(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species CINQUEFOIL, ROBBINS'
Species Id ESIS705004
Date 13 MAR 96
TAXONOMY
NAME - CINQUEFOIL, ROBBINS'
OTHER COMMON NAMES - CINQUEFOIL, ROBBINS'; CINQUEFOIL and DWARF
ELEMENT CODE -
CATEGORY - Angiosperm
PHYLUM AND SUBPHYLUM - MAGNOLIOPHYTA,
CLASS AND SUBCLASS - MAGNOLIOPSIDA,
ORDER AND SUBORDER - ROSALES,
FAMILY AND SUBFAMILY - ROSACEAE,
GENUS AND SUBGENUS - POTENTILLA,
SPECIES AND SSP - ROBBINSIANA,
SCIENTIFIC NAME - POTENTILLA ROBBINSIANA
AUTHORITY -
TAXONOMY REFERENCES -
COMMENTS ON TAXONOMY -
Robbins' Cinquefoil
Potentilla robbinsiana Oakes
KINGDOM: Plant GROUP: Angiosperm
DIVISION: Magnoliophyta CLASS: Magnoliopsida
ORDER: Rosales FAMILY: Rosaceae
Potentilla robbinsiana (Robbins' cinquefoil) is a small perennial
herb which grows in densely tufted rosettes measuring 2-4 cm across.
The crowded leaves are three-parted and deeply toothed with dense long
hairs. The slender flowering stems are 1.0-3.5 cm high, each bearing
a single small yellow flower. Each flower contains 15-20 stamens and
numerous ovaries. The fruits are smooth, plump achenes with a
subterminal style which is thickened at the base and recurved at the
summit (01).
Potentilla robbinsiana was discovered by James Robbins in 1829
(02) and described by the botanist and explorer William Oakes (03). A
summary of known herbarium sheets is given in Cogbill, 1984 (04).
Descriptions, photographs and drawings of the species can be found in
Crow, 1982 (01). This taxon is viewed by Love and Love as an
apomictic segregate of the arctic taxon Potentilla hyparctica Malte.
According to their viewpoint, the name P. robbinsiana Oakes subsp.
Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species CINQUEFOIL, ROBBINS'
Species Id ESIS705004
Date 13 MAR 96
robbinsiana must be applied to the New Hampshire taxon and P.
robbinsiana subsp. hyparctica (Malte) D. Love applied to the arctic
plant (01,05,06,07).
Another common name for the species is the dwarf cinquefoil.
Type specimens are located at GH, NEBC, NY, US, YU, NHH, CU, ILL, BT,
BSN, MASS, KAN, MICH, NHA, WELC, NT, COLO, and STEELE. Photographs
are on file at the Office of Endangered Species, Washington, D. C.
Taxonomy - 2 (DRAFT) - Status
Species CINQUEFOIL, ROBBINS'
Species Id ESIS705004
Date 13 MAR 96
STATUS
Coded Status
E: Federal Endangered
COMMENTS ON STATUS -
U.S. STATUSES AND LAWS:
Robbins' cinquefoil (Potentilla robbinsiana) has been designated
an Endangered species pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973
(50 CFR 17.12; P.L. 93-205, 87 Stat. 884; 16 U.S.C. 1531-1540), as
amended. The species has this status wherever found including the
State of New Hampshire. Critical habitat has been designated in Coos
Co., NH (50 CFR 17.96 (a)).
Removal and reduction to possession of any Federally listed plant
from an area under Federal jurisdiction is unlawful (50 CFR 17.61 and
17.71).
This species is protected by the Lacey Act (P.L. 97-79, as
amended; 16 U.S.C. 3371 et seq.) which makes it unlawful to possess
any wild plant (including roots, seeds, and other parts) within U.S.
territorial or special maritime jurisdiction (as defined in 18 U.S.C.
