A phytogeographical and ecological study of prenanthes crepidinea michaux : (Asteraceae) /

Abstract

Prenanthes crepidinea Michaux is a herbaceous plant that is listed as a species of special concern in eleven states. Since little is known of the natural history of this species, a two-part study was conducted. The first part was a phytogeographical study involving herbarium loans to determine the current and historic distributions of the species. Ecological data were gathered from the herbarium specimens. A literature search was done for information reported about Prenanthes crepidinea to enhance the herbarium study. Micromorphology of selected structures was investigated using scanning electron microscopy. The second part of the study involved studying three extant sites in depth. This involved developing a characteristic habitat description and a natural history for the species. Soil associations, associated species, and pollinators were studied. Voucher specimens for all associated species were collected and deposited in the Herbarium of Youngstown State University (YUO). This study was conducted in two field seasons, 1998-1999. The sites were chosen the first year. The sites were visited on a biweekly basis to collect associated species and track the phenology of Prenanthes crepidinea. The second season was used to ensure that no associated species were overlooked due to unusual seasonal conditions in the first season and soil samples were taken. At the end of the second season the associated species lists and soil types found for the three sites were compared to determine if the community components were uniform and predictable.