Samiksha Jaiswal (Editor)

Geum radiatum

Updated on
Edit
Like
Comment
Share on FacebookTweet on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare on Reddit
Kingdom
  
Plantae

Family
  
Rosaceae

Scientific name
  
Geum radiatum

Order
  
Rosales

Genus
  
Geum

Rank
  
Species

Geum radiatum Rare Plants of NC Geum

Similar
  
Solidago spithamaea, Geum peckii, Geum laciniatum, Liatris helleri, Geum bulgaricum

Geum radiatum is a rare species of flowering plant in the rose family known by the common names spreading avens, Appalachian avens, and cliff avens. It is native to the region of the border between Tennessee and North Carolina in the southeastern United States, where there are eleven known populations remaining. The plant was federally listed as an endangered species in 1990.

Geum radiatum Geum radiatum Roan Mountain Pisgah National Forest Mitc Flickr

Geum radiatum is a perennial herb with a horizontal rhizome spreading beneath the soil. From the rhizome, several rosettes of leaves sprout. What may appear to be separate plants are actually all clones belonging to one genetic individual, as the plant reproduces vegetatively. The large leaves are decidedly kidney-shaped. The stems grow 20 centimeters to half a meter (8-20 inches) tall and produces bright yellow flowers in the summer months. This Geum looks very different from other species in its genus that grow in the area. Its closest relative is probably Geum peckii, which does not occur in the same region.

Geum radiatum Flickriver Most interesting photos tagged with spreadingavens

Geum radiatum grows on a few tall mountaintops above 1310 meters (4367 feet) elevation in the southern Appalachians in eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina. It sprouts from steep, often vertical cliffs, anchored by its rhizome. Conditions are exposed and sunny, and the soil is acidic and gravelly. Other plants in the habitat include Solidago spithamaea, Leiophyllum buxifolium, Menziesia pilosa, Rhododendron catawbiense, Heuchera villosa, Micranthes petiolaris, and species of asters, sedges, and grasses. The forests around the cliffs are dominated by red spruce (Picea rubens).

Geum radiatum Geum radiatum spreading avens

Eleven known populations exist. Five others have been extirpated; these occurred in areas that were popular recreational sites for hiking, mountain climbing, and other uses. Threats to the remaining populations include erosion, soil compaction from trampling, and development of facilities for recreation, such as trails, ski slopes, parking lots, and bridges. Poaching is also a problem for this species as a mountain wildflower with showy yellow blooms. Pollution, including acid rain, may be a threat. Some of the few remaining populations are small, with fewer than 50 plants, and the number of genetically separate individuals may be smaller.

Geum radiatum httpsuploadwikimediaorgwikipediacommonsthu
Geum radiatum Raleigh Ecological Services Field Office

Geum radiatum Current and Ongoing Herbarium Projects Herbarium Appalachian

References

Geum radiatum Wikipedia


Similar Topics