7); or to import, export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or
purchase in interstate or foreign commerce any wild plant (including
roots, seeds, and other parts) taken, possessed, transported, or sold
in violation of any State law or regulation. It is also unlawful to
import, export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or purchase any
wild plant (including roots, seeds, and other parts) taken or
possessed in violation of any U.S. law, treaty, or regulation or in
violation of Indian tribal law.
RESPONSIBLE FEDERAL AGENCIES:
USFWS -Responsible for the management/recovery, listing, and
law enforcement/protection of this species.
USFS -Responsible for the law enforcement/protection of this
species with applicable State and Federal laws on
public lands under their control. Also responsible
for management/recovery on Forest Service lands.
Forest Service Regulations prohibit the removal,
destruction, or damaging of any plant classified as
threatened, endangered or rare (36 CFR 261).
All Federal agencies have responsibility to ensure that any
action authorized, funded, or carried out by that agency is not likely
to jeopardize the continued existence of the species or result in the
destruction or adverse modification of Critical Habitat (50 CFR 402),
and to utilize their authorities to carry out programs for the
conservation of the species.
STATE STATUSES AND LAWS:
Status - 1 (DRAFT) - Status
Species CINQUEFOIL, ROBBINS'
Species Id ESIS705004
Date 13 MAR 96
STATE: New Hampshire
DESIGNATED STATUS: None
INTERNATIONAL STATUSES, TREATIES, AND AGREEMENTS:
None.
ECONOMIC STATUSES:
Robbins' cinquefoil is symbolic of the fragile alpine ecosystem
that is now threatened by excessive public use. The species has
aesthetic value for many people, as well as scientific and educational
value in promoting our understanding of the ecosystem.
75/07/01:40 FR 27823/27924 - Acceptance of Smithsonian report
76/06/16:41 FR 24523/24572 - Proposed rule, list as Endangered
80/03/24:45 FR 19004/19007 - Proposed rule, Endang. w/ Crit. Habitat
80/09/17:45 FR 61944/61947 - Final rule, Endang. w/ Crit. Habitat
85/07/22:50 FR 29901/29909 - Five-year review
87/07/07:52 FR 25522/ - Five-year review completion
Status - 2 HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS
HABITAT - TERRESTRIAL
TERRESTRIAL
LAND USE -
Tundra Land: Herbaceous
Tundra Land: Bare Ground
COMMENTS ON HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS -
Potentilla robbinsiana (Robbins' cinquefoil) occurs only in the
exposed alpine zone of the White Mountains, New Hampshire. Its
habitat is typically characterized by sparse plant coverage, wind
exposure which inhibits the accumulation of winter snows to
appreciable depths, and fellfields of solifluction terraces with stony
surfaces (01,13). The plant can also exist on cliff-like habitats in
the alpine zones which offer similar conditions (14). Circumstantial
evidence indicates the species does not compete successfully when
crowded. The species apparently thrives better where the habitat is
interspersed barren ground and low, matted vegetation in the alpine
zone. This type of habitat in the White Mountains, New Hampshire is
not common. Potentilla robbinsiana does not thrive successfully in
completely barren alpine soils.
It has been suggested that P. robbinsiana is restricted to areas
with bedrock of calcium silicate (05), an observation which appears to
conform to current localities for this species. The soils are rarely
waterlogged, but with a very high moisture content due to frequent
orthographically induced precipitation events and fine soil particles
to retain the moisture. Cogbill is currently investigating the soils
in greater detail (19). The species appears to prefer a more
southerly aspect. The known elevational range is 1400-1600 meters.
P. robbinsiana is associated with other low prostrate alpine
species, including Diapensia lapponica, Solidago cutleri, Arenaria
groenlandica, Agrostis borealis, Potentilla tridentata, Vaccinium
uliginosum, Loiseleuria procumbens, Rhododendron lapponicum, Juncus
trifidus, and Carex bigelowii. The ground cover of these species is
interspersed with much barren ground (01).
