Help Preserve and Protect Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Plants in the C&O Canal National Historical Park

The C&O Canal National Historical Park (NHP) is beloved by millions for its natural beauty, rich recreational opportunities, and accessibility for over five million visitors. What is less well known is that it is one of the most biologically diverse national parks in the nation. Since its creation in 1971, over 1,500 plant species have been identified in the Park, including roughly 200 rare, threatened, or endangered (RTE) plants, some of which are globally rare and unique. But that number appears to be dwindling. Between 2008 and 2021, just over 100 previously identified RTE species were found along the C&O Canal. The remaining plants are likely now locally extinct. Invasive non-native plants, regional urbanization, and surging visitation have all taken their toll on the fragile habitats that make such diversity possible. With the addition of unfolding climate change, the National Park Service (NPS) is facing complex challenges to conserve this national biodiversity treasure.

The NPS is focused on facilitating the long-term conservation of RTE species throughout the C&O Canal NHP through a partnership with the Mt. Cuba Center with a strategy that includes comprehensive identification, monitoring, habitat protection, seed collection, plant propagation, and establishing new populations of RTE species in unique habitat niches in the Park. For it to be successful, however, it will need the help of our canal community to supplement available NPS funding.

You can help make a difference.

With your help, the Park can work towards preserving and protecting these important RTE species.

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American harebell (Campanula rotundifolia) has a long flowering period for its violet-blue, bell-shaped flowers, typically lasting from late spring through fall. This herbaceous perennial is found throughout Missouri and Minnesota, but has also been found in Central Appalachian Shale Barrens. Global Rank: G5, State Rank: S2

Butterfly scorpionweed (Phacelia covillei) is an annual in the borage family, native to the eastern and central United States in scattered locations. It thrives in floodplains and typically has purple blooms that appear in April and May. Global Rank: G3, State Rank: S2, State Status: T

Common Hoptree (Ptelea trifoliata) is an aromatic tall shrub or small, understory tree with a rounded crown, found in both moist conditions and dry, rocky sites. Small, greenish white flowers appear in clusters among the leaves in April. Global Rank: G5, State Rank: S3

Common shootingstar (Primula meadia) is a native North American spring ephemeral that blooms in late March to early May in moist, well-drained soil. Each flower has five petals, reflexed upward giving it an “inside-out” look, that are either white, light pink, or rosy pink. Global Rank: G5, State Rank: S3

Harbinger of spring (Erigenia bulbosa) is a perennial plant in the carrot family that is one of the earliest blooming native wildflowers in flood-plain forests. It blooms February through April but the plant and flowers are so small that they often go unnoticed. Global Rank: G5, State Rank: S3

Miami mist (Phacelia purshii) is an annual herb that grows in moist, flood plain forests. This plant is known for its hairy stem and leaves, and has blossoms that range from lavender to blue with deeply fringed lobes. Global Rank: G5, State Rank: S3

Ozark milkvetch (Astragalus distortus) is a perennial herb most commonly found in Missouri, but it can also be found on shale barrens. This flowering plant in the legume family has small blooms that are typically purple or pink and sometimes white. Global Rank: G5, State Rank: S2, State Status: T

Shale barren evening-primrose (Oenotheras argillicola) is a biennial herb that can grow up to five feet tall in open, dry slopes, banks and cliffs with shale substrate. It blooms July through September and has yellow flowers. Global Rank: G3G4, State Rank: S3

Snow trillium (Trillium nivale) is a later winter, early spring blooming woodland perennial wildflower. Part of the lily family, it is a rhizomatous herb with unbranched stems that produces no true leaves or stems above ground. The only population of Snow trillium in the State of Maryland is found in the C&O Canal NHP. Global Rank: G4, State Rank: S1, State Status: E

White trout lily (Erythronium albidum) is mostly a Midwestern species which is rare in Maryland, thriving in rich, moist woodland forests. Its flowers are single with sepals and petals that strongly curve backwards. Global Rank: G5, State Rank: S2, State Status: T

Valerian (Valeriana pauciflora) is an herbaceous perennial that thrives in moist, shady habitats. It is a member of the honeysuckle family with white to light pink flowers that appear from late spring to early summer. Global Rank: G4, State Rank: S1, State Status: E

To date, the Park has collected nearly 16,000 seeds from 15 plant species across 31 populations.

We are committed to preserving and protecting our Park’s incredible natural resources, but we need your help. Together, we can make a difference and ensure these plants do not go extinct.

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Learn more about the C&O Canal Trust's Biodiversity Campaign.

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Credits:

(Photos from top): Chris Rief, NPS, NPS, NPS, C&O Canal Trust Staff, NPS, NPS, NPS, NPS, NPS, C&O Canal Trust Staff, C&O Canal Trust Staff.