PROTECTING WISCONSIN'S BIODIVERSITY

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

Linear-leaved Sundew (Drosera linearis)

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Photo by WDNR Staff

 

Counties with Mapped NHI Occurrences

Linear-leaved Sundew (Drosera linearis), a Wisconsin Threatened plant, is found on open bog and fen mats. Blooming occurs early-June through early-August, fruiting early-July through late-August. The optimal identification period for this species is late-June through August.

 
 
 

Linear-leaved sundew is an erect forb with 1-4 flowers atop 6-15cm stalks. Its petals are obovate and pinkish or sometimes white. Fruits are dry, many-seeded capsules. Seeds are black, less than 1mm long, with small craterlike pits on the surface. Leaves all come from the base of plant, are covered with stalked, sticky glands that trap and digest insects, upright, and longer than wide. Blades are linear, petioles smooth.

It can most easily be distinguished from similar species by by its leaves, which are 7-20 times as long as wide and its petals, which are usually pinkish.

Blooming occurs early-June through early-August, fruiting early-July through late-August.

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

Associated species are primarily Carex and Sphagnum species.

Linear-leaved sundew prefers wet, calcareous soils and is found on open bog and fen mats.

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.

This species is likely sensitive to water quality. Following BMPs around streams and buffering associated drainages will reduce eutrophication and prevent water quality degradation.

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.