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characteristic of the genus. It has been sought but not found else- 

 where in the tidewater area. 



Rare and Endangered Plants 



The rare and endangered plants of the Chesapeake Bay region had 

 never been compiled before this survey and no list existed. Plant 

 distribution and abundance is much less known (except for certain 

 trees) than for vertebrate animals. Many plant records are from old 

 records in herbaria, often with vague locality dat , and the plant 

 species may no longer exist. 



Major disruption of habitats due to agriculture, lumbering, and 

 introduction of exotic weeds has resulted in enormous changes, 

 driving many species close to extinction. 



An extensive survey of the literature, consulting with 

 specialists, and examination of herbaria (U. S. National Museum of 

 Natural History, Harvard Gray Herbarium, Clyde Reed Herbarium) 

 resulted in a preliminary list of 23 species of plants which are 

 reported to be rare and endemic. Of these, about 15 species may be 

 considered endangered. The total population of the local and endemic 

 seaside alder ( Alnus maritima ) occurs in only four counties in the 

 Bay area, but it is not endangered or threatened. 



