BLM LIBRARY
88069655
THREA TENED
AND ENDANGERED PLANTS
OF NE VADA
An Illustrated Manual
As the Nation’s principal conservation agency, t'ne Department of the Interior has responsibility for most of our nationally owned public lands and natural res >urces. This includes fostering the wisest use of our land and water resources, protecting our hsh and wildlife, preserv¬ ing the environmental and cultural values of our national parks and historical places, and providing for the enjoyment of life through out¬ door recreation. The Department assesses our energy and mineral resources and works to assure that their development is in the best interests of all our people. The Department also has a major responsi¬ bility for American Indian reservation communities and for people who live in island territories under U.S. administration.
THE AUTHORS
Hugh N. Mozingo — Professor of Biology, Curator of the Herbarium, Agricultural
Experiment Station, Max C. Fleischmann College of Agriculture, University of Nevada, Reno 89557
Margaret Williams — Executive Director, Northern Nevada Native Plant Society,
Box 8965, Reno 89507
This volume should be cited in the literature as follows:
Mozingo, Hugh N. and Margaret Williams. 1980. Threatened and endangered plants of Nevada.
Includes index.
1. Botany - Nevada - Endangered species.
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9
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THREA TENED
AND ENDANGERED PLANTS
Q.C
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OF NE VADA
An Illustrated Manual
submitted to
|
U.S. Fish 8c Wildlife Service 500 NE Multnomah Street |
and the |
U.S. Bureau of Land Management Nevada State Office |
|
Portland, Oregon 97232 |
by |
300 Booth Street Reno, Nevada 89509 |
Hugh N. Mozingo
and
Margaret Williams
funded by
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Bureau of Land Management
BLM Library
Bldq. 50
May, 1980 Denver Federal Cent©*'
P.O. Box 25047 Denver, Colorado 6022b
Cover Castilleja salsuginosa
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page
Introduction . i
Map of the Counties of Nevada . iv
Plants Fully Discussed and Illustrated . 1
Appendix A--Endangered Plants not Illustrated . . 2^0
Appendix B--Plants on the Watch List . 24 1
Appendix C--Deleted Plants . 251
Habitats and Associations . 253
References . 257
Glossary Illustrations . 259
Glossary . 260
Index . 263
INTRODUCTION
With the passage of the Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973, consider¬ able impetus was given to raising the general level of consciousness and concern over the rapidly dwindling populations of rare plants and animals both in this country and abroad. This manual is a direct consequence of that concern evinced by a variety of individuals and agencies in the state of Nevada.
Three T/E (threatened and endangered) plant workshops have been held in Reno. The first of these, in February 1978 under the leadership of Duane At¬ wood, was sponsored by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Man¬ agement, the US Forest Service, and the Northern Nevada Native Plant Society.
The later sessions were under the sponsorship of the Northern Nevada Native Plant Society. These sessions involved the active participation of representa¬ tives from federal and state agencies as well as professional and amateur bot¬ anists familiar with our regional vegetation. The workshops provided essential contacts between the large number of field workers who have been active in at¬ tempting to understand the state's vegetation and those interested in collating and organizing this information in a form which could be readily disseminated.
It is evident that there has been a dramatic increase in our knowledge of many rarer species, particularly in terms of a better understanding of habitats and associated species, as well as improved distribution records which were a di¬ rect consequence of the workshops. A large measure of the credit for the suc¬ cess of the latter two meetings must go to Ann Pinzl, Curator of Biology at the Nevada State Museum, Carson City, who organized and chaired these sessions and attended to the plethora of details needed to make them run efficiently.
Increased information has meant that the acknowledged status of many spe¬ cies has changed abruptly over the past several years. Many previously regarded as endangered are now thought to be only threatened, some have been deleted from our concern for one reason or another, while many others have been added to the list of species under consideration in Nevada. However, as perusal of the manu¬ al will show, there is still a great paucity of information about most of our uncommon species. So much so, in fact, that this effort must be regarded only as an interim document designed primarily to assist field workers in their ef¬ forts to learn more about Nevada's plants.
The authors' original intention was to illustrate and describe only the threatened and endangered plant species and to briefly treat the others, which for various reasons did not merit the full treatment, in a supplementary section. However, during the approximately eighteen months the manual was in progress, it became apparent that this was a virtually impossible goal. The recommended status of many species changed as a result of additional explorations, altered taxonom¬ ic views, and the discovery of mistakes in the original and subsequent listing of T/E snecies for the state. Unavoidably, then, this manual includes a full treatment for some plants which have been reduced to the watch list while a few recently recognized T/E forms are not fully treated either because the actual specimens were not available or because they constitute new taxa which had not been described in time for inclusion. Rather arbitrarily, we decided to include the full treatment of those plants for which the illustrations had already been prepared, even though some of these have now been deleted from consideration as recommended threatened or endangered plants. We felt that even the deleted forms are still relatively uncommon plants and the uniqueness of the illustrations for these would be of scientific value and of some interest. It should be added
that our characterization under "STATUS" is, however, only a recommendation and is based UDon the latest information available at the time the manual went to press .
Although our categories of threatened, endangered, etc. are not yet offi¬ cially recognized on the federal level for any Nevada plants, the State of Ne¬ vada Division of Forestry within its jurisdiction provided by NRS 527-270 vali¬ dated a list of 1 8 plants, 14 Feb 1979, as threatened with extinction. Also, under "STATUS," the abbreviation "1975 FR" refers to the Federal Register of 1 July 1975 which was a notice of review of status of over 3,000 vascular plants proposed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. "1976 FR" refers to the Federal Register of 16 June 1976 which listed proposed endangered status for some 1,700 vascular plant taxa, however, this expired on 10 November 1979.
Plants which are not considered to be immediately threatened or endangered, but which need to be monitored have been placed on a "watch list." Such a list has been termed in various ways, including a list of plants of special concern or sensitive plants. Although many of these plants have been consid¬ ered at all the T/E workshops held in Reno, only the most recent recommenda¬ tions from these workshops are listed. New information has been received re¬ cently for a few taxa and our recommended status for these differs from that recommended at the workshops. We have indicated our recommendation by follow¬ ing it with our names in parentheses, i.e., (Mozingo and Williams).
Under "LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT," the following abbreviations are used for federal agencies: BLM - Bureau of Land Management, D0D - Department of Defense, DOE - Department of Energy, USFS - US Forest Service, and USFWS - US Fish and Wildlife Service.
Probably the most difficult category to assess properly is that of "THREATS, given the low level of development of most of the State's acreage and our inabil¬ ity to predict even the immediate future. On this score, particularly trouble¬ some is the lack of data which would allow us to assess even crudely the impact of the proposed MX system of the US Air Force on a significant portion of the State's flora. The authors, however, believe that enough information is avail¬ able to categorically state that the MX system as presently envisaged will be a disaster for much of the State's flora, although it is impossible to say at this time which specie^ will be most jeopardized.
A manual such as this obviously depends on the efforts of a large number of people. Several have contributed in such significant measure that our task would have been much more difficult, if not impossible, without their help. We are es¬ pecially grateful to Ann Pinzl, who in her capacity as Curator of Biology at the Nevada State Museum has used her office as a clearing house for all of the distri bution records for T/E species in the State. We depended quite heavily on the routine transmissions from her files, as well as the workshops, mentioned earlier which she organized. In addition, Ann contributed most of the land ownership/ management data included in the manual.
The sustained interest, advice, and sponsorship of Janet Hohn of the USFWS and particularly her patience with our sometimes meandering efforts are directly responsible for this manual which began as her idea. Her expert guidance in the preparation of the manuscript resolved many of our problems which otherwise might have proved insuperable. We are particularly indebted and grateful to her for making this manual possible.
Completion of this work occurred through the interest and support of Don Spalinger of the BLM. We especially appreciate his useful suggestions. With the added funds provided by the Bureau, continuation of this work was assured.
We are also very grateful to Joseph Dowhan of the Sacramento office of the USFWS . He has been of significant help in resolving many of the problems we encountered.
Many people devoted time to checking plant identifications and illustra¬ tions. Particularly outstanding in this regard was the contribution of Rupert Barneby and James Reveal. The opportunity to have our material checked by two such eminent botanists cannot help but enhance the value of our work. We are especially appreciative of their help.
We believe that there can be little argument with the thesis that the value of a manual such as this depends largely upon the number and quality of its illustrations. Much of what we have said about T/E plants is subject to dispute and inevitably much will change. But the quality and value of a good scientific illustration always endures. We feel extremely fortunate in having been able to enlist the services of two of this country's foremost botanical illustrators for this work, Jeanne R. Janish and Peggy Duke. The efforts of both of these very talented artists accomplishes the very difficult twin goals of scientific exactness and aesthetic satisfaction. Any permanent value which this work may have will be due exclusively to the beauty and accuracy of its i 1 1 us t rat i ons .
Along this same line we are indebted to W.G. D'Arcy of the Missouri Bo¬ tanical Garden for permission to use the drawing of Oryetes nevadensis which was prepared by Yevonn L. Wilson. We are grateful to Stanley Welsh and Kaye Thorne for permission to use her drawing of Soleroaactus pubispdnus from the Illustrated Manual of Proposed Endangered and Threatened Plants of Utah. One of our illustrations is over 100 years old, the drawing of Astragalus ptero- carpus taken from Watson, "Botany." In: King ( 1 8 7 1 ) -
We are both very grateful to Loring Williams who acted as liason for everything from running messages back and forth between the authors, to mount¬ ing and mailing specimens, visiting the printer, and helping to host visiting botanists. His efforts helped considerably to allow this work to be completed on schedule.
Finally, there is a long list of people who contributed generously in various ways to the preparation of this work. We feel that at the very least we should list their names as a sign of our gratitude. We hope that we have remembered everyone, if we did not, then our apologies are humbly proffered. The length of the following list indicates the degree to which this manual is really the consequence of the efforts of a very large number of devoted workers: Tom Ackerman, Duane Atwood, Janice Beatley, Laurie Birdsey, C. Rose Broome, Susan Cochrane, Lincoln Constance, Alva Day, Mark Dimmitt, Julie Elf- ving, Barbara Ertter, Kenneth Genz, Sherel Goodrich, B.F. Harrison, Ronald L. Hartman, Lawrence Heckard, Douglas Henderson, L.C. Higgins, James Holland,
Mary Holliday, Arthur Holmgren, Patricia Holmgren, Noel Holmgren, L.E. Horton, Alice Howard, J.T. Howell, Pat Lott, Emily McPherson, Wesley Niles, Patricia Packard, W. Robert Powell, Reed Rollins, Leila Shultz, Kaye Thorne, Arnold Tiehm, Gordon H. True, Jr., Stanley Welsh, Lynnette Wise, Stephen L. Wil¬ liams, and Michael Yoder-Wi 1 1 i ams .
Undoubtedly, despite our best efforts we may have made mistakes. We would appreciate our readers calling our attention to any they find, it may hurt our egos, but that is not as bad as continued ignorancel Also, we would be grateful for any new information which our readers will share with us.
0 0 0
V'l'L
COUNTIES OF NEVADA
iv
PLANTS FULLY DLS CUSSED AND ILLUSTRATED
The plants which are fully discussed and illustrated belong to the
|
fol lowing fami lies. Within each fami 1 y , |
The arrangement generic names are |
is alphabetical by fami 1 also arranged alphabe'ti |
y names, cal 1 y . |
|
page |
page |
||
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AGAVACEAE . |
. 2 |
LOASACEAE . |
. 162 |
|
APIACEAE . |
. A |
MALVACEAE . |
. 164 |
|
ASCLEP 1 ADACEAE .... |
. 10 |
OLEACEAE . |
. 166 |
|
ASTERACEAE . |
. 12 |
ONAGRACEAE . |
. 168 |
|
BORAGINACEAE . |
. 36 |
PAPAVERACEAE . |
. 170 |
|
BRASS ICACEAE . |
. 46 |
P0LEM0N 1 ACEAE .... |
. 174 |
|
CACTACEAE . |
. 66 |
P0LYG0NACEAE . |
. 178 |
|
CARYOPHYLLACEAE . . . |
. 74 |
PORTULACACEAE .... |
. 196 |
|
CROSSOSOMATACEAE . . , |
. 82 |
PRIMULACEAE . |
. 198 |
|
EUPHORB 1 ACEAE . |
. 84 |
ROSACEAE . |
. 202 |
|
FABACEAE . . |
. 86 |
RUB 1 ACEAE . |
. 206 |
|
GENT 1 ANACEAE . |
. ... 144 |
SCROPHULAR 1 ACEAE . |
. 208 |
|
HYDROCHAR ITACEAE ... |
. ... 150 |
SELAGINELLACEAE .. |
. 234 |
|
HYDROPHYLLACEAE .... |
. ... 152 |
SOLANACEAE . |
. 236 |
|
L 1 L 1 ACEAE . |
. . . . 160 |
VIOLACEAE . |
. 238 |
1
AGAVE UTAHENSIS var. EBORISPINA
2
AGAVE UTAHENSIS Engelm. var. EBORISPINA (Hester) Breitung
Ivory Spined Utah Agave
FAM I LY : Agavaceae -- Agave Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Agave utahensis var. eborispina (Hester) Breitung, Cac¬ tus and Succulent Journal (U.S.), 32:22. 1 960 . Synonym: A. eborispina Hester, Cactus and Succulent Journal (U.S.), 15:131. 19*0. Type: Hester, Sheep Range, Clark County, NV, 22 July 19*t2. The long Ivory spines on the leaves give this species its common name and its varietal name.
DESCR I PT I ON: Stemless plants, usually clustered with rosettes of fleshy, semi¬ rigid glaucous leaves 1 . 5 to 6 dm (6 to 2*4 in) long and 2 to 3-5 cm (0.8 to 1 . *4 in) wide. The margins have 3 to 5 barbs on each side and the terminal spine is 10 to 20 cm (*4 to 8 in) long and typically curved inward.
Inflorescence stalks are characteristically and 5 to 7 cm (2 to 3 in) wide at the base, with six perianth segments from 1 to 1.3 cm
2.5 to 3.5 m (8 to 11.5 ft) tall The numerous flowers are yellow, 1 ong .
The mature fruit is 3 loculed and 1 to 1.4 cm in diameter and 2 to 3 cm (0.8 to 1.2 in) long and produces many thin, flat, black, and shining seeds approx¬ imately 2 to *4 mm long.
This variety of Agave is distinguished from related varieties by the very long terminal spines on the leaves, but, in reality, this feature is quite variable.
Flowering in May and June.
HABITAT: Exposed outcrops or ridges of limestone mountain ranges; occasional¬
ly on quartzite. Associated plants: sagebrush-p i nyon-j un i per ;
Atriplex eonferti folia, Coleogyne vamosissima 3 Gutierrezia miorooephala _, and Perityle megalooephala var. intrioata. Elevation: 1160-2590 m (38OO-85OO ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Clark, Lincoln, and Nye counties, Nevada. Inyo County,
Cal i forn i a .
STATUS : Threatened (1975 FR) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 9 Feb 1979); watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 November 1979).
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM , DOE (Nevada Test Site), State of Nevada, and
USFWS .
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Private and commercial collectors. Bighorn
sheep eat the flowering stalks. Insect pre¬ dation. Proposed MX system.
REMARKS : This Agave is not common at any one place, but it is widely distri¬ buted so its existence is not believed to be threatened at this time. However, this status may change if the MX becomes a reality. Known populations should be monitored.
3
ANGELICA SCABRIDA Clokey & Mathias Charleston Angelica
FAM 1 LY : Apiaceae (Umbel 1 i ferae) -- Carrot Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Angelica scabrida Clokey & Mathias, Southern Cali¬ fornia Academy of Sciences Bulletin, 37:8. 1938.
Type: I.W. and C.B. Clokey, Charleston (Spring) mountains, Clark County,
Nevada, 2200-2400 m, 4 August 1935. The specific name, scabrida , refers to the fact that various of the plant parts are scabrous or rough to the touch .
DESCR I PT I ON : A tall, a 1 ternate- 1 eaved perennial up to 15 dm (60 in) tall.
The pubescent stems bear large basal leaves that are pinnate with 9 leaflets arranged in groups of 3- Individual leaflets are lanceo¬ late to ovate-lanceolate and 8 to 16 cm (3 to 6 in) long, and are never pu¬ bescent. Each of the teeth around the edge of the leaflets bears a small spine at the tip. Occasionally the leaves bear only obscure teeth. The petiole of each leaf is expanded into a sheath at the base which encloses the stem.
Flowers are borne in an umbel with 25 to 32 major stalks of unequal length from 1 to 7-5 cm (0.4 to 3 in) long. Each of these stalks in turn supports an umbel let with about 40 flowers on individual stalks 2 to 12 mm long. A single sheath-like bract sometimes occurs below the juncture of the major stalks in the umbel and the umbel lets are occasionally subtended by a lin¬ ear bract. Individual pedicels and the major stalks are rough to the touch.
The white flowers are succeeded by indistinctly ribbed, flattened fruits which are either rough or smooth at maturity and 8 to 14 mm long with nar¬ row wi ngs .
Angelica breweri Gray is similar but has petals which are pubescent on the outside and densely pubescent ovaries whereas those of A. scabrida are at most roughened.
Flowering in July and August.
HAB I TAT : In gravelly washes and on hillsides. Associated plants: Pinus ponderosa var. scopulornm3 Cercocarpus ledifolius3 and Populus tremuloides . Elevation: 1315-2560 m (4320-8400 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Clark County, Nevada.
STATUS : Threatened (1975 PP) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979) -
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM , State of Nevada, USFS, and private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Disturbance of the habitat by users of the
recreation area where Angelica scabrida is found. Proposed MX system (indirectly).
REMARKS : The expanding population in the Las Vegas area will increase the impact on the plants in the Spring Mountains.
5
6
CYMOPTERUS BASALTICUS M.E. Jones Basalt Spring Parsley
FAM I LY : Apiaceae (Umbe 1 1 i ferae) -- Carrot Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Cymopterus basaltious M.E. Jones, Contributions to West¬ ern Botany, 12:16. 1908. Synonyms: Coriophyllus basal¬ tious (Jones) Rydb., Flora of the Rocky Mountains, 620. 1917- Aulospermum ba- saltioum (Jones) Tidestrom, Contributions from the National Herbarium, 25:397* 1925. Type: Jones, Beaver County, Utah, 7000 ft, 15 May 1906. The specific name, basaltious, was chosen because this species was found growing in crevices of nearly bare basaltic rocks.
DESCR I PT I ON : A perennial producing little or no stem from a thick tap root.
The leaves are 5 to 7 cm (2 to 2.8 in) long and three to five lobed, and somewhat kidney shaped or oblong in outline.
The flowering stem is 6 to 12 cm (2. A to 4.8 in) high, glabrous, and has a bluish waxy bloom throughout. The umbel has several rays and an involucre which is absent or composed of one or two linear bracts. The clusters of yel¬ low or purplish flowers are subtended by several conspicuous linear to obovate bracts about the same length or longer than the flowers.
The ovate fruit i s 3 to 5 mm long and has well developed wings.
The common Cymopterus purpurasoens (Gray) M.E. Jones can easily be separated from this species by the former's conspicuous involucre of white bracts. C. aoaulis (Pursh) Raf. has more finely dissected leaves and white flowers.
Flowering in May.
HABITAT : Bare basaltic rocks; sterile clay hills. Associated plants: pinyon-
j uni per, Artemisia tridentata3 A. spinesoens 3 Hermidium alipes3 and Penstemon dolius. Elevation: 1770-2135 m (5800-7000 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: White Pine County, Nevada. Utah.
STATUS : Threatened (1975 FP) watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979) - LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: USFS.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Proposed MX system.
REMARKS : As far as is known, this taxon has only been collected once in Nevada.
7
CYMOPTERUS NIVALIS
8
CYMOPTERUS NIVALIS S. Wats.
Snowy Spring Parsley
FAM I LY : Apiaceae (Umbel 1 i ferae) -- Carrot Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Cymopterus nivalis S. Watson, "Botany," p. 123. In:
C. King, Report of the geological explorations of the Fortieth Parallel. Vol . 5- 1871. Type: Watson, East Humboldt Mountains, Elko County, Nevada, 9000 ft, July 1868. The specific name, nivalis } means snowy and refers possibly to the snow covered mountains where this species was found or to the white flowers of the plants.
DESCR I PT I ON : A stemless perennial developing from a long, slender taproot with once or twice pinnate leaves 1 . 5 to 5 cm (0.6 to 2 in), pubescent with small hairs, and with the small leaf segments linear to ovate and 1 to 10 mm long.
The inflorescence stalks exceed the leaves and are 4 to 10 cm (1.6 to 4 in) long supporting a condensed flowered umbel. There are no bracts at the base of the main umbel and the main rays are less than 5 mm long. The flowers are white or sometimes pinkish.
The fruit produces a thin wing on either side.
The compact, condensed flowering umbel, white flowers, and small size readi¬ ly distinguishes this from other members of the Carrot Family found in the same area. C. nivalis can be separated from the related C. bipinnatus S. Wats, by the latter's larger size, leaves tending to be three times pinnate, and the main rays of the umbel frequently longer than 5 mm. C. humboldten- sis Jones, which grows in the same general area, is a larger, glabrous plant. Although the original description of C. nivalis refers to white flowers, Idaho plants have recently been characterized as having yellow flowers. The drawing was prepared from Idaho plants.
Flowering in July.
HAB I TAT : Dry, rocky sites in subalpine and alpine zones; possibly on lime¬ stone. Associated plants: not known. Elevation: 2745“ 3520 m (9,000-11,550 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Elko County, Nevada. Idaho and Montana.
STATUS : Endangered (1975 and 1976 FR) ; endangered (Reno T/E Workshop, 9 Feb
1979); threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979); watch list (Mo- zi ngo and Willi ams) .
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: USFS.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: None known.
REMARKS : Cymopterus nivalis is only known in Nevada from the type collection by Watson. It was incorrectly reported from a collection made in the Toquima Range in Nye County. It has been searched for superficially, but unsuccessfully, in the East Humboldt Range and in the Ruby Mountains.
9
ASCLEP IAS EASTWOOD I A NA
10
ASCLEP IAS EASTWOOD I ANA Barneby Eastwood Milkweed
FAM I LY : Asc 1 ep I adaceae -- Milkweed Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Aseiepias eastttoodiana Barneby, Leaflets of West¬ ern Botany, 4:210. 1945. Type: Ripley and Barne¬ by, Reese River Valley, Lander County, Nevada, 5800 ft, 11 June 1944.
This species was named in honor of Miss Alice Eastwood.
DESCR I PT I ON: A low and few stemmed perennial from a woody caudex. The sparsely pubescent leaves are wh i te-c i 1 iate margined. The characteristic flexuous stems are 1 to 2 dm (4 to 8 in) long and sparsely pubescent. The basal leaves are broadly ovate to nearly circular and 1 to 3 cm (0.4 to 1.2 in) long. The stem leaves are 2.5 to 4.5 cm (1 to 1.8 in) long and ovate-acuminate while the upper-most leaves are lanceolate-acumin¬ ate and nearly sessile.
The lateral or occasional terminal umbels bear 6 to 1 1 flowers. Individual pedicels are filiform, erect, and 1.5 to 2 cm (0.6 to 0.8 in) long and some¬ what purplish. Calyx teeth are narrow and ovate-acute, ciliate pubescent, and 2 to 3 mm long. The petals are purplish-violet with thin membranous marg i ns .
The fruits are spindle shaped, pendulous, and about 7 cm long. They are glabrous to very lightly pubescent. (This description and the drawing were taken from an immature fruit.)
The species differs from the closely related AsoZepias invoZuerata Engelm. by its purple flowers and broad basal leaves. From 71. ruthiae Maguire it may be distinguished by the former's characteristically terminal inflor¬ escence and dense pubescence.
Flowering in late May and June.
HAB I TAT : Low alkaline clay hills, or shallow, gravelly drainages, usually growing apart from other plants: Associated plants: AtripZex oonfertifoZia3 Saraobatus vermieuZatus 3 Tetradymia gZabrata3 Artemisia spi- neseens3 and Kochia amerieana. Elevation: 1615-2105 m (5300-6900 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Esmeralda, Lander, and Nye counties, Nevada.
STATUS : Endangered (1975 and 1976 FR) ; endangered (Reno T/E Workshop, 25 Feb 1978); threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979) -
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM , D0D (Nellis AFB Bombing and Gunnery Range),
DOE (Tonopah Test Range), and USFS.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: system.
Predation by animals or insects. Habitat destruction by construction. Proposed MX
REMARKS : Although this milkweed is now known from many locations, it is
not abundant at any one site and it does not appear to be repro¬ ducing well. Few flowers develop seed pods.
