Ranunculaceae)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This plant has fern¬
like leaves that are divided 2 to 3 times and then cleft again.
Each leaf has at least 5 leaflets.

Blooms late April to early May, identifiable to November.

HABITAT: Moist coniferous forests in the Western Hemlock
Zone and Silver Fir Zone. On the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie N.F. it
has been reported in an old-growth western hemlock and western
red-cedar forest, and on a north facing rocky slope.

DESCRIPTION: Low scapose perennial with shiny, leathery,
evergreen leaves; flower scapes 5-25 cm tall.

LEAVES: Basal, 2-3 times pinnately divided, each leaf has at
least 5 leaflets.

FLOWERS: Sepals and petals long and very narrow, 2-3 flowers
per scape.

FRUITS: Follicles on a long stipe, arranged in an umbrella-like
fashion. Each head may have up to 12 follicles 7-9 mm long.

sepcl

Dodecatheon pulchellum var. watsonii

(DOPUW)

few-flowered shooting star

Primose Family ( Primulaceae )

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This is the tiniest
shooting star, only 2 to 5 cm tall, with only 1 or 2 flowers and a
basal rosette of leaves. It is further distinguished by its yellow
stamen tube.

HABITAT: Meadows and damp rock outcrops in subalpine to
alpine areas. On the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie N.F. it has been
found in a moist meadow at 5900' elevation growing with
Dodecatheon pulchellum var. pulchellum and Carex nigricans.

DESCRIPTION: Dwarf subalpine or alpine perennial, 2-5 cm
tall.

LEAVES: Entire to slightly denticulate in a basal rosette.

FLOWERS: Showy, pink to rose or purple petals with a yellow
staminal tube, usually only 1-2 flowers per stalk.

Dry as drummondii (DRDR)
yellow mountain-avens

Rose Family (Rosaceae)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: The unique features
of this species are its yellow flowers with rounded sepals and its
evergreen, oval-shaped leaves with scalloped edges and white
undersides. Blooms from May to early July.

HABITAT: Crevices of dry, rocky cliffs, rocky ridges, cirques,
and talus slopes. Frequently above timberline (but sometimes in
foothills along streams or gravel bars).

DESCRIPTION: Evergreen, prostrate shrub with freely rooting
woody branches.

LEAVES: Dark green on upper surface and white-hairy beneath.
Leaf margins are scalloped and revolute (turned-under).

FLOWERS: Petals pale to deep yellow and ascending (never fully
spread open), sepals oval-shaped with gland-tipped hairs,
filaments hairy near the base.

FRUITS: Styles of mature achenes are plumose, giving the plant
the appearance of a feather duster.

Fritillaria camschatcensis (FRCA2)

Indian rice

Lily Family (Liliaceae)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This species is
distinctive because of its bell-like, greenish-brown to brownish-
purple flowers, sets of whorled leaves, unwinged seed capsule,
and distinct unpleasant smell. It can be told from other species
of Fritillaria in our area because the flowers are not strongly
spotted or mottled. Blooms in June.

HABITAT: On the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie N.F. it has been found
in moist to very wet meadows and riparian areas from 1500' to
3100' in the Western Hemlock Zone and Silver Fir Zone.

DESCRIPTION: Sturdy stems, about 2-5 dm (8-20") tall, arising
from bulbs consisting of several large fleshy scales and numerous
rice-like offset bulblets.

LEAVES: Stem leaves in 1-3 whorls of 5-9 each and usually
with 1 -several leaves scattered above the uppermost whorl, 4-10
cm long, 5-25 mm broad.

FLOWERS: Bell-shaped, spreading to nodding, dark greenish-
brownish-purple, sometimes spotted or streaked with yellow but
not strongly mottled. Tepals (petals) 20-30 mm long, 7-12 mm
broad.

FRUITS: A capsule about 25 mm long, cylindrical, without
wings.

Galium kamtschaticum( GAKA)
boreal bedstraw

Madder Family (Rubiaceae)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: At first glance the
whorl of 4 round leaves is reminiscent of a 4-leaf clover. The
stem usually has only 2-4 whorls. The narrow leaf base,
concave leaf margins and few flowers further distinguish this
species from the common Oregon bedstraw ( Galium oreganum).

HABITAT: There have been several reported sightings on the
Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie N.F. All sites were in wet areas with
seeps or standing water, in the Silver Fir Zone and the Mountain
Hemlock Zone. In most cases it was found growing with devil's
club. There was a wide variation in stand age and light
conditions.

