20201589 Ver 1_B-5845_OtherSpeciesSurvey_20220112

Dwarf-flowered Heartleaf Survey
Bridge No. 25 on SR 2033 (Oak Grove Road)
over Buffalo Creek, TIP B-5845
WBS 45798.1.1
Cleveland County, North Carolina

Prepared f or:

NC Department of Transportation
Tim Bassette, Biological Surveys Group
1598 Mail Service Center
Raleigh NC 27699-1598
[e-mail]

June 2021

Dwarf-flowered Heartleaf Survey
Bridge No. 25 on SR 2033 (Oak Grove Road)
over Buffalo Creek, TIP B-5845
WBS 45798.1.1
Cleveland County, North Carolina

Prepared by:

Three Oaks Engineering
324 Blackwell Street, Suite 1200
Durham, NC 27701
Mary Frazer
[e-mail]
919-732-1300

Introduction
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is proposing the replacement of Bridge No. 25 on SR
2033 (Oak Grove Road) over Buffalo Creek, in Cleveland County NC, (TIP B-5845). The project study area (PSA)
is defined in the project’s Natural Resources Technical Report (NRTR | NCDOT 2016). The PSA extends along SR
2033 (Oak Grove Road) approximately 1500 feet and approximately 100 feet from the centerline on each side of
the road (Appendix A, Figure 1). This survey report presents the findings from a dwarf-flowered heartleaf
(Hexastylis naniflora H.L. Blomq., DFH) survey conducted within the PSA on April 22, 2021. DFH is a federally
threatened plant species known to occur in Cleveland County.
Dwarf-flowered Heartleaf Morphology and Habitat Description
Morphology: DFH is a low-growing, evergreen, perennial plant. It has dark-green, leathery, cordate (heart-shaped)
leaves. DFH flowers are beige to dark purple in color, cylindric, and fleshy. Plants begin flowering in March and
continue through early June (USFWS 2020).
Habitat Description: DFH is endemic to the western Piedmont and foothills of North and South Carolina. DFH
grows on acidic, north-facing slopes, ravines, and bluffs in deciduous hardwood forests. It may also be found in
boggy areas next to streams and creek heads. Requiring acidic, sandy loam soils, DFH is found in soil series such
as Pacolet, Madwason, and Musella, among others (USFWS 2011).
Methods
On April 22, 2021, Three Oaks Engineering, Inc. (Three Oaks) staff members Mary Frazer, Nathan Howell, Shelby
Moody, and Gordon Murphy conducted a DFH survey within the PSA. GPS points were taken along DFH site
boundaries. Flowers were collected from a small, representative sample of plants at each site. The number of
collected flowers was kept relatively low so as not to adversely impact the future reproductive capabilities of each
site. Leaf variegation (or lack thereof) was documented for each plant where a flower was collected. Three Oaks
did not physically pull out or collect the leaf itself. Digital photo vouchers were taken of the flowers, grouped by
site, with num bers placed by each flower to designate the order in which they were measured.
Flower specimens were measured to determine the following morphological features: calyx tube flare at midpoint
or higher; calyx lobe length, calyx lobe width, calyx tube length, and calyx tube orifice diameter. Length of style
extension relative to width of stigmatic surface was noted. The species of Hexastylis was determined from the
floral measurements and associated leaf variegation. Three Oaks used the latest version of Flora of the
Southeastern United States (Weakley 2020) to assist in identifying the species. Walking transects were conducted
at each DFH site to enum erate the number of plants (clumps) present.
Survey Results
Suitable habitat for DFH exists within the study area. DFH occurs at five sites within the PSA (Figure 1 of
Appendix A). No other species of Hexastylis were determined to be present. North Carolina Natural Heritage
Program (NCNHP) Rare Plant Forms for each of the sites are provided in Appendix B, and measurements for
representative flower specimens are attached to each form. Photos of the flower specimens are in Appendix C.
Site A: Site A (Figure 2) is north of the bridge along the east side of Buffalo Creek. The majority of DFH plants
were located outside the PSA on a steep, narrow, west-facing slope between Buffalo Creek and a wastewater
treatment plant. The natural community type associated with this site is classified as a Dry Oak-Hickory Forest
(Piedmont Subtype) (Schafale 2012). Few non-native invasive plants were observed at this site. Forty-three DFH
plants were observed within this site. Few DFH were flowering, and those that were only had one flower each.
The average calyx lobe length was 7.4 millimeters (mm), the average calyx lobe width was 9.4 mm, the average
calyx tube length was 9.9 mm, and the average calyx tube orifice diameter was 6.3 mm.
Site BA: Site BA (Figure 3) is north of the highway, west of Buffalo Creek, and occurs wholly within the PSA.
Five DFH plants was observed within this site; one was in flower. Site BA is located in a Dry Oak-Hickory Forest