11
ANTENNAR I A ARCUATA
A.aUlU/i hh /
\m\tw'///
\ ‘oty. s \ \ . : >• :< • < : f
i t
V/f
12
ANTENNAR I A ARCUATA Cronquist Arching Pussytoes
FAM I LY : Asteraceae (Compositae) -- Sunflower Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Antennavia avouata Cronquist, Leaflets of Western Bot¬ any, 6:41. 1950. Type: Christ, Blaine Co., ID. 1946. The stolons are curved like a bow, hence the common name and the specific name, avouata.
DESCRIPTION: A loosely white-woolly perennial with conspicuous arching stolons each of which roots late in the season and produces a short-lived plant with a single erect flowering stem 3 to 4 dm (12 to 16 in) tall. The few basal leaves are oblanceolate and not persistent and average several cm long. The numerous stem leaves are narrow and gradually reduced upward.
The flowering heads are moderately numerous and aggregated in a terminal clus¬ ter. The involucre is about 5 mm high and tomentose below. Individual bracts are whitish and minutely lined at the apices. The flower heads of male plants are about 5 mm high by 3 to 3-5 mm wide, while those of the female plants are taller and narrower (5 to 7 mm high by 2.5 mm wide). The involucral bracts of the male heads are obovate, rounded at the apex, and average A mm long by 1.4 mm wide. Those of the female plants are narrowly obovate, acute, and about 6 mm long by 1 mm wide. The corolla of the male flowers is proportionately wider and shorter than that of the female. The pappus hairs are flexuous and some¬ what clavate at the tip in the male, while the female has relatively straight and finer capillary hairs.
Taxonomi ca 1 1 y , this species is quite distinct from any other Antennavia. The arching stolons are very short early in the season, but lengthen up to 10 cm (4 in), these are the most distinctive and unique character of the species.
Flowering in July and August.
HAB I TAT : At the edge of wild hay meadows in areas that are not permanently wet Associated plants: Potentilla gvaoilis3 Desohampsia eaespitosa3 An¬ tennavia vosea3 Sisyvinchivtm douglasii3 Aohillea millefolium 3 and Junous sp. Antennavia stenophylla grew nearby in drier soil. Elevation: 1600-1950 m (5250-6400 ft) .
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Elko County, Nevada. Idaho, Oregon, and Wyoming.
STATUS : Endangered (1975 and 1976 FE) ; endangered (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov
1979); threatened (Mozingo and Williams).
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: Private and possibly USFS.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Plowing and reseeding of the meadows.
REMARKS : Antennavia avouata has survived for many years in meadows in Nevada
in spite of cattle grazing and the mowing of the meadows for wild hay However, this species has been rarely collected and is unique in its genus and for those reasons should be protected.
13
ANTENNAR I A SOLICEPS
H
A NT E NNAR ! A SOLICEPS Blake Charleston Pussytoes
FAM I LY : Asteraceae (Compos itae) -- Sunflower Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Antennaria solioeps Blake, Proceedings of the Biological
Society of Washington, 51:7. 1938. Type: Clokey and Bean, Charleston (Spring) Mountains, Clark Co., NV, 3350 m, 8 July 1937. The specific name, solioeps , refers to the solitary heads of these plants.
DESCR I PT I ON: A tufted perennial forming mats to 45 cm (18 in) wide with short, prostrate stolons. The basal leaves are spatu 1 ate-obovate and 6 to 9 mm long and densely white-pubescent. The young leaves on the stolons and sometimes at the base of the stem are much less pubescent. The stem leaves are 5 to 8 mm long and only 1 to 2 mm wide.
The mature flowering heads are 8 to 10 mm high and bear about 60 flowers sur¬ rounded by involucral bracts, the outermost of which have a conspicuous blackish- brown spot. The pappus on the 1.5 mm achenes is white and about 6 mm long.
The main distinguishing feature which separates this species from most other antennarias is the large and solitary head on each flowering stalk. The common A. dimorpha (Nutt.) T.sG. which also has solitary heads can be separated by its lack of stolons, much larger leaves, and involucral bracts which are dingy-brown but lack the conspicuous blackish-brown spot of A. solioeps .
Flowering in July and August.
HABITAT : Timbered mountain meadows, open scree slopes, and north facing cliffs.
Associated plants: Pinus longaeva, Draba jaegeri3 Sphaevomevia oom- paota3 and Ivesia oryptooaulis . Elevation: 2670-3520 m (8760-11,550 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Clark County, Nevada.
STATUS: Threatened (1975 FP) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 November 1979). LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: USFS and possibly private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Free roaming horses and foot-traffic on unstable
slopes. Proposed MX system (indirectly).
REMARKS : The expanding population in southern Nevada will increase the impact on plants in the Spring Mountains.
15
ARTEMISIA PAPPOSA
16
ARTEMISIA PAPPOSA Blake & Cronquist Fuzzy Sandwort
FAM I LY : Asteraceae (Compositae) -- Sunflower Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Artemisia papposa Blake & Cronquist, Leaflets of West¬ ern Botany, 6:43- 1950. Type: Maguire and Holmgren,
Owyhee County, Idaho, 7 June 1946. The seeds of this species have a minute pappus (fuzz), hence the common name and the specific name, papposa.
DESCR I PT I ON : A low shrubby plant with short, leafy branches and flowering stems to 20 cm (8 in) tall. The leaves are 1 to 3 cm (0.4 to 1.2 in) long, three or more lobed at the apex and pubescent with spreading or appressed, somewhat tangled short hairs. Some stem leaves are occasionally un 1 obed .
The inflorescence bears 4 to 10 heads. The achenes have a crown consisting of a short irregularly toothed membrane with some of the teeth drawn out into hairs.
The short habit and irregularly multilobed leaves easily separate this species vegetatively from any other artemisias found in the area. Additionally, the presence of a minute, but definite pappus membrane on the achene separates this from any other known species of Artemisia.
Flowering in May and June.
HAB I TAT : Open places; sometimes on alkaline flats; or on thin, stony, mineral soil at the edge of mountain meadows; moist early in the season, drying later. Associated plants: Haplopappus Zanceolatus, Navarretia propin- qua} Orthoearpus hisvidus , and Madia exigua } surrounded by Artemisia sp. Ele¬ vation: 1130-2010 m (3700-6600 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Elko County, Nevada. Idaho and Oregon.
STATUS : Threatened (1975 FT?) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 November 1979). LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: USFS and private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Cattle grazing. Range improvements such as
reseed i ng .
REMARKS : An effort should be made to determine the full range of Artemisia papposa.
17
BRICKELLIA KNAPPIANA
BRICKELLIA KNAPP I ANA E. Drew Knapp Brickellia
FAM I LY : Asteraceae (Compos itae) -- Sunflower Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: BrickeZZia knappiana E. Drew, Pittonia, 1 : 2 60 . 1888.
Synonym: CoZeosanthus knappianus Greene, Erythrea,
1:54. 1893- Type: Knapp, San Bernardino Co., CA, 1888. This species is named for M.A. Knapp who collected the type specimen.
DESCRIPTION: A slender shrub with willow-like branches which reaches a
height of 1 to 2 m (40 to 80 in). The bark is smooth, white, and tends to become shredded on older stems. The lanceolate or narrow- ovate leaves are 2.5 to 3-5 cm (1 to 1.4 in) long, on petioles which are 4 to 5 mm long. The leaves grade from sharply toothed to nearly entire, particularly in the upper parts of the plant.
The flowering heads have only three to seven flowers which are white to light pink. The involucral bracts number about 20 and are minutely pubes¬ cent .
The willow-like aspect of this shrub is an immediate distinguishing charac¬ teristic, as are the relatively few flowers in the head. Other brickellias generally have 8 to 26 flowers in each head. From BviokeZZia muZtifZora Kell, it can be separated by its pubescent rather than glabrous aspect and by the consistently entire leaves of B. muZtifZova.
Flowering in the autumn.
HAB I TAT : Rocky slopes; canyon walls. Associated plants: Sonoran zone;
Atv'LpZex oonfevt'ifoZia. Elevation: 760-1340 m (2500-4400 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Clark Co., NV . Inyo and San Bernardino cos., CA.
STATUS : Threatened (1975 FR) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979); watch list (Mozingo and Williams).
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM and USFWS.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: None known.
REMARKS : A concerted effort should be made to determine the full range,
distribution, and threats, if any, to this rare taxon which is only known from two collections in Nevada. It is more common in California.
19
ENCELIOPSIS NUDICAULIS var. CORRUGATA
20
ENCEL I OPS I S NUD I CAUL I S (Gray) A. Nels. var. CORRUGATA Cronq.
Ash Meadows Sunray
FAM I LY : Asteraceae (Compositae) -- Sunflower Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Enoeliopsis nudicaulis var. oorrugata Cronq., Bul¬ letin of the Torrey Botanical Club, 99:246. 1972.
Type: Cronquist, Ash Meadows, Nye County, Nevada, 730 m, 20 April 1966. Earlier collections had been made by Beatley, Reveal, and others. The varietal name, oovvugata, refers to its strongly ruf f 1 ed-corrugate leaves.
DESCRIPTION: A perennial, forming clumps 1 to 4 dm (4 to 16 in) high from a stout woody root-stock. The leaves are densely tomentose with fine, grayish-white hairs and are relatively small, with a blade 1 to 2 cm (0.4 to 0.8 in) long, and ovate to subcircular in shape.
The leafless flower stalks bear individual heads with disks 2 to 3-5 cm (0.8 to 1.4 in) across. The ray flowers number 11 to 23 and possess yel¬ low corollas 2 to 2.5 cm (0.8 to 1 in) long. The disk flowers are strongly compressed .
The silky-pubescent achenes bear 2 short awl-shaped awns connected by a whorl of short, fused scales; although sometimes no pappus is present on the achenes.
This variety can be separated from the typical form of the species by the smaller leaves which, in the field, are strongly ruff led-corrugate as con¬ trasted with the flat leaves of the widespread typical form. The other species of Enoeliopsis _, E. avgophylla (D.C. Eat.) A. Nels., to be found in this same general area possesses rhombic-ovate leaves with blades 4 to 10 cm (1.6 to 4 in) long with a silvery pubescence.
Flowering in April and May.
HAB I TAT : Dry washes, or outcrops of pale, hard limestone, which weathers
to a whitish saline soil. Associated plants: Atviplex oonferti- folia3 Haplopappus aovadenius 3 Avotomeoon mevviamii 3 and Cvyptantha aonfev- ti flora. Elevation: 700-735 m (2300-2410 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Nye County, Nevada.
STATUS : Threatened (1975 FR) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1 979 ) - LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM and private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Utilization of land for agricultural or
other developmental purposes. Destruction by free roaming horses. Proposed MX system (indirectly).
REMARKS : Enoeliopsis nudioaulis var. oorrugata appears to be limited to
a particular edaphic condition so that any loss of habitat would be cri tical .
21
ERIGERON LATUS
22
ERIGERON LATUS (Nels. & Macbr.) Cronq.
B road F 1 eabane
FAM 1 LY : Asteraceae (Compositae) -- Sunflower Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Erigeron lotus (Nels. & Macbr.) Cronquist, Brittonia,
6:192. 1 9 ^4 7 • Synonym: Erigeron poliospermus var. latus Nels. & Macbr. Botanical Gazette, 55 * 383 • 1913- Type: Nelson and Mac- bride, Owyhee Co., Idaho, 1 July 1912. The specific name, latus, means broad and possibly refers to the broad flowering heads.
DESCRIPTION: A finely glandular and sparsely pubescent herb 3 to 8 cm (1.2 to 3.2 in) high which is perennial by means of a stout root-stock.
The leaves are coarsely hairy and glandular with the basal leaves oblanceolate to spatulate and up to 6 cm (2.4 in) long. The stem leaves are much smaller and linear, or may bd absent.
The flowering heads are borne singly and are 10 to 20 mm broad. The involucral bracts are densely glandular, coarsely hairy, and have a brown midrib and pur¬ plish tip. The ray flowers are purple and number about 15 to 25. The disk corollas are 4.7 to 6 mm long.
The achenes have a tuft of 20 to 27 coarse and firm bristles at their tips and are themselves somewhat pubescent or nearly hairless when mature.
The most distinctive features of this species are the large purple-rayed heads, nearly leafless stems and relatively large basal leaves and the glandular nature associated with a rather coarse spreading pubescence. Evigeron avgentatus A.
Gray, while similar in form, is readily distinguished by its silvery pubescence, achenes with 6 to 8 nerves rather than 2 to 3 as is the case with E. latus.
Flowering in July.
HABITAT: Gravelly or rocky hillsides; volcanic sands. Associated plants: Hap-
lopappus acaulis, Eviogonum striatum ssp. proliferum3 E. heraoleoides ,
E. miorotheoum var. laxiflorum, and Phoenioaulis aheiranthodes . Elevation:
1950 m (6400 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Elko County, Nevada. Idaho.
STATUS: Endangered (1975 and 1976 FE) : threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979) •
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: USFS and possibly private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: None known.
REMARKS : Not enough is known about this rare species to determine the threats
to it. An intensive search should be conducted to determine its dis¬ tribution and abundance.
23
ER I GERON OV I NUS
24
E R I G E R 0 N OV I NUS Cronq .
Sheep Flea bane
FAM I LY : Asteraceae (Compositae) -- Sunflower Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Evigevon ovinus Cronquist, Brittonia, 6:164. 1947- The
original collection was formerly referred to Evigevon oaespitosus ssp. anaotis Blake. Type: Purpus, Mt. Irish, Lincoln County, NV. 1898. The specific name, ovinus _, pertains to sheep.
DESCRIPTION: A perennial with a stout branching root-stock. The 5 to 15 cm (2 to 6 in) stems are prostrate with ascending tips or are es¬ sentially erect. The leaves and stems are densely pubescent with spreading hairs. The leaves, especially towards the base, are usually triple-nerved.
The basal leaves are obovate or oblanceolate and reach a maximum size of 7 cm (2.8 in) long by 13 mm wide. The stem leaves are reduced and generally rela¬ tively narrower.
The flowering heads are solitary, with a disk 7 to 14 mm wide. The involucre is shorter than the disk and 6 to 8 mm high. The involucral bracts are den¬ sely glandular and sometimes sparsely tomentose with coarse, spreading hairs. The inner involucral bracts are often purplish at the tips. The rays or pis¬ tillate flowers are absent, while the disk corollas are 4 to nearly 6 mm long. The double pappus consists of 15 to 25 firm bristles in an inner circle with minute and sometimes obscure bristles in an outer whorl. The pappus is tawny or brownish in color and the achene is pubescent.
This species can be separated from the related Evigevon oaespitosus Nutt, by the densely glandular involucre which is sometimes coarsely hairy, by the much longer hairs of the stems and leaves, and most obviously, by the lack of pis¬ tillate f 1 owers .
Flowering in June.
HABITAT : Limestone rock outcrops, north side of cliffs, and at the base of
cliffs. Associated plants: Pinus monophylla3 P. pondevosa3 Abies oonoolor3 and Cevcooavpus intvioatus. Elevation: 1890-2560 m (6200-8400 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Clark and Lincoln counties, Nevada.
STATUS : Threatened (1975 FR) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 9 Feb 1979); watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979).
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: USFWS.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: If the present management policies continue in
the Desert National Wildlife Range there will be no threats to this taxon there.
REMARKS : The known populations of Evigevon ovinus should be monitored and
it should be searched for in similar habitats, particularly in Lin¬ coln County.
25
ERIGERON UNCIALIS var. CONJUGANS
26
ERIGERON UNCIALIS Blake ssp. CONJUGANS (Blake) Cronq.
Inch High Fleabane
FAM I LY : Asteraceae (Compositae) -- Sunflower Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Evigeron unoialis ssp. conjugans (Blake) Cronquist,
Brittonia, 6:211. 1947. Synonym: E. unoialis var. conjugans Blake, Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington, 47:
174. 1934. Type: Hitchcock, Big Falls, Kyle Canyon, Charleston (Spring) Mountains, 9000 ft, 3 Sept. 1927- The specific name, unciatis) means inch high.
DESCR I PT I ON : A small perennial with leafless flowering stems 1 to 5 cm (0.4 to 2 in) tall. The leaves are all basal, i.e., borne on top of the branching root-stock. The pubescence on the petioles and the lower portion of the flowering stem is mostly appressed. The leaf blades are broad¬ ly elliptic to nearly circular. The leaves vary in size.
The flowering heads are borne singly and bear 15 to 40 white or light rose ray flowers. The involucral bracts are finely glandular, with long hairs and characteristically thin and green, or with a green midrib. Sometimes the bracts have reddish-purple margins. The ray flowers are 4 to 6 mm long, while the disk flowers have a corolla between 2.7 and 3-4 mm in length.
The short-hairy achenes possess a pappus of 13 to 22 firm bristles.
This variety can be separated from the typical form of the species by the ap¬ pressed hairs on the petioles and lower part of the flowering stem. From the related Evigeron tener Gray it can be distinguished by its smaller habit and normally leafless flower stalks. In addition, E. tener lacks spreading hairs on the leaves or flowering stems.
Flowering in June and July.
HABITAT: Crevices in faces of limestone cliffs and outcrops. Associated
plants: Abies concotor, Pinus monophylla 3 P. ponderosa, Juniperus osteosperma, Leptodaotyton sp. , or Ivesia jaegeri ; mosses. Elevation: 2230-
3395 m (7315-1 1 , 1 35 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Clark, Nye, and White Pine counties, Nevada.
STATUS : Threatened (1975 FR) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 25 Feb 1978); watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979).
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: USFS and USFWS.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Proposed MX system (indirectly).
REMARKS : This is a rare plant and could easily be overlooked. Known popu¬ lations should be monitored.
27
GRINDELIA F RAX I NO - P RAT E N S I S
GRINDELIA F R AX I N 0 - P R AT E N S I S Reveal 6 Beatley Ash Meadows Gumweed
FAMILY: Asteraceae (Compositae) -- Sunflower Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Grindelia fraxino-pratensis Reveal and Beatley, Bul¬ letin of the Torrey Botanical Club, 98:332. 1971.
Type: Reveal and Holmgren, Ash Meadows, Nye County, Nevada, 660 m, 21 Aug¬
ust 1968. Both the common name and the specific name were taken from frax- inus , meaning ash, and pratensis3 meaning of the meadow.
DESCRIPTION: An erect biennial or perennial herbaceous plant some 7 to 10 dm (28 to 40 in) tall with 1 to 3 stems arising from a woody root-stock. The stems are glabrous, leafy, and openly branched in their up¬ per halves. The leaves are somewhat leathery, dark green, and dotted with resinous glands. Basal leaves are oblanceolate and 4 to 7 cm (1.6 to 2.8 in) long while the stem leaves are oblanceolate to oblong and 1.5 to 5 cm (0.6 to 2 in) long. The leaf edge is entire to somewhat toothed at the apex.
The inflorescence is open with individual heads 8 to 10 mm across. The in¬ volucres are 7 to 9 mm high with 3 to 7 mm long phyllaries that are resin¬ ous dotted. The ray flowers are mostly 13 per head, with the corolla gold¬ en to lemon yellow and 3 to 4.5 mm long. The disk flowers are 4 to 5 mm long and golden yellow.
The achenes are 2.5 to 3-5 mm long and bear 2 stout awns which are 3 to 4 mm long.
The related Grindetia hatlii Steyerm. is a smaller plant, 3 to 6 dm (12 to 24 in) tall, with toothed leaves and 13 to 21 ray flowers per head.
Flowering from June to October.
HAB I TAT : Roadsides, meadows, or woodland borders; saline soil, especially
in depressions and in saturated soils next to standing water. As¬ sociated plants: Atriplex aonfertifotia , Centaurium namophilvon 3 Tamarix sd., Anemopsis ealifomioa3 and Haplopappus aaradenius. Elevation: 640-700 m (2100-2300 ft) .
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Nye County, Nevada. Inyo County, California.
STATUS : Threatened (1975 7*7?); threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979) - LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM and private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Utilization of land for agricultural or oth¬ er developmental purposes. Diversion of wa¬ ter for agricultural uses. Proposed MX system (indirectly).
REMARKS : Although much of the original habitat for Grindetia fraxino-pra¬ tensis has been destroyed, it appears to be able to become estab¬ lished in disturbed soil.
29
MACHAERANTHERA LEU C ANTH EM I FO L I A
30
MACHAERANTHERA L E U C AN TH EM I F 0 L I A (Greene) Greene White Leaf Machaeranthera
FAM I LY : Asteraceae (Compos itae) -- Sunflower Family
C I TAT I ON AND H 1 STORY : Machaeranthera leucanthemi folia (Greene) Greene,
Pittonia, 3:61. 1896. Synonym: Aster leucanthe- mifolius Greene, Erythrea, 3:119- 1895- Type: Shockley, near Candelaria
(Mineral County), NV, 6000 ft. The specific name, leucanthemi folia , means having white foliage.
DESCRIPTION: A short-lived perennial with pale gray, more or less glandular
and sp i ny- toothed leaves. The branched stems reach a height of k dm (16 in) and like the leaves are ashy-pubescent. Basal leaves are
2 to 3 cm (0.8 to 1.2 in) long while the clasping stem leaves are somewhat sma 1 1 er .
The 6 to 7 mm high flower heads are ashy-pubescent and glandular. There are 8 to 15 pale purple rays 6 to 8 mm long. The achenes are pubescent, about
3 mm long, and crowned with a tuft of brownish-white hairs.
A taxonomic question has been raised concerning Machaeranthera leucanthemi- folia. The above description follows the treatment in Munz and Keck (1959) - M. canescens (Pursh) Gray can be separated by its leaves which are better developed on the stem rather than being reduced to mere bracts, flowering heads which are more numerous and tending to be larger, and involucral bracts which are prominently curled backward at the tip. M. tortifolia (Gray) Cronq. & Keck grows in the same general area, however, this latter species is not as glandular, has longer, relatively narrower leaves, is not pale ashy-gray in color, and has much larger flowering heads (12 to 16 mm high).
Flowering in May and June.
HAB I TAT : Fine gravelly soil, outwash fans. Associated plants: Larrea tri-
dentata3 Atriiplex confertifolia3 Ealogeton glomeratus3 Chrysothamnus sp. , and Viguiera multiflora. Elevation: 670-1830 m (2200-6000 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Lincoln, Mineral, Nye , and Pershing counties, Nevada.
Cal i forn i a .
STATUS : Endangered (1975 and 1976 FR) ; endangered (Reno T/E Workshop, 9 Feb
1979); watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979); deleted (Mozingo and Willi ams) .
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM , State of Nevada, possibly USFS, and private. EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Proposed MX system.
REMARKS : This species was recommended to be deleted because of its widespread
distribution. However, known populations should be monitored until the MX sytem sites are located.
31
32
SPHAEROMERIA COMPACTA (Hall) Holmgren, Shultz S Lowrey
Charleston Tansy
FAM I LY : Asteraceae (Compos itae) -- Sunflower Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Sphaeromeria compacta (Hall) Holmgren, Shultz & Lowrey,
Brittonia, 28:261. 1976. Synonyms: Tanacetvon compaction H.M. Hall, Muh 1 enberg i a , 2 : 3^+3 - 1916. Chamartemisia compacta (Hall) Rydb.,
North American Flora, 34:243- 1916. Type: Heller, Charleston (Spring) Moun¬ tains, 3300 m, 15 August 1913- The specific name, compacta , refers to the com¬ pact tufting habit of these plants.
DESCR I PT I ON : A densely tufted, silvery-silky perennial with fan-shaped, divid¬ ed leaves up to 15 mm long. The leaves possess four to nine lobes 2 to 5 rnm long. The flowering heads are borne singly on stems 2 to 4 cm (0.8 to 1.6 in) tall. The basal bracts on the heads possess thin margins tinged with pink, but are generally white with a dark brown midrib and are silky pu¬ bescent .
The strap-shaped ray flowers at the margin of the head number 5 to 10, while the center of the head contains many straw-colored disk flowers. After the flowers are removed from the head, the area to which they were attached (the receptacle) will be seen to have no hairs or scales.
The fruiting structures or achenes are smooth and support five awl-shaped scales at the top.
From the somewhat similar Sphaeromeria potentiZloid.es (Gray) Heller this spe¬ cies can be distinguished by the lack of pubescence on the receptacle and the narrower disk flowers which have densely pubescent teeth.
Flowering in late July and August.
HAB I TAT : On gravelly hillsides or in crevices of limestone; talus slopes at timber line or above. Associated plants: Pinus Zongaeva3 Ivesia cryptocauZis 3 Oxytropis oreophiZa 3 Praha jaegeri3 AquiZegia scopuZorvm 3 and Erigeron cZokeyi. Elevation: 3000-3520 m (9840-11,550 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Clark County, Nevada.
STATUS : Endangered (1975 and 1976. FP) ; endangered (Reno T/E Workshop, 9 Feb
1979); threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979) -
LAND OWNERSHIP MANAGEMENT: USFS.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Free roaming horses and foot-traffic on un¬ stable slopes. Proposed MX system (indirectly).
REMARKS : The increasing population in the Las Vegas area will increase the hazards to the plants in the Spring Mountains.
