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Marsh Felwort - Lomatogonium rotatum
State Rank Reason (see State Rank above)
Lomatogonium rotatum is very rare in Montana, where plants are known from three occurrences in Beaverhead County. In 1994 population counts at two occurrences on federal land were reported as more than 500 plants and fewer than 100 plants. In 2013 to 2014, the third occurrence on lands managed by The Nature Conservancy was reported to be a small population. Population trends are unknown, though it is presumed that the habitats are intact. Threats have not been reported. All sites apparently receive some livestock grazing, but its impact on the plant is unknown.
Revisits to known occurrences, at specified intervals, are needed to collect current data on population parameters, habitat conditions, and potential threats. Monitoring at a subset of occurrences is necessary to track population trends. Surveys into areas of potentially suitable habitat are also needed to better understand the species' distribution in the state.
General Description
Felwort is a glabrous annual with usually unbranched stems that are 5-15 cm high. The opposite leaves are narrowly oblong to lance-shaped and 1-3 cm long. White or bluish flowers are borne on slender, 1-3 cm long stalks which arise from the axils of the upper leaves. The 5 spreading, lance-shaped petals are 6-15 mm long and are united at the base and subtended by slightly longer, narrow, green sepals. Each petal has 2 small appendages at the base, and there are 5 stamens. The fruit is a many-seeded, egg-shaped capsule that is as long as the petals.
Phenology
Flowering in August.
Diagnostic Characteristics
Swertia perennis has similar flowers but is a perennial. Annual gentians have tubular rather than star-shaped corollas. This plant is often overlooked because it blooms in August.
Species Range
Montana Range
Range Descriptions
Native
Range Comments
Greenland to Alaska, south to Colorado.
Observations in Montana Natural Heritage Program Database
Number of Observations: 4
(Click on the following maps and charts to see full sized version)
Relative Density
Recency
(Observations spanning multiple months or years are excluded from time charts)
Habitat
Alkaline meadows and fens in the montane zone.
National Vegetation Classification System Groups Associated with this Species
Wetland and Riparian
Alpine Riparian and Wetland
Peatland
Wet Meadow and Marsh
Stewardship Responsibility
Threats or Limiting Factors
Reported threats to Montana's populations of Marsh Felwort have not been identified. Livestock grazing apparently occurs at the three occurrences observed in 1994 and 2013 to 2014; however, the impact of grazing on the plants are unknown.
References
- Additional ReferencesLegend:
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Famous, N. C. and C. S. Campbell. 1984. Lomatogonium rotatum (Gentianaceae) and Primula laurentiana (Primulaceae) in Maine: New locations and general distribution. In prep.- Famous, N. C., and C. S. Campbell. 1985. Lomatogonium rotatum. In: The Nature Conservancy Element Stewardship Abstract [Data base]. Boston, MA: The Nature Conservancy, Eastern Regional Office.
- Lesica, P., M.T. Lavin, and P.F. Stickney. 2012. Manual of Montana Vascular Plants. Fort Worth, TX: BRIT Press. viii + 771 p.
- Lesica, P., M.T. Lavin, and P.F. Stickney. 2022. Manual of Montana Vascular Plants, Second Edition. Fort Worth, TX: BRIT Press. viii + 779 p.
- Lesica, P., P. Husby, and S. V. Cooper. 1998. Noteworthy collections: Montana. Madrono 45:328-330.
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