SafePlants

Wheeler's Sandwort: A Delicate Mountain Dweller

This page provides information about Wheeler's sandwort, a plant found in specific mountainous regions. It is essential to note that plant information is constantly evolving, and further research may reveal new insights.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant is described as a subshrub or forb/herb, suggesting it could be accessible to pets in a garden setting.

Considerations for Children

• As a subshrub or forb/herb, the plant could be within reach of children.

Scientific Name and Common Names

• Scientific Name: Arenaria congesta Nutt. var. wheelerensis Maguire
• Common Names: Wheeler's sandwort, Mt. Wheeler sandwort, Ballhead sandwort, Loosehead sandwort, Rock-loving sandwort

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Caryophyllaceae (Pink Family or Carnation Family)
• Synonyms:
  • Arenaria congesta var. simulans Maguire
  • Eremogone congesta var. wheelerensis

Distribution and Habitat

• Endemic to the Snake and Ruby Ranges in subalpine and alpine areas.
• Found on Mt. Wheeler and Mt. Washington, growing exclusively on limestone on Mt. Washington.
• Also found in Nevada and Utah.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Grows as a subshrub or forb/herb.
• It is a perennial plant.
• During the summer, it isn't evergreen and assumes a white coloring.

Ecological Role

• There is a mention of "Lodgepole pine-whitebark pine-western white pine/sandwort" with other understory plants, indicating a specific plant community relationship.

Quirky Facts

• The Wheeler's sandwort isn't an evergreen during the summer it assumes a white coloring the adult species are medium in size.

Associated Species

• It grows alongside species like Wheeler's bluegrass, Idaho fescue, and Ross' sedge in certain habitats.
• Other plants that have been observed growing in the same areas as Wheeler's sandwort are Fendler's sandwort and Wheeler's wallflower.

Further Information

• United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
• Nevada Natural Heritage Program (NNHP)