33
TOWNSENDIA JONESII var. TUMULOSA
5 mm
3 mm
34
TOWNSENDIA JONESII (Beaman) Reveal var. TUMULOSA Reveal
Charleston Ground-daisy
FAM 1 LY : Asteraceae (Compositae) -- Sunflower Family
C ITAT ION AND H I STORY : Townsendia jonesii (Beaman) Reveal var. tumulosa
Reveal, The Great Basin Naturalist, 30:35- 1970.
Type: Reveal, Charleston (Spring) Mountains, Clark County, Nevada, 8400
ft, 17 June 1968. This species had been collected many times previously, and had been treated by Clokey, "Flora of the Charleston Mountains, Clark County, Nevada," as Townsendia arizonioa Gray. The varietal name, tumu- losa , refers to the mounding habit of the plant.
DESCRIPTION: A rosette-forming perennial with oblanceolate to spatulate leaves up to 2.5 cm (1 in) long by 2 to 4 mm wide. The leaves are entire and acute, and usually uniformly hairy on both surfaces.
The flowering heads have mostly short peduncles with involucral bracts which are broadly lanceolate to obovate with thin, dry, and hair-fringed margins. The bracts are glabrous to slightly hairy on the outer surfaces.
Ray flowers are white or pink or violet and number from 13 to 21. Indi¬ vidual ray flowers vary from 8 to 12 mm long by about 1 mm wide. The yel¬ low disk flowers are usually purp 1 i sh- t i nged at the tip and vary in length from 4 to 6 mm.
The achenes are oblanceolate compressed, and 2 or sometimes 3 ribbed.
They are hairy and possess 15 to 30 pappus bristles at their apex.
This variety differs from the related var. jonesii of the same species in its shorter and wider leaves, its shorter (to 1.5 cm) peduncles and the obtuse rather than pointed involucral bracts.
Flowering from March to June.
HAB 1 TAT : On ridges, slopes, saddles, and washes in open places away from shrubs. Associated plants: Pinus monophylla , P. ponderosa var. soopulomm , P. longaeva, Artemisia nova, Abies ooneolor, Cercooarpus sp., Penstemon thompsoniae var. jaegeri, or P. keckii. Elevation: 1980-3050 m (6500-10,000 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Clark County, Nevada.
STATUS : Threatened (1975 FR) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov. 1979). LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: USFS, USFWS, and private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Increased recreational use in the Spring Moun¬ tains. Proposed MX system (indirectly).
REMARKS : There is no threat to this taxon in the Desert National Wildlife Range as long as present management policies continue.
35
CRYPTANTHA HOFFMANN I I
36
CRYPTANTHA HOFFMANN I I I.M. Johnston Hoffmann Cryptantha
FAM I LY : Boraginaceae -- Borage Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Cryptantha hoffmannii I.M. Johnston, Contributions from
the Arnold Arboretum, 3=90. 1932. Type: Hoffmann,
Westgard Pass, Inyo County, CA, 7300 ft, 11 July 1930. This species was named for the collector of the type, Ralph Hoffmann.
DESCR I PT I ON : A biennial plant becoming 3-A dm (13-6 in) tall with one to sev¬ eral conspicuously hairy stems bearing spatulate leaves which are larger at the base and reduced upwards. The leaves are rough-hairy and bristly on both surfaces.
The inflorescence is broad-topped and interrupted with apparent floral bracts. The lanceolate calyx segments are 3 to 5 mm long at the time of flowering and become 5 to 8 mm long in fruit. The white flowers have a tube 3 to A mm long and an expanded portion 5 to 7 mm wide. At the base of each lobe at the point of juncture with the tube is a yellow, rounded appendage 0.5 mm long.
The two to four nutlets are roughened and have a low inconspicuous crest on the outer surface. The inner surface has a triangular, open scar without an eleva¬ ted margin.
From the similar and possibly extinct C. insolita (Macbr.) Payson this species may be distinguished by its denser, less elongate inflorescence and by conspic¬ uous, rather than inconspicuous, appressed bristles. From the common C. vir- ginensis (Jones) Payson it may be separated by the former's longer calyx lobes in fruit (7 to 12 mm compared to 5 to 8 mm), larger nutlets (3 to A. 5 mm com¬ pared to 2.5 to 3 mm long) with a prominent rather than indistinct keel on the outs i de .
Flowering from June to August.
HAB I TAT : Volcanic soils, rocky open slopes, or on diatomite. Associated
plants: sagebrush-p i nyon- j un i per , Purshia sp. Elevation: 1 830-
1950 m (6000-6A00 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Esmeralda, Mineral, and Nye counties, Nevada. Inyo Co.,
Cal i forn i a .
STATUS : Threatened (1975 FR) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979) - LAND OWNERSH I P/MANAGEMENT : BLM, DOE (Tonopah Test Range), and possibly private. EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Proposed MX system.
REMARKS : More study is needed to understand the habitat and edaphic require¬ ments of this rare plant. It was searched for unsuccessfully at the location of the Mineral County collection.
37
38
CRYPTANTHA INSOLITA (Macbr.) Pays.
Las Vegas Cryptantha
FAMILY: Boraginaceae -- Borage Family
CITATION AND H I STORY : Cryptantha insotita (Macbr.) Payson, Annals of the Mis¬ souri Botanical Garden, 14:273. 1927. Synonym: Oreooar- ya insotita Macbride, Contributions from the Gray Herbarium, 48:28. 1916. Type: Goodding, Las Vegas, Clark County, Nevada, 4 May 1905- The specific name, inso¬ tita, means unusual, possibly referring to the habit of the plant.
DESCRIPTION: A biennial or short-lived perennial plant which attains a height of up to 4 dm ( 1 6 in). There are one to several stems which are pubescent with appressed hairs and bristles. The mostly basal leaves are spatu- late, blunt at the tip and up to 3 cm (1.2 in) long. The lower surface of the leaf is inconspicuously pubescent with appressed bristles, while the upper sur¬ face is more sparsely pubescent.
The elongate, open inflorescence is weakly bristly and crowded with flowers.
The 1 i near- 1 anceol ate calyx segments become 7 to 9 mm long in the fruiting stage. The white flowers have a tube 3 to 4 mm long. The one to four nutlets produced by each flower are about 4 mm long and distinctly keeled on the outer face and bearing short tubercles.
From the similar C. virginensis (Jones) Payson, C. insotita differs significant¬ ly in its appressed bristles on the leaf rather than spreading, and by blunt tu¬ bercles rather than sharp ones. From C. twnutosa (Pays.) Pays, it can be separa¬ ted by the distinct rather than slight keel and by the more prominent tubercles on the outer face of the nutlet. C. tvonutosa, also, is much more obviously a perenn i a 1 .
Flowering from April to June.
HAB I TAT : Not definitely known. Possibly saline clay soil with gypsum outcrops;
lower part of the Upper Sonoran Zone. Elevation: 305-610 m ( 1 000—
2000 ft) .
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Clark County, Nevada.
STATUS : Possibly extinct (1975 FB) ; endangered (1975 FB) ; endangered (Reno T/E
Workshop, 2 Nov 1979). Listed as threatened with extinction, Nevada Division of Forestry (14 Feb 1979); protected by HRS 527.270; collection permit required. Possibly extinct (Mozingo and Williams).
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM and/or private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Urban expansion. Proposed MX system (indirectly).
REMARKS : The last known collection of Cryptantha insotita was in 1942, the
type is the only other known collection. This taxon has been searched for recently without success. Although it is the recommendation of Mozingo and Williams that this taxon should be considered to be possibly extinct, the search for it should be continued whenever possible.
39
CRYPTANTHA INTERRUPTA
CRYPTANTHA INTERRUPTA (Greene) Pays.
Interrupted Cryptantha
FAMILY: Borag i naceae- - Borage Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Cryptantha znterrupta (Greene) Payson, Annals of the
Missouri Botanical Garden, 4:296. 1927- Synonym:
Oreoaarya znterrupta Greene, Pittonia, 3:111- 1896. Type: Lost or destroyed. Neotype: Higgins, east of Wells, Elko County, Nevada, 13 July 1968. The
spacing of the flowers in the inflorescence gives rise to the common name and to the specific name, znterrupta.
DESCRIPTION: A long-lived perennial which may reach 6 dm (24 in) in height.
The few to several stems are clothed with appressed hairs and weak white bristles. The leaves are oblanceolate to spatulate, obtuse and 1.5 to 7 cm (0.6 to 2.8 in) long, with both surfaces covered with appressed hairs and weak bristles, with the latter somewhat more prominent on the lower surface
The inflorescence is narrow, interrupted, and densely prickly hairy. The calyx segments are 2 to 3 mm long at flowering and become 5 to 8 mm long in fruit.
The corolla is white with a tube 2 to 2.5 mm long and an expanded portion 5 to 6 mm wide. Yellow appendages 0.5 mm long are present at the point where the expanded portion joins the tube.
The four nutlets are lanceolate, 3-3 to 3-6 mm long, with nearly smooth to warty surfaces, and a linear, slightly open scar on the inner surface.
This species can be distinguished from somewhat similar perennial species by the combination of linear nutlet scars only slightly open, a nutlet surface with a warty appearance rather than wrinkled, and the upper leaf surface with two distinct kinds of hairs. Cryptantha znterrupta is a questionable taxo¬ nomic entity according to some recent floristic works (Hitchcock et al. 1959) and has been combined with C. spzoutzfera Pays. Until a new systematic mono¬ graph of the genus appears, we have adopted a conservative position on this species, primarily to draw attention to the existence of the Nevada populations
Flowering in May and June.
HAB I TAT : Rocky hillsides, sandy or clay soils. Associated plants: sagebrush- pi nyon-j un i per , Chrysothccmnus vzs ozdzf torus 3 Oryzopszs hymenozdes 3 Phlox sp., and Astragalus sp. Elevation: 1495-2410 m (4900-7900 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Elko, Eureka, and White Pine counties, Nevada.
STATUS : Threatened (1975 FR) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 9 Feb 1979); watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979) -
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM , USFS, and possibly private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Proposed MX system.
REMARKS : C. znterrupta is rather widely distributed and it apparently thrives in disturbed soil. It is unlikely that the MX system will have an impact on all the populations of this taxon.
CRYPTANTHA TUMULOSA
42
CRYPTANTHA TUMULOSA (Pays.) Pays.
Mohave Cryptantha
FAM I LY : Boraginaceae -- Borage Family
C I TAT I ON AND HISTORY: Cryptantha tumulosa (Payson) Payson, Annals of the Mis¬ souri Botanical Garden, 14:276. 1927- Synonym: Oreo- oarya tumulosa Payson, University of Wyoming Publications in Botany, 1:164. 1926. Type: Brandegee, Providence Mountains, San Bernardino County, CA, May 1902. The
specific name, tumulosa, refers to the mounding habit of the plants.
DESCRIPTION: A long lived perennial reaching a height of nearly 3 dm (12 in) with one or several coarsely pubescent and bristly stems arising from a woody taproot. The basal leaves are numerous, obi anceolate, obtuse and 3 to 5 cm (1.2 to 2 in) long on slender, long petioles. Conspicuous pimples or "pustules" occur on both leaf surfaces.
The narrow, uninterrupted inflorescence occupies one-half to three-fourths of the stem length. The densely bristly inflorescence bears white flowers with lin¬ ear lanceolate seDals initially 4 mm long, but becoming 8 to 10 mm long in fruit. There are conspicuous yellow appendages in the throat of the flower 0.5 to 1 mm long, while the expanded portion of the corolla i s 6 to 8 mm wide.
Only 1 or 2 of the four nutlets mature and become 4 mm long, and very pale with the outer surface somewhat roughened or warty. The inner surface of the nutlet (i.e. that part nearest the central axis of the fruiting structure) bears a tri¬ angular scar with a margin which is only slightly raised.
The only other species in the same general area with which this might be con¬ fused is C. virainensis (Jones) Pays, which has a broad, open inflorescence and nutlets with a prominent ridge on the outer surface.
Flowering from April to June.
HABITAT: Gravelly clay soils, on limestone hills and in washes. Associated
plants: Artemisia sp., Ceraoaarpus ledifolius, Juniperus osteosperma, and Pinus monophylla. Elevation: 1370-2165 rn (4500-7100 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Clark County, Nevada. San Bernardino County, California.
STATUS: Threatened (1975 FR) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 November 1979).
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM , USFS, USFWS, and private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Recreational use of the areas in the Spring
Mountains where Cryptantha tumulosa has been found. Proposed MX system (indirectly).
REMARKS: Recent collections in the Desert National Wildlife Range have lessened
the vulnerability of this taxon. A further search should be made to determine the full distribution of this Cryptantha.
43
HAC KEL I A OPH I OB I A
kk
HACKEL I A OPH I OB I A R. L. Carr Owyhee River Stickseed
FAM I LY : Borag i naceae -- Borage Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Haakelia ophiobia R.L. Carr, Madro'no, 22:390. 197A.
Type: Carr, Malheur Co., Oregon, 30 June 1968.
The derivation of the specific name, ophiobia , is obscure. The root, ophio-3 comes from the Greek and means pertaining to snakes. The name may have been chosen because this plant grows in the Snake River drainage or perhaps be¬ cause its rocky habitat may also be the home of snakes.
DESCR I PT I ON : A slender perennial with a few to several stems reaching a
height of 2 to A dm (8 to 16 in). The leaves and stems are pu¬ bescent, with the leaves uniformly so on both surfaces. The basal leaves are broad and 5 to 15 cm (2 to 6 in) long, while the stem leaves are only some¬ what sma 1 1 e r .
The flowers are blue with a yellow to cream throat and about 6 to 8 mm wide. The calyx consists of 1 i near- 1 anceol ate pubescent segments which are 3 to A mm long. Individual flower stalks are 12 to 17 mm long in fruit.
The four nutlets produced by each flower are 2.2 to 3-3 mm long with a rough¬
ened surface and prominent marginal prickles.
No other species of Haakelia in the west has basal leaves as proportionately broad with a base so truncate or indented. Its flowers and nutlets differ from those of Haakelia ausiokii (Piper) Brand in that the latter species has flowers 5 to 10 mm broad and nutlets which have more prickles on the outer surface.
Flowering in June.
HAB I TAT : Well-shaded sandy talus, in cracks and crevices of rocky basaltic bluffs and cliffs; banks of a gorge along a creek. Associated plants: this taxon grows in barren areas, but nearby can be found 'Artemis¬
ia tridentata3 Chrysothamnus visaidiflorus } Symphoriaarpos longiflorus3 Poa ampla 3 Elymus ainereus 3 and Allium bisaeptrum. Elevation: 1 220- 1 A00 m
(A000-A600 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Humboldt County, Nevada. Malheur County, Oregon.
STATUS: Endangered (1975 and 1976 EE); endangered (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov
1979).
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: U S FWS .
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Destruction of habitat by stream water lev¬ el fluctuation.
REMARKS : Haakelia ophiobia is only known in Nevada from one small popula¬ tion which should be monitored. It should be searched for in sim¬ ilar hab i tats .
A5
DRABA ASTEROPHORA var. ASTEROPHORA
^6
DRABA ASTEROPHORA Payson var. ASTEROPHORA
Star Draba
FAM I LY : Brassicaceae (Cruciferae) -- Mustard Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Draba asterophora Payson var. asterophora, Ameri¬ can Journal of Botany, 4:263. 1917. Type: Kenne¬
dy, Mt. Rose, Washoe County, Nevada, 9000 ft, 17 August 1905. The specific name, asterophora, and the common name refer to the star-shaped hairs on the
plants.
DESCRIPTION: A loosely tufted perennial with some rather long trailing
vegetative branches. The leaves are obovate to oblanceolate, about 1 cm long and 4 to 5 mm wide. The sparse pubescence consists of long stalked cross-shaped or stellate hairs.
The flowering stalks are slender, smooth, 3 to 4 cm (1.2 to 1.6 in) long, and with a short raceme bearing 10 to 25 yellow flowers.
The broad pods are 5 to 13 mm long and 3 to 6 mm broad, flattened, and hairless. The style at the top of the pod is short, about 0.5 mm, but vary¬ ing from 0.25 to 1 mm. The distinctive seeds are 2 mm long and possess a nearly complete thin wing about 0.5 mm broad.
The var. maorooarpa C.L. Hitchc. of this species has styles 1 to 2 mm long, and pods which are 10 to 15 mm long. From the similar Draba temmonii S. Wats, and D. oyetomorpha Pays, this species may be separated by its winged seeds and stellate pubescence.
Flowering from June to August,
HABITAT: Loose hillsides and slopes of decomposed granite. Associated
plants: Tsuga mertensiana3 Pinus murrayana, P. albicaulis3 P. montieola, and Abies oonoolor. Elevation: 21 75~3260 m (8900-10,700 ft)
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Washoe County, Nevada. California.
STATUS : Threatened (1975 FR) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979); watch list (Mozingo and Williams).
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: State of Nevada, USFS, and private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Disturbance of unstable slopes by recreation-
a 1 act i vi t i es .
REMARKS : The full range of Draba asterophora var. asterophora should be de¬ termined. Natural forces could disturb the unstable slopes possi¬ bly more than man does.
47
DRABA CRASS I FOL IA var. NEVADENSIS
^8
DRABA CRASS I FOLIA R. Grah. var. NEVADENSIS C. L. Hitchc.
Arc Dome D raba
FAM I LY : Brassicaceae (Cruciferae) -- Mustard Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Draba erassifolia var. nevadensis C. L. Hitchcock, Uni¬ versity of Washington Publications in Biology, 2:105. 1941. Type: Hitchcock and Martin, N of Arc Dome, Nye County, Nevada, 7000 ft, 1 August 1939- The common name was chosen because the type specimen was col¬ lected near Arc Dome.
DESCR I PT I ON : A low biennial or perennial with one or several crowns and one to several pubescent stems 2 to 20 cm (0.8 to 8 in) tall. The 1 inear-spatulate or slightly wider leaves are 10 to 25 mm (0.4 to 1 in) long and lightly pubescent.
The yellow flowers are borne on 3 to 20 flowered i nforescences with one or two leaves on the stem. The sepals are 1 mm long while the petals average 2 to 3 mm in length. The flowers are borne on pubescent individual flower stalks 2 to 10 mm long.
The capsules are narrowly elliptic to somewhat lanceolate, 5 to 12 mm long, and densely pubescent with short simple hairs.
Draba densifolia Nutt, is a similar linear leaved species but has nearly hair¬ less stems, leafless flowering stems, bigger flowers, and capsules pubescent with both simple and stellate hairs.
Flowering from May to August.
HABITAT : Rocky places along a creek; alpine fell fields. Associated plants:
Artemisia tridentata and Grayia spinosa. Elevation: 1585-3505 m (5200-11,500 ft) .
KNOV/N DISTRIBUTION: Nye County, Nevada. California.
STATUS : Threatened (1975 FR) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 November 1979). LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: State of Nevada and USFS.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: None known.
REMARKS : Until more is known about the edaphic requirements and abundance of
this taxon, it is impossible to evaluate its status. A search should be made to determine its distribution and the threats, if any, to it. It is apparently rare in Nevada.
49
DRABA JAEGER I
50
DRABA JAEGERI Munz & Johnston Jaeger Draba
FAM I LY : Brassicaceae (Cruciferae) -- Mustard Family
CITATION AND H I STORY : Dvaba jaegevi Munz & Johnston, Bulletin of the Torrey
Botanical Club, 56:164. 1929- Type: Jaeger, Charles¬ ton (Spring) Mountains, Clark Co., Nevada, 11,000 ft, 26 June 1926. This spe¬ cies was named for Edmund C. Jaeger who collected the type specimen.
DESCRIPTION: A clumped perennial with narrowly obovate leaves 4 to 6 mm long
and 3 to 4 mm wide. They are pubescent with stellate hairs, have marginal hairs and a grayish cast.
The inflorescence i s 2 to 5 cm (0.8 to 2 in) long with a cluster of white flow¬ ers 1 to 1.5 cm long. Individual flowers have purplish, pubescent sepals 2.5 mm
long and petals 5 to 6 mm long.
The individual capsule stalks are 4 to 6 mm long while the capsules are flat¬ tened and densely stellate-pubescent and 4 to 6 mm long.
This Dvaba can be separated from similar appearing species by the leafless in¬ florescence stalks, stellate pubescence, relatively wide leaves, seeds without wings, and particularly by the relatively long (2 mm) style.
Flowering from June to August.
HABITAT: Rock crevices; among broken limestone rocks, and on gravelly slopes.
Associated plants: Pinus longaeva; or above timberline with Ivesia cvyptocaul'is , Sphaevomevia compacta, Oxytvopis oveophila } and Aquilegia soopu- tovum. Elevation: 2990-3580 m (9810-11,740 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Clark County, Nevada.
STATUS : Threatened (1975 FR) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 November 1 979 ) - LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: USFS and possibly private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Free roaming horses and foot-traffic on un¬ stable slopes. Proposed MX system (indirectly).
REMARKS : The expanding population in southern Nevada will increase the impact
on plants in the Spring Mountains.
51
DRABA PAUCiFRUCTA
52
DRABA PAUCIFRUCTA Clokey & C.L. Hitchc.
Charleston Draba
FAM I LY : Brassicaceae (Cruciferae) -- Mustard Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Draba paucifructa Clokey & C.L. Hitchc., Madrono, 5:127-
1939- Type: Clokey, Charleston (Spring) Mountains, Clark County, Nevada, 3 1 80 m, 3 August 1938. The specific name, paucifructa, refers to the few fruits of this species.
DESCR I PT I ON : A low perennial with one to several crowns of leaves, with each crown giving rise to one to four glabrous stems. The leaves are mostly in basal rosettes, obovate or slightly narrower, with entire edges or faintly toothed, 3 to 15 mm long and densely pubescent with stellate hairs.
The elongate inflorescence bears relatively few flowers (3 to 12), on individ¬ ual flower stalks 1 to 5 mm long. The pubescent sepals are 1.5 mm long and the white petals are almost spatulate and about 2.5 mm long. Characteristically the petals are light yellow as the flower begins to open, but this color is soon lost .
The capsules are 1 i nea r- 1 anceol ate to slightly broader and 5 to 1 1 mm long with a very short style at the tip (0.1 to 0.3 mm).
This species differs from the similar D. crassifolia R. Grah. in that the latter has leaves which are smooth or only sparsely hairy and flowers which are yellow when fully open and turn white only upon fading. D. stendoba Ledeb. differs in being an annual or short-lived perennial with pubescent stems and yellow flow¬ ers .
Flowering in June and July.
HABITAT: Moist places, rock ledges, seep areas. Associated plants: Heuchera
rubesoenSj Dodecatheon jeffreyi var. reddens 3 and growing near Finns longaeva and P. flexilis. Elevation: 2710-3^70 m (8900-11,380 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Clark County, Nevada.
STATUS : Endangered (1975 and 1976 FR) ; endangered (Reno T/E Workshop, 9 Feb
1979); threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 November 1979)-
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: USFS and possibly private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Recreational use of the area in the Spring
Mountains where these plants grow. Proposed
MX system (indirectly).
REMARKS: The expanding population in southern Nevada will increase the impact
on the plants in the Spring Mountains.
53
DRABA STENOLOBA var. RAMOSA
5b
DRABA STENOLOBA Ledeb. var. RAMOSA C.L. Hitchc.
Carson Range Draba
FAMJMLY: Brassicaceae (Cruci ferae) -- Mustard Family
C I TATI ON AND H 1 STORY : Dvaba stenoloba var. varnosa C.L. Hitchcock, University
of Washington Publications in Biology, 11:102. 1941. Synonym: Dvaba nemorosa var. macvocavpa Korshinsky (in part), as treated by Schulz, Pf lanzenreich, I V : 3 1 3 - 1927- Type: Baker, about Marlette Lake, Washoe County, NV , 19 July 1902. The specific name, vamosa, refers to the branched stems of this variety.
DESCR I PT I ON : An annual, biennial, or perennial with a simple or branched root- stock and mostly basal leaves which are obovate to oblanceolate and 10 to 40 mm (0.4 to 1.6 in) long. The leaves are usually fine toothed and densely pubescent with simple or forked hairs. Each leaf axil gives rise to a branch.
The inflorescence bears 10 to 30 yellow to cream-colored flowers, with pubescent sepals about 1.5 nim long and spatulate petals about 3 mm long.
The capsules are linear to linear-oblong, 8 to 12 mm long, and pubescent with fine, short hairs.
From Dvaba stenoloba var. nana (O.E. Schulz) C.L. Hitchc. which occurs in the same general area, this variety can be separated by its abundant branching char¬ acteristic, capsules which are finely pubescent rather than smooth or pubescent with larger, stiff hairs, and individual capsule stalks which are generally longer than the capsules in the lower part of the inflorescence.
Flowering in June and July.
