Starting a New Population of Schwalbea americana on a Longleaf Pine Restoration Site in South Carolina

ABSTRACT A new population of federally endangered Schwalbea americana (American chaffseed) was initiated at the state of South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Woods Bay Heritage Preserve, near Turbeville, South Carolina, in 2013–14. Based on improved survival over time, growth to maturity, evidence of reproduction, and size structure similar to that of a nearby natural population, we suggest that the new population has met the initial criteria for success. Persistence and growth of the population will depend on appropriate management in the form of prescribed fire or fire surrogates and, if necessary, continued demographic enhancement in the form of additional plantings.