When you think of endangered species, you might think first of animals - polar bears, caribou, or birds. But plants are an equally important part of Ontario's biodiversity, and almost a third of the species at risk of disappearing from Ontario are plants.
Ontario's endangered plants include species from trees to water plants and from asters to orchids. They are threatened by loss of habitat, invasive species, and other factors.
Lichens are often confused with plants, but they're actually compound organisms of fungi co-existing with algae or bacteria. Two kinds of lichens are at risk of disappearing from Ontario.
Check out the links below to learn more about Ontario's plants and lichens at risk, including how you can help protect them.
Plants
American Chestnut (Castanea dentata)
endangered
People used the American Chestnut for treating numerous ailments (from coughs and dermatitis to heart trouble), as a staple food and beverage, to build shelters, for firewood and as a source of dye. Early settlers soon realized the many important uses of this tree.
American Columbo (Frasera caroliniensis)
endangered
American Columbo may live for many years but it flowers only once and then dies.
American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius)
endangered
Aboriginal people have used American Ginseng for a wide range of medicinal purposes including treatment of headaches, earaches, rheumatism, convulsions, bleeding, fevers, vomiting, tuberculosis, gonorrhea and as a cure-all when other treatments failed.
American Water-willow (Justicia americana)
threatened
American Water-willow (Latin name: Justicia americana) is named after James Justice who was an 18th century Scottish horticulturalist and botanist. “Americana” refers to the plant being native to the Americas.
Bent spike-rush (Eleocharis geniculata)
endangered
This plant can store seeds in the soil for years waiting for the right conditions to grow.
Bird's-foot Violet (Viola pedata)
endangered
Bird’s-foot Violet has a creative way to disperse seeds. The tiny seeds are contained inside a smooth green seedpod that bursts open and flings the seeds up to five metres away.
Blue Ash (Fraxinus quadrangulata)
special concern
Blue Ash is named for the dye which can be extracted by mashing and cooking the inner trunk bark. It was used by First Nations and early European settlers.
Bluehearts (Buchnera americana)
endangered
The seeds of Bluehearts require light to germinate. As a result, the species depends on disturbances such as fire and water level fluctuations to prevent shade-producing vegetation, trees and shrubs from taking over their habitat.
Blunt-lobed Woodsia (Woodsia obtusa)
endangered
Blunt-lobed Woodsia may live as long as several decades.
Branched Bartonia (Bartonia paniculata)
threatened
This plant’s tiny fruits are only about four millimetres long, but each fruit contains 1,000 to 1,500 seeds.
Broad Beech Fern (Phegopteris hexagonoptera)
special concern
Broad Beech Fern reproduces through spores. The spores are contained in a case-like structure called a sporangium. The sporangia burst upon maturity at the end of summer and the spores are scattered through the air.
Butternut (Juglans cinerea)
endangered
Aboriginal people used this plant medicinally to treat toothaches, injuries and digestive problems.
Climbing Prairie Rose (Rosa setigera)
special concern
Climbing Prairie Rose is dioecious (having male and female reproductive structures on separate plants), which is unusual for rose species.
Colicroot (Aletris farinosa)
threatened
Colicroot is also known as “Ague root” because it was used to treat some fevers, which were often referred to as “ague” in Middle English.
Common Hoptree (Ptelea trifoliata)
threatened
Common Hoptree is one of two native larval host plants for the rare Giant Swallowtail butterfly.
Crooked-stem Aster (Symphyotrichum prenanthoides)
threatened
Bees and butterflies pollinate the flowers of the Crooked-stem Aster. The seeds are scattered by wind after ripening.
Cucumber Tree (Magnolia acuminata)
endangered
The Cucumber Tree gets its name from its fruit that is pickle-like in shape and changes from green to red as it ripens. Once ripe, the oily, scented seeds are exposed and hang by fine threads. It is assumed that birds are the main consumers and dispersers of these seeds.
Deerberry (Vaccinium stamineum)
threatened
Efforts are being made at St. Lawrence Islands National Park to re-introduce Deerberry to other areas of the park where the habitat is suitable, in order to increase the overall numbers of the species. Related research is being carried out in partnership with universities.
