Coreopsis palmata
Prairie Coreopsis
Photo by Brad Slaughter
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Key Characteristics

Small perennial forb (40-90 cm) of dry sandy prairies; leaves small, sessile, and bird's-foot in appearance; flowers yellow, 4-6 cm wide.

Status and Rank

  • State Status: T - Threatened (legally protected)
  • State Rank: S2 - Imperiled
  • Global Rank: G5 - Secure

Occurrences

County NameNumber of OccurrencesYear Last Observed
Berrien51987
Cass51999
Kalamazoo71983
St. Joseph51987
Van Buren11982
Occurrence Map for [Sname]

Information is summarized from MNFI's database of rare species and community occurrences. Data may not reflect true distribution since much of the state has not been thoroughly surveyed.

Habitat

Known from mesic prairie remnants, especially along railroad rights-of-way.

Natural Community Types

Associated Plants

Prairie dock, big bluestem, little bluestem, cordgrass, prairie coreopsis, wild geranium, pale-leaved sunflower, false boneset, smooth sumac, rosin weed, yellow-pimpernel, hoary vervain, prairie violet, and golden alexanders.

Management

Protect habitat and natural disturbance regimes. Prevent invasive species from entering the site. This species likely requires natural disturbances associated with prairie habitat such as fire or brush removal to prevent woody plant succession. Significant increases in vegetative and reproductive vigor have been observed following early spring and fall burns; late spring burns and summer can damage plants. Much of this habitat type has been lost or severely degraded. Many prairie remnants are vulnerable to common right-of-way maintenance activities such as mowing, herbiciding, and bulldozing.

General Survey Guidelines

Random meander search covers areas that appear likely to have rare taxa, based on habitat and the judgment of the investigator.

Survey Methods

References

Survey References

Technical References

Page Citation

Michigan Natural Features Inventory. 2007. Rare Species Explorer (Web Application). Available online at http://web4.msue.msu.edu/mnfi/explorer [Accessed Jan 16, 2009]