Life history

Species overview

Cliff Cudweed (Pseudognaphalium saxicola), a Wisconsin Threatened plant, is found on dry to moist, shaded sandstone ledges along the Kickapoo and Wisconsin Rivers. Blooming occurs late July through early September; fruiting occurs early September through early October. The optimal identification period for this species is early August through early October.

Synonyms: Gnaphalium saxicola, G. obtusifolium var. saxicola, Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium ssp. saxicola.

Identification

• Distinguishing characteristics: Distinguished from fragrant cudweed (G. obtusifolium var. obtusifolium) by habitat (cliff vs. dry open ground), shorter stature (25 cm vs 30 to 100 cm), habit (slender and lax vs. upright and robust), and leaves, which are broader and somewhat less hairy beneath.
• Flower characteristics: Inflorescence ample, branched, and many-headed in well developed plants, flat or round-topped and often elongate; involucre yellowish or dingy, woolly only near the base, 5 to 7 mm.
• Fruit characteristics: Achenes smooth.
• Leaf characteristics: Numerous, alternate, essentially all cauline, lance-linear, up to 10 cm long by 1 cm wide, sessile but not decurrent, white-wooly beneath, green and smooth or slightly woolly above.

Phenology

• Blooming phenology: late July through early September
• Fruiting phenology: early September through early October
• Optimum time to identify: The optimal identification period for this species is early August through early October

Other

• Growth form: Forb-erect
• Vegetative reproduction:
• Life cycle: Annual
• Comments: Associated Species: Phegopteris connectilis, Sullivantia renifolia, and few other associates.

State status

Status and Natural Heritage Inventory documented occurrences in Wisconsin

The table below provides information about the protected status - state and federal - and the rank (S and G Ranks) for Cliff Cudweed (Pseudognaphalium saxicola). See the Working List Key for more information about abbreviations. Counties shaded blue have documented occurrences for this species in the Wisconsin Natural Heritage Inventory database. The map is provided as a general reference of where this species has been found to date and is not meant as a range map.

Habitats and landscapes

The Natural Heritage Inventory has developed scores indicating the degree to which each of Wisconsin's rare plant species is associated with a particular natural community or ecological landscape. This information is similar to that found in the Wildlife Action Plan for animals. As this is a work in progress, we welcome your suggestions and feedback.

General habitat information

• Habitat description: Found on dry to moist, shaded sandstone ledges along the Kickapoo and Wisconsin Rivers.
• Soils: Thin soils over sandstone

Natural communities

This table lists the natural communities that are associated with Cliff Cudweed. Scores for natural community associations are: "significant" association (score=3), "moderate association" (score=2) or the species can be present but is only weakly associated with the community (score=1).

Ecological landscapes

This table lists the ecological landscape association scores for Cliff Cudweed. The scores (3=High, 2=Moderate, 1=Low, 0=None) also correspond to the map.

Species guidance

The Endangered Resources Program has developed avoidance measures and management guidelines for plants on the Natural Heritage Working List. These are a work in progress, and we welcome your suggestions and feedback. Sources used in developing this information can be found here.

Avoidance measures

These are specific actions designed to avoid "take" (mortality) of this species.

• Avoid direct disturbance to sensitive microsites such as seeps, cliffs, and moss-covered boulders.
• Avoid broadcast spraying of herbicides; use care with spot spraying.
• Avoid known individual plant locations and conduct operations elsewhere when they are least likely to cause damage. Ideally, this would involve frozen, snow-covered ground. However, in areas of the state where frozen conditions are unreliable, very dry soils late in the growing season might be the best available alternative. Consult with a biologist, if needed.

Management guidance

Management guidelines are additional considerations that may help maintain or enhance habitat for this species

• Buffer management around unique microhabitats such as ephemeral ponds, seeps, etc.
• Follow BMPs, especially around streams and use care near ravines, steep slopes, cliffs, rock outcrops, etc.
• Survey for and control invasive plants prior to conducting timber operations, as these can be spread by vehicles and often respond vigorously to increased light; see forestry BMPs for invasive species.

Other resources

Links to additional Cliff Cudweed information

Other links related to vascular plants (all exit the DNR website)

• Wisconsin Flora
• NatureServe Explorer
• Atlas of Wisconsin Prairie and Savanna Flora - Wisconsin State Herbarium
• USDA - NRCS Plants Database
• USGS Midwestern Wetland Flora - field office guide to plant species
• eFloras
• Cofrin Center for Biodiversity Herbarium
• Intermountain Herbarium Grasses of North America
• Orchids of Wisconsin

Photos

Click to view a larger version. Please considering donating a photo to the Natural Heritage Conservation Program for educational uses. Photo use