Stoloniferous pussytoes (Antennaria flagellaris) COSEWIC assessment and status report: chapter 9
Special Significance of the Species
The calcareous clay seepage slopes occupied by A. flagellaris are unique in the Princeton area. In addition, they are not yet invaded by introduced species. Therefore, they represent important conservation areas in relatively pristine condition.
Furthermore, the populations of A. flagellaris are unique in that they are at the northern extent of their geographic range. Peripheral populations are sometimes genetically and morphologically divergent from central populations and may have an evolutionary and ecological significance out of proportion to the percentage of the species they represent (Mayr 1982; Lesica and Allendorf 1995). The protection of genetically distinct peripheral populations may be important for the long-term survival of the species as a whole (Lesica and Allendorf 1995).
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