Dense Blazing Star (Liatris spicata)
threatened
Dense Blazing Star is able to grow in soil that is contaminated with cadmium by turning this toxic heavy metal into a non-toxic form in its tissues.
Drooping Trillium (Trillium flexipes)
endangered
Drooping Trillium may take up to 10 years to produce flowers.
Dwarf Hackberry (Celtis tenuifolia)
threatened
Many insects rely on the Dwarf Hackberry for survival. Several rare insects, including beetles that were only recently discovered in Canada, also depend on the Dwarf Hackberry for part of their life cycles.
Dwarf Lake Iris (Iris lacustris)
special concern
Michigan recently designated the Dwarf Lake Iris as its official wildflower.
Eastern Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)
endangered
The bright red fruit of this tree is poisonous to humans but can be eaten by over 50 species of birds and small mammals. These animals help distribute Eastern Flowering Dogwood seeds throughout forests.
Eastern Prairie Fringed-orchid (Platanthera leucophaea)
endangered
This orchid’s seeds are produced in huge numbers, but germination and seedling growth depend on the presence of special fungi in the soil.
Eastern Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia humifusa)
endangered
Birds sometimes nest among the stems of the Eastern Prickly Pear Cactus, where spines of the cactus aid in protecting eggs and nestlings from predators.
Engelmann's Quillwort (Isoetes engelmannii)
endangered
Researchers need to examine this plant under a microscope to tell the difference between different types of quillworts.
False Hop Sedge (Carex lupuliformis)
endangered
The tiny flowers of False Hop Sedge are wind pollinated, so the plant does not attract many insects. However, the caterpillars of various butterflies, skippers, and moths feed on various sedge species, while a number of species of birds feed on the seeds.
False Rue-anemone (Enemion biternatum)
threatened
Unlike other flowering plants, False Rue-anemone does not produce nectar to attract insects to pollinate its flowers. However, because it is one of the first plants to produce flowers in the spring, it is able to attract insects that don’t yet have tastier options.
Few-flowered Club-rush (Trichophorum planifolium)
endangered
All Canadian populations of this plant have been found near openings in the forest canopy, suggesting that once the ground is heavily shaded, this sedge cannot survive.
Forked Three-awned Grass (Aristida basiramea)
endangered
Since Forked Three-awned Grass is an annual, its growth and reproduction are influenced by each year’s environmental conditions. This makes estimating population size difficult, as a number of plants present in an area may remain relatively undetectable in the soil seed bank during any given year.
Four-leaved Milkweed (Asclepias quadrifolia)
endangered
The two populations of Four-leaved Milkweed which are known to still exist in Ontario were only recently discovered – in 2006 and 2007. It is possible that additional populations may be identified in the future.
Gattinger's Agalinis (Agalinis gattingeri)
endangered
Gattinger's Agalinis looks so similar to its close relative, Skinner's Agalinis, that it can only be distinguished by experts who closely analyze specific features of the flowers, leaves and stems.
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)
threatened
A tea made from the roots of Goldenseal was used in traditional aboriginal medicine to treat a variety of complaints including ulcerated or inflamed mucous membranes. This plant continues to be popular in herbal medicine today, but only farm-grown Goldenseal should be used owing to its extreme rarity in the wild.
Green Dragon (Arisaema dracontium)
special concern
The Green Dragon’s root is bitter tasting and poisonous unless specially prepared, but it was used medicinally by Aboriginal people and European settlers.
Hart's-tongue Fern
(Asplenium scolopendrium)
special concern
Hart’s-tongue Fern has very specific habitat requirements, making transplantation and artificial propagation difficult.
Heart-leaved Plantain (Plantago cordata)
endangered
Heart-leaved Plantain is capable of self-pollinating but generally the seeds are wind-pollinated.
Hill's Pondweed (Potamogeton hillii)
special concern
Hill’s Pondweed was not discovered in Ontario until 1951, but a specimen in the Canadian Museum of Nature was collected in 1901. More historical specimens may be discovered in Canadian collections.
