BC Conservation Data Centre: Conservation Status Report
Gentianopsis virgata ssp. macounii
Macoun's fringed gentian
| Scientific Name: | Gentianopsis virgata ssp. macounii |
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| Scientific Name Synonyms: |
Gentianella crinita ssp. macounii
Gentianopsis macounii |
| English Name: | Macoun's fringed gentian |
| Provincial Status Summary | |
| Status: | S3S4 |
| Date Status Assigned: | April 30, 2019 |
| Date Last Reviewed: | April 30, 2019 |
| Reasons: | Only seven verified occurrences are known for this species in the province. However, more occurrences and plants could be discovered with additional, directed inventory. The viability of all occurrences has not yet been assessed, but at least 4 are expected to have good to excellent viability and a total of over one million plants have been reported. The estimated extent of occurrence is 590 square km and the estimated area of occupancy is from 24 to 28 square km. Both short and long-term habitat and population trends are unknown, but the largest population has been known for at least 100 years. This species is restricted to calcareous wetland and riparian habitats in eastern B.C. where it is potentially threatened by development. At least one location is in imminent threat of extirpation from bridge and highway construction. |
| Range | |
| Range Extent: | C = 250-1,000 square km |
| Range Extent Comments: | Using GIS tools, the extent of occurrence was calculated at approximately 590 square kilometres, extending from Field and Wapta Falls in Yoho National Park west to the confluence of the Blaeberry and Columbia Rivers. |
| Area of Occupancy (km2): | EF = 26-500 |
| Area of Occupancy Comments: | The estimated area of occupancy is from 24 to 28 square kilometres, using a 2km x 2km grid analysis. |
| Occurrences & Population | |
| Number of Occurrences: | B = 6 - 20 |
| Comments: | At least seven verified extant occurrences are known for this species in the province. The dominance of an immense population in the Columbia Valley suggests that the species could also be found elsewhere nearby, in suitable habitat. |
| Number of Occurrences with Good Viability / Ecological Integrity: | B = 1 - 3 |
| Comments: | Several occurrences have not been assigned element occurrence ranks, but at least 4 occurrences have excellent or good estimated viability. |
| Number of Occurrences Appropriately Protected & Managed: | B = 1 - 3 |
| Comments: | They are not necessarily effectively protected, but at least 3 occurrences are located within Yoho National Park. |
| Population Size: | H = >1,000,000 individuals |
| Comments: | There are large populations in the Columbia Valley and near Donald; other populations are relatively small. |
| Threats (to population, occurrences, or area affected) | |
| Degree of Threat: | Localized substantial threat |
| Comments: | Development activities threaten this species in at least one location in British Columbia. At one location near Golden, plants occur within a wetland near a bridge that is scheduled for replacement and decommissioning and are at risk of imminent extirpation at this location. Regardless of the bridge and highway realignment that is ultimately chosen, this population of Gentianopsis macounii is likely to be impacted (S. Runyan, pers. comm. 2006). The installation of new hydro poles and cables across the Columbia River has also resulted in disturbance in this area. It is unknown how recently they were made, but vehicle ruts were observed on either side of the plants at this site and a portion of the population may already have been destroyed by such activity (B. Kelly-McArthur, pers. comm. 2008). Information is needed to assess threats at the other locations. |
| Trend (in population, range, area occupied, and/or condition of occurrences) | |
| Short-Term Trend: | F = Decline of 10-30% |
| Comments: | The short-term population and habitat trends for Gentianopsis macounii are mostly unknown. However, one of the locations (Ca. 14% of the locations) could be lost to bridge development in the future. |
| Long-Term Trend: | U = Unknown |
| Comments: | The long-term population and habitat trends for Gentianopsis macounii are mostly undocumented, but the population at Wapta Falls has been known since 1960 and another population has been known for at least 100 years. |
| Other Factors | |
| Intrinsic Vulnerability: | U=Unknown |
| Comments: | It is unknown whether Gentianopsis macounii is intrinsically vulnerable. |
| Environmental Specificity: | B=Narrow. Specialist or community with key requirements common. |
| Comments: | Restricted to calcareous wetlands, riverbanks and floodplains in the Blaeberry - Golden - Yoho National Park area (F. Lomer, pers. comm. 2007). |
| Other Rank Considerations: | |
| Information Gaps | |
| Research Needs: | |
| Inventory Needs: | Further inventory of calcarous wetlands is needed. Historical sites should be revisited to obtain information on population trends and current viability. |
| Stewardship | |
| Protection: | At a minimum, the effective protection of populations in the National Parks should be ensured. |
| Management: | |
| Version | |
| Author: | Donovan, M. |
| Date: | November 17, 2008 |
| References | |
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British Columbia Conservation Data Centre. Botany Program. 2000. Database containing records of rare plant collections and observations in the province of British Columbia.
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Please visit the website Conservation Status Ranks for information on how the CDC determines conservation status ranks. For global conservation status reports and ranks, please visit the NatureServe website http://www.natureserve.org/.
Suggested Citation:
B.C. Conservation Data Centre. 2008. Conservation Status Report: Gentianopsis virgata ssp. macounii. B.C. Minist. of Environment. Available: https://a100.gov.bc.ca/pub/eswp/ (accessed Jun 4, 2026).