Trailing Woodruff - profile

Indicative distribution

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Key:

known

predicted

The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas. ( click here to see geographic restrictions). The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.

Scientific name: Asperula asthenes

Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable

Commonwealth status: Vulnerable

Profile last updated: 10 May 2022

Description

Trailing Woodruff is a low, trailing perennial herb with leaves in whorls of four around the stem. It has tiny fragrant white star-shaped flowers followed by tiny two-lobed fruit, only 1 mm long.

Distribution

This small herb occurs only in NSW. It is found in scattered locations from the Central Coast (Mandalong area) north to near Kempsey, with several records from the Port Stephens / Karuah / Wallis Lakes area / Forster (including Myall Lakes NP, New England NP, Wallingat NP and Darawnk NR).

Habitat and ecology

Occurs in damp sites, often along river banks.

Regional distribution and habitat

Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.

Threats

Disturbance from grazing stock.
Invasion of habitat by introduced weeds, particularly near watercourses.
Use of herbicides.
Current or potential future land management practices do not support conservation
Water table being raised to reduce acid sulphate discharge as part of a habitat rehabilitation program; effects of this manipulation could potentially be detrimental to the species.

Recovery strategies

Priority actions are the specific, practical things that must be done to recover a threatened species, population or ecological community. The Office of Environment and Heritage has identified 9 priority actions to help recover the Trailing Woodruff in New South Wales.

Activities to assist this species

Retain existing native vegetation including roadsides and remnant stands, and particularly along watercourses.
Fence off areas of known habitat to prevent access by stock.
Protect streamside vegetation.
Limit use of herbicides to areas away from significant native vegetation.
Report any records of Trailing Woodruff to the OEH.

Information sources

Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW (2010) Northern Rivers Regional Biodiversity Management Plan.
James, T.A. and Allen, W.K. (1992) Asperula. Pp. 487-90 in Harden, G.J. (ed.) Flora of New South Wales. Volume 3. (University of New South Wales Press, Kensington)
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) Threatened Species of the Lower North Coast of New South Wales. (NSW NPWS, Hurstville)

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

NSW North Coast	Barrington	Known	None
NSW North Coast	Coffs Coast and Escarpment	Known	None
NSW North Coast	Karuah Manning	Known	None
NSW North Coast	Macleay Hastings	Known	None
NSW North Coast	Upper Manning	Known	None
Sydney Basin	Hunter	Known	None
Sydney Basin	Wyong	Known	None

Images

Illustration, Trailing Woodruff <a href="http://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/" class="linkBlack100" target="_blank">Botanic Gardens Trust</a>

Illustration, Trailing Woodruff Botanic Gardens Trust Image 1 of 2.
View slideshow.

Related information

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