| Diphasiastrum alpinum |
| Alpine clubmoss |
Key Characteristics
Small clubmoss (15 cm) of dry northern coniferous forests; resembling a dwarf pine or juniper, with tiny scale-like overlapping leaves, underside leaves trowel-shaped, contracted at the base with flared and rolled blades; strobili not stalked, borne on terminal shoots.
Status and Rank
- State Status: X - Presumed extirpated (legally 'threatened' if rediscovered)
- State Rank: SX - Presumed extirpated
- Global Rank: G5 - Secure
Occurrences
No known occurrences in Michigan
Updated 05/08/2013. 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
The only known Michigan collection is from the Keweenaw Peninsula around the turn of the century. In the heart of its range in the northwest and in the northeastern Canadian provinces, it is known from dry conifer and mixed forests as well as grassy mountain slopes.
Natural Community Types
Associated Plants
No data exists on associated species in Michigan.
Management
Little is known of the biology and ecology of this species, though it may benefit from moderate levels of disturbance that creates and maintains small openings and colonization sites.
General Survey Guidelines
Random meander search covers areas that appear likely to have rare taxa, based on habitat and the judgement of the investigator.
Survey Methods
- Meander search
Survey Period: From first week of May to fourth week of September
Page Citation
References
Survey References
- Elzinga, C.L., D.W. Salzer, and J.W. Willoughby. 1998. Measuring and Monitoring Plant Populations. The Nature Conservancy and Bureau of Land Management, Denver. BLM Technical Reference 1730-1. 477pp.
- Goff, G.F., G.A. Dawson, and J.J. Rochow. 1982. Site examination for Threatened and Endangered plant species. Environmental Management 6(4): 307-316
- Nelson, J.R. 1984. Rare Plant Field Survey Guidelines. In: J.P. Smith and R. York. Inventory of rare and endangered vascular plants of California. 3rd Ed. California Native Plant Society, Berkeley. 174pp.
- Nelson, J.R. 1986. Rare Plant Surveys: Techniques For Impact Assessment. Natural Areas Journal 5(3):18-30.
- Nelson, J.R. 1987. Rare Plant Surveys: Techniques for Impact Assessment. In: Conservation and management of rare and endangered plants. Ed. T.S. Elias. California Native Plant Society, Sacramento. 8pp.
Technical References
- Flora of North America Editorial Committee. 1993. Flora of North America, North of Mexico. Volume 2: Pteridophytes and Gymnosperms. Oxford University Press, New York. 475pp.