Habitat Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Food Habits
Species CINQUEFOIL, ROBBINS'
Species Id ESIS705004
Date 13 MAR 96
FOOD HABITS
TROPHIC LEVEL -
AUTOTROPH
Food Habits - 1 (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
Species CINQUEFOIL, ROBBINS'
Species Id ESIS705004
Date 13 MAR 96
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
G = General A = Adult
LIM = Limiting RA = Resting Adult
J = Juvenile FA = Feeding Adult
RJ = Resting Juvenile BA = Breeding Adult
FJ = Feeding Juvenile P = Pupae
L = Larvae E = Egg
RL = Resting Larvae
FL = Feeding Larvae
LIFESTAGE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
G Terrestrial Features: Cliffs/ledges
G Terrestrial Features: Rock outcrops
G
G
G
Environment Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species CINQUEFOIL, ROBBINS'
Species Id ESIS705004
Date 13 MAR 96
LIFE HISTORY
HABIT:
Potentilla robbinsiana (Robbins' cinquefoil) is herbaceous (01,
13).
LIFE CYCLE:
Perennial (01).
TYPE OF REPRODUCTION:
Sexual and agamospermy (08). Potentilla robbinsiana produces a
complete flower. It was previously thought that the species was
apomictic, based on a chromosome count of 2N = 49 (05). However,
ongoing emasculation experiments and studies on pollen tube
development suggest that the species is either pseudogamous or
autogamous. Inefficient pollen transfer may limit fecundity in this
species (08).
REPRODUCTIVE PHENOLOGY:
The Germination period is from late June to early July. Leafing
occurs in late May, budding from late May to early June, anthesis from
early June to late June, fruiting from late June to mid-July, and seed
dispersal from mid-July to early August (01,14).
SEX OR SPORE STATUS:
Monoecious (01).
POLLINATION, SPORE AND SEED DISSEMINATION:
The flower of Potentilla robbinsiana is most likely
self-pollinated. A few flowers may be either wind or insect
pollinated. Wind is the primary dispersal agent. A remote
possibility exists that birds disseminate a few seeds (08,14).
Typically the seeds drop within a few centimeters of the parent
plant. However, using 30 cm long seed traps, marked seeds were found
at the outer distances of the seed traps (14), suggesting that greater
seed dispersal is quite feasible.
SEED BIOLOGY:
A flower has on the average 22 (+/- 5 (SD)) ovaries per flower,
of which 14 (+/- 8) develop into mature achenes. Mature achenes
subjected to refreezing prior to planting under laboratory conditions
have over a 90 percent germination rate (08). Seeds under natural
conditions undergo at least one winter's dormancy. It is hypothesized
that seed germination and development of seedlings may be successful
in barren alpine soils, but these individuals may be more susceptible
to frost heaving and dessication. Seed germination and growth to
adults of Potentilla robbinsiana does occur in alpine vegetation mats.
Though less common, seeds surviving to adults in vegetation mats may
be less susceptible to environmental vagaries (14).
POPULATION BIOLOGY:
The short growing season, severe environmental conditions, and
limited habitat for Potentilla robbinsiana greatly limit the size and
Life History - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species CINQUEFOIL, ROBBINS'
Species Id ESIS705004
Date 13 MAR 96
distribution of this species. Habitat disturbance by hikers and
amateur botanists were previously a factor in mortality though the
extent of their impact is unknown. Natural causes of mortality are
probably drought and frost heaving (01,13). Graber reported a
population decline of 14 percent between 1973 and 1983 (15). In
contrast, a more regimented study from 1984 to 1985 with the Monroe
Flats population suggests a 15 percent increase in the adult/juvenile
population. The management potential to prevent extinction for this
species is very good (14).
ECOLOGICAL/EDAPHIC FACTORS:
Potentilla robbinsiana is found in the alpine zone, on relatively
stony, barren soils which cover a much finer silty soil derived from
erosion of the surrounding parent rocks. Though the chemistry has not
been well worked out, the parent material appears to contain calcium
silicate. The soils are subject to freeze-thaw cycles.
Circumstantial evidence indicates the plant thrives with a more
southerly aspect, on soil only sparsely populated with other alpine
vegetation (14). The soils, though not waterlogged, are highly
saturated (19). Shading appears to inhibit the species (15). It is
found at elevations ranging from 1400-1500 meters.
