Stachys eplingii

Nelson (2008) split S. iltisii from S. eplingii. This narrow concept of S. eplingii excludes material now recognized as S. iltisii.

Stachys eplingii occurs in the Appalachians and other scattered locations on the piedmont in Washington DC, North Carolina, Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia. In total, there are about 10 extant occurrences but it is thought that more occurrences exist. There are an additional 6-8 historic occurrences including in Pennsylvania where all occurrences are historic. Most sites have very few plants, but some sites haven't been surveyed for this information. Threats include grazing, road related threats (mowing, herbicide, direct damage by vehicles), and succession. This species, like other Stachys, is difficult to identify and detect.

Occurs in the Appalachians of West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, DC, and North Carolina with scattered locations in the piedmont. Historic locations are found in Pennsylvania (S. Grund, pers. comm., 2018).

There are ten to twelve occurrence known across the species range but it is possible that more will be found with time as the species can be difficult to detect. There are three in Maryland, with one extant occurrence in Montgomery County and two historic occurrences (Garrett and Allegheny Counties) (Frye pers. comm., Feb 2018). In North Carolina, there are 2 extant (Henderson and Watauga Counties) and 3 historic occurrences (Burke, Henderson, Jackson Counties). In West Virginia, the number of occurrences is between 3 and 5 from Pocahontas, Randolph, and Greenbrier County (Harmon and Vanderhorst pers. comm., Feb 2018). In Virginia, there are three extant (Fauquier, Caroline, Bath Counties) and one historic occurrences (Augusta Co.). Occurrences in Washington D.C. are unknown. The species is historic in Pennsylvania and once documented in Fayette and Somerset Counties (Grund pers. comm., 2018).

Threats include grazing, succession, non-compatible mowing times, herbicide drift, road related erosion, and, potentially, vehicle damage. Some sites occur in artificially created and maintained habitats that rely on the land manager to maintain appropriate mowing regimes, minimizing herbicide drift, removal of woody vegetation, and restricting vehicle traffic to roads.