Genetic diversity and distribution of Sarracenia purpurea (Sarraceniaceae) in the western Lake Superior basin

Restoring plant populations requires an understanding of plant morphological adaptation to site locations and population genetic diversity and relatedness. This study examined the genetic and morphological diversity of Sarracenia purpurea L. within the natural fragmentation of western Lake Superior. Populations of S. purpurea were compared among three locations: Isle Royale National Park, the Keweenaw Peninsula, Michigan, USA, and Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada. Analysis of genetic and demographic data showed Canadian populations to be less robust with smaller plant sizes. Canadian populations were also slightly distinct genetically. Overall genetic diversity appears moderate (H = 0.30–0.36) and populations genetically similar. Analysis of molecular variance showed only 3.83% of variation among the three locations (p = 0.0049). Fragmentation did not have a distinguishable effect on genetic diversity and morphological characters but the limestone bedrock geology of the Canadian region may be starting to influence plant morphology and genetic differentiation. This indicates that restoration can take place within the western basin of Lake Superior using a variety of seed sources but regional geology may influence observed plant morphology.