Download purple sanicle - Draft

Purple Sanicle (Sanicula bipinnatifida)
Global: G5 Provincial: S2 COSEWIC: T, BC List: Red
Note on taxonomy for Sanicula bipinnatifid: Purple sanicle is a member of the Apiaceae (carrot) family and is one of a number of sanicle species found in
the Coast Region (E-flora, USDA Plants Database).
Distribution: Elevations 50-320 m Purple sanicle occurs from northern California to Oregon but is only found in disjunct populations from Washington to
southeastern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. The bipinnatifida species is one of many sanicle species found on the Coast Region, but is as with many
other species in Garry oak and Coastal Douglas fir communities at the northern end of its range in North America (GOERT 2002, Parks Canada 2006).
Currently, there are 20 known occurrences and 5-6 believed extirpated. Many populations have little recent data from which to assess their status (Parks
Canada 2006). Locals include Oak Bay, Saanich, Mount Douglas, Thetis Lake, Rithet’s Bog and Saturna Island.
Description: Height 100-600mm A perennial herb the erect branched stems grow from a single taproot. The pinnate (divided and somewhat resembling a
feather), toothed leaves of the plant are found at the base as well as on the stem measuring 40-130 mm long. The globe shaped flower heads are a distinct deep
purple or wine colour and made up of several smaller 5 petalled flowers arising from a single point (umbel). Bracts are small and difficult to see. The dry egg
shaped fruits are 3-6 mm and covered in hooked prickles. Fruits split open when mature to disperse their seeds. (GOERT 2002, Parks Canada 2006).
Look’s Like? There are a number of sanicle species such as sierra sanicle, Pacific sanicle that have overlapping distribution with S. bipinnatifid and may be
confused with this species, especially in the absence of flowers. However in the case of sierra sanicle the leaf axis is smooth and not distinctly toothed. Pacific
sanicle is perhaps the closest to resemble purple sanicle however the flowers are somewhat pinkish and tend to be more sparsely arranged (GOERT 2002, Parks
Canada 2006).
Primary Habitat: As with many associated species of Garry oak marine headlands (camas, spring gold, gumweed), purple sanicle prefers low-elevation shade
free meadows and tussock fields dominated by herbs, forbs and some grasses. Typically soils are too shallow (e.g. 300 m) and moisture and aspect conditions
too exposed to support tree species. Shrub growth is limited (GOERT 2002, Parks Canada 2006).
Secondary Habitat: Populations also occupy exposed rocky outcrops and cliffs along the shoreline.
Critical Features: Purple sanicle is generally restricted to exposed maritime and upland meadows with well drained soils and mild climate variations. Soils
usually remain moist over winter but often are drought stressed by ealr summer. Herb and forbe communities where this species occurs have historically been
maintained by light grazing or controlled seasonal burns (GOERT 2002, Parks Canada 2006)
Seasonal Life Cycle
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Established plants resprout late
winter, seeds germinate early spring,
flowering from early May to end of
June
Shoots die back depending on
moisture availability, seeds
produced late summer, fruits
dispersed late summer to fall
Seedlings form a loose rosette in first year, growth stops with the beginning of the dry season. Flowering likely occurs in the second year. Barbed fruit are
dispersed when animals brush against the plants.
Habitat Guild: Sea level to low elevation wildflower meadows, Garry Oak woodlands and marine bluffs, rock outcroppings and seeps.
Threats
 The preferred ecological associations of this species are geographically limited and subject to urban development and associated habitat loss.
 Due to high seedling mortality rates few plants may survive through to their second year to flower and fruit.
 Disturbance and trampling from outdoor recreation activities.
 Competition for nutrients and shading from associated vascular plants and subsequently expansion of other more shade tolerant species.
 Fire suppression has led to increased spread and encroachment of competitive plant species (i.e. vascular plants) including several invasive species.
Key Conservation & Management Objectives
 Assess actual level and extent of threats to existing populations.
 A targeted inventory is needed to determine the status of previously identified populations and determine actual levels of extirpation within the Coast
Region. Conduct outreach to raise awareness of this species and how to identify it to improve distribution knowledge
 Monitor existing populations on an ongoing basis to assess viability and reduce potential disturbance from land use activities.
 Where suitable habitat occurs work with land managers and land owners to ensure development or recreational activities do not disturb or encroach on
sensitive areas.
 Prevent the introduction and spread of invasive plants, especially aggressive competitors like Scotch broom and Himalayan blackberry, which can be
difficult to control once they are established. When controlling invasive plants, take precautions to minimize disturbance.
 Meet objectives for this species and the conservation of its habitat as set out in the “Recovery Strategy for Multi-species at Risk in Maritime Meadows
Associated with Garry Oak Ecosystems in Canada”.
 Sightings, specimens, or observations of activities threatening its habitat should be reported to the regional Species at Risk Biologist at the Ministry of
Environment office.
Draft 2010
Disclaimer: This species account and related conservation recommendations are draft only and presently under review and subject to change.
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Main References/Literature Cited
Parks Canada Agency. 2006. Recovery Strategy for Multi-species at Risk in Maritime Meadows Associated with Garry Oak Ecosystems in Canada. In Species
at Risk Act Recovery Strategy Series. Ottawa: Parks Canada Agency. 93 pps.
Species at Risk in Garry Oak and Associated Ecosystems in British Columbia. 2002. Sanicula bipinnatifida Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team.
International Forest Products Limited and BC Ministry of Environment. 2003. A Field Guide to Species at Risk in the Coast Forest Region of British Columbia
Develop With Care: Environmental Guidelines for Urban and Rural Land Development in British Columbia.
BC Species & Ecosystems Explorer (BC Conservation Data Center Summary Report)
NatureServe Explorer
Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada
E-Flora Electronic Atlas of the Plants of British Columbia
USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database
Image credits:
Purple Sanicle: Rod Gilbert
Purple Sanicle Inset: KQED Flickr
Habitat: Harling Point - Diane M. Rogers
Draft 2010
Disclaimer: This species account and related conservation recommendations are draft only and presently under review and subject to change.
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