FLORA of the UKON TERRITORY
Y
SECOND EDITION
A Publication of the National Research Council of Canada Monograph Publishing Program
Y
FLORA of the UKON TERRITORY SECOND EDITION William J. Cody
Eastern Cereal and Oilseed Research Centre Research Branch Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Ottawa, Ontario
NRC RESEARCH PRESS Ottawa 2000
NRC Monograph Publishing Program P.B. Cavers (University of Western Ontario): Editor, Monograph Publishing Program Editorial Board: G.L. Baskerville, FRSC (University of British Columbia); W.G.E. Caldwell, FRSC (University of Western Ontario); C.A. Campbell (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada); J.A. Fortin, FRSC (Biologiste Conseil Inc.); K.U. Ingold, OC, FRS, FRSC (NRC, Steacie Institute for Molecular Sciences); B. Ladanyi, FRSC (École Polytechnique de Montréal); W.H. Lewis (Washington University); L.P. Milligan, FRSC (University of Guelph); G.G.E. Scudder, FRSC (University of British Columbia); B.P. Dancik, Editor-in-Chief, NRC Research Press (University of Alberta) Publishing Office: B. Dumouchel (Director General, CISTI); A. Holmes, Director, Publishing Directorate; G.J. Neville, Head, Monograph Publishing Program. Publication Proposals: Proposals for the NRC Monograph Publishing Program should be sent to Gerald J. Neville, Head, Monograph Publishing Program, National Research Council of Canada, NRC Research Press, 1200 Montreal Road, Building M-55, Ottawa, ON K1A 0R6, Canada. Telephone: (613) 993-1513; fax: (613) 9527656; e-mail:
[email protected]
© National Research Council of Canada 2000 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means , electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0R6, Canada.
Available from Subscription Office NRC Research Press National Research Council of Canada Ottawa, ON K1A 0R6 Enquiries: Telephone 613-990-2254, fax 613-952-7656 ISBN 0-660-18110-X NRCC No. 43257 First edition 1996 Canadian Cataloguing in Publication Data Cody, William J., 1922– Flora of the Yukon Territory – Second edition Includes an abstract in French. Includes addendum, bibliographical references, and index. Issued by the National Research Council of Canada ISBN 0-660-18110-X 1. Botany — Yukon Territory. I. National Reseach Council Canada. II. Title QK203.Y8C62 2000
581.9719’1
C00-980117-0
Correct citation for this publication: Cody, W.J. 2000. Flora of the Yukon Territory – Second Edition. NRC Research Press, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Staff Editor: Jane T. Buckley Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Staff Designer: Marcel Jomphe
v
CONTENTS
PREFACE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ABSTRACT/RÉSUMÉ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ACKNOWLEDGMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Physical description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vegetation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Summary of vascular plants in the Yukon flora . History of collecting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Keys to major divisions and families . . . . . . . FLORA OF THE YUKON TERRITORY LYCOPODIACEAE club-moss family . . . . . . . SELAGINELLACEAE spike-moss family . . . . . ISOETACEAE quillwort family . . . . . . . . . . . EQUISETACEAE horsetail family . . . . . . . . . OPHIOGLOSSACEAE adder’s-tongue family . . PTERIDACEAE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ASPIDIACEAE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ASPLENIACEAE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . POLYPODIACEAE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CUPRESSACEAE cypress family . . . . . . . . . . PINACEAE pine family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TYPHACEAE cattail family . . . . . . . . . . . . . SPARGANIACEAE bur-reed family . . . . . . . . POTAMOGETONACEAE pondweed family . . . SCHEUCHZERIACEAE arrow-grass family . . . ALISMATACEAE (ALISMACEAE) water plantain family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . POACEAE (GRAMINEAE) grass family . . . . . . CYPERACEAE sedge family . . . . . . . . . . . . ARACEAE arum family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LEMNACEAE duckweed family . . . . . . . . . . JUNCACEAE rush family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LILIACEAE lily family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IRIDACEAE iris family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ORCHIDACEAE orchid family . . . . . . . . . . . SALICACEAE willow family . . . . . . . . . . . . MYRICACEAE wax-myrtle family . . . . . . . . . BETULACEAE birch family . . . . . . . . . . . . . URTICACEAE nettle family . . . . . . . . . . . . SANTALACEAE sandalwood family . . . . . . . POLYGONACEAE buckwheat family . . . . . . . CHENOPODIACEAE goosefoot family . . . . . . PORTULACACEAE purslane family . . . . . . . CARYOPHYLLACEAE pink family . . . . . . . . CERATOPHYLLACEAE hornwort family . . . . NYMPHAEACEAE water-lily family . . . . . . . RANUNCULACEAE crowfoot family . . . . . . . PAPAVERACEAE poppy family . . . . . . . . . . FUMARIACEAE fumitory family . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . .
vii ix xi 1 1 3 4 6 12 21 25 26 27 32 35 37 45 46 47 48 51 52 54 61
63 64 131 183 184 185 196 202 203 212 235 236 240 242 243 253 260 263 285 286 288 308 312
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CONTENTS
BRASSICACEAE (CRUCIFERAE) mustard family DROSERACEAE sundew family . . . . . . . . . . CRASSULACEAE stonecrop family . . . . . . . . SAXIFRAGACEAE saxifrage family . . . . . . . . ROSACEAE rose family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FABACEAE (LEGUMINOSAE) pea family . . . . GERANIACEAE geranium family . . . . . . . . . LINACEAE flax family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EUPHORBIACEAE spurge family . . . . . . . . . CALLITRICHACEAE water starwort family . . . EMPETRACEAE crowberry family . . . . . . . . BALSAMINACEAE touch-me-not family . . . . . ELATINACEAE waterwort family . . . . . . . . . VIOLACEAE violet family . . . . . . . . . . . . . ELAEAGNACEAE oleaster family . . . . . . . . . ONAGRACEAE evening primrose family . . . . HIPPURIDACEAE mare’s-tail family . . . . . . . HALORAGACEAE water-milfoil family . . . . . . ARALIACEAE ginseng family . . . . . . . . . . . APIACEAE (UMBELLIFERAE) parsley family . . CORNACEAE dogwood family . . . . . . . . . . PYROLACEAE wintergreen family . . . . . . . . ERICACEAE heath family . . . . . . . . . . . . . DIAPENSIACEAE diapensia family . . . . . . . . PRIMULACEAE primrose family . . . . . . . . . PLUMBAGINACEAE leadwort family . . . . . . GENTIANACEAE gentian family . . . . . . . . . MENYANTHACEAE buckbean family . . . . . . APOCYNACEAE dogbane family . . . . . . . . . POLEMONIACEAE phlox family . . . . . . . . . HYDROPHYLLACEAE waterleaf family . . . . . BORAGINACEAE borage family . . . . . . . . . LAMIACEAE (LABIATAE) mint family . . . . . . SCROPHULARIACEAE figwort family . . . . . . OROBANCHACEAE broom-rape family . . . . . LENTIBULARIACEAE bladderwort family . . . . PLANTAGINACEAE plantain family . . . . . . . RUBIACEAE madder family . . . . . . . . . . . . CAPRIFOLIACEAE honeysuckle family . . . . . ADOXACEAE moschatel family . . . . . . . . . . VALERIANACEAE valerian family . . . . . . . . CAMPANULACEAE bluebell family . . . . . . . LOBELIACEAE lobelia family . . . . . . . . . . . ASTERACEAE (COMPOSITAE) family . . . . . . ADDENDUM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GLOSSARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BIBLIOGRAPHY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . INDEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
314 361 362 363 380 405 427 429 430 431 433 434 435 436 440 441 446 448 449 450 456 458 462 472 473 482 483 488 489 490 494 495 502 505 521 522 525 527 529 532 533 535 537 538 605 629 641 651
vii
PREFACE
T
he discovery of gold in Bonanza Creek near Dawson in 1896 created the “gold rush,” which brought to the Yukon Territory worldwide attention and a tremendous invasion of individuals seeking wealth. Some who failed to discover gold tried to cover their expenses, at least in part, by collecting plant specimens for sale. Others, intrigued by the beautiful plants of this northern region, began collecting specimens. Even before this time Arthur Krause (Bremen Geographical Society), George M. Dawson and W. Ogilvie (Canadian Geological Survey), Frederick Funston (U.S. Department of Agriculture), Martin W. Gorman (resident of southeast Alaska), and John J. McLean (U.S. Signal Service) had collected specimens as they traveled through the Territory. Later, besides casual collecting by private individuals and those who picked up specimens during their geological and other surveys, various professionals began studies related to the vegetation of the Yukon Territory. Among these were Erling Porsild (National Museum of Canada) who worked along the Canol Road in 1944; Jim Calder and Jack Gillett (Division of Botany and Plant Pathology, Canada Department of Agriculture) who in 1949 worked in the vicinities of Dawson and Watson Lake, respectively; Stanley L. Welsh (Brigham Young University) who in 1970 worked north of the Old Crow Flats; David Murray (University of Colorado) who from 1965 to 1971 worked in the St. Elias Mountains; and George Douglas (Douglas Ecological Consultants) who from 1973 to 1977 worked in Kluane National Park. In recent years also, Catherine Kennedy, Valerie Loewen, and others in the Yukon Department of Renewable Resources have made valuable contributions resulting from their studies of the vegetation in many, often remote, areas of the Territory. As collectors gathered more specimens for study, numerous new taxa that were endemic to the unglaciated regions of the Yukon Territory were described and known distributions of many taxa were extended. The first flora to cover the Territory was that of Eric Hultén (1941–1950), Flora of Alaska and Yukon. This book contained keys, distribution maps, and much useful information but no species, generic, or family descriptions. In 1959 came Jacob Peter Anderson’s Flora of Alaska and adjacent parts of Canada. This quite conservative treatment contained descriptions. In 1968, Hultén published Flora of Alaska and neighboring territories, a tremendous volume with keys, descriptions, line drawings, and worldwide and Alaska–Yukon distribution maps. In
viii
PREFACE
1974, Stanley Welsh published a great expansion of Anderson’s flora but was still quite conservative in his treatment. In addition to these floras, two most useful books on the ecology of the Yukon Territory have been published. They are by Oswald and Senyk (1977) Ecoregions of Yukon Territory and by Wiken et al. (1981) The northern Yukon: an ecological land survey. My interest in Canada’s northern flora began in 1948 when I went to Coral Harbor, Southampton Island, at the northern end of Hudson Bay to study biting-fly habitats. This work was part of a joint project with the Entomology Division, Canada Department of Agriculture, and was done in cooperation with the Defence Research Board, Canada Department of National Defence. These studies continued through the next 7 years at Yellowknife in 1949, Fort Smith in 1950, central Alaska in 1951, Norman Wells in 1953, and Fort Simpson in 1955. In 1957 and again in 1963, I studied the terrain of the Reindeer Grazing Preserve east of the Mackenzie Delta, to ascertain what changes might have taken place in the vegetation following the introduction of reindeer to the area. In 1961, I conducted studies of the vegetation adjacent to the Liard River from the British Columbia border downstream to Fort Simpson, and again in 1965 I engaged in similar studies along the Slave River between Fort Smith and Great Slave Lake. In 1966 I studied the vegetation in that part of the District of Mackenzie east of the Slave River between the 60th parallel and Great Slave Lake. In 1970, 1971, and 1972, I took part in field studies in the Mackenzie Mountains and various other localities in southern District of Mackenzie to assess sites that had been recommended for preservation in the International Biological Program Conservation of Terrestrial Habitats (IBP/CT) project. Also in 1971, I was a member of the Northern Roads Task Force, which examined the impact of road-building on terrain and vegetation in parts of northern Canada. In 1965, I joined Erling Porsild, Chief Botanist, National Herbarium, National Museum of Canada, and later Curator Emeritus, to begin the writing of Vascular plants of continental Northwest Territories, Canada. After completing the Plants of Riding Mountain National Park and much of the writing of Ferns and fern allies of Canada coauthored with Donald Britton, my interest turned again to Canada’s north. My fieldwork in the Yukon Territory extended through the summers of 1980 to 1984. The result has been the writing of the Flora of the Yukon Territory.
ix
ABSTRACT
T
his flora contains treatments of 1112 species representing 80 families of vascular plants that have been found in the Yukon Territory. Also included are species that occur nearby and may be found in the Territory in the future. The introduction describes briefly the Yukon Territory and its geology and vegetation, lists the families, outlines the history of botanical collecting, and cites the many sources. Descriptions and keys provide information on families, genera, species, subspecies, and varieties. Species accounts include relevant synonomy, descriptions, habitat information, and distribution (both worldwide and territorial) as well as occasional comments. All species are illustrated, and dot maps depict known distributions within the Yukon Territory. A glossary and bibliography complete the book.
RÉSUMÉ
C
ette flore traite de 1112 espèces de plantes vasculaires qui ont été recueillies au Yukon et appartenant à 80 familles. On y traite également d’espèces répertoriées près du Yukon et qu’on pourrait retrouver sur ce territoire à l’avenir. L’introduction décrit brièvement le Yukon, sa géologie, sa végétation, dresse la liste des familles, esquisse l’histoire de la collecte botanique et on y cite les nombreuses sources qui ont permis de rédiger cet ouvrage. Les descriptions et les tableaux d’identification donnent des renseignements sur les familles, les genres, les espèces, les sous-espèces et les variétés. Le texte consacré à chaque espèce comprend une synonymie, des descriptions, de l’information sur l’habitat et la répartition de l’espèce (dans le monde et sur le territoire), ainsi qu’un certain nombre de commentaires occasionnels. Pour chaque espèce, il y a une illustration et une carte qui indique sa répartition au Yukon. On trouvera à la fin du livre un glossaire et une biliographie.
xi
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
T
hose who consult this volume may recognize many of the illustrations from Vascular plants of continental Northwest Territories, Canada by A.E. Porsild and W.J. Cody (1980) by artists Dagny Lid, Lynne Bartosch, and Brenda Carter. Also, the ferns and fern allies are those drawn by Valerie Fulford for Ferns and fern allies of Canada by W.J. Cody and D.M. Britton (1989). Again Valerie Fulford, in the early 1980s, produced many illustrations while under contract with Agriculture Canada, and recently Marcel Jomphe, staff artist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, has completed this art work. The author also wishes to acknowledge the contributions of the following who helped with specific sections of the text: Gerald A. Mulligan (Arabis), David F. Murray (Papaver), and Randall J. Bayer (Antennaria). My particular thanks go to Jacques Cayouette, David Murray, and Luc Brouillet who carefully read and commented on the whole manuscript; my daughter, Leslie Cody, who input most of the manuscript and kept it up-to-date on her computer; and Catherine Kennedy and her colleagues who contributed many specimens that were gathered during their ecological studies of interesting areas throughout the Yukon Territory. The following illustrations from Porsild and Cody Vascular plants of continental Northwest Territories, Canada have been reproduced courtesy of the Canadian Museum of Nature, Ottawa, Ont.; they are not numbered in the present work and some names are in synomomy. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 47. 48. 49. 51. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. 60.
Abies lasiocarpa Juniperus communis Juniperus horizontalis Larix laricina Picea glauca Picea mariana Pinus contorta var. latifolia Typha latifolia Sparganium angustifolium Sparganium hyperboreum Sparganium minimum Sparganium multipedunculatum Potamogeton alpinus ssp. tenuiflorus Potamogeton filiformis Potamogeton foliosus var. macellus Potamogeton friesii Potamogeton gramineus Potamogeton natans
61. 62. 63. 64. 65. 66. 67. 68. 72. 73. 74. 76. 78. 79. 80. 81. 82. 83.
Potamogeton obtusifolius Potamogeton pectinatus Potamogeton porsildiorum Potamogeton praelongus Potamogeton pusillus Potamogeton richardsonii Potamogeton vaginatus Potamogeton zosteriformis Scheuchzeria palustris Triglochin maritimum Triglochin palustris Sagittaria cuneata Agrostideae Phalarideae Aveneae Festuceae Chlorideae Hordeae
xii 84. 85. 86. 87. 88. 89. 90. 91. 92. 93. 94. 95. 97. 98. 99. 102. 103. 104. 105. 106. 110. 111. 112. 113. 114. 115. 116. 117. 119. 120. 121. 122. 123. 124. 125. 126. 127. 128. 129. 130. 131. 132. 133. 134. 135. 136. 140. 142. 144. 146. 147. 148. 149. 150. 151. 152. 153. 154. 155. 156. 157.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Agropyron trachycaulum Agropyron violaceum Agrostis borealis Agrostis scabra Alopecurus aequalis Alopecurus alpinus Arctagrostis arundinacea Arctagrostis latifolia Arctophila fulva Beckmannia syzigachne Bromus pumpellianus Calamagrostis canadensis var. langsdorfii Calamagrostis deschampsioides Calamagrostis inexpansa Calamagrostis lapponica Cinna latifolia Colpodium vahlianum Danthonia intermedia Danthonia spicata Deschampsia brevifolia Dupontia fisheri Dupontia fisheri ssp.psilosantha Elymus arenarius Elymus innovatus Elymus sibiricus Festuca altaica Festuca baffinensis Festuca brachyphylla Festuca richardsonii Festuca saximontana Glyceria grandis Glyceria pulchella Glyceria striata Helictotrichon hookeri Hierochloe alpina Hierochloe odorata Hierochloe pauciflora Hordeum jubatum Koeleria asiatica Koeleria cristata Muhlenbergia glomerata Muhlenbergia richardsonis Oryzopsis asperifolia Oryzopsis pungens Phalaris arundinacea Phippsia algida Poa abbreviata Poa alpina Poa arctica Poa glauca Poa jordalii Poa lanata Poa palustris Poa paucispicula Poa porsildii Poa pratensis Poa scabrella Puccinellia agrostidea Puccinellia andersonii Puccinellia angustata Puccinellia arctica
158. 161. 162. 163. 164. 165. 166. 167. 170. 171. 172. 174. 174. 176. 177. 178. 179. 180. 182. 184. 185. 186. 187. 188. 190. 192. 193. 194. 195. 196. 197. 198. 199. 200. 201. 202. 203. 204. 205. 206. 207. 208. 209. 210. 211. 212. 213. 214. 215. 216. 217. 220. 221. 222. 223. 224. 225. 226. 227. 228. 229.
Puccinellia borealis Puccinellia deschampsioides Puccinellia interior Puccinellia langeana Puccinellia phryganodes Puccinellia vaginata Schizachne purpurascens Scolochloa festucacea Sphenopholis intermedia Stipa comata Stipa richardsonii Trisetum sibiricum Trisetum spicatum var. spicatum Vahlodea atropurpurea ssp.latifolia Carex aenea Carex albo-nigra Carex amblyorhyncha Carex aquatilis Carex arcta Carex atherodes Carex atratiformis ssp. raymondii Carex atrofusca Carex atrosquama Carex aurea Carex bicolor Carex brunnescens Carex buxbaumii Carex canescens Carex capillaris Carex capillaris ssp.chlorostachys Carex capillaris ssp. robustior Carex capitata Carex chordorrhiza Carex concinna Carex consimilis Carex deflexa Carex deweyana Carex diandra Carex disperma Carex eburnea Carex eleusinoides Carex filifolia Carex foenea Carex franklinii Carex garberi Carex glacialis Carex glareosa ssp. amphigena Carex gynocrates Carex heleonastes Carex holostoma Carex lachenelii Carex leptalea Carex limosa Carex livida Carex loliacea Carex lugens Carex macloviana Carex maritima Carex media ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Carex membranacea Carex microchaeta
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 230. 231. 233. 234. 235. 237. 238. 239. 240. 241. 242. 243. 244. 245. 246. 247. 248. 249. 251. 254. 256. 257. 258. 261. 262. 263. 264. 265. 266. 267. 268. 269. 270. 271. 272. 273. 274. 275. 276. 277. 278. 279. 281. 282. 284. 286. 288. 289. 290. 291. 293. 294. 295. 296. 297. 298. 300. 301. 302. 303. 306.
Carex microglochin Carex misandra Carex nardina Carex norvegica Carex obtusata Carex paupercula Carex petricosa Carex phaeocephala Carex physocarpa Carex podocarpa Carex praegracilis Carex praticola Carex pyrenaica Carex rariflora Carex retrorsa Carex rossii Carex rostrata Carex rotundata Carex rupestris Carex scirpoidea Carex subspathacea Carex supina Carex sychnocephala Carex ursina Carex vaginata Carex viridula Carex williamsii Eleocharis acicularis Eleocharis palustris Eleocharis pauciflora Eleocharis uniglumis Eriophorum angustifolium Eriophorum brachyantherum Eriophorum callitrix Eriophorum gracile Eriophorum russeolum Eriophorum scheuchzeri Eriophorum vaginatum Eriophorum viridi-carinatum Kobresia hyperborea Kobresia myosuroides Kobresia simpliciuscula Scirpus caespitosus Scirpus hudsonianus Scirpus microcarpus Scirpus validus Calla palustris Lemna trisulca Juncus albescens Juncus alpinus ssp. nodulosus Juncus balticus var. alaskanus Juncus balticus var. littoralis Juncus biglumis Juncus bufonius Juncus castaneus Juncus drummondii Juncus filiformis Juncus mertensianus Juncus nodosus Juncus stygius Luzula confusa
307. 308. 309. 310. 311. 312. 313. 314. 315. 316. 317. 318. 319. 320. 321. 322. 324. 325. 326. 327. 328. 330. 331. 332. 333. 334. 335. 336. 337. 338. 339. 340. 342. 343. 344. 345. 346. 347. 348. 349. 350. 351. 352. 353. 354. 355. 356. 358. 360. 361. 362. 363. 366. 368. 369. 372. 373. 374. 375. 376. 377.
Luzula multiflora Luzula nivalis Luzula nivalis var. latifolia Luzula parviflora Luzula rufescens Luzula spicata Luzula wahlenbergii Allium schoenoprasum Lloydia serotina Maianthemum canadense Smilacina stellata Smilacina trifolia Streptopus amplexifolius Tofieldia coccinea Tofieldia glutinosa Tofieldia pusilla Veratrum eschscholtzii Zygadenus elegans Sisyrinchium montanum Calypso bulbosa Corallorhiza trifida Cypripedium calceolus Cypripedium guttatum Cypripedium passerinum Goodyera repens Habenaria dilatata Habenaria hyperborea Habenaria obtusata Habenaria orbiculata Habenaria viridis Listera borealis Listera cordata Malaxis paludosa Orchis rotundifolia Spiranthes romanzoffiana Populus balsamifera Populus tremuloides Salix alaxensis Salix arbusculoides Salix arctica Salix arctophila Salix athabascensis Salix barclayi Salix barrattiana Salix bebbiana Salix brachycarpa Salix chamissonis Salix commutata Salix dodgeana Salix farriae Salix fuscescens Salix glauca Salix interior Salix lanata Salix lisiandra Salix maccalliana Salix myrtillifolia Salix niphoclada Salix ovalifolia Salix padophylla Salix pedicellaris
xiii
xiv 378. 379. 380. 381. 382. 383. 384. 386. 387. 388. 389. 390. 391. 392. 393. 394. 395. 396. 397. 398. 399. 400. 401. 402. 404. 405. 406. 407. 408. 409. 411. 412. 413. 415. 416. 417. 419. 420. 421. 424. 425. 426. 428. 429. 430. 432. 433. 434. 435. 436. 437. 438. 439. 440. 441. 444. 445. 447. 448. 449. 451.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Salix phlebophylla Salix planifolia Salix polaris Salix pulchra Salix pyrifolia Salix reticulata Salix scouleriana Myrica gale Alnus crispa Alnus incana Betula glandulosa Betula occidentalis Betula papyrifera Betula papyrifera ssp. alaskana Betula pumila Urtica gracilis Comandra pallida Geocaulon lividum Koenigia islandica Oxyria digyna Polygonum alaskanum Polygonum amphibium Polygonum bistorta Polygonum caurianum Polygonum viviparum Rumex acetosa Rumex arcticus Rumex maritimus Rumex occidentalis Rumex triangulivalvis Chenopodium capitatum Chenopodium gigantospermum Chenopodium glaucum Corispermum hyssopifolium Salicornia rubra Suaeda calceoliformis Claytonia tuberosa Montia lamprosperma Arenaria capillaris Cerastium arvense Cerastium beeringianum Cerastium maximum Honckenya peploides Melandrium affine Melandrium apetalum Minuartia arctica Minuartia biflora Minuartia dawsonensis Minuartia macrocarpa Minuartia obtusiloba Minuartia rossii Minuartia rubella Minuartia stricta Minuartia yukonensis Moehringia lateriflora Sagina intermedia Sagina linnaei Silene acaulis Silene menziesii Silene repens Stellaria calycantha
452. 455. 457. 458. 459. 463. 464. 465. 466. 467. 469. 471. 473. 474. 475. 476. 479. 481. 482. 483. 484. 485. 486. 487. 488. 490. 491. 492. 493. 494. 495. 496. 497. 499. 500. 501. 502. 503. 504. 505. 506. 508. 509. 510. 511. 512. 515. 517. 518. 519. 520. 522. 524. 525. 526. 528. 529. 530. 533. 534. 535.
Stellaria crassifolia Stellaria humifusa Stellaria longifolia Stellaria longipes Stellaria media Wilhelmsia physodes Ceratophyllum demersum Nuphar variegatum Nymphaea tetragona Aconitum delphinifolium Anemone drummondii Anemone multifida Anemone parviflora Anemone richardsonii Aquilegia brevistyla Caltha natans Coptis trifolia Pulsatilla ludoviciana Ranunculus abortivus Ranunculus aquatilis var. eradicatus Ranunculus aquatilis var. subrigidus Ranunculus cymbalaria Ranunculus eschscholtzii Ranunculus flammula Ranunculus gelidus Ranunculus hyperboreus Ranunculus lapponicus Ranunculus macounii Ranunculus nivalis Ranunculus pallasii Ranunculus pedatifidus Ranunculus pensylvanicus Ranunculus pygmaeus Ranunculus sabinei Ranunculus sceleratus Ranunculus sulphureus Ranunculus turneri Thalictrum alpinum Thalictrum sparsiflorum Thalictrum venulosum Papaver keelei Papaver radicatum Corydalis aurea Corydalis pauciflora Corydalis sempervirens Alyssum americanum Arabis divaricarpa Arabis hirsuta Arabis holboellii Arabis lyrata Barbarea orthoceras Braya purpurascens Cardamine bellidifolia Cardamine digitata Cardamine microphylla Cardamine pensylvanica Cardamine pratensis Cardamine umbellata Descurainia richardsonii Descurainia sophioides Draba albertina
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 537. 539. 540. 541. 542. 543. 544. 545. 546. 547. 548. 551. 552. 553. 555. 556. 557. 558. 559. 560. 561. 562. 565. 566. 568. 569. 570. 572. 573. 574. 575. 577. 578. 580. 582. 583. 585. 586. 587. 588. 589. 590. 591. 592. 594. 595. 599. 600. 602. 603. 604. 605. 606. 607. 608. 610. 611. 612. 613. 615. 616.
Draba aurea Draba cana Draba cinerea Draba corymbosa Draba crassifolia Draba glabella Draba incerta Draba lactea Draba longipes Draba nemorosa Draba nivalis Draba oligosperma Draba palanderiana Draba praealta Erysimum cheiranthoides Erysimum inconspicuum Erysimum pallasii Eutrema edwardsii Halimolobos mollis Lesquerella arctica Parrya arctica Parrya nudicaulis Rorippa islandica Smelowskia borealis Subularia aquatica Thellungiella salsuginea Thlaspi arcticum Drosera anglica Drosera rotundifolia Rhodiola integrifolia Sedum lanceolatum Boykinia richardsonii Chrysosplenium tetrandrum Mitella nuda Parnassia fimbriata Parnassia kotzebuei Parnassia palustris Ribes glandulosum Ribes hudsonianum Ribes lacustre Ribes oxyacanthoides Ribes triste Saxifraga adscendens Saxifraga aizoides Saxifraga bronchialis Saxifraga caespitosa Saxifraga cernua Saxifraga eschscholtzii Saxifraga flagellaris Saxifraga foliolosa Saxifraga hieracifolia Saxifraga hirculus Saxifraga lyallii Saxifraga nivalis Saxifraga oppositifolia Saxifraga radiata Saxifraga reflexa Saxifraga rivularis Saxifraga serpyllifolia Saxifraga tricuspidata Amelanchier alnifolia
617. 620. 621. 622. 623. 624. 625. 626. 627. 628. 629. 630. 631. 632. 633. 634. 635. 636. 637. 638. 639. 642. 643. 644. 645. 648. 650. 651. 652. 654. 655. 657. 658. 660 662. 663. 664. 666. 667. 668. 669. 670. 672. 673. 674. 675. 676. 677. 678. 679. 680. 683. 684. 685. 688. 689. 690. 691. 692. 693. 694.
Chamaerhodos erecta Dryas drummondii Dryas integrifolia Fragaria virginiana Geum aleppicum Geum glaciale Geum macrophyllum Geum rossii Geum triflorum Luetkea pectinata Potentilla anserina Potentilla arguta Potentilla biflora Potentilla diversifolia Potentilla egedii Potentilla elegans Potentilla fruticosa Potentilla furcata Potentilla hyparctica Potentilla multifida Potentilla nivea Potentilla norvegica Potentilla palustris Potentilla pensylvanica Potentilla pulchella Potentilla uniflora Prunus pensylvanica Prunus virginiana Rosa acicularis Rosa woodsii Rubus acaulis Rubus arcticus Rubus chamaemorus Rubus strigosus Sanguisorba sitchensis Sibbaldia procumbens Sorbus scopulina Astragalus aboriginum Astragalus alpinus Astragalus bodinii Astragalus canadensis Astragalus eucosmus Astragalus striatus Astragalus tenellus Astragalus umbellatus Hedysarum alpinum Hedysarum mackenzii Lathyrus japonicus Lathyrus ochroleucus Lupinus arcticus Oxytropis arctica Oxytropis deflexa var. foliolosa Oxytropis deflexa var. sericea Oxytropis glutinosa Oxytropis jordalii Oxytropis maydelliana Oxytropis nigrescens Oxytropis scammaniana Oxytropis spicata Oxytropis splendens Oxytropis varians
xv
xvi 696. 697. 698. 699. 700. 701. 702. 704. 706. 708. 709. 711. 712. 713. 714. 715. 716. 717. 718. 719. 721. 722. 723. 725. 726. 727. 728. 729. 730. 731. 732. 733. 734. 735. 736. 737. 738. 739. 740. 741. 742. 743. 745. 746. 747. 748. 751. 752. 754. 755. 756. 757. 759. 760. 761. 762. 763. 767. 769. 770. 771.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Vicia americana Geranium bicknellii Geranium richardsonii Linum lewisii Callitriche autumnalis Callitriche verna Empetrum nigrum Elatine triandra Viola adunca Viola epipsila Viola nephrophylla Viola renifolia Viola rugulosa Elaeagnus commutata Shepherdia canadensis Circaea alpina Epilobium anagallidifolium Epilobium angustifolium Epilobium arcticum Epilobium davuricum Epilobium hornemanii Epilobium lactiflorum Epilobium latifolium Epilobium palustre Hippuris tetraphylla Hippuris vulgaris Myriophyllum exalbescens Aralia nudicaulis Bupleurum americanum Cicuta bulbifera Cicuta mackenzieana Cicuta maculata Conioselinum cnidifolium Heracleum lanatum Sium suave Cornus canadensis Cornus stolonifera Moneses uniflora Pyrola asarifolia Pyrola chlorantha Pyrola grandiflora Pyrola minor Andromeda polifolia Arctostaphylos alpina Arctostaphylos rubra Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Cassiope tetragona ssp. saximontana Chamaedaphne calyculata Ledum decumbens Ledum groenlandicum Loiseleuria procumbens Oxycoccus microcarpus Phyllodoce empetriformis Phyllodoce glanduliflora Rhododendron lapponicum Vaccinium caespitosum Vaccinium membranaceum Vaccinium vitis-idaea Diapensia obovata Androsace chamaejasme Androsace septentrionalis
772. 773. 774. 775. 776. 777. 778. 779. 780. 782. 783. 786. 789. 791. 792. 795. 796. 797. 798. 799. 800. 801. 802. 803. 804. 805. 806. 807. 808. 810. 811. 812. 814. 815. 816. 817. 818. 820. 821. 822. 823. 825. 826. 827. 828. 829. 831. 833. 834. 835. 836. 837. 838. 839. 840. 841. 842. 843. 844. 845. 846.
Dodecatheon frigidum Dodecatheon pauciflorum Douglasia arctica Glaux maritima Lysimachia thyrsiflora Primula borealis Primula egaliksensis Primula incana Primula mistassinica Primula tshuktschorum Trientalis europaea Gentiana acuta Gentiana glauca Gentiana propinqua Gentiana prostrata Gentiana tenella Lomatogonium rotatum Menyanthes trifoliata Apocynum androsaemifolium Apocynum sibiricum Collomia linearis Phlox alaskensis Phlox richardsonii Polemonium acutiflorum Polemonium boreale Polemonium pulcherrimum Phacelia franklinii Eritichium aretioides Mertensia drummondii Mertensia maritima Mertensia paniculata Myosotis alpestris Dracocephalum parviflorum Lycopus uniflorus Mentha arvensis Scutellaria galericulata Stachys palustris Castilleja caudata Castilleja elegans Castilleja hyperborea Castilleja raupii Euphrasia subarctica Lagotis stelleri Limosella aquatica Pedicularis arctica Pedicularis capitata Pedicularis groenlandica Pedicularis labradorica Pedicularis lanata Pedicularis lapponica Pedicularis oederi Pedicularis parviflora Pedicularis sudetica Pedicularis verticillata Pentstemon gormanii Rhinanthus borealis Veronica americana Veronica peregrina Veronica scutellata Veronica wormskjoldii Boschniakia rossica
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 847. 848. 849. 859. 852. 853. 854. 856. 857. 860. 861. 863. 865. 866. 867. 868. 869. 870. 871. 872. 873. 874. 875. 876. 877. 879. 882. 884. 885. 886. 889. 890. 891. 892. 895. 897. 902. 903. 905. 906. 907. 908. 909. 910. 911. 912. 914. 915. 916.
Pinguicula villosa Pinguicula vulgaris Utricularia intermedia Utricularia minor Utricularia vulgaris Plantago canescens Plantago eriopoda Plantago major Galium boreale Galium trifidum Galium triflorum Lonicera dioica Viburnum edule Adoxa moschatellina Valeriana capitata Valeriana septentrionalis Valeriana sitchensis Campanula aurita Campanula lasiocarpa Campanula rotundifolia Campanula uniflora Lobelia kalmii Agoseris aurantiaca Agoseris glauca Anaphalis margaritacea Antennaria angustata Antennaria compacta Antennaria densifolia Antennaria ekmaniana Antennaria elegans Antennaria isolepis Antennaria monocephala Antennaria neoalaskana Antennaria nitida Antennaria pulcherrima Antennaria rosea Arnica alpina ssp. angustifolia Arnica alpina ssp. tomentosa Arnica chamissonis Arnica cordifolia Arnica latifolia Arnica lessingii Arnica lonchophylla Arnica louiseana Arnica mollis Artemisia borealis Artemisia hyperborea Artemisia richardsoniana Artemisia tilesii
917. 918. 919. 920. 922. 925. 927. 928. 929. 930. 931. 932. 933. 934. 935. 936. 937. 938. 939. 940. 941. 942. 945. 946. 947. 948. 949. 950. 951. 952. 953. 954. 955. 958. 959. 960. 961. 963. 964. 966. 967. 968. 969. 970. 971. 972. 973. 974.
Aster alpinus Aster brachyactis Aster ciliolatus Aster falcatus Aster junciformis Aster sibiricus Bidens cernua Chrysanthemum integrifolium Crepis elegans Crepis nana Erigeron acris var. asteroides Erigeron acris var. debilis Erigeron compositus var. discoideus Erigeron compositus var. glabratus Erigeron elatus Erigeron eriocephalus Erigeron glabellus Erigeron grandiflorus Erigeron humilis Erigeron hyssopifolius Erigeron philadelphicus Erigeron purpuratus Hieracium albiflorum Hieracium gracile Hieracium scabriusculum Hieracium triste Lactuca pulchella Matricaria ambigua Petasites arcticus Petasites frigidus Petasites hyperboreus Petasites palmatus Petasites sagittatus Senecio atropurpureus Senecio atropurpureus Senecio congestus Senecio cymbalaria Senecio hyperborealis Senecio indecorus Senecio lugens Senecio pauciflorus Senecio pauperculus Senecio streptanthifolius Senecio triangularis Senecio yukonensis Solidago canadensis Solidago decumbens Solidago multiradiata
xvii
1
INTRODUCTION
Physical description
he Yukon Territory covers some 482 681 km2 lying north of British Columbia and extending northward from latitude 60° N to the Beaufort Sea. Its eastern boundary, which separates it from the District of Mackenzie, follows the height of land in the Richardson and Mackenzie mountains; on the west, the boundary with Alaska is at longitude 141° W. Within this area, the highest peak in Canada, Mount Logan in the St. Elias Mountains, rises to 6050 m above sea level in the southwest. Between these mountains and the coastal plain in the north lie several mountain ranges, extensive plateaus with little relief, and two conspicuous fault lines. In the east and north the Canadian cordillera includes the Mackenzie, Richardson, and British mountains; the Liard, Peel, and Arctic plateaus; the Bonnet Plume basin; and the Arctic coastal plain, all of which are composed primarily of sedimentary rocks. Intrusive rocks dominate the Coast and St. Elias mountains, the “Duke Depression,” and the Kluane Range in the southwest. A mixture of volcanic, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks with outcroppings of intrusive rocks predominate in the interior. Maps depicting physiographic subdivisions and generalized geology may be found in Oswald and Senyk (1977). Six watersheds drain the Yukon Territory as follows: 1) The largest of these, the Yukon River system flows to the northwest through Alaska to the Bering Sea. The Stewart, Pelly, White, and Donjek rivers form parts of this system. 2) In the southwest, the Aishihik, Dezadeash, Kaskawulsh, and Dusty rivers join the Alsek River, which passes through northwestern British Columbia and southeastern Alaska to the Gulf of Alaska. 3) In the southeast, the Liard River and its tributaries drain southward into northern British Columbia and then eastward to join the Mackenzie River in southwestern District of Mackenzie. 4) The Peel River, into which the Wind, Bonnet Plume, and Snake rivers drain, flows northward to join the Mackenzie River at the southern part of its delta. 5) The Porcupine River system, which drains the southern slopes of the British Mountains, the western Richardson
T
2
INTRODUCTION
Mountains, and the northern Ogilvie mountains, flows westward to join the Yukon River in Alaska. 6) On the Arctic slope, the Big Fish, Blow, Babbage, Firth, and Malcolm rivers drain into the Beaufort Sea. Of considerable importance to those interested in the plants of the Yukon Territory and their distribution is that much of the area lay unglaciated during the early Wisconsin (more than 40 000 years BP) up to 13 000–14 000 years BP in the late Wisconsin time. The area includes most of the Klondike, Porcupine, and Arctic plateaus and parts of the Ogilvie, Wernecke, and British mountains and western slopes of the Richardson Mountains. The topography and surficial material result largely from the weathering of local bedrock and subsequent eolian and fluvial erosion and deposition. Glaciers occupied southern and eastern Yukon, and large lobes of ice extended westward and along the Arctic coastal plain (see glaciation map inside back cover). The ice smoothed the plateaus and lower mountains, scoured valleys, produced temporary lakes, changed the flow of some rivers, and deposited glacio-fluvial, morainal, and lacustrine materials. Long cold winters and short warm summers characterize the climate of the Yukon Territory. There are three major climatic areas as follows: • the northern part primarily influenced by weather patterns from the Arctic Ocean • the large central part with a cold continental climate • the southwestern part moderated by marine influences from the Pacific Ocean. Average annual precipitation ranges from 750 mm on the eastern slopes of the Mackenzie Mountains to 375 mm in the southwest and 250 mm in the Old Crow and Arctic slope. In the northern part of the Yukon Territory roughly north of the Arctic Circle, continuous permafrost extends to a great depth. Southward to about latitude 62° N and eastward of longitude 133° W south beyond 60° N, permafrost is discontinuous. To the south and west, permafrost is scattered. The climate and local terrain conditions determine both the extent of permafrost and the variations in thickness of the active layer in the continuous and discontinuous zones. Perennially frozen terrain gives rise to recognizable surface features expressed as patterns on the ground. These features depend on local climate, landform, topographic position, hydrology, vegetation, soil and rock type, snow cover, and fire history.
