PROTECTING WISCONSIN'S BIODIVERSITY

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

Sullivant's Cool-wort (Sullivantia sullivantii)

State Status: SC

Federal Status: none

State Rank: S3

Global Rank: G4

Photo by Arthur Meeks

Counties with Mapped NHI Occurrences

Sullivant's Cool-wort (Sullivantia sullivantii), a Wisconsin Special Concern plant, is found on moist, shaded cliffs. Blooming occurs June through July, fruiting July through September. The optimal identification period for this species is June through July.

Synonyms:

Saxifraga sullivantii, Sullivantia ohionis, Sullivantia renifolia

Identification

Sullivant's cool-wort is a forb/herb, 10-35cm tall, with an inflorescence of branching clusters arranged in a panicle, with bell-shaped, white flowers 6mm wide with 5 petals. Its calyx is covered in glandular hairs, especially at the base. Its fruits are 2-beaked, egg-shaped capsules, 1cm long, with narrowly winged seeds. It has kidney-shaped, somewhat pubescent leaves, 3-7cm wide, with numerous shallow lobes ending in a few short teeth. They are mostly basal and have long petioles.

Distinguishing Characteristics and Similar Species

This is the only Sullivantia found in Wisconsin.

Phenology and Reproduction

Phenology

Rhizomatous. Blooming occurs June through July, fruiting July through September.

Life Cycle, Optimum Time to Identify

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

Ecology and Associated Species

Associated species include Cystopteris bulbifera, Dodecatheon radicatum, Cryptogramma stelleri, and Marchantias.

Habitat

Sullivant's cool-wort prefers rocky areas and is found on moist, shaded cliffs.

Avoidance Measures and Management Guidance

Avoidance Measures

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

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

Sullivant's Cool-wort (Sullivantia sullivantii)

Rare Species & Natural Communities

Additional Resources

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