Eastern lilaeopsis (Lilaeopsis chinensis) COSEWIC assessment and status report: chapter 2

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COSEWIC Executive Summary

Species information

Lilaeopsis chinensis (Eastern Lilaeopsis) is a small maritime plant in the Apiaceae (parsley family). The plant may be identified by its dark linear leaf-like structures that arise from a thin rhizome and grow a few centimetres in height. Eastern Lilaeopsis produces short clusters of small white flowers in August and September.

Distribution

Eastern Lilaeopsis occurs along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts from Maine to Louisiana. In Canada, it is restricted to estuaries on the southern coast of Nova Scotia.

Habitat

This species is found most commonly on gentle mud slopes in the intertidal zone along estuary shorelines, although it has also been found on gentle gravel slopes. Eastern Lilaeopsis appears to be a facultative species of brackish water. This species appears to be associated with Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora), and possibly Sea Milkwort (Glaux maritima) and Seaside Plantain (Plantago maritima).

Biology

Eastern Lilaeopsis grows in high densities at known Canadian sites, although flowering plants are sparsely distributed. Vegetative reproduction appears to be most important in maintaining populations.

Population sizes and trends

The species is restricted to several estuaries on the southern shore of Nova Scotia, where it is locally abundant. No recent change in distribution or population size has been noted, although it has not been recorded in Rhode Island since 1900. It is apparent the Eastern Lilaeopsis’ rarity in Canada is due to its presence at the northernmost edge of its range rather than due to human influence.

Limiting factors and threats

Although the species has a restricted range in Canada, it does not appear to have any imminent threats. However, future shoreline development or degradation could destroy extant populations, and sea level rise due to global warming may further stress populations on the long term.

Special significance of the species

Eastern Lilaeopsis is restricted to the Atlantic Coastal Plain and Gulf Coast. In Nova Scotia, it is found at the northernmost edge of its range. As a relict of a once continuous population along the Atlantic coast, Eastern Lilaeopsis is one of many plant species restricted in Canada to southern Nova Scotia.

Existing protection or other status designations

No specific protection exists for Eastern Lilaeopsis. It is considered very rare in Maine, New Hampshire and New York, rare in Connecticut and North Carolina, and has not been recorded in Rhode Island for many years. In at least Delaware and New Jersey, it is considered common and secure.

COSEWIC History

The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) was created in 1977 as a result of a recommendation at the Federal-Provincial Wildlife Conference held in 1976. It arose from the need for a single, official, scientifically sound, national listing of wildlife species at risk. In 1978, COSEWIC designated its first species and produced its first list of Canadian species at risk. On June 5, 2003, the Species at Risk Act (SARA) was proclaimed. SARA establishes COSEWIC as an advisory body ensuring that species will continue to be assessed under a rigorous and independent scientific process.

COSEWIC Mandate

The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) assesses the national status of wild species, subspecies, varieties, or other designatable units that are considered to be at risk in Canada. Designations are made on native species and include the following taxonomic groups: mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fishes, arthropods, molluscs, vascular plants, mosses, and lichens.

COSEWIC Membership

COSEWIC comprises members from each provincial and territorial government wildlife agency, four federal organizations (Canadian Wildlife Service, Parks Canada Agency, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and the Federal Biosystematic Partnership, chaired by the Canadian Museum of Nature), three nonjurisdictional members and the co-chairs of the species specialist and the Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge subcommittees. The committee meets to consider status reports on candidate species.

Definitions (after May 2004)

Species: Any indigenous species, subspecies, variety, or geographically defined population of wild fauna and flora.

Extinct (X)

A species that no longer exists.

Extirpated (XT)

A species no longer existing in the wild in Canada, but occurring elsewhere.

Endangered (E)

A species facing imminent extirpation or extinction.

Threatened (T)

A species likely to become endangered if limiting factors are not reversed.

Special Concern (SC)^Footnotea

A species that may become a threatened or an endangered species because of a combination of biological characteristics and identified threats.

Not at Risk (NAR)^Footnoteb

A species that has been evaluated and found to be not at risk.

Data Deficient (DD)^Footnotec

A species for which there is insufficient scientific information to support status designation.