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Virginia Snakeroot Endodeca serpentaria (L.) Raf. |
Dicots |  Printer Friendly Version (PDF) |
Family: Birthwort Family (Aristolochiaceae)
State Protection: Threatened 
listed species are those with: 1) 6 to fewer than 20 extant sites, or 2) 1,000 to fewer than 3,000 individuals, or 3) restricted to not less than 4 or more than 7 U.S.G.S. 7 ? minute topographical maps, or 4) listed as threatened by U.S. Department of the Interior. Federal Protection: Not Listed State Rarity Rank: S2
A State Rarity Rank of S2 means: This plant is threatened/imperiled in New York because of rarity (typically 6-20 populations or few remaining individuals) or is vulnerable to extirpation from New York due to biological factors. Global Rarity Rank: G4
A Global Rarity Rank of G4 means: This species is apparently secure globally (typically with more than 100+ populations), though it may be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery. Did you know? Virginia snakeroot's species and common name comes from its use by Native Americans and pioneers to cure rattlesnake bites. It was also used to treat fevers, toothaches, coughs, and disorders of the stomach and lung. The genus name is Greek for best (aristos) delivery (lochia) for its ancient use in child delivery. |
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| State Ranking Justification | [-] |
With the exception of a few casual reports, this plant was absent from the New York flora for nearly 100 years. Numerous surveys tried to relocate this plant, but the focus was in areas that resemble its southern habitats. Not until 1994, when this plant was finally rediscoverd in New York, did we begin to understand its New York habitat. Since then, more surveys have been conducted in appropriate habitat and we know of at least six populations. As surveys continue, we expect to find more populations of this plant in the Hudson Highlands and the mid-Hudson Valley.
| Short-term Trends | [-] |
Since this plant was just rediscovered in New York in 1994, the short-term trends are difficult to assess. Now that the habitat requirements in New York are better understood, more populations are being discovered. These may have been present all along or this plant may be spreading northward. Populations that have been surveyed more than once appear stable.
| Long-term Trends | [-] |
After going nearly a century without any reports of this plant (absent between 1895-1994), this plant was rediscovered in the Hudson Highlands. Since this rediscovery, a number of new populations have been found. Whether these populations were here all along or if the plants are increasing in this region is unclear. Stanley Smith commented in the 1960s that he thought he saw this plant at a site in Ulster County, New York, but no voucher specimen was collected. All of the historical populations in the New York City and Long Island area are presumed extirpated.
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Home | Advanced Search | About Us Animal Guides | Plant Guides | Community Guides © 2004-2012 New York Natural Heritage Program, a partnership between the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry Please cite this page as:
New York Natural Heritage Program. 2013. Online Conservation Guide for Endodeca serpentaria. Available from: http://www.acris.nynhp.org/guide.php?id=8726. Accessed June 19th, 2013. 
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