DESCRIPTION: Perennial from a creeping rhizome, with single,
smooth stems 1-2 dm (4-8") tall.

LEAVES: 4 in a whorl * with 2-4 whorls per plant. Leaf bases
narrow, leaf margins concavely rounded.

FLOWERS: Generally only 2-3 flowers at the top of each flower
stem, with 1-3 flower stems per plant.

* a ring of leaves, all coming out from the same level on the stem

Gentiana douglasiana (GEDO)
swamp gentian

Gentian Family (Gentianaceae)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This is an annual,
white flowered gentian with clefts between the five corolla lobes
that are folded like a fan and double-toothed. Blooms July to
September.

HABITAT: On the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie N.F. it has been found
in a bog at 3000' in elevation in the Silver Fir Zone.

DESCRIPTION: Freely branching annual 5-20 cm tall, stems
distinctly angled.

LEAVES: Egg-shaped, basal leaves 5-15 mm long, stem leaves
few, 5-10 mm long.

FLOWERS: Funnel-shaped, white, with blue on the back of the
lobes.

FRUITS: Capsule flattened and wing-margined with a crest
above.

Gentiana glauca (GEGL)
glaucous gentian

Gentian Family (Gentianaceae)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This alpine gentian
has a basal rosette of leaves. It can best be distinguished by its
cluster of relatively small, blue flowers (1-2 cm long).

HABITAT: On the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie N.F. it has been found
above 6000' elevation, in dry to moist alpine meadows.

DESCRIPTION: Perennial with stems 4-15 cm (1.5-6") long,
from creeping rootstocks.

LEAVES: Basal leaves arranged in a circle or disk (rosette), stem
leaves opposite, 1-2 pairs.

FLOWERS: 3-5 closely crowded, dark blue flowers, 1-2 cm long.

Lobelia dortmanna (L0D03)
water lobelia

Harebell Family (Campanulaceae)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This aquatic species
of lobelia can be distinguished by the basal leaves which are
round in cross-section. Usually only the flowering portion of
the plant is above water. Blooms June to August.

HABITAT: Suspected in shallow water at the margins of lakes
and ponds.

DESCRIPTION: Fibrous-rooted aquatic perennial, stems hollow,
upright, and mostly unbranched, up to 3 feet tall.

LEAVES: Basal leaves in a rosette, linear, fleshy; stem leaves
reduced to thin bracts.

FLOWERS: Pale blue or white petals fused into a tube with a 3-
lobed lip, 1-2 cm long.

FRUITS: Capsule 5-10 mm long and 3-5 mm wide.

Loiseleuria procumbens (LOPR)
alpine azalea

Heath Family (Ericaceae)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This dwarf evergreen
shrub has opposite, bright green leaves and light to deep pink
flowers. Because it is so attractive, the most serious threat to this
rare plant is from collectors who take cuttings for propagation.

HABITAT: On the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie N.F. its been found in
a moist meadow by the outlet of a lake in the Subalpine Parkland
Zone.

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DESCRIPTION: Diffusely branched, prostrate evergreen shrub,
barely 10 cm tall.

LEAVES: Opposite, bright green, 4-8 mm long with revolute
(turned-under) margins.

FLOWERS: Light to deep pink flowers clustered in the axils of
upper stem leaves. Petals fused at base.

FRUITS: Capsule, ovoid in shape, 4 mm long.

Luzula arcuata (LUAR4)
curved woodrush

Rush family (Juncaceae)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This dry-site rush
can be distinguished by the spreading, drooping, inconspicuous
flowering heads and the slender stems. Petals and sepals come to
an acute but not tapered point. Blooms July-August.

HABITAT: Suspected on rocky or gravelly soil, usually on
moraines and/or above timberline; known from a historical record
in Mt. Rainier National Park.

DESCRIPTION: Perennial tufted rush from short rhizomes, 7-20
cm tall, with very slender round stems.

LEAVES: Stem leaves few, basal leaves usually purplish, with
edges rolled inward.

FLOWERS: Simple, inconspicuous, light to dark brown, 2 mm
long. Flower stems 2-7, slender, in cluster or spike that is
spreading and drooping.

Lycopodium dendroideum (LYDE)
treelike clubmoss

Clubmoss Family (Lycopodiaceae)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: At first glance, this
species could remind you of a miniature Norfolk Island pine tree.
It has one erect above-ground shoot, which branches 3 or 4
times; the prostrate stems are underground. Identifiable June-
October.

