Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC. var. johannensis Fern.

St. John Oxytrope

• State Rank: S1
• Global Rank: G5T4
• State Status: Threatened

Habitat: Calcareous rocks and gravels along St. John River. [Non-tidal rivershore (non-forested, seasonally wet)]

Range: Newfoundland to James Bay, south to the St. John River (New Brunswick and Maine), and Levis County, Quebec.

Aids to Identification: This small member of the Pea family is indentified by its leaves bearing 7-31 narrow elliptic leaflets, the lack of an above-ground stem (i.e. leaves all in a cluster), and leafless flowering stalks bearing purple flowers in a 2-4 cm long raceme. The mature fruit is a small, pubescent legume.

Ecological characteristics: In Maine, this species is found along the shore of the St. John River.

Phenology: Flowers June - July.

Family: Fabaceae

Synonyms: Oxytropis johannensis (Fern.) Heller.

Known Distribution in Maine: This rare plant has been documented from a total of 6 town(s) in the following county(ies): Aroostook.

Reason(s) for rarity: At southern limit of range; habitat naturally scarce.

Conservation considerations: Populations could be threatened by heavy recreational use.

For more information, see the Native Plant Trust's Conservation Plan for Oxytropis campestris.