Vegetation
Vegetation
T
3
he vegetation consists largely of boreal forest and tundra. Trees cover many plateaus and valleys in the south and form closed to open canopies, depending on site conditions. In the southeast, closed-canopy forests predominate. Here the greatest number of tree species are found: Picea glauca (Moench) Voss, P. mariana (Mill.) B.S.P., Larix laricina (Du Roi) K. Koch, Abies lasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt., Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud. ssp. latifolia (Engelm.) Critchfield, Populus balsamifera L., P. tremuloides Michx., and Betula neoalaskana Sarg. Picea glauca and P. mariana would be the climatic climax for south-central and eastern areas, were it not for fire. Succession after fire usually starts with several species of Salix, Populus balsamifera, and Betula neoalaskana. Abies lasiocarpa is the primary alpine timberline species in the southern part. Shrub communities are found on recent alluvial sites, in disturbed areas, in wetlands, and near the tree line in southern Yukon Territory or under a canopy of trees. Their incidence increases northward, especially on higher plateaus and protected slopes. Tussock fields consisting mainly of Carex or Eriophorum species occur scattered in southern Yukon Territory. However, their occurrence increases northward until they form the predominant ground cover of the arctic tundra. Grassland is restricted to steep, dry, south-facing slopes along the Yukon and Pelly rivers on morainal, colluvial, and glaciofluvial strata. These areas dry out in summer and are subject to erosion. Alpine tundra consists of several communities ranging from sedge meadows to tussock fields, to pioneer colonization of lichens on rocks. Wetter areas are common on gently sloping to depressional terrain where organic matter accumulates and supports the tussock fields described above. Mesic alpine vegetation is characterized by a combination of prostrate shrubs, mainly Ericaceae and Salix ssp., grasses, sedges, forbs, lichens, and mosses; the soils are well drained and generally dry out in the summer. Oswald and Senyk (1977) in their publication Eco-regions of Yukon Territory, from which came some of the above information, divided the Yukon Territory into 22 ecoregions and described each in some detail. Wiken et al. (1981), in The Northern Yukon: an ecological land survey, divided the northern part, mostly north of 67° N, into smaller areas, which they also described in detail. As more information
4
INTRODUCTION
becomes available from further studies, the descriptions and shapes of all these areas will be updated and refined. Theberge et al. (1980) published Environmentally significant areas of the Yukon Territory, in which they identified 35 significant areas. Some were already protected, some previously proposed by interested organizations, and others proposed for the first time by these authors. A recent advance has been the establishment of Ivvavik (Northern Yukon) National Park. This park occupies some 10 170 km2 in northwestern Yukon Territory and is bounded on the north by the Beaufort Sea, on the west by the Alaska–Yukon border, and on the east and southeast by the Babbage River. More protected areas need to be established to ensure the continued existence of rare and endangered plants, animals, and ecosystems. This flora is intended to aid in that process. In this summary, the families are essentially in the same order as in Porsild and Cody (1980), Flora of the Northwest Territories. The main exception is the order of ferns and fern allies, which follows the treatment of Cody and Britton (1989), Ferns and fern allies of Canada.
Summary of vascular plants in the Yukon flora
Family Lycopodiaceae Selaginellaceae Isoetaceae Equisetaceae Ophioglossaceae Pteridaceae Aspidiaceae Aspleniaceae Polypodiaceae Cupressaceae Pinaceae Typhaceae Sparganiaceae Potamogetonaceae Scheuchzeriaceae Alismataceae (Alismaceae) Poaceae (Gramineae) Cyperaceae Araceae Lemnaceae Juncaceae Liliaceae
Genera 1 1 1 1 1 1 8 1 1 1 4 1 1 3 2 1 41 5 1 1 2 8
Species 6 2 1 8 7 2 16 1 1 2 5 1 4 15 3 1 127 115 1 2 21 11
Summary of vascular plants in the Yukon flora
Iridaceae Orchidaceae Salicaceae Myricaceae Betulaceae Urticaceae Santalaceae Polygonaceae Chenopodiaceae Portulacaceae Caryophyllaceae Ceratophyllaceae Nymphaeaceae Ranunculaceae Papaveraceae Fumariaceae Brassicaceae (Cruciferae) Droseraceae Crassulaceae Saxifragaceae Rosaceae Fabaceae (Leguminosae) Geraniaceae Linaceae Euphorbiaceae Callitrichaceae Empetraceae Elatinaceae Violaceae Elaeagnaceae Onagraceae Hippuridaceae Haloragaceae Araliaceae Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) Cornaceae Pyrolaceae Ericaceae Diapensiaceae Primulaceae Plumbaginaceae Gentianaceae Menyanthaceae Apocynaceae Polemoniaceae Hydrophyllaceae Boraginaceae Lamiaceae (Labiatae) Scrophulariaceae Orobanchaceae Lentibulariaceae Plantaginaceae
2 9 2 1 2 2 2 5 7 3 14 1 1 10 1 1 25 1 2 7 14 10 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 2 10 1 3 12 1 7 1 4 1 1 5 1 8 5 13 2 2 1
5
2 15 36 1 8 3 2 22 15 7 46 1 2 41 6 3 93 2 2 37 52 41 3 1 1 3 1 1 8 2 12 3 2 2 13 3 6 19 1 18 1 8 1 1 9 2 13 6 36 2 5 5
6
INTRODUCTION
Rubiaceae Caprifoliaceae Adoxaceae Valerianaceae Campanulaceae Asteraceae (Compositae) Total
1 4 1 1 1 29
5 4 1 3 4 118
339
1112
Note: Besides species known to occur in the Yukon Territory, a number of other species that occur in northern British Columbia, western District of Mackenzie, and adjacent Alaska are expected to grow in the Yukon. These entries have also been keyed and described in this flora and are marked in the text with an asterisk (*). For questionable records on the maps, the black dots (䊉) are shown open (䊊).
History of collecting
E
ric Hultén (1940) published a valuable history of botanical exploration in Alaska and the Yukon Territory dating from their discovery up to 1940. However, only about 30 of some 350 individuals mentioned collected plants in the Yukon Territory, and, as is the case with many historical specimens, the collection localities are not as precise as we need today for accurate mapping, the dates of collecting are often only the year, and habitat information is usually completely lacking. A. Erling Porsild (1951) presented a chronological list of the more important collectors of vascular plants in the Yukon Territory up to 1948. Among these were George Mercer Dawson, Geological Survey of Canada, who collected in the Pelly and Yukon river areas in 1887 (CAN);1 M.W. Gorman along the Yukon River between White Pass and Dawson City in 1898 and 1899 (US, CAN); R.S. Williams, New York Botanical Garden, in the vicinity of Dawson in 1898 and 1899 (NY); J.B. Tyrrell, Geological Survey of Canada, chiefly in the Dawson area in 1898 (CAN); J.B. Tarleton between Five-finger Rapids and Dawson in 1899 (US); John Macoun, Geological Survey of Canada, in the Yukon Valley between Whitehorse and Dawson in 1902 (CAN, GH, NYBG, US); A.S. Hitchcock, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and R.S. Kellogg, U.S. National Forest Service, along the Yukon River between Whitehorse and Dawson in 1909 (US); D.D. Cairnes, Geological Survey of Canada, along the
1 Herbarium abbreviation as in Index Herbarium (Holmgren et al. 1990).
History of collecting
7
Alaska–Yukon border from 1908 to 1917 (CAN); Frits Johansen and R.M. Anderson, Canadian Arctic Expedition, at Shingle Point and Herschel Island in 1913 and 1914 (CAN); Alice Eastwood in the upper Yukon and Dawson areas in 1914 (GH, CAN, US); A.E. Porsild in relation to the Reindeer Program, along the Arctic coast from 1932 to 1935 (CAN); Hugh Bostock, Geological Survey of Canada, from the Mayo and McQuesten areas and Dawson Range from 1933 to 1950 (CAN); C.H.D. Clarke, Ontario Department of Lands and Forests, along the Haines Road and at Burwash Landing on Kluane Lake in 1944 (CAN); Hugh M. Raup, Arnold Arboretum, Harvard University, along the Alaska Highway between Watson Lake and the Alaska boundary in 1943, 1944, and 1948 (GH, CAN); A.E. Porsild, National Museum of Canada, accompanied by August J. Breitung, made a detailed survey of the flora adjacent to the Canol Road as part of the North Pacific topographical and biological exploration of northern British Columbia, Yukon Territory, and Alaska; Porsild’s work entitled Botany of southeastern Yukon adjacent to the Canol Road was published by the Canada Department of Resources and Development in 1951. In addition, Anderson Bakewell, a participant in the Wood Yukon Expeditions (1939–1941) collected plant specimens in the Kluane Lake and the St. Elias Range in 1939 and 1941 (Bakewell 1943) (GH). Since the collections cited above, extensive botanical studies have been undertaken related to particular government programs. Also, botanists working on particular groups of plants, ecologists and keen amateurs interested in the flora in general, and indeed casual collectors such as geologists, who spared a few moments from their major studies to examine the vegetation around them, have all contributed to our knowledge of the Yukon Territory flora. In 1949, James A. Calder made extensive collections near Dawson as part of a Canada Department of Agriculture survey of habitats in which biting flies were breeding. During the same summer, John M. Gillett made extensive collections near Watson Lake and Whitehorse as a part of the same study. These two individuals joined forces for a time to work in the Mayo area. This work was done as a cooperative project between the Canada Department of Agriculture and the Canada Defence Research Board. In 1955, Calder joined a survey working in the vicinity of the Babbage River and Mt. Sedgewick in northern Yukon Territory. In 1960, Calder and Gillett again visited the southern parts of the Territory as well as the northern Ogilvie Mountains.
8
INTRODUCTION
Then Calder together with Ilkka Kukkonen, Botanical Museum, University of Helsinki, collected in the southern parts of the Territory, in particular in the mountains adjacent to the District of Mackenzie border (DAO). During the summer of 1953, N.J. Freedman worked for the Hudson Bay Exploration and Development, a subsidiary of Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting Co. Ltd. He had the opportunity to collect plants in the Quill Creek area between the Shakwak Valley and Donjek River in the Kluane Range of the St. Elias Mountains in southwestern Yukon Territory (D. Löve and Freedman 1956) (WIN, DAO). Also in 1953, Charles D. Bird collected vascular plants on Herschel Island, while serving as a summer assistant entomologist for Canada Department of Agriculture (DAO). In 1957, Howard A. Crum, National Museum of Canada, accompanied by Wilfred B. Schofield, made extensive collections of mosses in the Kluane region. They also gathered an interesting set of vascular plants in this area (Porsild 1966) (CAN). The mid-sixties saw more activity. In 1963, J.A. Parmelee, Canada Department of Agriculture, collected in the vicinity of Komakuk Beach and Shingle Point on the Arctic coast as part of his studies of parasitic fungi in the Canadian Arctic (DAO). In 1964, P.M. Youngman, zoologist with the National Museum of Canada, assisted by G. Tessier, made incidental collections of plants—chiefly those that serve as food for small animals—near Mile 54–55 of the Dempster Highway (Porsild 1975) (CAN). In 1964 and 1965, K.E. Ricker collected in the Ogilvie Mountains and adjacent to the Dempster Highway in connection with his M.Sc. study of Quaternary geology (DAO). In 1965 and 1966, John Lambert conducted research in the Richardson Mountains and adjacent British Mountains for his doctoral thesis (UBC, DAO). From 1965 to 1971, David Murray studied the vegetation of the alpine zone of the Kaskawulsh Glacier–Slims River drainage area of the St. Elias Mountains. He began this work while completing his doctoral program at the University of Colorado and continued while he was on the faculty of Memorial University of Newfoundland. He completed it after he joined the faculty of the University of Alaska (Murray 1971a and b) (ALA). In 1966 and 1968, Robert T. Porsild, brother of A.E. Porsild, collected vascular plants mainly in the Ogilvie Mountains, then accessible from the Dempster Highway of which about the first 144 km had been completed. Most of the summer of 1967 was spent near Mayo, in particular Keno
History of collecting
9
Hill and Mount Haldane and the adjacent ponds, lakes, and bogs. In 1970, A.E. Porsild accompanied his brother to sites in the Mayo district and along the Dempster Highway beyond the area R.T. Porsild had examined in 1966 and 1968 to about Kilometre (Km) 180. There they added collections from a limestone formation not previously seen (A.E. Porsild 1975) (CAN). In mid-July 1967, the author, accompanied by Kenneth W. Spicer en route to Tungsten in southwestern District of Mackenzie, traveled the southern part of Robert Campbell Highway and the Nahanni Range Road in southeastern Yukon Territory. They retraced the route in mid-August after Cody had worked by helicopter with a Geological Survey of Canada field party in the southern Mackenzie Mountains and Spicer had gathered specimens in the vicinity of Tungsten. Arthur Pearson, Canadian Wildlife Service, collected specimens in the southwestern region in 1967 in relation to his study of bears. Also in 1967, James A. Neilson collected specimens of interesting Asteraceae in the Kluane area (Neilson 1968) (CAN, S). Manfred Hoefs, Yukon Game Branch, in 1969 and subsequent years collected specimens in relation to his studies of Dall Sheep (Hoefs 1979) (Yukon Renewable Resources, Whitehorse). In early July 1972, the author, accompanied by F. Montgomery Brigham, made a brief stop at the airstrip adjacent to the Canol Road about 16 km west of the Mackenzie–Yukon border. That summer Cody was surveying sites in western District of Mackenzie as part of the International Biological Programme (IBP), Conservation of Terrestrial Biological Communities. In early June 1980, the author began his concentrated study of the Yukon Territory flora. That year he had the opportunity to examine plants adjacent to most of the major highways. In particular he made a detailed survey of parts of Ivvavik (Northern Yukon) National Park from 5 to 13 July, with helicopter support from the Polar Continental Shelf Project. On 21 July he was joined by James Ginns, an Agriculture Canada mycologist, who accompanied him in the field until Cody departed on 12 August. From 30 June to 13 July 1981, Cody joined a Yukon Renewable Resources field party working with helicopter support mainly in the southern Selwyn Mountains north of the Canol Road. In 1982, the author again accompanied by Ginns and with helicopter support from the Polar Continental Shelf
10
INTRODUCTION
Project, collected plants and fungi in the Richardson Mountains from latitude 66° to 68°30’ N from 3 to 15 July. In 1983, Cody again joined a Yukon Renewable Resources field party working with helicopter support in southeastern Yukon Territory from 4 to 14 July. In 1984, Cody and Ginns arrived in Whitehorse on 29 June and traveled from there to Dawson by vehicle, collecting specimens on the way. From Dawson, with helicopter support again from Polar Continental Shelf Project, they visited many sites in the Ogilvie Mountains, along the Yukon River, and in the northern Dawson Range, which were previously inaccessible to botanists. They left the Territory on 26 July. During these surveys they gathered some 10 000 collections of vascular plants. The originals of these have been deposited in the Agriculture Canada Vascular Plant Herbarium at Ottawa (DAO) and duplicates have been widely distributed. In 1970, V.J. Krajina, University of British Columbia, made extensive collections in the Sheep Mountain area west of southern Kluane Lake (UBC). Also in 1970, Stanley L. Welsh and J. Keith Rigby, Brigham Young University, Utah, made a botanical and physiographic reconnaissance of northern Yukon Territory, an area extending from the Old Crow Flats north to the Arctic coast. They reported a total of 279 species, 15 subspecies, 63 varieties, and 1 form from the 79 sites studied (Welsh and Rigby 1971) (BRY, CAN). Between 1970 and 1975, A.M. Pearson, J.A. Nagy, M. Dennington, B.C. Goski, D. Pearson, C.B. Larsen, and J.W. Nolan, Canadian Wildlife Service, collected in 31 sites in northern Yukon Territory (Nagy et al. 1979) (CAN, DAO). In 1972, George W. Scotter, also from Canadian Wildlife Service, made a few collections in Kluane National Park and in the Bonnet Plume Range in connection with the International Program, Conservation of Terrestrial Communities. In 1977, he made extensive collections in the vicinity of hot springs in southeastern Yukon Territory in relation to possible park sites (Scotter and Cody 1979) (DAO). In 1971 and 1972, Ross Wein, then with the Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, collected in the northern Yukon Territory in connection with work investigating soils–vegetation relationships (Wein et al. 1974) (DAO, UNB). Also in 1971, Satoru Kojima and C. Béguin, in connection with an IBP Ecological Reserve survey in the Tombstone Mountain area, collected there as well as along the Dempster Highway in late August and early September. In 1972, Kojima with R.C. Brooke, and in 1973 Kojima, Brooke and V.J. Krajina made additional collections along
History of collecting
11
the Dempster Highway north to Mile 180 (km 290) in connection with a vegetation study of the area (Kojima and Brooke 1985, Brooke and Kojima 1985) (SFUV). Since 1973, Rhonda Rosie has collected many specimens in the vicinity of Francis Lake, some 150 km NNW of Watson Lake. She has also collected at a number of sites across southern Yukon Territory, where she has served as a fire watcher during the summer months (Rosie 1991) (CAN, DAO). From 1973 to 1977, George W. Douglas and Gloria Ruyle-Douglas, Douglas Ecological Consultants Ltd., Victoria, B.C., conducted vegetation studies in Kluane National Park in southwestern Yukon Territory. During this period more than 6000 specimens with many duplicates were collected (Douglas and Ruyle-Douglas 1978b) (V, DAO). In the years 1975 to 1978, Les C. Cwynar collected specimens in relation to a vegetation history of Northern Yukon Territory, a part of a larger Northern Yukon Territory research program (DAO). In 1979 and 1980, Art Martel, Canadian Wildlife Service, made some interesting collections in the vicinity of his camp in the British Mountains where he was studying caribou (DAO). In 1982 and 1983, Loney Dickson, also with Canadian Wildlife Service, made extensive collections along the Arctic coast while studying birds in relation to their habitat for the Beaufort Sea oil and gas impact assessment. From 1981 to the present time, Catherine Kennedy, Yukon Renewable Resources, and her coworkers have made extensive collections in relation to their ecological studies in many parts of the Yukon Territory (DAO). Meanwhile in 1987 and 1988, Susan Aiken, Canadian Museum of Nature, and again in 1990 accompanied by Laurie Consaul, studied grasses in the British Mountains and along the Arctic coast. As time permitted they also collected many specimens of other families (CAN). Many of these collections have been invaluable to the author in preparing the Flora of the Yukon Territory. In many cases the information has greatly extended the known range as the reader can see when comparing the distribution maps herein to those of Hultén (1968) and Porsild and Cody (1980).
12
INTRODUCTION
KEYS TO MAJOR DIVISIONS AND FAMILIES A. Plants without flowers or seeds, reproducing by spores; mostly fernlike or rushlike . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Division PTERIDOPHYTA (p. 12) A. Plants producing seeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Division SPERMATOPHYTA (p. 13) B. Ovules not enclosed in an ovary; seeds in a dry cone (rarely in a berrylike fruit); pollen sacs on scales arranged in cones; trees or shrubs; leaves needlelike or scalelike, mostly evergreen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Subdivision GYMNOSPERMAE (p. 13) B. Ovules enclosed in an ovary that at maturity becomes the fruit; pollen sacs terminating stamens borne in flowers; trees, shrubs or herbs; leaves of various forms, mostly deciduous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Subdivision ANGIOSPERMAE (p. 13) C. Leaves usually parallel-veined; vascular bundles of stem irregularly arranged; cambium absent; parts of flowers usually in 3s or 6s, never in 5s; embryo with 1 cotyledon; herbs (rarely shrubs). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Class MONOCOTYLEDONEAE (p. 13) C. Leaves usually net-veined; vascular bundles of stem often in single ring; cambium usually present; parts of flowers usually in 5s or 4s; embryo with 2 cotyledons; herbs, shrubs, or trees. . . . . . . . . Class DICOTYLEDONEAE (p. 14)
Division PTERIDOPHYTA (ferns and fern allies) A. Leaves broad, usually more than 2 cm long, often quite large, variously incised or dissected B. Spore cases relatively large, borne in terminal (grapelike) cluster, with sterile blade appearing lateral on common stalk with it . . . . . . . . . . . OPHIOGLOSSACEAE (p. 32) B. Spore cases minute, borne in clusters (sori) on back or near margins of green blades, or on separate modified fronds C. Sori marginal, covered by a continuous indusium formed by reflexed margin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PTERIDACEAE (p. 35) C. Sori not marginal D. Fronds evergreen; sori naked, lacking indusia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . POLYPODIACEAE (p. 46) D. Fronds not evergreen; indusia peltate, opening on 1 side or absent E. Sori elongate; fronds small; veins not reaching margin . . . . . ASPLENIACEAE (p. 45) E. Sori usually roundish, sometimes somewhat elongate; fronds large or small; veins reaching margin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ASPIDIACEAE (p. 37) A. Leaves slender, often scalelike, simple, sessile, mostly small F. Stems conspicuously jointed and hollow; leaves scalelike, in sheathlike whorls at nodes; spore cases on scales of terminal conelike spikes . . . . . . . EQUISETACEAE (p. 27) F. Stems not as above; leaves mostly imbricated; spore cases in conelike spikes or otherwise G. Leaves small, less than 1.5 cm long; stems slender, elongated, branched, with main stems usually horizontal and creeping; spore cases in clublike spikes; plants resembling coarse mosses H. Leafy shoots mostly 7–15 mm wide; homosporous . . . . . . . . . . . LYCOPODIACEAE (p. 21) H. Leafy shoots less than 5 mm wide; heterosporous . . . . . . . . . SELAGINELLACEAE (p. 25) G. Leaves slender, grasslike, 5–15 cm long, dilated and sheathing at base; stem short, cormlike, lobed; plant rooting in mud, often covered by water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ISOETACEAE (p. 26)
Keys to major divisions and families
13
Division SPERMATOPHYTA (seed plants) Subdivision GYMNOSPERMAE Class CONIFERAE (conifers) A. Shrubs; leaves scalelike or awl-shaped; female cones berrylike at maturity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CUPRESSACEAE (p. 47) A. Trees; leaves needle-shaped; cones woody . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PINACEAE (p. 48)
Subdivision ANGIOSPERMAE (flowering plants) Class MONOCOTYLEDONEAE (monocotyledons) A. Plants not differentiate into stem and leaf, small, thallus-like, usually ellipsoid or oblong; free-floating or immersed aquatics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LEMNACEAE (p. 184) A. Plant with stem and leaves, not thalluslike B. Perianth lacking, or with inconspicuous bristles or scales, not petal-like (see also Juncaceae and Juncaginaceae) C. Flowers enclosed or subtended by scales (glumes); plants grasslike, with jointed stems, sheathing leaves and 1-seeded fruit D. Stems usually hollow, terete, or flattened; leaves 2-ranked; leaf sheaths usually split (open); anthers attached at middle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . POACEAE (p. 64) D. Stems solid, usually more or less 3-sided; leaves usually 3-ranked; leaf sheaths not split (closed); anthers attached at base. . . . . . . . . . . CYPERACEAE (p. 131) C. Flowers not enclosed in scales (sometimes in involucrate heads); plants not as above E. Aquatic plants, with stems and leaves flaccid, either immersed or floating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . POTAMOGETONACEAE (p. 54) E. Terrestrial plants, or bases in water and stems rigid enough to support shoots above water level F. Flowers in globose heads; perianth of flat scales . . . . . . . . . . SPARGANIACEAE (p. 52) F. Flowers mostly in spikes G. Flowers unisexual, with pistillate ones in thick spike and staminate ones above; perianth of slender bristles. . . . . . . . . . TYPHACEAE (p. 51) G. Flowers perfect, in thick dense fleshy spike subtended by a large bract (spathe) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ARACEAE (p. 183) B. Perianth of 2 distinct whorls; inner whorl often petal-like and conspicuous H. Perianth relatively inconspicuous, green or brownish; plants rushlike I.
Perianth dry, often scarious; flowers often in panicles or heads; carpels 3, united, forming a small capsule. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JUNCACEAE (p. 185)
I.
Perianth herbaceous; flowers in racemes or spikes; carpels 3 or 6, almost distinct, separating as follicles when ripe . . . . . . . . . SCHEUCHZERIACEAE (p. 61)
H. Perianth conspicuous, at least inner whorl brightly colored J.
Carpels numerous, in ring or cluster, becoming achenes; plants of marshes and bogs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ALISMACEAE (p. 63)
J.
Carpels 3, with ovaries united; fruit a capsule or berry K. Ovary superior (rarely partly inferior) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LILIACEAE (p. 196) K. Ovary inferior L. Flowers regular (actinomorphic); stamens 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IRIDACEAE (p. 202) L. Flowers very irregular; stamens 1 or 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ORCHIDACEAE (p. 203)
14
INTRODUCTION
Class DICOTYLEDONEAE (dicotyledons) A. Corolla none; calyx present or lacking B. Plants monoecious or dioecious; staminate and pistillate flowers, with one or both kinds in catkins or dense heads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GROUP I (p. 14) B. Plants mostly with perfect flowers not in catkins (often in dense clusters) . . . . . . GROUP II (p. 14) A. Corolla and calyx both present C. Corolla of separate petals D. Stamens usually numerous, at least more than 10, and more than twice as many as sepals or calyx lobes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GROUP III (p. 15) D. Stamens not more than twice as many as petals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GROUP IV (p. 15) C. Corolla with petals more or less united E. Stamens more numerous than corolla lobes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GROUP V (p. 17) E. Stamens not more numerous than corolla lobes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GROUP VI (p. 17) GROUP I A. Staminate and pistillate flowers both in catkins or catkinlike heads; trees or shrubs B. Ovary becoming a many-seeded capsule; seeds hairy-tufted. . . . . . . . . . . . SALICACEAE (p. 212) B. Ovary becoming a 1-seeded nut or winged nutlet C. Pistillate flowers 2 or 3 at each bract of catkin; fruit not resin-dotted . . BETULACEAE (p. 236) C. Pistillate flowers single at each bract; fruit resin-dotted . . . . . . . . . . . . . MYRICACEAE (p. 235) A. Staminate or pistillate flowers (not both) in catkins or catkinlike heads; herbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . URTICACEAE (p. 240) GROUP II A. Ovary or its locules with many ovules B. Ovary and fruit partly inferior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SAXIFRAGACEAE (p. 363) B. Ovary or ovaries superior C. Ovaries 2 or more, separate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RANUNCULACEAE (p. 288) C. Ovary single D. Leaves compound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RANUNCULACEAE (p. 288) D. Leaves simple E. Sepals separate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARYOPHYLLACEAE (p. 263) E. Sepals more or less united . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PRIMULACEAE (p. 473) A. Ovary or its locules with only 1 or 2 ovules F. Pistil of more than one carpel; carpels separate or nearly so. . . . . . . . RANUNCULACEAE (p. 288) F. Pistil solitary, simple or compound G. Ovary superior; flower hypogynous H. Stipules (ocreae) sheathing stem at nodes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . POLYGONACEAE (p. 243) H. Stipules, if present, not sheathing stem I.
I.
Plants usually aquatic, immersed or nearly so J. Leaves whorled, finely dissected; style 1 . . . . . . . CERATOPHYLLACEAE (p. 285) J. Leaves opposite, entire; styles 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CALLITRICHACEAE (p. 431) Plants terrestrial, sometimes growing in marshy places (see also Callitriche)
Keys to major divisions and families
15
K. Style (if any) 1 and stigma 1 L. Flowers unisexual; ovary of fertile flowers 1-loculed . . URTICACEAE (p. 240) L. Flowers perfect; ovary 2-loculed and 2-seeded . . . . . BRASSICACEAE (p. 314) K. Styles 2–3 or of 2–3 branches M. Plants with milky juice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EUPHORBIACEAE (p. 430) M. Plants without milky juice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CHENOPODIACEAE (p. 253) G. Ovary inferior or partly so, or so closely enclosed by calyx as to appear inferior N. Aquatic herbs; leaves whorled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HALORAGACEAE (p. 448) N. Terrestrial plants; leaves opposite or alternate O. Shrubs or small trees; leaves scurfy; calyx not corolla-like . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ELAEAGNACEAE (p. 440) O. Herbs; calyx corolla-like . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SANTALACEAE (p. 242) GROUP III A. Ovary superior; flowers hypogynous or perigynous B. Carpels few to numerous, entirely separate or united only at base C. Stamens inserted below ovaries; leaves without stipules . . . . . . . RANUNCULACEAE (p. 288) C. Stamens inserted on a hypanthium or on a disc; leaves often stipulate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ROSACEAE (p. 380) B. Carpels solitary, or few to several with ovaries completely united D. Ovary simple, 1-loculed E. Ovules 2; seed solitary; fruit a drupe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ROSACEAE (p. 380) E. Ovules numerous; leaves compound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RANUNCULACEAE (p. 288) D. Ovary compound, with 1 to several locules, placentae, styles, or stigmas F. Ovary 1-loculed; placentae parietal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAPAVERACEAE (p. 308) F. Ovary several-loculed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NYMPHAEACEAE (p. 286) A. Ovary inferior; flowers epigynous G. Plants aquatic; leaves floating; blades peltate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NYMPHAEACEAE (p. 286) G. Terrestrial shrubs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ROSACEAE (p. 380) GROUP IV A. Stamens of same number as petals and opposite them B. Style and stigma 1; calyx usually 5-parted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PRIMULACEAE (p. 473) B. Styles and stigmas 2, 3, or more; sepals 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PORTULACACEAE (p. 260) A. Stamens not of same number as petals, or if of same number alternate with them C. Ovary superior; flowers hypogynous or perigynous D. Ovaries 2 or more, wholly separate or somewhat united E. Stamens inserted on receptacle at base of ovary F. Carpels quite separate or united only at base, each several-seeded G. Leaves fleshy, entire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CRASSULACEAE (p. 362) G. Leaves not fleshy, usually lobed or compound . . . . RANUNCULACEAE (p. 288)
16
INTRODUCTION
F. Carpels more or less united, with a common style; ovary 5-lobed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GERANIACEAE (p. 427) E. Stamens inserted on the perianth or on a hypanthium H. Plants fleshy; stamens just twice as many as carpels . . . . . . CRASSULACEAE (p. 362) H. Plants not fleshy; stamens not just twice as many as the carpels I. Stipules present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ROSACEAE (p. 380) I. Stipules absent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SAXIFRAGACEAE (p. 363) D. Ovary 1 (simple or compound) J.
Ovary simple, with 1 parietal placenta and 1 style. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FABACEAE (p. 405)
J.
Ovary compound, with 1 to several locules, placentae, styles, or stigmas K. Ovary 1-loculed L. Corolla quite irregular M. Petals 4; stamens 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FUMARIACEAE (p. 312) M. Petals 5; stamens 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VIOLACEAE (p. 436) L. Corolla regular or nearly so N. Fruit 1-seeded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BRASSICACEAE (p. 314) N. Fruit with more than 1 seed O. Placentation central. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARYOPHYLLACEAE (p. 263) O. Placentation parietal P. Leaves with gland-tipped hairs (tentacles); small insectivorous plants of bogs . . . . . . . . . DROSERACEAE (p. 361) P. Leaves without gland-tipped tentacles Q. Stamens 4 or 5 or 8 or 10; petals 4 or 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SAXIFRAGACEAE (p. 363) Q. Stamens 6; petals 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BRASSICACEAE (p. 314) K. Ovary 2- to several-loculed R. Flowers irregular (zygomorphic). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BALSAMINACEAE (p. 434) R. Flowers regular or nearly so S. Stamens 6; petals 4; ovary 2-loculed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BRASSICACEAE (p. 314) S.
Plants not as above T. Ovules and seeds 1 or 2 in each locule U. Depressed evergreen shrubs with small flowers; fruit berrylike . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EMPETRACEAE (p. 433) U. Herbs with showy flowers; fruit a capsule V. Capsule rounded, splitting from top, 10-seeded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LINACEAE (p. 429) V. Capsule long-beaked, splitting from below upward into 5 parts, each 1-seeded . . . . GERANIACEAE (p. 427) T. Ovules several; seeds usually several to many in each locule W. Stipules present between opposite leaves; small semiaquatic plants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ELATINACEAE (p. 435) W. Stipules none when leaves opposite X. Styles 2–5; leaves opposite. . . . . . . CARYOPHYLLACEAE (p. 263) X. Style 1
Keys to major divisions and families
17
Y. Plants with scalelike nongreen leaves; saprophytes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PYROLACEAE (p. 458) Y. Plants with mainly green leaves Z. Herbs, or somewhat woody at base; less than 50 cm high . . . . . . PYROLACEAE (p. 458) Z. Shrubs; more than 50 cm high . . . . . ERICACEAE (p. 462) C. Ovary inferior; flowers epigynous a.
Ovules and seeds 1 in each locule b.
b.
Stamens 5 or 10 c.
Fruit berrylike; styles 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ARALIACEAE (p. 449)
c.
Fruit dry, splitting at maturity; styles 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APIACEAE (p. 450)
Stamens 4 or 8 d. Fruit a drupe; style and stigma 1; large shrub or small herb . . . CORNACEAE (p. 456) d. Fruit a capsule or nutlike; herbs e. e.
Style 1; stigma capitate, discoid or 4-lobed; terrestrial plants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ONAGRACEAE (p. 441) Styles or sessile stigmas 2–4; aquatic plants f. Leaves sessile, entire; flowers in axils of leaves . . . HIPPURIDACEAE (p. 446) f.
a.
Leaves pectinately divided; flowers bracted in a terminal spike . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HALORAGACEAE (p. 448)
Ovules and seeds more than 1 in each locule g. Ovary 1-loculed, fruit a berry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SAXIFRAGACEAE (p. 363) g. Ovary 2- to many-loculed h. Style 1; stamens 4 or 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ONAGRACEAE (p. 441) h. Styles 2–3; stamens 5 or 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SAXIFRAGACEAE (p. 363)
GROUP V A. Ovary 1-loculed; corolla irregular; placentae parietal B. Placenta 1; sepals usually 5 or wholly united; petals 5, of which 2 usually united along one edge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FABACEAE (p. 405) B. Placentae 2; sepals 2, small; petals 4, of which 1 spurred at base . . . . . . . . FUMARIACEAE (p. 312) A. Ovary 3- to several-loculed C. Corolla irregular, with large pouch (sac) terminating in a spur; anthers united . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BALSAMINACEAE (p. 434) C. Corolla regular D. Saprophytic herbs, without green foliage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PYROLACEAE (p. 458) D. Shrubs or herbs, not saprophytic; foliage green E. Shrubs; leaves all simple . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ERICACEAE (p. 462) E. Small herb; basal leaves ternate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ADOXACEAE (p. 532) GROUP VI A. Stamens opposite corolla lobes and of same number B. Styles 5; fruit 1-seeded; leaves linear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PLUMBAGINACEAE (p. 482) B. Style 1; fruit several-seeded; leaves wider . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PRIMULACEAE (p. 473) A. Stamens alternate with corolla lobes and of same number or fewer C. Ovary superior
18
INTRODUCTION
D. Corolla irregular (zygomorphic) E. Ovules solitary in locules; ovary separating at maturity into 4 nutlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LAMIACEAE (p. 502) E. Ovules 2 to many in each locule; ovary not separating into nutlets F. Plants without green foliage; parasites on roots of other plants. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OROBANCHACEAE (p. 521) F. Plants with green foliage G. Ovary 1-loculed; stamens 2; small carnivorous plants, in water or on moist ground. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LENTIBULARIACEAE (p. 522) G. Ovary 2-loculed; stamens 4, or in some cases 5 or 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SCROPHULARIACEAE (p. 505) D. Corolla regular H. Stamens fewer than lobes of corolla I.
Ovary 4-lobed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LAMIACEAE (p. 502)
I.
Ovary 2-loculed, not 4-lobed J.
Leaves mostly basal; corolla scarious; capsule circumscissile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PLANTAGINACEAE (p. 525) J. Leaves mostly cauline and opposite; corolla not scarious; dehiscence not circumscissile. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SCROPHULARIACEAE (p. 505) H. Stamens as many as corolla lobes K. Carpels 2, separate except in some cases at apex; herbs with milky juice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APOCYNACEAE (p. 489) K. Carpels united; plants without milky juice L. Ovary deeply 4-lobed, at maturity separating into 2 or 4 nutlets M. Leaves alternate; stems usually rounded; flowers mostly regular . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BORAGINACEAE (p. 495) M. Leaves opposite; stems usually 4-sided; flowers mostly irregular. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LAMIACEAE (p. 502) L. Ovary not deeply 4-lobed N. Ovary 1-loculed O. Leaves entire, opposite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GENTIANACEAE (p. 483) O. Leaves toothed, lobed, or compound P. Leaves with 3 entire leaflets; corolla white-bearded on upper surface . . . . . MENYANTHACEAE (p. 488) P. Leaves, if compound, with toothed leaflets; corolla not as above . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HYDROPHYLLACEAE (p. 494) N. Ovary 2- to 10-loculed Q. Stamens free from corolla or nearly so. . . . . . . . . . . . . ERICACEAE (p. 462) Q. Stamens inserted on corolla tube R. Stamens 4 S. S.
