PROTECTING WISCONSIN'S BIODIVERSITY

Muskroot has white scaly rhizomes. Blooming occurs early-May through late-June, fruiting occurs early-June through late-July.

Perennial. The optimal identification period for this species is late-May through June.

Associated species include Tsuga canadensis, Betula alleghaniensis, B papyrifera, Pinus strobus, Acer saccharum, Tilia americana, mosses, and spring ephemerals.

Muskroot is found on moist shaded ledges and bare, moist, often mossy soil at cliff bases with relict northern plant species present. It is usually on or at the base of N-facing sandstone or limestone bluffs and talus slopes.

Avoid known individual plant locations and conduct operations elsewhere when they are least likely to cause damage. Ideally, this would involve frozen, snow-covered ground. However, in areas of the state where frozen conditions are unreliable, very dry soils late in the growing season might be the best available alternative. Consult with a biologist, if needed.

Avoid broadcast spraying of herbicides and use care with spot spraying.

Avoid direct disturbance to sensitive microsites such as seeps, cliffs, and moss-covered boulders.

Follow BMPs, especially around streams and use care near ravines, steep slopes, cliffs, rock outcrops, etc.

Buffer management around unique microhabitats such as ephemeral ponds, seeps, etc.

This species requires shaded habitat conditions, maintain high forest canopy cover.

Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) are associated with habitats (or natural communities) and places on the landscape. Understanding relationships among SGCN, natural communities and ecological landscapes help us make decisions about issues affecting SGCN and their habitat and how to respond. Download the Wildlife Action Plan association score spreadsheet to explore rare species, natural communities and ecological landscape associations

Conservation actions respond to issues or threats, which adversely affect species of greatest conservation need (SGCN) or their habitats. Besides actions such as restoring wetlands or planting resilient tree species in northern communities, research, surveys and monitoring are also among conservation actions described in the Wisconsin Wildlife Action Plan because lack of information can threaten our ability to successfully preserve and care for natural resources.