(Piedmont Subtype). The site had evidence of old ground disturbance. Available habitat was limited in the area,
since most of it was south-facing. The calyx lobe length for the one collected flower was 6.2 mm, the calyx lobe
width was 9.6 mm, the calyx tube length was 9.9 mm, and the calyx tube orifice diameter was 5.8 mm.
Site BB: Site BB (Figure 3) is north of the highway, west of Buffalo Creek, and approximately 35 feet west of Site
BA. Two DFH plants were observed within this site, whi ch occurs wholly within the PSA. One DFH plant was
flowering, with over 15 flowers. Site BB is located in a Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest (Piedmont Subtype). The
site had evidence of old ground disturbance, and groundcover was dense with native and non-native species.
Available habitat was limited in the area, since most of it was confined to a narrow (< 8ft) band of north-facing
habitat along an unnamed tributary to Buffalo Creek. The calyx lobe length for the one collected flower was 5.1
mm, the calyx lobe width was 10.4 mm, the calyx tube length was 10.8 mm, and the calyx tube orifice diameter
was 6.1 mm.
Site C: Site C (Figure 4) is south of the highway and west of the creek. Observers walking transects counted 989
DFH plants within an area comprising almost an acre (0.86 ac). About half of the plants were located within the
PSA. The community type associated with this site is best described as a Dry Oak-Hickory Forest (Piedmont
Subtype). Habitat integrity within the site is in good shape and appears extensive, with limited disturbance, aside
from the invasive Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica Thunb.). DFH plants in this site were primarily found
on north and east-facing slopes. The average calyx lobe length was 7.5 mm, the average calyx lobe width was 9.7
mm, the average calyx tube length was 9.6 mm, and the average calyx tube orifice diameter was 5.5 mm.
Site D: Site D (Figure 5) is south of the highway and east of the creek. Observers counted 679 DFH plants within
1.8 acres. Most of the plants at this site are located outside the PSA. The community type associated with this site
is best described as a Dry Oak-Hickory Forest (Piedmont Subtype). Habitat integrity within this site is good and
appears extensive, with limited disturbance. DFH plants at this site occur mostly on north and west-facing slopes.
The average calyx lobe length was 7.0 mm, the average calyx lobe width was 10.0 mm, the average calyx tube
length was 10.4 mm, and the average calyx tube orifice diameter was 6.0 mm.
Some floral morphometric data (i.e., calyx lobe length versus width, or calyx tube length) from these sites do not
match well with DFH per the Hexastylis key developed by Weakley (2020). Calyx lobe width generally exceeded
lobe length, rather than the opposite, and calyx tube length occasionally exceeded 10 mm; usually, this was not by
much (greatest length was 12.5 mm). All flowers examined were determined to be DFH based on the
preponderance of characteristics that did match Weakley’s key, including lack of flare or limited flare to the calyx
tube, calyx lobes exceeding 4 mm in length, variegated leaves, calyx tube orifices less than 8 mm in diameter, and
short style extensions (shorter than the width of the stigmatic surface).
The NCNHP database indicates seven know n DFH locations (Element Occurrence [EO] IDs: 22213, 22236,
22215, 22210, 22214, 22235, and 22216) within one mile of the study area. The survey results indicate the
presence of DFH within the PSA and thus, project construction has the potential to affect this species.
Consideration should be taken to avoid/minimize encroachment into these areas during construction. Project-
related effects to this species can be assessed and quantified once a functional design is developed. Until then, the
Biological Conclusion for DFH is “Unresolved.”
References
North Carolina Department of Transportation. 2016. Natural Resources Technical Report. Bridge No. 25
on SR 2033 (Oak Grove Road) over Buffalo Creek, TIP B-5845. Project Development and
Environmental Analysis Unit. Natural Environment Section.
Schafale, M.P. 2012. Guide to the Natural Communities of North Carolina: Fourth Approximation.
North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
(NCDEQ). Raleigh, North Carolina. 208 pp.
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2011. Dwarf-flowered heartleaf (Hexastylis
naniflora). https://www.fws.gov/asheville/pdfs/DwarfFloweredHeartleaf_factsheet.pdf
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2020. Dwarf-flowered Heartleaf (Hexastylis
naniflora). https://www.fws.gov/raleigh/species/es_dwarf-flowered_heartleaf.html
Weakley, A. S. 2020. Flora of the Southeastern United States.
http://herbarium.bio.unc.edu/FSUS_2020/FSUS.pdf
Appendix A
Figures
1Figure
BA
A
BB
C D
NCCGIA, NC911 Board
Prepared For:Date:
Checked By:
Job No.:
Drawn By:
Scale:
