Threatened
Description
The Small-flowered Lipocarpha is a tiny annual sedge that grows in dense clumps. Its curved stems are up to 20 centimetres long and 0.5 millimetres wide with very narrow leaves. Small flowers are tightly clustered in dense oval spikes near the top of the stem. Tiny, dry seeds are brown with bluish highlights.
Action we are taking:
Range
In Canada, based on surveys done in 2000 and 2001, the Small-flowered Lipocarpha is thought to occur only in southern British Columbia and northwestern Ontario. In Ontario, it is found in the Lake of the Woods and Rainy Lake areas. In 1987, Small-flowered Lipocarpha was reported in Essex Country in southwestern Ontario, but shoreline habitat destruction may have since resulted in loss of this population.
Habitat
The Small-flowered Lipocarpha grows on sandy beaches that are seasonally flooded and are protected from high waves or strong currents. It is most abundant in open, sunny areas with little vegetation. This sensitive plant does not tolerate even slight changes to its habitat, pollution, or competition from other plants.
Threats
The main threat to Small-flowered Lipocarpha is habitat loss and degradation, pollution, erosion and vehicle traffic on beaches. Invasive plants may also threaten this plant.
Protection
Small-flowered Lipocarpha is protected under Ontario’s Endangered Species Act and the federal Species at Risk Act.
What You Can Do to Help Small-flowered Lipocarpha
- The Ministry of Natural Resources tracks species at risk such as Small-flowered Lipocarpha. You can use a handy online form to report your sightings to the Natural Heritage Information Centre. Photographs with specific locations or mapping coordinates are always helpful. nhic.mnr.gov.on.ca
- Report any illegal activity related to plants and wildlife to 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667).
- Private land owners have a very important role to play in species recovery. If you find Small-flowered Lipocarpha on your property, you may be eligible for stewardship programs that support the protection and recovery of species at risk and their habitats.
- Volunteer with your local nature club or provincial park to participate in surveys or stewardship work focused on species at risk.
- Invasive species seriously threaten many of Ontario’s species at risk. To learn what you can do to help reduce the threat of invasive species, visit: ontario.ca/invasivespecies ; www.invadingspecies.com; www.ontarioinvasiveplants.ca; and, www.invasivespecies.gc.ca.
Did you know?
The seeds of the Small-flowered Lipocarpha can lie dormant in the sand for long periods of time and germinate only when conditions are favourable.
Did you know?
This tiny plant has a very wide range. It is found all the way from Brazil to southern Canada, and in Africa.
Did you know?
The pristine sandy shorelines where Small-flowered Lipocarpha lives are also highly prized for cottage development.
Did you know?
Small-flowered Lipocarpha resembles the seedlings of many other sedge species that live in the same habitat. Experts use the unique shape of the tiny flower head, which is less than five millimetres long, to correctly identify this plant.
Contact your local ministry office
Often the best source of local information on species at risk is your nearest ministry office. Call with your questions or concerns.
