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Questions and Answers: 2016

Question: Is there a distinction between Linum medium, which is unranked, and Linum medium var. texanum which is a threatened species? …

• Question

  Is there a distinction between Linum medium, which is unranked, and Linum medium var. texanum which is a threatened species? At Camp Edwards in Bourne, MA, and we are wanting to monitor for species of special concern, and want to know what to look for. I see that for L. medium it is mainly the glandular tipped inner sepals, but how to know if it is what is described as common L. medium, or rare L. medium var texanum? The NHESP description for the texanum doesn't make a distinction.

  Answer

  Dear irisclearwater, Linum medium is the species, and it contains two subspecies, Linium medium ssp. medium and Linum medium (Planch.) Britt. ssp. texanum (Planch.) A. Haines. The former is found in a small area south and west of New England. The latter is the subspecies found in New England (and is the most widespread subspecies). You do not have to distinguish which kind of Linum medium is found in New England because there is only one. If you need further clarification, feel free to post additional questions here. Best wishes.