Potentilla robbinsiana

Plants tufted to densely matted; caudex branches short, ± slender, often embedded in old leaf bases. Stems spreading to erect, 0.1–0.4 dm, lengths 1–2 times basal leaves. Basal leaves not in ranks, ternate, 1–2 cm; stipules: apex broadly acute; petiole 0.7–3 cm, long hairs sparse to abundant, spreading to subappresed, 0.2–2 mm, weak, glands sparse to common; leaflets 3, central obovate, 0.5–1.3 × 0.2–1 cm, petiolule 0–1 mm, margins flat to ± revolute, not lobed, distal ± 2/3 evenly incised ± 1/2 to midvein, teeth 2–4(–5) per side, surfaces similar, green, hairs ± abundant (or nearly absent adaxially), 0.5–1 mm, glands sparse to common. Inflorescences 1(–2)-flowered. Pedicels straight, 0.5–3 cm, not much longer in fruit than in flower. Flowers: epicalyx bractlets oblong to elliptic, (1.8–)2–2.5(–3) × 0.7–1.2(–1.4) mm, ± equal to sepals, margins flat to ± revolute; hypanthium (4–)5–7 mm diam.; sepals (1.8–)2–2.5(–3) mm, apex broadly acute; petals yellow, 2–3 × 2–3 mm; filaments 0.5–1 mm, anthers 0.4–0.6 mm; carpels 20–30, styles columnar-tapered, sometimes ± papillate-swollen in proximal 1/3–1/2, 0.8–1 mm. Achenes 1–1.3 mm. 2n = 49.

Phenology: Flowering summer.
Habitat: Moist rocky slopes and flats, in montane tundra
Elevation: 1400–1600 m

Distribution

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• Legacy Map

N.H., Vt.

Discussion

Of conservation concern.

Potentilla robbinsiana is known only from two sites in the White Mountains, Monroe County, New Hampshire, and is reported in Vermont. Additional populations have been established nearby as a result of transplant efforts. Listed in 1980 as a federally endangered species, an intense recovery program resulted in the species being delisted in 2002.

Some early specimens were distributed as Potentilla frigida Villars, a similar European species.

Selected References

Cogbill, C. V. 1968. The interplay of botanists and Potentilla robbinsiana: Discovery, systematics, collection, and stewardship of a rare species. Rhodora 95: 52–75.

Graber, R. E. 1980. The life history and ecology of Potentilla robbinsiana. Rhodora 82: 131–140.

Graber, R. E. and L. G. Brewer. 1985. Changes in the population of the rare and endangered plant Potentilla robbinsiana Oakes during the period 1973 to 1983. Rhodora 87: 449–457.

Steele, F. L. 1964. Potentilla robbinsiana in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Rhodora 66: 408–411.

Lower Taxa

None.