Leaves mostly basal, strong-nerved; corolla scarious . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PLANTAGINACEAE (p. 525) Leaves mostly cauline; corolla not scarious T. Fruit a capsule, manyseeded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SCROPHULARIACEAE (p. 505) T. Fruit of 2 or 4 nutlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LAMIACEAE (p. 502)
R. Stamens 5
Keys to major divisions and families
19
U. Fruit of 2 or 4 nutlets; ovary somewhat 4-lobed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BORAGINACEAE (p. 495) U. Fruit a capsule or berry; ovary not 4-lobed V. Styles 2, or style 1 and 2-cleft; ovary 2-loculed; inflorescence more or less cymose in structure . . . . . . . . HYDROPHYLLACEAE (p. 494) V. Style single, 3-cleft; ovary 3-loculed; inflorescence not cymose in structure W. Dwarf evergreen shrubs with entire leathery leaves . . . . . . . DIAPENSIACEAE (p. 472) W. Herbs with entire or pinnately divided leaves . . . . . . . . . . . . POLEMONIACEAE (p. 490) C. Ovary inferior; flowers epigynous X. Stamens free from corolla Y. Corolla regular; anthers separate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAMPANULACEAE (p. 535) Y. Corolla irregular; anthers united . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LOBELIACEAE (p. 537) X. Stamens inserted on corolla Z. Ovary with 2 to many fertile locules and 2 to many ovules; calyx not modified as a pappus or other special structure a. Shrubs (erect or climbing), or trailing plants; stems rounded; leaves opposite, not stipulate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAPRIFOLIACEAE (p. 529) a. Herbs; stems mostly 4-sided; leaves whorled. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RUBIACEAE (p. 527) Z. Ovary with 1 fertile locule; calyx often modified as a pappus b. Flowers in panicled cymes, not in heads. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VALERIANACEAE (p. 533) b. Flowers in involucrate heads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ASTERACEAE (p. 538)
21
FLORA OF THE YUKON TERRITORY
LYCOPODIACEAE club-moss family
LYCOPODIACEAE
Lycopodium L. club-moss Low creeping or tufted evergreen plants with simple to much-branched stems covered with simple, 1-nerved, 4- to many-ranked linear or lanceolate leaves. Sporangia in axils of leaflike sporophylls similar to vegetative leaves or segregated in terminal sessile or peduncled conelike strobils; spores very numerous, powdery, yellow. A. Sporangia in axils of leaflike sporophylls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. selago A. Sporangia in axils of modified terminal leafy-bracted strobiles B. Strobili sessile at ends of leafy stems C. Aerial stems erect and treelike. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. dendroideum C. Aerial stems tufted, bushy or fanlike D. Plants 12–25 cm; leaves 8-ranked, 6–10 mm long, not fused to stem . . . . . . . . L. annotinum D. Plants short, less than 13 cm; leaves 4- to 5-ranked, scalelike, partly fused to stem E. Leaves mostly 4-ranked; leaves of the upper and lower sides unlike the marginal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. alpinum E. Leaves mostly 5-ranked; all the leaves alike . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. sitchense B. Strobili peduncled F. Leaves linear-subulate with long soft hairlike tips. . . . . . . . . . . . L. clavatum var. monostachyon F. Leaves scalelike . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. complanatum
Lycopodium alpinum L. Diphasiastrum alpinum (L.) Holub L. sitchense sensu Douglas et al. (1981) alpine club-moss ✒ Stems elongate, horizontal, rooting at intervals, bearing few leaves; leaves distant, yellow, bractlike; erect stems dichotomously forked to 9 cm high. Leaves 4-ranked, dimorphic; dorsal leaves lanceolate-subulate, appressed, adnate for about half their length; lateral leaves deltoid-ovate to lanceolate, 4–5 mm long, adnate for about half their length, with free part spreading and incurved at tip; ventral leaf shorter and trowel-shaped. Strobili essentially sessile at ends of branched leafy peduncle-like stems. ✿ Alpine and subalpine meadows and wooded alpine slopes. ● Circumpolar; in North America from Greenland to Alaska, south to Newfoundland, eastern Quebec, Michigan, Washington, and Montana; in the Yukon Territory found north to latitude 64°30’ N and disjunct to the Richardson Mountains.
22
LYCOPODIACEAE
Lycopodium annotinum L. var. annotinum bristly club-moss ✒ Stems elongated, prostrate, mostly unbranched, rooting at intervals; erect stems simple to forked several times, increasing annually to 20 cm or more in height. Leaves uniform, 8-ranked, 6–11 mm long, more or less stiff and hard, linear-lanceolate to oblanceolate, with a sharp spinule, coarsely toothed, spreading; lower leaves on prostrate stems turned upward. Strobili sessile at ends of leafy stems.
Lycopodium annotinum L. var. pungens (La Pylaie) Desv. ✒ Differing from var. annotinum in having leaves of erect stems 2.5–6.0 mm long, lanceolate to lance-oblong, flat, obscurely serrate, strongly ascending to tightly appressed. ✿ Moist woods and clearings, subalpine forests, and exposed rocky and peaty habitats. ● L. annotinum s.l. circumpolar; in North America from Greenland to Alaska, south to Virginia, Minnesota, and Oregon; in the Yukon Territory var. pungens found northward to the Arctic coastal plain while var. annotinum only in the southern third. Lycopodium
Lycopodium clavatum L. var. monostachyon Hook. & Grev. common club-moss ✒ Stems elongated, horizontal on surface of ground, forking, rooting at intervals; erect branches, at first simple, becoming dichotomous. Leaves uniform, linear-subulate, usually tipped with a soft white hairlike bristle, ordinarily ascending or appressed; lower leaves turned upward. Strobili 1 each on short peduncles on fertile branches. ✿ Dry woods and clearings. ● Var. clavatum circumpolar; var. monostachyon in Greenland, Labrador and Newfoundland to Alaska; in the Yukon Territory found in lowland parts but apparently rare north of latitude 65° N.
Lycopodium
23
Lycopodium complanatum L. Diphasium complanatum (L.) Rothm. Diphasiastrum complanatum (L.) Holub flatbranch club-moss ✒ Horizontal stems mostly below surface of ground; upright stems to 20 cm high or higher, with crowded or somewhat remotely forking branchlets; branchlets flattened, often strongly constricted between yearly growths 2.0–4.0 mm wide. Leaves of horizontal stems distant, scalelike; leaves of branchlets 4-ranked; lateral leaves usually appressed; leaves of lower rank muchreduced. Strobili mostly 1 or 2 on remotely bracted peduncles. ✿ Woodlands and clearings. ● Circumpolar; in North America from Greenland, Labrador and Newfoundland to Alaska; in the Yukon Territory in lowland situations north to the Porcupine River.
Lycopodium dendroideum Michx. L. obscurum L. var. dendroideum (Michx.) D.C. Eat. round-branched ground-pine, tree club-moss ✒ Subterranean stems creeping, branching, and rhizomelike, with broad scalelike leaves; aerial stems upright, 10–30 cm high, simple below, forking above, constricted between the season’s growth. Lower leaves strongly divergent; leaves of lateral branchlets in 2 dorsal, 2 ventral, and 2 lateral ranks; leaves strongly decurrent, with free part linear-attenuate. Strobili sessile and terminal on main axis or dominant branches, produced in second or third or fourth growing season. ✿ Woods and clearings. ● Asia; North America; from Labrador and Newfoundland to British Columbia and Alaska south into northern United States; in the Yukon Territory known only from Flat Creek east of Dawson and the Alaska border at the Arctic Circle, and considered rare by Douglas et al. (1981).
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LYCOPODIACEAE
Lycopodium selago L. L. selago L. var. appressum Desv. Huperzia selago (L.) Bernh. mountain club-moss ✒ Horizontal stems short, leafy, rooting from among marcescent leaves; erect stems to 20 cm high or higher, branched several times, usually near base. Leaves yellowgreen, crowded, 8- to 10-ranked, 3–8 mm long, ovate-lanceolate, entire or nearly so, acuminate, usually hollow at base. Sporangia in axils of leaves produced early in season, followed later by sterile leaves, thus appearing in bands. Gemmae or reproductive buds often borne in upper leaf axils. ✿ Arctic tundra species; south in mountains often below late snow patches, on barrens, in bogs, and in cold woods. ● Circumpolar; in North America from Greenland to Alaska south to the northern United States; widespread in the Yukon Territory.
*Lycopodium sitchense Rupr. L. sabinifolium Willd. var. sitchense (Rupr.) Fern. 1 Diphasium sitchense (Rupr.) Löve & Löve Diphasiastrum sitchense (Rupr.) Holub sitka club-moss ✒ Stems elongate, horizontal, rooting at intervals; erect stems dichotomously forked to 18 cm high; sterile branchlets cylindrical. Leaves in 4 or more often 5 ranks, uniform, subulate, adnate for less than half their length, with free parts usually incurved at tips; leaves on horizontal stems distant, yellowish, scalelike. Strobili sessile on leafy branches, not on naked peduncles. ✿ Alpine and subalpine barrens and wooded slopes. ● North America; from Greenland, Labrador and Newfoundland to British Columbia south into the northern United States; to be looked for in alpine situations particularly in southwestern Yukon Territory; previous reports based on misidentifications.
1An asterisk indicates species not known from Yukon Territory but expected to be found.
Selaginella
SELAGINELLACEAE spike-moss family Selaginella Beauv. spike-moss
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SELAGINELLACEAE
Selaginella
Low creeping plants, with branching stems, and with few fine roots. Leaves simple, imbricated, in 4 or 6 rows, with or without a bristle tip. Some sporangia containing macrospores, others microspores, borne in axils of leaflike sporophylls of terminal cone. A. Leaves flat, not bristle-tipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S. selaginoides A. Leaves grooved on back, bristle-tipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S. sibirica
Selaginella selaginoides (L.) Link ✒ Plant delicate, branching, forming small mat. Leaves uniform, 2–4 mm long, spreading-ascending, acute, ciliate. Fertile branches upright, with lower leaves similar to those of stem but becoming larger upwards and forming sporophylls of a subcylindric spike. ✿ Moist banks and shores, bogs, and boggy woods. ● Circumpolar; in North America from Greenland and Labrador to Alaska, south into the northern United States; in the Yukon Territory not known north of latitude 65° N.
Selaginella sibirica (Milde) Hieron. ✒ Stems forming small intricate mats. Leaves densely appressed-ascending, decurrent on sides of stem; leaves linearligulate, about 2.7 mm long (including about 0.5-mm long scabrous seta), grooved on back, subtruncate to truncate at apex. Sporophylls broadly ovate-deltoid, shortapiculate, ciliate, shorter than leaves. ✿ Dry exposed rocks and ridges. ● Amphi-Beringian; in North America, Alaska to northwestern District of Mackenzie; in the Yukon Territory not known in southeastern triangle.
26
ISOETACEAE
ISOETACEAE quillwort family Isoetes L. quillwort
ISOETACEAE
Isoetes
Isoetes echinospora Dur. I. muricata Dur. var. braunii Engelm. ✒ Perennial aquatic herb. Corm 2-lobed. Leaves grasslike, 7–25 or more, usually erect, fine and soft, bright green to yellowish green. Sporangia in a hollow at expanded base of leaves and more or less covered by thin edge of the hollow (velum), and with a small ligule situated above. Spores dimorphic; megaspores (female) borne in megasporangia, spherical, white, covered with sparse to dense spines; microspores (male) borne in microsporangia, kidney-shaped, usually smooth or with fine threadlike spines. ✿ Rooted in silty bottom of shallow bays and small lakes or ponds. ● North America; from Labrador and Newfoundland to Alaska, south to Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Colorado, and California; in the Yukon Territory considered rare (Douglas et al. 1981) and known from two localities in the southeastern part.
Equisetum
EQUISETACEAE horsetail family Equisetum L. horsetail
27
EQUISETACEAE
Equisetum
Rhizomatous perennials. Stems rushlike, jointed, some hollow, branched or unbranched; internodes of stems often ridged longitudinally, with stomata in rows or bands in grooves, and with ridges bearing siliceous tubercles or bands. Leaves small, whorled, fused into nodal sheaths. Sporangia on sporophylls in cones; cones terminal on vegetative stems, or occasionally on branches, or in some species on specialized precocious shoots lacking chlorophyll. A. Stems unbranched B. Fertile stems green C. Stomata in bands or scattered in grooves; stems deciduous; cones not apiculate D. Central cavity four-fifths diameter of stem; sheaths with 15–20 dark brown teeth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. fluviatile D. Central cavity about one-sixth diameter of stem; sheaths with 10 or fewer white-margined teeth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. palustre C. Stomata in two lines in each groove; stems evergreen; cones apiculate E. Sheaths with 3(4) teeth; stems lacking a central cavity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. scirpoides E. Sheaths with 4 or more teeth; stems with a central cavity F. Teeth few, not articulated at base, persistent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. variegatum F. Teeth numerous, articulated at base. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. hyemale ssp. affine B. Fertile stems not green or becoming green only after sporulation G. Coning stems fleshy, lacking stomata, withering after sporulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. arvense G. Coning stems not fleshy, with stomata, and becoming green and branched after sporulation H. Sheaths chestnut brown, flaring upwards, with teeth cohering in several broad lobes; branches usually branched again . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. sylvaticum H. Sheaths green, rather tight, with teeth white-margined, free or nearly so; branches usually unbranched. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. pratense A. Stems branched I. Fertile and sterile stems similar, green; first internode of primary branches (if present) equaling or mostly shorter than stem sheath; coning in summer J. Central cavity about one-sixth diameter of stem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. palustre I.
J. Central cavity about four-fifths diameter of stem. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. fluviatile Fertile and sterile stems not alike; first internode of primary branches considerably longer than stem sheath; coning in spring K. Stem sheath teeth chestnut brown, papery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. sylvaticum K. Stem teeth dark, stiff L. Branches spreading with teeth of their sheaths deltoid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. pratense L. Branches ascending, with teeth of their sheaths lance-attenuate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. arvense
28
EQUISETACEAE
Equisetum arvense L. E. boreale Bongard E. calderi Boivin field horsetail ✒ Plants very variable. Stems of two kinds, sterile and fertile, deciduous, growing from dark brown to black, hairy, occasionally tuber-bearing rhizomes. Sterile stems upright to 50 cm long or longer, to prostrate or diffusely branched, 1.5–5 mm thick; central cavity one- to two-thirds diameter of stem; large vallecular cavities alternating with 4–14 ridges; silica in dots on ridges; stomata in 2 broad bands in valleys; sheaths with 4–14 short narrow dark scarious-margined teeth and occasionally cohering in pairs; branches solid, whorled, spreading or ascending, mostly unbranched, 3- or 4-angled; teeth lance-attenuate; first internode longer than subtending stem sheath. Fertile stems lacking chlorophyll, precocious and fleshy, withering and dying after spores shed, generally shorter than sterile stems; sheaths 0.5–2.5 mm long, with 8–12 brown scarious-margined persistent, distinct or partly united teeth; terminal cone long-peduncled, not apiculate. Spores shedding from late March to mid May or later, depending on latitude, altitude, and season. ✿ Damp open woods, low open ground and meadows, roadside fill, and embankments, often on dry sandy surface; in arctic situations on shattered limestone or in pockets of soil with permafrost close to surface. ● Circumpolar; in North America from Greenland to Alaska, south to Georgia, Alabama, Texas, and California; found throughout the Yukon Territory.
Equisetum fluviatile L. E. limosum L. water horsetail ✒ Plant unbranched, or with branches occurring sporadically, or verticillate. Stems up to 1 m long or longer, but usually shorter, 3–8 mm thick, deciduous, single, but often forming dense stands from branching smooth light brown rhizomes; central cavity four-fifths or more diameter of stem; vallecular cavities absent; 10–30 smooth ridges present; stomata in a broad band in each groove. Sheaths tightly appressed, with 15–20 teeth; teeth dark brown, narrow, acuminate, persistent. Branches up to 15 cm long, hollow, with 4–6 ridges, with first internode shorter than stem sheath, and with teeth narrowly pointed. Cones up to 2.5 cm long, yellow to brown, obtuse, peduncled, deciduous, shedding spores from May to August. ✿ Quiet shallow water of rivers and lakes, wet shores, swales, and ditches. ● Circumpolar; in North America from Labrador to Alaska, south to New England, Virginia, Indiana, Wyoming, and Oregon; in the Yukon Territory found north to the Arctic coastal plain.
Equisetum
29
Equisetum hyemale L. ssp. affine (Engelm.) Stone E. prealtum Raf. Hippochaete hyemalis (L.) Bruhin ssp. affinis (Engelm.) Holub scouring-rush ✒ Stems evergreen, up to 1.2 m long or longer, but much shorter throughout most of Canadian range, 0.3–1.0 cm thick, upright, usually unbranched, single or several together from thick dark brown dull rough rhizome; central cavity three-quarters or more diameter of stem; small vallecular cavities alternating with 14–50 ridges; ridges broad, flat, or rounded, with prominent crossbands to double rows of tubercules; stomata in 2 lines, one on each side of grooves. Sheaths constricted at base, same color as stem when young, but soon developing dark bands at base and summit, with part between base and summit white or ashy gray; teeth lanceolate, usually promptly deciduous, dark brown with broad scarious margins. Cones to 2 cm long when expanded, yellow to black, apiculate, short-peduncled, shedding spores from June to September, or persisting unopened till the following spring. ✿ Sandy and gravelly river terraces, lakeshores, old fields, and roadsides. ● Equisetum hyemale s.l. circumpolar; ssp. affine North American, from Newfoundland to southern Alaska, south to Texas and New Mexico, of localized occurrence in the Yukon Territory but known as far north as the Bell River.
Equisetum palustre L. marsh horsetail ✒ Stems deciduous, 20–80 cm long, 1–3 mm thick, erect, solitary or clustered, and growing from shiny black to brown occasionally tuber-bearing rhizomes. Central cavity one-sixth to one-third diameter of stem; vallecular cavities about same size as central cavity and alternating with 5–10 prominently angled smooth or rough ridges; stomata in single wide band in valley. Sheaths green with teeth long, narrow, black, scarious-margined. Branches (in some few to none) spreading in regular whorls from middle nodes, with first internode shorter than subtending stem sheath; sheaths with 5–6 teeth similar to stem teeth but with less obvious scarious margins. Cones 1–3.5 cm long, not apiculate, deciduous, peduncled at end of main stems. Spores shed from June to August. ✿ Wet woods and meadows, shores, and shallow waters. ● Circumpolar; in North America from Newfoundland to Alaska south to New York, Minnesota, Idaho, and California; perhaps more common in the Yukon Territory than indicated on the map, but frequently confused with E. arvense; readily distinguishable from E. arvense by length of first internode of branches being shorter than subtending teeth.
30
EQUISETACEAE
Equisetum pratense Ehrh. meadow horsetail ✒ Stems deciduous, of two kinds, sterile and fertile, both upright, mostly solitary from dull black rhizomes. Sterile stems whitish green, to 50 cm long and 1–3 mm thick; central cavity from one-sixth to onethird diameter of stem, with small vallecular cavities alternating between 8–18 ridges; silica spicules long, thin, in 3 rows on ridges of middle and upper internodes; stomata in 2 bands in valleys; sheaths pale, with teeth narrow, persistent, white-margined, and dark-centred; branches whorled, horizontal to drooping, with 3 ridges; deltoid teeth slightly incurved, with thin white margins. Fertile stems apparently not common, at first unbranched and lacking chlorophyll, precocious and fleshy, becoming green and branched after spores shed; sheaths and teeth about twice as long as those of sterile stems; peduncled cones to 2.5 cm long, blunt, deciduous, shedding spores from late April to early July. ✿ Moist woods or meadows, in sun or partial shade. ● Circumpolar; in North America from Newfoundland and Labrador to Alaska, south to Montana, Michigan, and New York; found northward in the Yukon Territory to latitude 68°23’ N, just south of the eastern British Mountains.
Equisetum scirpoides Michx. Hippochaete scirpoides (Michx.) Farwell dwarf scouring-rush ✒ Stems evergreen, 3–20 cm long or longer, slender, 0.5–1.0 mm thick, usually unbranched, ascending or prostrate, arched-recurving and flexuous, caespitose from fine branching rhizomes; centre of stem solid, with 3 or rarely 4 vallecular cavities alternating with deeply grooved ridges; stomata in single lines on either side of ridges; silica rosettes in lines on crests of ridges. Sheaths green below, black above, loose, with 3 or rarely 4 deltoid teeth; teeth scarious-margined, subpersistent, but their subulate tips usually soon breaking off. Cones small, 2–3 mm long, apiculate, black, shedding spores in July or August, or persisting unopened until following spring. ✿ Tundra, mossy places and woods; stems often partly buried in humus. ● Circumpolar; in North America from Labrador to Alaska, south to New England, Washington, and Illinois; found throughout the Yukon Territory.
Equisetum sylvaticum L. wood horsetail, woodland horsetail ✒ Stems deciduous, of two kinds, sterile and fertile, both erect, mostly solitary, from shiny light brown smooth hairy occasionally tuber-bearing rhizomes. Sterile stems up to 70 cm long and 1.5–3 mm thick; central cavity one-half to two-thirds diameter of stem, and prominent vallecular cavities alternating with 10–18 ridges; silica tubercules in 2 rows on ridges; stomata borne in 2 bands in valleys; sheaths loosely inflated, with reddish brown papery teeth persistent, usually united into 3 or 4 groups;
Equisetum
31
branches whorled, arched, appearing lacy from secondary branches; branches with 3 or 4 (rarely 5) ridges, with stomata in single line on either side of valleys, and with teeth narrow, pointed, and spreading. Fertile stems at first unbranched and lacking chlorophyll, precocious and fleshy, becoming green and branched after spores released; sheaths and teeth usually larger than in sterile stems. Peduncled cones to 3 cm long, blunt, deciduous, shedding spores in April and May, or later at higher latitudes. Wood horsetail readily recognizable by lacy appearance of its secondary branches and the loosely inflated reddish brown sheaths. ✿ Moist open woods, wet banks, swamps, and meadows. ● Circumpolar; in North America from southern Greenland and Labrador to Alaska, south to Washington, Montana, Michigan, and Virginia; found northward through the Yukon Territory to the valley of the Porcupine River.
Equisetum variegatum Schleich. ssp. variegatum Hippochaete variegata (Schleich.) Bruhin variegated horsetail ✒ Stems 6–50 cm long, 0.5–3.0 mm thick, evergreen, usually unbranched, ascending, tufted from smooth branching rhizomes; central cavity one- to two-thirds diameter of stem; large vallecular cavities alternating with 3–12 furrowed ridges; stomata in single lines on each side of ridges; silica tubercules in 2 lines on ridges, separated by furrow. Sheaths green at base, black above, slightly spreading; teeth lanceolate to lancedeltoid, obtuse, persistent, with or without filiform tips, and with brown central portion and with wide white margins. Cones 5–10 mm long, apiculate, shedding spores in July or August or more often persisting unopened until following spring.
Equisetum variegatum Schleich. ssp. alaskanum (A.A. Eat.) Hultén ✒ Distinguishable by its more robust stature and by its teeth incurved, completely black, or at most narrowly white-margined, with black covering part or most of sheath. ✿ Tundra, moist sand, riverbanks, and meadows. ● Ssp. variegatum circumpolar, in North America from Greenland to Alaska, south to Oregon, Utah, Michigan, New York, and New England and found throughout the Yukon Territory; ssp. alaskanum from Alaska through southwestern Yukon Territory, south along the British Columbia coast to Vancouver Island.
32
OPHIOGLOSSACEAE
OPHIOGLOSSACEAE adder’s-tongue family Botrychium Sw. moonwort, grape fern
OPHIOGLOSSACEAE
Botrychium
Perennial more or less succulent herbs. Sporophyte bearing 1 to several fronds from an erect unbranched rootstock. Roots thick and fleshy. Sterile segment sessile or stalked, pinnately or palmately once to many times decompound; venation dichotomous, open. Fertile segment stalked; spike simple (rarely) to pinnately compound. Sporangia naked and distinct, borne laterally on its branches; spores thick-walled. Gametophyte subterranean, usually without chlorophyll and associated with an endophytic mycorrhiza. A. Sterile blade deltoid, tripinnate B. Sterile blade attached near base of stem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. multifidum var. multifidum B. Sterile blade attached above middle of stem. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. virginianum var. europaeum A. Sterile blade once or twice pinnate C. Blade simply pinnate D. Segments of blade flabellate, often overlapping. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. lunaria D. Segments of blade cuneate to oblong or spatulate to flabellate E. Blades stalked; margins of segments deeply and sharply dentate . . . . . . . . . . . B. ascendens E. Blades usually sessile; margins of segments entire or lower ones often cleft with wide sinuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. spathulatum C. Blade pinnate-pinnatifid, with lowermost pinnae longest, all more or less pointed F. Blades deltoid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. lanceolatum F. Blades oblong or ovate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. boreale ssp. obtusifolium
Botrychium ascendens W.H. Wagner ✒ Fronds 10–12(20) cm high. Blades bright yellow-green, narrowly oblongtriangular, up to 6 cm long and 2 cm wide; segments up to 6 pairs, cuneate to oblong, strongly ascending, with margins deeply and sharply dentate and serrate and dichotomous veins conspicuous; stalk 1–30% the length of the blades. Fertile segments mostly simple except for lower segments having 1–3 branchlets. ✿ Grassy meadows. ● Western North America; in the Yukon Territory, British Columbia, western Alberta, Montana, and Nevada; in the Yukon Territory known from single locality at Dawson and occurring with B. lunaria.
Botrychium
33
Botrychium boreale Milde ssp. obtusilobum (Rupr.) Clausen ✒ Fronds erect, up to 26 cm long, stout, fleshy. Blades pinnately divided, sessile, inserted above middle; primary divisions of blades oblong, obtuse at apex. Fertile segment simple or paniculate. Spores mature in June and July. ✿ Grassy and rocky slopes and alpine meadows. ● Amphi-Beringian; from Alaska and Yukon south through British Columbia and western Alberta to Washington and Montana; rare in southern Yukon Territory (Douglas et al. 1981) and at one locality in the Richardson Mountains.
Botrychium lanceolatum (Gmel.) Angstr. var. lanceolatum lance-leaved grape fern ✒ Fronds 20 cm long or longer, stout, fleshy. Blades sessile, broadly deltoid, inserted near summit; segments of blades lanceolate, pinnatifid. Fertile segment paniculate. Spores mature in July and August. ✿ Alpine meadows and grassy places. ● Circumpolar; in North America from Greenland, south through Newfoundland, eastern Quebec, and northern Maine; from Aleutian Islands, south through British Columbia to Washington, Wyoming, and Colorado; rare in southern Yukon Territory (Douglas et al. 1981).
Botrychium lunaria (L.) Sw. moonwort ✒ Fronds up to 25 cm long, somewhat leathery. Blades more or less oblong, sessile, inserted at or below middle, pinnate; segments of blade opposite, flabellate and often overlapping, with margins entire or somewhat incised. Fertile segment racemose or paniculate. ✿ Open turfy or gravelly slopes, shores, and meadows, usually on basic soils. ● Circumpolar; in boreal North America from Greenland and Labrador and Newfoundland to British Columbia and Alaska, south to Maine, Michigan, Wyoming, Colorado, and California; in the Yukon Territory local occurrences as far north as the Babbage River.
34
OPHIOGLOSSACEAE
Botrychium multifidum (Gmel.) Rupr. var. multifidum leathery grape fern ✒ Fronds 10 cm or more high; stem and blade coriaceous evergreen, long-petioled, ternate, attached near base of plant; ultimate segments of blade crowded, sometimes imbricate, varying from flabellate to ovate, but more or less same size, obtuse or somewhat acute. Fertile segment paniculate. ✿ Old gravel roadbed. ● Circumpolar; in the Yukon Territory known from single collection southeast of Dawson.
Botrychium spathulatum W.H. Wagner ✒ Fronds 12–18 cm high. Blades shiny yellowish green, narrowly deltoid, sessile or nearly so, 4.5–9.0 cm long and 1.5–3.0 cm wide; segments up to 7 pairs, somewhat ascending and oblique, with basal pair commonly folded over rachis; segments mostly separate to remote, spatulate to flabellate, widest at apex, with outer margins of lower ones often cleft with wide sinuses. Fertile segments mostly simple or lower ones branched. ✿ Open fields and sand dunes. ● North America; from Gaspé Peninsula in Quebec to southeastern Alaska, barely entering northern Michigan and northern Montana; in the Yukon Territory known from single collection in the upper Rose River valley adjacent to the Canol Road.
Botrychium virginianum (L.) Sw. var. europaeum Angstr. rattlesnake fern ✒ Fronds to 30 cm long or longer, glabrous or nearly so, deciduous. Blades leathery, broadly deltoid, sessile, attached above middle, ternately decompound; ultimate segments oblong-lanceolate, usually overlapping. ✿ Thickets and often coniferous woods. ● Circumpolar; in North America from Labrador to Alaska, south to the northern United States; barely entering the Yukon Territory in the extreme southeast where considered rare by Douglas et al. (1981).
Cryptogramma
35
PTERIDACEAE
PTERIDACEAE
Cryptogramma R. Br. rock brake
Cryptogramma
Small rock ferns with dimorphic fronds arising from short much-branched or slender elongate rhizomes. Blades glabrous, evergreen or deciduous; veins free. Sori marginal, covered by a continuous indusium formed by reflexed margin. A. Fronds densely tufted from short much-branched rhizome, evergreen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. crispa A. Fronds scattered on elongated slender rhizome, deciduous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. stelleri
Cryptogramma crispa (L.) R. Br. var. acrostichoides (R. Br.) C.B. Clarke C. acrostichoides R. Br. mountain-parsley, parsley fern, American parsley fern ✒ Fronds dimorphic, winter green, densely clustered from short-creeping mostly ascending rhizomes. Sterile fronds up to 15 cm long; stipes straw-colored; blades ovate to ovate-lanceolate, bipinnatepinnatifid; pinnae short-petioled; ultimate segments thick, ovate, oblong or obovate, obtuse with crenate or toothed margins. Fertile fronds standing stiffly above sterile fronds, with fewer linear-oblong entire segments; margins of segments broadly reflexed, often to midrib, but opening as sporangia mature. Sori eventually covering surface of fertile pinnule.
Cryptogramma crispa (L.) R. Br. var. sitchensis (Rupr.) C. Chr. ✒ Similar to var. acrostichoides, but with sterile fronds broadly triangular, finely dissected; ultimate segments obovate. ✿ Crevices, ledges, and talus slopes and in pockets of organic soil. ● Var. acrostichoides in Kamchatka and in western North America from southern Alaska, through the mountains of British Columbia and western Alberta south to California and New Mexico, east across the Precambrian Shield to northwestern Ontario and adjacent United States, and rare in southern Yukon Territory; var. sitchensis in southern Alaska to the Mackenzie Mountains in the District of Mackenzie, south into northern British Columbia, and rare in southeastern Yukon Territory.
36
PTERIDACEAE
Cryptogramma stelleri (Gmel.) Prantl slender cliff-brake ✒ Fronds dimorphic, scattered along horizontal rhizome. Sterile fronds almost flaccid, 3–10 cm long; stipes pale to purplish; blades ovate to ovate-deltoid, bipinnate; pinnules oblong, ovate, or obovate flabelliform. Fertile fronds stiffer than sterile fronds, 9–21 cm long; pinnules lanceolate to oblong. Sori situated around margins of fertile pinnules; inrolled margin forming a false indusium. ✿ Usually calcareous crevices and cliffs, moist and shaded. ● Circumpolar; in North America from Newfoundland and Labrador to Alaska, south into the northern United States, but interrupted because of habitat restrictions; rare in the Yukon Territory (Douglas et al. 1981) where known only from the Ogilvie Mountains, one location on the Porcupine River, and one near the District of Mackenzie border just south of latitude 68° N.
Athyrium
ASPIDIACEAE
37
ASPIDIACEAE
Small to large ferns, with pinnate to decompound fronds forming a crown at top of a stout rhizome or singly along a fine rhizome. Sori dorsal, usually roundish, but in some somewhat elongate; indusium opening on one side, peltate or absent. A. Sporangia partly or wholly covered by rolled-up pinnules of a distinctly modified fertile frond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Matteuccia A. Sporangia not in rolled up pinnules; fertile fronds not distinctly modified B. Sori elongate or horseshoe-shaped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Athyrium B. Sori round or nearly so C. Indusia present D. Indusia segmented. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Woodsia D. Indusia not segmented E. Indusia hood-shaped, attached by its base on side toward midrib . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cystopteris E. Indusia round, reniform, or somewhat elongate F. Sori somewhat elongate, often curved over ends of veins; indusia attached on one side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Athyrium F. Sori round or reniform G. Indusia reniform or with a deep sinus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dryopteris G. Indusia round, without a deep sinus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Polystichum C. Indusia absent H. Fronds in a crown at end of a stout rhizome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Athyrium H. Fronds borne singly along a cordlike rhizome I. Fronds more or less ternate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gymnocarpium I.
Athyrium Roth
Fronds pinnate-pinnatifid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Phegopteris
Athyrium
Rather large ferns with large rootstocks. Fronds pinnate to tripinnatifid; veins either simple or somewhat forked. Sori curved or straight, borne along veins; indusium attached on one side of sorus or lacking. A. Ultimate segments of frond very narrow and distant; sori roundish; indusium lacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. alpestre ssp. americanum A. Ultimate segments of frond broad and close together; indusium curved or horseshoe-shaped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. filix-femina var. cyclosorum
38
ASPIDIACEAE
Athyrium alpestre (Hoppe) Rylands ssp. americanum (Butters) Lellinger A. distentifolium Tausch. ssp. americanum (Butters) Hultén A. americanum (Butters) Maxon ✒ Fronds up to 80 cm long, forming large clumps at ends of stout erect or somewhat decument scaly rhizomes; stipe short, sparsely scaly; blades glabrous, subcoriaceous, linear to oblong-lanceolate, acuminate, twice pinnate-pinnatifid; pinnae narrowly deltoid, gradually acuminate; pinnules oblong-lanceolate to narrowly triangular; ultimate segments narrow and distant. Sori roundish, lacking indusia. ✿ Moist and open rocky subalpine slopes and alpine meadows. ● Athyrium alpestre s.l. circumpolar with gaps; ssp. americanum in Greenland, Newfoundland, and Gaspé Peninsula in Quebec and in western North America from southeastern Alaska through western and southern British Columbia to California, Nevada, and Colorado; rare in the Yukon Territory, known from one site near the District of Mackenzie border at about latitude 63° N (Cody and Britton 1989).
Athyrium filix-femina (L.) Roth var. cyclosorum (Ledeb.) Moore A. filix-femina (L.) Roth var. sitchense Rupr. lady fern ✒ Fronds up to 80 cm long (longer southward) tufted and erect-spreading from stout chaffy erect or ascending rhizomes; stipes brittle, scaly near base; blades narrowly to broadly lanceolate, bipinnate to tripinnate; pinnae lanceolate, acuminate to attenuate; pinnules with broad bluntish teeth. Sori oblong to horseshoe-shaped; indusia often toothed, ciliate, and attached by their inner side to a veinlet. ✿
Around hot springs and in wet meadows.
●
Athyrium filix-femina s.l. circumpolar; var. cyclosorum in Alaska south to California; in the Yukon Territory rare (Douglas et al. 1981) and localized in the south.
Cystopteris Bernh. bladder fern
Cystopteris
Delicate medium-sized ferns, with bipinnate or tripinnate or ternate fronds arising from short creeping rhizomes. Veins free. Indusium hood-shaped, thin, and withering, attached at one side and arching over rounded sori. A. Fronds bipinnate to tripinnate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. fragilis A. Fronds ternate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. montana
Dryopteris
39
Cystopteris fragilis (L.) Bernh. Filix fragilis (L.) Und. fragile fern, brittle fern ✒ Fronds 10–35 cm long or longer, tufted from short creeping rhizomes; blades lanceolate, 3–8 cm wide or wider near base, bipinnate; pinnae pinnatifid to lobed, and at least basal pinnules varying from orbicular to triangular; veins mostly ending in a tooth or on unnotched margin. Indusium up to 1 mm long and more or less cleft at apex; spores echinate.1 ✿ Sheltered crevices in cliffs, talus slopes, and moist banks. ● Circumpolar; in North America from Greenland to Alaska, south to Virginia, Texas, and California; found throughout much of the Yukon Territory.
Cystopteris montana (Lam.) Bernh. mountain bladder fern ✒ Fronds 30 cm long or longer, arising singly from along a widely creeping slender rhizome; stipes usually longer than the blade, sparsely chaffy; blades ternate, broadly deltoid-ovate; two lower divisions somewhat narrower and shorter than the upper one; pinnae bipinnate to tripinnate; ultimate segments ovate, rounded, often cleft at apex; veins ending in sinuses between minute teeth. Indusium whitish, roundish, irregularly toothed, inconspicuous. ✿ Cool moist woods and rocky slopes, mainly in calcareous places. ● Circumpolar; in North America in southern Greenland, Quebec, north shore of Lake Superior, Alaska, British Columbia, southwestern District of Mackenzie, and western Alberta and the mountains of Colorado; in the Yukon Territory rare in the Ogilvie Mountains and in the southwestern parts.
Dryopteris Adans. wood fern
Dryopteris
Usually large (one species small) ferns, with fronds arising in clusters from stout creeping or erect rootstocks; stipes continuous with rootstalk, not jointed; blades bipinnatifid or pinnate to nearly bipinnate, glabrous, or somewhat pubescent; veins usually free, simple or forked. Indusium roundish reniform, attached in centre, covering the sori. A. Blades usually small, copiously scaly on undersurface; old fronds or their bases forming a conspicuously persistent curled tuft at base of plant; indusia large, glandular . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D. fragrans A. Blades usually large, scales few or absent B. Lower basal pinnule on each basal pinna closer to upper basal pinnule than to second upper one. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D. carthusiana B. Lower basal pinnule on each basal pinna closer to second upper pinnule than to basal upper one . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D. expansa 1A taxon in which the spores are rugose has been called C. dickieana Sim (or treated variously as a subspecies, variety, or form of C. fragilis), but
is in need of further study.
