State Status: SC
Federal Status: none
State Rank: S2
Global Rank: G4
Photo by Corey Raimond
Counties with Mapped NHI Occurrences
Climbing Fumitory (Adlumia fungosa), a Wisconsin Special Concern plant, is found in dry to moist hardwood or coniferous woods, often with a history of burning. It is often found on dolomite and, less commonly, on basalt. Blooming occurs late-June through late-September, fruiting late-July through early-October. The optimal identification period for this species is early-July through early-October.
Fumaria fungosa
Climbing fumitory is a herbaceous vine, 0.5-4m tall. In flower, it can be identified by the combination of its vining habit and dangling flowers. Flowers are white to pale pink to purplish and are 10-17 x 3-7mm, borne in axillary panicles. Fruit pods are 2-valved bearing compressed-globose, lustrous seeds. Leaves are pinnately divided, 3 lobed, 2-13 x 1-8cm. The plant uses the tip of the leaves to climb. The main stem may appear to be absent in first year plants, instead, several ascending, climbing leaves will be present.
Squirrel corn and Dutchman's breeches have similar flowers but do not vine. Corydalis species have similarly shaped leaves but have flowers that are more perpendicular to the stems.
Blooming occurs late-June through late-September, fruiting occurs late-July through early-October.
Biennial. The optimal identification period for this species is early-July through early-October.
Associated species include Acer saccharum, A spicatum, Pinus strobus, Thuja occidentalis, Fagus grandifolia, Betula papyrifera, B allegheniensis, Abies balsamea, Cystopteris bulbifera, Osmorhiza claytonii, Coeloglossum viride, and Sambucus pubens.
Climbing fumitory is found in dry to moist hardwood or coniferous woods with sandy or loamy soils and often with a history of burning. It is often found on dolomite and, less commonly, on basalt.
Avoid known individual plant locations and conduct operations elsewhere when they are least likely to cause damage. Ideally, this would involve frozen, snow-covered ground. However, in areas of the state where frozen conditions are unreliable, very dry soils late in the growing season might be the best available alternative. Consult with a biologist, if needed.
Avoid broadcast spraying of herbicides and use care with spot spraying.
Minimize disturbance to hydrology, including soil disturbance from rutting.
This species is likely sensitive to water quality. Following BMPs around streams and buffering associated drainages will reduce eutrophication and prevent water quality degradation.
Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) are associated with habitats (or natural communities) and places on the landscape. Understanding relationships among SGCN, natural communities and ecological landscapes help us make decisions about issues affecting SGCN and their habitat and how to respond. Download the Wildlife Action Plan association score spreadsheet to explore rare species, natural communities and ecological landscape associations
Conservation actions respond to issues or threats, which adversely affect species of greatest conservation need (SGCN) or their habitats. Besides actions such as restoring wetlands or planting resilient tree species in northern communities, research, surveys and monitoring are also among conservation actions described in the Wisconsin Wildlife Action Plan because lack of information can threaten our ability to successfully preserve and care for natural resources.
