National Collection Updates
The enduring commitment to conservation throughout our network of Conservation Partners enabled the CPC National Collection to grow even larger this year. With 150 new species collected in 2022, CPC Participating Institutions now collectively possess a monumental total of 2,342 native North American rare plant species stored safely in ex-situ conservation collections. These new additions represent collections from 27 different Participating Institutions across 15 states/territories. Many of the rare plants collected in 2022 are a direct result of the California Plant Rescue seed banking initiative, an incredible success in regional conservation efforts, which has helped pave the way for the growing Florida Plant Rescue initiative. Read on to meet some new additions to the National Collection.
Whorled Sunflower (Helianthus verticillatus)
Whorled sunflower (Helianthus verticillatus), a critically imperiled species native to the Southeastern US, is found in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee. This sunflower lives in prairie habitat that was once widespread throughout the region but is now fragmented and facing constant threat. Less than ten populations of this species are known to remain in nature. Helianthus verticillatus is held in conservation collection at Southeastern Grasslands Institute, a Participating Institution new to the CPC network this year.
Learn more about conservation actions taken for Whorled sunflower on its National Collection Plant Profile, and help support its conservation with a Plant Sponsorship.
North Umpqua Kalmiopsis (Kalmiopsis fragrans)
North Umpqua Kalmiopsis (Kalmiopsis fragrans) is an imperiled species native only to the state of Oregon. This species was collected at a Research Natural Area in the Umpqua National Forest by Rae Selling Berry Seed Bank, as part of the CPC’s IMLS-funded Seed Longevity Study. Kalmiopsis fragrans plants grow upon steep rocky outcrops – making for a field excursion with striking views but difficult terrain.
Learn more about conservation actions taken for North Umpqua Kalmiopsis on its National Collection Plant Profile, and help support its conservation with a Plant Sponsorship.
Vanishing Wild Buckwheat (Eriogonum evanidum)
Vanishing wild buckwheat (Eriogonum evanidum) is native to California and Baja California. One of many species collected for the California Plant Rescue initiative, this species is held in conservation collection at California Botanic Garden. Thought for many years to have gone extinct, the species was rediscovered by a team at California Botanic Garden. Thanks to their efforts in collecting and protecting Eriogonum evanidum in ex-situ storage, this buckwheat will hopefully not vanish again!
Learn more about conservation actions taken for Vanishing wild buckwheat on its National Collection Plant Profile, and help support its conservation with a Plant Sponsorship.
