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Roan Mountain Bluet in NCRoan Mountain Bluet in North Carolina

Roan Mountain Bluet
Hedyotis [=Houstonia] purpurea var. montana

Status:  Endangered

Family:  Madder

Flowering/Fruiting Dates:  Late May-August/Late August-September

Habitat:  Crevices of rock outcrops at the summits of high elevation (4200-6300 feet) peaks of the southern Blue Ridge Mountains; also in thin, gravelly soils of grassy balds near summit outcrops.

Distinguishing Characteristics:  Can he distinguished from other bluets by the flowers deep, reddish-purple color; its smooth-margined (not ciliate) leaves, and its compact stature and clump-forming growth habit.

Threats:  Trampling; commercial, residential and recreational development; possibly air pollution.

Species Distribution from known occurences. Species may occur in similar habitats in other counties.Green counties indicate observed within 20 years. Yellow counties indicate an obscure data reference to the species in the county. Red counties indicate observed more than 20 years ago.

Species distribution of Roan Mnt. Bluet in NC

Species Location Map based on information provided by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program.
For additional information regarding this Web page, contact Carolyn Wells, in Asheville, NC, at carolyn_wells@fws.gov

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