PROTECTING WISCONSIN'S BIODIVERSITY

 
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Cliff Cudweed (Pseudognaphalium saxicola)

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Photo by Thomas Meyer

 

Counties with Mapped NHI Occurrences

Cliff Cudweed (Pseudognaphalium saxicola), a Wisconsin Threatened plant, is found on dry to moist, shaded sandstone ledges along the Kickapoo and Wisconsin Rivers. Blooming occurs late-July through early-September, fruiting early-September through early-October. The optimal identification period for this species is early-August through early-October.

Gnaphalium obtusifolium var. saxicola, Gnaphalium saxicola, Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium ssp. saxicola

 
 
 
Identification

Cliff cudweed is an erect forb, 30cm tall, has ample inflorescence, branched, and many-headed in well developed plants, flat or round-topped and often elongate. Involucre are 5-7mm, yellowish or dingy, and wooly only near the base. Its stem is slender, lax, thinly white-wooly, commonly becoming smooth near the base, and fragrant when crushed. Fruits are smooth achenes. Leaves are numerous, alternate, essentially all cauline, lance-linear, up to 10cm long by 1cm wide, sessile but not decurrent, white-wooly beneath, and green and smooth or slightly wooly above.

It can be distinguished from Gnaphalium obtusifolium var obtusifolium by its habitat (cliff vs dry open ground), shorter stature (25cm vs 30-100cm), habit (slender and lax vs upright and robust), and leaves, which are broader and somewhat less hairy beneath.

Phenology and Reproduction

Blooming occurs late-July through early-September, fruiting early-September through early-October.

Annual. The optimal identification period for this species is early-August through early-October.

Ecology and Associated Species

Associated species include Phegopteris connectilis, Sullivantia renifolia, and few others.

Habitat

Cliff cudweed is found on dry to moist, shaded sandstone ledges along the Kickapoo and Wisconsin Rivers.

Avoidance Measures and Management Guidance

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.

Because this plant is an annual, work may safely be conducted before the plants emerge or after they have developed mature seeds.

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.

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.

Wildlife Action Plan

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.

For more information, contact

Kevin Doyle
Conservation Biologist
tel:+1-608-416-3377