U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Sensitive Joint-Vetch virginica

Description shoreline stabilization, shoreline The sensitive jointvetch s an annual structures, road and bridge legume native to the eastern United construction, commercial and States. Populations currently exist in residential development, water Maryland, , North withdrawal projects, water quality Carolina, and Virginia. The degradation, agricultural practices, historical range for the species introduced pest species, mining, extended to Delaware and timber harvest, over-visitation, Pennsylvania. In Virginia, declines in populations, rise populations are found along the in sea level (this may also be a result of Potomac, Mattaponi, Pamunkey, natural cycles), and collection. Natural Rappahannock, Chickahominy, and threats are often identified with James Rivers and their tributaries. disturbances, such as wave and ice This usually attains a height of action associated with severe storm ©M. Rollins three to six feet in a single growing events, competition, herbivory, season, but may grow as tall as eight channel migration, sea level rise and feet. The flowers are yellow, natural sedimentation processes. Rouse, G.D. 1994. Sensitive jointvetch streaked with red and the fruit is a Adequate habitat conservation for life history and habitat study, pod, turning dark brown when ripe. this species will only be achieved 1993 Field Season, Mattaponi and through on-site protection of marshes Rappahannock River systems, Life History supporting plant populations when Virginia. Schnabel Environmental The joint-vetch occurs in fresh to coupled with protection of the natural Services. Richmond, Virginia. slightly brackish tidal river systems, ecological processes responsible for within the intertidal zone where creating and maintaining habitat for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. populations are flooded twice daily. the sensitive joint-vetch. 1995. Sensitive joint-vetch It typically occurs at the outer fringe (Aeschynomene virginica) recovery of marshes or shores; its presence What you can do to help plan. Hadley, Massachusetts. in marsh interiors may be a result of Avoid the use of herbicides in or nutrient deficiencies, ice scouring, or near waterways. If you are planning U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service muskrat herbivory. The sensitive joint- construction or stabilization Virginia Field Office vetch is found in localities where plant activities along the shoreline in one 6669 Short Lane diversity is high and annual species of the counties indicated on the Gloucester, Virginia 23061 are prevalent. Bare to sparsely attached map, please contact the 804/693 6694 vegetated substrates appear to be a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. habitat feature of critical importance Federal Relay Service for establishment and growth of this References for the deaf and hard-of-hearing species. flower from July Davison, S.E. and L.P. Bruderle. 1 800/877 8339 through September and into October 1984. Element stewardship abstract in some years. Fruits are produced for Aeschynomene virginica - U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service from July through late October, sensitive joint vetch. The Nature 1 800/344 WILD concurrent with flowering. Conservancy. Arlington, Virginia. http://www.fws.gov

Conservation Hershner, C. and J.E. Perry. 1987. October 2010 The sensitive jointvetch was federally Population status of potentially listed as a threatened species on June threatened vascular plants from 19, 1992. Threats to the species include coastal plain tidal rivers in Virginia. sedimentation, competition from College of William and Mary, nonnative plant species, dams, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, dredging, filling, recreational activities, Gloucester Point, Virginia.