Species |
Eryngium cuneifolium |
Common Name |
Wedge-leaved button snakeroot |
Habitat |
Open sunny areas on white sand in rosemary scrub |
Legal Status |
US – Endangered (1987), FL – Endangered |
Flowering Time |
July – November |
Distribution
Wedge leaf eryngium is endemic to the Lake Wales Ridge in Highlands County. It is found only in the southern third of the county.
Description
Wedge leaf eryngium is a herbaceous perennial with a long taproot. The leaves are narrowly wedge-shaped. Leaves grow in a basal rosette to about 1.5 inches long. The fall-appearing small flowers are white-greenish.
Threats
Wedge leaf eryngium is threatened by development for housing and citrus production. It is also threatened by fire suppression. Of all the plants found in rosemary scrub, it requires the most open conditions and thrives in the first two decades after fires.
References
Menges, Eric S., Archbold Biological Station
Plant Description from the Fish and Wildlife Service (pdf)
Description from The National Collection of Imperiled Plants
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