HABITAT: Dry rocky slopes and open coniferous forests. On
the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie N.F. it was found growing on a lava
flow under dense vine-maple.

DESCRIPTION: Evergreen perennial with thin, scale-like leaves.

HORIZONTAL STEMS: Buried deeply underground.

UPRIGHT STEMS: Erect; 1-2.5 dm (4-10") tall, with several
sets of spreading, many-forked branches.

LEAVES: Scaly, sharp pointed, 2. 5-5.0 mm long and under 1
mm wide, diverging from the central stem at angles greater than
30 degrees.

CONES: Solitary or in groups of 2 or 3, sessile (without stems),
borne at the tips of erect braches.

The line drawing is of Lycopodium obscurum, a taxon not present in the Pacific
Northwest, based on recent biosystematic research. Lycopodium dendroideum
will key out as Lycopodium obscurum in Hitchcock and Cronquist (1973).

Lycopodium inundatum (LYIN)
bog clubmoss

Clubmoss Family (Lycopodiaceae)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: The most distinctive
feature of this species is the bushy-topped fertile stems. Since
the portions of the plant that are aboveground are annual, it does
not form large mats, unlike other Lycopodium species.

HABITAT: Suspected at low elevations in sphagnum bogs,
seldom in other very wet places.

DESCRIPTION: This is a small clubmoss, with annual stems, the
plant perenniating by a winter bud.

HORIZONTAL STEMS: Annual, above-ground, prostrate or
arching, rooting at frequent intervals, leafy.

UPRIGHT STEMS: Annual, unbranched, leafy, cone-bearing.

LEAVES: Those on the horizontal stem are crowded, thin,
narrow (4-8 mm long and less than 1 mm wide), the leaves on
the lower side twisted into a more or less upright position.

Leaves on the upright stems are loosely ascending.

CONES: Single, sessile, 1-3 cm long; sporophylls (leaves
modified for spore production) green, similar to the other leaves
but spreading, giving a bushy-topped appearance to the fertile
stems.

Microseris borealis* (APBO)
northern microseris

Aster Family (Asteraceae)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This plant has a
dandelion-type flower on a leafless flower stem, and long,
narrow leaves. Blooms June- August.

HABITAT: Suspected in sphagnum bogs and wet to moist
meadows.

* a.k.a. Apargidium boreale.

DESCRIPTION: Hairless perennial with basal leaves and milky
juice, 1-5 dm (4-20”) tall,

LEAVES: Basal, long and narrow, 5-25 cm long by 2-12 mm
wide.

FLOWERS: One yellow to orangish flower per stem, ray flowers
only, pappus of brownish, barbed capillary bristles.

FRUITS: Achene 5-6 mm long.

achene

pappus

Montia diffusa (M0DI3)
branching montia

Purslane Family (Portulacaceae)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: Branching montia
can be distinguished from other similar appearing montias by its
branching stems and alternate, spatula shaped leaves. Montia
parvifolia has un-branched stems and alternate, small, succulent
leaves. Montia siberica also has unbranched stems, but with one
pair of opposite stem leaves. Blooms April to July.

HABITAT: Suspected in moist woods at lower elevations.

DESCRIPTION: Low, spreading, branched annual, up to 3-4
dm (12-16") tall.

LEAVES: Basal leaves few, usually broad and abruptly narrowed
to a long petiole (leaf stalk); stem leaves similar, somewhat
reduced upward, alternate.

FLOWERS: Racemes often originate in stem axils, petals white
or pale pink, 3-4 mm long; sepals 2-3 mm long, unequal, stamens
5.

FRUITS: 3-valved capsule, seeds usually 2-3, black with several
rows of low, oval protuberances and a short appendage nearly 0.5
mm long.

Pedicularis rainierensis (PERA5)
Mt. Rainier lousewort

Figwort Family (Scrophulariaceae)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This species has a
showy head of yellow to yellowish white flowers crowded near
the top of purplish stems, and strongly incised pinnately
compound leaves. Blooms July-August.

HABITAT: Mesic to moist meadows in the Subalpine Parkland
Zone. Only known in or around Mt. Rainier National Park. It
was reported from a moist subalpine hillside at the southern end
of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie N.F.

DESCRIPTION: Perennial with several clustered, unbranched
stems, 1.5-4 dm (6-16”) tall, lacking fine hairs below the
flowering head parts.

