At-risk plants are those that are either naturally rare in the environment or those that are becoming rare through human influence. According to the USDA Forest Service, this can be due to:
slow growth habits, habitat incompatibility, population isolation, genetic incompatibility, problems with seed dispersal, loss of pollinators (which can also be caused by human influence), or by competition from or overpopulation of invasive plants, animals, or pests.
the influence of human practices which impact habitat availability and quality such as commercial development and timber harvesting, and those that impact a plant’s ability to maintain viable plant populations, such as unsustainable wildcrafting practices.
Here are a few of those plants that are currently "at risk".
Other At Risk Plants
source: United Plant Savers
American Ginseng Panax quinquefolius
Bloodroot Sanguinaria canadensis
Blue Cohosh Caulophyllum thalictroides
False Unicorn Root Chamaelirium luteum
Lomatium – Lomatium dissectum
Osha Ligusticum porteri, L. spp.
Peyote Lophophora williamsii
Sandalwood Santalum spp.
Slippery Elm Ulmus rubra
Sundew Drosera spp.
True Unicorn Aletris farinosa
Venus’ Fly Trap Dionaea muscipula
Let’s strive to be mindful of the plants we use and how much we harvest, as this will help us exemplify sustainability in our personal herbal practices. When necessary, look for herbal replacements for at-risk plants and use those first. If you must use at-risk plants, try sourcing them from cultivated sources or growing them yourself.
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