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Puttyroot Aplectrum hyemale (Muhl. ex Willd.) Torr. |
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Family: Orchid Family (Orchidaceae)
State Protection: Endangered 
listed species are those with: 1) 5 or fewer extant sites, or 2) fewer than 1,000 individuals, or 3) restricted to fewer than 4 U.S.G.S. 7 ? minute topographical maps, or 4) species listed as endangered by U.S. Department of Interior. Federal Protection: Not Listed State Rarity Rank: S1
A State Rarity Rank of S1 means: This plant is endangered/critically imperiled in New York because of extreme rarity (typically 5 or fewer populations or very few remaining individuals) or is extremely vulnerable to extirpation from New York due to biological factors. Global Rarity Rank: G5
A Global Rarity Rank of G5 means: This species is demonstrably secure globally, though it may be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery. Did you know? The common name Adam-and-Eve orchid comes from the fact that old roots (Adam) give rise to new roots (Eve). The common name puttyroot is based on the historical use of the sticky substance found in the roots as a glue to mend pottery. You could say that this plant is a precursor to super glue. |
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| State Ranking Justification | [-] |
While this plant was apparently more common in the 1800s, today only one location is known. This plant may face various threats, but the reasons for its decline are not well understood. There appears to be plenty of habitat available across a rather large portion of the state. While it seems unlikely that people would overlook an orchid, this is possible since the leaves are only visible from fall to spring.
| Short-term Trends | [-] |
Since 1950, only three populations have been observed and today only one is known. This one population only has about a dozen plants. While this population is within a protected landscape, the trends might indicate broader threats that may one day lead to the loss of this plant from the New York flora.
| Long-term Trends | [-] |
Between 1850 and 1900 there were a minimum of 40 known populations. Between 1900 and 1950, the number of reported populations dropped to approximately 15. Since 1950, only three populations have been reported. The causes of this decline are unknown.
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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 Aplectrum hyemale. Available from: http://www.acris.nynhp.org/guide.php?id=9688. Accessed May 20th, 2013. 
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