HAB I TAT : Moist granitic sand, or grassy rills near a stream. Associated
plants: Dvaba stenoloba var. nana. Polygonum kelloggii-j Ranunculus alismaefolius 3 and Juncus sp. Elevation: 2 1 35“ 3050 m (7000-10,000 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Douglas and Via shoe counties, Nevada. California.
STATUS : Threatened (1975 FR) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979); watch list (Mozingo and Williams).
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: State of Nevada, USFS, and private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: None known .
REMARKS : Recent collections have extended the range of this inconspicuous Dvaba.
55
LESQUERELLA H ITCHCOCKI I
inn Canyon Range
V A A ^ .> C
Spring Mountains
56
LESQUERELLA HITCHCOCKI I Munz Hitchcock Bladderpod
FAM I LY : Brassicaceae (Cruciferae) -- Mustard Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Lesquevella hitchcockii Munz, Bulletin of the Torrey
Botanical Club, 56:163. 1929- Type: Jaeger and Hitch¬ cock, Charleston (Spring) Mountains, Clark County, Nevada, 10,500 ft, 1 Sep¬ tember 1927- Synonyms: Lesquevella hitchcockii ssp. confluens Maguire and Holmgren (for plants of the Ouinn Canyon Range, Nye County, Nevada), Madrono, 11:172. 1951. L. confluens (Maguire and Holmgren) Reveal, Great Basin Natural¬ ist, 30:96. 1970. Both the specific name, hitchcockii , and the common name honor C. Leo Hitchcock, one of the collectors of the type specimen.
DESCRIPTION: A small perennial pubescent with stellate hairs on both stems and leaves. The rootstock produces a number of unbranched stems 1 to A cm (0.A to 1.6 in) long. The spatulate to oblanceolate leaves are 2 to A mm wide and 6 to 12 mm long.
The flowering stems are 1 to 1 . 5 cm (0.A to 0.6 in) long and bear a few pale yellow flowers with petals 5 to 7 mm long. The fruit is a subglobose capsule which is reddish, smooth, and 3 to A mm long. The seeds number 2 to A i n each half of the capsule.
A taxonomic problem exists with the two closely related, but geographically sep¬ arate, forms of this taxon shown in the drawings. Plants from the Grant, Ouinn Canyon, and Schell Creek ranges (which have been referred to L. confluens) dif¬ fer in forming large mats, with leaves 10 to 2A mm (0.A to 1 in) long and only 1 to 3 mm wide and styles A to 6 mm long compared to styles 3 to A. 5 mm in plants from the Sheep Range and the Spring Mountains. Rollins and Shaw (1973) do not recognize the subspecies.
Flowering from June to August.
HAB I TAT : Loose limestone, rocky, gravelly soil, talus slopes. Associated
plants: Pinus monophylla, P. pondevosa 3 P. longaeva , Abies concolov, and Artemisia nova. Elevation: 2130-3510 m (7000-11,500 ft).
KNOWN D I STR I BUT ION: Clark, Nye, and White Pine counties, Nevada.
STATUS : Threatened (1975 FP) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 9 Feb 1979); watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979) -
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: USFS and USFWS.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Recreational use of the area where Lesquevella
hitchcockii has been found in the Spring Moun¬ tains. Proposed MX system (indirectly).
REMARKS : These plants are widely distributed in remote areas so that at pre¬ sent there is no real threat to their survival regardless of whether they are considered to be a single taxon or two separate entities.
57
RORIPPA SUBUMBELLATA
cm
58
RORIPPA SUBUMBELLATA Rollins Tahoe Yellow-cress
FAMILY: Brassicaceae (Cruciferae) -- Mustard Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Rorippa subumbellata Rollins, Contributions from the
Dudley Herbarium, 3:177- 19^1- Type: Heller, Meek's Bay, Lake Tahoe, El Dorado County, CA, 29 July 1919- The inflorescence in this species is relatively short, although still technically a raceme, and it appears, because of the cluster of flowers, to be somewhat umbellate, hence the specific name, subumbeHata.
DESCRIPTION: A perennial herb with pubescent sprawling branches 5 to 15 cm
(2 to 6 in) in length. The leaves vary from pubescent to smooth and are broadly oblanceolate or oblong and subp i nna t i f i d .
The short, almost umbellate inflorescence bears yellow flowers with smooth to hairy sepals 2.3 to 2.8 mm long and somewhat spatulate petals 2.7 to 3-^ mm long.
The fruiting capsule varies from oblong to nearly globose and is from 3-5 to 5-5 mm long. The capsules may be either smooth or pubescent at maturity.
The style is 0.7 to 1.5 mm long and has an unexpanded stigma.
The pubescent stems, petals longer than the sepals, prostrate habit and fleshy leaves under 3 cm long readily separate this mustard from any others likely to be found in the area. Although similar to R. sinuata (Nutt.) Hitchc., this latter species is readily separated by its larger leaves and flowers, hairless stems, linear-oblong capsules (7 to 1^ mm long), as well as glabrous stems.
Flowering in June and July.
HABITAT : Sandy beach, close to the lake. Associated plants: Junaus balticus,
Rhacelia hastata var. hastata _, Carex douglasii 3 Potentitla gtandulosa, Verbascum thapsus} Satix sp., Arnica sp., and Rumex sp. Elevation: 1920 m
(6300 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Douglas and Washoe counties, Nevada. El Dorado and Placer
counties, California.
STATUS : Threatened (1975 FR) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 25 February 1978);
endangered (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 November 1979); threatened (Mozingo and Willi ams ) .
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: State of Nevada and private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Shifting sands and heavy recreational use of
the beaches.
REMARKS: An intensive search of the beaches of Lake Tahoe has disclosed popu¬ lations of this taxon not previously known, hence the threat to it is not nearly as great. However, the small population on State of Nevada land in Douglas County should be given protection.
59
SMELOWSKI A HOLMGREN I I
60
SMELOWSKI A HOLMGREN I I Rollins Holmgren Smelowskia
FAM I LY : Brassicaceae (Cruciferae) -- Mustard Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Smelowskia holmgrenii Rollins, Contributions from the
Gray Herbarium, 171:50. 1950. Type: A. Holmgren and C. Ballenger, Toquima Range, Nye Co., NV, 10,000 ft, 4 Aug 1947- This cru¬ cifer is named for Arthur H. Holmgren, one of the collectors of the type.
DESCR I PT I ON : A tufted perennial with a branching crown, each crown topped with a stiffly erect cluster of lanceolate to 1 i near- 1 anceol ate leaves 2 to 5 cm (0.8 to 2 in) long. The blade tapers gradually into the petiole and is hairless except for a few hairs along the margin. There are only several stem leaves and these are linear and 1 to 2 cm long.
The inflorescence bears white flowers with spatulate petals 3-5 to 4.5 mm long. Individual flower stalks are smooth and 3 to 8 mm long. The linear-oblong and purplish sepals are about 2 mm long.
The capsules are borne in erect fashion and are linear-oblong and tapering at both ends, and only slightly flattened. At maturity they are purplish and 5 to 12 mm long. The seeds are brown, wingless, and about 2 mm long.
Superficially, this species might be considered similar to some of the white- flowered Arabis species, but the stiff, erect and hairless leaves and capsules which are not flattened easily distinguish S. holmgrenii. Similarly, it can be readily separated from other rock inhabiting mustards such as Draba by these same cha racte r i s t i cs , and notably by capsules which are narrow and long rather than three times or less longer than wide as is true of Draba.
Flowering from June to August.
HABITAT: Cliffs and talus of schist, crevices in calcareous rocks. Associated
plants: Heuchera rubesoens 3 Leuoopoa kingii, Eolodisous dumosus } Mertensia oblongifolia 3 Senecio oanus , Erigeron oompositus 3 Ribes oereum } and Selaainella watsonii. Elevation: 1980-3350 m (6500-11,000 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Lander and Nye counties, Nevada.
STATUS : Possibly extinct (1975 FR) ; endangered (1976 FT?); threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 9 Feb 1979); watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1 979) -
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: USFS.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: None known.
REMARKS : Extensive field work has found Smelowskia holmgrenii to be widely
distributed within a limited area. Its habit of growing in rock crevices offers natural protection.
61
62
STREPTANTHUS OL I GAN THUS Rollins Few Flowered Streptanthus
FAM I LY : Brassicaceae (Cruciferae) -- Mustard Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Streptanthus oliganthus Rollins, Contributions from the
Dudley Herbarium, 3-372. 1946. Type: Wiggins and Rol¬ lins, NW of Masonic, Mono County, California, 8100 ft, 3 August 1945- The spe¬ cific name, oliganthus , means few flowered.
DESCR I PT I ON: A perennial with one or a few stems from the base, usually un¬ branched. The leaves and stems are glaucous and lack any pubes¬ cence except for a few hairs along the petiole margin of the basal leaves. The basal leaves are lanceolate to oblanceolate and 4 to 8 cm (1.6 to 3-2 in) long. The stem leaves are smaller with the uppermost becoming sessile and sagittate.
The inflorescence is relatively few flowered with flowers bearing 1 to 1 . 5 cm long petals with purple tips and paler below. The sepals are oblong, purple, smooth, and 6 to 10 mm long.
The capsules are smooth, flattened, straight or nearly so, and 4 to 7 cm (1.6 to 2.8 in) long. The seeds are flat, circular, and winged, and about 2 mm broad'.
The key diagnostic characters for this species are the essential lack of pubes¬ cence, perennial aspect, sagittate-clasping upper stem leaves, and relatively large purplish flowers. From the similar S. eordatus Nutt, which may be found in the same area, it may be separated by its slender stems which reach a height of 4 dm (16 in) while S. eordatus has stout stems which range from 3 to 8 dm (12 to 32 in) in height.
Flowering in June and July.
HAB I TAT : Rocky slopes, andesite soil; often in litter under trees. Associ¬ ated plants: Pinus monophylla _, Juniperus osteosperma3 Artemisia tri- dentata, Phoenieaulis eheiranthoides 3 Arabis spp. , and grasses. Elevation: 2135-2500 m (7000-8200 ft) .
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Mineral County, Nevada. Mono County, California.
STATUS: Threatened (1975 FR) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 November 1979). LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: USFS.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: M i n i ng act i v i ty . Wood-cutting.
REMARKS : Streptanthus oliganthus is only known from a very small area in Ne¬ vada. Until more is known about its distribution and abundance, it is difficult to determine its status.
63
THELYPOD I UM SAGITTATUM var. OVALIFOLIUM
6A
THELYPOD I UM SAGITTATUM (Nutt.) Endl. var. OVALIFOLIUM (Rydb.) Al-Shehbaz
Oval Leaf Thelypody
FAM I LY : Brassicaceae (Cruciferae) -- Mustard Family
CITATION AND H I STORY : Thelypodium sagittatum var. ovali folium (Rydb.) Al-
Shehbaz, Contributions from the Gray Herbarium, 204:
121. 1973. Synonym: Thelypodium ovalifolium Rydberg, Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club, 30:253. 1903. Type: M.E. Jones, Panguitch Lake, Utah. 1894.
Both the common name and the varietal name refer to the shape of the leaves.
DESCRIPTION: An herbaceous biennial with one or several stems from the base.
The basal leaves are smooth or pubescent and ovate to oblanceo- late or oblong in shape, and 2 to 20 cm (0.8 to 8 in) long. The stem leaves are smaller and clasping at the base.
The inflorescence is loosely flowered and has white to purplish flowers with petals 5 to 7.5 rnm long. The sepals are 3 to 4.5 mm long.
The fruiting capsules are 1 to 3 cm (0.4 to 1.2 in) long.
This species can be separated from the other thelypodiums with clasping stem leaves likely to be found in the same area by petal and sepal lengths, sup¬ porting stalks of the individual fruits which are horizontal or ascending, and capsules which are generally erect.
Flowering from May to July.
HABITAT : Clay soils, by springs, streams, or lakes. Associated plants: Elymus
cinereus 3 Urtica holosericea 3 Soli dago spectabilis 3 Arctium lappa 3 Smilacina stellata3 Rosa woodsii var. ultramontana3 Castilleja exilis3 Salix sd., and Chrysothamnus viscidi floras . Elevation: 1 830-2560 m (6000-8400 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Elko and White Pine counties, Nevada. Garfield and Iron.
counties, Utah.
STATUS : Threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 November 1979).
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM and private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Proposed MX system.
REMARKS : This thelypody is not abundant at any of the sites where it has been found .
65
CORYPHANTHA VIVIPARA var. ROSEA
66
• •
CORYPHANTHA V I V I PARA (Nutt.) Britt. & Rose var. ROSEA (Clokey) L. Benson
Clokey Pincushion Cactus
FAM I LY : Cactaceae -- Cactus Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Coryphantha vivipara var. rosea (Clokey) L. Benson, Cac¬ ti of Arizona, 3:26. 1969- Synonym: C. rosea Clokey, Madrono, 7:75- 1943- Type: Clokey, Charleston (Spring) Mtns., Clark Co., NV, 2400 m. The varietal name, rosea, refers to the color of the flowers.
DESCRIPTION: A globular to ovoid cactus 4 to 15 cm (1.6 to 6 in) high. The
dense spines hide the individual tubercles which are 10 to 15 mm (0.4 to 0.6 in) long and grooved along the upper side. The plants occasional¬ ly branch at the base.
The spines on each tubercle number 25 to 35, with the spines characteristically tipped with a brownish-red or darker color. The white radial spines are 16 to 25 mm (0.6 to 1 in) long. The 10 to 12 central spines are 19 to 25 mm long.
The pink to sometimes purplish flowers form a circle near the top of the plant and are 3 to 5 cm (1.2 to 2 in) wide when fully open. The reddish fruit is 2 to 2.5 cm (0.8 to 1 in) long.
The similar var. arizoniea (Engelm.) W.T. Marshall can be separated by radial spines which number 20 to 30 compared to the 12 to 18 for var. rosea. Var. alversonii (Coulter) L. Benson also has pink f 1 owe rs which are so mew ha t small er than those of var. rosea. Also, the 8 to 10 central spines are shorter (1.3 to 1.6 cm) than those of var. rosea. Var. desertii (Engelm.) W.T. Marshall has ye 1 low-green or pink flowers and only 4 to 6 short central spines, the 12 to 20 radial spines are less than half the thickness of those of var. rosea. Pedio— eaotus simpsonii (Engelm.) Britt. & Rose, which grows in the same locale, has no groove on the upper side of each tubercle.
Flowering in June and July.
HAB I TAT : Gravelly limestone or volcanic slopes and brushy hillsides. Associ¬ ated plants: Pinus monophylia, Juniperus utahensis, Ceroearpus ledi- folius3 Artemisia nova, Coleogyne ramosissima. Ephedra nevadensis _, and Cowania
mexioana var. stansburiana. Elevation: 11 60-2740 m (3800-9000 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Clark, Eureka, Lincoln, Nye, and White Pine counties,
Nevada. Arizona and California.
STATUS : Threatened (1975 ER) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979) -
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM , D0D (Nellis AFB Bombing and Gunnery Range),
DOE (Nevada Test Site and Tonopah Test Range),
USFS, USFWS, and private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Commercial and private collectors. Off-road
vehicles. Proposed MX system.
REMARKS : Although this cactus is widely distributed, it is not abundant at any one location. This cactus is prized by collectors.
67
OPUNTIA WHIPPLEI var. M U LT I G E N I C U L ATA
68
OPUNTIA WHIPPLEI Engelm. S Bigelow var. MULT I GEN I CULATA (Clokey) L. Benson
Many Jointed Whipple Choi la
FAM I LY : Cactaceae -- Cactus Family
ORIGINAL CITATION AND HISTORY: Opuntia whipplei var. multigenieulata (Clokey)
L. Benson, Arizona Cactus, ed. 3:20, 38, 39*
1968. Synonyms: Cylindvopuntia abyssi (Hester) Backeb. Cactac. : Handb. Kak- teenk. i. 184. 1958. C. multigenieulata (Clokey) Backeb. l.c. 186. 0. abyssi
Hester, Cactus & Succ. Journ. (US) , 15:193- 1943- 0. multigenioulata Clokey,
Madrono, 7:69. 1943- Type: Clokey, E of Wilson's ranch, Charleston (Spring) Mountains, Clark County, NV, 1400 m, 13 July 1939- The specific name: rrrulti- geniculata, means having many joints.
DESCR I PT I ON : A low chol la-type pricky pear generally less than 0.5 m (20 in)
tall. The tubercles are closely placed on the crowded, 2 cm
(0.8 in) thick lateral joints. Individual areoles are woolly with a tan color and have about 12 spines. The crowded spines from adjacent areoles nearly con¬ ceal the actual surface of the stems. The central spines on each areole are 1.5 to 1.8 cm (0.6 to 0.7 in) long. The glochids on each areole are white and about 1.5 mm 1 ong .
The greenish-yellow flowers are succeeded by the somewhat fleshy, spineless, yellow fruits.
This species somewhat resembles Opuntia eehirioearpa Engelm. S Bigelow, but dif¬ fers in that it has weaker, less woody and more crowded stems and has fleshy
rather than dry fruits. Additionally, 0. eahinocarpa is not known to occur in
the only locale in Nevada known for this cactus. From 0. whipplei var. whipplei which also is not known from the area, it can be separated by its thicker, short¬ er, more crowded and thickly armed joints.
Flowering in May, in young fruit in July.
HAB I TAT : Open rocky or sandy ridges. Associated plants: Lavvea tvid.entata,
Eahinoaeveus engelmanii , Feroeaetus aeanthodes 3 Opuntia aeanthocarpa s and 0. erinacea. Elevation: 1400-1425 m (4600-4675 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Clark County, Nevada. Mohave County, Arizona.
STATUS : Threatened (1975 FR) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 November 1 979 ) -
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Collecting for horticultural purposes.
REMARKS : Although this cactus has been found to be more abundant in Arizona than in Nevada, Mozingo and Williams feel that it should be re¬ tained as threatened. More field work needs to be done on the range of this taxon .
69
SCLEROCACTUS P 0 L Y A NC I ST R U S
70
SCLEROCACTUS P 0 L Y AN C I S T RU S (Engelm. S Bigelow) Britton & Rose
Mojave Fishhook Cactus
FAM I LY : Cactaceae -- Cactus Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Sderooadus polyandstrus (Engelm. & Bigelow) Brit¬ ton & Rose, Cactaceae, 3:213- 1922. Synonym: Eehi- nooaotus polyandstrus Engelm. & Bigelow, Proceedings of the American Acad¬ emy of Arts and Sciences, 3:272. 1856. Type: At the head of the Mojave River, eastern slope of the California mountains. The specific name, poly¬ andstrus, meaning many fishhooks, refers to the spines.
DESCRIPTION: An erect globular to oblong cactus reaching a height of 4 dm (16 in), although generally much shorter. There are 13 to 17 strongly undulate ribs with the areoles 1 to 1 . 5 cm apart. Each of the lat¬ ter bears about 20 spines with white radial ones 1 to 2.5 cm long and sev¬ eral central spines up to 12.5 cm (5 in) long. The upper central spines are white and flattened while the remainder are circular in cross section and are often hooked.
The purplish to red flowers are about 8 cm (3-2 in) long. The fruit initially is fleshy and bright magenta but eventually becomes dry, tan, and thin walled.
The long hooked spines on this species easily distinguish it from other sim¬ ilar sized small barrel cacti found in the same area, such as Neolloydia john- sonii (Parry) L. Benson. The much smaller, hooked-spine Mcortmillaria tetran- dstra Engelm. has tubercles, rather than ribs, on which the spines are borne.
Flowering in May.
HAB I TAT : Desert flats, mesas, rocky slopes and knolls. Associated plants:
Atriplex oonf erti folia 3 Ceratoides lanata3 Pinus monophylla3 Juni- perus osteosperma 3 Artemisia tridentata 3 Larrea tridentata 3 and sometimes Coryphantha vivipara var. rosea. Elevation: 610-1920 m (2000-6300 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Esmeralda, Mineral, and Nye counties, Nevada. Arizona
and Cal i forn i a .
STATUS: Threatened (1975 FP) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979) -
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: and private.
BLM, D0D (Nellis AFB Bombing and Gunnery Range), DOE (Nevada Test Site and Tonopah Test Range),
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Removal by commercial and private collectors.
Off-road vehicles. Proposed MX system.
REMARKS : Salerooaetus polyandstrus is a very desirable cactus, but, unfortun¬ ately, seems to be very difficult to keep in cultivation. In the wild, plants are widely scattered with only a very few plants in any given area.
71
SCLEROCACTUS PUBISPINUS
72
SCLEROCACTUS PUBISPINUS (Engelm.) L. Benson Great Basin Fishhook Cactus
FAM I LY : Cactaceae -- Cactus Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Solerocaotus pubispinus (Engelm.) L. Benson, Cactus
and Succulent Journal (U.S.), 38:103. 1966. Synonyms: Eohinocaotus pubispinus Engelm., Trans. Acad. Sci. St. Louis, 2:199* 1 863 .
E. whipplei var. spinosior Engelm., l.o.3 2:199- 1863- Solerocaotus whipplei (Engelm. & Bigel.) Britt. & Rose var. spinosior Engelm. ex Boissevain, Colorado Cacti, p. 51. 19^0. E. spinosior (Engelm.) Brandegee ex Purpus, Kakteenk., 10: 119- 1900. Type: Pleasant Valley, near Salt Lake Desert, May. The specific name, pubispinus, describes the soft hairs on the spines.
DESCR I PT I ON : A small hemispherical cactus attaining 7-5 cm (3 in) in height and 6.2 cm (2.5 in) in diameter. The spines at the ends of the tubercles are densely pubescent in young plants, but glabrous in older examples
The spines are nearly all white, with the bases of some brown. The lower cen¬ tral spine and sometimes one or two others are hooked. The long central hooked spine and two lateral centrals are noticeably flattened at the base with the hooked spine conspicuously longer than the others. The radial spines are white number up to 8 per areole, with the longer ones reaching a length of 2.5 cm (1 in).
The reddish-purple flowers are about 2.5 cm (l in) in length and diameter and oroduce a reddish fruit which is dry at maturity and about 9 mm (0.4 in) long.
There are no other hooked-spine cacti in the area of Nevada where S. pubispinus occurs, so that confusion with any other cactus is unlikely.
Flowering in May.
HAB I TAT : Rocky dolomite or quartzite soil. Associated plants: sagebrush- pi nyon-j un i per and Atriplex spp. Elevation: 1525-1830 m (5000-
6000 ft) .
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Elko and White Pine counties, Nevada. Utah.
STATUS : Threatened (1975 FR) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979).
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM and private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Commercial or private collectors for horticul¬ tural purposes. Proposed MX system.
REMARKS: This cactus is not abundant in Nevada.
73
lb
ARENARIA KINGII (S. Wats.) M.E. Jones ssp. ROSEA Maguire
Rosy King Sandwort
FAMILY: Caryophy 1 1 aceae -- Pink Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Arenaria kingii ssp. rosea Maguire, Bulletin of the
Torrey Botanical Club, 73=326. 1946. Type: Clokey, Charleston (Spring) Mountains, Clark County, Nevada, 2600 m, 4 August 1935- The rose-colored petals of the flowers give this plant its common name and the name of the subspecies, rosea.
DESCR I PT I ON : A few-flowered, few-stemmed perennial with a woody root-stock reaching a height of 1 to 2 dm (4 to 8 In). The few-leaved slender stems are glandular-pubescent. Most of the leaves are basal, 1 to 2 cm long and needle-shaped.
The pink flowers have sepals 3-6 to 4.5 mm long which are shorter than the petals. The sepals are glandular-pubescent and have a broad translucent margin.
Capsules 4.5 to 6.3 mm long are produced.
When in flower, this species is easily separated from any other arenaria likely to be found in the same area by means of its pink flowers. Addi¬ tionally, it typically has fewer stems than the other subspecies of A. kingii. From the other narrow- 1 eaved arenarias the species may be sepa¬ rated by its relatively broad, but pointed sepals, open inflorescence, and small stature. The similar A. maeradenia S. Wats, differs in being twice as tall with sepals 4.5 to 6.0 mm long.
Flowering from June to early August.
HAB I TAT: Dry rocky hillsides, limestone ridges. Associated plants: Pinus flexiliSj P. ponderosa var. seoputorum3 Penstemon keekii _, and Townsendia jonesii var. tumulosa. Elevation: 1800-2880 m (5905-9445 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Clark County, Nevada.
STATUS : Threatened (1975 FP) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1 979) -
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM , USFS, and possibly private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Recreational use of the area where these
plants grow. Proposed MX system (indirect¬ ly).
REMARKS : The expanding population in southern Nevada will increase the im¬ pact on plants in the Spring Mountains.
75
ARENARIA STENOMERES
76
ARENARIA STENOMERES Eastwood Meadow Valley Range Sandwort
FAMILY: Ca ryophy 1 1 aceae -- Pink Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Avenavia stenomeves Eastwood, Leaflets of Western
Botany, 4:63- 19AA. Type: Ripley and Barneby,
south end of the Meadow Valley Range, Lincoln County, Nevada, 19 May 19AA. The narrow petals and leaves are the character for the specific name, steno¬ meves .