Replace Bridge No. 25 on SR 2033 (Oak Grove Rd) over Buffalo Creek - TIP B-5845
Dwarf Flowered Heartleaf Vicinity Map
Cleveland County, North Carolina
June 2021
0 10050 Feet
21-310
NMSO MF
±
Streets
Dwarf Flowered Heartleaf Sites
Project Study Area
2Figure
A
NCCGIA, NC911 Board
Prepared For:Date:
Checked By:
Job No.:
Drawn By:
Scale:
Replace Bridge No. 25 on SR 2033 (Oak Grove Rd) over Buffalo Creek - TIP B-5845
Dwarf Flowered Heartleaf Site A Map
Cleveland County, North Carolina
June 2021
0 3015 Feet
21-310
NMSO MF
±
Streets
Dwarf Flowered Heartleaf Sites
Project Study Area
3Figure
BABB
C
NCCGIA, NC911 Board
Prepared For:Date:
Checked By:
Job No.:
Drawn By:
Scale:
Replace Bridge No. 25 on SR 2033 (Oak Grove Rd) over Buffalo Creek - TIP B-5845
Dwarf Flowered Heartleaf Site B Map
Cleveland County, North Carolina
June 2021
0 3015 Feet
21-310
NMSO MF
±
Streets
Dwarf Flowered Heartleaf Sites
Project Study Area
4Figure
C
NCCGIA, NC911 Board
Prepared For:Date:
Checked By:
Job No.:
Drawn By:
Scale:
Replace Bridge No. 25 on SR 2033 (Oak Grove Rd) over Buffalo Creek - TIP B-5845
Dwarf Flowered Heartleaf Site C Map
Cleveland County, North Carolina
June 2021
0 3015 Feet
21-310
NMSO MF
±
Streets
Dwarf Flowered Heartleaf Sites
Project Study Area
5Figure
C
D
NCCGIA, NC911 Board
Prepared For:Date:
Checked By:
Job No.:
Drawn By:
Scale:
Replace Bridge No. 25 on SR 2033 (Oak Grove Rd) over Buffalo Creek - TIP B-5845
Dwarf Flowered Heartleaf Site D Map
Cleveland County, North Carolina
June 2021
0 5025 Feet
21-310
NMSO MF
±
Streets
Dwarf Flowered Heartleaf Sites
Project Study Area
Appendix B
North Carolina Natural Heritage Program Rare Plant Forms
Rare Plant Form DATE SUBMITTED ___________
Contact Information
Name Tim Bassette
Agency/Affiliation Environmental Analysis Unit, NC Department of Transportation
Street Address 1598 Mail Service Center
City ST Zip Code Raleigh, NC 27699-1598
Phone [phone]
E-Mail Address [e-mail]
Observation Information
Scientific Name Hexastylis naniflora H.L. Blomq.
Common Name Dwarf-flowered heartleaf
EO Number
(if updating existing) N/A
Survey Location Latitude __35.274976_ Longitude -81.455792____ (decimal degrees)
County Cleveland_____ Landowner _City of Kings Mountain_________
Date(s) of Observation 4/22/21
Observer(s) Mary Frazer, Three Oaks Engineering, 324 Blackwell St Suite 1200
Durham NC 27701, 919-868-7360, [e-mail]
Nathan Howell, Gordon Murphy, Shelby Ellenburg
Observation Description:
1.Site Name (if this is within previously identified site):STIP: B-5845, Site A.
2.Site location and directions (please provide a specific written description and also provide a
shapefile, kmz file, or attach copy of map with site marked): Northeast quadrant of Oak Grove
Road and Buffalo Creek. See attached Figures 1 and 2.
3.Number of individuals: 43
Define individual (stem, clump, etc.): Individuals were comprised of clumps (multiple leaves
originating from one location) and stems (solitary leaf).
4.Size of area in which population occurs: 0.07 acre
Please submit this form by email:
[e-mail]
Or mail:
N.C. Natural Heritage Program
Rare Plant Form
1651 Mail Service Center
Raleigh NC 27699-1651
5.Estimate whether the entire population was surveyed, or only a portion: A portion was
surveyed, along the extent of the west-facing slope. Fewer plants were found as we continued
surveying towards the dam. The population may extend further around the hillside to the
northeast, presumably in limited numbers, as they were sparsely located on this slope.
6.Estimated Population Viability: Poor.
7.Population Viability Comments: Small number of plants occurring in a limited area with limited
flowering. Site is bordered by a wastewater treatment plant, Buffalo Creek, Oak Grove Road
and Kings Mountain Reservoir dam. A wastewater stream cuts through the site and riprap has
been dumped along the slope in areas.
8.Phenology (include % or # in each stage):
vegetative 80% bud flower <20%
9.Evidence of reproduction:
fruit seedlings clonal/vegetative
10.Reproduction Comments: Most flowering plants only had one flower each. A few young,
solitary leaves may have been indicative of seedlings – 10%. One cluster of plants may be
indicative of clonal reproduction – 10%.
11.Habitat (NC NHP natural community name and description, if known; include quality, soils,
geology, etc.): Dry Oak-Hickory Forest (Piedmont Subtype).
Geology & soils: Residuum weathered from mica schist and/or other micaceous metamorphic
rock. Grover gravelly sandy loam, rocky.
12.Associated species: Quercus alba, Carya alba, Oxydendrum arboreum, Smilax sp., Tipularia
discolor, Kalmia latifolia.
13.Invasive species noted & degree of threat from invasive species: Lonicera japonica, Youngia
japonica. Low threat.
14.Area of apparently suitable habitat (suitable for, but not necessarily occupied by the species):
There is approximately 1.1 acre of suitable habitat in the vicinity of Site A, however, Dwarf-
