Arnoseris is a monotypic genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae (order Asterales), containing a single known species: Arnoseris minima, commonly called dwarf nipplewort or lamb's succory. The genus is annual and herbaceous, with plants reaching a maximum height of around 30 cm; it does not spread vegetatively.
Arnoseris minima grows as a weed of cornfields and fallow agricultural land, with a strong preference for infertile, sandy, and acidic soils. It is native to Europe, Morocco, and the Middle East, and has become naturalized in parts of northeastern North America, including Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and several US states such as Maine, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan.
The species holds a notable place in British botanical history: it was declared extinct across the British Isles in 1971, the result of agricultural intensification and soil improvement practices that eliminated its characteristic habitat. Reintroduction efforts have been attempted, and at least one recent sighting in England has been recorded.
Etymology
The genus name Arnoseris derives from the Ancient Greek arnos seris, meaning "sheep's endive," reflecting the plant's perceived suitability for livestock rather than human consumption. The common names "lamb's succory" and "lamb-succory" carry the same idea, with "succory" itself an anglicization of the French cichorie (chicory). The species epithet minima is Latin for "smallest" or "very small."
Distribution
Arnoseris minima is native to Europe, Morocco, and the Middle East. It has been naturalized in parts of northeastern North America, with established populations recorded in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Maine, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan.
Ecology
Arnoseris minima is an annual weed of arable land, particularly cornfields and fallow fields. It has a strong preference for infertile, sandy, and acidic soils, a specialization that has made it highly vulnerable to agricultural intensification and soil amendment practices.
Conservation
Arnoseris minima was declared extinct in the British Isles in 1971, making it one of the few plant species to have been lost from the region in the modern era. Its disappearance is attributed to changes in farming practice, particularly the move away from winter-sown arable crops on light soils and the widespread use of soil improvers. Reintroduction efforts have been undertaken, and at least one recent sighting in England suggests the species may persist or have been successfully re-established in a limited area.