40
ASPIDIACEAE
Dryopteris carthusiana (Vill.) H.P. Fuchs D. spinulosa (O.F. Muell.) Watt Thelypteris spinulosa (O.F. Muell.) Nieuwl. Aspidium spinulosum (O.F. Muell.) Sw. spinulose wood fern ✒ Fronds 30–80 cm long, forming crown at top of a stout ascending rhizome; stipes with ovate brown scales, particularly near base; blades lanceolate, 10–20 cm wide, bipinnate or bipinnate-pinnatifid; pinnules oblong, with spine-tipped teeth; blade and rachis not glandular; inner lower pinnule of basal pinnae usually longer than next one to it. Sori round; indusia not glandular. ✿ Moist to wet woodlands, thickets, and stream banks. ● Circumpolar; in North America from Labrador to locally in British Columbia, and southward into the United States; very local in southern District of Mackenzie and known only from one location in extreme southeastern Yukon Territory.
Dryopteris expansa (Presl) Fraser-Jenkins & Jermy D. assimilis S. Walker D. dilatata Am. auth. pro parte D. austriaca Am. auth. pro parte northern wood fern ✒ Fronds to 1 m long, winter green in the West, forming large more or less upright crown at end of the stout erect or ascending chaffy rhizome; stipes usually shorter than blade, with brownish often dark-centred ovate-lanceolate scales; blades broadly triangular to ovate or broadly oblong, abruptly acuminate, twice pinnate-pinnatifid to tripinnate; pinnae short-stalked, acuminate; basal pinnae broadly ovate or triangular, inequilateral; lower basal pinnule on each basal pinna closer to second upper pinnule than to basal upper one; ultimate segments of pinnae serrate; teeth mucronate. Sori medial; indusia glabrous, with some populations finely glandular. ✿ Cool moist woods and thickets. ● Circumpolar, with gaps; from southern Greenland and Labrador and northern Newfoundland to Algoma, Thunder Bay, and Rainy River districts in Ontario, western Alberta, British Columbia, Yukon, and Alaska; in the Yukon Territory found only in the southern one-third, not common.
Dryopteris fragrans (L.) Schott D. fragrans (L.) Schott var. remotiuscula Komarov Aspidium fragrans (L.) Sw. Thelypteris fragrans (L.) Nieuwl. fragrant cliff fern, fragrant fern ✒ Fronds up to 30 cm long or longer, forming spreading or ascending crown from a stout rhizome; old fronds curled, shriveled, persistent; stipes 1–15 cm long, glandular, chaffy; blades coriaceous, tapering from middle to base and apex; pinnae overlapping,
Gymnocarpium
41
often inrolled, densely chaffy with brown to reddish scales; pinnae oblong-lanceolate, pinnately incised or crenate; rachises and pinnae glandular. Indusia large, often overlapping, whitish, becoming brown, with their margins often ragged. ✿ Cliffs and talus slopes (most somewhat calcareous). ● Circumpolar; in North America from Greenland to Alaska, south to Newfoundland, New York, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and northern British Columbia; extremely abundant near Lake Superior; found throughout much of the Yukon Territory.
Gymnocarpium Newm. oak fern
Gymnocarpium
Small ferns, with delicate more or less ternate fronds, glabrous, or glandular, arising singly along slender rootstocks; veins free, simple, or forking. Sori round; indusium absent. A. Blades membranous, with 2 lower divisions nearly as long as terminal one; rachis essentially glabrous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G. dryopteris A. Blades firm and somewhat stiff, with 2 lower divisions about half as long as terminal one; rachis, at least at junction of second and third pinna pair, densely glandular . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G. jessoense ssp. parvulum
Gymnocarpium dryopteris (L.) Newm. ssp. dryopteris Dryopteris disjuncta Am. auth. D. linnaeana C. Chr. Thelypteris dryopteris (L.) Slosson Carpogymnia dryopteris (L.) A. & D. Löve oak fern ✒ Fronds up to 30 cm long or longer, arising singly from a slender forking blackish rhizome; blades glabrous or almost so, triangular, ternate; three divisions pinnatepinnatifid; pinnules oblong, blunt. Sori small, situated near margin. ✿ Cool rocky woods, swamp margins, and shaded slopes. ● Circumpolar; in North America from Newfoundland and to British Columbia, the Yukon and Alaska, south to Virginia, Michigan, and Wisconsin; in the Yukon Territory uncommon north to about latitude 66° N.
Gymnocarpium jessoense (Koidz.) Koidz. ssp. parvulum Sarvela G. continentale (Petrov) Pojak G. robertianum sensu Hultén (1968) pro parte and Douglas et al. (1981) Nahanni oak fern ✒ Fronds up to 30 cm long, arising from a slender forking blackish rhizome; blades glandular, narrowly triangular, bipinnatepinnatifid; proximal basal pinnules usually only slightly longer than corresponding upper pinnules; lobes of pinnules of central part of basal pinnae oblique to rachis or curved. Sori small, situated near margin. ✿ Limestone or basic rock cliffs and moist rocky woods.
42
ASPIDIACEAE ● Northern Eurasia; in North America from upper Great Lakes in Ontario to British Columbia and Alaska, south to Minnesota and Wisconsin; in the Yukon Territory known from the Dawson–southern Dempster Highway area, the vicinity of Mayo, and Frances Lake (Rosie 1991), and considered rare by Douglas et al. (1981).
Matteuccia Todaro
Matteuccia
Matteuccia struthiopteris (L.) Todaro var. pensylvanica (Willd.) Morton Pteretis pensylvanica (Willd.) Fern. P. nodulosa (Michx.) Nieuwl. Onoclea struthiopteris (L.) Hoffm. var. pensylvanica (Willd.) Boivin ostrich fern ✒ Fronds dimorphic, forming a crown at end of stout widely creeping and forking rhizome; sterile fronds up to 1.2 m long or longer and 12–24 cm wide, pinnate-pinnatifid, abruptly narrowed to base; pinnae broadly linear, acuminate; pinnules oblong, bluntish; fertile fronds much shorter than sterile fronds, persistent over winter; pinnae greenish, becoming dark brown at maturity; veins free, not forked, on both sterile and fertile pinnae. Sori borne on margins of shallowly lobed tightly inrolled and podlike pinnae. ✿ Damp shady places, adjacent to hot springs. ● Matteuccia struthiopteris s.l. circumpolar; var. pensylvanica in North America from Newfoundland to British Columbia, southwestern District of Mackenzie, southeastern Yukon Territory and Alaska, south to Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, and South Dakota; in the Yukon Territory known only from hot springs along the Beaver River in the extreme southeast part where considered rare by Douglas et al. (1981).
Phegopteris Fée
Phegopteris
Phegopteris connectilis (Michx.) Watt P. polypodioides Fée Dryopteris phegopteris (L.) Chr. Thelypteris phegopteris (L.) Slosson long beech fern ✒ Small- to medium-sized ferns, with more or less pubescent fronds arising singly along slender elongate horizontal rhizomes. Fronds 15–35 cm long or longer; blades triangular, longer than broad, 8–20 cm long or longer, 6–16 cm wide or wider, pinnate-pinnatifid, tapering to tip; pinnalike divisions lance-acuminate, with all but lower pair (usually projected downward and forward) connected by a wing; pinnules oblong, rounded at tip, more or less hairy on both faces and on rachis; stipe and rachis with brown scales. Sori small, round, situated near margin; indusium absent. ✿ Alpine cliff ledges and rocky slopes. ● Circumpolar; in North America from Greenland and Labrador and Newfoundland to Alaska, south to North Carolina, Michigan, Iowa, and Oregon; in the Yukon Territory known only in the eastern part at Mount Sheldon and in the Itsi Range, and considered rare by Douglas et al. (1981).
Woodsia
Polystichum Roth
43
Polystichum
Polystichum lonchitis (L.) Roth Aspidium lonchitis (L.) Sw. Dryopteris lonchitis (L.) O. Kuntze holly fern, mountain holly fern, northern holly fern ✒ Fronds 10–60 cm long, arising from short stout chaffy rhizomes; stipes very short, chaffy; blades evergreen, leatherytextured, linear to narrowly linear-oblanceolate, acuminate, tapering to base; middle and upper pinnae oblonglanceolate, falcate; bases of pinnae auriculate above and cuneate below; basal pinnae deltoid, often very small, equilateral, serrate-dentate; teeth spreading-spinulose. Sori round, in 2 rows, occurring midway between midvein and margin; indusium round, attached at centre, entire. ✿ Limestone cliffs, moist rocky slopes, and talus slopes. ● Circumpolar, but with large gaps because of restricted habitat; in the Yukon Territory known only from southern Kluane National Park and the Itsi Range near the District of Mackenzie border (Cody and Britton 1989); considered rare by Douglas et al. (1981).
Woodsia R. Br. woodsia
Woodsia
Small tufted ferns, with free veins, arising from compact rootstocks. Indusium of threador plate-like segments, attached below, and more or less arched over round sori. A. Stipes jointed at base, with persistent bases appearing about same length B. Fronds delicate, glabrous; stipes and rachises green or stramineous; rachises chaffless. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . W. glabella B. Fronds more or less firm; stipes and rachises brown; rachises chaffy at least toward base C. Fronds hairy and usually chaffy below; stipes usually very chaffy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . W. ilvensis C. Fronds glabrous or glabrate, chaffless; stipes chaffless or with a few deciduous scales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . W. alpina A. Stipes not jointed at base, with persistent broken bases of various lengths . . . . . . . . . . . . . W. scopulina
Woodsia alpina (Bolton) S.F. Gray W. bellii (Lawson) A.E. Porsild northern woodsia ✒ Fronds up to 15 cm long, 0.5–2.5 cm broad, linear to oblong-lanceolate; pinnae suborbicular to oblong or lanceolate, crenate to pinnatifid, flat, glabrous, and with no chaff; stipes without chaff or somewhat scaly, jointed near base. Sori separate or confluent and occurring near margins; indusia of ciliated platelike lobes. ✿ Rock crevices and rock screes, usually on calcareous or nonacid rocks. ● Circumpolar; in North America from Greenland and Newfoundland to Alaska, south to New York, Ontario, Michigan, and Minnesota; in the Yukon Territory in the British Mountains, Ogilvie Mountains, and in the south.
44
ASPIDIACEAE
Woodsia glabella R. Br. smooth woodsia ✒ Fronds to 16 cm long or longer, 1.5 cm wide, linear to linear-lanceolate; pinnae thinmembranous, suborbicular to ovate, toothed or lobed, glabrous; stipes jointed near base, usually with chaff only below the joint. Sori distinct or confluent; indusia composed of 5–8 ciliate-like segments. ASPIDIACEAE ✿ In moss or humus among rocks or in protected cool moist calcareous crevices. ● Circumpolar; in North America from Greenland and Newfoundland to Alaska and south to the Gaspé Peninsula in Quebec, Ontario, northern British Columbia, New York, and Minnesota; in the Yukon Territory, mostly in the mountainous areas of the north and west.
Woodsia ilvensis (L.) R. Br. rusty woodsia, fragrant woodsia ✒ Fronds 5–25 cm long or longer, 2–3 cm wide, oblong-lanceolate, pinnate-pinnatifid to bipinnate; pinnae oblong-lanceolate; margins of segments crenate and usually somewhat inrolled; stipes jointed, with old stipe-bases persistent; rachis and undersurface of blade usually brown-chaffy. Sori round, numerous, and close together on undersurface; indusia of up to 20 long ciliate-like segments. ✿ Dry and often exposed usually acid rocks and crevices of cliff faces. ● Circumpolar; in North America from Greenland to Alaska and south to Banff in Alberta, central British Columbia, North Carolina, Michigan, and Illinois; in the Yukon Territory uncommon at scattered locations and considered rare by Douglas et al. (1981). Woodsia
Woodsia scopulina D.C. Eat. W. oregana D.C. Eat. var. lyallii (Hook.) Boivin W. appalachiana T.M.C. Taylor Rocky Mountain woodsia ✒ Fronds to 40 cm long or longer, 1.5–8 cm wide; pinnae oblong-lanceolate to ovate; pinnules oblong, denticulate; rachis and blade with scattered white multicellular hairs mixed with glandular pubescence (which often stains drying papers yellow). Sori round, near margins; indusia composed of flat platelike segments mostly hidden under sori. ✿
Among rocks and in crevices of cliffs (usually calcareous).
● North America; in Gaspé County in Quebec, Algonquin Park and Thunder Bay District in Ontario, western Alberta, British Columbia, southern Yukon and Alaska, south to Arkansas, Tennessee, California, and New Mexico; in the Yukon Territory known only in the south from the vicinities of Champagne and MacRae where considered rare by Douglas et al. (1981).
Asplenium
ASPLENIACEAE Asplenium L. spleenwort
45
ASPLENIACEAE
Asplenium
Asplenium trichomanes-ramosum L. A. viride Huds. green spleenwort ✒ Small ferns, from small compact rhizomes. Fronds 2–14 cm long; stipes darkened below, green above; rachis green; blade linear to linear-lanceolate, pinnate; pinnae rounded or rhomboid-ovate, crenate; veins free. Sori elongate, borne near indistinct midrib, becoming confluent at maturity; indusium membranous, attached lengthwise along one side of sorus. ✿ Among talus and in usually protected crevices of limestone. ● Circumpolar; in North America from Newfoundland to Alaska, south into the northern United States; in the Yukon Territory known only from the Ogilvie Mountains where considered rare (Douglas et al. 1981).
46
POLYPODIACEAE
POLYPODIACEAE Polypodium L. polypody
POLYPODIACEAE
Polypodium
Polypodium sibiricum Siplivinsij P. virginianum sensu Cody and Britton (1989) pro parte P. vulgare L. ssp. virginianum sensu Porsild and Cody (1980) pro parte P. vulgare L. ssp. columbianum sensu Hultén (1968) pro parte rock polypody, wall fern ✒ Small- to medium-sized ferns, from widely creeping branching chaffy and somewhat acrid rhizomes. Fronds evergreen, up to 35 cm long, jointed to rhizome; scales often with dark central stripe, deeply cordate; blades oblong-lanceolate; segments linear-oblong to deltoid, entire to remotely dentate, blunt or acutish at tip; veins free. Sori round, naked, situated midway between midvein and margin, occurring on upper segments. ✿ In shallow humus on rocks, in crevices, and on woodland banks. ● Amphi-Beringian; extending eastward across North America north of latitude 53° N to northern Quebec; rare in southern Yukon Territory (Douglas et al. 1981).
Juniperus
CUPRESSACEAE cypress family Juniperus L. juniper
47
CUPRESSACEAE
Juniperus
Low shrubs, erect or spreading or prostrate. Leaves opposite or whorled, scalelike or awl-shaped. Female cones indehiscent, fleshy, green, becoming blue and berrylike at Wmaturity. A. Leaves awl-shaped, jointed to stem, often in whorls of 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J. communis A. Leaves scalelike, decurrent on stem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J. horizontalis
Juniperus communis L. s.l. ✒ Low or prostrate shrub (treelike in ssp. communis). Leaves awl-shaped, crowded in whorls of 3. Represented in the Yukon Territory by two subspecies:
J. communis L. ssp. alpina (Neilr.) Celak. J. communis L. ssp. nana (Willd.) Syme J. communis L. var. montana Ait. J. communis L. var. saxatilis Pall. mountain juniper ✒ Shrub very depressed and trailing. Leaves linear-lanceolate to lanceolate, 5–10 mm long; glaucous stomatal band 2–3 times as broad as each green margin.
J. communis L. ssp. depressa (Pursh) Franco J. communis L. var. depressa Pursh ground juniper ✒ Depressed shrub. Leaves linear, acuminate-subulate, 1.0–1.6 mm long; glaucous stomatal band about as broad as each green margin. ✿ Ssp. alpina in alpine and exposed situations; ssp. depressa in clearings and wooded areas, usually in lowlands. ● Juniperus communis s.l. circumpolar; in North America north to, and in some places slightly beyond, the northern limit of trees; found throughout the Yukon Territory.
Juniperus horizontalis Moench creeping juniper ✒ Prostrate and mat-forming shrub, with long-trailing and freely rooting main branches. Leaves blue-green, in very young plants acicular as in J. communis, but soon becoming scalelike and imbricated. ✿ Bluffs, alluvial fans, terraces, and rocky slopes. ● North America; from Newfoundland and southern Labrador to southwest Alaska south into the northern United States; in the Yukon Territory north to about latitude 65° N.
48
PINACEAE
PINACEAE pine family
PINACEAE
Resinous trees, with needle-shaped mainly evergreen leaves. Flowers mainly monoecious, borne in scaly aments or cones; male cones small, deciduous; female cones larger, dry; seeds borne on upper surface of scales. A. Leaves in fascicles of 2 to many B. Leaves 2 together, evergreen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pinus B. Leaves in dense clusters, deciduous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Larix A. Leaves evergreen, attached singly to branches C. Leaves 4-angled, pointed and prickly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Picea C. Leaves flat, blunt D. Cones 6–10 cm long, upright; scales deciduous; branches smooth where needles have fallen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Abies D. Cones 1.5–2.5 cm long, hanging; scales persistent; branches rough where needles have fallen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tsuga
Abies Mill. fir
Abies
Abies lasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt. A. balsamea (L.) Mill. var. fallax (Eng.) Boivin alpine fir ✒ Small tree (in the Yukon Territory), becoming shrublike or even prostrate at timberline; bark smooth, grayish, and usually covered with resin blisters. Leaves linear, 5–20 mm long, flattened in cross section, leathery, shiny green above, somewhat whitish beneath, blunt, all tending to turn upward. Cones erect, maturing in 1st year and then promptly disintegrating, leaving spikelike axes that remain long after rounded fan-shaped scales have fallen. ✿ Mountain slopes, usually on acid rock, extending up to tree line. ● North America, cordilleran; from New Mexico and Arizona north through British Columbia to just north of latitude 64° N in the Yukon Territory; disjunct in south central Alaska; closely related to the eastern balsam fir, A. balsamea, essentially a lowland tree of the boreal forest.
Larix Mill. larch, tamarack
Larix
Larix laricina (Du Roi) K. Koch L. laricina (Du Roi) K. Koch var. alaskensis (Wight) Raup L. alaskensis Wight tamarack, Alaska larch ✒ Tree to 6 m (taller southward); bark thin and scaly. Leaves in small lateral clusters of 12–20, pale green (turning bright yellow in autumn), deciduous. Male and female aments globular or egg-shaped, at the ends of very short peglike
Picea
49
shoots; female cones erect, their scales dark red at flowering time, but becoming leathery and brown in age. ✿ Muskegs and wet places, usually preferring lime soils. ● Boreal North America; from Newfoundland and Labrador to central Alaska; in the Yukon Territory found in the southeastern part and in the drainage of the Peel and Porcupine rivers in the north.
Picea A. Dietr. spruce
Picea
Large evergreen trees, with scaly bark. Leaves needlelike, quadrangular in cross section, arranged spirally, and standing out in all directions, deciduous after several years from above the base; twigs roughened with persistent peglike leaf bases. A. Branchlets glabrous; cones 3–6 cm long, soon falling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. glauca A. Branchlets pubescent; cones short-ovoid, 1.5–3 cm long, persisting on tree for many years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. mariana
Picea glauca (Moench) Voss s.l. white spruce ✒ Tree to 25 m tall and diameter up to 50 cm; branchlets glabrous. Leaves bluegreen, sharply pointed. Cones subcylindrical, with thin rounded smooth-margined scales, deciduous. Represented in the Yukon Territory by two not entirely clear races:
Picea glauca (Moench) Voss var. albertiana (S. Brown) Sarg. western white spruce ✒ Narrowly pyramidal or spirelike; bark rough; cone scales wedge-shaped at base.
Picea glauca (Moench) Voss var. porsildii Raup ✒ Conical or narrowly ovate in outline; bark smooth and at least in youth with resin blisters similar to those of Abies balsamea; cone scales more rounded. ✿ Var. albertiana usually in well-drained exposed situations but also in bogs and muskegs, forming both alpine and northern tree line and there becoming low and shrublike; var. porsildii found on rich alluvial soils in lowlands. ● Picea glauca s.l. in boreal North America, from Labrador and Newfoundland to British Columbia and Alaska, in the Yukon Territory and District of Mackenzie P. glauca forming northern tree line whereas eastward in the District of Keewatin P. mariana extending further north than P. glauca; var. albertiana and var. porsildii occurring from Keewatin and northern Saskatchewan westward, and found throughout the Yukon Territory.
50
PINACEAE
Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P. black spruce
Pinus ✒ Small slender often scrubby tree, up to 10 m; bark rough and scaly; branchlets pubescent. Leaves pale bluish green, blunt or somewhat pointed. Cones subglobose to short ovoid, with rounded slightly erose scales, persisting for several years and often forming tight masses in tree tops. ✿ Dominant tree in lowland muskegs, on poorly drained clays, and glacial tills in alpine valleys and slopes. ● Boreal North America; from Labrador and Newfoundland to British Columbia and Alaska; in the Yukon Territory extending northward to the Porcupine River valley.
Pinus L. pine Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud. ssp. latifolia (Engelm.) Critchfield P. contorta Dougl. ex Loud. var. latifolia Engelm. lodgepole pine ✒ Evergreen tree to 12 m or more in height; bark thin and scaly, brownish to blackish. Leaves in fascicles of 2, 1.5–7.5 cm long, semicylindrical, often twisted, persistent. Cones 3–5 cm long, lopsided, reflexed on stems, persisting for many years; scales bearing a sharp prickle; cones open by the heat of forest fires to release seeds. ✿ Forming dense stands on sandy soils in southeastern part of the Territory, but scattered in usually well-drained situations elsewhere. ● Western North America; from northern California north nearly to latitude 64° N in central Yukon Territory, eastward to foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Alberta and the southern Mackenzie Mountains in the District of Mackenzie there hybridizing with eastern Pinus banksiana Lamb.
Tsuga (Endl.) Carr. hemlock
Tsuga
Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg. western hemlock ✒ Evergreen tree to 50 m or more high; bark thick, furrowed; branches horizontal, with branchlets and twigs drooping; twigs with short hairs and long multicellular hairs, at first pale yellow-brown, becoming dark reddish brown. Needles 2-ranked, petioled, 3–15 mm or more long, flattened, grooved, and shiny green above, and with 2 white bands of stomata below. Cones 1.5– 2.5 cm long, oblong-ovoid; scales thin, with more or less wavy edges; seeds about 4 mm long, with an oblong wing 5–6 mm long. ✿ Deep moist porous soils to near tree line. ● Western North America; coastal southern Alaska south through British Columbia to California, Idaho, and Montana; a specimen labeled White Horse Rapids collectedin1898,suggesting thatspeciesmightoccurinsouthwestern Yukon Territory, might have been mislabeled because suitable habitat is unlikely there.
Typha
TYPHACEAE cattail family Typha L. cattail
51
TYPHACEAE
Typha
Typha latifolia L. common cattail ✒ Stout perennial 1 m or more tall from a thick fleshy rhizome. Leaves linear, flat, 6–15 mm wide, light green, often overtopping the stems. Flowers monoecious, with staminate at top but contiguous with pistillate below, crowded in a dense terminal spike, dark brown, cylindrical, 7–15 cm long, and up to 3 cm thick. ✿ Shallow water in marshes. ● Circumpolar; rare in the Yukon Territory where known only from vicinity of Mayo (Douglas et al. 1981).
52
SPARGANIACEAE
SPARGANIACEAE bur-reed family Sparganium L. bur-reed
SPARGANIACEAE
Sparganium
Perennial grasslike rooted aquatics, with slender leafy jointed stems. Leaves linear, alternate, sheathing at the base, erect or floating. Flowers small and inconspicuous, unisexual, in globular sessile or pedunculate heads, with uppermost containing the male and lowermost the female flowers; fruit a nutlet or achene, obovoid to ellipsoid. A. Staminate heads 2 to several; achenes prominently beaked B. Leaves 2–5 mm wide, rounded on back; pistillate heads 1–2 cm broad; achene beak about 2 mm long . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S. angustifolium B. Leaves 5–10 mm wide, flat; pistillate heads more than 2 cm broad; achene beak more than 2 mm long . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S. multipedunculatum A. Staminate head 1; beak of achene short or none C. Achene short-beaked; pistillate heads axillary, separate from staminate head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S. minimum C. Achene beakless; staminate head nearly contiguous with upper pistillate head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S. hyperboreum
Sparganium angustifolium Michx. narrow-leaved bur-reed ✒ Stems submersed or floating, with elongated 2–5 mm broad leaves, flat or convex on back; fruiting heads 1–3, 1–2 cm in diameter, with lowermost often pedunculate; staminate heads 2 to several, mostly close together. ✿ Quiet shallow or deep water of ponds, lakes, and streams. ● Circumpolar with large gaps; in the Yukon Territory found south of latitude 65° N.
Sparganium hyperboreum Laest. ✒ Stems 10–30 cm long, slender, weak. Leaves 10–50 cm long, 2–4 mm wide, with upper part usually floating on surface. Staminate head 1, contiguous with uppermost pistillate one; pistillate heads 1–3, with lowermost one stalked, 5–13 mm in diameter; achenes ellipsoid, 3.5–4.5 mm long, beakless, or nearly so. ✿ Shallow bog pools to 1 m or more in depth. ● Circumpolar, subarctic; in the Yukon Territory scattered northward to the Porcupine River drainage, but perhaps overlooked.
Sparganium
53
Sparganium minimum (Hartm.) Fries ✒ Stems 15–45 cm or more long, floating or emersed. Leaves floating or erect, 2–8 mm wide. Plant similar in habit to S. hyperboreum. Staminate heads usually 1, remote from upper pistillate one; pistillate heads 2 or 3, with lowermost one peduncled, or with all sessile, 5–15 mm in diameter; achenes 3–4 mm long, tapering to 1.0–1.5 mm long beak. ✿ Shallow bog pools to 60 cm in depth. ● Circumpolar, subarctic; known from Alaska north of the Arctic Circle, to the east in the Mackenzie Delta region (Porsild and Cody 1980), and to the south just south of the British Columbia border (Brayshaw 1985); in the Yukon Territory widely scattered and perhaps overlooked, but considered rare by Douglas et al. (1981).
Sparganium multipedunculatum (Morong) Rydb. S. emersum Rehmann var. multipedunculatum (Morong) Reveal S. angustifolium Michx. ssp. emersum (Rehman) Brayshaw var. multipedunculatum (Morong) Brayshaw ✒ Plant similar to S. angustifolium but coarser; leaves ribbonlike, flat, often floating, up to 10 mm wide. Fruiting heads up to 2.5 cm in diameter, with lowermost ones often long-pedunculate; achene beak more than 2 mm long. ✿ Ponds and shallow water along shores of lakes. ● North America; from Labrador to Alaska; in the Yukon Territory occasional north to the Porcupine River.
54
POTAMOGETONACEAE
POTAMOGETONACEAE pondweed family
POTAMOGETONACEAE
Rooted aquatic herbs, with jointed leafy stems. Leaves sheathing at base or stipulate. Flowers small, perfect, monoecious or dioecious, lacking perianth. Fruit an achene. A. Leaves mostly alternate B. Plants with submersed or floating leaves, of fresh or rarely brackish water; flowers and fruits in spikes or heads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Potamogeton B. Plants wholly submersed, occurring in alkaline water; leaves linear-capillary; fruits long-pedicellate, umbellate on an elongated spiraling peduncle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ruppia A. Leaves opposite, 3–10 cm long, capillary; fruits, 2–4, sessile, umbellate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zannichellia
Potamogeton L. pondweed
Potamogeton
Mostly flaccid perennial rooted aquatic plants, with leafy jointed stems, some wholly submersed, some with floating and submersed leaves and with emergent spikelike inflorescences. Leaves alternate or opposite, with submersed ones mostly thin and linear, oblong, or lanceolate, and with floating ones of firmer texture and shiny, always different in shape from submersed leaves. Flowers small and inconspicuous, bisexual, lacking perianth, mostly 4-parted, in spikes or axillary clusters. Fruit an ovoid to subglobose achene, often covered with a thin spongy pericarp. Several species, especially those reaching subarctic regions, rarely producing mature fruits but reproducing vegetatively, some by axillary winter buds, others mainly by rooting stolons or root tubers. A. Floating leaves usually present B. Stipules firm, 4–10 cm long; submersed leaves linear, very narrow, soon disintegrating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. natans B. Stipules soft, 1–3 cm long C. Submersed leaves 5–20 cm long; whole plant with a reddish tinge; floating leaves not always present. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. alpinus C. Submersed leaves 3–8 cm long; plant green, floating leaves normally present. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. gramineus A. Leaves all submersed and alike D. Spike contiguous, oblong or capitate; stipules free, not united to leaf base E. Leaves not linear, 4 mm wide or wider, many-nerved F. Stipules 3–5 cm long, white; leaves half-clasping, more than 10 cm long. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. praelongus F. Stipules inconspicuous, soon disintegrating; leaves cordate-clasping, less than 10 cm long . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. richardsonii E. Leaves all linear, less than 4 mm wide G. Leaves 9- to 35-nerved (often apparent only under magnification) H. Plant bright green; leaves 2–4 mm wide, 15- to 35-nerved . . . . . . . . . . . . P. zosteriformis H. Plant dull green or fulvous, leaves 1.5–2.0 mm wide, 9- to 17-nerved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. subsibiricus G. Leaves 3- to 7-nerved I.
Stipules connate, with margins united two-thirds their length
Potamogeton
J.
Stipules strongly fibrous, in age breaking into shreds; leaves 5- to 7-nerved. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. friesii
J.
Stipules membranaceous or scarious; leaves 3- to 5-nerved
Potamogeton
55
K. Gland present at base of leaf; peduncles 1–5 cm long . . . . . . . . . . . P. berchtoldii K. Gland none; peduncles less than 1 cm long. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. foliosus I. Stipules not connate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. obtusifolius D. Spike moniliform; stipules united with leaf base or petiole; leaves 1- to 3-nerved L. Stipular sheaths prominent, 2–5 cm long; leaves blunt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. vaginatus L. Stipular sheaths inconspicuous, less than 2 cm long M. Leaves with long-tapering acute tips; fruits 3–4 mm long; beak up to 0.7 mm long . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. pectinatus M. Leaves mostly obtuse-tipped; fruits 2–3 mm long; stigma sessile . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. filiformis
Potamogeton alpinus Balbis ssp. tenuifolius (Raf.) Hultén ✒ Entire plant commonly reddishtinged. Stems elongate, up to 1 m or more long, simple or branched, from a slender creeping rhizome. Submersed leaves translucent, linear-lanceolate to oblong, up to 25 cm long, usually eight times as long as broad, rounded at apex, tapering to a sessile base. Floating leaves when present mostly opposite, slender-petioled, with blade narrowly obovate to oblanceolate, broader than submerged ones. Spikes dense, cylindric, on peduncles 8–15 cm long. Achenes flattened-ellipsoid, about 3 mm long, including curved terminal beak, with a sharp dorsal keel. ✿ Still waters, northward to the limit of trees. ● Circumpolar, nonarctic; in North America, Greenland and Newfoundland to Alaska, south to New York, Michigan, Colorado, and California; in the Yukon Territory north to the Old Crow drainage.
Potamogeton berchtoldii Fieb. P. pusillus sensu Porsild and Cody (1980) P. panormitanus Biv. var. major G. Fisch. ✒ Plant wholly submersed, with slender and much-branched stems 20–40 cm long. Leaves fresh green, linear, 2–5 cm long, 0.5–1.5 mm wide, normally 3-veined, with central nerve prominent and with lateral ones obscure, and with translucent glands at base; stipular sheath free from leaf bases, membranous. Spike capitate, 3–15 mm long, on short curved peduncles arising from upper nodes; flowers in 1–4 whorls; achenes 1.5–3.0 mm long; beak up to 0.5 mm long. ✒ Quiet water to 1 m or more in depth. ● Circumpolar; in North America from Newfoundland to British Columbia and Alaska south throughout the United States to Guatemala; occasional in the Yukon Territory north to the Peel River valley.
56
POTAMOGETONACEAE
Potamogeton filiformis Pers. var. borealis (Raf.) St. John fine-leaved pondweed ✒ Wholly submersed perennial, with widely creeping filiform stolons terminating in slender white tubers. Stems filiform, branched, 10–15 cm long, bearing clusters of flaccid filiform leaves; leaves up to 10 cm long, acute at apex, 0.5–1.5 mm wide; stipular sheath membranous, adnate to leaf most of its length. Peduncles 5–10 cm long, filiform. Spike moniliform; achenes obovoid, 2–3 mm long, with a sessile stigma. ✿ In shallow lakes and ponds. ● Circumpolar; in North America, Greenland and Labrador to Alaska, south to Maine, Michigan, Colorado, and Utah; in the Yukon Territory known from as far north as latitude 67°41’ N, but to be looked for in the Porcupine River valley and still further north. POTAMOGETONACEAE
Potamogeton foliosus Raf. var. macellus Fern. ✒ Rhizome filiform. Stems threadlike, up to 1 m long, flattened, simple or branching. Leaves bright green, narrowly linear, obscurely 3-nerved, lacking translucent glands at base. Sheath free from leaf base, with connate margins below when young. Spikes subcapitate, often of 2–3 whorls, on short peduncles rising from upper nodes; achene about 2 mm long, with a conspicuous undulate dorsal keel, and with a beak up to 0.5 mm long. ✿ Forming dense colonies on muddy bottom of shallow still waters. Rare or perhaps often overlooked. ● North America; from Newfoundland to Alaska, south to Florida, Kansas, New Mexico, and California; in central Yukon Territory where considered rare by Douglas et al. (1981).
Potamogeton friesii Rupr. ✒ Submersed plant with slender rhizomes, usually perennating by winter buds borne at ends of short axillary branchlets; stems compressed, freely branching, 0.5–1.5 m long. Leaves all bright green and translucent; blade linear, 4–7 cm long, 2–3 mm wide, 5- to 7-nerved, rounded or mucronate at tip, usually with 2 small yellowish translucent glands at base; stipules conspicuous, connate when young but shredding into persisting fibers. Spikes short-peduncled, short-cylindric, often of 3 whorls; peduncles flattened; fruit 2.0– 2.5 mm long. ✿ Calcareous or brackish waters. ● Circumpolar (with large gaps in Siberia); in the Yukon Territory known to occur northward to near the Arctic Circle.
Potamogeton
57
Potamogeton gramineus L. variable-leaved pondweed ✒ Plants very variable depending upon ecological situation. Rhizome slender, producing elongate tubers late in the season. Stems slender, up to 40 cm long, usually freely branched below. Submersed leaves linear to linear-lanceolate, oblong-elliptic to oblanceolate, tapering to base and to acute or acuminate tips, sessile, 3- to 11-nerved, in youth finely denticulate. Floating leaves firm, shiny, ovate to elliptic, mostly shorter than petioles. Peduncles emergent; spikes dense, 1.0–2.5 cm long; achenes obovate, 1.7–2.8 mm long, with a dorsal keel, and with a short straight beak. ✿ Common in still water 0.5–3.0 m deep; northward to the limit of trees. ● Circumpolar with large gaps; in North America, Newfoundland to Alaska, south to New York, Indiana, New Mexico, and California; in the Yukon Territory known only as far north as about latitude 64° N.
*Potamogeton natans L. ✒ Stems simple or slightly branched, up to 2 m long. Floating leaves longpetioled, with their blades coriaceous, ovate, cordate or rounded, many-nerved, grayish green. Submersed leaves, narrowly linear, often disintegrating before end of summer leaving fibrous and very durable pegike stipules. Spike compactcylindrical, 3–5 cm long; fruits obovoid, green. ✿ Lakes and quiet streams. ● Circumpolar with some gaps, nonarctic; in North America, Newfoundland to Alaska, south to Pennsylvania, Ohio, New Mexico, and California; Hultén (1968) indicated a collection near the Alaska–Yukon border about latitude 62.5° N, Porsild and Cody (1980) reported this species from Rabbitkettle Lake in the southern Richardson Mountains, and Brayshaw (1985) recorded it from just south of the Yukon–British Columbia border; to be looked for in the Yukon Territory.
Potamogeton obtusifolius Mertens & Koch ✒ Submersed plant, somewhat similar to P. friesii; stems slightly zigzag. Leaves translucent, green or reddish, broadly linear, up to 10 cm long and 4 mm wide, usually with 3 veins; stipules about 2 cm long, open on side opposite leaf base, eventually shredding into persisting fibers. Spikes shortpediceled, 1–2 cm long; achenes 3–4 mm long, with a straight beak up to 0.7 mm long. ✿ Small shallow lakes and ponds. ● Amphi-Atlantic; in North America, Labrador and Newfoundland to Ontario, south to Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Minnesota and very scattered sites in the western Canadian provinces; recorded from localities in British Columbia from just south of the Yukon border (Brayshaw 1985); in the Yukon Territory known only from near Mount Sheldon along the Canol Road and considered rare by Douglas et al. (1981).
58
POTAMOGETONACEAE
Potamogeton pectinatus L. sago pondweed ✒ Stems slender, freely branched and repeatedly forking, often 60–100 cm long, arising from a slender tuber-bearing rhizome. Leaves in flattened comblike fascicles, filiform, 2–12 cm long, 0.2–1.0 mm wide, tapering to a sharply pointed tip or bluntish. Stipular sheath membranous, adnate for most of its length. Peduncles filiform, 3–10 cm long; spike moniliform, with 2–6 whorls; flowering under water; achenes reddish brown, 3.0–4.5 mm long, with a beak up to 0.7 mm long. ✿ In slow-moving often calcareous water to more than 2 m in depth. ● Circumpolar; in North America, Newfoundland to British Columbia, south to Florida, Missouri, Texas, and Mexico; occasional in the southern parts of the Yukon Territory, but known as well from the vicinity of Mayo and along the Macmillan River.
Potamogeton praelongus Wulf. white-stemmed pondweed ✒ Completely immersed perennial, with erect stems 2 m or more long; stems 2–3 mm thick, branched toward top. Leaves sessile, shiny, 7–30 cm long, 1.5–2.5 cm wide, with cordate or subcordate bases, widest below the middle and gradually tapering to rounded apex. Stipular sheaths 3–10 cm long, stiff, whitish, free from leaf bases, persistent or eventually disintegrating. Spikes up to 5 cm long, standing above surface on stout 10–50 cm long peduncles, with 6–12 tightly packed whorls of flowers; achenes 4–8 mm long, distinctly keeled; beak 0.5–1.0 mm long. ✿ Deep water of clear lakes. ● Circumpolar; in North America, Labrador and Newfoundland to Alaska, south to New York, Ohio, Indiana, Colorado, and California; apparently rare in the Yukon Territory (Douglas et al. 1981) but occurring as far north as the Porcupine River valley.