Hill's Thistle (Cirsium hillii)
threatened
In Ontario, Hill's Thistle often grows with other species at risk such as Lakeside Daisy and Houghton's Goldenrod.
Hoary Mountain-mint (Pycnanthemum incanum)
endangered
Hoary Mountain-mint is a very fragrant plant that is attractive to bees and known to produce high quality honey.
Horsetail Spike-rush (Eleocharis equisetoides)
endangered
Horsetail Spike-rush was used by the Seminole Indians to make beads for jewelry.
Houghton's Goldenrod (Solidago houghtonii)
threatened
Houghton's Goldenrod is thought to have evolved as a result of hybridization between two other goldenrod species and a subsequent increase in chromosome number.
Illinois Tick-trefoil (Desmodium illinoense)
extirpated
Illinois Tick-trefoil has explosive blossoms, which means that when a bee or butterfly stops on a flower, a cloud of pollen is shot at it.
Juniper Sedge (Carex juniperorum)
endangered
This species is new to science. The biology of the Juniper Sedge is not well known, since the plant was only discovered in Ontario in the early 1990s.
Kentucky Coffee-tree (Gymnocladus dioicus)
threatened
The leaves and seeds of Kentucky Coffee-tree contain a toxic substance, the alkaloid, cytosine, which may be fatal if consumed. However, aboriginal people used the roasted seeds of the Kentucky Coffee-tree to treat headaches and relieve digestion problems. Roasting is supposed to neutralize the toxins.
Lakeside Daisy (Tetraneuris herbacea)
threatened
The Ontario populations of Lakeside Daisy constitute about 95 per cent of the populations existing in the world. Lakeside Daisy is one of very few plant species with most of its global range in Ontario.
Large Whorled Pogonia (Isotria verticillata)
endangered
As do all orchids, Large Whorled Pogonia has a symbiotic relationship with fungus found in the soil, which means they are interdependent for nourishment and survival. The Large Whorled Pogonia will only produce seeds if the necessary fungus is present in the soil.
Nodding Pogonia (Triphora trianthophora)
endangered
Orchids can remain dormant in the soil before emerging when the conditions are suitable.
Ogden's Pondweed (Potamogeton ogdenii)
endangered
Pondweeds provide habitat for aquatic invertebrates, food for mammals and waterfowl, and hiding places for amphibians and fish.
Pink Milkwort (Polygala incarnata)
endangered
Fire plays an important role in maintaining open prairie habitat where Pink Milkwort lives. Fire actually stimulates the growth of these hardy flowers and naturally removes trees and shrubs that would otherwise overtake its habitat
Pitcher's Thistle (Cirsium pitcheri)
threatened
Pitcher’s Thistle was named after Dr. Zina Pitcher, who discovered the plant while serving as an army surgeon during the 1820s at Fort Brady, Sault Ste. Marie on Lake Superior.
Purple Twayblade (Liparis liliifolia)
threatened
Purple Twayblade often grows in grassland savanna – one of the most endangered habitats in Canada. This extremely rare community supports an amazing diversity of wildlife, plants, butterflies and other insects.
Pygmy Pocket Moss (Fissidens exilis)
special concern
Pygmy Pocket Moss can self-fertilize and produce fertile spores without being in close proximity to other Pygmy Pocket Mosses.
Red Mulberry (Morus rubra)
endangered
Unlike most fruit trees that are pollinated by insects, the flowers of this plant are pollinated by the wind.
Riddell's Goldenrod (Solidago riddellii)
special concern
Riddell’s Goldenrod has the potential to self-pollinate but it is primarily an out-breeder, pollinated by a variety of flies, bees, wasps, and moths.
Round-leaved Greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia)
threatened
The seeds of Round-leaved Greenbrier can remain buried in the soil for at least three years while waiting for the right conditions to start growing a new plant.
Scarlet Ammannia (Ammannia robusta)
endangered
In British Columbia, Scarlet Ammannia is found alongside another species at risk, Toothcup (Rotala ramosior). While these species are also both found in Ontario, they do not occur together here.
Showy Goldenrod (Solidago speciosa)
threatened (Boreal population), endangered (Great Lakes Plains population)
The root of this species was used by Aboriginal people for burns, strained muscles, trouble breathing and difficult labour.
