kopparmaskros
Taraxacum molybdolepis
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.
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
Tracheophyta
Class
Magnoliopsida
Order
Asterales
Family
Asteraceae
Genus
Taraxacum
kopparmaskros belongs to the family Asteraceae, order Asterales, within the Magnoliopsida class.
Species Profile
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.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
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.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
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.
Climate change impacts on alpine habitats
Extremely limited range and small population size
Habitat degradation from human activities
Potential genetic bottlenecks due to small population
Recreational activities and trampling
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). kopparmaskros (Taraxacum molybdolepis). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/kopparmaskros