Potamogeton richardsonii (Benn.) Rydb. P. perfoliatus L. var. richardsonii Benn. P. perfoliatus L. ssp. richardsonii (Benn.) Hultén ✒ Stems wholly submersed, up to 1 m long, arising from a creeping rhizome, very leafy. Leaves broadly ovate to lanceolate, 5–10 cm long, 0.8–1.5 cm wide, clasping at base; stipules whitish but distintegrating into white shreds. Peduncles arising from upper leaf axils, often curved and not much longer than spikes. Spikes 2–4 cm long, dense, consisting of 4–12 whorls of flowers; achenes obovoid, 2.5–4.0 mm long; beaks 0.5–1.0 mm long. ✿ Quiet lakes and streams in water up to 3 m in depth.
Potamogeton
59
● North America; from Labrador to Alaska, south to New York, Ohio, Nebraska, Colorado, and California; closely related to the circumpolar P. perfoliatus; in the Yukon Territory occurring to north of latitude 68° N.
Potamogeton subsibiricus Hagstr. P. porsildiorum Fern. ✒ Perennial with filiform stems, simple or somewhat branched toward summit. Leaves linear, 2–8 cm long, with 1 prominent median and 8–16 lateral nerves, subacute or mucronate at apex; stipules 1–2 cm long, free from leaf, not connate, whitish. Spike cylindrical, up to 1.3 cm long, shortpedunculate; flowers in 3–4 whorls; fruit 3–4 mm long, oblong-ovoid, carinate; beak 0.3–0.5 mm long. ✿ Shallow water. ● Amphi-Beringian; in North America extending across Alaska to the Mackenzie Delta; disjunct to James Bay, eastern Hudson Bay, and Ungava Bay regions; known in the Yukon Territory from a single collection along the Canol Road where considered rare by Douglas et al. (1981).
Potamogeton vaginatus Turcz. giant pondweed ✒ Submersed perennial, up to 1.5 m long, resembling P. filiformis and P. pectinatus, but much coarser, arising from 2–4 mm thick creeping rhizomes bearing 4–5 mm long white tubers. Leaves linear, up to 10 cm or more long, 1–2 mm wide, with tips obtuse to rounded; stipular sheaths on main stems 2–4 cm long, loose, adnate to leaves for most of their length. Spikes long-peduncled, moniliform, with 3–9 whorls of flowers; achenes obovoid, 3–4 mm long, beakless. ✿ Lakes and slow-moving rivers to a depth of 3 m. ● Circumpolar; in the Yukon Territory known north to about latitude 67°45’ N.
Potamogeton zosteriformis Fern. P. zosterifolius Schum. ssp. zosteriformis (Fern.) Hultén flat-stemmed pondweed ✒ Stems to 2 m or more in length, freely branching, distinctly compressed, winged. Leaves fresh green, flat, grasslike, 2–4 mm wide, as long as the internodes, abruptly pointed, many-nerved; stipular sheaths white, open on one side, eventually shredding. Spikes cylindrical 2.0–2.5 cm long, on rather stout stiff peduncles much longer than the spike; achenes broadly elliptic to suborbicular, 4–6 mm long; beak 0.6– 1.0 mm long. ✿ In lakes to a depth of 2 m or more. ● Circumpolar; in North America, New Brunswick to Alaska, south to Virginia, Ohio, Nebraska, and California; in the Yukon Territory known from only two collections—one in the southwest and the other north of latitude 64 ° N—but to be searched for elsewhere.
60
POTAMOGETONACEAE
Ruppia L. ditch-grass
Ruppia
Ruppia spiralis L. R. maritima L. var. spiralis (L.) Aschers. R. occidentalis S. Wats. ✒ Submersed freely branching aquatic. Stems slender, bearing alternate linearcapillary 5–15-cm long leaves, with membranous sheaths. Flowers usually 2, one above the other on a peduncle arising from a leaf axil; peduncles becoming long, spiraling as fruit matures; fruit on elongated stalks, pear-shaped, about 2 mm long, tipped by blunt stigma. ✿ Shallow alkaline waters. ● Circumpolar with large gaps; John Matthews (Geological Survey of Canada, pers. comm.) collected fossil seeds of a Ruppia species in the Old Crow Basin; a recent collection of immature plants of Ruppia from Needlerock Creek probably R. spiralis; R. spiralis also recorded from Nahanni National Park in southwestern District of Mackenzie.
Zannichellia L. horned pondweed
Zannichellia
Zannichellia palustris L. ✒ Fully submersed freely branched aquatic. Stems slender, fragile, bearing whorls of filiform 3–8-cm long leaves, from sheathing stipules. Flowers uni-sexual, 3–5 in leaf axils. Fruit an oblong narrow achene, about 2 mm long, terminated by a beaklike persistent style, borne on a short straight or slightly curved stalk. ✿ Shallow water along edge of pond. ● Circumpolar; in the northern part of its range perhaps often overlooked; in the Yukon Territory known only from southern Kluane National Park (Douglas and RuyleDouglas 1978b, Douglas et al. 1981). The specimen upon which this species was based in the Yukon Territory has been revised to an alga, Nitella flexilis.
Triglochin
SCHEUCHZERIACEAE arrow-grass family
61
SCHEUCHZERIACEAE
Smooth perennial marsh plants, with terete bladeless leaves. Flowers terminal, perfect, in spikes or racemes; perianth of 3 green sepals and 3 similar petals. Fruit dry, indehiscent, 1- or 2-seeded. A. Stem scapose from tuft of basal leaves. Flowers small in a narrow spikelike raceme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Triglochin A. Stems leafy. Flowers in a short few-flowered raceme. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scheuchzeria
Scheuchzeria L.
Scheuchzeria
Scheuchzeria palustris L. ssp. americana (Fern.) Hultén S. palustris L. var. americana Fern. ✒ Herbaceous yellowish green plant, with a creeping freely branched rhizome. Stems simple, flexuous, 10–20 cm high, sheathed at base by a few rather stiff and tightly rolled leaves. Inflorescence racemose, few-flowered, with each flower supported by a sheathing bract; flowers with 3 oblong petals, and with 3 oblong persistent sepals; fruit inflated, formed of 3 diverging 1- or 2-seeded follicles; seeds ellipsoid, 4–5 mm long, black. ✿ Bogs and quagmires. ● Scheuchzeria palustris s.l. circumpolar with large gaps; ssp. americana from Newfoundland and southern Labrador to Alaska, but sites in central Yukon Territory and Alaska apparently widely disjunct from the main range; considered rare by Douglas et al. (1981).
Triglochin L. arrow-grass
Triglochin
Glabrous herbs, with linear somewhat fleshy basal leaves. Flowers small, regular, 3-parted, bisexual, arranged in an elongated spikelike raceme. A. Fruit ovate, splitting into 6 segments; coarse tufted plants, up to 30–40 cm high, from obliquely ascending rhizome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T. maritimum A. Fruit linear-clavate, splitting into 3 segments; delicate plants, from short erect rhizome, with short filiform bulb-bearing stolons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T. palustre
Triglochin maritimum L. seaside arrow-grass ✒ Coarse tufted plant, with smooth stiff 30–50-cm high scapes. Leaves short, linear, somewhat fleshy, from an obliquely ascending thick rhizome. Inflorescence oblong, 4–5 cm long, much-elongated in fruit. Flowers small, with greenish sepals and petals. ✿ Saline or alkaline flats or river meadows. ● Circumpolar; in North America, Labrador and Newfoundland to Alaska, south to New York, Ohio, Iowa, and New Mexico; in the Yukon Territory of very scattered occurrence but known from as far north as the Firth River in the British Mountains at about latitude 69° N.
62
SCHEUCHZERIACEAE
Triglochin palustre L. marsh arrow-grass ✒ Delicate plant, with slender terete scapes 15–30 cm high arising from bulblike rhizomes; rhizomes producing also filiform bulb-bearing stolons. Leaves filiform. Inflorescence a few-flowered spikelike raceme; fruit linear-clavate, splitting into 3 segments. ✿ Wet and brackish places. ● Circumpolar; in North America, Greenland and Labrador to Alaska, south to New York, Ohio, New Mexico, and California; in the District of Mackenzie found north to the Arctic coast; in the Yukon Territory known north as far as Dawson and then disjunct to the Porcupine River drainage.
Sagittaria
63
ALISMATACEAE (ALISMACEAE) water plantain family ALISMATACEAE (ALISMACEAE) Sagittaria L. arrowhead
Sagittaria
Sagittaria cuneata Sheld. ✒ Glabrous perennial, with scapelike stems and with sheathing leaves arising from a nodose tuber-bearing rhizome; juice milky. Leaves long-petioled, with a saggitate or sometimes lanceolate blade 6–18 cm long, with the narrow lobes somewhat spreading. Flowers verticillate, with 3 large white deciduous petals, and with 3 green persistent sepals; fruiting heads 10–15 mm in diameter; achenes about 2 mm long, obovate, with a wide rounded dorsal keel. ✿ Emergent aquatic in shallow water along calcareous muddy shores. ● North America; from Gaspé County in Québec to central Alaska; in District of Mackenzie known around Great Slave Lake with disjunct stations at 65°53’ N 128°13’ W and in the Mackenzie Delta and in Alaska north of the Arctic Circle; in the Yukon Territory known in the extreme south where considered rare by Douglas et al. (1981).
64
POACEAE (GRAMINEAE)
POACEAE (GRAMINEAE) grass family
POACEAE (GRAMINEAE)
Annual or perennial (ours mainly the latter) herbaceous plants, with jointed usually terete and hollow culms, and with linear alternate 2-ranked flat canaliculate or convolute leaves, each composed of a sheath and a ligule and a blade. Flowers much-reduced, usually bisexual in spikelets of 2-ranked scalelike leaves; in spikelet the lower scales (glumes) sterile, with each flower supported by an outer scale (lemma) and usually enclosed by a smaller inner scale (palea); stamens usually 3; stigmas plumose, 2; ovary superior; fruit a grain. Spikelets variously arranged in panicles, racemes, or spikes (see below). a. Rachilla b. First glume c. Second glume d. Lemma e. Palea f. Ovary g. Stigma h. Filament i. Anther Stylized grass spikelet. j. Sterile floret
Key to the groups of grasses
POACEAE (GRAMINEAE)
A. Spikelets pedicellate forming a panicle or raceme B. Spikelets 1-flowered. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Group I (Fig. 1) p. 64 B. Spikelets 2- to many-flowered C. Spikelets with 1 terminal functional flower and 2 lateral staminate or sterile florets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Group II (Fig. 2) p. 66 C. Spikelets normally with only bisexual flowers D. Lemmas (except Sphenopholis) with a bent awn arising from the back; glumes usually as long as the spikelet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Group III (Fig. 3) p. 66 D. Lemmas awnless or with an apical awn; glumes shorter than first floret (except in Dupontia) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Group IV (Fig. 4) p. 66 A. Spikelets sessile or subsessile in spikes or spikelike racemes E. Spikelets on one side of rachis; spikes usually more than 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Group V (Fig. 5) p. 67 E. Spikelets on opposite sides of rachis; spike mostly solitary and terminal . . . Group VI (Fig. 6) p. 67 GROUP I A. Inflorescence cylindrical or ovoid, spikelike B. Glumes awnless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alopecurus B. Glumes awned C. Articulation above glumes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Phleum C. Articulation below glumes, with spikelets falling entire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Polypogon
POACEAE (GRAMINEAE)
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
65
A. Inflorescence not spikelike D. Inflorescence narrow and short; glumes minute, much shorter than lemma; fruit at maturity loosely enclosed in lemma; dwarf arctic-alpine species . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Phippsia D. Inflorescence paniculate or racemose; fruit at maturity adherent to lemma E. Lemmas membranaceous F. Spikelet disarticulating below glumes; broad-leaved forest species . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cinna F. Spikelet disarticulating above glumes G. Lemmas surrounded at base by a tuft of stiff hairs, in some species reaching to tip of lemma; lemmas awned dorsally . . . . . . . . . . . . . Calamagrostis G. Lemmas lacking tuft of hairs at base H. Glumes longer than lemma; lemma with or without dorsal awn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Agrostis H. Glumes shorter than lemma I.
I.
Lemmas awnless J.
Coarse broad-leaved grasses with 10–20-cm long panicle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arctagrostis
J.
Medium to small wiry grasses; panicle rarely over 12 cm long . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Muhlenbergia
Lemmas awned from tip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Muhlenbergia
66
POACEAE (GRAMINEAE)
E. Lemmas hard, firmly encasing fruit with long terminal awns; callus bearded; prairie or woodland species K. Awn not twisted, less than three times as long as lemma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oryzopsis K. Awn twisted and bent, 4–10 times as long as lemma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stipa GROUP II A. Inflorescence evidently paniculate; spikelets 3-flowered, with central floret perfect and lateral ones staminate; medium to small grasses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hierochloe A. Inflorescence dense, spikelike; spikelets appearing 1-flowered, with central floret perfect and lateral ones reduced to sterile scales; tall coarse broad-leaved grasses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Phalaris GROUP III A. Articulation below glumes, with spikelet falling entire; glumes dissimilar, with second one obovate; lemma awnless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sphenopholis A. Articulation above glumes B. Lemmas bifid at apex, with a flat bent awn attached between lobes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Danthonia B. Lemmas merely toothed at apex, awned from back of body C. Glumes 2.0–3.5 cm long; spikelets pendulous, 2-flowered; annual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Avena C. Glumes not over 1 cm long; spikelets not pendulous; perennial D. Spikelet 3- to 6-flowered, 1.0–1.5 cm long. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Helictotrichon D. Spikelet 2- to 4-flowered, less than 1 cm long E. Lemmas keeled, awned from above the middle F. Awn straight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Koeleria F. Awn bent and exserted G. Awn long-exserted, scabrous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trisetum G. Awn barely exserted, smooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vahlodea E. Lemmas convex, awned from below the middle H. Glumes shorter than spikelet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deschampsia H. Glumes equaling or exceeding uppermost floret . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aira GROUP IV A. Lemmas densely villous on callus, 7-nerved; tall coarse prairie grasses of wet places . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scolochloa A. Lemmas not villous on callus, 3- to 5-nerved B. Glumes distinctly longer than spikelet; arctic plants of wet places . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dupontia B. Glumes shorter than spikelet C. Lemmas bifid at apex, awned from notch or just below D. Callus of floret bearded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Schizachne D. Callus of floret not bearded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bromus C. Lemmas not bifid at apex; if awned the awn apical E. Glumes nearly as long as lowermost floret F. Spikelets in dense one-sided clusters; introduced species. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dactylis F. Spikelets not in dense one-sided clusters; species mostly of arctic range
POACEAE (GRAMINEAE)
67
G. Tall marsh plants from a creeping rhizome; leaves broad and flat, yellowish green or purplish; ligules lacerate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arctophila G. Dwarf terrestrial tufted plants with crinkly roots; leaves flat or folded, yellowish green with a metalic lustre; ligules entire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Colpodium E. Glumes shorter than lowermost floret H. Lateral nerves of lemma arched or converging; lemmas awnless, acuminate or awned I.
Lemmas distinctly rounded on the back J.
Lemmas awned or with acuminate tip K. Perennial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Festuca K. Annual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vulpia
J. I.
Lemmas awnless; tip blunt or erose. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Poa
Lemmas distinctly keeled; tip blunt or erose. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Poa
H. Lateral nerves of lemma parallel; lemmas awnless, with blunt or rounded tip L. Lemmas prominently nerved M. Rhizomes present; leaf sheaths closed, rupturing later . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Glyceria M. Rhizomes absent; culms rooting at nodes; leaf sheaths split to base . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Torreyochloa L. Lemmas obscurely nerved; glumes minute much shorter than lowermost lemma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Puccinellia GROUP V
Spikelets 1- to 2-flowered, in two rows along one side of a slender continuous rachis; coarse annual slough grass. Represented in the Yukon Territory by only one genus, Beckmannia. GROUP VI
The taxonomy of this group is extremely difficult and authors differ greatly on the alignment of genera and species within genera. I have followed the generic treatment of Clayton and Renvoize (1986). A. Spikelets in groups of 2 or more at each node B. Spikelets 1-flowered . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hordeum B. Spikelets 2- to 9-flowered C. Leaf blades stiff, harsh, xeric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Leymus C. Leaf blades soft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elymus A. Spikelets borne singly at each node D. First glume absent except in terminal spikelet; spikelets placed edgewise to rachis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lolium D. Both glumes present in all spikelets; spikelets placed flatwise to rachis E. Plants annual (cultivated grains) F. Glumes ovate, 3-nerved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Triticum F. Glumes subulate, 1-nerved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Secale E. Plants perennial G. Spikelets more or less pectinate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Agropyron G. Spikelets not pectinate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elymus
68
POACEAE (GRAMINEAE)
Agropyron Gaertn. wheat grass
Agropyron
Caespitose (ours) long-lived perennial grasses. Inflorescence a more or less pectinate spike, with solitary spikelets; glumes awn-tipped or awnless; lemmas firm, faintly 5-or 7-nerved, awned or awnless. A. Spikes distinctly pectinate; leaves narrow, inrolled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. pectiniforme A. Spikes more or less pectinate; leaves wider, flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. sibiricum
Agropyron pectiniforme R. & S. A. cristatum of American authors, pro parte crested wheat grass ✒ Culms to 60 cm or more high, somewhat geniculate at base, 1.2–1.5 mm in diameter in lower part. Leaves rigid, inrolled. Spikes 2–6 cm long, distinctly pectinate; spikelets divergent from rachis, horizontal to ascending, about 1.5 cm long; glumes and lemmas short-awned; lemma awns (1.0)2.0–3.0(4.0) mm long. ✿ Roadsides and waste places, frequently seeded as a soil binder. ● Introduced from Russia; in the Yukon Territory occasional as far north as Faro.
Agropyron sibiricum (Willd.) PB. ✒ Culms to 70 cm or more high, somewhat geniculate at base, 1.5–2.0 mm in diameter in lower part, coarser than A. pectiniforme. Leaves flat, 4–5 mm wide. Spikes 3–7 cm long, more or less pectinate; spikelets ascending, about 2 cm long; glumes and lemmas awnless or shortawned; lemma awns (0)0.2–3.5(6.0) mm long. ✿ Waste areas. ● Introduced native of south-central Russia; in the Yukon Territory known only from Whitehorse and Carmacks.
Agrostis L. bent grass
Agrostis
Tufted rhizomatous or stoloniferous perennials. Panicle mostly open, with numerous 1-flowered spikelets, disarticulating above glumes; lemma awned or awnless; palea well-developed or rudimentary or absent. A. Lemma with prominent geniculate awn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. mertensii A. Lemma with a short straight awn or awnless B. Caespitose; native species C. Panicle narrowly contracted, almost spikelike . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. exarata C. Panicle loose and open D. Lemma nearly as long as glumes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. filiculmis D. Lemma half to two-thirds as long as glumes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. scabra B. Stoloniferous; introduced species
Agrostis
69
E. Plants 30–50 cm high; panicle branches not spikelet-bearing at base. . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. capillaris E. Plants 50–100 cm high; panicle branches usually spikelet bearing at base. . . . . . . . . . A. gigantea
Agrostis capillaris L. A. tenuis Sibth. colonial bent grass ✒ Perennial; somewhat stoloniferous but also with short rhizomes; culms 20–50 cm or more high. Leaf blades 2–5 mm wide, flat or folded; ligules of middle culm leaves 0.5–1.5 mm long. Panicle diffuse, open, 4–10 cm long; branches filiform; spikelets usually purple; glumes acute about 2.5 mm long; lemmas shorter than glumes, awnless or with a short awn; palea about half as long as lemma. ✿ Plant of waste places. ● Introduced from Europe; in Canada mainly in moister areas of the Maritime Provinces and British Columbia; in the Yukon Territory reported only from along a path to the tower at Nisutlin Delta.
Agrostis exarata Trin. spike redtop ✒ Tufted perennial; culms 20–50 cm or more high. Leaf blades scabrous, flat, 2–10 mm wide; ligule prominent, up to 10 mm long. Panicle almost spikelike, with numerous short branches, very dense and narrow, green; glumes 2.0–2.5 mm long, longer than lemma; lemma awnless or very short awned; palea minute or lacking. ✿ Moist springy places, usually adjacent to hot springs. ● Western North America, from the Aleutians and coastal Alaska south through British Columbia to Texas, Nebraska, and Mexico; in the Yukon Territory, isolated in the southeastern part where considered rare by Douglas et al. (1981), and also in McArthur and Ethel lakes area; also isolated in southwestern District of Mackenzie.
Agrostis filiculmis M.E. Jones A. clavata Trin. ✒ Tufted perennial; culms 30–50 cm high. Leaf blades flat, about 1.5 mm wide; ligules lacerate. Panicle loose; branches capillary, ascending; peduncles of florets clavate; glumes about 2 mm long, slightly longer than lemma; lemma awnless. ✿ Wooded slopes. ● Amphi-Beringian; rare in central Alaska and known in the Yukon Territory only from Moosehide Mountain at Dawson where considered rare by Douglas et al. (1981).
70
POACEAE (GRAMINEAE)
Agrostis gigantea Roth. A. alba L. var. gigantea (Roth.) Griseb. A. stolonifera L. var. major (Gandoger) Farw. creeping bent grass, redtop ✒ Perennial, with creeping or stoloniferous rhizome; culms up to 1 m tall, sometimes decumbent or geniculate at base. Leaf blades flat or folded, 1–10 mm wide; ligule 2–4 mm long. Panicle 5–20 cm, pyramidal, but contracted after flowering; whorls of branches widely spaced; glumes 2–3 mm long; lemma shorter than glumes, awnless or sometimes with a short straight awn; palea about half the length of lemma. ✿ Introduced in waste places in the Yukon, but possibly native elsewhere in North America. ● Circumpolar; in the Yukon Territory previously known only from an early collection at Dawson but recently collected at Carmacks.
Agrostis mertensii Trin. ssp. mertensii A. borealis Hartm. red bent grass ✒ Densely tufted perennial, with erect leafy shoots at base; culms 10–30 cm high. Leaf blades flat, 1.5–3.0 mm wide; ligules 1.5–2.0 mm long. Panicle open, with spreading or ascending branches; glumes 2.5–3.5 mm long, longer than lemma; lemma densely scabrous, with a usually twisted geniculate exserted awn attached below the middle; palea very small; anthers 0.6–1.2 mm long. ✿ Arctic and alpine tundra on stream banks and open slopes. ● Amphi-Beringian; from Alaska south in the Cordilleran region to Utah and Colorado; in the Yukon Territory known in the McQuesten area, in the Mackenzie Mountains adjacent to the Canol Road, in the Richardson Mountains, and in the extreme southeast; to be looked for elsewhere in the mountains in the Territory; ssp. borealis (Hartm.) Tzvel. occurring in northeastern North America.
Agrostis scabra Willd. var. scabra tickle grass, rough hair grass ✒ Tufted perennial; culms 30–60 cm or more high, very slender, erect or ascending. Leaves flat or folded, very scabrous, 1–3 mm wide; ligules 2–4 mm long. Panicle large and diffuse, 5–25 cm long, with erectspreading, hairlike, scabrous branches 5–20 cm long; spikelets crowded near tips; glumes usually becoming purple, 2–3 mm long, acuminate, scabrous on keel, twothirds as long as awnless lemma; palea wanting.
Alopecurus
71
Agrostis scabra Willd. var. geminata (Trin.) Swallen A. hiemalis (Walt.) BSP. var. geminata (Trin.) Hitchc. A. geminata Trin. ✒ Differing from var. scabra in having mature panicle broadly ovoid and smaller (one-sixth to one-third the height of whole plant) and having an awned lemma; awn usually as long as or slightly longer than glumes. ✿ Var. scabra on floodplains and riverbanks and occasionally in bogs; a very common pioneering species in disturbed ground along roadsides, where forming dense stands and lending a purplish aspect as plants mature in August. Var. geminata in moist sandy thickets and on roadsides. ● North American; from Newfoundland to Alaska and southward; var. scabra in the Yukon Territory frequent north to about latitude 65° N and then disjunct to the Porcupine River valley; var. geminata in vicinity of Whitehorse and Dawson where considered rare by Douglas et al. (1981).
Aira L. hair grass
Aira
Aira caryophyllea L. silver hair grass ✒ Annual; culms mostly single, up to 20 cm high. Leaves scabridulous, 0.3– 0.7 mm wide. Panicle open, up to 6 cm long and nearly as wide; spikelets about 3 mm long, 2-flowered, silvery shiny, clustered near ends of capillary branches; florets included within glumes; lemmas awned from below the middle; awns 3–4 mm long, exserted; callus short-hairy. ✿ Waste places and along roadsides. ● Introduced from Europe; in North America mainly west of the Cascades; in the Yukon Territory known from a single collection at Mile 988 Alaska Highway (between Bear Creek and Champagne (Hultén 1950)), but to be looked for elsewhere.
Alopecurus L. foxtail
Alopecurus
Tufted stoloniferous or rhizomatous perennials. Panicles dense and spikelike; spikelets 1-flowered. A. Panicle ovoid-short cylindrical; culms erect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. alpinus A. Panicle narrowly cylindrical; culms erect or decumbent B. Culms 15–50 cm or more high; anthers about 1 mm long; plant of wet places . . . . . . . . . A. aequalis B. Culms 50–100 cm high; anthers 3 mm or more long; introduced plant of waste places . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. pratensis
72
POACEAE (GRAMINEAE)
Alopecurus aequalis Sobol. short-awned foxtail ✒ Culms tufted, 10–50 cm or more high, erect, geniculate or decumbent, and rooting at nodes. Leaf blades usually flat, scabrid on ribbed upper (adaxial) surface; leaves flaccid when floating. Panicle narrowly cylindrical, 1.5–7.5 cm long, pale green; glumes 2.0–2.5 mm long, villous on the nerves, more or less silky between nerves; lemmas about same length as glumes; awn attached near middle of lemma, included or extending only slightly beyond glumes; anthers about 1 mm long, orange, becoming yellowish white. ✿ In shallow often summer-dry ponds. POACEAE (GRAMINEAE) ● Circumpolar, wide-ranging; in North America, Greenland and Labrador to Alaska, south to New Jersey, Indiana, Kansas, New Mexico, and California; in the Yukon Territory extending north of lat. 67° N to the Porcupine River valley.
Alopecurus alpinus J.E. Smith A. alpinus J.E. Smith ssp. glaucus (Less.) Hultén Alopecurus alpine foxtail ✒ Perennial from a short rhizome. Culms 15–30 cm or more high, erect. Leaf blades short, flat, somewhat hispid on raised veins of upper surface; upper leaf sheaths somewhat inflated. Panicle ovoid-short cylindrical; glumes about 3.5 mm long, strongly woolly; lemma shorter than glumes, awned at or below the middle; awn straight or geniculate, as long as or much longer than glumes; anthers about 2 mm long. Specimens from the interior and south of the Yukon Territory generally much taller and may have awns quite visible, otherwise inseparable. ✿ Wet tundra and dunes near the seacoast and in fertilized situations; in the mountains in moist alpine and subalpine tundra. ● Circumpolar; in North America from Arctic south in the mountains to Colorado; in the Yukon Territory along the Arctic coast with widely separated localities in the mountains south of latitude 64° N.
Alopecurus pratensis L. meadow foxtail ✒ Tufted and more or less stoloniferous perennial. Culms 50–100 cm high. Leaves flat, scabrous on both surfaces. Panicle narrowly cylindrical, 3–8 cm long; glumes 4–6 mm long, long-ciliate on nerves and keel; lemma about as long as glumes, awned from near base; awns straight or geniculate, slightly longer or as much as 5 mm longer than glumes; anthers 3 mm or more long. ✿ Waste places. ● Introduced to North America from Europe; in North America, Newfoundland to British Columbia, south to Georgia, Indiana, Missouri, and Kansas; in the Yukon Territory known only from the vicinities of Dawson, Faro, and Kathleen Lake south of Haines Junction.
Arctophila
73
Arctagrostis Griseb. Arctagrostis latifolia (R. Br.) Griseb. s.l. A. latifolia (R. Br.) Griseb. var. arundinacea (Trin.) Griseb. A. latifolia (R. Br.) Griseb. ssp. arundinacea (Trin.) Tzvelev A. arundinacea (Trin.) Beal A. angustifolia Nash (type from Dawson) A. macrophylla Nash (type from Dawson) A. poaeoides Nash (type from Dawson)
ssp. latifolia
ssp. arundinacea
Arctophila Rupr.
✒ Stoloniferous perennial. Culms smooth, 25–140 cm high, solitary or in tufts. Leaf blades flat to involute, 2–10(15) mm wide, scabrous. Panicle open to more or less contracted; spikelets 1-flowered, articulate above glumes; glumes acute to acuminate, awnless; lemma 3-nerved, awned at apex or awnless; anthers 1.3–4.0 mm long. ✿ Common in damp and turfy tundra, heathland, and open woodland. ● Circumpolar; in northwestern North America at least, extremely variable, among other characters, in stature, width of leaves, branching of the inflorescence, size and shape of lemmas and glumes, and length of stamens. In the Yukon Territory most specimens from north of latitude 67° N relatively short in stature, with more or less compressed panicles, and agreeing with ssp. latifolia, but, in this area in particular, usually taller plants with more-open panicles also occurring and agreeing with description as an amphi-Beringian ssp. arundinacea; other characters overlap extensively both here and southward.
Arctophila
Arctophila fulva (Trin.) Rupr. Colpodium fulvum (Trin.) Griseb. ✒ Coarse yellowish green marsh grass, with a stout creeping rhizome; culms 30–50 cm high, smooth, leafy. Leaves broad, flat, and smooth; sheath open only near apex; ligule membranous, lacerate. Panicle pyramidal, with long drooping capillary branches; spikelets 2–7 flowered, articulate above glumes; glumes 3.0–3.7 mm long, shorter than spikelet, obtuse, with margins broadly hyaline; lemmas 2.7–4.0 mm long. Near its northern limit often sterile propagating vegetatively. ✿ Shallow tundra ponds and sloughs and banks of slow-moving streams. ● Circumpolar, low-arctic; in North America, Greenland and Labrador to northern British Columbia and Alaska; found throughout much of the Yukon Territory.
74
POACEAE (GRAMINEAE)
Avena L. oats
POACEAE (GRAMINEAE)
Avena sativa L. oats ✒ Tufted annual; culms to 100 cm high. Leaves flat, coarse, rough. Panicles lax, 10–30 cm long; spikelets large, about 20 mm long, 2- or 3-flowered; lemma glabrous, shorter than glumes, 2-toothed at apex, awned or awnless. ✿ Waste places. ● Cultivated grain, occasionally escaping but not persisting; found at scattered locations in central and southeastern Yukon Territory.
Beckmannia Host.
Beckmannia
Beckmannia syzigachne (Steud.) Fern. B. erucaeformis (L.) Host ssp. baicalensis (Kuzn.) Hultén slough grass ✒ Tufted annual. Culms up to 1 m high, smooth. Leaves pale blue-green, flat, 2–10 mm wide, finely scabrous. Panicle 10–20 cm long, narrow, with ascending branches; spikelets 1- to 2-flowered, compressed laterally, subcircular, 2.0–3.2 mm long, nearly sessile and closely imbricated in two rows along the slender continuous rachis, disarticulating below glumes and falling entire; glumes sub-equal, 3-nerved, membranaceous, acute; lemmas 5-nerved, acute, awnless. ✿ Wet meadows and sloughs subject to spring flooding; possibly introduced in some situations. ● Circumpolar; in North America, Newfoundland to Alaska, south to Pennsylvania, Missouri, New Mexico, and California; in the Yukon Territory found as far north as the Porcupine River.
Bromus L. brome grass
Bromus
Annual or perennial tufted or rhizomatous. Leaves broad and flat. Panicle consisting of large, many-flowered, ascending or pendulous spikelets on slender, flexuous branches. A. Annual B. Lemmas lanceolate; awns 10 mm or more long. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. tectorum B. Lemmas broad; awns 3–9 mm long C. Panicle erect, contracted and rather dense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. hordeaceus C. Panicle open; branches spreading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. secalinus A. Perennial D. Lemmas keeled; first glume 3- to 5-nerved; second glume 5- to 9-nerved . . . . . . . . . . . . B. carinatus D. Lemmas rounded; first glume 1-nerved; second glume 3-nerved
Bromus
75
E. Plants tufted, lacking rhizomes; lemmas pubescent only on margins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. ciliatus E. Plants rhizomatous F. Lemmas glabrous, scabrous or hirsute across the base or on the nerves; awns 1–2 mm long . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. inermis F. Lemmas villous, especially toward margins; awns 1–6 mm long. . . . . . . . . B. pumpellianus
Bromus carinatus Hook. & Arn. B. marginatus Nees California brome ✒ Tufted perennial; culms 30–90 cm or more high. Leaf sheaths glabrous to pilose; ligules 1–3 mm long; blades 3–10 mm wide, glabrous to scabrous or pilose. Panicle 5–20 cm long; branches erect to spreading or reflexed; spikelets 20–35 mm long, 5- to 10-flowered; glumes unequal, with first usually 3-nerved; lemmas lanceolate, pubescent; awn 3–10 mm long, straight; anthers 4–5 mm long. ✿ North America; from British Columbia and Alberta south to Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico; introduced eastward and northward to Alaska and extreme southern Yukon Territory.
Bromus ciliatus L. ✒ Perennial; culms slender, tufted or growing singly, 70–120 cm high; nodes pubescent. Leaf sheaths short pilose; ligule short, 0.4–1.0 mm long; blades soft, up to 10 mm wide, often with scattered long soft hairs on both surfaces. Panicle 15–25 cm long, open; branches drooping, with lowermost up to 15 cm long; spikelets 15–25 mm long, 4- to 9-flowered; glumes glabrous, unequal, with first 1-nerved and with second 3-nerved; lemmas lanceolate, 10–15 mm long, long-ciliate, glabrous across the back; awn 3–5 mm long; anthers variable, 1.0– 1.8 mm long. ✿ Moist open woods and rich meadows. ● Eastern Asia to Newfoundland; in North America south to the New England States, and in the west to Texas, and Mexico; in the Yukon Territory occasional north to Dawson but considered rare by Douglas et al. (1981).
Bromus hordeaceus L. B. mollis L. B. racemosus L. soft chess ✒ Annual; culms 20–80 cm or more high; nodes pubescent. Leaf sheaths glabrous to hairy; ligules 1.0–1.5 mm long; blades soft, flat, to 4 mm wide, more or less hairy on both surfaces. Panicle erect, narrow, 4–15 cm long; spikelets about 15 mm long, 5- to 7-flowered; glumes subequal, acute, with lower one lanceolate, and with upper one ovate; lemma 6.5–8.0 mm long, ovate, firm, minutely scabrous; awn 5–9 mm long; anthers 1.5–3.0 mm long.
76
POACEAE (GRAMINEAE) ✿
Along roadsides. Widely introduced from Europe; known only from an early collection at Dawson but not observed in recent years in the Yukon Territory. ●
Bromus inermis Leyss. smooth brome ✒ Perennial with extensive rhizomes; culms erect, to 100 cm or more high. Leaf sheaths usually glabrous; ligules 0.5–3.0 mm long; blades flat, up to 5 mm wide, usually glabrous. Panicle spreading, 15–25 cm long; spikelets 15–30 mm long or longer; glumes unequal, with first usually 1-nerved, 4–8 mm long, glabrous; lemmas oblongelliptic, glabrous to finely puberulent; awns absent or very short (1–2 mm long); anthers 4–6 mm long. ✿ Roadsides and waste ground in townsites. ● Widely introduced in North America; in the Yukon Territory known from as far north as Eagle Plains on the Dempster Highway.
Bromus pumpellianus Scribn. var. pumpellianus B. inermis Leyss ssp. pumpellianus (Scribn.) Wagnon ✒ Perennial; culms erect, 50–100 cm high, solitary from a creeping rhizome or appearing to be tufted. Leaf sheaths glabrous or pubescent; ligules about 0.5 mm long; blades 3–8 mm wide, glabrous or pubescent. Panicle 5–30 cm long, erect to spreading; spikelets 15–25 mm long, 5- to 15-flowered; glumes unequal, with first usually 1-nerved; lemmas about 12 mm long, lance-oblong to oblong-elliptic; awns 1–6 mm long; anthers 3.5–6.0 mm long.
Bromus pumpellianus Scribn. var. arcticus (Shear) A.E. Porsild B. arcticus Shear ✒ Differing from var. pumpellianus in having somewhat lower stature; glumes hirsute to densely villous rather than glabrous; lemmas hirsute to densely villous rather than villous only along marginal nerves; leaf sheaths more or less pubescent. ✿ Riverbanks, grassy slopes, and disturbed situations. ● Eastern Asia; western and northwestern North America south to Colorado and Wyoming; in the Yukon Territory both varieties found northward to the Arctic slope, but apparently absent in the southeast.
Calamagrostis
77
Bromus secalinus L. cheat ✒ Tufted annual; culms 30–80 cm high; nodes pubescent. Leaf sheaths pubescent or glabrous; ligules 1.5–3.0 mm long; blades 2–5 mm wide, pubescent or glabrous. Panicle 5–20 cm long, lax, usually nodding; spikelets 12–20 mm long; glumes unequal, with first one lanceolate and 3- to 5-nerved, and with second one ovate; lemmas 6.5–9.0 mm long, ovate, inrolled, with margins minutely scabrous; awns 3–6 mm long or much-reduced; anthers 1–2 mm long. ✿ Waste ground at Dawson. ● Widely introduced in North America from Eurasia; not observed in the Yukon Territory in recent years.
Bromus tectorum L. downy brome ✒ Tufted annual; culms 10–80 cm or more high. Leaf sheaths pilose; ligules 5–6 mm long, lacerate; blades to 5 mm wide, hairy on both surfaces. Panicle 5–15 cm long; branches drooping; spikelets 10–20 mm long; glumes unequal, pubescent, hyalinemargined; lower glume subulate, with upper one lanceolate; lemmas lanceolate, about 10 mm long, pubescent, hyaline-margined; awns 10 mm or more long. ✿ Waste ground at Dawson. ● Widely introduced in North America from Eurasia; not observed in the Yukon Territory in recent years.
