Hairy Pinweed (Lechea mucronata)

Life history

Species overview

Hairy Pinweed (Lechea mucronata), a Wisconsin Special Concern plant, is found in xeric or sandy fields, or open forests. Blooming occurs from mid to late summer. The optimal identification period for this species is .

Synonyms: Lechea villosa, Lechea minor var. villosa

Identification

• Distinguishing characteristics: Can be distinguished from other Lechea species by the inner sepals having a green keel and being glabrous (except for sometimes on the keel), and from the pubescence on the stems and leaves being mostly spreading instead of appressed.
• Flower characteristics: Minute, pink to red flowers densely arranged on short, lateral branches. Flowers in this genus rarely open, except for sometimes in early morning or on bright days.
• Fruit characteristics: Dry, dehiscent capsule with the embryo visible through the endosperm.
• Leaf characteristics: Simple, entire leaves on basal shoots are ovate-elliptic and up to 15 mm long, while cauline leaves are lanceolate to oblanceolate or elliptic and 1 to 3 cm long. Undersides are villous on the margins and midvein, but otherwise mostly glabrous. Can be alternate or opposite, but often whorled.

Phenology

• Blooming phenology: mid to late summer
• Fruiting phenology:
• Optimum time to identify: The optimal identification period for this species is

Other

• Growth form: Forb/herb
• Vegetative reproduction:
• Life cycle: Perennial
• Comments:

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 Hairy Pinweed (Lechea mucronata). 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 in xeric or sandy fields, or open forests.
• Soils: Dry or sandy soils

Natural communities

This table lists the natural communities that are associated with Hairy Pinweed. 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 Hairy Pinweed. 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.

• No avoidance measures have been developed for this species.

Management guidance

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

• No guidance has been developed for this species.

Other resources

Links to additional Hairy Pinweed 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