LEAVES: Stout, deeply and doubly toothed, 5-15 cm long at
the base, becoming progressively shorter up the stem.

FLOWERS: 1.5 cm, yellowish-white, almost translucent. Galea
the same length as the corolla tube and not extended into a beak.
Flowers dense on spike, often forming a flat top.

galea

Platanthera chorisiana* (PLCH)
choriso bog-orchid

Orchid family (Orchidaceae)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This inconspicuous
orchid is only 5-15 cm tall, with 2 leaves near the base, and a
crowded spike of small, greenish flowers. Blooms July-August.

HABITAT: On the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie N.F. it has been found
in very wet meadows, rocky seeps, and lakeshores in the
Mountain Hemlock Zone and Silver Fir Zone.

*a.k.a. Habenaria chorisiana

DESCRIPTION: Small perennial herb, mostly 5-15 cm tall.

LEAVES: Usually 2 (sometimes 3), located near the base,
somewhat sheathing, sometimes 1 or 2 lanceolate bracts are
located further up the stem.

FLOWERS: 5-18, greenish, sessile in a crowded spike. These
small flowers have a spur less than 1 mm long and lip 1.5-2 mm
long. Sepals 1 nerved, the upper one slightly hooded, petals
strongly 3 nerved. Lowest flowers have lance-shaped greenish
bracts.

Platanthera obtusata* (HAOB)
small northern bog-orchid

Orchid Family (Orchidaceae)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This orchid usually
has only 1, semi-erect leaf located at the base of the plant, and
sepals with 3 to several nerves. The size of the flower parts
further distinguish this species (See next page).

HABITAT: Damp to wet forested areas. On the Mt. Baker-
Snoqualmie N.F. it has been reported from an old-growth
coniferous forest dominated by western hemlock and western red-
cedar.

* a.k.a. Habenaria obtusata

DESCRIPTION: Plants hairless, with a leafless flowering stalk,
8-20 cm tall.

LEAVES: 1 (rarely 2), semi-erect, generally more than twice as
long as it is broad.

FLOWERS: Greenish, with 3-15 flowers more or less spread out
along the stem, spur 5-8 mm long and tapered from the base, lip
5-9 mm long and up to 1.5 mm wide.

spur

Platanthera sparsiflora * (HASP)
canyon bog-orchid

Orchid family (Orchidaceae)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: The greenish flowers
of this bog orchid are widely spread out above a leafy stem.
This species can be confused with slender bog-orchid (P.
saccata), but the rare one has narrower leaves, a relatively long
and narrow spur, and a more linear lip. Blooms May- August .

HABITAT: Moist to wet or boggy areas. On the Mt. Baker-
Snoqualmie N.F. one plant has been reported growing in a seep
in the Western Hemlock Zone.

*a.k.a. Habernaria sparsiflora

Lois Kemp

DESCRIPTION: Fleshy, hairless perennial with a leafy flower
stem, 3-8 dm tall.

LEAVES: Lance-shaped, up to 25 cm long by 1-3 cm wide,
mostly on the lower half of the stem (The lower leaves of P.
saccata are oblong to elliptic).

FLOWERS: Greenish, widely spaced. Spur cylindric to slightly
club-shaped, roughly the same length as the lip, usually curved
(the spur of P. saccata is scrotiform, usually less than 3/4 the
length of the lip and uncurved). Lip linear to lance-shaped,
pendent.

Pleuricospora fimbriolata (PLFI2)
fringed pinesap

Heath Family (Ericaceae)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This non-green
plant, a saprophyte, is 3-12 cm tall. It has a yellow-white color
from its first emergence from the duff, and usually has a
brownish tinge in each bud. It can be told from pinesap
(Hypopitys monotropa) by its anthers, which are long and linear
(The anthers on pinesap are short and oval shaped). Blooms July-
August.

HABITAT: Dense conifer stands, 1,000-4,000' elevation, with
ample duff and little understory vegetation, often associated with
Douglas-fir. On the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie N.F. its been
reported from dry forests in the Western Hemlock Zone.

Jim Riley

DESCRIPTION: White, non-photosynthetic plant, 3-12 cm tall.
LEAVES: Lacking leaves.

FLOWERS: Fringed in appearance when in full bloom, 8-15
mm, with slightly shorter bracts. Some brown coloration is
common. Anthers 2-3 mm long and linear, not much broader
than the filaments.

FRUIT: Capsule, nearly ball-shaped.

