PROTECTING WISCONSIN'S BIODIVERSITY

 
 
   
 
Scientific Name Common Name Global Rank State Rank Federal Status WI Status

Harbinger-of-spring (Erigenia bulbosa)

Erig_bulb2.jpg

 

 

 

 

8671.jpg

Photo by Kitty Kohout

 

Counties with Mapped NHI Occurrences

Harbinger-of-spring (Erigenia bulbosa), a Wisconsin Endangered plant, is found in rich hardwoods. Blooming occurs late-April through early-May, fruiting throughout May. The optimal identification period for this species is late-April through early-May.

 
 
 

Harbinger-of-spring is an erect forb, 5-15cm tall when flowering, taller at maturity, with in inflorescence borne in umbels 1-2cm wide, each composed of ~6 tiny white flowers with petals 3-4mm long, and red anthers that turn black. Its stem is smooth and purplish. Its fruits are 5mm wide, usually exceeded by the persistent bractlets, and split into parts at maturity. Its leaves are broadly ovate in outline, 10-20cm at maturity, repeatedly divided into 3-parted segments, each segment is oval in shape with a rounded tip, petioles clasp the stem.

Blooming occurs late-April through early-May, fruiting throughout May.

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

Associated species include Acer saccharum, Tilia americana, Fagus grandifolia, and presumably many spring ephemerals.

Harbinger-of-spring is found in rich hardwoods.

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.

Minimize disturbance to hydrology, including soil disturbance from rutting.

Avoid rapid and dramatic reductions in canopy cover and, basal area, in wet areas to reduce risk of swamping.

Survey for and control invasive plants prior to conducting timber operations, as these can be spread by vehicles and often respond vigorously to increased light. See forestry BMPs for invasive species.

Although maintaining high overall forest canopy is important, silvicultural techniques that open small gaps in the canopy may be beneficial to this species. Seedlings and saplings of some species in openings may need to be protected from deer browse.

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.