flowered heartleaf only occurs in a portion of this habitat.
15.If the population is within a Right-of-Way, does suitable habitat exist outside Right-of-Way?
Not in ROW.
16.Topographic position (examples: crest, mid slope, alluvial, etc): Mid-slope
17.Moisture regime (examples: inundated, dry, seasonally wet, etc): Dry
18.Light (examples: open, woodland, closed canopy, etc): Will be mostly shaded once trees
have leafed out.
19.Other information: Steep, west-facing slope. Plants enumerated via direct count (transects).
20.Protection / management needs and opportunities: It is likely that this area will remain
undeveloped due to the proximity of the creek; presumably, the wastewater treatment plant
cannot expand along this steep slope.
21.Landowner(s), if known: City of Kings Mountain
22.Specimens collected? (permits are required for federal or state listed species)
Collection #: Repository:
Site A
Hexastylis Plant
Specimen
Calyx Tube Flare,
Midpoint or Higher
(Not Flared, Flared,
Greatly Flared)
Calyx Lobe
Length (mm)
#.#
Calyx Lobe
Width (mm)
#.#
Calyx Tube
Length (mm)
#.#
Calyx Tube Orifice
Diameter (mm)
#.#
Leaf Variegation
(Solid, Variegated,
Strongly Variegated)
Recommended Species
ID
1 Slight flare 7.7 8.0 10.3 7.7 Strongly Hexastylis naniflora
2 No flare - - 8.7 6.1 Strongly Hexastylis naniflora
3 No flare 8.4 9.5 10.6 5.7 Variegated Hexastylis naniflora
4 Slight flare 7.3 10.9 10.6 6.9 Variegated Hexastylis naniflora
5 No flare 6.1 9.1 9.3 5.1 Variegated Hexastylis naniflora
Average 7.4 9.4 9.9 6.3
Median 7.5 9.3 10.3 6.1
Rare Plant Form DATE SUBMITTED ___________
Contact Information
Name Tim Bassette
Agency/Affiliation Environmental Analysis Unit, NC Department of Transportation
Street Address 1598 Mail Service Center
City ST Zip Code Raleigh, NC 27699-1598
Phone [phone]
E-Mail Address [e-mail]
Observation Information
Scientific Name Hexastylis naniflora H.L. Blomq.
Common Name Dwarf-flowered heartleaf
EO Number
(if updating existing) N/A
Survey Location Latitude _35.274662 __ Longitude _-81.457449 _____ (decimal
degrees)
County Cleveland_____ Landowner _City of Kings Mountain__________
Date(s) of Observation 4/22/21
Observer(s) Mary Frazer, Three Oaks Engineering, 324 Blackwell St Suite 1200
Durham NC 27701, 919-868-7360, [e-mail]
Nathan Howell, Gordon Murphy, Shelby Ellenburg
Observation Description:
1.Site Name (if this is within previously identified site):STIP: B-5845, Site BA.
2.Site location and directions (please provide a specific written description and also provide a
shapefile, kmz file, or attach copy of map with site marked): Northwest quadrant of Oak Grove
Road and Buffalo Creek, near highway. See attached Figures 1 and 3.
3.Number of individuals: 5
Define individual (stem, clump, etc.): Individuals were comprised of clumps (multiple leaves
originating from one location) and individual stems (solitary leaf).
4.Size of area in which population occurs: >0.01 acre
Please submit this form by email:
[e-mail]
Or mail:
N.C. Natural Heritage Program
Rare Plant Form
1651 Mail Service Center
Raleigh NC 27699-1651
5.Estimate whether the entire population was surveyed, or only a portion: Entire
6.Estimated Population Viability: Poor
7.Population Viability Comments: Small number of plants occurring in disturbed habitat
constrained by road shoulder, invasive species, and south-facing slopes.
8.Phenology (include % or # in each stage):
Vegetative – 4 plants bud flower – 1 plant
9.Evidence of reproduction: None
10.Reproduction Comments: No evidence of clonal growth.
11.Habitat (NC NHP natural community name and description, if known; include quality, soils,
geology, etc.): Disturbed Dry Oak-Hickory Forest (Piedmont Subtype).
Geology & soils: Residuum weathered from mica schist and/or other micaceous metamorphic
rock. Grover gravelly sandy loam, rocky.
12.Associated species: Quercus alba, Carya alba, Oxydendrum arboreum, Smilax sp., Tipularia
discolor, Kalmia latifolia, Chimaphila maculata.
13.Invasive species noted & degree of threat from invasive species: Lonicera japonica. Medium
threat.
14.Area of apparently suitable habitat (suitable for, but not necessarily occupied by the species):
Based on slope aspects and presence of adjacent highway, approximately 0.09 acre of suitable
habitat was present in total in the vicinity of Sites BA and BB.
15.If the population is within a Right-of-Way, does suitable habitat exist outside Right-of-Way?
Not in ROW.
16.Topographic position (examples: crest, mid slope, alluvial, etc): Low slope.
17.Moisture regime (examples: inundated, dry, seasonally wet, etc): Dry-mesic.
18.Light (examples: open, woodland, closed canopy, etc): Will be mostly shaded once all trees
are leafed out.
19.Other information: Plants occur on the north side of an unamed tributary to Buffalo Creek, on
the lower portion of the southwest-facing slope. Plants enumerated via direct count
