Features: Engelmann's Quillwort (Isoetes engelmannii) is an aquatic fern which grows submerged in shallow water in lakes and rivers. The long, filamentous, spore-bearing leaves can grow to nearly one metre in length.

Status: Endangered Provincially and Nationally

Range: Engelmann's Quillwort is a relatively common species throughout much of its main range in the eastern United States. This range extends from New York state, south to northern Florida and west to Tennessee. In Canada it occurs at only two locations, both in Ontario. It was first located here in the 1970's, and Ontario populations are not genetically distinct from those occurring in the northern United States. Range Maps

Threats: Although there is no evidence for declines in Ontario, current threats to the survival of populations include water pollution and habitat degradation.

Protection: Protection provided by Ontario's Endangered Species Act, 2007, prohibits actions such as killing, harming, possessing, selling or trading of this species. Both Ontario populations occur within provincially designated Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI). Additionally, the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA) protects Engelmann's Quillwort on the federal lands on which it occurs.

For more information on the Engelmann's quillwort, view the fact sheet on the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Species at Risk Website.

Text Sources: Brunton 1992

Last Modified Date: July 2010