Occurrences of Which 5, Or Possibly 6 Sites Are Presumed Extirpated (COSEWIC 2007, GOERT 2010)

Note on Viola praemorsa ssp. Praemorsa: This species is a member of the Violaceae (violet) family and is also referred to as “canary violet” (E-Flora, USDA Plants Database). This is the only federally at risk violet species in Canada and one of four red listed violets in BC.

Distribution: Elevation0-600 mThis species is restricted to populations mainly west of the Cascades from California to southeastern Vancouver Island and Saltspring Island where it is at the northern end of its range in North America. On Vancouver Island it is distributed from Duncan to Victoria in 14 known

occurrences of which 5, or possibly 6 sites are presumed extirpated (COSEWIC 2007, GOERT 2010).

Description: Height 60-300 mmA perennial herb the somewhat hairy stems develop from a rhizome. The dark green egg-shaped, hairy leaves grow basally and are few or lacking on the stems. Leaf margins are usually subtly toothed to wavy. Flower stalks are 30-150mm long with small leaves 20-100mm long. Flowers are solitary on each stalk with five yellow petals. Brown vein-like striations occur on the bottom three petals and the bottom, longest petal (12-20 mm long) has a spur. The seed capsules are dry and 6-11 mm long containing dark brown seeds (COSEWIC 2007, GOERT 2010).

Look’s Like? There are a number of yellow violet species that overlap in range with yellow-montane violet. Of these, the flowers of stream violet and trailing yellow violet could easily be confused. However both these other specieslack the distinct ovoid, hairy leaves.

Primary Habitat:Low elevation open, moist Garry oak stands or grassy wet meadows are the preferred habitat for this species though it can occur on variable steep slopes at higher elevations (600m). This violet occurs as part of a diverse community of other annual and perennial wildflowers including native species of common camas, spring gold and Pacific sanicle as well as native and introduced grass species.

Secondary Habitat: While this species shows a preference for shallow soils in association with exposed rocky areas it can grow in deeper soils with little exposed bedrock

Critical Features:Like many plant species in Garry oak communities this species is highly shade intolerant and is easily outcompeted by invading shrubs and tall grasses. In general most sites where this species is found are a south aspect with little or no shrub species although some sites have some limited understory usually snowberry and invasive Scotch broom.

Seasonal Life Cycle

Jan / Feb / Mar / Apr / May / Jun / Jul / Aug / Sep / Oct / Nov / Dec

*This species produces two types of flowers as a reproduction strategy, the earlier larger blooms in April – May require cross pollination while the later inconspicuous self-pollinating flowers are produced late May-June. This species does not reach flowering stage until at least its second year. Pollination likely occurs through a range of insect species. Fruits rupture explosively and disperse seeds ~ one meter in late summer, they may also be dispersed by insects (i.e. ants).

Habitat Guild: Garry Oak woodlands, wet meadows inland and marine bluffs, rock outcroppings and seeps.

Threats

This species has been showing a slow decline and given limited ability to expand through seed production the BC population is unlikely to rebound through natural processes.

The preferred ecological associations of this species are geographically limited and subject to urban development and associated habitat loss

Disturbance, trampling and picking from outdoor recreation activities.

Shading from associated other more shade tolerant species.

Fire suppression has led to increased spread and encroachment of competitive plant species (i.e. shrubs) including native and introduced species.

Key Conservation & Management Objectives

Assess actual level and extent of threats to existing populations.

A targeted inventory is needed to determine if undiscovered sub-populations exist within known locations as well as possible new sites. Conduct outreach to raise awareness of this species and how to identify it to improve distribution knowledge

Monitor existing populations on an ongoing basis to assess viability and reduce potential disturbance from land use activities.

Where suitable habitat occurs, work with land managers and land owners to ensure development or recreational activities do not disturb or encroach on sensitive areas.

Prevent the introduction and spread of invasive plants, especially aggressive competitors like introduced grasses, Scotch broom and Himalayan blackberry, which can be difficult to control once they are established. When controlling invasive plants, take precautions to minimize disturbance.

Meet objectives for this species and the conservation of its habitat as set out in the “Recovery Strategy for Multi-Species at Risk in Garry OakWoodlands in Canada” and the 2007 COSEWIC Assessment and Update Status Report on the Yellow Montane Violet,praemorsa subspecies, Viola praemorsa ssp. praemorsa, in Canada.

Sightings, specimens, or observations of activities threatening its habitat should be reported to the regional Species at Risk Biologist at the Ministry of Environment office.

Main References/Literature Cited

Parks Canada Agency. 2006. Recovery Strategy for Multi-Species at Risk in Garry OakWoodlands in Canada. In Species at Risk Act Recovery Strategy Series. Ottawa: Parks CanadaAgency. 58 pps.

Species at Risk in Garry Oak and Associated Ecosystems in British Columbia. 2010. Viola praemorsa ssp. Praemorsa Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team

COSEWIC. 2007. COSEWIC Assessment and Update Status Report on the Yellow Montane Violet,praemorsa subspecies, Viola praemorsa ssp. praemorsa, in Canada. Committee on the Status ofEndangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. vii + 24 pp.

International Forest Products Limited and BC Ministry of Environment. 2003.A Field Guide to Species at Risk in the CoastForest Region of British Columbia

Develop With Care: Environmental Guidelines for Urban and Rural Land Development in British Columbia.

BC Species & Ecosystems Explorer (BC ConservationDataCenter Summary Report)

NatureServe Explorer

Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada

E-Flora Electronic Atlas of the Plants of British Columbia

USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database

Image credits:

Yellow-montane Violet: Rod Gilbert

Yellow-montane Violet inset: Rod Gilbert

Trailing Yellow Violet: Pamela Zevit

Habitat: Calypso Orchid (Flickr)

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Draft 2010

Disclaimer: This species account and related conservation recommendations are draft only and presently under review and subject to change.