An exciting botanical discovery was made in Virginia! Minuartia godfreyi—also known as Sabulina paludicola or Godfrey’s sandwort—has been rediscovered in the state for the first time since 1960. This critically imperiled and globally rare species is found only in specialized calcareous wetlands, and is considered potentially extinct in four of the seven states where it historically occurred—including Virginia.
In June of 2025, SGI’s Central Appalachian Grasslands Coordinator, Alaina Krakowiak, made the exciting find: a new population of Minuartia godfreyi thriving in a Virginia wetland. Even more remarkable, this population is large—numbering in the thousands!
This rediscovery offers hope for the species’ future and highlights the importance of continued exploration and conservation of rare ecosystems. SGI will continue studying the site to better understand its unique plant community—and to see what other botanical surprises might be waiting to be found. 🌸🔍
Blog prepared by Dr. Eleanor Lopez, SGI Communications Specialist.