TROPHIC STATUS:
Phototrophic (01).
CHARACTERISTIC DOMINANCE:
Component (14).
COMMUNITY ECOLOGY:
Potentilla robbinsiana is commonly associated with Diapensia
lapponica, Solidago cutleri, Minuarita groenlandica, Agrostis
borealis, Potentilla tridentata, Vaccinium uliginosum, Loiseleuria
procumbens, Rhododendron lapponicum, Juncus trifidus and Carex
bigelowii (01). Community stability is apparently long-term (04).
SPECIES INTERRELATIONSHIPS:
Species interrelationships at this time are unknown. It is
hypothesized that the islands of alpine vegetation mats within the
habitat occupied by Potentilla robbinsiana are difficult habitats to
have seeds germinate in. However, individuals able to colonize these
habitats may be subjected to less environmental stress. Currently,
39 percent of the P. robbinsiana juvenile/adult population exists at
the edge or within these vegetative mats (14).
OTHER LIFE HISTORY DESCRIPTORS:
No information is available.
Life History - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species CINQUEFOIL, ROBBINS'
Species Id ESIS705004
Date 13 MAR 96
MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
RESULT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE
Beneficial Restricting/regulating human disturbance of populations
Beneficial Stocking captive-reared wild-strain animals
Adverse Recreational development
Existing Recreational development
Adverse Collecting
Existing Collecting
Adverse Commercial Exploitation
Existing Commercial Exploitation
Adverse Hiking/Camping
Existing Hiking/Camping
Adverse
Existing
Adverse Inherent Reproductive Characteristics
Existing Inherent Reproductive Characteristics
Adverse Soil compaction by heavy equipment in mine areas
Existing Soil compaction by heavy equipment in mine areas
Adverse Competition
Existing Competition
COMMENTS ON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES -
Historically, Potentilla robbinsiana (Robbins' cinquefoil) has
been known from only two seperate localities in the White Mountains of
New Hampshire. They are the Monroe Flat population on the slopes of
Mt. Monroe, and from Franconia Ridge. Hiker impacts have been
attributed to the demise of several small, disjunct populations at the
Franconia Ridge locality, all of which were thought to have been
extinct until one was rediscovered in 1984. Hiker impacts were also
attributed to a reduction in population size of the Monroe Flats
population (01,09,10,11,12,13,15,16,17). Both locations are adjacent
to the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. During the collection peak
in the Victorian Era, mass collections were made for commercial sale
to private herbarium collectors. Cogbill's data suggest that both the
Franconia Ridge populations and the Monroe Flats populations were also
impacted from collections for herbariums during the late 1800's (04).
Cogbill's data also suggest that the Monroe Flats population has been
relatively stable in size for the past 50 years (04), which contrasts
with the theory that hikers have greatly reduced this (01,09,10,11,12,
13). The latter theory was based primarily on the expansion and
contraction of outlier populations related to the Monroe Flats
population. The Monroe Flats population is now well protected, having
been officially closed off to the public in 1983. The Appalachian
Mountain Club, funded by the USDI, also runs a public awareness
program to reduce conflicts between hikers and this species, at the
Monroe Flats site. The current management plan for the rediscovered
Franconia population is not to publicize it or make its presence known
by marking off the area.
The short growing season, severe environmental conditions, and
limited habitat for Potentilla robbinsiana greatly limit the size and
Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species CINQUEFOIL, ROBBINS'
Species Id ESIS705004
Date 13 MAR 96
distribution of this species (01,13). P. robbinsiana is very limited
in areas it can reproduce. Actual plants reaching the adult stage is
very low (14). Inefficient pollen transfer may limit fecundity in
this species (08). Shading from encroaching vegetation appears to
inhibit the species (15). Circumstantial evidence indicates the
species does not compete successfully when crowded. Natural causes of
mortality are probably drought and frost heaving (01,13). Graber
reported a population decline of 14 percent between 1973 and 1983
(15). In contrast, a more regimented study from 1984 to 1985 with the
Monroe Flats population suggests a 15 percent increase in the
adult/juvenile population. The management potential to prevent
extinction for this species is very good (14).
