P h o t o b y D e n n i s D . H o r n @ T E N N
|
Habitat:
Cool mountain woods (Gleason & Cronquist 1991); mesophytic forest on n facing (?) slopes, river bluffs and ravines.
|
Species Description:
Perennial herb 1.5 m ore more in height. The leaves are ternate (in threes) and generally near the stem base. Leaflets are generally reminiscent of maple leaves in outline and the bases are cuneate to cordate. The inflorescence is terminal (at the top of the plant) and is a long cylindric raceme of whitish flowers. The flowers lack petals and have 2-5 sepals which fall off upon or shortly after the bud opens. The fruit is a follicle that is 8-15 mm and the seeds are covered with chaffy scales.
|
Phenology:
Flowering Period: Early August to late October.
|
Additional Information at NatureServe
|
Diagnostic Characteristics:
|
Management:
Disturbance of surrounding areas such as ATV trails, timber removal or any activity that results in increased erosion and weed invasion will be detrimental. Exotic pest plants are a threat to this species. Avoid creating access to the site through trail or road construction.
|
Global Range:
Primary concentration of known populations in Ridge and Valley province of eastern Tennessee and southwestern Virginia; with a disjunct area of occurrence in southwestern Indiana (one county), southern Illinois (four counties), western Kentucky (four counties), and northwestern Tennessee. Also in Alabama (Kral 1983).
|
Known Kentucky Occurrences:
|