Most reproduction appears to be clonal in tufts, a condition that would not facilitate recolonization. Less severe damage, not affecting light, moisture, and substrate conditions, may be tolerated by the plants. Searches for new sites should be conducted. Fruit dispersal and seedling establishment are areas where knowledge is incomplete. It grows in swamps on the Coastal Plain exclusive of the Pine Barrens where it is vulnerable to development.
Most populations are small and reproduction appears to be mostly asexual within clonal tufts.
Recovery potential probably would be low for severely degraded habitats because it would be difficult to restore them to a late successional stage. Also the tufted growth form restricts the effectiveness for recolonization of habitats by asexual reproduction. Population sizes should be monitored and searches should be made for new sites. Research needs should focus on the role of sexual reproduction in maintaining viable populations, as well as on fruit dispersal and seedling establishment. Bruederle, L.P. 1990.