The most important threat to P. robbinsiana is the very limited
area the population currently occupies. Both the Franconia population
with less than ten known adults and the Monroe Flats population with
approximately 1,500 adults, each occupy areas less than 1 hectare in
size. A single, random catastrophic event on the latter population
could effectively cause extinction for this species. An example being
an unauthorized landing of a military helicopter on a training mission
within 10 m of the Monroe Flat population in 1983 (18).
Potential stress on the species from air pollutants and/or acidic
cloud water/rain water events is unknown. A cloud water pollution
monitoring station located adjacent to both the Franconia and Monroe
Flats populations have recorded episodic precipitation events with pH
values as low as 2.8 and elevated concentrations of heavy metals (14).
APPROVED PLAN:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1983. Recovery Plan for the
Robbins' Cinquefoil. U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv., Boston, MA. 31 pp.
Actions recommended for the recovery of Potentilla robbinsiana
(Robbins' cinquefoil) include obtaining a better understanding of the
biology of this species; refinement and documentation of propagation
and transplantation techniques; determination of habitat
characteristics; reducing or eliminating human use damage to existing
plants and habitat; continuation of information and education
programs, and monitoring of hiker activity patterns.
All of these recovery activities are ongoing. The next phase is
to conduct detailed soil studies of the transplant sites. After this
is done, seeds will be collected, grown under cultivation, and the
resulting plants will be transplanted to the wild.
Management Practices - 2 (DRAFT) - References
Species CINQUEFOIL, ROBBINS'
Species Id ESIS705004
Date 13 MAR 96
References
***** REFERENCES FOR ALL NARRATIVES EXCEPT N-OCCURRENCE *****
01 Crow, G.E. 1982. New England's rare, threatened and endangered
plants. U.S. Gov. Printing Off. Wash., D.C. 129 pp.
02 Pease, A.S. 1917. Notes on the botanical explorations of the
White Mountains. Appalachia 14:157-178.
03 Torrey, J. and A. Crag. 1840. A flora of North America. Vol. 1,
Pt. 3. Wiley and Putnam, NY.
04 Cogbill, C. 1984. Historic changes in the distribution of
Potentilla robbinsiana and in its habitat. Progr. rept. on file:
Appalachian Mtn. Club Res. Dept., Gorham, NH.
05 Love, A. and D. Love. 1966. Cytotaxonomy of the alpine vascular
plants of Mt. Washington. Univ. of Colo. Studies, Series in
Biology, No. 24. 37 pp.
06 Love, A. and D. Love. 1965. Taxonomic remarks on some American
alpine plants. Univ. of Colo. Stud. Biol. Ser. 17:1-43.
07 Love, D. 1960. Nomenclatural notes on Mt. Washington plants.
Taxon 17:89.
08 Lee, T. D. 1984. The reproductive ecology of Potentilla
robbinsiana: A preliminary study. Progr. rept. to Appalachian Mt.
Club Res. Dept. (Dr. Tom Lee, Botany Dept., Univ. of NH, Durham)
09 Graber, R.E. and G.E. Crow. 1982. Hiker traffic on or near the
habitat of Robbins cinquefoil, and endangered plant species. NH
Agric. Expt. Stat. Bull. 522. 10 pp.
10 Crow, G.E. and I.M. Storks. 1980. Rare and endangered plants of
New Hampshire: A phytogeoraphic viewpoint. Rhodora 82:173-189.
11 Crow, G.E. and R.F. Graber. 1980. Report of Potentilla
robbinsiana, survey of hiker activity on Monroe Flats, Mt.
Washington and mapping of critical habitat. Progr. rept. to U.S.
For. Serv., White Mtn. Natl. For. and U.S. Fish & Wildl. Serv.,
Newton Corner, MA.