(transects).
20.Protection / management needs and opportunities: Small area of suitable habitat and presence
of invasive species nearby may limit protection opportunities.
21.Landowner(s), if known: City of Kings Mountain
22.Specimens collected? (permits are required for federal or state listed species)
Collection #: Repository:
Site BA
Hexastylis Plant
Specimen
Calyx Tube Flare,
Midpoint or Higher
(Not Flared, Flared,
Greatly Flared)
Calyx Lobe
Length (mm)
#.#
Calyx Lobe
Width (mm)
#.#
Calyx Tube
Length (mm)
#.#
Calyx Tube Orifice
Diameter (mm)
#.#
Leaf Variegation
(Solid, Variegated,
Strongly Variegated)
Recommended Species
ID
1 No flare 6.2 9.6 9.9 5.8 Strongly Hexastylis naniflora
Average 6.2 9.6 9.9 5.8
Median 6.2 9.6 9.9 5.8
Rare Plant Form DATE SUBMITTED ___________
Contact Information
Name Tim Bassette
Agency/Affiliation Environmental Analysis Unit, NC Department of Transportation
Street Address 1598 Mail Service Center
City ST Zip Code Raleigh, NC 27699-1598
Phone [phone]
E-Mail Address [e-mail]
Observation Information
Scientific Name Hexastylis naniflora H.L. Blomq.
Common Name Dwarf-flowered heartleaf
EO Number
(if updating existing) N/A
Survey Location Latitude _35.274681 __ Longitude _-81.457682_____ (decimal degrees)
County Cleveland_____ Landowner _City of Kings Mountain__________
Date(s) of Observation 4/22/21
Observer(s) Mary Frazer, Three Oaks Engineering, 324 Blackwell St Suite 1200
Durham NC 27701, 919-868-7360, [e-mail]
Nathan Howell, Gordon Murphy, Shelby Ellenburg
Observation Description:
1.Site Name (if this is within previously identified site):STIP: B-5845, Site BB.
2.Site location and directions (please provide a specific written description and also provide a
shapefile, kmz file, or attach copy of map with site marked): Northwest quadrant of Oak Grove
Road and Buffalo Creek, near highway. See attached Figures 1 and 3.
3.Number of individuals: 2
Define individual (stem, clump, etc.):Clump (multiple leaves originating from one location)
or stem (solitary leaf).
4. Size of area in which population occurs: >0.005 acre
Please submit this form by email:
[e-mail]
Or mail:
N.C. Natural Heritage Program
Rare Plant Form
1651 Mail Service Center
Raleigh NC 27699-1651
5.Estimate whether the entire population was surveyed, or only a portion: Entire
6.Estimated Population Viability: Poor
7.Population Viability Comments: Small number of plants occurring in disturbed habitat
constrained by road shoulder, invasive species, and south-facing slopes.
8.Phenology (include % or # in each stage):
Vegetative – 1 plant bud flower – 1 plant
9.Evidence of reproduction: None
10.Reproduction Comments: No evidence of clonal growth.
11.Habitat (NC NHP natural community name and description, if known; include quality, soils,
geology, etc.): Disturbed Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest (Piedmont Subtype).
Geology & soils: Residuum weathered from mica schist and/or other micaceous metamorphic
rock. Grover gravelly sandy loam, rocky.
12.Associated species: Liriodendron tulipifera, Fagus grandifolia, Oxydendron arboreum, Vitis sp.,
Toxicodendron radicans, Carpinus caroliniana, Stellaria media.
13.Invasive species noted & degree of threat from invasive species: Lonicera japonica. High
threat.
14.Area of apparently suitable habitat (suitable for, but not necessarily occupied by the species):
Based on slope aspects and presence of adjacent highway, approximately 0.09 acre of suitable
habitat was present in total in the vicinity of Sites BA and BB.
15.If the population is within a Right-of-Way, does suitable habitat exist outside Right-of-Way?
Not in ROW.
16.Topographic position (examples: crest, mid slope, alluvial, etc): Alluvial/low-slope.
17.Moisture regime (examples: inundated, dry, seasonally wet, etc): Mesic.
18.Light (examples: open, woodland, closed canopy, etc): Will be mostly shaded once all trees
are leafed out.
19.Other information: Located along the right descending bank of an unnamed tributary to Buffalo
Creek, between the tributary and Oak Grove Road. The clumps occur on the lower portion of
a north-facing small slope. Plants enumerated via direct count (transects).
20.Protection / management needs and opportunities: Small area of suitable habitat and presence
of invasive species may limit protection opportunities.
21.Landowner(s), if known: City of Kings Mountain
22.Specimens collected? (permits are required for federal or state listed species)
Collection #: Repository:
Site BB
Hexastylis Plant
Specimen
Calyx Tube Flare,
Midpoint or Higher
(Not Flared, Flared,
Greatly Flared)
Calyx Lobe
Length (mm)
#.#
Calyx Lobe
Width (mm)
#.#
Calyx Tube
Length (mm)
#.#
Calyx Tube Orifice
Diameter (mm)
#.#
Leaf Variegation
(Solid, Variegated,
Strongly Variegated)
Recommended Species
ID
1 Slight flare 5.1 10.4 10.8 6.1 Strongly Hexastylis naniflora
Average 5.1 10.4 10.8 6.1
Median 5.1 10.4 10.8 6.1