Poa gray ana (P0GR5)
Gray's bluegrass

Grass Family (Poaceae)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: Species of bluegrass
generally have leaf tips shaped like the bow of a canoe, several
flowers per spikelet, and unawned lemmas. Gray's bluegrass is
an alpine species with spreading branches and hairs on the back
and at the base of the lemma. Blooms late June-September.

HABITAT: An alpine species; suspected in vegetation mats in
talus and scree slopes, open ridges, and fell-fields.

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DESCRIPTION: Tufted perennial, but generally more or less
rhizomatous, usually 3-6 dm (12-24") tall.

LEAVES: Flat or folded, 2-4 mm broad, rough on the margins,
leaf tips sharply prow-shaped.

FLOWERS: Panicle spreading, often pyramid shaped. Spikelets
average about 6 mm long, purplish. Lemmas strongly keeled,
hairy on the back, silky on the 5 nerves, cobweb-like hairs at
base.

Ranunculus cooleyae (RACO)
Cooley's buttercup

Buttercup Family (Ranunculaceae)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This buttercup can
be distinguished by its basal leaves, which are kidney-shaped,
deeply lobed, and on long leaf stalks. The flowering stem is
leafless and bears a single flower. Petals have a V-shaped scale
near the base. Blooms July to August.

HABITAT: Damp rocky slopes and rock crevices, usually
blooming as the snow recedes. On the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie
N.F. it has been reported from talus at the base of cliffs and in a
lush herb community on gravelly to rocky substrate.

DESCRIPTION: Perennial from thick fibrous roots, with a single
flower on a leafless stem. Flowering stems 1-3.5 dm (4-14") tall.

LEAVES: All basal, on leaf stalks up to 15 cm long, kidney¬
shaped, deeply 3-5 lobed, each of the main lobes further divided
2-3 times, the main leaf segments overlap each other.

FLOWER: A single, yellow flower with 7-12 slender petals, 5
broad sepals, and numerous stamens.

FRUITS: Achenes 70-100, about 2.5 mm long, 3 prominent
lateral nerves and a slightly hooked beak.

Saxifraga debilis (SADE)
pygmy or weak saxifrage

Saxifrage Family (Saxifragaceae)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: Pygmy saxifrage is a
diminutive alpine plant, with lobed, kidney-shaped leaves and
pink veins in the flower petals. Bulbils (small bulb-like
structures) are sometimes present in the axils of the basal leaves.
Blooms July-August.

HABITAT: Moist meadows, rock seeps, ephemeral streams, and
glacial outwash. On the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie N.F. it has been
found on shaded rock outcrops, moist cliffs, and glacial outwash
in the Alpine Zone.

DESCRIPTION: Perennial, forming small patches, flower stems
only 1-10 cm tall.

LEAVES: Mostly basal with long, slender petioles (leaf stalks).
The blade is shallowly lobed (5-15 mm broad with 3-5 lobes),
and more or less kidney-shaped.

FLOWERS: Several stems with one to two flowers per stem.
Flowers white with pinkish veins, calyx purplish-green.

Saxifraga integrifolia var. apetala

(SAINA)

swamp saxifrage

Saxifrage family (Saxifragaceae)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This is one of a
group of Saxifrages with thick basal leaves in a compact rosette.
It has a single flower stalk that is covered with glands and
hairs, topped by a densely packed head of flowers.

HABITAT: Vemally moist meadows, rock seeps, ephemeral
streams. On the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie N.F. it was found at
5900* elevation on a steep, moist, lateral moraine with a north
aspect.

DESCRIPTION: Perennial 1-3 dm (4-12") tall with a single,
hairy flower stalk.

LEAVES: All basal, entire, rounded above and narrowing
gradually to a relatively broad, hairy petiole (leaf-stem).

FLOWERS: Petals usually lacking; anthers yellow; flowers
densely packed, forming a rounded head at the top of the hairy,
glandular flower stalk.

Tillaea aquatica (TIAQ)
pigmy-weed

Stonecrop Family (Crassulaceae)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This diminutive
relative of Sedum is only 2-6 cm long with thin, weak stems.
The 4-parted flowers occur singly in the leaf axils (T. erecta has
dense clusters of flowers in the leaf axils).

HABITAT: On the Mt.Baker-Snoqualmie N.F.,it has been found
on mudflats by a lakeshore in the Western Hemlock Zone.

DESCRIPTION: Small, freely branched annual with a prostrate
to ascending growth habit.