Calamagrostis Adans. reed bent grass
Calamagrostis
Narrow-leaved perennials, with creeping rhizomes; culms 15–150 cm high. Leaves flat to involute; ligules membranous. Inflorescence an open to contracted panicle; spikelets 1-flowered, articulate above glumes; glumes unequal; lemma equaling or shorter than glumes; awn straight to geniculate, attached below middle of lemma; rachilla with a tuft of long hairs; callus hairs from less than one-quarter length of lemma to longer than lemma. A. Awn longer than glumes, twisted and bent when dry . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. purpurascens var. purpurascens A. Awn shorter than or equaling glumes, straight or twisted B. Awn geniculate, once or twice twisted when dry, with tip usually protruding from side of spikelet C. Panicle compact and spikelike, with branches short-appressed; plants of well-drained slopes in the interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. purpurascens var. laricina C. Panicle branches spreading, few-flowered at tips; plants of arctic coastal meadows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. deschampsioides B. Awn straight or twisted less than once, only slightly geniculate
78
POACEAE (GRAMINEAE)
D. Panicle usually open and lax; callus hairs not tufted, as long as lemma E. Panicle branches 3–8 cm long, sparsely to densely flowered along upper half; culms with 3–8 nodes, often branched in upper part; glumes 3–6 mm long F. Glumes 3.0–4.5 mm long, usually scabrous and thin, hyaline along margins; awn usually delicate and inconspicuous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. canadensis ssp. canadensis F. Glumes 4–6 mm long, thicker and less often hyaline along margins; awn slender, sometimes somewhat twisted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. canadensis ssp. langsdorffii E. Panicle branches shorter, up to 4 cm long; culms with 2 or 3 nodes, unbranched; glumes 4.0–5.5 mm long . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. lapponica D. Panicle stiff, erect, its branches appressed except at time of flowering; callus hairs one-third to almost as long as the lemma G. Longest callus hairs half to three-quarters as long as lemma; glumes 2.0–4.5 mm long, thin, often hyaline along margins; leaf blades thin, 2–4 mm wide, often involute; ligules 1–3 mm long, entire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. stricta ssp. stricta G. Longest callus hairs two-thirds to almost as long as lemma; glumes 3–6 mm long, thicker, usually indurate and opaque; leaf blades 3–6 mm wide, usually flat, scabrous above; ligules 3–6 mm long, lacerate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. stricta ssp. inexpansa
Calamagrostis canadensis (Michx.) Beauv. ssp. canadensis blue-joint ✒ Culms 50–150 cm high, with 3–8 nodes, often branching at upper nodes. Leaf blades lax, flat, scabrous on both surfaces, 3–8 mm wide, 5–30 cm long; ligules 3–8 mm long, lacerate. Panicle usually open, at least during anthesis, lax, 6–30 cm long, 2–10 cm wide; spikelets numerous on upper half of branches; glumes subequal, 3.0–4.5 mm long, usually purple-tinged, scabrous, hyaline along margins, acute to acuminate; lemma thin, 2.5–4.5 mm long; awn delicate, extending to or just beyond tip of lemma; callus hairs all about same length, about as long as lemma. ✿ Meadows, open woods, riverbanks, and wet places.
Calamagrostis canadensis (Michx.) Beauv. ssp. langsdorffii (Link) Hultén C. canadensis (Michx.) Beauv. var. langsdorffii (Link) Inman C. langsdorffii (Link) Trin. ✒ Differing from ssp. canadensis in its usually taller stature; glumes longer and narrower, very acute, herbaceous, very scabrous on the keel. ✿ Alpine and subalpine meadows and thickets.
Calamagrostis
79
● Calamagrostis canadensis s.l. circumpolar; ssp. canadensis from Labrador to Alaska, south to North Carolina, Ohio, Missouri, New Mexico, and California, and widespread in the Yukon Territory except for extreme north; ssp. langsdorffii from Greenland to Alaska and northwestern Asia, south to Newfoundland, New York, Minnesota, and Colorado, and widespread in the Yukon Territory.
Calamagrostis deschampsioides Trin. ✒ Culms geniculate-erect, 15–45 cm high, with 2 or 3 nodes, solitary or few together from a thin creeping rhizome. Basal leaves smooth, flat or somewhat involute, 1–3 mm wide, much shorter than culm; culm leaves 3–5 cm long. Panicle lax, pyramidal, 3–10 cm long; spikelets small at end of usually smooth branches; glumes 3–6 mm long, smooth or somewhat scabrous on keel; lemma usually shorter than glumes, minutely scabrous; awn attached near middle of lemma and extending to or just beyond tip; callus hairs about half the length of lemma. ✿ Littoral species of damp tundra. ● Circumpolar, arctic, spotty and disrupted range; in the Yukon Territory known only on the Arctic coast.
Calamagrostis lapponica (Wahlenb.) Hartm. Calamagrostis C. lapponica (Wahlenb.) Hartm. var. nearctica A.E. Porsild ✒ Loosely caespitose plant, with a short thin rhizome; culms solitary or few together, slender, erect, 30–60 cm high, glabrous except just below panicle, with 2 or 3 nodes. Cauline leaves flat or strongly involute, scabrous above, smooth below; ligule 1.5–4.0 mm long, entire. Panicle lax, narrow, 4–12 cm long, 1.5 cm wide; branches appressed to somewhat spreading; glumes 4.0–5.5 mm long, slightly lustrous and strongly suffused with purple, turning bronze at tip, abruptly acuminate, hispidulous only along keel; lemma 3.5–5.0 mm long; awn slender, straight or somewhat twisted, reaching tip of lemma; callus hairs copious, unequal, with longest ones as long as the lemma. ✿ Stable dunes, or in peaty soil of open heath or muskeg. ● Circumpolar; in North America from west Greenland and Labrador to Alaska, south in British Columbia to about latitude 52° N; found throughout much of the Yukon Territory.
80
POACEAE (GRAMINEAE)
Calamagrostis purpurascens R. Br. var. purpurascens C. purpurascens R. Br. ssp. maltei (Polunin) A.E. Porsild C. yukonensis Nash ✒ Coarse and tufted plant; culms stiff and usually scabrous, 20–70 cm high. Leaves glaucous, much shorter than culms, very scabrous especially on margins, flat, becoming strongly involute in age. Panicle 6–8 cm long, narrowly pyramidal in youth, dense or interrupted below, purplish to bronze; branches short, floriferous to base; glumes firm, about 6 mm long, scabrous, especially on prominent keel; lemma thin, two-thirds as long as glume; awn attached near base of lemma, coarse, geniculate, exserted; callus hairs much shorter than lemma. Calamagrostis ✿ Well-drained calcareous sandy or stony places. ● Amphi-Beringian; in Asia extending from the east to central Siberia, south to Kamchatka and Sakhalin; in North America common in Alaska, the Yukon Territory, and District of Mackenzie south through the mountains to California; localized in northern Saskatchewan, northern Manitoba, District of Keewatin, Ungava, Newfoundland, eastern Arctic islands, Greenland, and upper Great Lakes. POACEAE (GRAMINEAE)
Calamagrostis purpurascens R. Br. var. laricina Louis-Marie ✒ Differing from var. purpurascens in its more compact and spikelike panicle; glumes 4.5–6.0 mm long; awn about 4 mm long, slightly geniculate but rarely extending beyond tip of glumes. ✿ Found in habitats similar to those of var. purpurascens. ● Occurs sporadically throughout the range of var. purpurascens; in the Yukon Territory known only in the southwest.
Calamagrostis stricta (Timm) Koeler ssp. stricta C. neglecta (Ehrh.) Gaertn., Mey. & Scherb. C. robertii A.E. Porsild ?C. holmii Lange in Holm ✒ Stoloniferous and often turf-forming plant; culms slender, unbranched, 20–60 cm or more high, with 2 or 3 nodes; leaves 5–30 cm long, 2–5 mm wide, often involute, smooth to scabrous above, smooth or nearly so below; ligule 1.0–3.5 mm long, usually entire. Panicle dense and spikelike or rarely narrowly pyramidal, 5–12 cm long; spikelets 2.0–4.5 mm long; glumes subequal, purplish or bronze or greenish, smooth or weakly scabrous on keel; lemma 2–4 mm long, with a slender straight awn attached below middle and extending to about tip of glumes; callus hairs unequal, up to one-half to three-quarters as long as lemma.
Cinna
81
Calamagrostis stricta (Timm) Koeler ssp. inexpansa (Gray) C.W. Greene C. inexpansa Gray ✒ Differing from ssp. stricta in its taller and more robust growth; culms 40–100 cm or more high, with 2–4 nodes. Leaf blades usually somewhat stiffer, quite scabrous above and more or less scabrous below; ligules 2.0–5.5 mm long, entire or lacerate. Panicle pale, usually dense and spikelike, 5–20 cm long, with ascending branches very scabrous; glumes 3–6 mm long, smooth to scabrous, usually tinged with purple; lemma 2.5–5.0 mm long, with the usually stout awn attached below the middle and extending slightly beyond the tip; callus hairs unequal, 2/3 to as long as lemma. ✿ Wet meadows, river flats, and lakeshores. ● C. stricta ssp. stricta circumpolar; in North America from southern Greenland, Labrador, Nova Scotia, and New England to Alaska and British Columbia south to northern California; ssp. inexpansa in northeastern Asia, and in North America from Labrador and Newfoundland to Alaska and south to New York, New Mexico, Arizona, and northern California; both subspecies in the Yukon Territory to north of latitude 68° N.
Cinna L. wood reedgrass
Cinna
Cinna latifolia (Trev.) Griseb. ✒ Tall tufted perennial; culms to 150 cm high. Leaf sheaths glabrous; ligules conspicuous, 4 mm or more long; blades short, 4–10 mm wide, flat, pale green, finely scabrous on veins and margins. Panicle 5–20 cm long, pale green, open and usually nodding; branches scabrous; spikelets 1-flowered disarticulating below glumes; glumes 3.0–3.5 mm long, often purplish, hispid on midvein; lemmas about 3 mm long, short-awned. ✿ Rich moist deciduous woods and about hot springs. ● Circumboreal; in North America, Newfoundland to Alaska, south to North Carolina, New Mexico, Nevada, and California; in the Yukon Territory known only from the extreme southeast (Scotter and Cody 1979), where considered rare by Douglas et al. (1981).
82
POACEAE (GRAMINEAE)
Colpodium Trin.
Colpodium
Colpodium vahlianum (Liebm.) Nevski Puccinellia vahliana (Liebm.) Scribn. & Merr. ✒ Densely caespitose perennial; roots pale, fibrous, crinkly; foliage yellowish green, with a peculiar metallic lustre; culms stout, erect, 8–25 cm tall, bearing 2–3 lax and flat leaves; ligules about 1 mm long, somewhat pointed, broader than long; withered basal leaf sheaths very soft, early decaying. Panicle, 1.5–5.0 cm long, contracted; branches in twos or threes, glabrous, ascending, bearing only a few spikelets; spikelets lanceolate, 6.0–7.5 mm long, dark purple, shining, 2- to 4-flowered; glumes and lemmas thin, translucent, subacute, with their tips erose in age; glumes subequal, 3.5–4.0 mm long; lemmas 4.0–4.5 mm long, copiously hairy in their lower part; palea keels long-hairy; anthers 0.8–1.2 mm long; grains about 2 mm long. ✿ Wet seepage areas on mountain slopes. ● Amphi-Atlantic, high-arctic; in North America mainly in the Arctic Archipelago, but also along the Arctic coast and disjunct to the Mackenzie Mountains and southwestern Yukon Territory where considered rare by Douglas et al. (1981).
Dactylis L.
Dactylis
*Dactylis glomerata L. orchard grass ✒ Tufted perennial; culms 50–100 cm high. Leaf blades flat, 2–10 mm wide, scabrous on margins. Panicle 3–15 cm long; branches usually stiffly ascending; spikelets 5–9 mm long, 3- to 6-flowered, in dense 1-sided clusters; glumes unequal, with the first 5–6 mm long, and with the second 6–7 mm long, keeled, hispid-ciliate on the keel; lemmas about 8 mm long, keeled, ciliate on the keel, mucronate or short-awned; anthers 3–4 mm long-keeled. ✿ Roadsides and waste places. ● Widely introduced in North America from Eurasia; from Newfoundland to British Columbia south to Alabama, New Mexico, and California; known from extreme northwestern British Columbia, and to be looked for in adjacent Yukon Territory.
Danthonia DC. wild oat grass
Danthonia
Tufted perennials. Leaves narrow; old sheaths and blades marcescent; ligules composed of a fringe of hairs and a narrow nonauriculate rolled blade. Inflorescence a few-flowered panicle, open or spikelike; glumes persistent, mostly longer than uppermost floret; rachilla disarticulating above the glumes; lemmas obscurely nerved, strongly bifid, with a flattened twisted and more or less geniculate awn attached between lobes. A. Lemmas 7–10 mm long; leaves involute to flat, 1–3 mm broad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D. intermedia A. Lemmas 4–5 mm long; leaves 0.5–2.0 mm broad, usually involute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D. spicata
Deschampsia
83
Danthonia intermedia Vasey timber oat grass ✒ Culms 30–50 cm high; sheaths glabrous except at the throat. Leaves involute to flat, 1–3 mm broad, often pilose dorsally. Panicle narrow, 3–6 cm long, with 5–10 spikelets; glumes acuminate, about 15 mm long, purplish in youth, turning papery white; lemmas 7–10 mm long, with their lobes aristate. ✿ Open grassy places. ● North America; from Labrador to Alaska with gaps, and south into the United States; in the Yukon Territory scattered occurrence north to about latitude 63° N.
Danthonia spicata (L.) Beauv. D. spicata (L.) Beauv. var. pinetorum Piper poverty oat grass ✒ Culms 20–50 cm high; sheaths glabrous to pilose. Leaves usually involute, 0.5–2.0 mm broad, glabrous or pilose. Panicle 2–5 cm long, its branches short and usually erect; glumes 9–12 mm long; lemmas 4–5 mm long, their lobes acute to acuminate. ✿ Vicinity of hot springs. ● North America; from Newfoundland to British Columbia and Alaska south into the United States; in the Yukon Territory known from a single locality in the southeast near the Beaver River.
Deschampsia Beauv. hair grass
Deschampsia
Plants tall, medium to low, annual or perennial. Spikelets 2-flowered, somewhat glossy, purplish, in terminal panicles; glumes unequal, exceeding the lower and sometimes the upper floret; lemmas with a slender awn, as long as or much longer than floret; callus hairs short. A. Awn about twice as long as floret, long-exserted B. Annual with few basal leaves; spikelets 5–8 mm long . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D. danthonioides B. Perennial, densely tufted; spikelets 3–5 mm long . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D. elongata A. Awn much shorter than to twice as long as floret, not or only slightly exserted C. Plants rarely more than 30 cm high; panicle contracted; glumes and lemmas herbaceous, usually dark purple; awns attached below middle of lemmas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D. brevifolia C. Plants taller; panicle open and more or less pyramidal, at least at maturity; glumes and lemmas thin and translucent; awns attached near base of lemmas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D. caespitosa
84
POACEAE (GRAMINEAE)
Deschampsia brevifolia R. Br. ✒ Densely tufted perennial; culms usually 10–30 cm high in the Yukon Territory but shorter in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. Basal leaves narrow and short, but occasionally up to half the length of the culm; blade of stem leaf very short. Panicle contracted, oblong or ovate; branches upright, bearing spikelets to near base; glumes unequal, strongly suffused with purple or bronze, with longer one 3.2–4.0 mm long; lemma 2.7–3.5 mm long, awned from below the middle; awn shorter than or extending to apex of lemma. ✿ Usually moist alpine meadows, tundra, and rocky slopes. ● Circumpolar, arctic-alpine; in North Amercia, Greenland to Alaska; in the Yukon Territory frequent in the British and Richardson mountains but also occasional in the Ogilvie Mountains and southward.
Deschampsia caespitosa (L.) Beauv. Deschampsia D. caespitosa (L.) Beauv. var. glauca (Hartm.) Lindm. D. caespitosa (L.) Beauv. ssp. orientalis Hultén tufted hair grass ✒ Tufted perennial; culms to 70 cm high, glabrous. Leaves narrow, mostly basal, flat or folded, scabrous on upper surface. Panicle usually open, up to 25 cm long; branches more or less scabrous; glumes straw-colored or purplish, 3.0–4.5 mm long or longer; florets 2 or 3, with uppermost one often extending beyond glumes; lemmas awned from near base; awns up to 4 mm long, straight or slightly curved; callus hairs about one-quarter as long as lemma. ✿ Wet meadows, lakeshores, and gravel bars. ● Deschampsia caespitosa s.l. circumpolar; in North America, Newfoundland to Alaska, south to Virginia, Ohio, Minnesota, Arizona, and California; found throughout much of the Yukon Territory; the Arctic coastal plant referred by Hultén (1968) to ssp. orientalis; some specimens (particularly from along the Dempster Highway) quite variable, seeming to merge with D. brevifolia.
Deschampsia danthonioides (Trin.) Munro D. calycina Presl ✒ Annual; culms 15–50 cm or more high, glabrous; ligules 1–5 mm long, acute. Leaves mostly basal; blades involute, to 1 mm wide, glabrous. Panicle 5–25 cm long, narrow but open; branches ascending, minutely scabrous; spikelets greenish or straw-colored, at ends of branches; glumes unequal, longer than florets; lemma awned near middle; awn up to 6 mm long, distinctly geniculate; callus hairs about onequarter as long as lemma. ✿ Disturbed situations.
Elymus
85
● Western North America; from California to Alaska; in the Yukon Territory introduced at Dawson in the late 1800s and early 1900s, but not observed in that area recently; the map in Hultén (1968) indicates a collection from near Haines Junction, but no specimens from that area have been seen.
Deschampsia elongata (Hook.) Munro ✒ Tufted perennial; culms to 70 cm high, very minutely scabrous. Leaves mostly basal; basal leaves filiform, glabrous or minutely scabrous; culm leaves flat or involute. Panicle up to 20 cm long, narrow, with minutely scabrous branches appressed; spikelets numerous; glumes often purplish at apex, usually exceeding upper floret; lemma awned from near the middle; awn 3–4 mm long, straight or somewhat curved; callus hairs half as long as lemma. ✿ Disturbed situations. ● Western North America; from Alaska to northern Mexico; in the Yukon Territory introduced at Dawson and White Horse Rapids but not seen in recent years.
Dupontia R. Br.
POACEAE (GRAMINEAE)
Dupontia fisheri R. Br. s.l. D. fisheri R. Br. ssp. psilosantha (Rupr.) Hultén D. psilosantha Rupr. ✒ Rhizomatous turf-forming perennial; culms 15–35 cm or more high, smooth. Leaf blades flat to more or less involute, glabrous or scabrous on upper surface; ligules 1–4 mm long. Panicle narrow or open; branches appressed-ascending or spreading or lower ones drooping; branches smooth; spikelets 1- to 4-flowered; glumes about 5 mm long, purplish at base with bronze tips, bluntish to long-acuminate; lemmas green to purplish with bronze tips, and with a tuft of hairs at base; anthers purple, 1.7–3.0 mm long. Characters used to separate ssp. fisheri from ssp. psilosantha not consistent in the Yukon Territory, hence the conservative treatment. ✿ Wet meadows and brackish lagoon shores where occasionally flooded by high tides. ● Circumpolar; in North America, Greenland and Labrador to Alaska; in the Yukon Territory found along the Arctic coast and on Herschel Island.
Elymus L. wild rye
Elymus
Perennial. Spike linear; spikelets 3- to 9-flowered, borne singly or occasionally in pairs (or up to 4 in E. canadensis), appressed to rachis; glumes linear or lanceolate to narrowly oblong, obtuse to shortly awned; lemmas coriaceous, 5-nerved, obtuse, acute or bidentate, muticous or awned. The following hybrids are known in the Yukon Territory: (×Elyhordeum macounii (Vasey) Barkworth & Dewey (×Agrohordeum macounii (Vasey) Lepage; Elymus macounii Vasey;
86
POACEAE (GRAMINEAE)
Elymus trachycaulus × Hordeum jubatum) and × Elyhordeum chatangensis (Roshev.) Tzvelev (Elymus chatangensis Roshev.; Elymus macrourus × Hordeum jubatum). A. Lemmas with awns longer than body B. Spikelets solitary at each node C. Awns straight D. Awns thin, usually less than 1 cm long . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. trachycaulus ssp. glaucus D. Awns stout, 2–3 cm long. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. trachycaulus ssp. subsecundus C. Awns arcuate at maturity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. spicatus B. Spikelets usually more than 1 at each node E. Spikes long and thin, flexuous and nodding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. sibiricus E. Spikes upright or only slightly curved F. Spikes dense; spikelets up to 4 per node . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. canadensis F. Spikes slender; spikelets mostly 2 per node . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. glaucus A. Lemmas with awns shorter than body G. Lemmas and glumes densely hairy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. calderi G. Lemmas and glumes glabrous to somewhat hairy or scabrous H. Glumes narrowly lanceolate or elliptic, gradually tapering from middle toward tip, with narrow hyaline-scarious margin I. I.
Anthers 4–5 mm long; plants with long creeping yellowish and wiry rhizomes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. repens Anthers shorter; plants tufted or occasionally with short rhizomes J.
Glumes about one-half the length of spikelet, usually 3-ribbed K. Lemmas glabrous usually with awn up to 2 cm long, arcuate at maturity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. spicatus K. Lemmas hairy, at least in lower part, awnless or with a straight awn shorter than body of lemma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. macrourus
J.
Glumes about three-quarters the length of spikelet L. Lemmas hairy in lower part, becoming glabrous toward apex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. trachycaulus ssp. andinus L. Lemmas scabrous at apex, glabrous toward base M. Spikes slender; spikelets rarely reaching bases of those above on same side N. Glumes acute; nodes of culm glabrous . . E. trachycaulus ssp. trachycaulus N. Glumes blunt; nodes of culm short-hairy . . E. trachycaulus ssp. teslinensis M. Spikes thicker; spikelets overlapping . . . . . . E. trachycaulus ssp. novae-angliae
H. Glumes usually narrowly obovate or broadly oblanceolate, with broad scarious margins; margins conspicuously wider near apex O. Glumes large, only slightly shorter than spikelet; nodes of culm glabrous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. trachycaulus ssp. violaceus O. Glumes one-half to two-thirds the length of spikelet; nodes of culm hairy P. Glumes and lemma densely hairy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. alaskanus ssp. hyperarcticus P. Glumes glabrous Q. Lemmas glabrous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. alaskanus ssp. borealis Q. Lemmas more or less hairy toward apex . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. alaskanus ssp. alaskanus
Elymus
87
Elymus alaskanus (Scribn. & Merr.) A. Löve ssp. alaskanus Agropyron boreale (Turcz.) Drobov ssp. alaskanum (Scribn. & Merr.) Melderis Elymus ✒ Tufted perennial. Culm 30–90 cm high; nodes nearly always short-hairy. Leaves 2.5–6.0 mm wide, flat or inrolled, usually scaberulous. Spikes erect, rather dense; spikelets with 4–6 florets; glumes 5–8 mm long, oblong or broadly oblanceolate, usually abruptly narrowed into a short awn, with hyaline-scarious margin wider near apex; lemmas 8–10 mm long, with a short awn; anthers 1.5–2.0 mm long. Other subspecies recognized and distinguished in the key are as follows:
Elymus alaskanus (Scribn. & Merr.) A. Löve ssp. borealis (Turcz.) Löve & Löve Agropyron boreale (Turcz.) Drobov ✒ Differing from ssp. alaskanus in having lemmas completely glabrous rather than more or less hairy toward apex.
Elymus alaskanus (Scribn. & Merr.) A. Löve ssp. hyperarcticus (Polunin) A. & D. Löve Agropyron boreale (Turcz.) Drobov ssp. hyperarcticum (Polunin) Melderis A. violaceum (Hornem.) Lange var. hyperarcticum Polunin ✒ Differing from ssp. alaskanus in having glumes and lemma densely hairy. ✿
POACEAE (GRAMINEAE)
Sandy and gravelly riverbanks and bars and open hillsides. ● Ssp. alaskanus endemic to Alaska, Yukon Territory, and northwestern District of Mackenzie; ssp. borealis circumpolar with large gaps, occasional in north and central Yukon Territory; ssp. hyperarcticus from Greenland to Alaska, occasional in north, central, and southwest Yukon Territory.
88
POACEAE (GRAMINEAE)
Elymus calderi Barkworth E. yukonensis sensu A. & D. Löve non Scribn. & Merr. Agropyron yukonense auct. plur. non Scribn. & Merr. E. lanceolatus (Scribn. & Smith) Gould ssp. yukonensis A. Löve non Scribn. & Merr. ✒ Rhizomatous plant; culms 50–100 cm high. Leaves mostly basal, usually glaucous, flat or more or less involute, 1–4 mm wide, scabrous above. Spikes erect, 6–10 cm long; spikelets with 3–6 florets; glumes broadly lanceolate, 3.5–12.5 mm long, 3-ribbed, acute or short-acuminate, densely hairy; lemmas 6–13 mm long, awnless, or with an awn up to 2 mm long, densely villous; anthers 2.5–5.5 mm long. ✿ Dunes, sandy and gravelly hillsides, benches, and roadsides. ● North America; endemic to northwestern British Columbia, east-central Alaska, and southern Yukon Territory.
*Elymus canadensis L. Canada wild rye
Elymus POACEAE (GRAMINEAE)
✒ Loosely tufted plant; culms up to 1.5 m high, erect, or ascending at base, smooth, glaucous. Cauline leaves coarse, 5–15 mm wide, glabrous or somewhat scabrous above. Spikes dense, up to 20 cm long, erect or slightly nodding; spikelets in groups of 3 or 4; glumes narrow, strongly nerved, scabrous, with an awn about as long as the body; lemmas villous-hirsute, strongly nerved, with a curved or arching awn more than twice as long as the body. ✿ Sandy and gravelly places and eroding riverbanks. ● North America; from New Brunswick to British Columbia and extreme southwestern District of Mackenzie southward into the United States; to be looked for in extreme southeastern Yukon Territory.
Elymus glaucus Buckl. western rye grass, blue wild rye ✒ Culms 50–100 cm high. Leaves thin, flat, glabrous to somewhat scabrous. Spikes erect, 5–20 cm long; spikelets mostly 2 per node, with 2–5 florets; glumes linear to linear-lanceolate, 2- to 5-nerved, acuminate or with a short awn; lemmas 8 to 12 mm long, with a straight or curved awn 1–3 cm long. ✿ Meadows and rocky woods. ● North America; from southeastern Alaska south to California eastward to Ontario, Colorado, Iowa, and Indiana; in the Yukon Territory found in the extreme southwest where considered rare by Douglas et al. (1981).
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89
Elymus macrourus (Turcz.) Tzvelev Agropyron macrourum (Turcz.) Drobov A. sericeum Hitchc. ✒ Plant tufted, or occasionally with short rhizomes. Culms 35–100 cm high. Leaves flat, 3–8 mm wide, glabrous or scabrous above. Spikes erect, loose, 5–20 cm long; spikelets 12–20 mm long, with 5–7 florets; glumes 5–9 mm long, with narrow hyaline margins, acuminate, 3- to 5-ribbed, with scabrous ribs; lemmas 8–11 mm long, short pilose especially in lower part, awnless or with awns to 7 mm long; anthers 1–2 mm long. ✿ Riverbanks, lakeshores, and open slopes. ● Amphi-Beringian; extending eastward across Alaska and the western half of the Yukon Territory into northwestern District of Mackenzie.
Elymus repens (L.) Gould Agropyron repens (L.) Beauv. Elytrigia repens (L.) Nevski quack grass, couch grass ✒ Strongly rhizomatous perennial. Culms up to 80 cm high. Leaves thin, flat, 5–8 mm wide, green or glaucous and soft pilose; sheaths often pubescent. Spikes thin and elongated, 5–15 cm long; glumes 7–12 mm long, 3–7 ribbed, acute or abruptly awned; lemmas 8–11 mm long, awnless or with awns as long as body; anthers 3.5–5.5 mm long. ✿ Waste places and roadsides. ● Cosmopolitan weed; in North America, Newfoundland to British Columbia, south through much of the United States; in the Yukon Territory as yet known only from Dawson and Faro.
*Elymus sibiricus L. (see Addendum) Siberian wild rye ✒ Plant tufted or with short runners. Culms 70–120 cm high. Leaves thin, flat, 3–16 mm wide, scabrous on both sides. Spikes up to 30 cm long, pendulous, occasionally branching at base; glumes narrowly lanceolate, 3-nerved, much shorter than spikelet, attenuate into a short awn; lemmas 8–12 mm long, 5-nerved, scabrous, with spreading awns 1–3 cm long. ✿ Eroding riverbanks and cabin clearings. ● Introduced in south-central Alaska from Siberia, and also found in northern British Columbia and southwestern District of Mackenzie; to be looked for in the Yukon Territory, particularly in the headwaters of the Liard River.
90
POACEAE (GRAMINEAE)
Elymus spicatus (Pursh) Gould Agropyron spicatum (Pursh) Scribn. & Smith ✒ Tufted perennial. Culms 40–100 cm high. Leaves 1–4 mm wide, flat to involute, puberulent to pilose on upper surface. Spike slender, erect, loose, 4–20 cm long; spikelets with 5–8 florets, 12–15 mm long, about as long as internodes; glumes 5–8 mm long, glabrous, obtuse to acute, usually 4-ribbed; lemmas about 10 mm long, glabrous, with strongly divergent awns 1–2 cm long; anthers 4–5 mm long. ✿ Dry riverbanks and slopes. ● Western North America, with isolated populations in the east, in central Alaska, and in central, southwestern, and northern Yukon Territory.
Elymus trachycaulus (Link) Gould ex Shinners ssp. trachycaulus Agropyron trachycaulum (Link) Malte var. trachycaulum A. pauciflorum (Schwein.) Hitchc. ✒ Tufted plant. Culms 30–100 cm high; nodes glabrous. Leaves flat or more or less involute, 1.5–6 mm wide, scabrous, glabrous or puberulent above. Spikes erect, 4–20 cm long; spikelets with 3–6 florets; glumes three-quarters to about as long as spikelet, lanceolate to oblanceolate, hyalinemargined, 3- to 7-ribbed, acute to awned; lemmas glabrous to scaberulous or puberulent, awnless or with awns up to 2.5 cm long; anthers 1–2 mm long. The following subspecies are recognized and distinguishable in the key:
Elymus trachycaulus (Link) Gould ex Shinners ssp. andinus (Scribn. & Smith) A. & D. Löve Agropyron violaceum (Hornem.) Lange ssp. andinum (Scribn. & Smith) Melderis ✒ Differing from ssp. trachycaulus in having lemmas hairy in lower part, becoming glabrous toward apex rather than scabrous at apex, glabrous toward base.
Elymus
Elymus trachycaulus (Link) Gould ex Shinners ssp. glaucus (Pease & Moore) Cody Agropyron trachycaulum (Link) Malte var. glaucum (Pease & Moore) Malte ✒ Differing from ssp. trachycaulus in having lemmas with awns longer than body rather than shorter than body.
Elymus trachycaulus (Link) Gould ex Shinners ssp. novae-angliae (Scribn.) Tzvelev Agropyron trachycaulum (Link) Malte var. novae-angliae (Scribn.) Fern. A. pauciflorum (Schwein) Hitchc. ssp. novae-angliae (Scribn.) Melderis
ssp. glaucus
ssp. novae-angliae
✒ Differing from ssp. trachycaulus in having spikes thicker and spikelets overlapping rather than spikes slender and spikelets rarely reaching bases of those above on same side.
Elymus trachycaulus (Link) Gould ex Shinners ssp. subsecundus (Link) Gould Agropyron trachycaulum (Link) Malte var. unilaterale (Cassidy) Malte A. subsecundum (Link) Hitchc. ✒ Differing from ssp. trachycaulus in having the awns stout, 2–3 cm long rather than shorter than the body of lemma.
Elymus trachycaulus (Link) Gould ex Shinners ssp. teslinensis (Porsild & Senn) A. Löve Agropyron teslinense Porsild & Senn A. pauciflorum (Schwein.) Hitchc. ssp. teslinense (Porsild & Senn) Melderis
ssp. subsecundus
ssp. teslinensis
✒ Differing from ssp. trachycaulus in having glumes blunt and nodes of culm short-hairy rather than glumes acute and nodes of culm glabrous.
91
92
POACEAE (GRAMINEAE)
Elymus trachycaulus (Link) Gould ex Shinners ssp. violaceus (Hornem.) A. & D. Löve Agropyron violaceum (Hornem.) Lange A. latiglume (Link) Malte ✒ Differing from ssp. trachycaulus in having glumes usually narrowly obovate or broadly oblanceolate with broad scarious margins and with margins conspicuously wider near apex rather than glumes narrowly lanceolate or elliptic, gradually tapering from middle toward tip, with narrow hyaline-scarious margin. ✿
Floodplains, riverbanks, and invading roadside clearings. Elymus trachycaulus s.l. in North America: ssp. trachycaulus from Quebec to Alaska south into the United States, in the Yukon Territory north to latitude 64° N and disjunct to the Porcupine drainage; ssp. andinus from Alaska and Yukon Territory south of 64° N south through British Columbia to Colorado and Nevada, rare north to above 68° N; ssp. glaucus from Newfoundland to Alaska and southward, in the Yukon Territory north to latitude 64° N and disjunct to the Porcupine drainage; ssp. novae-angliae from Newfoundland to Alaska and southward, in the Yukon Territory north to latitude 64° 30’ N ; ssp. subsecundus from Newfoundland to Alaska and southward, in the Yukon Territory north to latitude 64° N; ssp. teslinense endemic to south-central Yukon Territory; ssp. violaceus from Greenland and Labrador to British Columbia and Alaska, throughout much of the Yukon Territory. ●
Festuca L. fescue
Festuca
Annual or perennial (ours), caespitose or rhizomatous grasses; culms hollow. Leaves mostly involute, with or without auricles. Panicles open to contracted; spikelets 2- to 10-flowered; glumes somewhat unequal; lemmas rounded on the back, terminating in a short awn. A. Leaves 5–10 mm wide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F. arundinacea A. Leaves folded or involute B. Rhizomatous C. Lemmas 6.0–7.5 mm long, scabrid toward apex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F. rubra s.l. C. Lemmas 4.5–6.0 mm long, densely pilose to partially pubescent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F. richardsonii B. Tufted D. At least upper florets with leaflike proliferations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F. vivipara D. All florets perfect E. Plants tall, usually more than 40 cm F. Panicle open, 10–20 cm long . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F. altaica F. Panicle up to 10 cm long, with short branches, becoming spikelike after flowering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F. trachyphylla E. Plants usually shorter than 40 cm G. Anthers 1.7–3.0 mm long . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F. lenensis G. Anthers shorter
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93
H. Upper part of culms puberulent with short upwardly curved hairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F. baffinensis H. Culms glabrous or nearly so I. Plants usually more than 30 cm high; panicle usually more than 5 cm long; anthers 1.0–1.6 mm long . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F. saximontana I.
Plants usually less than 20 cm high; panicle about 3 cm long; anthers 0.8–1.0 mm long J. Blade of flag leaf usually more than 1 cm long; sheaths of flag hardly if at all inflated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F. brachyphylla J. Blade of flag leaf shorter; sheaths of flag leaf distinctly or at least somewhat inflated K. Foliage fine and setaceous; lemmas 2.2–3.4 mm long; plants of the Kluane region . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F. minutiflora K. Foliage various; lemmas (3) 4–6 mm long; distribution more widespread L. Plants loosely tufted; culms often geniculate or semiprostrate, up to twice as long as foliage tuft; leaves often glaucous; branches of panicle erect at anthesis; anthers 0.9–1.2 mm long . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F. brevissima L. Plant densely tufted; culms erect, usually more than twice as long as foliage tuft; leaves not glaucous; branches of panicle spreading at anthesis; anthers 0.5–0.8 mm . . . . . . . . . . . F. hyperborea
Festuca altaica Trin. northern rough fescue
Festuca
✒ Plant densely tufted; tussocks firm; old sheaths and leaf bases persist for many years; culms erect, smooth, 25–100 cm high. Leaf blades coarse, involute, 15–30 cm long, scabrous along margins. Panicle lax and open, 10–20 cm long, with 3–8-cm long branches spreading, drooping in age; spikelets 2- to 5-flowered, 12–15 mm long, purplish bronze; glumes lanceolate, glabrous; lemmas ovate, long-acuminate or short-awned, prominently 5-nerved and finely hispid; plants with yellowish green spikelets described as f. pallida Jordal. ✿ Open woods, alpine grassland, and tundra. ● Amphi-Beringian; extending eastward to the Mackenzie River valley and Great Bear Lake and disjunct to Quebec, Newfoundland, and Michigan; a frequent species throughout the Yukon Territory; f. pallida likely anywhere in the area.
94
POACEAE (GRAMINEAE)
Festuca arundinacea Schreb. Festuca tall fescue, reed fescue ✒ Densely caespitose plant, often with short rhizomes; culms 0.5–1.0 m high, with persistent sheaths at base, leafy. Leaves grayish green, 5–10 mm wide, flat or involute, scabrous on upper side; ligules up to 0.5 mm long. Panicle 15–35 cm long, nodding; spikelets 8–15 mm long, with 3–5 florets; glumes lanceolate, acuminate, with the first shorter than the second; lemmas acute or somewhat awned, glabrous, green or purplish; anthers 3–4 mm long. ✿ Waste places. ● Introduced from Eurasia; widespread in North America; rare in southern Yukon Territory.
POACEAE (GRAMINEAE)
Festuca baffinensis Polunin ✒ Plant densely tufted; culms 5–15 cm high; upper part of culm puberulent with short upwardly curved hairs; sheaths at base of culm persistent. Leaf blades folded, less than 1 mm wide, somewhat scabrous; ligules up to 0.5 mm long. Panicle dense, 2–4 cm long, up to 1 cm wide, purplish; spikelets 7–10 mm long, 3- to 5-flowered; glumes lanceolate; lemmas glabrous or scabrous on the mid nerve; awn about 3 mm long; anthers 0.2–0.7 mm long. ✿ On calcareous soil in sandy and gravelly places. ● North American, high-arctic–alpine; south in the Rocky Mountains to Wyoming and Colorado; in the Yukon Territory apparently localized in suitable habitats mainly in the western half.