Rare Plant Form DATE SUBMITTED ___________

Contact Information
Name Tim Bassette
Agency/Affiliation Environmental Analysis Unit, NC Department of Transportation
Street Address 1598 Mail Service Center
City ST Zip Code Raleigh, NC 27699-1598
Phone [phone]
E-Mail Address [e-mail]
Observation Information
Scientific Name Hexastylis naniflora H.L. Blomq.
Common Name Dwarf-flowered heartleaf
EO Number
(if updating existing)
Survey Location Latitude 35.274132____ Longitude _-81.457437____ (decimal degrees)

County Cleveland_____ Landowner _Cash Freeman L Heirs________
Date(s) of Observation 4/22/21
Observer(s) Mary Frazer, Three Oaks Engineering, 324 Blackwell St Suite 1200
Durham NC 27701, 919-868-7360, [e-mail]
Nathan Howell, Gordon Murphy, Shelby Ellenburg

Observation Description:

1. Site Name (if this is within previously identified site): NCDOT STIP: B-5845, Site C.

2. Site location and directions (please provide a specific written description and also provide a
shapefile, kmz file, or attach copy of map with site marked): Southwest quadrant of Oak Grove
Road and Buffalo Creek. See attached Figures 1 and 4.

3. Number of individuals: 989

Define individual (stem, clump, etc.): Individuals were comprised of clumps (multiple leaves
originating from one location) and stems (solitary leaf).

4. Size of area in which population occurs: 0.86 acre

Please submit this form by email:
[e-mail]
Or mail:
N.C. Natural Heritage Program
Rare Plant Form
1651 Mail Service Center
Raleigh NC 27699-1651

5. Estimate whether the entire population was surveyed, or only a portion: Entire

6. Estimated Population Viability: Good

7. Population Viability Comments: Habitat appeared good and extensive; however, less than
25% of the plants had flowers, and those that did typically only had one flower each. Small old
area of fill near roadside.

8. Phenology (include % or # in each stage):

Vegetative ~80% bud ~5% flower ~15%

9. Evidence of reproduction:

fruit seedlings ~10% clonal/vegetative ~10%

10. Reproduction Comments: Newly emerged single leaves that may have originated from
underground rhizomes seemed common.

11. Habitat (NC NHP natural community name and description, if known; include quality, soils,
geology, etc.): Dry Oak-Hickory Forest (Piedmont Subtype).
Geology & soils: Residuum weathered from mica schist and/or other micaceous metamorphic
rock. Grover gravelly sandy loam, rocky / Madison-Bethlehem complex, very stony.