DESCR I PT I ON : A densely clumped perennial 10 to 20 cm (A to 8 in) tall with smooth stems and with the lower nodes each bearing three leaves. The very narrow, linear, hairless leaves are erect, 2 to 2.5 cm (0.8 to 1 in) long, rigid, and taper gradually to a sharp point. The base of the leaf is dilated.
The inflorescence is intermediate between a cyme and a panicle and bears small white flowers with narrow, linear petals about 1 mm wide which exceed the sepals in length by 2 or 3 mm. The sepals and pedicels are moderately to very stipitate glandular; the sepals are ovate with a tapered point and are longer than the mature capsules. The flowers have 10 stamens with threadlike stalks about 3 mm long.
The mature capsule is ovoid, obtuse, and about A mm long.
This species is distinguished from related forms primarily by the taper- pointed sepals, linear petals, and sepals which exceed the mature capsule i n 1 ength .
F 1 owe ring in May .
HABITAT: Barren limestone cliffs and steep rocky slopes. Associated
plants: Lepidium^ fvemontii and Sphaevatoea ambigua. Eleva¬ tion: 1005-1100 m (3300 3600* ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Clark and Lincoln counties, Nevada.
STATUS : Threatened (1975 FR) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979).
Listed as threatened with extinction, Nevada Division of Forestry (lA Feb 1979); protected by NRS 527-270; collection permit required.
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM and USFWS.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Proposed MX system (indirectly).
REMARKS : This Avenavia has been rarely collected, however, it grows in very
inaccessible areas. Other similar sites should be searched to de¬ termine the full range of this plant.
77
SILENE CLOKEYI
78
SILENE CLOKEYI C.L. Hitchc. & Maguire C 1 okey Si 1 ene
FAM I LY : Ca ryophy 1 1 aceae -- Pink Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Silene olokeyi C.L. Hitchc. & Maguire, University of
Washington Publications in Biology, 13:33. 19^+7- Type: Clokey, Charleston Peak, Clark Co., NV , 3400 m, 23 July 1937- This species was named for Ira W. Clokey, the collector of the type specimen.
DESCRIPTION: A perennial which develops several rhizomes from a taproot, each
rhizome producing one or more 5 to 12 cm (2 to 4.8 in) tall stems which are sparsely to moderately pubescent. The basal leaves are narrowly ob- lanceolate while the stem leaves are linear-oblong to lanceolate and 1 to 2.5 cm long, and hairless to glandular, fine pubescent.
The flowering stems bear mostly a single flower which assumes a nodding posi¬ tion when the flower opens. The calyx is 12 to 15 mm long, somewhat inflated, with 10 green nerves. The pink to rose-purple corolla consists of petals with a narrow basal portion included within the calyx and an expanded upper blade 5 to 8 mm long which is bilobed for one-third to nearly all of its length.
This species resembles the common Silene sargentii S. Wats., but the latter species differs in its harsher pubescence, narrower stem leaves (l to 2 mm compared to 2 to 4 mm), dried basal leaf petioles adhering for several years, a calyx which is only sparsely, not densely, glandular, and bilobed petal blades only 2.5 to 3-5 mm long.
Flowering in July.
HAB I TAT : Among limestone rocks at timberline. Associated plants: Antennaria soliceps, Erigevon olokeyi, Lesquerella hitohoookii , Draba jaegeri, Ribes montiqenum, and Sphaeromeria oompaata. Elevation: 3400-3520 m (11,1 50 — 11,550 ft)/
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Clark County, Nevada.
STATUS : Threatened (1975 FR) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979) - LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: USFS.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Free roaming horses. Foot-traffic on unstable
slopes. Proposed MX system (indirectly).
REMARKS : Silene olokeyi is apparently one of the rarest of the high elevation endemics in the Spring Mountains. The increasing population in southern Nevada will increase the impact on the plants in this recreational area.
79
SILENE SCAPOSA var. LOBATA
2 mm
80
SILENE SCAPOSA Robins, var. LOBATA Hitchc. & Maguire
Lobed Petal Silene
FAM 1 LY : Ca ryophy 1 1 aceae -- Pink Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Silene scaposa var. lobata Hitchc. & Maguire, Univer¬ sity of Washington Publications in Biology, 13*31 - 1947- Type: Macbride and Payson, Blaine County, Idaho, 10 July 1916. The varietal name, lobata, and the common name both refer to the deeply lobed petals of the flowers.
DESCRIPTION: A tufted perennial with many finely and densely pubescent
leaves and several stems which may reach 5 dm (20 in) in height. The leaves are oblanceolate or narrowly lanceolate and 2 to 12 cm (0.8 to 4.8 in) long. The stem leaves are reduced to one or two pairs of greatly reduced linear structures.
The finely pubescent, glandular inflorescence is elongated and narrow and supports many purplish or white flowers. The petals are narrow at the base and much expanded above and 7 to 1 1 mm (0.3 to 0.4 in) long. The upper por¬ tion or blade is about 3 rnm long and deeply divided into four nearly equal oblong lobes. Individual flower stalks vary from 5 to 45 mm (0.2 to 1.8 in) long and support a calyx which is about 1 cm long, and possesses 10 evident green nerves. The stamen filaments are pubescent and much expanded at the base .
This Silene is easily separated from other Silene or Lychnis species which might be found in the same area by the nearly leafless flowering stems, characteristic widened, four-lobed petals, and pubescent stamen filaments.
Flowering in June and July.
HAB I TAT : Gravelly meadows and rocky hillsides. Associated plants: Sinus monophylla, Juniperus osteospevma, Cercocarpus ledifolius 3 and Artemsia sp. Elevation: 1710-2900 m (5600-9500 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Eureka, Humboldt, Lander, Mineral, Nye, Washoe, and
White Pine counties, Nevada. Idaho and Oregon.
STATUS : Threatened (1975 FR) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 9 Feb 1979); watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979)*
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM , USFS, and USFWS.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Proposed MX system. REMARKS: None.
81
FORSELLESIA PUNGENS var. GLABRA
82
FORSELLES IA PUNGENS (Bdg.) Heller var. GLABRA Ensign
Low Grease-bush
FAM I LY : C rossosoma taceae -- Crossosoma Family
CITATION AND H I STORY : Forsellesia pungens var. glabra Ensign, The American
Midland Naturalist, 27(2) :503- 1942. Type: Jaeger,
Clark Mountains, San Bernardino County, CA, 22 June 1930. The specific name, pungens, refers to the hard sharp point which terminates each leaf.
DESCR I PT I ON : A clumped, shrubby plant with stems 8 to 9 cm (3-2 to 3-8 in)
tall. The oblong-elliptical leaves are 7 to 8 mm long, crowded on the branches, glabrous, and tapering at each end. The leaf is tipped with a short (l mm) spine.
The flowers terminate the stems or short lateral branchlets on pedicels that are 3 to A mm long. The calyx consists of 5 broad, A mm long bracts with toothed margins. There are five obovate- 1 anceol ate petals averaging 7 to 8 mm in length.
There are 2 or 3 pubescent carpels which develop into a firm, leathery seed pod which opens along one side to release the single seed.
Our other species of Forsellesba are spiny, F. pungens is not. F. pungens var. pungens differs in having scabrous-pubescent stems and leaves.
Flowering in May and June.
HAB I TAT : Vertical cliffs; limestone. Associated plants: sagebrush-p i nyon- juniper and grasses. Elevation: 1220-1980 m (4000-6500 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Clark County, Nevada. San Bernardino County, CA.
STATUS : Threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 9 Feb 1979); watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1 979 ) -
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM .
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Proposed MX system.
REMARKS : Very little is known about this taxon in Nevada, it should be
searched for.
83
DITAXIS D I VERS I FLORA ( ARG YT HAM N I A CYANOPHYLLA)
84
DITAXIS DIVERSIFLORA Clokey (ARGYTHAMNIA CYANOPHYLLA [Woot. & Standi.] J. Ingram)
Si lverbush
FAM I LY : Euphorb i aceae -- Spurge Family
CITATION AND H I STORY : Ditaxis diver si flora Clokey, Southern California Academy
of Sciences Bulletin, 37:6. 1938. Synonyms: Ditaxis ayanophylla Wooton & Standley, Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club, 36:106.
1909. Argythamnia ayanophylla (Woot. & Standi.) J. Ingram, Bulletin of the Tor¬ rey Botanical Club, 80:423. 1953- Type: Clokey, Charleston Park, Charleston (Spring) Mountains, Clark County, Nevada, 2280 m, 24 May 1937- The common name, si lverbush, is a translation of the name of the genus, Argythamnia.
DESCRIPTION: A many stemmed perennial with smooth, but dull stems which tend to become red or blue-green striped on drying. The prominently veined sessile leaves have only a few marginal hairs near the base and are about 5 mm long.
The staminate and pistillate flowers are separate on the same plant, with the staminate flowers having petals which are white, tinged with red or light yellow. The petals as well as the granular sepals are about 5 mm long. There are 10 sta¬ mens with red filaments fused into a tube. The pistillate flowers are similar, however, with slightly smaller petals which are rarely tinged with red. The ova¬ ry has a few appressed hairs and dries to blue color.
Formerly, Ditaxis diversiflora was separated on the basis of minor differences in flower color, seed characteristics, and sepal shape among other things.
There is no valid basis for separating D. diversiflora from D. ayanophylla.
The most recent revision classifies Ditaxis as belonging to the genus Argytham¬ nia. The other members of the genus, except one, likely to be found in the same area are pubescent, while the one smooth species, Argythamnia calif omica Brandegee has much larger leaves that are petioled.
Flowering in May and June.
HAB I TAT : Brushy, south facing slopes. Associated plants: Pinus ponderosa3 Queraus gambelii3 Ceraoaarpus ledifolius3 and Euphorbia robusta.
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Clark County, Nevada. Arizona and New Mexico.
STATUS : Endangered (1975 and 1976 FR) ; endangered (Reno T/E Workshop, 9 Feb
1979); deleted (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979)*
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: USFWS, private, and possibly USFS.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Heavy recreational use of the habitat in the
Spring Mountains. Proposed MX system (indirectly).
REMARKS : This taxon was believed to be endemic to the Spring Mountains, but recently it has been found in the Desert National Wildlife Range.
Because it is considered to be synonymous with Argythamnia ayanophylla which has a wide distribution, it was deleted at the latest T/E Workshop. It is believed that this taxon has been extirpated from the Kyle Canyon area. It should be searched for in other parts of the Spring Mountains.
85
ASTRAGALUS AEQUALIS
86
ASTRAGALUS AEQUALIS Clokey'
Clokey Milk-vetch
FAM I LY : Fabaceae (Legumi nosae) -- Pea Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Astragalus aequalis Clokey, Madrono, 6:215- 1942.
Type: Clokey, Charleston (Spring) Mountains, Clark
County, Nevada, 2200 m, 4 June 1937- The specific name, aequalis , means equal, referring to the pod's subsymmetr i ca 1 1 y convex edges.
DESCR I PT I ON : An erect perennial which attains a height of 70 cm (28 in), with stems marked with fine longitudinal lines and clothed with stiff, appressed, straight hairs. The leaves are 6 to 12 cm (2.4 to 4.8 in) long, with usually 11 leaflets that are narrowly lanceolate linear to linear. The leaflets are blunt-tipped and clothed with hairs similar to those on the stem. The stipules at the petiole base are narrowly tri¬ angular and average about 2 to 3 mm in length.
The simple, elongate inflorescence extends above the leaves and bears from 6 to 12 yellow flowers, which are individually about 1 cm long. The calyx tube is 4 to 4.5 mm long and the awl-shaped or narrowly triangular calyx teeth are only about one-third to one-fourth the length of the calyx tube. The upper petal is about 12 mm (0.5 in) long and ovate or subcircular in shape. The lateral petals are slightly shorter.
The fruiting pods are sessile, considerably inflated and from 3-5 to 4 cm (1.4 to 1.6 in long). The ripe pods are straw-colored to brownish and may be speckled with purplish brown on the side exposed to the sun. The top and bottom faces of the pods are equally convex, and the pods carry the calyces with them when they are shed.
Flowering in May and June.
HABITAT: Dry gravelly hillsides and open ridges, limestone. Associated
plants: Juniperus utahensis, Cerococarpus ledifolius 3 Pinus monophylla, and P. ponderosa var. saopulorum; this Astragalus often shel¬ ters under low Artemisia. Elevation: 1800-2560 m ( 5905 ~ 8400 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Clark County, Nevada.
STATUS: Threatened (1975 FR) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979).
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM , USFS, and private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: system (indirectly).
Increased visitor use in recreation areas where this taxon is found. Proposed MX
REMARKS: A search should be made to determine the full distribution of
Astragalus aequalis.
87
• •i
ASTRAGALUS ALVORDENSIS
ASTRAGALUS ALVORDENSIS Jones Alvord Milk-vetch
FAM I LY : Fabaceae (Legumi nosae) -- Pea Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Astragalus alvordensis Jones, Contributions to West¬ ern Botany, 10:67- 1902. Type: Cusick, Alvord
Valley, Oregon, 18 June 1901. Both the common name and the specific name, alvordensis, come from the type location.
DESCR I PT I ON: A perennial with very slender and ascending, grayish stems to 30 cm (12 in) long. The stems and leaves are pubescent with twisted, short hairs from 0.2 to 0.5 mm long. The compound leaves are composed of 1 1 to 21 narrow to broad leaflets with a notch at the rounded apex of each leaflet. The lowermost stipules are papery in texture and 0.5 to 2.5 mm long, while the median and upper stipules are green and roughly triangular in shape.
The inflorescence stalk is 1 to 3-5 cm (0.4 to 1.4 in) long and commonly hangs below the subtending leaf. It is loosely 5 to 14 flowered with pale lilac, whitish to yellowish veined flowers. The bracts at the base of each pedicel are 0.5 to 1 mm long. The upper petal is curved at right angles and i s 7 to 8 mm long. The lateral petals may be either slightly longer or shorter, while the keel is shorter and about 5 mm in length. The calyx is 2.5 to 3 mm long and possesses incurved white or partly black hairs.
The mature pod is pendulous on a stalk 2 to 9 mm long, and somewhat mottled. The pod is strongly compressed, flat, and coiled through 1 . 5 to 2 spirals and is 3 to 4 mm wide.
This species is somewhat similar to Astragalus speiroearpus (Gray) Rydb. but the flowers are very different and the fruiting pedicel is much longer.
Flowering from May to July.
HAB I TAT : Rocky knolls, hillsides, gullies, and washes in areas of loose
sandy soils of volcanic origin. Associated plants: Sareobatus- Atriplex- Artemisia zone; Grayia spinosa _, Chrysothccrmus nauseosus, Cymopterus purpuraseens , C. corrugatus , Leucocrinum montanum, Monolepis pusilla, and TPhaeelia gyrrmoolada. Elevation: 1065_l645 m (3500-5400 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Humboldt County, Nevada. Oregon.
STATUS : Threatened (1975 FT?) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 9 Feb 1979); watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1 979) •
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM and USFWS.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: None known.
REMARKS: None.
89
ASTRAGALUS BEATLEYAE
90
ASTRAGALUS BEAT L E YAE Barneby Beatley Milk-vetch
FAM I LY : Fabaceae (Legumi nosae) -- Pea Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Astragalus beatley ae Barneby, Aliso, 7:161. 1970.
Type: Reveal and Beatley, Pahute Mesa Rd . , Nye
County, Nevada, 6200 ft, 30 May 1968. This species is named in honor of Janice C. Beatley, one of the original collectors.
DESCRIPTION: A dwarf, loosely caespitose perennial, pubescent with
straight appressed short hairs. Stems are prostrate, branch repeatedly from the base, and are up to 13 cm (5 in) long. The several stems from the tap root form a circular mat 5 to 20 cm (2 to 8 in) in d i a meter .
The 1.5 to 3-5 cm (0.6 to 1.4 in) long leaves have 5 to 9 emarginate leaf¬ lets spaced over a short rachis.
Racemes have 2 to 7 flowers with blue-violet petals and with the upper petal or banner abruptly curved backwards through 60° to 80° .
The fruiting pod is b 1 addery- i nf 1 ated , 7 to 14 mm (0.3 to 0.6 in) long with a small straight or curved beak. The pods are either pale green or minutely purple speckled and minutely pubescent.
This species differs from Astragalus gilmani Tidest. in its appressed pu¬ bescence and less numerous leaflets. From A. geyeri Gray it can be dis¬ tinguished by its perennial habit and the smaller whitish flowers of the former. From A. sabulonum Gray it can be separated by the incurved pods of the former which are clothed with spreading hairs.
Flowering in May and June.
HABITAT: Areas of shallow gravelly soil in open flat volcanic bedrock.
Associated plants: Artemisia nova 3 Pinus monophylla3 and Ju- niperus osteosperma. Elevation: 1705-2075 rn (5600-6800 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Nye County, Nevada.
STATUS: Endangered (1975 and 1976 FT?); endangered (Reno T/E Workshop, 2
Nov 1979). Listed as critically endangered, Nevada Division of Forestry (14 Feb 1979); protected by NRS 527-270; collection permit re- qu i red .
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: DOE (Nevada Test Site).
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Destruction of habitat by land clearing
for construction. Off-road vehicles.
REMARKS: The populations of Astragalus beatleyae should be monitored.
91
ASTRAGALUS CALLITHRIX Barneby Callaway Milk-vetch
FAM I LY : Fabaceae (Legumi nosae) -- Pea Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Astragalus aallithrix Barneby, Leaflets of Western Bot¬ any, 3:103. 1942. Type: Ripley and Barneby, north¬ eastern Nye County, Nevada, 5150 ft, 26 May 1941. The specific name, calli- thrix, refers to the beautiful hairs on the pods. This milk-vetch was first collected near Callaway which is a former name for Currant, Nevada.
DESCR I PT I ON : A short-stemmed or nearly stemless perennial with densely white tomentose stems and leaves. Stems few and 1 to 6 cm (0.4 to 2.4 in) long with 2 to 8 cm (0.8 to 3-2 in) long leaves with 9 to 19 broad leaflets which are obtuse or emarginate and 2 to 13 rnm long.
The flowering peduncles are shorter than the leaves and bear 5 to 15 pinkish- purple flowers that are arranged loosely or sometimes more compactly in a ra¬ ceme. The lateral petals are narrow and linear oblong or linear lanceolate in shape. The purplish calyx is 7 to 13 nim long.
The fruiting pods are ascending or spreading, 1 to 1.6 cm (0.4 to 0.6 in) long, 5 to 7-5 mm in diameter and strongly compressed at right angles to the partition. The pods are covered with fine, shiny, spreading, and straight or twisted hairs up to 2.5 mm long.
This species can be distinguished from the related Astragalus marianus (Rydb.) Barneby which, unlike this species, does not occur on dunes, by its more num¬ erous flowers in each raceme and by its deeper flower color. From the super¬ ficially similar A. utahensis (Torr.) T.&G. it can be recognized by its lack of fine cottony pubescence on the pods. The similar A. newberryi Gray can be distinguished by its fewer leaflets and its larger pods, thinly pubescent with short curly hairs mixed with longer twisted hairs.
Flowering in May and June.
HABITAT : Deep sandy soil on the valley floor or in dunes. Associated plants:
Atriplex aonferti folia, Grayia spinosa, Chrysotharmus sp._, Gilia nyensis, Cymopterus ripleyi 3 Astragalus geyeri var. geyeri, and Oryzopsis
hymenoides. Elevation: 1555-1705 m (5100-5600 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Mineral and Nye counties, Nevada. Millard County, UT. STATUS : Threatened (1975 FR) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1 979 ) - LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM .
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Drilling for oil. Proposed MX system.
REMARKS : Astragalus oallithrix is plentiful at times, but it apparently has a short life cycle. It is highly localized and appears to require a specialized habitat. Known populations should be monitored and it should be searched for in similar habitats.
93
ASTRAGALUS CALYCOSUS var. MO NO P H Y L L I D I U S
ASTRAGALUS CALYCOSUS Torr. var. M 0 N 0 P H Y L L I D I U S (Rydb.) Barneby
One Leaflet Torrey Milk-vetch
FAM I LY : Fabaceae (Legumi nosae) -- Pea Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Astragalus calyaosus var. monophyllidius (Rydb.)
Barneby, Leaflets of Western Botany, 3:107- 1942. Synonym: Hamosa monophyllidia Rydberg, North American Flora, 24:421.
1929. Type: Bentley, in the vicinity of Currant, Nevada, May 1916. The single leaflet of this taxon gives it its common name and its varietal name, monophyllidius . Torrey originally described Astragalus calyaosus.
DESCRIPTION: The species, A. calycosus , as distinct from this variety, is a common densely caespitose perennial with 2 to 6 cm (0.8 to 2.4 in) long leaves bearing 3 to 7 leaflets which are silvery- silky.
Flowering peduncles are 2 to 5 cm (0.8 to 2 in) long and bear 2 to 6 flow¬ ers which vary from white to purple in color and are about 15 mm (0.6 in) long.
The pods are about 15 mm (0.6 in) long, and are clothed with stiff appres- sed hairs.
The variety monophyllidius is very similar to the species and differs sig¬ nificantly only in the leaves which typically bear only a single leaflet.
On occasion there are three leaflets, however.
Flowering in May and June.
HAB I TAT : Open gravelly limestone hillsides. Associated plants: pinyon-
j uni per; Artemisia tridentata 3 Cowania mexicana var. stansburiana3 Poly gala subspinosa 3 Frasera albomarginata3 Dalea searlsiae3 Eriogonum howellianum3 Senecio multilob atus , and Cryptantha humilis. Elevation: 1705- 2135 m (5600-7000 ft) .
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Eureka and Nye counties, Nevada.
STATUS : Threatened (1975 FR) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979). LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM , USFS,.and private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Mining activity. Proposed MX system.
REMARKS : This taxon is only known from scattered colonies in a limited area, and it is not abundant in any of these colonies.
95
ASTRAGALUS CONVALLARIUS var. FINITIMUS
96
ASTRAGALUS CONVALLARIUS Greene var. FINITIMUS Barneby
Pine Valley Milk-vetch
FAM I LY : Fabaceae (Legumi nosae) -- Pea Family
C I TATI ON AND H I STORY : Astragalus aonvallarius var. finitimus Barneby, Leaflets
of Western Botany, 7:192. 1954. Type: Ripley and Barne¬ by, Washington County, Utah, 11 June 1942. The varietal nam e,. finitimus } mean¬ ing closely akin refers to its relationship to var. aonvallarius.
DESCR I PT I ON : A sparsely leafy perennial with a buried root-crown and leaves with one to five pairs of linear or elliptic leaflets 2 to 2.5 mm long, which are not pubescent above. The leaves are commonly curled or folded toward the upper side and are about 3 mm wide.
The loosely flowered inflorescence bears small, yellowish-white flowers with an upper petal about 7-5 mm long. The lateral petals are slightly longer.
The pod is linear to lanceolate in profile and about 1.3 to 2.4 cm long by 3-4 to 4 mm wide, and compressed. The thin, papery valves of the pod are lightly pubescent .
The more common var. aonvallarius of the species apparently does not occur in the same area. It differs in having pods at least twice as long and relatively narrower. The common A. filipes Torr. which might be confused with this variety has more leaflets per leaf, and a similar pod supported on a slender stalk 8 to 15 mm long.
Flowering in May and June.
HAB I TAT : Gravelly and sandy clay hillsides; or on limestone. Associated
plants: sagebrush-pi nyon-j un i per . Elevation: 1700-2270 m (5575—
7445 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Lincoln County, Nevada. Utah.
STATUS : Threatened (1975 FR) ; watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1 979) - LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM and/or private.
EXISTING 0R_ POTENTIAL THREATS: Proposed MX system.
REMARKS : This milk-vetch should be searched for to determine its full range.
It has been rarely collected in Nevada.
97
98
ASTRAGALUS FUNEREUS M.E. Jones Funeral Milk-vetch
FAM I LY : Fabaceae (Legumi nosae) -- Pea Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Astragalus funereus M.E. Jones, Contributions to Western
Botany, 12:11. 1 908 . Synonyms: Xylophaeos funereus
(Jones) Rydb., Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club, 52:367. 1925- Astragalus purshii var. funereus (Jones) Jeps., Flora of California 2:360. 1936. A. new- berryi var. funereus (Jones) Clokey, Madrono, 6: 21 4. 1942. Type: Jones, Rhy¬ olite, Nye Co., NV, 4300 ft, 11 April 1907. This taxon was collected near the Funeral Mountains, hence the common name and the specific name.
