Taxon Report

Swertia perennis L.

felwort

Print Report


© 2008 Trent M. Draper

Species Description:
Swertia perennis, commonly known as felwort, is a perennial herb in the Gentianaceae that is found in California and elsewhere. It occurs within Meadows and seeps, Riparian scrub, and Upper montane coniferous forest, growing at elevations from 1935 to 3400 meters. Swertia perennis is ranked 4.2, Plants of Limited Distribution, A Watch List; Moderately threatened in California.

Ecology and Life History

Lifeform: perennial herb
Blooming Period: Jul-Sep Jul-Sep
Elevation: 1935-3400 (6350-11155)
General Habitats: Meadows and seeps, Riparian scrub, Upper montane coniferous forest
Microhabitat: Granitic (usually), Lake Margins (sometimes), Streambanks (sometimes)
Microhabitat Details: Found in wet (often alluvial) soil in mesic openings in coniferous forest or meadows near drainages or lake edges.

Occurrence Data from the CNDDB

Total Occurrences: 0
Element Occurrence Ranks:
   Excellent (A) 0
   Good (B) 0
   Fair (C) 0
   Poor (D) 0
   None (X) 0
   Unknown (U) 0
California Endemic:  False
California Counties and Islands: Name (Code)
Quads: Name (Quad Code)

Notes

Threats:
Threatened by inappropriate grazing, trampling, and hydrological alterations. Potentially threatened by fire suppression activities and high severity fire.
Taxonomy:

Selected References

Proposed addition to CRPR 4.2, G5 / S3 (2024)
Species Plantarum 1: 226 (1753)
Citation California Native Plant Society, Rare Plant Program. 2025. Rare Plant Inventory (online edition, v9.5.1). Website https://www.rareplants.cnps.org [accessed 20 January 2025].