| Author | J.E. Smith | |
| Distribution | Restricted to the southern Coastal Plain, mainly in coastal counties from Carteret to Brunswick, but scattered inland to Hoke County (in the Sandhills). The Hoke record is from a Carolina Vegetation Survey plot in 1992 and is not vouchered by a specimen; it was found at the MacRidge Impact Area Buffer Zone.
This is a lower Coastal Plain species, ranging north to southeastern NC, and south to southern FL and west only to southern AL. It is thus known from only five states: NC, SC, GA, FL, and AL. | |
| Abundance | Rare, though can be locally numerous (as in Holly Shelter Game Land in Pender County). However, very rare as far inland as Fort Bragg in the Sandhills. This is a Significantly Rare species in the state. The NC NHP database contains roughly 12-13 records, most being extant, though a handful are at sites within the large Holly Shelter Game Land. Thus, their State Rank of S1 may be suitable, though perhaps S1S2 is a better option, as it possibly is being overlooked. | |
| Habitat | This species is strictly limited to savannas, and essentially just the wetter portions. |
| Phenology | Blooms from April to May (and later after a prescribed burn), and fruits from May into June (and later after a burn). | |
| Identification | This is the state's only star-grass (Hypoxis) with filiform (i.e., needle-like) basal leaves. All of the other five species in the state have blade-like or strap-like leaves that are over 2 mm wide as opposed to 1 mm or less wide. Otherwise, it is similar to others, with one or two bright yellow star-shaped flowers on short stems. When working in savannas, especially high quality ones with frequent prescribed burns, be on the lookout for a blooming star-grass, and check the leaves to see if you have this scarce species. | |
| Taxonomic Comments | None
| |
| Other Common Name(s) | Grassleaf Star-grass, Grassleaf Yellow Star-grass | |
| State Rank | S1 [S1S2] | |
| Global Rank | G4? | |
| State Status | SR-P | |
| US Status | | |
| USACE-agcp | FACW link |
| USACE-emp | FACW link |