12. Associated species: Quercus velutina, Quercus alba, Oxydendrum arboreum, Liriodendron
tulipifera, Fagus grandifolia, Pinus echinata, Lonicera sempervirens, Sanguinaria canadensis,
Vitis sp., Melica sp. Chimaphila maculata, Stellaria media, Piptochaetium avenaceum.

13. Invasive species noted & degree of threat from invasive species: Lonicera japonica. Medium
threat.

14. Area of apparently suitable habitat (suitable for, but not necessarily occupied by the species):
Approximately 5.5 acres of suitable habitat in the vicinity of Site C.

15. If the population is within a Right-of-Way, does suitable habitat exist outside Right-of-Way?
Outside ROW.

16. Topographic position (examples: crest, mid slope, alluvial, etc): From just below slope summit
down to unnamed tributary to Buffalo Creek.

17. Moisture regime (examples: inundated, dry, seasonally wet, etc): Dry on mid to upper slopes.
Mesic on lower slopes.

18. Light (examples: open, woodland, closed canopy, etc): Will be shaded once all trees are
leafed out.

19. Other information: North and east-facing slopes. Plants enumerated via direct count
(transects).

20. Protection / management needs and opportunities: Could be a good location for protection by
extending ROW. Intact mature hardwood habitat appears extensive. Maintaining shaded
habitat along the highway will help reduce pressure from invasive plant species.

21. Landowner(s), if known: Cash Freeman L Heirs.

22. Specimens collected? (permits are required for federal or state listed species)

Collection #: Repository:

Site C

Hexastylis Plant
Specimen

Calyx Tube Flare,
Midpoint or Higher
(Not Flared, Flared,
Greatly Flared)

Calyx Lobe
Length (mm)
#.#

Calyx Lobe
Width (mm)
#.#

Calyx Tube
Length (mm)
#.#

Calyx Tube Orifice
Diameter (mm)
#.#

Leaf Variegation
(Solid, Variegated,
Strongly Variegated)

Recommended Species
ID
1 No flare 8.8 9.4 8.3 6.1 Variegated Hexastylis naniflora
2 Slight flare 10.9 12.8 12.5 6.8 Strongly variegated Hexastylis naniflora
3 No flare 6.3 9.8 10.7 6.2 Variegated Hexastylis naniflora
4 No flare 7.1 8.4 8.8 4.9 Variegated Hexastylis naniflora
5 No flare 6.3 10.0 8.9 4.9 Variegated Hexastylis naniflora
6 No flare 7.3 9.7 12.5 6.0 Variegated Hexastylis naniflora
7 No flare 6.6 11.3 9.0 6.4 Variegated Hexastylis naniflora
8 No flare 7.4 11.3 8.3 4.9 Strongly variegated Hexastylis naniflora
9 No flare 8.4 11.0 10.3 6.0 Variegated Hexastylis naniflora
10 No flare 5.2 6.2 8.8 3.5 Variegated Hexastylis naniflora
11 Slight flare 6.5 10.4 10.4 6.1 Variegated Hexastylis naniflora
12 No flare 8.3 8.3 9.6 5.1 Variegated Hexastylis naniflora
13 No flare 8.3 10.3 9.8 6.1 Variegated Hexastylis naniflora
14 Slight flare 8.2 12.8 10.7 7.6 Strongly variegated Hexastylis naniflora
15 No flare 6.1 8.8 8.6 6.4 Variegated Hexastylis naniflora
Average 7.5 10.0 9.8 5.8
Median 7.3 10.0 9.6 6.1

Rare Plant Form DATE SUBMITTED ___________

Contact Information
Name Tim Bassette
Agency/Affiliation Environmental Analysis Unit, NC Department of Transportation
Street Address 1598 Mail Service Center
City ST Zip Code Raleigh, NC 27699-1598
Phone [phone]
E-Mail Address [e-mail]
Observation Information
Scientific Name Hexastylis naniflora H.L. Blomq.
Common Name Dwarf-flowered heartleaf
EO Number
(if updating existing)
Survey Location Latitude _35.273715__ Longitude _-81.455763____ (decimal degrees)

County Cleveland_____ Landowner _Adelaide Austell Craver and Joseph
Newton Craver II____
Date(s) of Observation 4/22/21
Observer(s) Mary Frazer, Three Oaks Engineering, 324 Blackwell St Suite 1200
Durham NC 27701, 919-868-7360, [e-mail]
Nathan Howell, Gordon Murphy, Shelby Ellenburg

Observation Description:

1. Site Name (if this is within previously identified site): NCDOT STIP: B-5845, Site D.

2. Site location and directions (please provide a specific written description and also provide a
shapefile, kmz file, or attach copy of map with site marked): Southeast quadrant of Oak Grove
Road and Buffalo Creek, near highway. See attached Figures 1 and 5.