Festuca brachyphylla Schultes & Schultes fil. F. ovina L. ssp. brachyphylla (Schultes & Schultes fil.) Piper ✒ Plant densely tufted; culms 10–40 cm high, smooth, wiry. Leaves stiff, bristlelike, smooth. Panicle narrow and spikelike, greenish or somewhat purplish; glumes lanceolate; lemmas ovate-lanceolate, 2–3 mm long, somewhat scabrous on the back; awns 1–3 mm long; anthers 0.6–1.0 mm long. ✿ Frequent in exposed sandy, gravelly, or rocky places. ● Circumpolar, wide-ranging, higharctic–alpine; south through the cordilleran mountains to California and in the east to Newfoundland, Gaspé, Quebec, and Vermont; found throughout much of the Yukon Territory.
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95
Festuca brevissima Jurtz. F. ovina L. ssp. alaskana Holmen F. ovina L. var. alaskana (Holmen) Welsh ✒ Densely tufted plant, with numerous leaf sheaths of dead leaves; culms 5–12 cm high; culms just below panicles glabrous and smooth or rarely with very short hair or spinules. Leaves one- to two-thirds as long as scapes, usually curved about the tuft, minutely scabrous on inrolled margins. Panicles narrow, 0.7–2.0 cm long, with less than 8 spikelets; branches with spinules along edge, or glabrous, bearing 1 spikelet only; spikelets 2- or 3-flowered; glumes acute, finely ciliate on margins; lemmas 3.0–3.7 mm long, finely pubescent toward apex; awns 0.5–2.5 mm long; anthers 0.9–1.2 mm long. ✿ Alpine tundra; rare. ● Amphi-Beringian; in North America in the mountains of northern Alaska and the Yukon Territory; in the Yukon Territory known only from the British, Richardson, and Ogilvie mountains.
Festuca hyperborea Holm ex Frederiksen northern fescue ✒ Plant loosely caespitose; outer culms geniculate or semiprostrate; culms 5–15 cm high, glaucous or pruinose. Leaves involute, stiffish, somewhat arched, glabrous, one-third to half the length of the culm; blade of flag leaf very short. Panicle erect, spikelike 1.0–2.5 cm long; spikelets few, ascending, with 3–4(6) florets; glumes shorter than spikelets, unequal, glabrous, with erose or ciliate margins; lower glume 2.0–2.5 mm long, with 1 vein; upper glume 2.7–3.5 mm long, with 3 veins; lemma 3.0–3.5 mm long, scaberulous at apex; awn short, subterminal, often curved or bent, 1.4–2.0 mm long; anthers 0.5–0.8 mm long. ✿ Gravel and clay barrens. ● Circumpolar, arctic and subarctic, south in the east to northern Quebec and disjunct to the north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence; in the central Yukon Territory known from a single collection from the Ogilvie Mountain region.
Festuca lenensis Drob. F. auriculata Drob. F. ovina L. ssp. alaskana sensu Porsild and Cody (1980) ✒ Plant densely tufted; culms 10–50 cm high; culms just below panicle usually finely upwardly scabrous. Leaves one-quarter to about one-half the length of the culm, often arcuate, usually fairly densely pilose on upper surface and somewhat scabrous on inrolled margins. Panicles 1.0–2.5 cm long, with a ragged appearance; branches ascending (spreading at anthesis), scabrous along edges; spikelets 4-or 5-flowered, pale
96
POACEAE (GRAMINEAE) green and often tinged pinkish violet; glumes glabrous; lemmas 4.0–5.5 mm long, minutely scabrous toward apex; anthers 1.7–3.0 mm long. ✿ Alpine tundra and rocky slopes. ● Amphi-Beringian; in North America in the mountains of Alaska, in Kluane National Park and the British and Richardson mountains in the Yukon Territory, and extreme northwestern District of Mackenzie.
Festuca minutiflora Rydb. ✒ Plant densely tufted; culms usually less than 10 cm high, somewhat spreading. Leaves involute, slender and lax, almost as long as culms. Panicle narrow, 2–4 cm long; branches short, erect, glabrous or only slightly scabrous; spikelets 2-to 3-flowered; glumes lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate, 2–3 mm long; lemmas 2.0–3.5 mm long, somewhat scabrous toward apex; awn to 1.5 mm long; anthers 0.6–0.7 mm long. ✿ Moist alpine tundra. ● North America; in Utah and Colorado; rare northward in the mountains of British Columbia and extreme southwestern Yukon Territory.
Festuca richardsonii Hook. F. rubra L. ssp. richardsonii (Hook.) Hultén F. rubra L. ssp. arenaria auct. non Osbeck. F. rubra L. ssp. arctica (Hack.) Govor. ✒ Plant loosely tufted, rhizomatous; culms 20–40 cm or more high. Basal leaves narrow and setaceous. Panicles closed or somewhat open, 3.5–7.0 cm long; spikelets 7–13 mm long, 5- to 7-flowered, usually violet; lower glume 2.5–3.5 mm long; upper glume 3.5–5.0 mm long; lemmas 4.5–6.0 mm long, densely pilose to partially pubescent; awns 0.5–1.6 mm long; anthers 2.5–3.0 mm long. ✿ Sandy riverbanks, sand dunes, and lakeshores. ● Circumpolar; in North America from northern Quebec and Labrador to northwestern British Columbia and Alaska; in the Yukon Territory found northward to the Arctic coast.
Festuca rubra L. s.l. red fescue ✒ Loosely tufted or matted plant, with freely branching rhizomes and extravaginal offshoots emerging from base of culms; culms erect or geniculate from base, smooth, 20–60 cm high. Basal leaves narrow and setaceous. Panicle 4–10 cm long, open, with ascending or slightly spreading branches; spikelets green or purplish, 9–14 mm long, 4- to 8-flowered; lower glumes 3.0–4.5 mm long; upper glumes 4.5–6.4 mm long; lemmas lanceolate 6.0–7.5 mm long, scabrid toward acuminate apex; awns 0.6–3.2 mm long; anthers 2.4–3.5 mm long.
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97
✿
Disturbed situations, roadsides. Ssp. rubra widely introduced to North America from Europe but difficult to separate from native North American entities possibly present; in the Yukon Territory found northward to about latitude 65° 30’ N. ●
Festuca saximontana Rydb. var. saximontana Rocky Mountain fescue ✒ Plant densely tufted; culms 20–50 cm or more high, mostly glabrous. Leaves 5–15 cm long, involute, scaberulous, pale glaucous. Panicle linear, 2–8 cm long; branches short, erect, scabrous; spikelets 2to 4-flowered; glumes lanceolate 2–3 mm long; lemmas lanceolate to lance-attenuate, 3.5–4.0 mm long, scaberulous on back toward apex; awns 1–2 mm long; anthers 1.0–1.6 mm long.
Festuca saximontana Rydb. var. purpusiana (Saint-Yves) Frederiksen & Pavlick ✒ Differing from var. saximontana in usually having culms shorter (8–30 cm high), usually 2–3 times height of their basal tuft of leaves rather than 3–5 times height of their basal tufts; also characters of sclerenchyma. ✿ Var. saximontana in dry grassy and rocky places; var. purpusiana on open rocky alpine and subalpine slopes. ● Var. saximontana in North America, from Fort Chimo and coast of Hudson and James bays in Quebec, western Newfoundland, the Great Lakes, and northwestern Ontario to British Columbia and central Alaska, south to Colorado; in the Yukon Territory found northward to latitude 65° N; var. purpusiana in western North America from southern Yukon Territory to southern California.
Festuca trachyphylla (Hackel) Krajina F. longifolia Thuill. F. ovina L. var. duriuscula (L.) Koch hard fescue ✒ Plant coarse, densely tufted; culms to 60 cm or more high. Leaves stiff, smooth, to 10 cm or more long, involute, 0.5–1.2 mm wide. Panicle up to 10 cm long, becoming spikelike after flowering; branches short, upright; spikelets 3- to 5-flowered; glumes lanceolate, 3–4 mm long, scabrous on margins and back toward apex; lemmas 3–4 mm long, scabrous toward apex; awn 0.8–2.0 mm long, scabrous; anthers about 2.2 mm long. ✿ Waste places. ● Introduced across North America from Europe; in the Yukon Territory known only from a collection made in 1949 at Dawson.
98
POACEAE (GRAMINEAE)
Festuca vivipara (L.) Sm. ssp. glabra Frederiksen ✒ Plant densely tufted; culms 6–30 cm high, minutely scabrous in upper portion. Leaves one-third to one-half as long as culms, inrolled, glabrous or somewhat scabrous toward apex. Panicles 1–6 cm long; branches ascending, scabrous; spikelets with at least upper florets with leaflike proliferations (viviparous), and with lower ones sometimes fertile. ✿ Alpine tundra and rocky slopes. ● Circumpolar with large gaps; in the Yukon Territory apparently rare in the British, Ogilvie, and Kluane mountain areas; southward to the southeast corner of British Columbia and adjacent Alberta.
Glyceria R. Br. manna grass
Glyceria
Rhizomatous or stoloniferous perennial aquatic or marsh grasses; culms simple, medium to tall, glabrous. Leaves flat. Panicles open or closed, often quite large, erect or nodding; spikelets compressed; glumes unequal, usually scarious; lemmas broad, usually obtuse, scarious at apex, usually prominently nerved. A. Spikelets linear, nearly terete, 10 mm long or more; panicle narrow, erect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G. borealis A. Spikelets ovate or oblong, rarely more than 5 mm long; panicle lax and often nodding B. First glume less than 1 mm long; lemmas small, prominently nerved . . . . . . . . G. striata var. stricta B. First glume 1.0–1.5 mm long C. Plant stout, often more than 1 m high, with a large compound panicle . . . . . . . . . . . . G. grandis C. Plant slender, rarely more than 50 cm high; panicle less than 20 cm long, few-flowered . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G. pulchella
Glyceria borealis (Nash) Batchelder northern manna grass ✒ Culms erect or ascending from a creeping and decumbent base, slender, 60–100 cm high. Leaf blades flat or folded, often 2–4 mm wide, elongate, often floating. Panicle 20–40 cm long, simple or with few stiffly erect or spreading branches; spikelets numerous, narrowly cylindrical, 1.0–1.5 cm long, 7- to 13-flowered; glumes about 1.5 and 3.0 mm long, scarious margined; lemmas 3–4 mm long, obtuse, scarious at apex, 7-nerved, scabrous on the mid nerve. ✒ In shallow water or very wet meadows. ● Boreal North America from Newfoundland to British Columbia and southward in the United States; in the Yukon Territory occurring as far north as Dawson but considered rare by Douglas et al. (1981).
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99
Glyceria grandis S. Wats. G. maxima (Hartm.) Holmb. ssp. grandis (S. Wats.) Hultén American manna grass, tall manna grass ✒ Culms usually clustered, stout, to 1.5 m high. Leaf blades flat, 6–12 mm wide. Panicle large, much-branched, 20–40 cm long, open and nodding at top; spikelets 4- to 7-flowered, 5–6 mm long; glumes acutish, pale or whitish, about 1.5 and 2 mm long; lemmas purplish, 1.5–2.0 mm long, with nerves prominent; anthers 0.6–0.8 mm long. ✿ Lakeshores, wet river meadows, and swampy areas. ● North America; from Newfoundland to Alaska; in the Yukon Territory apparently infrequent north to about latitude 65° N on the Dempster Highway.
Glyceria pulchella (Nash) K. Schum. ✒ Culms erect to 1 m high, smooth, arising from a creeping rhizome. Leaf blades flat, 2–6 mm wide with somewhat involute margins, minutely scabrous; lowermost sheaths rough. Panicle lax, erect-ascending, with its capillary branches smooth, somewhat flexuous, and with lowermost branch 8–10 cm long; spikelets 5–6 mm long, 4- to 6-flowered; glumes obovate, 1.5–2.0 mm and 2.0–2.3 mm long, thin, pale purplish brown or whitish; lemmas minutely scabrous, firm, with broad erose scarious margins; anthers about 0.6 mm long, pale. ✿ Wet meadows and borders of ponds. ● Boreal North America; from Manitoba to British Columbia and central Alaska; in the Yukon Territory infrequent north to Dawson.
Glyceria striata (Lam.) Hitchc. var. stricta (Scribn.) Fern. fowl manna grass ✒ Culms loosely to densely tufted, slender, 30–85 cm high. Leaf blades erect or ascending, flat or folded, 2–6 mm wide; sheaths minutely scabrous. Panicle ovoid, lax and open, with capillary branches in age becoming divergent or even reflexed; spikelets greenish or purple, 3- to 7-flowered, 2–4 mm long; glumes small, with the first less than 1 mm long, greenish or purplish; lemmas about 2 mm long, greenish or purplish with broad scarious tips, prominently veined; anthers about 0.3 mm long; florets disarticulating soon after maturity. ✿ Wet meadows, stream margins, and adjacent to hot springs. ● Boreal North America; from Labrador and Newfoundland to southern District of Mackenzie and British Columbia and disjunct to Alaska; in the Yukon Territory found only in the extreme southeast near the British Columbia border where considered rare by Douglas et al. (1981); to the south, replaced by ssp. striata.
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POACEAE (GRAMINEAE)
Helictotrichon Besser spike oat
Helictotrichon
Helictotrichon hookeri (Scribn.) Henrard Avena hookeri Scribn. Avenochloa hookeri (Scribn.) Holub ✒ Coarse densely tufted perennial. Culms 20–40 cm high. Leaves mostly basal, glabrous, flat or folded, firm, 1.5–3.0 mm wide; leaf margins faintly outlined in white. Panicle 8–12 cm long, narrow, with branches erect or ascending; spikelets with 3–6 florets, about 1.5 cm long; glumes thin and greenish, somewhat shiny, about as long as spikelet; lemmas toothed at apex; awn attached near middle of lemma, 1.0–1.5 cm long, geniculate, twisted. ✿ Dry grassy slopes. ● Western North America; from southern Manitoba to northeastern British Columbia, barely entering southern District of Mackenzie and southern Yukon Territory, and south to Minnesota, North Dakota, and Montana; in the Yukon Territory now known from several localities in the southwest, as far north as Faro.
Hierochloë R. Br. holy grass
Hierochloë
Glabrous, rhizomatous, perennials; culms erect. Leaves flat, narrow, mostly basal. Panicles terminal; spikelets somewhat shiny, yellowish brown; lemmas bifid at apex. Entire plant fragrant in drying. A. Culms from short rhizomes, often appearing densely tufted; lemma of second staminate floret with a long geniculate and twisted awn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H. alpina A. Culms solitary from a creeping rhizome; awn straight or lacking B. Panicle narrow, composed of a few spikelets; dwarf arctic species . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H. pauciflora B. Panicle pyramidal; tall subarctic species . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H. hirta ssp. arctica
Hierochloë alpina (Sw.) R. & S. ssp. alpina alpine holy grass ✒ Culms 10–30 cm high, arising from short rhizomes, often appearing tufted. Basal leaves narrow, involute, with their sheaths conspicuously purplish; culm leaves short, wider; ligules up to 1 mm long, with a conspicuous fringe of hairs. Panicle contracted, 2–5 cm long; branches ascending; glumes subequal, 5–7 mm long, about as long as florets; staminate lemmas pubescent; awn of first lemma straight, 2–4 mm long, arising at base of bifid apex; awn of second lemma firmer, longer, twisted, geniculate, arising from below middle of lemma; fertile lemma unawned, pubescent toward apex. ✿
Usually found on dry tundra and in rocky alpine situations.
Circumpolar, arctic-alpine; in North America from Greenland, Labrador and Newfoundland to Alaska and British Columbia, south into Vermont and Montana in the United States; throughout the Yukon Territory in alpine and rocky situations. ●
Hordeum
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Hierochloë hirta (Schrank) Borbas ssp. arctica G. Weim. H. odorata pro parte sensu Porsild and Cody (1980) sweet grass, vanilla grass ✒ Culms 20–60 cm or more high, from thin creeping rhizomes. Basal Leaves few, lax, up to two-thirds as long as culm; cauline leaves short and broad, tapering to tip; sheaths not conspicuously purplish; ligules to 6 mm long, truncate, obtuse or acute. Panicle pyramidal, 4–10 cm long; branches ascending, or spreading to reflexed; glumes 4.0–5.6 mm long, gold to brown and glittering, becoming purplish at maturity; lemmas of staminate florets 3.0–5.0 mm long, with a coarse awn or rarely mucronate, and with dense marginal hairs; fertile lemmas 2.9–3.5 mm long, with spreading hairs toward apex. ✿ Sandy stream banks, lakeshores, and meadows. ● Circumpolar, low-arctic–alpine; in North America, from Quebec to Alaska, south into the northern United States; in the Yukon Territory frequent north to about latitude 67° 30’ N and rare northward to near the Bell River.
Hierochloë pauciflora R. Br. arctic holy grass ✒ Delicate perennial, arising from a thin creeping rhizome; culms slender, 5–25 cm high. Basal leaves, narrow, involute, glabrous; culm leaves very short, with sheaths straw-colored or purplish; ligule short, short-ciliate. Panicle narrow, 1–3 cm long; branches appressed-ascending; spikelets 4–6 mm long; glumes equal to or shorter than florets, broadly ovate, purplish to straw-colored; staminate lemmas puberulent, awnless; fertile lemma pubescent toward apex, awnless. ✿ Generally growing in sphagnum in wet tundra; although not littoral, a distinctly coastal and lowland species. ● Circumpolar (but absent in Greenland); in the Yukon Territory rare along the Arctic coast.
Hordeum L. barley
Hordeum
Annual or perennial. Spike oblong to linear; spikelets 3 at a node, sessile or pediceled, 1-flowered, with central 1 bisexual and lateral 2 staminate or barren; glumes narrowly lanceolate, weakly 3-nerved, flat or awnlike; lemma rounded on the back, obscurely nerved, tapering into a usually long awn. A. Annual; awns of lemma 10–15 cm long . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H. vulgare A. Perennial; awns of lemma 1–6 cm long B. Awns of lemma about 1 cm long . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H. brachyantherum B. Awns of lemma 2–6 cm long. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H. jubatum
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POACEAE (GRAMINEAE)
Hordeum brachyantherum Nevski H. jubatum L. ssp. breviaristatum Bowden H. nodosum auth. ✒ Tufted perennial. Culms geniculate at base, 60–100 cm high. Leaves flat, 3–8 mm wide. Spikes 2–5 cm long; rachis very brittle; glumes setaceous, scabrous; lemma of fertile spikelet lanceolate, glabrous; awns about 1 cm long; lemma of lateral spikelets rudimentary. ✿ Bordering moist areas along roadsides. ● North America; from coastal Alaska southward and extending inland to Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico, disjunct to Saguenay, Quebec, and northern Newfoundland; in the Yukon Territory probably introduced at the Dawson site but native and rare at Carcross.
Hordeum jubatum L. Critesion jubatum (L.) Nevski Sitanion jubatum (L.) J.G. Smith foxtail, foxtail barley, squirreltail, squirreltail barley ✒ Tufted perennial. Culms geniculate at base, erect-ascending, 30–60 cm high. Leaves 2–5 mm wide, scabrous. Spikes 5–10 cm long, nodding; glumes awnlike, spreading, 2–6 cm long; lemmas with long finely scabrous often purplish-tinged awns as long as glumes. Hordeum jubatum hybridizing with H. brachyantherum to form H. × caespitosum Scribn. (H. jubatum ssp. × intermedium Bowden; H. jubatum var. caespitosum (Scribn.) Hitch.), and with Elymus trachycaulus to form × Elyhordeum macounii (Vasey) Barkworth & Dewey (× Agrohordeum macounii (Vasey) Lepage; Elymus macounii Vasey), both occurring in the Yukon Territory. ✿ Common in waste places and in townsites or in disturbed situations; in August often giving roadsides a purplish cast similar to that presented by Agrostis scabra. ● North America and eastern Asia; introduced in Europe; in the Yukon Territory primarily along the roads but found as far north as the Porcupine River valley.
Hordeum vulgare L. barley ✒ Annual. Culms erect, to 100 cm high. Leaf blades flat, 5–15 mm wide, auriculate at base. Spike 2–10 cm long, exclusive of awns; all spikelets usually fertile; glumes flat, tapering into the awn; lemma about 1 cm long, tapering into 10–15-cm long straight awn. ✿ Casual introduction along disturbed roadsides. ● Widely cultivated cereal originated in Eurasia; in the Yukon Territory known only from the Canol Road and Alaska Highway east of Watson Lake.
Koeleria
Koeleria Pers.
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Koeleria
Tufted or rhizomatous perennials. Culms low (ours). Leaves short, folded, involute or in some species flat. Inflorescence a crowded spikelike panicle; spikelets with 2–4 florets, articulate above glumes; glumes unequal, with second one about as long as first floret; lemmas short-awned from just below apex, or awnless. A. Culms finely pubescent; lemmas and glumes purplish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . K. asiatica A. Culms glabrous or only scabrous or somewhat pubescent in upper part; lemmas and glumes yellow-green, some slightly tinged with purple . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . K. macrantha
Koeleria asiatica Domin K. cairnesiana Hultén ✒ Loosely tufted plant, often with elongate rhizomes. Culms slender, 10–25 cm high, finely pubescent. Basal leaves numerous, flat or involute; culm leaves short. Panicle dense and contracted; glumes and lemmas often purplish or bronze-colored; lemmas finely pilose. ✿ Dry to moist tundra, shale screes, and ground squirrel burrows. ● Amphi-Beringian; in Alaska inland from Arctic coast, disjunct to the Richardson Mountains of northeastern Yukon Territory where considered rare by Douglas et al. (1981), and northwestern District of Mackenzie and the mountains of southwestern Yukon.
Koeleria macrantha (Ledeb.) Schultes K. cristata sensu Porsild and Cody (1980) K. gracilis Pers. K. nitida Nutt. K. yukonensis Hultén June grass ✒ Densely tufted plant. Culms erectascending, 20–50 cm high, glabrous or only scabrous or somewhat pubescent in upper part. Leaves mostly basal, short, narrow. Panicle 4–15 cm long, cylindrical and spikelike, densely flowered; glumes and lemmas yellowish, shiny, smooth or slightly scabrous. ✿ Dry grassland, open woods, and roadsides. ● Siberia; in North America from Maine to British Columbia and southward; in the Yukon Territory rare in the southwestern sector (Douglas et al. 1981).
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POACEAE (GRAMINEAE)
Leymus Hochst.
Leymus
Rhizomatous perennials. Leaves flat or convolute, stiff. Spike linear, erect; rachis tough; spikelets usually in pairs, each with 3–6 florets; rachilla disarticulating above glumes; glumes lanceolate to linear-subulate, about half the length of first floret; lemmas lanceolate. A. Nonglaucous; glumes narrowly subulate; plant of dry open forest or grassland. . . . . . . . . . L. innovatus A. Glaucous; glumes lanceolate; plant of seashore dunes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. mollis ssp. villosissimus
Leymus innovatus (Beal) Pilger Elymus innovatus Beal ✒ Culms 30–100 cm high, tufted from long creeping rhizomes. Cauline leaves short, 2–5 mm wide, firm, glabrous; sheaths glabrous. Spike erect, short, dense, 5–12 cm long; spikelets with 3 or 4 florets; glumes narrowly subulate, with 1 often reduced, rudimentary or absent; lemma longer than glumes, with a 2–4-mm long awn; anthers purple. ✿ Calcareous slopes and riverbanks. ● North America; from northern Ontario to central and northern Alaska; in the Yukon Territory occasional north to about latitude 66° N and then disjunct to the British Mountains.
Leymus mollis (Trin.) Pilger ssp. villosissimus (Scribn.) A. Löve Elymus arenarius L. ssp. mollis (Trin.) Hultén var. villosissimus (Scribn.) Hultén lyme grass ✒ Culms 15–100 cm high, soft and villous in upper part, arising from long stout creeping rhizomes; basal leaves marcescent. Leaves firm, flat or involute, 3–15 mm wide, glaucous. Spike erect, stiff, dense, 10–30 cm long; spikelets with 3–7 florets; glumes lanceolate, densely long-villous or lanate; lemma villous, awnless. ✿ Coastal dunes. ● Baffin Island to eastern Siberia; in the Yukon Territory found only along the Arctic coast.
Lolium L. rye grass
POACEAE (GRAMINEAE)
Tufted annual, biennial, or perennial. Inflorescence a simple spike; spikelets sessile, borne singly on alternate sides of rachis; inner glume absent on all but terminal spikelet; lemmas awned or awnless. A. Glume longer than spikelet; annual. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. temulentum A. Glume equal to or shorter than spikelet B. Lemmas awnless or with an awn less than 1 mm long. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. perenne ssp. perenne B. At least some lemmas with an awn more than 1 mm long . . . . . . . . . . . . L. perenne ssp. multiflorum
Muhlenbergia
105
*Lolium perenne L. ssp. perenne perennial rye grass ✒ Perennial; culms 20–80 cm high, with 2–4 nodes. Leaf blades flat or folded, 2–5 mm wide, glabrous to somewhat scabrous. Spikes 10–25 cm long; spikelets 12–20 mm long, 2- to 10-flowered; glumes lanceolate to narrowly oblong, onethird as long to slightly longer than spikelet; lemmas oblong to oblong-lanceolate, usually awnless or with an awn less than 1 mm long.
Lolium perenne L. ssp. multiflorum (Lam.) Husnot L. perenne L. var. aristatum Willd. L. multiflorum Lam. Italian rye grass ✒ Annual, biennial, or short-lived perennial. Differing from ssp. perenne in having culms with 4–5 nodes; at least some of lemmas with an awn more than 1 mm long; vegetative leaf blades convolute rather than conduplicate. ✿ Roadsides and disturbed situations in townsites. ● Both subspecies native to Europe; widely introduced and planted in North America; ssp. perenne expected in southern Yukon; ssp. multiflorum collected at Dawson in the early 1900s, then recently found along the Alaska Highway in southeastern Yukon and at the Pelly River Ranch.
Lolium temulentum L. darnel ✒ Annual; culms to 80 cm or more high, with 3–5 nodes. Leaf blades somewhat scabrous at apex and margins above, glabrous and glossy to somewhat scabrous below. Spikes 10–25 cm or more long; spikelets 10–20 mm long, 5- to 10-flowered; glumes lanceolate, 7–30 mm long, longer than spikelets, or nearly so; lemmas 5–8 mm long, usually with a scabrid awn up to 20 mm or more long. ✿ Roadsides and waste places in townsites. ● Native of Europe; widely introduced in North America; in the Yukon Territory collected only from Dawson in the early 1900s.
Muhlenbergia Schreb. muhly
Muhlenbergia
Rhizomatous perennials (ours). Panicle narrow and contracted (ours); spikelets 1 flowered, less than 3 mm long; glumes usually shorter than lemma, keeled; lemma acute, awnless or long-awned from apex, often purplish-blotched. A. Leaves flat; glumes awl-shaped B. Leaf sheaths rounded on the back, close, with midvein usually not conspicuous; culm internodes usually retrorse-hispidulous throughout . . . . . . . . . . . . . M. glomerata B. Leaf sheaths loose, compressed, keeled; culm internodes hispidulous below the nodes only or glabrous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . M. mexicana A. Leaves involute; glumes ovate, obtuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . M. richardsonis
106
POACEAE (GRAMINEAE)
Muhlenbergia glomerata (Willd.) Trin. ✒ Culms erect, leafy, rarely branching at base, 30–50 cm or more high, arising from elongated slender scaly rhizomes; internodes usually retrorse-hispidulous. Leaves ascending, flat, 2–6 mm wide, firm and scabrous. Panicle greenish purple, narrow and spikelike, 2.0–6.5 cm or more long; spikelets 4–7 mm long; glumes awl-shaped, longer than lemma; lemma long-pilose in lower part; anthers 1.0–1.5 mm long. ✿ Wet rocky or peaty places along sheltered lakeshores. ● Boreal North America; from Newfoundland to British Columbia south into the northern United States, and in the north barely entering southern District of Mackenzie and southeastern Yukon Territory where considered rare by Douglas et al. (1981).
Muhlenbergia mexicana (L.) Trin. ✒ Culms erect or ascending, 12–22 cm high (much taller southward), branching in upper part; internodes hispidulous below nodes only or glabrous; rhizomes elongated, slender, scaly. Leaves lax, strongly ascending, 1.5–4.0 mm wide, scabrous. Panicle narrow, with numerous short appressed densely flowered branches; glumes awlshaped, about as long as lemma; lemma sharply pointed or awn-tipped, long-pilose below; anthers about 0.5 mm long. ✿ Gravel bar by hot spring. ● North America; from Nova Scotia to British Columbia, and south to California but not as far south as Mexico as suggested in name; apparently infrequent west of Manitoba; the site at the Larsen Creek Hot Springs in southeastern Yukon Territory, where considered rare by Douglas et al. (1981), apparently disjunct from the Liard Hot Springs in northern British Columbia.
Muhlenbergia richardsonis (Trin.) Rydb. mat muhly ✒ Tufted or matted plant, from a short freely branched rhizome; culms wiry, 20–40 cm or more high, erect-ascending. Leaves usually involute. Panicle very slender, interrupted and spikelike, often 5–7 cm long and 2–4 mm wide; spikelets lancesubulate; glumes ovate, awnless, much shorter than lemma, scabrous on midrib; lemma strongly involute, lead-colored, glabrous, slender-pointed but awnless, scabrous toward apex. ✿ Wet calcareous and gravelly lakeshores and riverbanks. ● North America; from New Brunswick to British Columbia, southwestern District of Mackenzie, and the Yukon Territory and south to California, Arizona, and Michigan; in the Yukon Territory occasional north to about latitude 62°45’ N, but considered rare by Douglas et al. (1981).
Phalaris
Oryzopsis Michx. mountain rice
107
Oryzopsis
Tufted perennials. Panicles narrow to somewhat diffuse; spikelets 1-flowered, articulate above glumes; glumes subequal, acute; lemma broad, indurate, about equaling glumes, hairy, awned at or near apex; awn straight or curved, deciduous. A. Leaves flat; spikelets (exclusive of awn) 6–8 mm long . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . O. asperifolia A. Leaves involute; spikelets (exclusive of awn) 3–4 mm long . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . O. pungens
Oryzopsis asperifolia Michx. ✒ Culms 30–60 cm high. Basal leaves erect, scabrous, 4–10 mm wide, flat or with involute margins, not much shorter than culms; culm leaves with a blade 1 cm long or less. Panicle contracted, spikelike, 5–12 cm long; branches simple and erect; glumes glabrous, 6–8 mm long, short ciliate at apiculate summit, many-nerved; lemma whitish, sparingly pubescent, with a tuft of hairs at base; awn 7–10 mm long. ✿ Dry open pinewoods and thickets. ● Boreal North America; from Newfoundland to British Columbia, south in the United States to West Virginia, Utah, and Washington, and north into southwestern District of Mackenzie and barely entering southeastern Yukon Territory, where considered rare by Douglas et al. (1981).
Oryzopsis pungens (Torr.) Hitchc. mountain rice ✒ Culms 15–40 cm high, forming dense tussocks. Basal leaves 10–30 cm long, ascending; culm leaves setaceous, appressedascending. Panicle 2–6 cm long, with erect-ascending branches; spikelets 3–4 mm long; glumes subequal, obtuse, glabrous; lemma appressed pubescent, as long as the glumes, with the awn 0.5–2.0 mm long, deciduous. ✿ Dry peaty or turfy slopes. ● Boreal North America; from western Labrador and Quebec to British Columbia south to New York, Illinois, and Colorado; northward in the District of Mackenzie to the south shore of Great Bear Lake, but in the Yukon Territory barely entering the extreme southeast, where considered rare by Douglas et al. (1981).
Phalaris L. canary grass
Phalaris
Glabrous annual or perennial grasses. Panicle narrow and spikelike or oval; spikelets with 1 terminal perfect floret, and with 2 sterile lemmas below; glumes longer than lemmas; lemmas awnless, with sterile ones scalelike, and with fertile ones firm and often glossy. A. Coarse rhizomatose perennial; panicle elongated, open in anthesis, contracted in fruit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. arundinacea A. Slender tufted annual; panicle ovoid, compact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. canariensis
108
POACEAE (GRAMINEAE)
Phalaris arundinacea L. reed canary grass ✒ Smooth species, with erect leafy culms 60–150 cm high, from a stout horizontally creeping rhizome. Leaf blades 10–25 cm long, 6–18 mm wide. Panicle 8–20 cm long, open in anthesis, tightly contracted in fruit; spikelets lanceolate, laterally flattened, 5–6 mm long; glumes boat-shaped, with a scabrous keel; fertile lemma pubescent. ✿ Moist shores of a sandy lake and on riverbanks. ● Circumpolar with gaps, nonarctic; this species widely escaped from cultivation where used as a forage grass in southern Canada is native from Newfoundland to British Columbia and southern Alaska and southward to Kentucky, New Mexico, and California; in the Yukon Territory where might be either native or adventive, known only in the southern parts to about latitude 61°30’ N and considered rare by Douglas et al. (1981).
Phalaris canariensis L. canary grass ✒ Annual; culms tufted, erect, 30–80 cm or more high, leafy. Leaves 3–8 mm wide, scabrous. Panicle ovoid, compact; glumes 7–8 mm long, with white and green stripes, abruptly pointed, keeled; keel with a broad wing; fertile lemma shorter than glumes, densely appressed-pubescent. ✿ Introduced in settled areas and probably ephemeral. ● Native of the Mediterranean region and widely introduced in North America; the only known collection from the Yukon Territory at Pelly Farm near Fort Selkirk in 1941.
Phippsia R. Br.
Phippsia
Phippsia algida (Sol.) R. Br. ✒ Diminutive caespitose plant; culms 2–15 cm or more high, ascending, barely overtopping the leaves. Leaves flat or folded, prowlike at apex, yellowish green; sheaths inflated. Panicle narrow, usually congested, 0.8–4.0 cm long; spikelets 1.0–1.2 mm long, 1-flowered; glumes unequal, much shorter than lemma; lemma yellowish green or sometimes purplish, glabrous or slightly pubescent; fruit protruding beyond lemma, broadest above the middle; anthers 0.3–0.5 mm long. ✿ Wet alpine slopes and river flats in the mountains. ● Circumpolar, high-arctic alpine; in North America disjunct from the Canadian north to the mountains of Colorado; in the Yukon Territory known from the British, Ogilvie, and St. Elias mountains and considered rare by Douglas et al. (1981).
Poa
Phleum L. timothy
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Phleum
Tufted perennial; culms slender, leafy below. Panicle cylindrical, spikelike, dense; spikelets 1-flowered, flattened laterally; glumes equal, abruptly contracted into a short firm awn, coarsely ciliate on the keels; lemma membranous, shorter than glumes, white or silvery, awnless. A. Sheath of upper cauline leaf inflated; panicle spikelike, short-cylindrical or ovoid; native and alpine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. alpinum A. Sheath of upper cauline leaf not inflated; panicle cylindrical, many times longer than broad; introduced but becoming naturalized . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. pratense
Phleum alpinum L. P. commutatum Gaud. var. americanum (Fourn.) Hultén alpine timothy ✒ Culms 15–50 cm high, arising singly or tufted from a prolonged creeping rhizome. Leaves smooth; blade short and flat; sheath of upper cauline leaf inflated. Panicles 1.0–4.5 cm or more long; awns of glumes to 3 mm long; anthers 1.0–1.6 mm long. ✿ Moist alpine slopes, in moss by alpine brooks and in disturbed situations in alpine regions. ● Circumpolar with large gaps; in North America, Greenland south to Newfoundland and Gaspé Co., Quebec, Maine, and New Hampshire, disjunct to Lake Superior and in the west from western Saskatchewan to British Columbia and Alaska, south to New Mexico and California; in the Yukon Territory north to about latitude 64° N.
Phleum pratense L. timothy ✒ Culms slender, up to 150 cm high, solitary or in clumps from a often bulblike base. Leaves scabrous; blade flat, usually long tapering; sheath of upper cauline leaf not inflated. Panicles 1.5–8.0 cm or more long; awns of glumes to 2.0 mm long; anthers 1.6–2.0 mm long. ✿ Waste places along roadsides and in townsites. ● A forage grass introduced from Eurasia and found throughout most of North America; in the Yukon Territory mostly south of latitude 61° N but known from Dawson and north of latitude 66° N on the Dempster Highway.
Poa L. blue grass
Poa
Ours perennial (except introduced P. annua), tufted or turf-forming grasses. Leaf blades mostly rather narrow and often involute, ending in a boat-shaped tip. Inflorescence paniculate; spikelets more or less laterally compressed to terete, 2- to several-flowered;
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POACEAE (GRAMINEAE)
flowers perfect (except in dioecious P. porsildii); uppermost floret sterile or rudimentary; glumes boat-shaped, 1- to 3-nerved, somewhat unequal, distinctly keeled (except in P. scabrella); lemmas awnless, glabrous or hairy, often somewhat membranaceous, scarious-tipped, keeled or rounded back, with 1 or 2 pairs of lateral veins converging near apex; some species with a tuft of long cobwebby hairs (web) at base of lemma; stigmas plumose; stamens often 3 or 2 or 1, or lacking; anthers from 0.5–3.2 mm long, with their length usually constant within the species and, therefore of some diagnostic value. A large and taxonomically difficult genus. A. Plants rhizomatous B. Culms conspicuously flattened . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. compressa B. Culms terete, or at most very slightly flattened C. Surface between nerves of palea finely hairy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. arctica C. Surface between nerves of palea glabrous D. Culms stout, usually more than 30 cm high; lowermost branches of panicle usually in whorls of 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. pratensis ssp. pratensis D. Culms slender, rarely exceeding 30 cm in height; nodes 1 or 2; lowermost panicle branches usually in pairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. pratensis ssp. alpigena A. Plants tufted E. Anthers less than 1 mm long F. Lemmas distinctly webbed at base G. Annual; leaves yellowish green . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. annua G. Perennial; leaves green. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. leptocoma F. Lemmas not distinctly webbed at base H. Panicle ovate, open; branches long . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. pseudoabbreviata H. Panicle oblong to pyramidal, contracted; branches short I.
Lemma pubescent at base between keel and marginal nerve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. abbreviata ssp. abbreviata
I.
Lemma glabrous between keel and marginal nerve . . . . . . P. abbreviata ssp. pattersonii
E. Anthers more than 1 mm long J.
Lemmas distinctly webbed at base K. Upper ligules 4–5 mm long; first glume narrow, curved, very acute; nerve between keel and marginal nerve of lemma prominent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. trivialis K. Upper ligules shorter; first glume narrow or broader; nerve between keel and marginal nerve of lemma less prominent L. Spikelets usually glaucous; culm with 2 or rarely 3 nodes; uppermost culm leaf short, below middle of culm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. glauca L. Spikelets not glaucous; culm with 4 or 5 nodes (some nearly basal) M. Panicle usually flexuose; upper ligules broader than long. . . . . . . . . . . P. nemoralis M. Panicle rigid and open; upper ligules mostly 2–3 mm long, longer than broad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. palustris
J.
