Arenaria ursina

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Arenaria ursina
Arenariaursina.jpg
With a bee fly

Imperiled (NatureServe)
Scientific classification edit
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Genus: Arenaria
Species:
A. ursina
Binomial name
Arenaria ursina

Arenaria ursina is a species of flowering plant in the family Caryophyllaceae known by the common name Bear Valley sandwort.

Distribution[]

It is endemic to San Bernardino County, California, where it is known from a few occurrences in the vicinity of Big Bear. It grows on quartzite habitat in forest openings in the San Bernardino Mountains near the communities of Fawnskin, Sugarloaf, and Baldwin Lake.[1] It is an indicator species for the rare pebble plain habitat, which is unique to the area.[2] It is a federally listed threatened species.

Description[]

Arenaria ursina is a petite perennial herb forming small tufts no more than 18 centimeters tall. Its small, waxy leaves are needlelike and up to a centimeter long. The inflorescence is an open cyme of white flowers with five petals each under half a centimeter long and protruding purple-anthered stamens. The fruit is a toothed capsule containing 1 or 2 minute purple seeds.

Threats[]

The biggest threat to the survival of this species is off-roading.[1] Other threats include destruction of its habitat for development, mining activity, and disturbance of the landscape during fire suppression efforts.

References[]

  1. ^ Jump up to: a b USFWS. Bear Valley Sandwort (Arenaria ursina): 5-Year Review - Summary and Evaluation. March 2008.
  2. ^ Beattie, M. H. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed Endangered or Threatened Status for Seven Plants From the Mountains of Southern California. US Fish & Wildlife Service. August 2, 1995.

External links[]


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