LEAVES: Opposite, succulent, linear to lance-shaped, 3-6 mm
long.

FLOWERS: Occur singly in leaf axils; 4 membranous to whitish
petals, 1.5 mm long, 4 stamens that are much smaller than the
petals, sepals fused at the bottom and lobed above.

FRUITS: Follicles scarcely 2 mm and purplish.

USDA FOREST SERVICE

R-6 THREATENED, ENDANGERED, AND SENSITIVE
PLANT SIGHTING FORM

Taxon _

Project Area

Date _ Forest _ District

USGS Quad. County/State

Site # ~ Examiner/Affil iation

Legal T

sec.

1/4

of 1/4

sec.

1/4

of 1/4

sec.

1/4

of 1/4

Location

Directions

Population Size _ _ (indicate stems or clumps)

Distribution ~ Total Area _

Avg. Clump Diameter _ or Avg. Stems /Cl ump

Phenology: Vegetative (%) Flowering _ _ (%)

Fruiting _ (%) Senescent _ (%)

Elev. _ (ft.) Aspect _ (degrees) Slope _ [%)

Landform _

Habitat _ ^ _ _ _

Hi crotopography (concave, convex, planer, or undulating)

Soil /Substrate _

Plant Association _

Associated Species:

Moss/Lichen Layer _ Cover*

Herb Layer

Low Shrub Layer

High Shrub Layer

Tree Layer

Cover* _ _

~ Cover*

Canopy Cover

Remarks/Management Recommendations

* Cover classes: absent, open, light, moderate, dense, very dense.

*** ATTACH 1:24,000 (or larger) MAP TO BACK ***

NOXIOUS WEEDS

The State of Washington has classified noxious weeds according
to the seriousness of the threat they pose statewide. The law is
designed to prevent the spread of newly introduced species by
eliminating them and to contain those weeds that are already a
problem.

The State Noxious Weed Control Board has suggested 12 species
for us to watch out for. These are divided into 2 categories in
this guide:

Detection Weeds: These are species not yet detected on the Mt.
Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, so it is more critical to 'sound
the alarm' if you find them.

Target Weeds: These are already a problem; the strategy is to
contain them to prevent further spread.

If you find any of these species, note the size of the population
and the legal description of the site. Pass this information along
to the contact person responsible for noxious weeds at the Ranger
District where they occurred.

100

DETECTION WEED

Anchusa officinalis (ANOF)
common bugloss

Borage Family (Boraginaceae)

DESCRIPTION: A taprooted perennial, 3-8 dm (1-2.5 feet) tall,
covered with coarse, often sharp, spreading hairs. The small
blue flowers have petals fused into a tube, which spreads into 5
lobes at the top. The flower stalk is curved, but straightens with
age. Fruits are separated into 4 parts (nutlets) about 2 mm high
and leaning towards the center of the flower. Blooms May-
July.

HABITAT: Roadsides and other disturbed habitats.

101

DETECTION WEED

Carduus nutans (CANU5)
musk thistle

Aster Family (Asteraceae)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: A biennial with
stems from 3 to 6 feet tall, and with spiny wings extending down
the stem. Leaves are deeply lobed with spines around the
margin. The solitary, purple flower head is large, thistle-like,
and usually nodding. Flowering occurs in June.

HABITAT: Pastures, range and timber lands, roadsides and
ditchbanks, stream courses and grain fields.

102

DETECTION WEED

Centaurea diffusa (CEDI)
diffuse knapweed

Aster Family (Asteraceae)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: A brushy annual or
biennial up to two feet tall; grayish-green leaves divided into
many segments and mainly associated with the rosette stage.
Flowers are numerous and generally small, typically white but
sometimes rose to purplish; bracts are tipped by a slender spine.
Flowering occurs July to September.

HABITAT: Roadsides, rock pit areas, and other disturbed sites.

103

DETECTION WEED

Centaurea jacea x nigra* (CENU)
meadow knapweed

Aster Family (Asteraceae)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: A perennial with
stems up to 1 m (3.5 feet) in height. Leaves are lance-shaped and
get progressively smaller up the stem. Black knapweed (C.
nigra) has black-tipped bracts under the flower head, which are
shaped like the teeth of a comb. Brown knapweed (C. jacea), has
bracts which are lighter and less finely cut. Meadow knapweed is
a cross between black and brown knapweed.

HABITAT: Meadows, forested areas, clearcuts, roadsides; can
tolerate partial shade.

