Meadow Clary
VU

Meadow Clary

Salvia pratensis

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvia_pratensis

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Meadow Clary faces severe population declines across its European range due to agricultural intensification and the conversion of traditional hay meadows to intensive cropland or pasture. The species is particularly vulnerable to changes in mowing regimes, as it requires specific timing that allows flowering and seed set before cutting. Habitat fragmentation has isolated remaining populations, reducing genetic diversity and limiting natural recolonization of suitable sites.

Threat summary

Habitat

Meadow Clary inhabits traditional hay meadows, chalk downs, and calcareous grasslands across Europe, preferring well-drained soils with moderate fertility. The species thrives in semi-natural grasslands managed through extensive grazing or late-season mowing that maintains the open structure essential for its establishment and flowering.

TERRESTRIAL· majorTERRESTRIAL· major

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CR

Salvia macrostachya

Unknown
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Field WoundwortVU

Field Woundwort

Stachys arvensis

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Meadow Clary classified as Vulnerable?
Meadow Clary is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Meadow Clary faces severe population declines across its European range due to agricultural intensification and the conversion of traditional hay meadows to intensive cropland or pasture. The species is particularly vulnerable to changes in mowing regimes, as it requires specific timing that allows flowering and seed set before cutting. Habitat fragmentation has isolated remaining populations, reducing genetic diversity and limiting natural recolonization of suitable sites.
Where does Meadow Clary live?
Meadow Clary 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 Meadow Clary?
The main threats to Meadow Clary 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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