Identity
Unique IDELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.160260
Element CodePDLAM1X0A0
Record TypeSPECIES
ClassificationSpecies
Classification StatusStandard
Name CategoryVascular Plant
Endemicendemic to a single nation
KingdomPlantae
PhylumAnthophyta
ClassDicotyledoneae
OrderLamiales
FamilyLamiaceae
GenusStachys
Other Common NamesClingman's hedgenettle (EN)
Concept ReferenceKartesz, J.T. 1994. A synonymized checklist of the vascular flora of the United States, Canada, and Greenland. 2nd edition. 2 vols. Timber Press, Portland, OR.
Taxonomic CommentsStudies are needed to resolve taxonomic distinctness (Dolan 2004). According to Epling (in Strausbaugh and Core 1978): "a dubious form appearing sporadically from Illinois and Indiana through Tennessee and West Virginia to Virginia and North Carolina." In the most recent regional treatment of the genus Stachys, considered a distinct narrow Southern Appalachian endemic (Nelson 2008).
Conservation Status
Review Date2009-03-10
Change Date2009-03-10
Edition Date2009-03-10
Edition AuthorsS.L. Neid, MRO, rev. C. Nordman and K. Gravuer (2009)
Threat ImpactHigh - medium
Range Extent5000-20,000 square km (about 2000-8000 square miles)
Number of Occurrences6 - 20
Rank ReasonsStachys clingmanii is a somewhat enigmatic species currently believed more or less endemic to the southern Appalachian highlands; reports from Maryland are believed to be in error, while research is ongoing as to whether disjunct plants from Indiana should be assigned to this species. Approximately 11-12 occurrences are believed extant, mostly in Tennessee with a few in South Carolina and possibly one in North Carolina; the possible Indiana occurrences are all historical or extirpated. An additional 30 or so occurrences are considered historical, suggesting an apparent decline, the cause of which is largely unknown. Most recently-visited occurrences are quite small (< 100 plants) and are located in protected areas. Known or suspected threats include recreational use, feral hogs, and certain forest management practices.
Range Extent CommentsCurrently believed more or less endemic to the southern Appalachian highlands ("mostly Tennessee and North Carolina with some possible outliers", J. Nelson pers. comm. 2009). Reports from Maryland are now believed to be in error (Dolan 2004, C. Frye pers. comm. 2009), while research is ongoing as to whether disjunct populations from Indiana should be assigned to this species (M. Homoya pers. comm. 2009). All known Indiana sites are considered historical or extirpated. The range within the southern Appalachians (TN, NC, SC) covers approximately 10,000 square km.
Occurrences CommentsApproximately 11-12 occurrences are believed extant, mostly in Tennessee with a few in South Carolina and possibly one in North Carolina. An additional 30 or so occurrences are considered historical in North Carolina and Tennessee, although about 10 of these (all in North Carolina) are of questionable identification. Five disjunct occurrences were recorded in Indiana, but all of these are now considered historical or extirpated, and there is some question as to whether Indiana material should be considered S. clingmanii.
Threat Impact CommentsApparently declining, as there are many historic occurrences which have not been relocated. Causes of apparent decline are largely unknown. The habitat of this species received high recreational use. It may also be impacted by feral hogs (Sus scrofa). Forest management practices also present a low-level threat (Southern Appalachian Species Viability Project 2002).