Diapensia lapponica L.

Lapland Diapensia

• State Rank: S2
• Global Rank: G5
• State Status: Special Concern

Habitat: Alpine areas, bare ledges and gravel [Alpine of subalpine (non-forested upland)].

Range: Circumboreal. South to ME, NH, VT, and NY.

Aids to Identification: Diapensia is a tufted alpine sub-shrub with white 5-lobed flowers and opposite leaves. This species grows in very dense "cushions" and mats above treeline. The leaves are small and ovate in shape. Colloquially called a cushion plant.

Ecological characteristics: Found above treeline on Maine's highest mountains. Grows on bare rock and gravel. Maine's populations are Diapensia lapponica var. laponica.

Phenology: Flowering June and July.

Family: Diapensiaceae

Synonyms: Represented in Maine and New England by ssp. lappponica. No synonyms noted

Known Distribution in Maine: This rare plant has been documented from a total of 10 towns in the following counties: Franklin, Oxford, Piscataquis, Somerset.

Reason(s) for rarity: Alpine habitat is scarce in Maine, at southern limit of range.

Conservation considerations: Hikers should stay on trail and avoid trampling alpine vegetation.