Subspecies is the rank for taxa below species and above variety (Latin varietas). The recommended abbreviation is subsp. though ssp. is also widely used. Variety is the rank for taxa below subspecies and above subvariety, with the latter above form (Latin forma). The recommended abbreviation for variety is var. and for subvariety it is subvar. Ranks below species are referred to as infraspecific names. For example, for the plant Persicaria amphibia var. emersa, the genus name is Persicaria, the specific epithet is amphibia, the rank-denoting term (connecting term) is var. (the abbreviation for variety), and the infraspecific epithet is emersa. Note that the rank-denoting terms subsp. and var. are not italicized in the names.
The subspecies rank applies to plants of a species that are geographically isolated from other plants of the same species, and as a consequence of the separation cannot interbreed, and acquire unique morphological characteristics as they adapt to their local environment. There cannot be a single subspecies of a species. When a subspecies name is validly published, an autonym is created automatically. As an example of an autonym, when the taxon names Epilobium ciliatum subsp. glandulosum and Epilobium ciliatum subsp. watsonii were proposed in 1977 by Hoch and P. H. Raven, then the autonym Epilobium ciliatum subsp. ciliatum was automatically generated.
The variety rank is applied to account for naturally occurring variation of morphological characteristics that occurs within a species.
The form rank, abbreviated f., applies to minor variation within a species, subspecies, or variety.
There are many subspecies, varieties, and forms that have been named for which there is not a consensus by botanists that these names are justified. The intended focus here is on those subspecies, varieties, and forms recognized by the Flora of North America or some other authority.
You can view the flower photos in alphabetical name order (scientific names are used).
The link below provides an index to the subspecies and varieties found outside Putnam Park, mostly along the Chippewa River. Keep in mind that this is a work in progress.
The United States Department of Agriculture maintains a database of flowers for each region of the country. For Eau Claire County the database of subspecies and varieties on record can be found in the following two links. Note that some species found in Putnam Park and surrounding Eau Claire County are not present in the current USDA database.