KNP Rare Plants Database


 
KY Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves




Snow Squarestem
Melanthera nivea
Family: Asteraceae

Protection Status:
State Status:  S
USFWS Status: 

Global Rank: G5
State Rank: S3?

   

Photo by Dennis D. Horn @ TENN
Habitat:
Floodplains and wet/moist sandy woods including disturbed openings.

Species Description:
Perennial herb.

Phenology:
Flowering Period: Early June to late September.
Fruiting Period: Early July to mid October.

Additional Information at NatureServe

Diagnostic Characteristics:
Melanthera nivea is in the Aster family but may be confused with a mint since it has a square stem and head of white flowers. It is found in wet woods and swamps. The leaves are ovate, petiolate and coarsely toothed. Plants are 1-2 m tall and the heads are 1-2 cm wide.

Management:
Timber removal would be detrimental. Exotic pest plants are a threat to this species and should be removed. Avoid creating access to the site through trail or road construction.



Global Range:


Known Kentucky Occurrences:
Species occurrence map

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Data Last Updated: November 2018
Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves
300 Sower Blvd
Frankfort,KY 40601
Phone: (502) 573-2886
Email:
naturepreserves@ky.gov
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