Fassett's locoweed, a federally threatened plant since 1988, is endemic to Wisconsin; the species is found only in Bayfield, Portage and Waushara counties. It is a perennial in the pea family that grows on gentle slopes in sand-gravel shorelines around shallow lakes which are subject to water level fluctuations. The plant depends on the open habitat, above the water line, provided when lake levels are low, and a large seed bank that germinates in this open habitat for long-term population maintenance. It starts to bloom in early May, and flowers can be found through late June, but its presence depends on water level. If water levels are high, the plant may not be present or may not bloom.

There are several threats known to Fassett’s locoweed. Residential development and recreational use around the small lakes where most Fassett’s locoweed populations occur have caused disturbance and destruction of the species’ habitat. Cattle grazing has also degraded the habitat and destroyed plants. Other threats to this species include irrigation of surrounding agricultural lands, which diminishes lake levels by lowering the water table, and pesticide runoff from agricultural and residential areas.

What is being done to prevent extinction of Fassett’s locoweed?

Recovery plan - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service prepared a recovery plan in 1991 that describes actions needed to help this plant survive. Those actions include protecting sites that now support Fassett’s locoweed, providing information to landowners who may have Fassett’s locoweed on their property, and using research results to develop and improve management and protection measures.

Research - Fassett’s locoweed populations have been monitored to determine long-term population trends and to understand habitat and reproductive requirements. Studies on the viability and germination of seeds and the survivability of seedlings have been conducted to understand population structure structure
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Learn more about structure and maintenance.

Habitat protection - The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources owns two state natural areas that support Fassett’s locoweed. Also, the agency has a landowner contact program, and through that program numerous private landowners have voluntarily agreed to protect the plants on their shorelines.

Public education - Presentations are given to school groups, clubs and conservation organizations to educate people about this and other rare plants.