Endangered Plants of Ontario

Lakeside Daisy (a.k.a. Manitoulin gold; stemless rubberweed)

Hymenoxys acaulis

Status

Rare in Canada; threatened in the United States, endangered in Illinois and Ohio.

Range

Southern Saskatchewan and Alberta, south to Texas and easternCalifornia, with small, isolated populations in Ontario, Illinois, and Ohio. In Ontario restricted to the Bruce Peninsula and Manitoulin Island.

Habitat

Crevices in limestone and similar rocks, on cliffs and alvars (shallow soil over limestone) and other open, sunny but generally cool and windy sites.

Height

8 to 15 cm.

Bloom Period

Late May to early July.

Factors contributing to its status

Lakeside daisy has never been abundant or widespread east of the Great Plains, at least in historic times.

In Ontario it is restricted to crevices in exposed limestone rock outcrops.

Some of its populations here are endangered by foot traffic and other recreational activities, and others by cottage construction and shoreline development.

Notes

Lakeside daisy is well adapted to life in rocky, windswept areas. Its thick, rubbery leaves store water, allowing the plants to withstand dry spells.

Habitat	Crevices in limestone and similar rocks, on cliffs and alvars (shallow soil over limestone) and other open, sunny but generally cool and windy sites.
Height	8 to 15 cm.
Bloom Period	Late May to early July.
Factors contributing to its status	Lakeside daisy has never been abundant or widespread east of the Great Plains, at least in historic times. In Ontario it is restricted to crevices in exposed limestone rock outcrops. Some of its populations here are endangered by foot traffic and other recreational activities, and others by cottage construction and shoreline development.
Notes	Lakeside daisy is well adapted to life in rocky, windswept areas. Its thick, rubbery leaves store water, allowing the plants to withstand dry spells.