Species Factsheets
Rotala ramosior
Toothcup
State Status: Pennsylvania Rare (PR)
PBS Status: Pennsylvania Rare (PR)
Federal Status:
Global Rank: G5
rank interpretation
State Rank: S3
Did You Know?
Between the sepals of this species there is an appendage that folds outward. This creates the tooth-like rim around the top part of the flower.
Description
Toothcup (Rotala ramosior) is a small annual herb that has smooth stems that may grow up to 30cm in height, but in some cases may be less than 2.5cm . The leaves are oppositely arranged, stalkless, averaging about 2.5cm long, untoothed, generally elliptic in shape with a rounded tip and tapering base. The flowers, appearing from July to September, are located in the leaf axils. Each flower has four light pink or whitish petals, which tend to fall off early. The fruit is a many-seeded capsule that is about 3-5mm long and usually becomes red in color as it matures.
Rank Justification
Vulnerable in the nation or state due to a restricted range, relatively few populations (often 80 or fewer), recent and widespread declines, or other factors making it vulnerable to extirpation.
PABS
The PA Biological Survey (PABS) considers toothcup to be a species of special concern, based on the relatively few occurrences that have been recently confirmed and its wetland habitat. It has a PA legal rarity status and a PABS suggested rarity status of Rare. About thirty populations are currently known from the state.
Habitat
It grows on exposed shorelines, stream margins, streambed outcrops, and other damp, open places.
Survey Dates
Flowers July - September
Distribution
In Pennsylvania, it has been documented historically in numerous southern counties, particularly along the Susquehanna River.
Threats
Invasive species may be a threat in some locations.
Management
The populations of toothcup that occur along streams and rivers can be enhanced by maintaining the natural seasonal fluctuations in the water level of the stream and the natural conditions of its shoreline. Despite its somewhat narrow habitat requirements, this species appears to be fairly successful in reproducing itself and colonizing new areas.
Conservation Status Map
NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life [web application]. Version 7.1. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. Available https://explorer.natureserve.org.
https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/toothcup
- NatureServe. 2018. NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life [web application]. Version 7.1. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. Available at https://www.natureserve.org/explorer
- Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program. 2018.
- Rhoads, A.F. and W.M. Klein, Jr. 1993. The Vascular Flora of Pennsylvania. American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Rhoads, A.F. and T.A. Block.
- 2007. The Plants of Pennsylvania: An Illustrated Manual. 2nd edition. University of Pennsylvania Press, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