3. Number of individuals: 679

Define individual (stem, clump, etc.): Individuals were comprised of clumps (multiple leaves
originating from one location) and stems (solitary leaf).

4. Size of area in which population occurs: 1.79 acres

Please submit this form by email:
[e-mail]
Or mail:
N.C. Natural Heritage Program
Rare Plant Form
1651 Mail Service Center
Raleigh NC 27699-1651

5.Estimate whether the entire population was surveyed, or only a portion: Entire
6.Estimated Population Viability: Good
7.Population Viability Comments: Limited disturbance. Habitat appeared good and extensive;
however, less than 25% of the large clumps had flowers, and those that did typically only had
one flower each. Flowers had been nibbled at numerous clumps.
8.Phenology (include % or # in each stage):
Vegetative ~85% bud ~5%flower ~10%
9.Evidence of reproduction:
fruit seedlings ~5% clonal/vegetative ~10%
10.Reproduction Comments: Newly emerged single leaves that may have originated from
underground rhizomes seemed rather common.
11.Habitat (NC NHP natural community name and description, if known; include quality, soils,
geology, etc.): Mixed-age, Dry-Mesic Oak-Hickory Forest (Piedmont Subtype).
Geology & soils: Residuum weathered from mica schist and/or other micaceous metamorphic
rock. Grover gravelly sandy loam, rocky / Hulett gravelly sandy loam, stony / Madison-
Bethlehem complex, very stony.
12.Associated species: Quercus velutina, Quercus alba, Oxydendrum arboreum, Liriodendron
tulipifera, Fagus grandifolia, Kalmia latifolia, Carpinus caroliniana, Pinus echinata, Prunus
serotina, Euonymous americanus, Tipularia discolor, Lonicera sempervirens.
13.Invasive species noted & degree of threat from invasive species: Lonicera japonica. Low
threat.
14.Area of apparently suitable habitat (suitable for, but not necessarily occupied by the species):
Approximately 6 acres of suitable habitat in the vicinity of Site D.
15.If the population is within a Right-of-Way, does suitable habitat exist outside Right-of-Way?
Not in ROW
16.Topographic position (examples: crest, mid slope, alluvial, etc): Mostly mid-slope, but some on
lower slopes and crests.
17.Moisture regime (examples: inundated, dry, seasonally wet, etc): Dry-Mesic
18.Light (examples: open, woodland, closed canopy, etc): Will be shaded once all trees are
leafed out.
19. Other information: Mostly north-facing slopes, but also west-facing. Plants enumerated via
direct count (transects).

20. Protection / management needs and opportunities: Could be a good location for protection by
extending ROW. Good intact hardwoods appear extensive. Evidence of some form of hardwood
select cut along southern boundary of the site. Maintaining shaded habitat along the highway
will help reduce pressure from invasive plants.

21. Landowner(s), if known: Adelaide Austell Craver and Joseph Newton Craver II.

22. Specimens collected? (permits are required for federal or state listed species)

Collection #: Repository:

Site D
Hexastylis Plant
Specimen
Calyx Tube Flare,
Midpoint or Higher
(Not Flared, Flared,
Greatly Flared)
Calyx Lobe
Length (mm)
#.#
Calyx Lobe
Width (mm)
#.#
Calyx Tube
Length (mm)
#.#
Calyx Tube Orifice
Diameter (mm)
#.#
Leaf Variegation
(Solid, Variegated,
Strongly Variegated)
Recommended Species
ID
1 No flare 5.9 8.9 9.8 5.2 Variegated Hexastylis naniflora
2 No flare 7.1 11.1 8.5 6.5 Variegated Hexastylis naniflora
3 No flare 6.8 11.1 9.8 5.7 Variegated Hexastylis naniflora
4 No flare 5.4 7.4 7.6 4.1 Variegated Hexastylis naniflora
5 Slight flare 7.9 10.9 11.3 7.0 Strongly variegated Hexastylis naniflora
6 No flare 9.4 11.3 12.4 6.6 Variegated Hexastylis naniflora
7 No flare 7.8 10.1 10.1 5.1 Variegated Hexastylis naniflora
8 No flare 7.6 8.2 8.2 4.2 Variegated Hexastylis naniflora
9 No flare 7.2 8.3 8.7 6.0 Variegated Hexastylis naniflora
10 No flare 5.2 9.7 9.1 5.1 Variegated Hexastylis naniflora
Average 7.0 9.7 9.6 5.6
Median 7.2 9.9 9.5 5.5
Appendix C
Photos
Photo 1. Site A flowers
Photo 2. Variegated leaf example from Site A
Photo 3. Sites BA and BB flowers
Photo 4. Site C flowers
Photo 5. Site D flowers