* a.k.a. Centaurea pratensis

104

DETECTION WEED

Centaurea maculosa (CEMA)
spotted knapweed

Aster Family (Asteraceae)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: A biennial or short¬
lived perennial; stems one to three feet in height, stiffly
branching, with numerous, erect branches. Leaves divided into
narrow segments; flowers pink to purple, bracts with a terminal
fringe. Flowering occurs June to October.

HABITAT: Roadsides and disturbed sites.

105

DETECTION WEED

Euphorbia esula (EUES)
leafy spurge

Spurge family (Euphorbiaceae)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: A perennial
spreading by seed and woody rootstocks; 2-9 dm (9-36") tall.
Stems are erect, usually with numerous weak sterile side
branches, and exude a milky juice when cut. Leaves are
alternate, 3-10 cm (1-4") long, and somewhat bluish-green;
leaves on the flowering branches closely clasp the stem.
Flowers yellowish in color, minute, turning orange to red in the
fall. Flowering occurs from May to July.

HABITAT: Pastures, rangelands, and streambanks.

S'W'

)

106

DETECTION WEED

Hieracium aurantiacum (HIAU)
king devil or orange hawkweed

Aster Family (Asteraceae)

DESCRIPTION: This is the only hawkweed with red-orange
flowers. It is a perennial herb up to 9 dm (almost 3') tall with
basal leaves and a leafless flower stem. Its 15-30 flower heads
arise from branches that all originate near the top of the plant.
The only difference between this species and yellow hawkweed
( Hieracium pratense , HIPR) is that the latter has yellow flowers.

HABITAT: Meadows, forested areas, clearcuts, and roadsides;
will tolerate partial shade.

107

TARGET WEED

Hypochaeris radicata (HYRA)
spotted cats-ear or hairy cats-ear

Aster Family (Asteraceae)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: A perennial with
several flower heads. The bright yellow ray flowers will open
on overcast days (as opposed to H. glabra , which only opens in
full sun). The dark green leaves form a basal rosette and are
covered with coarse, firm hairs.

HABITAT: Lawns, pastures, roadsides, and other disturbed
areas.

108

DETECTION WEED

Ly thrum salicaria (LYSA)
purple loosestrife

Loosestrife Family (Lythraceae)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: An erect perennial
up to 2 m (6 feet) tall with square stems, opposite leaves, and an
elongate spike of reddish-purple flowers. Although very
attractive, this plant is a serious problem in North American
wetlands because it aggressively invades, sometimes to the
exclusion of all other native species.

HABITAT: Marshes, with cattails ( Typha spp.) and reed canary
grass ( Phalaris arundinacea).

109

TARGET WEED

Senecio jacobaea (SEJA)
tansy ragwort

Aster family (Asteraceae)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: A biennial or short¬
lived perennial that is toxic to livestock; stems 3-18 dm (1 to 6
feet) tall, leaves divided into lobed and toothed segments.
Flowers yellow, numerous, with each head containing 10 to 15
golden yellow rays. Flowers from July to September.

HABITAT: Disturbed sites; such as roadsides, log landings,
clearcuts, etc.

110

DETECTION WEED

Ulex europaeus (ULEV)
gorse

Legume Family (Leguminosae)

DESCRIPTION: A stiff, spiny, much-branched shrub, 3-27 dm
(1 to 9 feet) tall. Branches are conspicuously ribbed and sharply
spine-tipped, with spine-like leaves. Flowers are clustered near
the ends of the branches and are pea-like; flower color is yellow.
Flowers April through September although major flowering
occurs during early spring.

HABITAT: Most common along roadsides.

REFERENCES CITED

Alverson, E. 1985. Taxonomy review to Botrychium
lunaria agg. , moonwort taxonomy for the Northwest.
Douglasia. Vol. 9, p. 2-4.

Hitchcock, C.L., and A. Cronquist. 1973. Flora of the
Pacific Northwest. University of Washington Press, Seattle,
WA

Hitchcock, C.L., A. Cronquist, M. Owenby, and J.W.
Thompson. 1959-1969. Vascular Plants of the Pacific
Northwest. University of Washington Press, Seattle, WA

Hulten, E. 1968. Flora of Alaska and neighboring
territories. Stanford University Press, Stanford, CA

Lellinger, D.B. 1985. A field manual of ferns and fern-allies
of the United States and Canada. Smithsonian Institution.

389 p.

Taylor, T.M.C. 1983. The sedge family of British
Columbia. British Columbia Provincial Museum, Victoria,
B.C. 374 p.