DESCRIPTION: A perennial plant forming a mat by means of the prostrate stems developing on the rootstock. Individual stems may reach 1 dm (4 in) in length. The entire plant is covered with a dense white tangled pu¬ bescence which is frequently almost woolly. The leaves bear 7 to as many as 17 leaflets which are usually less than 5 cm (2 in) long. The oval leaflets vary between 0.5 and 1 cm in length.
The stout peduncles bear 5 to 10 flowers with calyces clothed with prominent black hairs. The flowers are pink-purple and 2.4 to 2.7 cm (about 1 in) long.
The large fruiting pods are inflated, about 5 cm (2 in) long by 1.5 cm (0.6 in) wide and clothed in a coat of long, silken wool.
The large pods of A. funereus are similar to those of A. ooaeineus Bdg., which, however, has scarlet flowers. From A. utahensis (Torr.) T.&G. it can be dis¬ tinguished by its larger flowers and the presence of black hairs on the calyx.
Flowering from March to May.
HAB I TAT : Unstable, usually steep, gravelly slopes of volcanic tuff, or occa¬ sionally limestone screes. Associated plants: Grayia spinosa, Chry- sothamnus teretifolius, Atriplex caneseens 3 A. oonfertifolia3 Artemisia spi- nescens 3 Aeamptopappus shoekleyi , Ephedra viridis3 and sometimes Astragalus newberryi or A. purshii. Elevation: 980-2290 m (3200-7500 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Nye County, Nevada. Inyo County, California.
STATUS: Threatened (1975 FR) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979) -
LAND OWNERSH I P/MANAGEMENT: USFWS, and private.
BLM, D0D (Nellis AFB Bombing and Gunnery Range), DOE (Nevada Test Site), National Park Service,
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS:
Overgrazing. Habitat destruction by develop¬ ment. Mining activity. Proposed MX system.
REMARKS : The known populations of Astragalus funereus should be monitored.
99
ASTRAGALUS GEYERI var. TRIQUETRUS
100
ASTRAGALUS GEYERI Gray var. TRIQUETRUS (Gray) Jones Three-cornered Pod Geyer Milk-vetch
FAM I LY : Fabaceae (Legumi nosae) -- Pea Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Astragalus geyevi var. triquetrus (Gray) Jones, Contri¬ butions to Western Botany, 8:7- I898. Synonyms: A. triquetrus Gray, Proceedings of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 13: 367. I878. Phaea triquetra (Gray) Rydberg, Flora of North America, 24: 353- 1929. Type: Palmer, southeastern borders of Nevada, at the confluence of the Muddy River with the Virgin, 1877- The specific name, tviquetvus , refers to the three-cornered pod.
DESCRIPTION: An annual plant producing somewhat flexuous stems 1 to 2 dm (4
to 8 in) long. The leaves and stems are covered with a fine ashy pubescence. The leaves are 3 to 5 cm long and bear an average of nine elliptical, retuse leaflets 4 to 15 mm long.
The flowers are small and white, while the pods are oblong, curved, triangular in cross section and somewhat flattened, and with a prominent groove on the lower side.
From typical Astragalus geyevi this variety differs in its pod which is more definitely triangular in cross section, and leaflets which are typically broader than the linear-oblong to 1 i near-ob 1 anceol ate leaves of the species.
Flower i ng in Apri 1 .
HAB I TAT : Sand or sandy soil, on flats, dunes, washes, and gullies. Associa¬ ted plants: Lavvea tvidentata. Ambrosia dumosa3 Kramevia parvifolia 3 Ovyzopsis hymenoides3 Amphipappus fvemontii3 and sometimes with Eviogonum vis- oidulum3 Astragalus nyensis3 A. nuttallianus var. imperfeatus3 or A. sabulonum.
Elevation: 455~760 m (1500-2500 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Clark County, Nevada. Mohave County, Arizona.
STATUS : Threatened (1975 FR) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 25 Feb 1978);
endangered (Reno T/E Workshop, 9 Feb 1979); threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979)- Listed as threatened with extinction, Nevada Division of Forestry (14 Feb 1979): protected by NRS 527-270; collection permit required.
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM and private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Off-road vehicles. Poor seed production.
Insect infestation. Proposed MX system.
REMARKS : Although this taxon was believed to be extremely rare, 1979 collec¬ tions have widened its range considerably. It was only found in sandy areas, but there are many other similar areas to be explored within its range. This taxon is an annual and may only appear in favorable years.
101
ASTRAGALUS LENTIGINOSUS var. LATUS
102
ASTRAGALUS LENTIGINOSUS Dougl. ex Hook. var. LATUS (Jones) Jones
Broad Pod Freckled Milk-vetch
FAM I LY : Fabaceae (Legumi nosae) -- Pea Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Astragalus lentiginosus var. latus (Jones) Jones, Re¬ view of Astragalus, p. 125. 1923- Synonyms: A. di- physus var. latus Jones, Zoe, 3:287. 1893- A. latus (Jones) Jones, Zoe, 4:
272. 1894. Cystium latum (Jones) Rydb. , North American Flora, 24:415- 1929- Type: Jones, Schell Creek Range, White Pine County, Nevada, 1 89 1 • The spe¬
cific name, latus, means broad and presumably refers to the pod.
DESCRIPTION: A low perennial with a woody root-stalk bearing prostrate stems up to 1.7 dm (6.8 in) long. The leaves are smooth or nearly so with only a few scattered appressed hairs on the leaf stalk and inflorescence. The leaves are 6 to 13 cm (2.4 to 5.2 in) long with broad leaflets either notched or obtuse at the end and 6 to 15 mm long.
The stalk of the inflorescence is rather short, being from 1 . 5 to 6 cm (0.6 to 2.4 in) long and thus shorter than the leaves. The inflorescence charac¬ teristically bears 5 to 12 flowers. The flowering calyx is 7 to 12.5 mm long with a pubescence of black, appressed hairs. The flowers are pinkish- purple and the larger upper petal attains a length between 15 and 19 mm (0.6 to 0.8 in).
The pod is inflated and ovoid or nearly spherical In shape with a short curved beak. The pods vary in length from 1 to 2.5 cm (0.4 to 1 in) and the green and red-mottled smooth valves eventually become leathery and straw-colored.
The strongest character which differentiates this variety from other similar varieties of Astragalus lentiginosus is the partition in the pod which con¬ tinues on into the apex of the beak.
Flowering from May to July.
HAB I TAT : Brushy or open gravelly slopes, limestone. Associated plants: pin- yon-juniper, Artemisia tridentata3 A. frigida3 Chrysothamnus viseid- if torus, Haplopappus maoronema, Oxytropis parryi, Stipa sp., or Leuoopoa sp.
Elevation: 2290-2900 m (7500-9500 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Elko and White Pine counties, Nevada.
STATUS : Threatened (1975 FR) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 9 Feb 1979); watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979) •
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM , USFS, and possibly private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Grazing by animals (these plants are palatable).
Proposed MX system.
REMARKS : If dormant mining operations are reactivated, this may also pose a
threat in some areas.
103
ASTRAGALUS LENTI G I NOSUS var. MICANS
1 OA
ASTRAGALUS LENTIGINOSUS Dougl. ex Hook. var. MICANS Barneby
Shiny Freckled Milk-vetch
FAM I LY : Fabaceae (Legumi nosae) -- Pea Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Astragalus lentiginosus var. mioans Barneby, Leaflets
of Western Botany, 8:22. 1956. Type: Roos , Inyo Co., California, 13 May 1955- The varietal name, mioans, means shining and refers to the silvery hairs that cover the plants.
DESCR I PT I ON : A perennial with numerous stems forming clumps 5 to 7 dm (20 to 28 in) in diameter, and somewhat woody at the base. The stems and leaves are very densely pubescent with silvery or white-silky hairs. The leaves vary from 4.5 to 9-5 cm (1.8 to 3-8 in) long and have 11 to 1 7 narrow to broad leaflets, individually 5 to 14 mm long.
The inflorescence bears 20 to 35 p i nk- 1 avender flowers with silky pubescent calyces 6 to 7-6 mm long and a corolla with the broad upper petal 12 to 14 mm long .
The pod at maturity is inflated, 1.5 to 2 cm (0.6 to 0.8 in) long, with a beak 2.5 to 4 mm long, and is very densely silky-pubescent.
The silky-pubescence and large, somewhat shrubby habit make this an easily identified species in its known habitat. From the related Astragalus lentigi¬ nosus var. fremontii (A. Gray) S. Wats, it can be separated by the former's less shrubby habit and smaller flowers.
Flowering from April to June.
HAB I TAT : Sandy soil, occasionally on dunes. Associated plants: Ambrosia
dumosa, Larrea tridentata, Oryzopsis hymenoides, Atriplex sp. , Ephe¬ dra sp. , Lyoium shookleyi , Lepidium fremontii, and Astragalus preussii var. preussii. Elevation: 700-1100 m (2300-3600 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Nye County, Nevada. Inyo County, California.
STATUS : Threatened (1975 FR) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 November 1979) -
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM and DOE (Nevada Test Site).
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Off-road vehicles. Proposed MX system.
REMARKS: None.
105
ASTRAGALUS LENTIGINOSUS var. S E S QU I M ET RA L I S
106
ASTRAGALUS LENTIGINOSUS Dougl. ex Hook. var. S E S QU I M ET R A L I S
(Ryd b . ) Ba rneby
Sodaville Milk-vetch FAM 1 LY : Fabaceae (Legumi nosae) -- Pea Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Astragalus lentiginosus var. sesquimetralis (Rydb.)
Barneby, Leaflets of Western Botany, 4:116. 1945.
Synonym: Cystium sesquimetrale Rydberg, North American Flora, 24 : 4 1 4 . 1929.
Type: Shockley, Soda Springs, Nevada, 11 June 1882. Soda Springs became
Sodaville with the establishment of a post office in October 1882. The var¬ ietal name, sesquimetralis, means one and one-half meters and refers to the diameter of the plant.
DESCR I PT 1 ON: A prostrate perennial with straw-colored stems up to 8 dm (32 in) long and tomentose with fine, somewhat appressed hairs.
The leaves are 2 to 5 cm long and smooth or with a few appressed hairs above. The leaflets are 6 to 18 mm long with the terminal one obviously the longest.
The flowering stalks are 1.5 to 4 cm (0.6 to 1.6 in) long, and bear 6 to 12 light purple flowers with white-silky calyces. The calyx i s 7 to 8 mm long while the large upper petal is about 14 mm long.
The pod is ovate or somewhat narrower, moderatly inflated, and 1.6 to 2.6 cm (0.6 to 1 in) long. The surface is tomentose with fine appressed hairs and there is an upwardly curved beak.
This is an easily recognized variety of Astragalus lentiginosus confined to low saline areas and with characteristic long creeping stems and long inter¬ nodes compared to the relatively short leaves. This variety can be separated from the similar variety albifrons by the latter's considerably shorter pet¬ als and a pod with a downwardly curved beak.
Flowering from April to May.
HAB I TAT : Powdery clay saline soil, some areas covered by small dark rocks.
Associated plants: Saraobatus vermieulatus3 Suaeda torreyana3 Dis- tiehlis spieata var. strieta3 Chrysothamnus nauseosus3 Atriplex lentiformis 3 Ivesia kingii3 and Crepis runeinata. Elevation: 990-1420 m (3250-4650 ft)
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Mineral County, Nevada. Inyo County, California.
STATUS : Possibly extinct (1975 FR) ; endangered (1976 FR) ; endangered (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979). Listed as threatened with extinction, Nevada Division of Forestry (14 Feb 1979); protected by NRS 527.270; collec¬ tion permit required.
LAND OWNERSH I P/MANAGEMENT : Private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Geothermal drilling. Any other change in the
water supply from the springs. Feral burros
and cattle trample the area.
REMARKS : This taxon has been searched for extensively, but it apparently is restricted to two similar edaphic sites.
TO 7
ASTRAGALUS MOHAVENSIS var. HEMIGYRUS
108
ASTRAGALUS MOHAVENSIS S. Wats. var. HEMIGYRUS (Clokey) Barneby
Half-ring Pod Milk-vetch
FAM I LY : Fabaceae (Legumi nosae) -- Pea Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Astragalus mohavensis var. hemigyrus (Clokey) Barneby,
El Aliso, 2:207- 1950. Synonyms: Astragalus albens sensu Jones (not Greene), Revision of North American Astragalus, p. 261. 1923. Astragalus hemigyrus Clokey, Madro'no, 6:220. 1942. Type: Clokey, south of Indian Springs, Clark Co., Nevada, 18 April 1939- The pods of this milk-vetch are arched through half a circle, giving rise to the common name and the vari¬ etal name, hemigyrus.
DESCR I PT I ON : A bushy, silvery-pubescent perennial with numerous stems reach¬ ing 4 dm (16 in) in height. However, as the drawings show, the plant size is quite variable. The leaves are 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4 in) long and bear 7 to 11 leaflets 6 to 15 mm long, which are elliptic and either blunt or somewhat indented at the apex.
The inflorescence is somewhat longer than the leaves and bears purple flowers 6 to 8 mm long. The 5 mm long calyx is pubescent with white and black hairs.
At maturity the pods are not inflated, and are strongly curved into a half¬ circle with a short beak. The dry pod is somewhat leathery and has a strong network of veins on the surface.
From the similar Astragalus layneae Greene this species can be separated by its short stipules (2 mm) compared to the much larger (7 to 10 mm) ones of A. lay¬ neae. The latter species also has more leaflets (13 to 23) and flowers which are over twice as large and are white with purple tips. A. mohavensis var. mo¬ havensis can be distinguished by its broader pods which are rarely as incurved as those of var. hemigyrus.
Flowering from April to June.
HAB I TAT : Limestone ledges and gravelly hillsides. Associated plants: Larrea
tridentata and Junigerus osteosperma. Elevation: 1240-1850 m (4065-
6070 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Clark County, Nevada. Inyo County, California.
STATUS : Threatened (1975 FR) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 November 1979) - LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM and possibly private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Proposed MX system.
REMARKS : As far as is known, this milk-vetch has not been collected in Nevada in the last 40 years. It was looked for unsuccessfully in 1979- A concerted effort should be made to relocate this rare taxon.
109
ASTRAGALUS MUSIMONUM
ASTRAGALUS MUSIMONUM Barneby Sheep Range Milk-vetch
FAM I LY : Fabaceae (Legumi nosae) — Pea Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Astragalus musimonum Barneby, Proceedings of the
California Academy of Sciences, 4:150. 1944.
Type: Ripley and Barneby, calcareous gravel slopes of the Sheep Range,
near the entrance to Deadman Canyon, Clark County, Nevada, 5700 ft, 5 May
1941 .
DESCR I PT I ON: A low, tufted perennial which is densely silvery pubescent
throughout with straight, appressed hairs up to 1.2 mm long.
The prostrate stems are very short, to 2 cm (0.8 in) or exceptionally to 7 cm (2.8 in) long. The internodes are also short, varying from shorter to twice the length of the 3 to 4 mm stipules. The leaves are 4 to 7 cm (1.6
to 2.8 in) long and bear 11 to 17 small leaflets 3 to 7 mm long.
The flowering stalks are 4 to 8 cm (1.6 to 3-2 in) long and bear 5 to 9
pink-purple flowers which have a large upper petal with a length of 10 to
13 mm.
The pods are either ascending or i ncurved-ascend i ng , about 1.5 to 2 cm (0.6 to 0.8 in) long, compressed with a central ridge on the lower surface lying in a double groove. The valves of the pod are densely pubescent with appressed hairs and are unmottled. Eventually, they become leathery and brown i sh .
The general aspect of the plant resembles that of Astragalus amphioxys Gray; the latter species, however, differs in its larger flowers and its thick- walled or woody pods contrasted with the thin-walled pods of A. musimonum.
From the related A. argophyltus var. panguioensis (Jones) Jones it can be separated by its shorter calyx lobes, more numerous flowers, more copius pubescence of straight appressed hairs, and very differently shaped pods.
Flowering from April to June.
HAB I TAT : Dry limestone bajadas and gentle slopes, along dirt roads, and disturbed areas. Associated plants: p i nyon- j un i per , Coleogyne ramosissima3 Atriplex aonfertifolia3 Artemisia spinesaens 3 and Yueea brevi- folia. Elevation: 1340-1920 m (4400-6300 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Clark County, Nevada.
STATUS : Threatened (1975 77?) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 9 Feb 1979); watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979) -
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: U S FWS .
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: If the present management policies continue,
there are no threats to this taxon.
REMARKS : This taxon is locally plentiful, but it is only known from the Des¬ ert National Wildlife Range. These populations should be monitored.
Ill
ASTRAGALUS NYENSIS
1 cm
cm
112
ASTRAGALUS NYENSIS BARNEBY Nye Mi 1 k- vetch
FAM I LY : Fabaceae (Legumi nosae) -- Pea Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Astragalus nyensis Barneby, Leaflets of Western Bot¬ any, 7:195- 1954. Synonym: A. nuttallianus var. pilifer Barneby, Leaflets of Western Botany, 3:110. 1942. Type: Ripley and Barneby, Spotted Range, Nye County, Nevada, 3200 ft, 1 4 May 1941. The com¬ mon name and the specific name, nyensis , are both taken from the name of the county where the type collection was made.
DESCR I PT I ON : A slender, diffuse annual which is pubescent throughout with stiff, straight, or curved hairs up to 1 mm long. The stems are 1 to 17 cm (0.4 to 6.8 in) long, with the central one usually erect.
The leaves are 1 to 4 cm (0.4 to 1.6 in) long with 7 to 13 oblong-ovate re¬ fuse leaflets which are equally pubescent on both sides or somewhat less so on the upper surface.
The short inflorescence bears one to four flowers which are whitish with the upper petal faintly lilac-tinted and 4.2 to 5-4 mm long. The lower petals (fused to form the keel) have a blunt apex, a distinguishing feature which helps to separate it from the somewhat similar A. aautirostris S. Wats, which has, however, an acute keel and an inflorescence stalk longer than the adjacent leaf, unlike A. nyensis.
A. nyensis produces a linear-oblong pubescent pod which is incurved and 1.3 to 1.8 cm long and somewhat compressed- 1 r i angu 1 a r in cross section.
A. nuttallianus var. irrrperfeotus (Rydb.) Barneby can be separated from the similar A. nyensis by the former's appressed pubescence, and elliptic and acute leaflets.
Flowering in April and May.
HAB I TAT : Outwash fans and gravelly flats, sometimes in sandy soil. Associ¬ ated plants: Larrea tridentata3 Ambrosia dumosa _, Oryzopsis hymen- oides3 Hymenoelea salsola 3 Coleogyne ramosissima3 Eilaria rigida _, Krameria parvifolia3 Astragalus geyeri var. triquetrus3 or A. nuttallianus var. imper- fectus. Elevation: 520-1705 m (1700-5600 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Clark, Lincoln, and Nye counties, Nevada.
STATUS : Endangered (1975 and 1976 FR) ; endangered (Reno T/E Workshop, 9 Feb 1979); watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979). Listed as threat ened with extinction, Nevada Division of Forestry (14 Feb 1979); protected by NRS 527. 270; collection permit required.
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT:, BLM , DOE (Nevada Test Site); USFS, USFWS, and pri
ate.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Proposed MX system.
REMARKS : Because it is an annual, some years it may be difficult to locate
A. nyensis , however, in 1979 it was abundant. Also, it is an in¬ conspicuous plant and it is difficult to distinguish it from other annual astragali and hence it may have been overlooked previously.
113
ASTRAGALUS OOPHORUS var.
CLOKEYANUS
m
ASTRAGALUS OOPHORUS S. Wats. var. CLOKEYANUS Barneby
Lee Canyon Milk-vetch
FAM I LY : Fabaceae (Legumi nosae) -- Pea Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Astragalus oophorus var. olokeyanus Barneby, Leaflets
of Western Botany, 7:194. 1954. Synonym: Astragalus artipes sensu Clokey (not Gray) Madrono, 6:216. 1942. Type: Train, Lee Can¬ yon, Charleston (Spring) Mountains, Clark Co., NV , 9000 ft. This variety is named for Ira W. Clokey, author of a Flora of the Charleston Mountains.
DESCR I PT I ON : A low slender perennial with stems up to 1 dm (4 in) long. The stems and leaves are not pubescent or only slightly so. The leaflets are small and less than 1 cm long, and ovate or elliptic in shape.
The inflorescence bears loosely arranged small purplish flowers with upper pet¬ als about 5 mm wide. The calyx is about 6 mm long including the 2 mm calyx teeth .
The pod averages about 2 to 2.5 cm in length, and at maturity splits into two papery valves. It is supported on a slender stalk 4 to 8 mm long.
The var. oophorus S. Wats, of the species does not occur in the same locale and can be distinguished from var. olokeyanus by the latter's smaller flowers and smaller pods (2 to 2.5 cm compared to 3-5 to 5-5 cm). From somewhat simi¬ lar species this variety can be distinguished by its hairless calyx, and infla¬ ted stalked pod.
Flowering in June and July.
HAB I TAT : Ridges and open slopes in gravelly soil derived from limestone. Asso¬ ciated plants: Pinus ponderosa var. soopulorum3 sagebrush-p i nyon- juniper. Elevation: 2075-2775 m (6800-9100 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Clark County, Nevada.
STATUS : Threatened (1975 FR) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 November 1 979) - LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM and USFS.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Recreational use of the area. Proposed MX sys¬ tem ( i nd i rect 1 y) .
REMARKS : This is a highly localized, rarely collected milk-vetch. An effort should be made to relocate this taxon and learn more about its habi¬ tat.
I
115
116
ASTRAGALUS OOPHORUS S. Wats. var. LONCHOCALYX Barneby
Long Calyx Milk-vetch
FAM I LY : Fabaceae (Legumi nosae) -- Pea Family
C I TAT I ON AND H 1 STORY : Astragalus oophorus var. lonohooalyx Barneby, Leaflets
of Western Botany, 7:194. 1954. Type: Train, Fay,
Lincoln County, Nevada, 6600 ft, 24 April 1939. This variety has a long narrow flower and calyx.
DESCR I PT I ON : A low and slender perennial with stems up to 1 dm (4 in) long.
The stems and leaves are not pubescent or only slightly so.
The leaflets are small and less than 1 cm long, and ovate or elliptic in shape.
The inflorescence bears loosely arranged small purplish flowers with a long, narrow calyx tube and lateral petals which are linear-oblong and up to 11.5 mm 1 ong .
The pods are 3-5 to 5-5 cm (1.4 to 2.2 in) long and at maturity split into two papery valves.
The long, narrow flowers immediately distinguish this variety from the other forms of A. oophorus. Other species which may be found in the same area with similar flowers do not have the vegetative or fruiting form of A. oophorus.
Flowering in May and June.
HAB I TAT :• Dry gravelly hillsides and stony flats; limestone. Associated
plants: p i nyon- j un i per ; associated with sagebrush and sometimes
sheltering under it. Elevation: 1830-2590 m (6000-8500 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Lincoln County, Nevada. Utah.
STATUS: Threatened (1975 FR) ; watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979).
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM .
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Chaining of sagebrush. Proposed MX system. REMARKS: This taxon should be searched for to determine its full range.
117
ASTRAGALUS PHOENIX
118
ASTRAGALUS PHOENIX Barneby Ash Meadows Milk-vetch
FAM I LY : Fabaceae (Legumi nosae) -- Pea Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Astragalus phoenix Barneby, Madrono, 20:395. 1970.
Type: Cronquist, Ash Meadows, Nevada, 21 April 1966.
First collected by Purpus in Ash Meadows, Nye County, in 1 898 . The specific name, phoenix 3 refers to being born of ashes and is descriptive of the plant's dense ashen mound of leaves partly covered over with fine white soil.
DESCR I PT I ON: A low matted perennial forming mounds 40 to 50 cm (16 to 20 in) across. The older stems characteristically have a flaking bark.
The leaves, which are densely covered with coarse, white hairs, are 1.5 to 3.5 cm (0.6 to 1.4 in) long and bear 2 to 3 ovate to obovate leaflets which are 3 to 7 mm long. The stipules are 2 to 3 mm long, pubescent on the outer surface and glabrous on the inner surface.
The pinkish to purple flowers are borne on short, erect stems in the mat and commonly number only one or two per inflorescence. Individual peduncles are 2 to 5 mm long. The 12.5 to 15 mm (0.5 to 0.6 in) calyx is covered with long hairs. The acute calyx teeth are 3 to 4 mm long. The upper petal is about 25 mm (1 in) long and 10.5 mm (0.4 in) wide, while the two lateral petals are about 20 mm (0.8 in) long.
The densely pubescent pod is 1 . 5 to 2 cm (0.6 to 0.8 in) long by 1 cm (0.4 in) in diameter, and is tipped by a short hook, which is incurved.
No other species occurs within the known range of Astragalus phoenix with which it could easily be confused. The flowers are very similar to those of A. newberryi Gray, but the latter is vegetatively very different in that it does not form the dense mound of foliage typical of A. phoenix.
Flowering in late April and May.
HABITAT : Dry, hard, white, barren saline, clay flats, knolls, and slopes.
