Ptilimnium ahlesii Weakley & Nesom. Coastal Bishopweed, Carolina Bishopweed. Phen: May-Jun; Late May-Jul. Hab: Tidal freshwater marshes, often on tip-up mounds, other slight rises, and on floating mats. Dist: This species, recognized but not validly named by H.E. Ahles, ranges from se. NC (Onslow, New Hanover, and Brunswick counties) south through SC to e. GA (McIntosh County). Discovered in AL in 2022 (B. Keener, pers.comm., 2022). Material from coastal marshes elsewhere in our area may represent this species.

Origin/Endemic status: Endemic

Taxonomy Comments: Feist (2010) expressed doubt as to its distinctiveness.

Other Comments: The lowermost leaves (withering prior to fruiting) sometimes lack leaflets and thus approach in appearance the quill-leaves of Harperella nodosa.

Synonymy: = Feist et al (2012), Weakley & Nesom (2004); = Ptilimnium macrospermum – K1, nomen nudum; < Ptilimnium capillaceum (Michx.) Raf. – K3, K4, RAB, Feist (2010)

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Wetland Indicator Status:

• Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain: OBL (taxonomic split from wetland indicator species)
• Great Plains: FACW (taxonomic split from wetland indicator species)
• Midwest: OBL (taxonomic split from wetland indicator species)
• Northcentral & Northeast: OBL (taxonomic split from wetland indicator species)

Heliophily: 9