Agalinis maritima (Raf.) Raf.

Saltmarsh False-foxglove

• State Rank: S3
• Global Rank: G5
• State Status: Special Concern

Habitat: Saltmarshes. [Tidal wetland (non-forested, wetland)]

Range: Confined to saltmarshes of the Atlantic coast from Maine southward to Florida.

Aids to Identification: Like its more common relative purple gerardia (A. paupercula), the plant has five-petaled, bell-shaped flowers borne erect at the tips of the branched stems. Saltmarsh false-foxglove may be distinguished by its distinct preference for saltmarshes and by its leaves, which are thick and succulent, linear in shape and about 2-3 cm long. As it grows less than 40 cm high, it is often almost concealed by the surrounding vegetation.

Ecological characteristics: Can occur in large populations in intact saltmarshes. Maine populations are represented by A. maritima var. maritima.

Phenology: Flowers in late summer.

Family: Orobanchaceae

Synonyms: Gerardia maritima Raf.

Known Distribution in Maine: This rare plant has been documented from a total of 17 towns in the following counties: Cumberland, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Washington, York.

Reason(s) for rarity: Reaches its northern range limit in southern Maine.

Conservation considerations: This plant persists well as long as the natural hydrology of its saltmarsh habitat is maintained.