Identity
Unique IDELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.158507
Element CodePDSCR0F010
Record TypeSPECIES
ClassificationSpecies
Classification StatusStandard
Name CategoryVascular Plant
Endemicendemic to a single nation
KingdomPlantae
PhylumAnthophyta
ClassDicotyledoneae
OrderPlantaginales
FamilyPlantaginaceae
GenusChelone
Other Common NamesCuthbert's turtlehead (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.
Conservation Status
Rank Method Rank calculation - Biotics v2
Review Date2023-06-28
Change Date2000-01-31
Edition Date2023-06-27
Edition AuthorsJ.L. Amoroso, rev. Treher (2018), rev. Eberly (2023)
Threat ImpactHigh - medium
Range Extent20,000-200,000 square km (about 8000-80,000 square miles)
Number of Occurrences21 - 80
Rank ReasonsChelone cuthbertii is endemic to the southeastern United States, occurring in North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia, and historically, South Carolina. There are nearly 80 occurrences. Woody encroachment/succession, siltation, and altered hydrology are the primary threats to the species habitat.
Range Extent CommentsChelone cuthbertii has a unusual distribution in the mountains and, rarely, the upper Piedmont of western North Carlina and northern Georgia, and with disjunct occurrences on the Coastal Plain of southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina (Weakley and Southeastern Flora Team 2023). While it occurs near Tennessee, there are no verified reports to date. It is considered extirpated in South Carolina.
Occurrences CommentsThere are 4 occurrences in Georgia, 50 in North Carolina, and 23 in Virginia.
Threat Impact CommentsThe primary threats to this species are woody encroachment/succession, siltation, and altered hydrology caused by logging activities, development, road maintenance, altered hydrology, and drainage of bogs. Other threats include grazing by domestic animals and deer and off road vehicles.