Associated plants: Atriplex oonferti folia 3 Mentzelia leueophylla3 Haplopappus aeradenius3 Distiohlis spioata var. stricta3 and Enoeliopsis nudi- oaulis var. oorrugata. Elevation: 670-725 m (2200-2380 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Nye County, Nevada.
STATUS : Endangered (1975 and 1976 FB) ; endangered (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov
1979)- Listed as threatened with extinction, Nevada Division of For¬ estry (14 Feb 1979); protected by NRS 527*270; collection permit required.
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM and private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Utilization of land for agricultural or other
developmental purposes. Free roaming horses.
Dust from disturbed soil may smother the plants. Proposed MX system (indirectly).
REMARKS : Astragalus phoenix has a very limited distribution, any loss of hab¬ itat is critical. These plants only grow in areas of mineral encrust¬ ed soil, never in disturbed areas.
119
ASTRAGALUS PORRECTUS
5 mm
cm
120
ASTRAGALUS PORRECTUS S. Wats.
Lahontan Milk-vetch
FAM I LY : Fabaceae (Legumi nosae) -- Pea Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Astragalus porreatus S. Watson, "Botany," pp. 75, 444.
In: C. King, Report of the geological explorations of
the Fortieth Parallel. Vol . 5- 1871. Synonyms: Tragaoantha porreeta (S. Wats.) 0. Kuntze, Revue genera le de botanique, 2:947. 1891. Homalobus por- rectus (S. Wats.) Rydb., Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club, 5:19- 1924. Type: Watson, Trinity Mountains, NV, 5000 ft, May. The specific name, por- reatus3 means to be stretched out, apparently referring to the elongate raceme.
DESCRIPTION: A tall, stiff perennial with stems to 40 cm (16 in) long. The leaves vary from 3-5 to 11 cm (1.4 to 4.4 in) in length and produce relatively few (approximately 9 to 13) broad, leathery leaflets borne some distance from one another on the leaf axis. The leaflets have a few hairs along the margin. The thin dry stipules are 2 to 9 mm long, with the lowermost pairs fused into a sheath surrounding the stem.
The inflorescence bears 12 to 33 creamy-white flowers which are relatively distant from each other. The calyx is about 5 mm long and is pubescent with black appressed hairs. The upper petal of the flower i s 8 to 1 1 mm (0.3 to 0.4 in) long while the two lateral petals average 8 to 9 mm in length. The keel is 6 to 8 mm long.
The pods are glabrous, green, or sometimes purple tinged or mottled. The two valves eventually become leathery and straw-colored and may be purple tinged. The mature pods have an upward curvature and are 8 to 15 mm (0.3 to 0.6 in) long and 3 to 5 mm in diameter.
This is an easily recognized Astragalus because of its sheathing lower stip¬ ules, the relatively few leathery leaflets, and its open inflorescence of small creamy-white flowers followed by incurved and laterally compressed pods.
Flowering in May and June. Fruit long persisting.
HAB I TAT : Hot gravelly washes and outwash fans in the foothills of desert mountains, in volcanic sand or rock debris. Associated plants:
Atriplex eon ferti folia 3 Artemisia tridentata 3 Grayia spinosa3 Hymenoclea salsola3 Chrysothamnus nauseosus , Tetradymia glabrata3 Ceratoides lanata3 and Sareobatus vermieulatus . Elevation: 1310-1525 m (4300-5000 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Churchill, Pershing, and Washoe counties, Nevada.
STATUS : Endangered (1975 and 1976 FR) ; endangered (Reno T/E Workshop, 9 Feb
1979) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979).
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM and private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Grazing by animals. Destruction of pods.
Proposed MX system.
REMARKS : Recent collections have extended the range of this taxon. It may
be a relic of a formerly more widely dispersed flora; it is not closely allied to any other Astragalus in this area.
121
ASTRAGALUS P S E U D I 0 D A NT H U S
122
ASTRAGALUS PSEUDIODANTHUS Barneby Tonopah Milk-vetch
FAM I LY : Fabaceae (Legumi nosae) -- Pea Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Astragalus pseudiodanthus Barneby, Leaflets of Western
Botany, 3:99- 1942. Type: Ripley and Barneby, Nye County, Nevada, 5500 ft, 3 June 1941. This species is deceptively like A. io danthus3 hence the specific name, pseudiodanthus. The type was collected southeast of Tonopah.
DESCRIPTION: A perennial with radiating, prostrate stems 3 dm (12 in) long.
The leaves are 2.5 to 5 cm (1 to 2 in) long, either sessile or with short petioles. There are 11 to 19 crowded, somewhat obovate, cuneate leaflets 3 to 10 mm long which are smooth above and pubescent beneath with long hairs.
The flowering stalks are 2 to 3 cm (0.8 to 1.2 in) long and bear 12 to 25 flowers. The flowers are redd i sh- 1 i 1 ac with the upper petal 9 to 10 mm in length and with the lateral petals nearly as long. The calyx is about 4.5 mm long and pubescent with a mixture of black and white hairs, with the white hairs sometimes predominating.
The pod is curled upwards, sometimes into a nearly complete ring. In cross section it is compressed or sometimes triangular. At maturity it is straw- colored and pubescent with spreading or curly hairs.
This species resembles A. iodanthus S. Wats, but differs in that the pubes¬ cence is made up of longer (1 to 1.2 mm) fine hairs, compared to A. iodan¬ thus which has hairs no longer than 0.7 mm. Typically, A. iodanthus has a relatively simpler branching pattern. A. pseudiodanthus has a distinctive prostrate, abruptly zigzag stems.
Flowering in May and June.
HABITAT: Dunes and sandy flats. Associated plants: Saraobatus vermioulatus
Grayia spinosa3 Tetradymia glabrata3 Eilaria ,jamesii3 Oryzopsis hy- menoides3 Astragalus lentiginosus var. fremontii3 Atriplex aonf erti folia 3 and Sphaeraloea ambigua. Elevation: 1525-2075 m (5000-6800 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Esmeralda, Mineral, and Nye counties, Nevada. Mono
County , Cali forn i a .
STATUS : Threatened (1975 FR) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979) • LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM and private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Early season grazing. Proposed MX system. REMARKS: None.
123
ASTRAGALUS PTEROCARPUS
12A
ASTRAGALUS PTEROCARPUS S. Wats.
Winged Milk-vetch
FAMJJLY: Fabaceae (Legumi nosae) -- Pea Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Astragalus pteroearpus S. Watson, "Botany," p. 71. In:
C. King, Report of the geological explorations of the Fortieth Parallel. Vol . 5. 1 87 1 . Type: Watson, near the junction of Reese River with the Humboldt, Nevada, August 1868. The specific name, ptero carpus , and the common name refer to the winged pods of this species.
DESCR I PT I ON : A perennial with sparsely leafy sedgelike or wiry stems to 3-5 dm (14 in) long. The leaves are 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4 in) long and bear one to three pairs of very narrow, linear leaflets which are silvery pubescent above and sparsely pubescent below.
The inflorescence stalk i s 5 to 1 1 cm (2 to 4.4 in) long with 5 to 15 purplish flowers with an upper petal which reaches 19 mm in length. The calyx is 9 to 12 mm long and pubescent with black or mixed black and white hairs.
The large pod is 3 to 4.5 cm (1.2 to 1.8 in) long and strongly compressed with a thin rigid wing along both sides.
The winged pods and very long, narrow leaflets are so distinctive in this species that there is no likelihood of confusing it with any other Astragalus found in the area.
Flowering from April to June .
HAB I TAT : Low-gullied hills and saline, sandy flats. Associated plants: Fly- mus ainereus3 Artemisia spineseens _, Sitaniun hystrix, Sareobatus ver- mieulatus3 Sphaeraleea grossulariae folia s Tetradymia glabrata 3 Distiehlis spi-
eata var. striata, and Suaeda sp. Elevation: 1220-1410 m (4000-4620 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Humboldt, Pershing, and Lander counties, Nevada.
STATUS : Endangered (1975 and 1976 FR) ; endangered (Reno T/E Workshop, 9 Feb
1979); watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979).
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM and private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Proposed MX system.
REMARKS : Recently, new populations of Astragalus pteroearpus have been located
which have extended its range considerably. Many of these are in re¬ mote areas where there are few threats. Grazing does not appear to be a threat. Unless the MX system seriously impacts this taxon, it will not require protected status .
125
ASTRAGALUS ROBBINSII var. OCCIDENTALS
126
ASTRAGALUS ROBBINSII (Oakes) Gray var. OCCIDENTALS S. Wats.
Lamoille Canyon Milk-vetch
FAM I LY : Fabaceae (Legumi nosae) -- Pea Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Astragalus robbinsii var. oooidentalis S. Watson, "Bot¬ any," p. 70. In: C. King, Report of the geological explorations of the Fortieth Parallel. Vol . 5- 1871. Type: Watson, East Humboldt Mountains, Nevada, 10,000 ft, 13 August 1868. Modern-day collections have all been from Lamoille Canyon, Ruby Mountains.
DESCR I PT I ON : A very slender, weak, and diffuse perennial with stems 1.5 to
4.5 dm (6 to 18 in) long, with 4 to 9-5 cm (1.6 to 3-8 in) long leaves bearing 7 to 1 1 leaflets which are pubescent beneath with somewhat ap- pressed hairs.
The few-flowered inflorescence bears only 6 to 1 2 flowers, somewhat remote from one another, and having lilac petals. The upper petal is about 7-4 mm long, while the calyx attains a length up to 4.6 mm.
The pods have a short stalk, 0.5 to 1.4 mm long, and attain a length of 1 to 1.5 cm and a width of 4 to 5 mm. They may be somewhat flattened at right an¬ gles to the line along which splitting eventually occurs. There is a short beak 0.8 to 1.2 mm long. The pods are pubescent with somewhat appressed hairs.
This taxon can be separated from the similar appearing Astragalus alpinus L. by the latter's 15 to 25 leaflets and pods which are triangular in cross- section and strongly grooved on the lower side.
Flowering in July and August.
HAB I TAT : Moist loamy soil, stream-side, or sheltered under shrubs and trees.
Associated plants: Populus tremuloides _, Salix sp._, Geranium visoo- sissimum 3 Apooynum androsaemi folium 3 Potentilla frutioosa, P. glandulosa3 Thaliotrum fendleri 3 and Carex sp. Elevation: 2285-3050 m (7500-10,000 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Elko County, Nevada.
STATUS : Endangered (1975 and 1976 FE) ; endangered (Reno T/E Workshop, 9 Feb 1979); threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979); endangered (Mo- zi ngo and Wi 1 1 iams) .
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: USFS.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Recreational use of the known sites. Grazing
by sheep. Proposed MX system (indirectly).
REMARKS : The impact will increase in Lamoille Canyon if the MX system be¬ comes a reality. Mozingo and Williams recommend endangered status until new populations are found or the USFS takes steps to preserve the habi¬ tat.
127
ASTRAGALUS SERENOI var. SORDESCENS
128
ASTRAGALUS SERENO! (0. Kze.) Sheld. va r . SORDESCENS Barneby
Squalid Milk-vetch
FAM I LY : Fabaceae (Legumi nosae) -- Pea Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Astragalus serenoi var. sordesoens Barneby, Leaf¬ lets of Western Botany, 7:195. 195A. Type: Rip¬
ley and Barneby, foothills of the Toquima Range, Nye County, 6800 ft.
The common name and the varietal name, sordesoens , refer to the flower color.
DESCR I PT I ON: A tall, bushy perennial with stems up to A. 5 dm (18 in) tall.
The leaves are 5 to 15 cm (2 to 6 in) long with 5 to 1 1 very narrow leaflets from 5 to 30 mm long, which are finely silvery pubescent above.
The flower stalks are stout, erect and 10 to 25 cm (A to 10 in) long and bear 7 to 25 distantly placed flowers at the upper end. The flowers are dull, yellowish white with purplish tips on the lateral petals. The calyx is 8 to 10 mm long, and the larger upper petal varies from 1 A . 5 to 16 mm long.
The pod is 1.5 to 2.2 cm long and only slightly curved. In cross-section it is nearly ci rcular.
Astragalus serenoi var. serenoi differs from this variety in that the for¬ mer has purple flowers with white tips to the lateral petals. Additionally, the pods of var. serenoi are broadest at the middle and have a partial par¬ tition while those of var. sordesoens have virtually no partition and are broadest below the middle.
Flowering in May and June.
HABITAT : Gentle gravelly slopes and washes. Associated plants: pinyon-
j uni per, Artemisia spinesoens3 Atriplex oonfertifolia3 Tetra- dymia glabrata3 Saroobatus vermioulatus 3 and Ephedra nevadensis; this Astragalus often grows up through plants of Artemisia nova. Elevation: 1860-2075 m (6100-6800 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Nye County, Nevada.
STATUS : Endangered (1975 and 1976 FR) ; endangered (Reno T/E Workshop, 25 Feb ruary 1978); threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 November 1979).
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM, USFS, and possibly private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Mining activity. Grazing. Proposed MX sys¬ tem.
REMARKS : Collections during the summer of 1978 extended the range of this
taxon considerably. However, it is often very scarce at any one lo cation. More exploration should be done to determine the full range of this taxon .
129
ASTRAGALUS SOLITARIUS
130
ASTRAGALUS SOLITARIUS Peck Solitary Milk-vetch
FAM 1 LY : Fabaceae (Legumi nosae) -- Pea Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Astragalus solitavius Peck, Leaflets of Western Botany,
A: 181. 19^5. Type: Peck, Malheur County, Oregon, 4 June 19^3- The specific name, solitarius , apparently refers to the fact that the plant has a single or at best a few stems.
DESCR I PT I ON : A tall, slender, wiry, and sparsely leafy perennial, grayish
‘pubescent throughout with short hairs reaching 0.3 nim in length. The leaves are 2 to 7 cm (0.8 to 2.8 in) long and bear only five to nine linear, pubescent leaflets 3 to 15 mm long.
The inflorescence stalks are 5 to 15 cm (2 to 6 in) long and bear 7 to 30 loose¬ ly arranged pale lilac flowers. The calyx is about 3 mm long and pubescent with white or sometimes partially black hairs. The large upper petal is 6.3 to 8 mm long, while the lateral petals may be slightly longer.
The pod is borne on a slender stalk 4 to 8 mm long and is itself 1.2 to 2.5 cm long and 3 to 4 mm wide. The thin, papery valves of the pod are rather densely pubescent .
This species can be separated from the similar appearing and common A. filipes Torr. by the former's more abundant pubescence, and narrower pods which are densely pubescent rather than smooth or rarely lightly pubescent as are those
of A. filipes.
Flowering from May to early June.
HABITAT : Plains and low gullied hills, in sandy-clay soils. Associated plants:
nearly always taking shelter under and often intricately entangled in low sagebrush; Saraobatus vevmieulatus 3 Grayia spinosa3 Atriplex eon fevti folia 3 and Tetradymia glabvata. Elevation: 1 1 60— 1 400 m (3800-4600 ft).
KNOWN D I STR I BUT I ON : Humboldt County, Nevada. Oregon.
STATUS : Threatened (1975 FR) \ endangered (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979); watch list (Mozingo and Williams).
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM and possibly private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Mining activity. Chaining of sagebrush.
REMARKS : This taxon should be searched for to determine its full range.
131
■L‘"
i mmature pod
ASTRAGALUS TEPHRODES var. EURYLOBUS
132
ASTRAGALUS TEPHROOES Gray var. EURYLOBUS Barneby Peck Station Milk-vetch
FAM I LY : Fabaceae (Legumi nosae) -- Pea Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Astragalus tephrodes var. eurylobus Barneby, Memoirs
of the New York Botanic Garden, 13:643. 1964. Type: Ripley and Barneby, Needle Mountains, E of Peck Station, Lincoln County, NV ,
4950 ft, 18 June 1944. The specific name, tephrodes, means ash-gray; the varietal name, eurylobus, refers to the broad pod of this plant.
DESCR I PT I ON : A stout perennial with grayish pubescent leaves 10 to 24 cm (4 to 9-6 in) long borne on angular stems 2 to 9 cm (0.8 to 3-6 in) in length. The leaves have 21 to 27 rather broad flat leaflets 7 to 27 mm long.
The inflorescence stalk is 10 to 18 cm (4 to 7 in) long and bears 18 to 26 flow¬ ers whitish to purplish in color. The calyx is about 12 mm long, and the large upper petal of the flower may reach 22 mm in length.
The broad pod is 2.5 to 4 cm (1 to 1.6 in) long and 1 to 1.6 cm wide, with a beak 5 to 10 mm long. The woody valves of the pod have a wrinkled appearance and are strongly pubescent. (The drawing was taken from a very immature pod.)
The related and widespread var. braohylobus (Gray) Barneby of the same species can be separated by its pods which are only half as large at maturity and by its lesser amount of pubescence.
Flowering from April to June.
HABITAT : On saddles and along gullied draws in low alkaline sandy-clay hills;
weathered pink sandstone knolls. Associated plants: not known. Elevation: 1420-1510 (4650-4950 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Lincoln County, Nevada.
STATUS : Endangered (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979); watch list (Mozingo and Willi ams) .
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM .
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Proposed MX system.
REMARKS : This taxon is only known from the original collection by Ripley and Barneby. A concerted effort should be made to relocate it.
133
ASTRAGALUS TOQUIMANUS
134
ASTRAGALUS TOQUIMANUS Barneby Toquima Milk-vetch
FAM I LY : Fabaceae (Legumi nosae) -- Pea Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Astragalus toquimanus Barneby, Leaflets of Western
Botany, 3:111. 1942. Type: Ripley and Barneby,
in the Toquima Range, east of Manhattan, Nye County, Nevada, 7000 ft, 1 June 1941. The common name and the specific name, toquimanus, are both taken from the range where the type was collected.
DESCR I PT I ON: A‘ slender, wiry perennial, pubescent throughout with fine appressed hairs. The several to numerous stems arise from the root-stalk and are 7 to 25 cm (2.8 to 10 in) long, and are purplish at the base. The leaves are 4 to 11 cm long with 9 to 17 somewhat narrow to relatively broad leaflets, 3 to 15 mm long, which are mostly folded and arched backward and are either obtuse or notched at the tip.
The flower stalks are 2.5 to 6 cm (1 to 2.4 in) long and bear 9 to 20 loosely arranged yel lowi sh-whi te flowers which are veined and suffused with dull lilac. The calyx is 3*4 to 4 mm long, and pubescent with short black and white appressed hairs.
The pods are pendulous, somewhat incurved, between 1.8 to 2.5 cm (0.7 to 1 in) long and 3-5 to 4.5 mm in diameter, and are sharply triangular in cross-sect i on .
From Astragalus howellii Gray which has similar pods this species may be distinguished by its fewer leaflets (9 to 17 as opposed to 21 to 27), ap¬ pressed pubescence, and dingy purple flowers. From the similar fruited A. misellus S. Wats., A. toquimanus may be separated by its more erect habit, appressed pubescence, and smooth, mottled pods.
Flowering in May and June.
HAB I TAT : Gravelly hillsides and benches in calcareous soils. Associated plants: p i nyon-j un i per , Atriplex oonf erti folia s Grayia spinosa3 Astragalus serenoi var. sordesoens , often intertwined in low sagebrush. Elevation: 1890-2105 m (6200-6900 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Nye County, Nevada.
STATUS : Threatened (1975 FR) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979).
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM , USFS, and possibly private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: M i n i ng act i vi ty . Grazing. Proposed MX
system.
REMARKS : This taxon is known from several sites, but it is not abundant
at any of them. A search should be made for more populations of this taxon. It is not always easy to spot because it grows up through sage¬ brush and is partly hidden by it.
135
ASTRAGALUS UNCIALIS
136
ASTRAGALUS UNCIALIS Barneby Currant Milk-vetch
FAM I LY : Fabaceae (Legumi nosae) -- Pea Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Astragalus uncialis Barneby, Leaflets of Western Bot¬ any, 3:101. 19^2. Type: Ripley and Barneby, north¬ eastern Nye County, Nevada, 5300 ft, 22 May 19^1- The type was collected near Currant. The specific name, uncialis, meaning inch-high, refers to the size of the plants.
DESCR I PT I ON : A small, densely tufted perennial with silvery-pubescent leaves 1.5 to 7-5 cm (0.6 to 3 in) long on slender wiry petioles. The leaflets vary from oblanceolate to elliptic to narrow obovate in shape. The stipules are pale and thin with a green midrib and are 3 to 6.5 mm long.
The main flower stalks are leafless and shorter than the leaves and bear 1 to 3 disproportionately large, long, narrow, purple flowers. The large upper pet al is curved backwards and is up to 32 mm long. The calyx is 12 to 16 mm long and whitish pubescent with sometimes a few black hairs.
The pod is very strongly compressed at right angles to the line along which it eventually splits and has an upwardly curved beak. At maturity it is straw- colored or brown with a coat of silvery pubescence.
The few-foliate leaves, silvery aspect, dwarf size, and d i sproport i onate 1 y large flowers readily distinguish this species from any others likely to be found in the same locale.
Flowering in May.
HAB I TAT : Dry knolls and slopes, saline sand or gravel derived from limestone.
Associated plants: Atriplex conferti folia 3 Sarcobatus baileyi3 Arte misia spinescens 3 Kochia americana3 Ephedra viridis3 Eilaria jamesii3 Lepidium montamm3 and Tetradymia sp. Elevation: 1615-1 845 m (5300-6050 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Nye County, Nevada.
STATUS : Endangered (1975 and 1976 FR) ; endangered (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979).
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM and possibly private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Mineral exploration. Dr i 1 1 i ng for oi 1 . Pro¬ posed MX system.
REMARKS : Astragalus uncialis is only known from a limited area. Because it is such a diminutive plant, it is not easy to spot. It should be searched for in similar habitats in the same area.
137
LATHYRUS H I T C H C 0 C K I A NU S
'c.
138
LATHYRUS H I TC H C 0 C K I ANU S Barneby S Reveal Mojave Sweet Pea
FAM I LY : Fabaceae (Legumi nosae) -- Pea Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Lathyrus hiteheoekianus Barneby S Reveal, Aliso, 7
362. 1971. Type: Reveal, central Bullfrog Hills, Nye County, Nevada, 1 380 m, A May 1970. This species is named for C. Leo Hitchcock and is the only known Lathyrus in the Mojave Desert.
DESCR I PTI ON : A bluish-green, diffuse, perennial herb sparsely pubescent with weak tapering hairs up to 0.5 mm long. The stems are prominently ribbed, up to 3-5 dm (lA in) long and bear leaves which are 3 to 7 cm (1.2 to 2.8 in) long including the tendril which i s 2 to 3 forked and longer than the last pair of leaflets. The leaflets are nar¬ rowly lanceolate to linear tapering and are mostly in 2 or 3 pairs.
%
The flower stalks bear 1 to A lilac-purple flowers, with a broad upper petal 10 to 11 mm long and 8 to 9 mm wide. The calyx is about A to 5 mm long with 5 prominent ribs. The pod is 2.5 to 3 cm (1 to 1.2 in) long and varies from light green to dark green or greenish-black.
Lathyrus lanswertii Kell. ssp. aridus (Piper) Brads, closely resembles this species but does not occur in the Mojave Desert. Moreover, ssp. aridus has short, simple and usually bristle-like tendrils, and the flow¬ ers are paler and borne on much longer individual pedicels.
Flowering in April and May.
HAB I TAT : Washes and canyon bottoms in rocky volcanic gravelly or sandy
soil. Associated plants: Salvia dorrii ssp. gilmanii _, Purshia glandulosa, Ephedra viridis3 Grayia spinosa, Atriplex eon ferti folia, or Lyaium pallidum var. oligospermum ; this Lathyrus often grows in tangled association with a shrub. Elevation: 1370-1585 m (A500-5200 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Nye County, Nevada. Inyo County, California.
STATUS : Endangered (1975 and 1976 FR) ; endangered (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979). Listed as threatened with extinction, Nevada Divi¬ sion of Forestry (lA Feb 1979); protected by NRS 527-270; collection per- mi t requ i red .
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM , DOE (Nevada Test Site), National Park
Service, and private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Drilling or construction work. Mining
activity. Proposed MX system.
REMARKS : Mining activity is greatly increasing.
139
LUPINUS MALACOPHYLLUS
1AO
LUPINUS MALACOPHYLLUS Greene Soft Lea f Lupine
FAM I LY : Fabaceae (Legumi nosae) — Pea Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Lupinus malaeophyllus Greene, Pittonia, 1:215. 1888.
Type: Sonne, near Verdi, Washoe County, Nevada. 2 May
1888. The specific name, mdlacophyVlus , describes the leaves which are soft to the touch.
DESCR I PTI ON: An erect annual to 15 cm (6 in) high and rough-hairy throughout.
There are five to seven oblanceolate leaflets on petioles 2 to 4 cm (0.8 to 1.6 in) long.
