Conservation Evaluation of the Seaside Birds-foot Trefoil, Lotus formosissimus, in Canada

Abstract

In Canada, Seaside Birds-foot Trefoil, Lotus formosissimus, is restricted to the Victoria area on southeastern Vancouver Island and two adjacent islands. Populations at five sites are extant and have been recently inventoried, whereas populations at two or more sites in Victoria are extirpated. Existing populations represent the northern range limits of L. formosissimus. Although known populations are protected to a certain extent from direct habitat destruction, introduced herbaceous species may pose a serious threat to the continued existence of most populations and may prevent the establishment of L. formosissimus at other sites. Fire suppression, grazing, encroachment and low survivorship are also limiting factors.