Rounded Global Status Rank: G2 - Imperiled

Reasons: In the United States, Sphenolobopsis pearsonii species is restricted to the the highest peaks in the southern Appalachians of North Carolina and Tennessee. It is believed to be in decline due to the devastation of the southern high elevation fir forests caused by an introduced insect pest (the balsam woolly adelgid). In recent years many of the dominant Fraser firs (Abies fraseri) have died as a result of this pest, causing openings in the forest canopy. Sphenolobopsis pearsonii has not been found in these more open areas. Plants considered to be the same species also occur in Europe.