Lemmas not distinctly webbed at base
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N. Lemmas with long lanate hairs between keel and marginal nerve O. Surface between nerves of palea finely hairy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. arctica O. Surface between nerves of palea glabrous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. alpina N. Lemmas without long lanate hairs between keel and marginal nerves POACEAE (GRAMINEAE) P. Lemmas glabrous Q. Plants dioecious; leaves about 1 mm wide, glabrous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. porsildii Q. Plants monoecious; leaves filiform, scabrous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. cusickii P. Lemmas scabrous or puberulent R. Lemmas rounded on back; keel obscure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. secunda R. Lemmas compressed; keel distinct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. glauca
Poa abbreviata R. Br. ssp. abbreviata ✒ Caespitose dwarf perennial, often forming small flat or hemispherical tussocks; culms 5–15 cm high, smooth, somewhat arching. Leaves convolute, densely crowded, somewhat curved, nearly as long as culms; ligules short; sheaths papery, white, inflated. Panicle dense, 10–15 mm long, 5–8 mm wide; spikelets 2- to 4-flowered; glumes purplish, with broad membranaceous margins; lemma distinctly shortpubescent in lower part, lacking a tuft of cobweb hairs at base; anthers 1 mm long. ✿ Shattered limestone tundra. Poa ● Circumpolar with large gaps; in North America in northern Greenland, the arctic islands and adjacent mainland, northern Alaska and in the Yukon Territory known only from Ogilvie, British, and Richardson mountains where considered rare.
Poa abbreviata R. Br. ssp. pattersonii (Vasey) A. Löve et al. P. pattersonii Vasey P. jordalii A.E. Porsild P. abbreviata R. Br. ssp. jordalii (A.E. Porsild) Hultén P. pseudoabbreviata sensu Hultén (1968), non Roshev. ✒ Caespitose dwarf perennial; culms 8–12 cm long, glabrous, striate. Basal leaves usually much shorter than culms, narrow, inrolled; cauline leaves near base of culms; ligules truncate, very short. Panicle short, dense, rarely more than 2 cm long; spikelets 2-to 3-flowered; glumes subequal, purplish; lemmas puberulent toward base of keel and marginal nerves, glabrous between, lacking a tuft of cobweb hairs at base; anthers 0.5–0.75 mm long. ✿
Alpine turf.
● Amphi-Beringian; in North America extending southward through British Columbia and western Alberta to California, Colorado, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming; north of 60° N latitude in Canada known only from Kluane National Park in southwestern Yukon Territory and the southern Mackenzie Mountains in the District of Mackenzie where considered rare.
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POACEAE (GRAMINEAE)
Poa alpina L. alpine blue grass ✒ Densely tufted perennial; culms wiry, 15–30 cm high, smooth; stout crowded bases of culms covered by persistent white sheaths. Basal leaves short, flat, abruptly pointed, fresh green; culm leaves 1 or 2, flat; sheaths smooth. Panicle oval to broadly pyramidal, 1.5–7.0 cm long, green or purplish; branches eventually spreading; spikelets 3to 6-flowered; glumes ovate, broadly hyaline, minutely scabrous on the mid nerve; lemmas pubescent on the keel and lateral nerves, not webbed at base; anthers 1.35–2.0 mm long; viviparous plants (f. vivipara L.) found rarely. ✿ Alpine and subalpine communities, open meadows, and gravel bars. ● Circumpolar, low-arctic–alpine; in North America, Greenland and Newfoundland to Alaska and British Columbia south to Michigan, Colorado, Utah, and Oregon; widespread in the Yukon Territory.
Poa annua L. annual blue grass ✒ Tufted annual or biennial; culms ascending, 5–20 cm long or longer, smooth. Basal leaves light green, soft, flat or folded, much shorter than culms; culm leaves 1 or 2; sheaths smooth, hyaline. Panicles narrow to open-pyramidal; spikelets 3- to 6-flowered, purple to green; glumes unequal, boatshaped; lemmas more or less pubescent on the keel and marginal nerves, not webbed at base; anthers 0.5–1.0 mm long. ✿ Waste ground in townsites and along roadsides. ● Widely introduced in North America from Europe; in the Yukon Territory known from as far north as Dawson, but uncommon.
Poa arctica R. Br. s.l. arctic blue grass ✒ Very variable perennial, with short ascending rhizomes (tufted in ssp. caespitans). Culms erect-ascending, more or less geniculate, usually several together, 15–40 cm or more high. Leaves short, usually involute. Panicle pyramidal; spikelets mostly 2-flowered, 3–4 mm long; glumes equal; lemmas more or less pubescent at base; tuft of cobweb hairs prominent or not; surface between nerves of palea finely hairy. The following subspecies found in the Yukon Territory:
Poa arctica R. Br. ssp. arctica ✒ Rhizomatous plant; culms 15–25 cm high; leaves flat or involute; lower half of lemma pubescent; tuft of cobweb hairs distinct; plants with viviparous spikelets of rare occurrence south to 64° N (var. vivipara Hook.).
Poa arctica R. Br. ssp. caespitans (Simmons) Nannf. ✒ Tufted plant, with arcuate sterile shoots; leaves broad; anthers sterile.
Poa arctica R. Br. ssp. lanata (Scribn. & Merr.) R.J. Soreng
Poa arctica R. Br. ssp. arctica var. vivipara Hook.
✒ Plant somewhat tufted like ssp. caespitans, but with definite rhizomes; culms to 40 cm high; leaves flat or folded, 2–4 mm wide; lemmas obtuse, with broad hyaline margins, villous on lower half of keel and on marginal nerves, densely webbed at base.
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113
Poa arctica R. Br. ssp. longiculmis Hultén ✒ Rhizomatous plant; culms tall and slender; basal leaves long, filiform; lemmas not very pubescent toward base, somewhat scabrous toward apex.
Poa arctica R. Br. ssp. williamsii (Nash) Hultén ✒ Rhizomatous plant; culms to 20 cm high; lemmas nearly lanate, with long soft hairs, prominently webbed at base. ✿ Poa arctica s.l. common in not too moist tundra, by lakeshores, and streams. ● Poa arctica ssp. arctica circumpolar, wide-ranging, arctic-alpine found in suitable habitats throughout the Yukon Territory; ssp. caespitansr circumpolar but with many gaps, in the Yukon Territory found only in the Richardson, British,
Poa arctica R. Br. ssp arctica
Poa arctica R. Br. ssp. caespitans (Simmons) Nannf.
Poa arctica R. Br. ssp. lanata (Scribn. & Merr.) R.J. Soreng
Poa arctica R. Br. ssp. arctica
Poa arctica R. Br. ssp. caespitans (Simmons) Nannf.
Poa arctica R. Br. ssp. lanata (Scribn. & Merr.) R.J. Soreng
Poa arctica R. Br. ssp. longiculmis Hultén
Poa arctica R. Br. ssp. williamsii (Nash) Hultén
Poa arctica R. Br. ssp. williamsii (Nash) Hultén
114
POACEAE (GRAMINEAE) Ogilvie, and St. Elias mountains; ssp. lanata cordilleran, reaching easternmost Siberia, occasional in the Yukon Territory; ssp. longiculmis endemic to Alaska and Yukon Territory; ssp. williamsii amphi-Beringian, extending across southern Alaska to southwestern Yukon Territory.
Poa compressa L. Canada blue grass ✒ Bluish green perennial, with slender rhizomes; culms geniculate-ascending, wiry and strongly flattened, 30–40 cm high; leaf blades rather short, 1–4 mm broad. Panicle 3–10 cm long, often with short paired branches; spikelets crowded, 3- to 6-flowered. ✿ Waste places about townsites. ● Introduced widely in North America from Eurasia; thus far known only from the southern Yukon Territory.
Poa cusickii Vasey ✒ Densely tufted perennial; culms 20–60 cm high; ligules very short; leaf blades filiform, scabrous, mostly basal. Panicle compact, narrow, oblong; branches mostly short, ascending; spikelets 3- to 5-flowered; glumes subequal, usually 3-nerved; lemmas keeled, prominently 5-nerved, usually scabrous on keel, glabrous or scabrous or scabrid-puberulent over most of surface. ✿ Open grassy slopes. ● North America; from southern British Columbia to southern Manitoba, south to North Dakota, Colorado, and California; Packer (1983) mapped a site on Lake Athabasca in northeastern Alberta; in southwestern Yukon Territory considered introduced at a site near Bear Creek along the Alaska Highway but appears native in the Stony Creek area.
Poa glauca Vahl P. rupicola Nash ✒ Densely tufted perennial; very variable; culms stiff, 15–25 cm high, slightly longer than leaves; culms and leaves usually glaucous; culm faintly scabrous, at least below panicle; ligule very short and truncate. Panicle narrowly lanceolate; branches scabrous; glumes broadly lanceolate; lemmas scabrous, with the keel and lateral nerves pubescent; cobweb hairs usually absent from base of lemma. ✿ Dry open slopes in sandy and gravelly places. ● Circumpolar, arctic-alpine; in western North America south in the mountains to California and New Mexico; found throughout the Yukon Territory.
Poa
115
Poa leptocoma Trin. P. paucispicula Scribn. & Merr. ✒ Densely tufted plant; culms slender, smooth, 15–30 cm high. Basal leaves numerous, thin, narrow; culm leaves 2 or 3, flat. Panicle open; branches paired, capillary, smooth, with lowermost somewhat remote and often drooping; spikelets 1–3, near apex of each branch; spikelets strongly compressed, 2- to 3-flowered, green to dark purple, turning bronze in age; lemma 3 mm long, 5-nerved, broadly obtuse, with hyaline margins, pubescent on the keel and marginal nerves, webbed at base; anthers short, rarely more than 0.7 mm long. ✿ Damp places by alpine brooks and near snow beds. ● Amphi-Beringian; in North America extending eastward to the Mackenzie Mountains in western District of Mackenzie, and south through the cordilleran chain to Washington and central Montana; in the Yukon Territory occasional in alpine situations.
Poa nemoralis L. wood blue grass ✒ Tufted perennial; culms 30–70 cm or more high; ligules about 1 mm long, blunt; leaf blades flat or involute, 1–3 mm wide. Panicles narrow, erect to drooping; spikelets compressed, 2- to 5-flowered; lemmas more or less pubescent on the keel and marginal nerves, scantily webbed at base. ✿ Moist stream banks and meadows. ● Circumpolar, nonarctic; in North America, Labrador and Newfoundland to British Columbia and Alaska, south to Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Nebraska; in the Yukon Territory known only from the extreme southern part, where presumably introduced.
Poa palustris L. fowl-meadow grass ✒ Tufted perennial; culms firm, 30–70 cm tall, with 4–6 nodes, from a somewhat geniculate and often purplish base; ligules 3–5 mm long; leaf blades 1–2 mm wide, scabrous. Panicle narrowly pyramidal to ellipsoid; branches filiform, spreading, in rather distant fascicles of 3 to 10; spikelets 2to 4-flowered; glumes 2–3 mm long, lanceolate; lemma 2–3 mm long, usually bronzed at tip, with silky pubescence on keel and marginal nerves, and copiously webbed at base. ✿ Floodplain meadows and lakeshores. ● Circumpolar, nonarctic; in North America, Newfoundland to British Columbia and Alaska, south to North Carolina, Missouri, Utah, Arizona, and California; in the Yukon Territory found west of longitude 135° W and north to the Porcupine River.
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POACEAE (GRAMINEAE)
Poa porsildii Gjaerevoll P. vaseyochloa sensu Hultén, non Scribn. ✒ Perennial, strictly dioecious, loosely tufted, often forming large matlike tussocks; culms 25–40 cm high, smooth, with 1 or 2 nodes. Basal leaves very numerous and crowded around base of culm; basal sheaths pale, persisting; leaf blades about 2 mm wide, but often so tightly rolled as to appear terete when less than 1 mm in diameter; ligule 0.5–1.0 mm in length, hyaline, very fragile. Panicle 2–8 cm long, with branches single or in pairs, and with lowermost ones often slightly deflexed; spikelets mostly crowded near end of branches, 6.0–7.5 mm long, 3- to 5-flowered; glumes unequal, prominently nerved, suffused with bronze-purple; lemma 3.5 mm long, totally glabrous to somewhat scabrous; anthers 2.5–3.2 mm long. ✿ Turfy alpine tundra and heath. ● North America; endemic to unglaciated mountains of central Alaska and central Yukon Territory and on the east slopes of the Mackenzie and Richardson mountains in the District of Mackenzie; considered rare by Douglas et al. (1981).
Poa pratensis L. ssp. pratensis ?P. agassizensis Boivin & D. Löve Kentucky blue grass ✒ Stoloniferous perennial; culms tufted, smooth 30–100 cm high. Leaves soft, flat or folded, 2–4 mm wide; basal leaves often very numerous. Panicle open, pyramidal or oblong, 10–35 cm long; lowermost branches often in whorls of 4–5. Spikelets crowded, 3to 5-flowered, 3–6 mm long. Lemmas copiously webbed at base, silky-pubescent on lower half of the keel and marginal nerves, otherwise glabrous, strongly webbed at base. ✿ Waste places and riverbanks near habitations. ● Introduced from Eurasia; in North America, Labrador and Newfoundland to Alaska, south into much of the United States; various cultivars are grown for forage and lawn grasses; in the Yukon Territory north to about latitude 64° 30’ N and disjunct to the Porcupine River.
Poa pratensis L. ssp. alpigena (Blytt) Hiit. P. alpigena (Blytt) Lindm. P. pratensis s.l. of some authors on arctic flora ✒ Turf-forming plant, with rather stout widely creeping rhizomes; culms mostly solitary, 20–30 cm or more high, smooth, somewhat longer than the folded or rarely flat leaves. Spikelets 2to 3-flowered; glumes equal; lemmas obscurely 5-nerved, long, soft-pilose on median and lateral nerves, with a copious tuft of cobebby hairs at base. ✿ Occasional to common in sandy tundra and in meadows by streams and lakeshores, where often forming a firm turf. ● Circumpolar, wide-ranging arctic-alpine tundra species; in North America, Labrador and Newfoundland to Alaska and northern British Columbia; found throughout the Yukon Territory.
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117
Poa pseudoabbreviata Roshev. P. brachyanthera Hultén ✒ Loosely tufted plant; culms 5–20 cm in height, glabrous. Leaves much shorter than culms, narrow. Panicle ovate, open; branches long, slender, glabrous; spikelets with 2–4 florets; glumes 3.0–3.5 mm long, acute at apex, purple with a narrow pale margin, glabrous or with a few short hairs on the back and minutely scabrous on keel; lemmas purple, becoming bronze and then pale at apex, glabrous between the keel and puberulent marginal nerve, lacking tuft of cobweb hairs at base; anthers 0.3–0.5 mm long. ✿ Open well-drained alpine slopes. ● Amphi-Beringian; rare in the Yukon Territory where known from only two sites in the British Mountains and also in the northern Richardson Mountains of the District of Mackenzie where known from a single site.
Poa secunda Presl P. scabrella (Thurb.) Benth. P. ampla Merrill P. canbyi (Scribn.) Howell P. nevadensis Vasey P. stenantha sensu Hultén pro parte ✒ Densely tufted glaucous very variable perennial; culms smooth, 20–50 cm high, more than twice as long as flat or involute leaves. Panicle 3–10 cm long, narrow, dense; spikelets 2- to 7-flowered, dark green, tinged with purple, not compressed; lemmas rounded on the back, puberulent on lower half, lacking a web at base. ✿ Meadows and open woods. ● Western North America; from Yukon Territory at latitude 64° N southward to northern Mexico, eastward across the plains, with isolated populations north of the Great Lakes and on the Gaspé Peninsula in Quebec.
Poa trivialis L. rough blue grass ✒ Tufted perennial; culms 30–80 cm or more high, decumbent and rooting at base; ligules 3–5 mm long. Leaf blades flat, 1.5–4.0 mm wide, scabrous. Panicle lax, ovate to oblong; branches scabrous, 3–5 together at base; spikelets 2- or 3-flowered; first glume, narrow, curved, 1-nerved, very acute; second glume longer, 3-nerved, scabrous on keel; lemma glabrous except for slightly pubescent keel, or with prominent lateral nerves rarely pubescent; conspicuous web at base of lemma. ✿ Waste places. ● Introduced into North America, particularly in the extreme east and west; in the Yukon Territory collected at Bennett in 1909 by A.S. Hitchcock and at Whitehorse by S.J. Enander in 1922, and more recent collections made from southern Canol Road and near Carcross.
118
POACEAE (GRAMINEAE)
Polypogon Desf. beard grass
Polypogon
Polypogon monspeliensis (L.) Desf. rabbit-foot grass ✒ Annual; culms 1 or several together, erect or decumbent, 10–50 cm or more high, glabrous. Leaves flat, 1–6 mm wide, scabrous; sheaths open, inflated. Panicle dense, 1–6 cm long, tawny yellow when mature; branches scabrous; spikelets 1-flowered; glumes hispidulous, about 2 mm long, slightly lobed at apex, awned from between lobes; awns 4–6 mm long; lemma half the length of glumes, smooth, shiny. ✿ Waste places. ● Introduced from southern Europe; widely scattered throughout the United States and southern Canada; in the Yukon Territory collected only from Dawson in 1909.
Puccinellia Parl. goose grass
POACEAE (GRAMINEAE) Puccinellia
Caespitose or stoloniferous grasses, yellowish green, smooth, usually growing near seashore, although several growing nonlittoral in alkaline or saline soil far inland. Spikelets 2- to many-flowered in open or narrow panicles; glumes very unequal in length, much shorter than spikelet. A. Arctic species, with erect-ascending culms often less than 20 cm high, inhabiting arctic tundra or seashores B. Glumes and lemmas entire, not evidently erose-ciliolate even in age C. Anthers 1.2–2.0 mm long D. Stoloniferous; anthers without pollen; plant propagating vegetatively. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. phryganodes D. Caespitose, and without stolons; plant fertile E. Lemmas distinctly nerved, often with a few spines on the back; keels of palea densely ciliate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. arctica E. Lemmas obscurely nerved, not spiny on back; keels of palea sparsely ciliate to almost glabrous. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. agrostidea C. Anthers 0.5–1.0 mm long F. Lemmas herbaceous throughout, prominently veined, often with hairs at their base; anthers about 0.5 mm long . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. langeana F. Lemmas firm throughout, or at most scarious-translucent in upper one-third; veins not prominent; anthers 0.6–1.0 mm long G. Lemmas glabrous or only sparsely hairy on nerves near base; keels of palea glabrous or sparsely spinulose near summit; glumes and lemmas often coarsely toothed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. andersonii G. Lemmas conspicuously hairy, especially in lower part; keels of palea often wooly-haired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. angustata
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119
B. Glumes and lemmas erose-ciliolate, at least in age H. Glumes always ciliolate; panicle comparatively large, one-third to one-half the length of culm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. vaginata H. Glumes and lemmas entire, becoming erose or toothed but not ciliolate in age I. I.
Lemmas 3–4 mm long; anthers 1.0–1.5 mm long. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. grandis Lemmas 1.8–2.5 mm long J. J.
Lemmas distinctly nerved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. arctica Lemmas obscurely nerved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. agrostidea
A. Nonarctic nonlittoral species, with culms 20–55 cm high, inhabiting floodplains, riverbanks, and waste places K. Glumes more or less keeled; lemmas acute or subacute L. Glumes and lemmas glossy, translucent; keels of glumes often sparsely spinulose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. nuttalliana L. Glumes and lemmas firm, pruinose; keels of glumes without spinules . . . . P. deschampsioides K. Glumes not keeled; lemmas obtuse or truncate M. Spikelets loose; rachilla joints about 0.8 mm long; lemmas often 2.2–2.4 mm long, distinctly hairy on veins in lower quarter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. borealis M. Spikelets rather tight; rachilla joints about 0.5 mm long; lemmas often 1.8–2.2 mm long, sparsely hairy at base or almost glabrous N. Anthers 0.8–1.0 mm long; leaves 2–5 mm wide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. distans N. Anthers 0.5–0.6 mm long; leaves 1–2 mm wide O. Glumes obtuse; lemmas thin, often opaque, truncate, hairy on nerves at base; panicle cylindrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. hauptiana O. Glumes somewhat acute; lemmas rather firm, shining, obtuse, not truncate, almost glabrous; callus hairs present; panicle pyramidal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. interior
Puccinellia agrostidea Th. Sør. ✒ Caespitose plant, slender; culms erect, 20–30 cm high, with about 3 long-sheathing leaves. Ligules very thin, about 2 mm long, truncate, often lacerate. Panicle intensely purple, glossy, contracted, linear-lanceolate, with capillary subglabrous fascicled branches; pedicels scaberulous; spikelets 4–6 mm long, 2- to 4-flowered; glumes and lemmas thin, translucent, obscurely nerved, entire; glumes acutish; first glume 0.8–1.0 mm long; second glume 1.8–2.0 mm long; lemmas obtuse or abruptly pointed, 2.3–3.0 mm long, faintly pilose at very base; anthers 1.2–1.5 mm long. ✿ Nonlittoral species of turfy places in tundra. ● North America; endemic to the western Arctic; in the Yukon Territory known only from the southwest where considered rare by Douglas et al. (1981), and to be looked for along the Arctic coast.
120
POACEAE (GRAMINEAE)
Puccinellia andersonii Swallen ✒ Caespitose glaucescent plant; culms stout, geniculate, 10–20 cm high. Leaves rather rigid, abruptly pointed; ligules 1.5–2.0 mm long, acute, decurrent. Panicle up to 8 cm long; branches glabrous, often in pairs, stiffly ascending or spreading; spikelets rather few, comparatively large, 6–9 mm long, 4- to 7-flowered, pale purple or reddish, with upper ones subsessile, appressed; glumes and lemmas usually coarsely toothed; glumes firm, acute, evidently alternately inserted on more or less thickened pedicels; first glume 1.5–2.0 mm long; second glume 2.5–3.0 mm long; lemmas rather firm, thinner, and with a peculiar fatty lustre toward margin, 3–4 mm long, sparsely pilose below; anthers 0.8–1.0 mm long; grains 1.8–2.0 mm long. ✿ Wet grassy places by the seashore. ● North America, high-arctic; from east Greenland across the Canadian Arctic Archipelago to Banks Island, and widely disjunct at Richards Island in the Mackenzie Delta and Point Lay in northwestern Alaska (type locality); in the Yukon Territory known only from the Arctic coast.
Puccinellia angustata (R. Br.) Rand & Redf. ✒ Densely caespitose plant; culms stout, 15–30 cm tall, erect or prostrate, bearing only 1–2 leaves. Leaf blades, especially those of innovations, comparatively wide and flat; ligules thin, 2–4 mm long, tapering. Panicle purple, 4–10 cm long, often contracted; branches stout, more or less scabrous, ascending, in pairs or with accessory weaker branchlets from lower node; spikelets lanceolate, 6–8 mm long, 3- to 5-flowered; glumes usually acute, variable in shape, with tips rarely erose; lemmas about 3–4 mm long, tapering, often with hyaline tips, more or less hairy on nerves in their lower part; anthers 0.6–0.8 mm long; grains 1.9–2.1 mm long. ✿ Nonlittoral species often growing in moist clay spots in otherwise dry barrens. ● Circumpolar, high-arctic; in North America from northern east Greenland westward across the Canadian Arctic Archipelago; in Yukon Territory rare on the Arctic coast.
Puccinellia arctica (Hook.) Fern. & Weath. ✒ Caespitose plant; culms stout, erect, often geniculate at base, 20–40 cm high, mostly 2-leaved. Leaves deeply furrowed or involute when dry; ligule lacerate, 1.5–2.0 mm long. Panicle 5–11 cm long, lanceolate-oblong; branches ascending, smooth or slightly scabrous, slender, 2 or 3 from each node, with each bearing 1–3 spikelets on slender pedicels; spikelets purplish tinged, 6–11 mm long, 5- to 9-flowered; glumes and lemmas very thin and translucent, distinctly nerved; first and second glumes about 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm long respectively, obtuse; lemmas 3.0 mm or slightly over, obtuse, strongly arched, beautifully variegated, with lower part purple, and with tips bright
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golden yellow and slightly erose; nerves of lemma slightly pilose; callus hairs short; keels of palea strongly ciliate above; anthers 1.8–2.0 mm long. ✿ Beaches and strand flats subject to flood; of weedy habit and often taller and more lush near nesting sites of seabirds and near human habitations. ● North America; endemic to arctic northwest Canada; thus far know only from the Arctic coast of Canada between Herschel Island and Cape Bathurst, and from southern Banks Island and Cambridge Bay on Victoria Island; considered rare in the Yukon Territory by Douglas et al. (1981).
Puccinellia borealis Swallen ✒ Caespitose plant; culms somewhat geniculate at base, 25–40 cm high; basal sheaths reddish in lower part, with most a little longer than the internodes. Blades flat, 1–2 mm wide; ligule about 2 mm long. Panicle 10–16 cm long, open and pyramidal in age; branches slender, spreading, with lower ones often in pairs, 4–8 cm long; spikelets 4- to 6-flowered, green or purplish-tinged in age, short-pediceled; first glume 1.0–1.5 mm long; second glume 1.5–2.0 mm long; lemmas 2.0–2.3 mm long; anthers 0.6–0.7 mm long. ✿ Nonlittoral species of weedy habit, and readily spread by humans and animals. ● Amphi-Beringian; in the Yukon Territory usually about settlements in the southern part but also found along the Arctic coast.
Puccinellia deschampsioides Th. Sør. ✒ Densely caespitose glaucous plant; culms 30–50 cm high, decumbent at base, stout, stiffly erect, 2-leaved, naked in upper part. Leaves stiff, strongly involute, with scabrous margins, and with short sheaths; basal sheaths marcescent; ligule 2 mm long, truncate. Panicle stiff, 10–15 cm long; branches often paired, elongated, naked below, scabrous, stiffly ascending, spreading in age, bearing 5–15 spikelets; spikelets compact, 4–7 mm long, 3- to 5-flowered, variegated, reddish purple and golden yellow, shiny or pruinose; first glume 1.0–1.5 mm long; second glume 1.8–2.1 mm long; lemmas 2.4–2.8 mm long; anthers 0.7–0.9 mm long. ✿ Dry and mildly alkaline or saline flats. ● North America, arctic; described from continental parts of west Greenland but known also from isolated and disjunct stations in Canada from Ungava in Quebec and southwest Yukon Territory, north to Great Bear Lake and Liverpool Bay on the Arctic coast; considered rare in the Yukon Territory by Douglas et al. (1981).
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POACEAE (GRAMINEAE)
Puccinellia distans (Jacq.) Parl. ✒ Tufted perennial; culms 5–40 cm or more high. Leaves involute to folded, 2–5 mm wide; ligules 0.6–1.5 mm long, more or less puberulent. Panicle 5–19 cm long, cylindrical; branches ultimately spreading, or with lower ones reflexed, scabrous; spikelets 3–5 mm long, 3–7 flowered; glumes ovate; first glume 0.7–1.8 mm long; second glume 1.2–2.0 mm long; lemma elliptic to obovate, obscurely veined, glabrous or short-pilose at base, scabrous on margins toward broadly obtuse to truncate tip; first lemma 2.1–3.5 mm long; anthers 0.8–1.0 mm long. ✿ Roadsides and waste places. ● Introduced from Europe; in North America from Nova Scotia to British Columbia south into the United States; in the Yukon Territory rare in the south.
Puccinellia grandis Swallen ✒ Densely caespitose plant; culms to 90 cm high, erect or geniculate at base. Leaves flat, 2–3 mm wide, drying involute; ligules 2–3 mm long, obtuse. Panicle pyramidal; branches scabrous, at first appressed, later spreading; spikelets purpletinged; first glume 1-nerved, obtuse to subacute; second glume 3-nerved, wider than the first, obtuse, often minutely toothed; lemmas 3–4 mm long, obscurely nerved, abruptly narrowed to obtuse or subacute apex, sparsely pilose at base; anthers 1.0–1.5 mm long. ✿ Saline marshes. ● North America; from southern Alaska and British Columbia near the coast, south to northern California; in the Yukon Territory known only from the extreme southern part where considered rare by Douglas et al. (1981).
Puccinellia hauptiana (Krecz.) Kitagawa ✒ Caespitose plant; culms to 60 cm high. Leaves narrow, 1–2 mm wide. Panicle at first contracted but becoming open in age; branches long, capillary, scabrous; spikelets elongate, 6 to 8-flowered; glumes ovate; lemmas obscurely nerved, obovate to broadly rounded, obtuse, ciliolate, somewhat pilose at base; anthers 0.5–0.6 mm long. ✿ Moist situations in the interior. ● Amphi-Beringian; in North America extending eastward to the vicinity of Mayo in central Yukon Territory, and considered rare in the Territory by Douglas et al. (1981).
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Puccinellia interior Th. Sør. ✒ Densely caespitose glaucous plant; culm erect, 30–55 cm high, 2-to 3-leaved. Upper sheaths much longer than lower ones; leaf blades 1.5–2.0 mm wide, involute; ligule 1.8–2.3 mm long; blades of sterile innovations comparatively short and bristlelike when dry. Panicle pyramidal, 15–20 cm long; branches fascicled and more or less distant, long and capillary, naked in their lower part, bearing numerous clustered and approximate spikelets on short somewhat thickened pedicels; spikelets pale yellow or variegated, more or less shiny, mostly 3- to 4-flowered; glumes oblong-lanceolate, somewhat acute, erose-ciliate; lemmas obtuse, broadly hyaline-margined, erose, obscurely 5-nerved, hairy toward base; anthers 0.5–0.6 mm long. ✿ Moist situations. ● North America; endemic to central Alaska and southwestern Yukon Territory north to latitude 64° N and apparently introduced about habitations in the Mackenzie River valley.
*Puccinellia langeana (Berl.) Th. Sør. P. paupercula (Holm) Fern. & Weath. ✒ Plant loosely caespitose, often reddish-tinged; culms stout, erect, somewhat geniculate or even procumbent, usually 5–10 cm high, rarely higher. Leaves folded, abruptly pointed; ligules 1.5–2.0 mm long, acutish. Panicle 3–5 cm long, contracted or sometimes spreading; branches often in pairs, glabrous; spikelets purple or greenish-variegated, 4–6 mm long; florets 3–7, loosely imbricated, appressed, with upper ones often sessile; glumes and lemmas firm, herbaceous, entire, distinctly nerved; glumes 1–2 mm long, acutish, subcarinate; lemmas 1.5–2.5 mm long, incurved, obtuse or bluntly acute; lemma and palea keels glabrous; callus hairs absent; anthers about 0.5 mm long; grains 1.2–1.4 mm long. ✿ An obligate littoral species. ● East Asia; low-arctic; also in North America, in west Greenland, and Hudson Bay, with a large gap to Alaska; to be looked for along the Arctic coast of the Yukon Territory.
Puccinellia nuttalliana (Schult.) Hitchc. ✒ Tufted plant; culms slender, stiff, erect, up to 60 cm high. Leaves narrow, 1–2 mm wide. Panicle up to half the length of culm, with ascending or spreading strongly scabrous branches; spikelets 3- to 6-flowered, with scattered florets; glumes thick, eroseciliate; first glume 1-nerved; second glume 3-nerved, longer than first; lemma ovate, blunt or subacute at apex, erose-serrulate, with nerves pubescent in lower part; anthers 0.6–0.7 mm long. ✿ Alkaline situations. ● Western North America from Manitoba to British Columbia and Alaska south into the United States; disjunct stations to the east in Ontario and New Brunswick where introduced; in the Yukon Territory, found in the southwest and rare north to the Arctic coast.
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POACEAE (GRAMINEAE)
Puccinellia phryganodes (Trin.) Scribn. & Merr. ✒ Turf-forming plant, matted, with widely trailing stolons; shootlets arising from leaf axils of stolons, short, rooting, easily detached; flowering plant often caespitose, with sessile innovations; culms geniculate at base or procumbent, with upper leaf sheath elongated, often reaching panicle. Leaves of flowering plant rigid, folded, abruptly pointed, glaucous; leaves of stolons often flat, bright green. Panicle narrow and thin, made up of a few comparatively large spikelets; branches glabrous, stiffly ascending or reflexed; spikelets variable, up to 1 cm long or longer, 3- to 6-flowered, pale purple or whitish; glumes more or less flattened, obtuse; lemmas 3.5–4.5 mm long, obtuse or even emarginate, entire, glabrous throughout; callus hairs absent; anthers often 1.5–2.0 mm long, thin, lacking pollen; grains not developing. ✿ An obligate littoral species. ● Circumpolar, arctic; in the Yukon Territory apparently rare or perhaps overlooked along the Arctic coast.
Puccinellia vaginata (Lange) Fern. & Weath. ✒ Caespitose plant; culms 10–20 cm high, slender, ascending. Leaves soft, involute in age; uppermost leaf sheath usually subinflated. Panicle comparatively large, barely exerted; branches often in pairs, slender, somewhat scabrous, ascending or drooping; spikelets pediceled, more or less purple, glossy, oblong, 5–10 mm long, 4- to 6-flowered; glumes and lemmas thin, translucent, erose-ciliolate; glumes rounded, very faintly nerved; lemmas obtuse, 2.5–3.0 mm long, sparsely pilose at very base; anthers 0.6–0.8 mm long; grains 1.7–1.9 mm long. ✿ On clay by the seashore; often forming large tussocks near bird cliffs and human habitations. ● Arctic from east Greenland to Bering Strait and disjunct to the Russian Arctic coast; in the Yukon Territory apparently rare on the Arctic coast but perhaps overlooked.
Schizachne Hack.
Schizachne
Schizachne purpurascens (Torr.) Swallen false melic, purple oat grass ✒ Loosely tufted perennial; culms smooth, slender, decumbent at base, 30–60 cm high, much longer than basal leaves. Leaves flat, smooth, 1–4 mm wide; sheaths closed. Panicle open; branches usually in pairs, capillary, scabrid, erect, or drooping in age, each bearing 1 or rarely 2 spikelets; spikelets 2.0–2.3 cm long including awns, with 3 to 5 florets; glumes unequal, purplish, with pale hyaline margins; lemmas 8–10 mm long, bifid at apex; awn about as long as lemma, or longer, straight
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or somewhat spreading, attached just below notch. ✿ Mature spruce forest. ● Circumpolar with large gaps; in North America a woodland species known in Canada from Newfoundland to British Columbia, with disjunct stations in Alaska; in the Yukon Territory known along the Canol Road and in the extreme southeast.
Scolochloa Beauv.
Scolochloa
Scolochloa festucacea (Willd.) Link Fluminea festucacea (Willd.) Hitchc. sprangletop ✒ Culms leafy, erect, stout, 1.0–1.5 m high, somewhat spongy at base, from extensively creeping, whiplike rhizomes. Leaf blades flat, often up to 10 mm wide, scabrous on upper surface; sheaths large, somewhat papery and inflated. Panicle open, 20 cm or more long; branches in distant fascicles, with lowermost 10–15 cm long; spikelets about 8 mm long, 3- to 4-flowered; glumes unequal, thin, with longer ones about as long as florets; anthers 3–4 mm long. ✿ In shallow water or wet marshes. ● Wide-ranging from western Europe to western Siberia, with large gaps in western North America; in North America north of latitude 60° N entering southern District of Mackenzie to just north of the west end of Great Slave Lake and then formerly disjunct to the vicinity of Beaver on the Yukon River in east-central Alaska; in the Yukon Territory recently collected north of Carmacks.
Secale L. rye
Secale
Secale cereale L. rye ✒ Tufted annual; culms 60–150 cm high, smooth to somewhat pubescent above. Leaves flat, 3–10 mm wide, smooth to somewhat scabrous; sheaths open. Spikes terminal, 8–15 cm long, usually nodding; spikelets 2-flowered; glumes shorter than lemmas, subulate; lemmas keeled, strongly ciliate on keel and exposed margins, longawned. ✿ Waste places. ● Cultivated cereal, frequently escaping; in the Yukon Territory collected only at Watson Lake.
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POACEAE (GRAMINEAE)
Sphenopholis Scribn. wedge grass
Sphenopholis
Sphenopholis intermedia (Rydb.) Rydb. S. obtusa (Michx.) Scribn. var. major (Torr.) Erdman ✒ Tufted perennial; culms slender, smooth, shiny, 30–70 cm high. Leaf blades 5–15 cm long, flat, 2–5 mm wide; sheaths open. Panicle 5–15 cm long, fairly dense but not spikelike, 1.0–2.5 cm thick; spikelets densely crowded on short ascending scabrous branches; spikelets pale green, usually 2-flowered, 2.5–3.0 mm long; glumes subequal, scabrous on keel, with the first linearsubulate, and with the second obovate; lemma pale green, with scarious margins, awnless. ✿ Stream banks and about hot springs. ● North America; from Newfoundland to British Columbia, north to southern District of Mackenzie and extreme southeastern Yukon Territory and disjunct to central Alaska.
Stipa L. feather grass, needle grass
Stipa
Tall tufted perennial prairie grasses. Spikelets 1-flowered, in terminal open or contracted panicles; glumes somewhat papery, narrow, keeled, acute or bristle-tipped; lemma indurate, more or less terete and strongly involute so margins overlapping and tightly enveloping both palea and grain, usually with a sharp-pointed retrorse-hairy callus at base, and terminating in a long persistent sharply bent awn; awn twisted spirally, with numerous tight turns below the bend. A. Glumes 18 mm long or more; awns 10–15 cm long. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S. comata A. Glumes 7–10 mm long; awns 2–3 cm long B. Panicle loose, open . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S. richardsonii B. Panicle narrow, dense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S. nelsonii ssp. dorei
Stipa comata Trin. & Rupr. needle-and-thread ✒ Culms 30–60 cm high, smooth. Basal leaves filiform, 10–30 cm long, crowded; culm leaves involute; uppermost sheaths conspicuously inflated and usually enclosing base of panicle. Panicle open, 7–20 cm long; branches erect or nearly so, with spikelets from below middle; glumes slender, long-attenuate, 1.8–2.5 cm long, glabrous; lemmas 8–12 mm long, indurate, pubescent; awn 10–15 cm long, twisted, geniculate. ✿ Dry open slopes and river benches. ● North America; from southern Manitoba to British Columbia and south to Texas and California; in the Yukon Territory as yet known only from near Whitehorse
