What's Been Here All Along

Did you know that there are 198 rare or endangered plants in Tennessee and over a dozen of those are right here in Williamson County? A plant becomes endangered when it is threatened with extinction as determined Federally by the Endangered Species Act of 1973 or on a state level when the species “existence as a viable component of the state’s flora is determined by the Commissioner to be in jeopardy”.

Growth and development further endanger these already endangered and rare species. Before you begin that next landscaping project take a look around to see if there are any treasures you can save, nurture, and even incorporate into your landscape scheme. After all, we love the area enough to live here, but these plants have been here long before any of us, and with our care will be here long after we are gone.

A rare tree that could be in your backyard is the Butternut (Juglans Cinerea). The plant with the common name Tennessee Milk-Vetch (Astragalus Tennesseensis) is found in our areas of limestone cedar-glades. The Rush (Juncus brachycephalus Buchenau) and the Large-Leafed Grass (Parnassia grandifolia DC.) grow in the few remaining fens of this county. A fen is a lowland covered wholly or partly with water. Preservationists are as much concerned with protecting these rare and endangered plants as protecting the unique habitats in which they thrive. Also Eggert’s Sunflower (Helianthus eggertii Small) and Thicket Parsley (Perideridia Americana) have been identified here. These plants are a rare find. They are our treasures and our heritage. Most all of us are aware that we are very fortunate to live in a place so rich in the beauty of nature. Let’s take the time to look around and discover what’s been here all along!

-Justin Stelter