12 Steele, F.L. 1964. Potentilla robbinsiana in the White Mountains
of New Hampshire. Rhodora 66:408-411.
13 Graber, R.E. 1980. The life history and ecology of Potentilla
robbinsiana. Rhodora 82:131-140.
14 Kimball, K.D. and R. Paul. 1985. Potentilla robbinsiana. Unpubl.
rept. on file: Appalachian Mt. Club, Res. Dept., Gorham, NH.
15 Graber, R.E. and L.G. Brewer. Unpubl. manus. Changes in the
population of the rare and endangered plant Potentilla robbinsiana
(Oakes) during the period of 1973 to 1983. U.S. Forest Serv.,
Durham, NH.
16 Taylor, D.T. 1981. Potentilla robbinsiana education program and
hiker survey. Appalachian Mt. Club, Res. Dept., Gorham, NH.
17 Taylor, D.T. 1982. Potentilla robbinsiana education program and
hiker survey. Appalachian Mt. Club Res. Dept., Gorham, NH.
18 Weathers, K.C. 1983. Potentilla robbinsiana education program
and hiker survey. Appalachian Mt. Club Res. Dept., Gorham, NH.
19 Cogbill, C. 1985. Progress report on Potentilla robbinsiana.
Unpubl. rept. on file: Appalachian Mt. Club, Res. Dept., Gorham,
NH (summers); or Ctr. for Northern Studies, Wolcott, VT (academic
year).
References - 1 (DRAFT) - References
Species CINQUEFOIL, ROBBINS'
Species Id ESIS705004
Date 13 MAR 96
20 Graber, R. 1985. Pers. comm. NE Forest Exp. Sta., U.S. Forest
Service, Mast Road, Durham, NH 03824.
***** REFERENCES FOR N-OCCURRENCE NARRATIVE ONLY *****
01 Crow, G.E. 1982. New England's rare, threatened and endangered
plants. U.S. Gov. Printing Off., Wash., D.C. 129 pp.
02 Steele, F.L. 1964. Potentilla robbinsiana in the White Mountains
of New Hampshire. Rhodora 66:408-411.
03 Kimball, Dr. K.D. 1985. Potentilla robbinsiana. Unpubl. rept.
on file: Appalachian Mt. Club, Gorham, NH 03581.
04 Cogbill, C. 1984. Historic changes in the distribution of
Potentilla robbinsiana and in its habitat. Unpubl. prog. rept. on
file: Appalachian Mt. Club, Res. Dept., Gorham, NH 03581.
05 Graber, R.E. 1980. The life history and ecology of Potentilla
robbinsiana. Rhodora 82:131-140.
06 Crow, G.E. and I.M. Storks. 1980. Rare and endangered plants of
New Hampshire: A phytogeographic viewpoint. Rhodora 82:173-189.
07 Graber, R.E. and G.E. Crow. 1982. Hiker traffic on or near the
habitat of Robbins cinquefoil, and endangered plant species. NH
Agric. Expt. Stat. Bull. 522. 10 pp.
08 Graber, Dr. R. 1985. Pers. comm. NE Forest Exp. Sta., U.S. For.
Serv., Mast Road, Durham, NH 03824.
09 Crow, G.E. and R.F. Graber. 1980. Report of Potentilla
robbinsiana, survey of hiker activity on Monroe Flats, Mt.
Washington and mapping of Critical Habitat. Progress report to the
U.S. For. Serv., White Mt. Natl. For. and the U.S. Fish and Wildl.
Serv., Div. Endang. Sp. and Habitat Conserv.
10 Cogbill, C. 1985. Potentilla robbinsiana. Unpubl. rept. on file:
Appalachian Mt. Club, Res. Dept., Gorham, NH 03581.
11 Steele, Fred. 1984. Personal communication. Chocorua, NH.
12 McDade, Harry. 1984. Pers. comm. Littleton Hospital, Littleton,
NH.
13 Dodge, Brooks. 1984. Personal communication. Jackson, NH.
References - 2