Mountain Sandwort, Minuartia glabra Catoctin Creek Glade
Photograph by R.H. Wiegand This small, white-flowered plant was
unknown in Maryland until discovered by a Maryland Natural
Heritage Program ecologist in 1989. Mountain Sandwort, Minuartia
glabra, flowers in July on open areas underlain by basalt or
granite.†The plant is scattered throughout the upper latitudes
of the northern hemisphere, but this basalt glade on Catoctin
Mountain is its only know location in Maryland, where it is
listed as State Endangered. Finding and monitoring unique
habitats and species, such as the Mountain Sandwort, are the
primary responsibility of the Maryland Natural Heritage Program.
This field work provides the basis for further research and
protection efforts. Plants and Wildlife - Natural Heritage
Program - Guide to Marylandís Natural Areas - Maryland Natural
Areas News - Maryland Wildlife Lists - Rare, Threatened &
Endangered Species - Rare, Threatened & Endangered Plants -
Rare, Threatened & Endangered Animals - Natural P