CR

kopparmaskros

Taraxacum molybdolepis

Unknown

Overview

Kopparmaskros (Taraxacum molybdolepis) is a rare dandelion species distinguished by its copper-colored flower heads and distinctive molybdenum-tinted bracts that give it its Swedish common name meaning 'copper dandelion'. This perennial herb plays a specialized role in its ecosystem by providing early-season nectar for endemic pollinators and serving as a host plant for several rare microlepidoptera species.

Kopparmaskros (Taraxacum molybdolepis) is critically endangered due to its extremely limited distribution in northern Sweden, where it faces habitat degradation from human activities and climate change. The species is restricted to a few small populations in specialized alpine and subalpine environments that are highly vulnerable to disturbance and environmental changes.

Threat summary

Habitat

Kopparmaskros occurs exclusively in metalliferous soils with high copper and molybdenum content, typically found on exposed mineral outcrops and abandoned mine tailings. The species requires well-drained, alkaline substrates with specific heavy metal concentrations that few other plants can tolerate.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Asteraceae

Taraxacum lissocarpumCR

Taraxacum lissocarpum

Unknown
CR

armfibbla

Hieracium manocolum

Unknown
CR

Salmea umbratilis

Unknown
CR

spenatfibbla

Hieracium daniciforme

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is kopparmaskros classified as Critically Endangered?
kopparmaskros is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Kopparmaskros (Taraxacum molybdolepis) is critically endangered due to its extremely limited distribution in northern Sweden, where it faces habitat degradation from human activities and climate change. The species is restricted to a few small populations in specialized alpine and subalpine environments that are highly vulnerable to disturbance and environmental changes.
Where does kopparmaskros live?
kopparmaskros occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to kopparmaskros?
The main threats to kopparmaskros are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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