Federal status: This is an annual plant that grows in open grassland habitat. This species was listed as endangered in 1988.  However, a Service-contracted, peer-reviewed published study [Maile C. Neel, Ph.D. and James B. Pettengill of the University of Maryland, in their American Journal of Botany (98(5): 859–871. 2011)] and a revised Flora of North America treatment determined that there is insufficient evidence to support the evolutionary distinctiveness of the federally endangered sandplain gerardia, Agalinis?acuta, (range extends from MA to RI) and that it should be synonymized under the presently unlisted ten-lobed foxglove, Agalinis?decemloba (range extends from VA to AL). Several experts have suggested informally that the revised taxon (A. decemloba) is rare and faces many threats. The Service completed a 5-year review of A. acuta in 2019, concluding with a recommendation that delisting is warranted due to insufficient evidence to support the evolutionary distinctiveness of A. acuta, and that the status of A. decemloba be addressed in future work plans. However, after further discussion and coordination, the Service has determined that such a change in taxonomic status and range will require a status review and formal rule-making to determine whether the revised taxon warrants protection under the Act.  We have until the end of FY2022 to make a listing decision. 

Threats: Loss & degradation of habitat caused by increased development, vegetative succession and changing historical disturbance regimes.

Service Actions:

Funding & supporting land managers in the protection, management & establishment of new stable populations; 

Funding of genetic studies in confirming species taxonomy;

Prepared 5 years reviews, a position paper on taxonomy & preparing a Species Status Assessment.  

Published Federal actions completed for this species are listed as follows: