Amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis of genetic relationships among the serpentine barrens endemic Cerastium velutinum Rafinesque var. villosissimum Pennell (Caryophyllaceae) and closely related Cerastium species

Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) banding patterns were used to examine the genetic relationships among the long-haired barrens chickweed (Cerastium velutinum var. villosissimum), members of the Cerastium arvense complex, and Cerastium species native to Europe. Cerastium velutinum var. villosissimum is genetically similar to the widespread C. velutinum and this association clustered with C. arvense spp. strictum and C. viride. Cerastium fontanum, C. glomeratum, and C. tomentosum, species native to Europe, were distinct from the North American group. Cerastium velutinum var. villosissimum is globally endangered, is genetically more similar to C. velutinum than other members of the North American C. arvense complex and is deserving of conservation efforts.