Shumard Oak (Quercus shumardii)
special concern
The Shumard Oak’s shiny, deep-lobed leaves help distinguish the species from the similar-looking Red Oak.
Skinner's Agalinis (Agalinis skinneriana)
Skinner's Agalinis is able to steal nutrients from other plants. It uses a fungus to attach its own roots to the roots of its host plant, and is then able to leech nutrients and water out of the plant.
Slender Bush-clover (Lespedeza virginica)
endangered
Fire plays an important roll in maintaining the prairie habitat of Slender Bush-clover. Fire naturally removes trees, shrubs and many invasive plants that would otherwise shade-out prairie plants.
Small White Lady's-slipper (Cypripedium candidum)
endangered
Individual Small White Lady’s-slipper plants may not flower until as many as 16 years after germination.
Small Whorled Pogonia (Isotria medeoloides)
endangered
The Small Whorled Pogonia appears to be primarily self-pollinated. The flowers lack nectar guides and fragrance and insect pollination has not been observed.
Small-flowered Lipocarpha (Lipocarpha micrantha)
threatened
This tiny plant has a very wide range. It is found all the way from Brazil to southern Canada, and in Africa.
Spoon-leaved Moss (Bryoandersonia illecebra)
endangered
A previously unknown population of Spoon-leaved Moss was discovered in Welland County in 2002.
Spotted Wintergreen (Chimaphila maculata)
endangered
Aboriginal peoples used Spotted Wintergreen for a variety of medicinal purposes including as a poultice, for rheumatism, and for the treatment of colds and fevers.
Spring Blue-eyed Mary (Collinsia verna)
extirpated
The plant’s flowers are pollinated by bees, butterflies and flies.
Swamp Rose-mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos)
special concern
The total Canadian population of Swamp Rose-mallow is estimated to consist of fewer than 10,000 plants.
Toothcup (Rotala ramosior)
endangered
The populations of Toothcup in Canada are believed to be post-glacial relicts - a once widespread natural population surviving only in isolated localities in British Columbia and Ontario because of environmental changes.
Tuberous Indian-plantain (Arnoglossum plantagineum)
special concern
"Tuberous" refers to the plant’s fleshy, thickened roots.
Virginia Goat's-rue (Tephrosia virginiana)
endangered
Virginia Goat's-rue has its own self-defence against pesky insects. The chemical rotenone has been found in the plant, a chemical that is used as an insecticide and piscicide.
Virginia Mallow (Sida hermaphrodita)
endangered
In Poland and Russia, this plant is cultivated and used as biomass for creating energy and heat.
Western Silvery Aster (Symphyotrichum sericeum)
endangered
This plant is Ontario's rarest aster, growing in rare bur oak savannahs.
White Prairie Gentian (Gentiana alba)
endangered
Bumblebees are one of the few insects that are strong enough to open the White Prairie Gentian's flowers and pollinate them.
White Wood Aster (Eurybia divaricata)
threatened
The flowers of White Wood Aster are attractive to butterflies and it is the host plant for Pearly Crescents, a common North American butterfly.
Wild Hyacinth (Camassia scilloides)
threatened
A single Wild Hyacinth can produce over 100 flowers in a single season.
Willowleaf Aster (Symphyotrichum praealtum)
threatened
Aboriginal people used Willowleaf Aster to treat stomach aches and injuries. They also smoked the dried leaves for good luck while hunting.
Wood-poppy (Stylophorum diphyllum)
endangered
Wood-poppy seeds have an "elaiosome", which is a fleshy structure that is rich in lipids and proteins. Ants, which are attracted to these elaiosomes, carry them back to their nests, feed them to their larvae, and then discard the intact seed. In doing this, the ants serve as dispersers of the Wood-poppy seeds.
Lichens
Flooded Jellyskin (Leptogium rivulare)
threatened
Flooded Jellyskin is considered rare wherever it occurs worldwide.
Pale-bellied Frost Lichen (Physconia subpallida)
endangered
This lichen grows on the surface of other plants, rocks, or structures and derives nutrients from the air and rain.
