Identity
Unique IDELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.148537
Element CodePPVIT04060
Record TypeSPECIES
ClassificationSpecies
Classification StatusStandard
Name CategoryVascular Plant
KingdomPlantae
PhylumFilicinophyta
ClassFilicopsida
OrderFilicales
FamilyPteridaceae
GenusVittaria
Other Common NamesAppalachian shoestring fern (EN) Appalachian Shoestring Fern (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
Review Date1995-04-27
Change Date1993-03-03
Edition Date1995-04-27
Edition AuthorsK. Crowley, MRO
Range Extent20,000-2,500,000 square km (about 8000-1,000,000 square miles)
Number of Occurrences21 - 80
Rank ReasonsVittaria appalachiana is abundant within its range. Much of its rock-shelter habitat is currently protected. This species is extremely vulnerable, however, to any changes in its specialized habitat.
Range Extent CommentsVittaria appalachiana occurs primarily in the Appalachian Mountains in unglaciated terrain, from southern New York southeast to northern Alabama. It occurs in Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia (Farrar 1993).
Occurrences CommentsThe canyon systems favorable to this species are fairly common in the Appalachian Mountains.
Threat Impact CommentsThe primary threat to Vittaria appalachiana is logging above the rock shelters in which it occurs. Deforestation opens the canyons and causes them to dry out, which in turn destroys the moist, climate-controlled habitat. Because many habitats for this species are on protected lands, V. appalachiana is not currently threatened.