 Photo © Gary D. Tonhouse |
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Northern wild monkshood Listed: 4/26/1978 Status since listing: Stable The northern wild monkshood (Aconitum noveboracense) is a small, upright perennial herb that occurs in three geographic regions: northeastern Iowa/southwestern Wisconsin, northeastern Ohio, and the Catskill Mountains of New York [1]. It formerly occurred in 27 regions in these four states, but at the time it was placed on the endangered species list in 1978, it was known from only 14 colonies [2]. The species is limited to algific talus slopes (cold air slopes) and moist soil pockets at the bottom of sandstone or limestone cliffs which provide cold microclimates. Little is known about the requirements for seed germination, but it is thought that a low rate of germination may contribute to its rarity. It is previously threatened by a proposed dam, and is now threatened by road/powerline construction and maintenance, grazing, sinkhole filling, invasive species and logging operations [1]. Numerous populations have been discovered since 1978 and the species is now thought to occur at about 114 locations, with the largest concentrations being in Iowa and Wisconsin [3]. Some populations may be as large as 10,000 individuals. Long-term trends are not well known, but population monitoring since 1992 indicates a generally stable population [4]. [1] U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1983. Northern wild monkshood (Aconitum noveboracense) recovery plan. |
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