PROTECTING WISCONSIN'S BIODIVERSITY

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

Common Butterwort (Pinguicula vulgaris)

State Status: END

Federal Status: none

State Rank: S1

Global Rank: G5

Photo by Thomas Meyer

Counties with Mapped NHI Occurrences

Common Butterwort (Pinguicula vulgaris), a Wisconsin Endangered plant, is found on moist ledges and mossy boulders on shaded sandstone cliffs in the Apostle Islands. Blooming occurs early-June through early-July, fruiting throughout July. The optimal identification period for this species is late-June through July.

Identification

Common butterwort is a very distinctive erect forb, 5-15cm tall, with violet corolla, 1.5-2cm (spur included), 5-lobed, 2-lipped, the lower lip longer than the upper, and prolonged into a conspicuous basal spur. Its calyx is 5-lobed and somewhat 2-lipped. Its fruits are small capsule, 4-6mm long and globose with small seeds. It typically has 3-6 ovate to elliptic basal leaves, 2-5 cm long, very obtuse, narrowed to the base, with a sticky upper surface. It has 1-3 scapes, 5-15cm long, that are smooth or minutely glandular.

Distinguishing Characteristics and Similar Species

Its flowers may appear similar to a violet but the leaves can be used to distinguish the two genera.

Phenology and Reproduction

Phenology

Blooming occurs early-June through early-July, fruiting throughout July.

Life Cycle, Optimum Time to Identify

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

Ecology and Associated Species

Associated species include Primula mistassinica, Trisetum spicatum, Agrostis hyemalis, Thuja occidentalis, Sorbus decora, Betula papyrifera, Ledum groenlandicum, Carex capillaris, and Alnus crispa. Small insects caught on the slimy leaf surface are digested.

Habitat

Common butterwort prefers wet soils and is found on moist ledges and mossy boulders on shaded sandstone cliffs in the Apostle Islands.

Avoidance Measures and Management Guidance

Avoidance Measures

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.

Management Guidance

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.

Minimize disturbance to hydrology, including soil disturbance from rutting.

Wildlife Action Plan

Associated Natural Communities and Ecological Landscapes

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

Issues/Threats and Conservation Actions

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.

PROTECTING WISCONSIN'S BIODIVERSITY

Common Butterwort (Pinguicula vulgaris)

Rare Species & Natural Communities

Additional Resources

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