Washington Natural Heritage Program. 1990. Endangered,
threatened, and sensitive vascular plants of Washington.
Department of Natural Resources, Olympia. 52 p.

112

INDEX

Agoseris elata . 1

Alaska harebell . 17

alpine azalea . 65

Anchusa officinalis . 101

Apargidium boreale . 73

arctic aster . 3

Aster sibericus var. merit us . 3

black lily . 55

bog clubmoss . 71

boreal bedstraw . 57

Botrychium lanceolatum . 5

Botrychium lunaria . 7

Botrychium minganense . 9

Botrychium montanum . 11

Botrychium pinnatum . 13

branching montia . 75

bristly sedge . 21

Buxbaum's sedge . 19

Calamagrostis crassiglumis . 15

Campanula lasiocarpa . 17

Canadian single-spike sedge . 35

canyon bog-orchid . . 83

Carduus nutans . 102

Carex buxbaumii . 19

Car ex comosa . 21

Carex interrupta . 23

Carex macrochaeta . 25

Carex pauciflora . 27

Carex paupercula . .29

Carex pluriflora . 31

Carex saxatilis var. major . 33

Carex scirpoidea var. scirpoidea . 35

Carex scopulorum var. prionophylla . 37

Carex stylos a . 39

Cassiope lycopodioides ssp .cristapilosa . 41

Castilleja cryptantha . 43

Centaurea diffussa . 103

Centaurea jacea x nigra . 104

Centaurea maculosa . 105

Chaenactis thompsonii . 45

choriso bog-orchid . 79

Cimicifuga elata . 47

clubmoss cassiope . 41

common bugloss . 101

Cooley's buttercup . 89

Copt is asplenifolia . 49

curved woodrush . 67

diffuse knapweed . 103

Dodecatheon pulchellum v. watsonii . 51

Dry as drummondii . 53

Euphorbia esula . 106

few-flowered sedge . 27

few-flowered shooting star . 51

fringed pinesap . 85

Fritillaria camschatencsis . 55

Galium kamtschaticum . 57

Gentiana douglasiana . 59

Gentiana glauca . 51

glaucous gentian . 51

gorse . HI

Gray's bluegrass . 87

green-fruited sedge . 23

Habenaria chorisiana . 29

Habenaria obtusata . 81

Habenaria sparsiflora . 83

hairy cats-ear . 108

Heiracium aurantiacum . 102

Hieraceum pratense . 102

Hypochaeris radicata . 108

Indian rice . $5

king devil . 107

lance-leaved grapefem . 5

large-awn sedge . 25

leafy spurge . 106

Lobelia dortmanna . 63

Loiseleuria procumbens . 65

long-styled sedge . 39

Luzula arcuata . 61

Lycopodium dendroideum . 69

Lycopodium inundatum . 71

Lythrum salicaria . 109

meadow knapweed . 104

Microseris borealis . 73

Montia diffusa . 75

moonwort . 7

mountain moonwort . 11

Mt. Rainier lousewort . 77

musk thistle . 102

northern microseris . 73

obscure Indian paintbrush . 43

orange hawkweed . 107

Pedicularis rainierensis . ,77

pigmy-weed . 95

Platanthera chorisiana . 79

Platanthera obtusata . 81

Platanthera sparsiflora . 83

Pleuricospora fimbriolata . 85

Poa gray ana . 87

poor sedge . 29

purple loosestrife . 109

pygmy saxifrage . 91

pigmy-weed . .95

Ranunulus cooleyae . 89

russet sedge . 33

saw-leaved sedge . 37

Saxifraga debilis . 91

Saxifraga integrifolia var. apetala . 93

Senecio jacobaea . 110

several-flowered sedge . ,31

small northern bog-orchid . 81

spleenwort-leaved goldthread . 49

spotted cats-ear . 108

spotted knapweed . 105

St. John's moonwort . 13

swamp gentian . 59

swamp saxifrage . 93

tall agoseris . 1

tall bugbane . 47

tansy ragwort . 110

thickglume reedgrass . 15

Thompson's chaenactis . 45

Tillaea aquatica . 95

treelike clubmoss . 69

Ulex europaeus . Ill

Victorin's grapefem . 9

water lobelia . 63

weak saxifrage . 91

yellow hawkweed . 107

yellow mountain-avens . 53

NOTES

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Full text of "Sensitive plants and noxious weeds of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest / by Laura L. Potash."

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