The flowering stalks are 5 cm (2 in) long with the individual flowers borne com¬ pactly in 3 to 9 whorled clusters. The white to yellowish flowers are 11 to 14 mm long. The upper lip of the calyx is slightly swollen at the base.
There are generally two seeds produced in the 6 mm wide pods.
Although the flowers may occasionally have a bluish tinge this species may be easily distinguished from Lupinus bicolor Lindl. which has blue and white flow¬ ers by the former's completely hairless lower petal or "keel," contrasted with the latter's hairy edges on the upper part of the keel. From L. brevicaulis S. Wats, this species may be separated by flowers which are borne in whorls rather than a compact cluster as are the latter's.
Flowering from April to June.
HABITAT : Rocky hillsides, sandy flats. Associated plants: Artemisia triden- tata , Castilleja chromosa3 Layia glandulosa3 Blepharipccppus scaber3 and Eriogonum spp. Elevation: 1370-1615 m (4500-5300 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Carson City, Douglas, and Washoe counties, Nevada.
STATUS : Threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 9 Feb 1979); watch list (2 Nov 1 979) -
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM and private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Urban expansion.
REMARKS : This lupine was originally thought to be very restricted in its
range, but now it is known from more locations. In favorable years it is locally abundant.
141
TR I FOL I UM LEMMON I I
5 mm
H2
TR I FOL I UM LEMMON II S . Wats .
Lemmon Clover
FAMILY: Fabaceae (Legumi nosae) -- Pea Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Trifolivm lemmonii S. Watson, Proceedings of the Amer¬ ican Academy of Arts and Sciences, 11:127- 1876. Type: Lemmon, Sierra Co., California, 5300 ft, 1873- This taxon is named for J.G. Lemmon who collected the type specimen.
DESCR I PT I ON : A perennial reaching 2 dm (8 in) in height and clothed with a
pubescence consisting of sharp, stiff, appressed hairs, sparsely so on the stems but densely so on the leaflets. The leaves are composed of three to five obovate, elliptic or rounded leaflets with petioles 3 to 5 times as long as the 0.9 to 1.9 cm leaflets. The stipules are similarly pubescent, with the lower ones to 1 cm long and fused with petioles for two-thirds of the i r 1 ength .
The somewhat globose flower cluster is supported on stalks 1 to 1 . 5 dm (k to 6 in) long. The flower clusters consist of 15 to 30 pinkish-white flowers with the upper petal 1 to 1 . 2 cm long. Two manuals for this area characterize the flowers as "yellow" or "bright yellow," this is undoubtedly an error, since neither a recent monograph or the original description so describe them. The pubescent calyx is about 4 mm long with the teeth slightly longer than the fused base.
The 3 to 5, sometimes 7 leaflets, pubescent calyx and pinkish-white flowers immediately distinguish this species from any other perennial clover found in the same area. The similar Trifolivm gymnocarpon Nutt, has leaflets that are fine-toothed along the edge instead of coarse-toothed as in f. lemmonii. Ad¬ ditionally, the latter has a calyx curved at the base, whereas T. gymnocarpon has a straight calyx. T. andersonii Gray is somewhat similar but is silky- pubescent and has larger flower clusters and leaflets which are entire rather than coarsely toothed as in T. lemmonii.
Flowering in May and June.
HAB I TAT : Dry rocky soil, hillsides. Associated plants: Artemisia tridentata3 Purshia tridentata3 Chrysothamnus nauseosus 3 Tetradymia sp., and Pinus jeffreyi. Elevation: 1615-2010 m (5300-6600 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Washoe County, Nevada. California.
STATUS: Endangered (1975 and 1976 FR) ; threatened (Reno T/E workshop, 2 Nov 1979).
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: USFS.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Logging and wood-cutting.
REMARKS : Trifolivm lemmonii is rather widely distributed, but it is not abun¬ dant at any site in Nevada.
M»3
CENTAUR I UM NAMOPHILUM
HA
CENTAUR I UM NAMOPHILUM Reveal, Broome & Beatley Spring Loving Centaury
FAM I LY : Gentianaceae -- Gentian Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Centauriym namophiZvm Reveal, Broome & Beatley, Bulletin
of the Torrey Botanical Club, 100:353- 1973- Type:
Beatley and Reveal, Ash Meadows, Nye County, Nevada, 700 m, 25 July 1972. The specific name, nconophifotm , comes from the Greek, nama means spring, and philos means loving, describing the habitat.
DESCR I PT I ON : An erect annual becoming A. 5 dm (18 in) tall. The linear to
somewhat wider leaves are borne in opposite pairs on the stem and reach a length of 5 cm (2 in).
There are many flowering branches which bear pink flowers on short (to 9 mm) stalks. There are linear bracts at the base of the tubular calyx. The corolla has a greenish tube 7 to 8 mm long with yellow and white zones at the top where the 7 to 8 mm long petals begin. At the top of the corolla tube on the inside are five dark purple spots. A narrow, linear seed capsule is eventually produced.
This species might be confused with Centauv'Lwn exaltatum (Griseb.) W. Wight but the former differs in its shorter flower stalks and styles which are 6.5 to 7-5 mm long, over three times longer than those of the latter species.
Flowering from July to September.
HAB I TAT : Moist to wet clay soils along the banks of streams or in seepage areas.
Associated plants: Grindelia fraxino-pratensis , Haplopappus acradenius, Distichlis spicata var. strieta, Fraxinus velutina var. coviaoea 3 and Pvosopis
pubeseens. Elevation: 670-1675 m (2200-5500 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Nye County, Nevada. California.
STATUS : Endangered (1975 and 1976 FR) ; endangered (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Novem¬
ber 1979).
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM and private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Utilization of land for agricultural or other
developmental purposes; diversion of water for agricultural uses. Proposed MX system (indirectly).
REMARKS : Because this plant has specific edaphic requirements, preservation of
its habitat is essential.
145
FRASERA GYPSICOLA
146
FRASERA GYPSICOLA (Barneby) D.M. Post Sunnyside Green Gentian
FAMILY: Gentianaceae -- Gentian Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Frasera gypsiooZa (Barneby) D.M. Post, Botanical Ga¬ zette, 120:3- 1958. Synonym: Swertia gypsiooZa Bar¬ neby, Leaflets of Western Botany, 3 : 155- 1942. Type: Ripley and Barneby, near Sunnyside, Nye County, Nevada, 4950-5000 ft, 20 July 1941. The specific name, gypsiooZa, refers to the white saline soil on which these plants grow.
DESCR I PT I ON : A pale green or whitish perennial with a short, wide root-crown from which arise many branches tightly pressed together. The leaves are always opposite, close together, and grass-like, 5 to 9 cm (2 to 3.6 in) long by 1.5 to 2.5 mm wide. The leaves form a depressed mound 1 to 2 dm (4 to 8 in) wide.
The flowering stems have internodes 2 to 3 cm (0.8 to 1.2 in) long. The high est bracts of the inflorescence are ovate, minute, and membrane-margined. Flowers are four-parted on slender pedicels 2 to 12 mm long. The calyx teeth are 4 mm long and 1.5 to 2 mm wide and membrane-margined. The taper-poi nted petals are 6 to 6.5 mm long by 2 mm wide, dull or shiny white, and freckled with indigo above the greenish linear-oblong gland on the lower half of the peta 1 .
The mature capsule is oblong and compressed, and 10 to 12 mm (0.4 to 0.5 in) long.
This is a very distinctive Frasera and not likely to be confused with any other species in our area. Frasera aZbomarginata S. Wats, is a taller plant and has white margined leaves.
Flowering in June and July.
HABITAT: Fine self-rising soil, encrusted with mineral salts. Associated
plants: Artemisia tridentata 3 StanZeya pinnata3 Frasera aZbomargin ata3 and Lepidirm nanim. Elevation: 151 0-1 580 m (4950-5190 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Nye County, Nevada.
STATUS : Endangered (1975 and 1976 FR) ; endangered (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov
1979)- Listed as threatened with extinction, Nevada Division of For estry (14 Feb 1979); protected by NRS 527-270; collection permit required.
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM and Nevada Department of Wildlife.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Off-road vehicles. Proposed MX system.
REMARKS : Frasera gypsiooZa is only known from a single location. Other sim¬ ilar habitats in this area have been searched unsuccessfully for this taxon. The Sunnyside population should be monitored.
147
FRASERA PAHUTENSIS
H8
FRASERA PAHUTENSIS Reveal Pahute Green Gentian
FAM I LY : Gentianaceae -- Gentian Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Frasera pahutensis Reveal, Bulletin of the Torrey Bo¬ tanical Club, 98:107- 1971- Type: Beatley and Reveal, Pahute Mesa, Nye County, Nevada, 2195-2230 m, 4 June 1970. Both the specific name, pahutensis, and the common name were taken from Pahute Mesa where the type was collected.
DESCR I PT I ON : A low, spreading herbaceous perennial with a branched woody
root-stock system of 5 to 10 branches arising from a woody tap¬ root. The slender stems are 1 to 3 dm (4 to 12 in) long and like the leaves are covered with minute, short soft hairs. The 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4 in) long oblanceolate basal leaves are green except for a 0.2 to 0.3 mm wide white margin. The margin itself is somewhat wavy to scalloped. The opposite stem leaves are narrowly oblanceolate but reduced in size from the basal leaves.
The inflorescence is a narrow, branched system with 2 to 7 whorls of flowers about one-third or less the height of the plant. The calyx has lanceolate lobes 5 to 7 mm long and the greenish-white corolla lobes are 7 to 9 mm long. The glands on the petals are narrowly oblong and 3 to 4 mm long by 0.6 to 0.8 mm wide and covered only at the base.
This species can be distinguished from the closely related Fvaseva pubevulen- ta Davids, by the latter's stout stems (l or 2 per plant), broad inflorescen¬ ces comprising the upper half of the plant, a calyx longer than the corolla, and petal glands covered about half their length.
Flowering from May to July.
HAB I TAT : Gravelly slopes and valley bottoms. Associated plants: Pinus
monophylla3 Junipevus osteosperma , Artemisia tvidentata _, Purshia tridentata, Peraphyllum ramosissimum _, and Ranunculus andevsonii. Elevation: 2195-2410 m (7200-7900 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Nye County, Nevada.
STATUS : Endangered (1975 and 1976 FR) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov
1979).
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM , DOE (Nevada Test Site), USFS, and private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Grazing by animals. Insect predation. Min¬ ing activity. Road construction. Off-road
vehicles. Proposed MX system.
REMARKS : In 1978 at one site, few stems remained at flowering time and no
seeds were formed. The populations should be monitored to see if this is typi cal .
149
ELODEA NEVADENSIS
150
ELODEA NEVADENSIS St. John Nevada Waterweed
FAM I LY : Hydrochari taceae -- Waterweed Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Elodea nevadensis St. John, Research Studies of the
State College of Washington, 30 ( 2 ) : 4 1 . 1962. Type: Tracy and Evans, Wadsworth, Washoe County, NV , 21 July 1887- The specific name, nevadenszs, apparently refers to the state of Nevada.
DESCR I PT I ON : A submerged aquatic sparingly branching, with the lower leaves opposite and ovate, but with most leaves in whorls of three and 1 i near- 1 anceol ate . The leaves are 7 to 15 mm long, 1 to 2 mm wide with fine teeth along the edge.
Male and female flowers occur on separate plants and only the female flowers have been seen. The bract at the base of the female flower is 0.9 to 1.1 cm long and cylindric with each flower having a thread-like floral tube 1 . 5 to 4
cm (0.6 to 1.6 in) long. The three sepals and three petals are about 3 mm
long and enclose the stigmas and three sterile stamens (staminodia) which ex¬ pand into petaloid tips.
This Is a dubious or possibly extinct species at best, whose main distinguish¬ ing feature is the expanded, petaloid tip of the staminodia. Vegetat i ve ly , it resembles Elodea oandensis Richard which has leaves averaging 2 mm wide, with
occasional leaves up to 4 mm wide. From E. nuttallii (Planch.) St. John it
differs in the former having leaves averaging about 1 mm broad (with a range of 0.5 to 1.5 mm) and a longer, tapering point to the leaf.
Flowering in June and July.
HAB 1 TAT : Ponds and streams. Associated plants: Elodea canadensis. Lerrma minor, and Potamogeton orispus . Elevation: 1250 m (4100 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Storey and possibly Washoe counties, Nevada.
STATUS : Possibly extinct (1975 FR) ; endangered (1976 FR) ; endangered (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 November 1979); possibly extinct (Mozingo and Wil-
1 i ams) .
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: Indian Reservation and possibly private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Diversion or depletion of the water supply.
REMARKS: This plant was originally found in "ponds near Wadsworth." Appar¬ ently these ponds are now dry. This waterweed has been searched for without success.
151
PHACEL I A ANELSON I I
152
PHACELIA AN E L S ON I I J.F. Macbr.
A . Ne 1 son Phace 1 i a
FAM 1 LY : Hydrophyl laceae -- Waterleaf Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Phaoelia anelsonii J.F. Macbride, Contributions from the
Gray Herbarium, A9:25. 1917. Type: Goodding, Meadow Valley Wash, Lincoln County, NV, 28 April 1902. This species was named in hon¬ or of Aven Nelson, the sponsor of many trips for botanical exploration.
DESCR I PT I ON : A 2 to A dm (8 to 16 in) high erect annual with a brownish, glan¬ dular pubescence and pinnately parted leaves which are narrowly oblong or spatulate in outline. The 2 to 10 cm (0.8 to A in) leaves appear somewhat more glandular pubescent than the stem.
The inflorescence is generally terminal on the main stem and produces short stalked (2 mm) blue or violet flowers that are about 6 mm wide. The oblanceo- late and finely pubescent calyx lobes are 3 to A mm long and sometimes glandu¬ lar. The stamens are shorter than the 6 mm long corolla and the style is about the same length as the stamens.
The fruiting capsule is 2.5 to 3 mm long, glandular and finely pubescent at the top.
This species can be separated from the common Phaoelia orenulata Torr. which it vegetatively resembles by the latter's long stamens which extend beyond the co¬ rolla. P. ooerulea Greene also has short stamens but can be separated by its thinner, purplish stems and seeds which are corrugated rather than simply pit¬ ted as i n P. anelsonii.
Flowering in April and May.
HAB I TAT : Shaded places in rich soil at the base of sandstone or limestone cliffs or among rocks or in sandy and gravelly washes. Associated plants:
Junipevus osteosperma, Salvia dorrii s and Querous turbinella. Elevation: 760- 1525 m (2500-5000 ft) .
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Clark and Lincoln counties, Nevada. California and Utah. STATUS : Threatened (1975 Pi?) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979).
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM .
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Proposed MX system.
REMARKS : Although this species is widely distributed, it is scarce at any one location. The full range and abundance of Phaoelia anelsonii should be determined.
153
PHACELIA BEATLEYAE
154
•4
PHACELIA BEATLEYAE Reveal & Constance Bea 1 1 ey Phace 1 i a
FAM I LY : Hyd rophy 1 1 aceae -- Waterleaf Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Phacelia beatZeyae Reveal & Constance, Brittonia, 24:
199- 1972. Type: Beatley and Reveal, Nevada Test Site, Nye Co., NV, 4000-4500 ft, 29 April 1971- This species was named for Janice C. Beatley who is inseparably identified with the botany of the Nevada Test Site.
DESCR I PT I ON : An erect, annual herb with one or a few stems reaching a height of 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4 in). The stems are glandular-fine pubes¬ cent and bear ovate or elliptical to suborbicular glandular-coarse pubescent leaves 1 to 3 cm (0.4 to 1.2 in) long. The leaf margins, which are nearly en¬ tire, are curled toward the underside.
The many flowered coiled inflorescence i s 2 to 5 cm (0.8 to 2 in) long, with individual flower stalks 7 to 12 mm long. When the flowers open the sepals are unequal in size and 5 to 8 mm long, but they continue to elongate and become 8 to 10 mm long in fruit. Three of the sepals are narrow oblanceolate while the remaining two are wider and spatulate. The corolla has a yellow tubular base and an upper expanded lavender portion. The stamens are pubescent at the base.
From the similar Phaoelia parishii A. Gray, this species can be distinguished by the lack of a basal rosette of leaves and leaves which are essentially en¬ tire. It differs from P. putoheZZa A. Gray in that the latter has larger pur¬ ple or violet flowers 7 to 14 mm long and seeds which are brown rather than bl ack.
^lowering in April and May.
HAB 1 TAT : Gravel or volcanic tuff; along washes in canyons, or on loose talus, or on steep barren slopes. Associated plants: AtripZex oonferti- foZia3 A. hymene lytva, Lavrea trid&ntata3 Ambrosia dumosa, Chrysotharmus vis- cidifZorus3 and CoZeogyne ramosissima. Elevation: 1 065— 1 77 0 m (2500-5800 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Lincoln and Nye counties, Nevada.
STATUS : Endangered (1975 and 1976 FR) ; endangered (Reno T/E Workshop, 25 Feb¬ ruary 1978); threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 November 1 979 ) -
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: D0D (Nellis Air Force Base Bombing and Gunnery
Range) DOE (Nevada Test Site), and USFWS.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Loose substrate. Engineering activities.
Some consumption of seeds by wildlife.
REMARKS : This annual appears to be more abundant in favorable years. In some areas it grows on steep, inaccessible slopes which offer it protec¬ tion.
155
PHACELIA GLABERRIMA
156
PHACELIA GLABERRIMA (Torr) J.T. Howell Smooth Phace 1 i a
FAM 1 LY : Hyd rophy 1 1 aceae -- Waterleaf Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Phaoelia glaberrima (Torr.) J.T. Howell, Leaflets of
Western Botany, 4:15- 1944. Synonyms: Ermenanthe glabervima Torrey ex Watson, "Botany," p. 257- In: C. King, Report of the geological explorations of the Fortieth Parallel. Vol . 5- 1871. Miltitzia glabervima (Torr.) Brand, Das Pf 1 anzenre i ch , IV, 251:131. 1913- Type: Wat¬ son, Lower Humboldt and Reese River valleys, Nevada 4-5,000 ft, May-July, 1868 These plants are smooth, hence the common name and the specific name, glabev- rima.
DESCR 1 PT I ON : An annual plant with several spreading stems up to 20 cm (8 in) long, bearing broadly oblanceolate to elliptic, somewhat suc¬ culent and yellowish-green leaves which are entire or with a few coarse teeth Typically, they are glabrous or else have a few hairs on the margins. The lower leaves have petioles up to 2 cm long and leaf blades to 1.5 cm long.
The inflorescence may attain a length of 8 cm (3-2 in) with short-stalked lem on yellow flowers about 3 to 4 mm long. The calyx segments are very unequal in size and about 2.5 mm long, but becoming 4 to 5 mm when the plant is in fruit with mature capsules of the same length.
From the similar yellow flowered P. lutea (Hook. & Arn.) J.T. Howell and P. soopulina (A. Nels.) J.T. Howell, P. glaberrima may be generally separated by its more open and deeply lobed corolla and glabrous style. Additionally, the former two species are usually not glabrous, although smooth forms do occur.
Flowering in May and June.
HAB I TAT : Low hills, weathered lacustrine tuff, moist clay soil. Associated plants: Atviplex oonfevtifolia _, A. oanesoens 3 Saroobatus vermiou- latus, Cleomella sp. , Bromus teotorurrij Phaoelia gyrrmooladaj P. soopulina _, and scattered Juniperus osteosperma. Elevation: 1250-1830 m (4100-6000 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Churchill, Lander, and Pershing counties, Nevada.
STATUS : Threatened (1975 Pi?) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979).
LAND OWNERSH I P/MANAGEMENT: BLM, US Water and Power Resources Service, and
private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Proposed MX system.
REMARKS : Phaoelia glaberrima was rarely collected prior to 1978. Since then it has been found in several widespread localities. However, since it is an annual its abundance and distribution may be variable. In one area where plants were in great abundance in 1978, none were observed in 1979.
157
PHACELIA INCONSPICUA
158
PHACELIA INCONSPICUA Greene Inconspicuous Phacelia
FAM I LY : Hyd rophy 1 1 aceae -- Waterleaf Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Phacelia inconspicua Greene, Erythea, 3:24. 1895.
Type: Greene, West Humboldt Mtns., Pershing County, Nevada. 18 July 1894. The specific name, inconspicua, and the common name both are descriptive of the plants.
DESCR I PT I ON : An erect stemmed annual up to 1.5 dm (6 in) high, freely branch i ng from the base. The many elliptical leaves are 3-5 cm long or less, green above and somewhat paler below. They are entire and softly pu bescent and possess a short winged petiole.
The inflorescence is shorter than the leaves or the flowers sometimes con¬ gested on branchlets on the upper parts. Individual flower stalks are 1 to 3 mm long and bear 3 mm tubular-bell shaped whitish flowers with linear, pu¬ bescent, 3 nrn long calyx segments. The lobes on the corolla are erect and not spreading. The stamens are equal to or barely exceed the corolla in length, and have smooth stalks. The hairy style is 2.5 mm long.
The ovoid capsule is tapered to a short beak and is about 3 mm long, somewhat pubescent, and produces 4 seeds.
Phacelia humilis T.&G, is similar but has hairy stamen stalks, violet flowers and linear-oblong to ovate leaves. P. austvomontana J.T. Howell has glandu¬ lar stems and leaves, open bell-shaped flowers, and leaves which are often pinnately lobed.
Flowering in June and July.
HABITAT : Rocky north or west facing slopes on loose soil rich in organic mat
ter. Associated plants: Junipevus osteosperma3 Artemisia triden- tata3 Hydrophyllum occidentale3 Microsteris gracilis3 Galium bifolium3 and Perideridia bolanderi. Elevation: 1535-2415 m (5030-7920 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Pershing County, Nevada. Butte County, Idaho.
STATUS : Possibly extinct (Reno T/E Workshop, 25 Feb 1978); endangered (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979). Listed as threatened with extinction, Nevada Division of Forestry (14 Feb 1979); protected by NRS 527-270; permit required for collection.
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM and possibly private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: M i n i ng act i vi ty .
REMARKS : The fact that there is considerable distance between the two known locations of Phacelia inconspicua suggests that this taxon may be more widely distributed. It is small and not easily detected in the field. Further surveys are necessary to determine the full range of this taxon and the threats to it.
159
CALOCHORTUS STRIATUS
160
CALOCHORTUS STRIATUS Parish Streaked Mariposa Lily
FAMILY: Liliaceae — Lily Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Caloahovtus stviatus Parish, Southern California Aca¬ demy of Sciences, 1:122. 1902. Type: Parish, Rabbit Springs, Mojave Desert, CA, 2700 ft, May 1882. The petals of this mariposa lily are striped (or streaked) with dark purple lines giving rise to the com¬ mon name and the specific name, stviatus.
DESCRIPTION: A perennial arising from a small underground storage stem (corm) , with two or three slender, erect branches reaching 3 dm (12 in) in height. There are several leaves about as long as the stem branches and 4 to 25 mm wide.
Two to eight flowers are borne in an umbel with the light purple petals uniform¬ ly striate with darker purple veins, and with the lower half sparsely white- hairy. The gland at the base of each petal is triangular and densely tufted with ascending whitish hairs.
The mature capsule is 4.5 to 5 cm (1.8 to 2 in) long and angled.
The conspicuously purple lined petals easily separate this species from any other likely to be found in Clark County. The nature of the gland separates this Caloahovtus from any other in southern Nevada.
Flowering from April to June.
HAB I TAT : In alkaline meadows or near a seep area. Associated plants: Dis- tiahtis spiaata var. striata s Cleomella sp., and Anemopsis aatifov-
nica. Elevation: 300-1370 m (985-4500 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Clark and Nye counties, Nevada. California.
STATUS: Threatened (1975 FR) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 November 1979).
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM, State of Nevada, and possibly private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Urban expansion. Drying up of spring areas.
Proposed MX system (indirectly).
REMARKS: Calochovtus stviatus has been rarely collected in Nevada. Every ef¬ fort should be made to relocate this rare species and preserve its
hab i tat .
161
MENTZELIA LEUCOPHYLLA
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162
MENTZEL I A LEUCOPHYLLA Bdg.
Ash Meadows Blazing Star
FAM I LY : Loasaceae -- Loasa Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Mentzelia leueophylla Brandegee, Botanical Gazette 27:
448. 1899- Type: Purpus, Ash Meadows, Nye County, NV, May-October, 1 898 . The specific name, leueophylla , refers to the leaves which are covered with short white hairs.
DESCRIPTION: A biennial or short lived perennial plant with one to several
white stems from a short tap root and attaining a height of 5 dm (20 in). The whitish-green basal leaves (not shown in the illustration) are linear-oblong and with a wavy margin and 6 to 8 cm (2.4 to 3-2 in) long. The similar stem leaves are proportionately wider and about 4 cm (1.6 in) long.
The leaves are densely clothed on both surfaces with short, rigid, upwardly barbed hairs and with minute barbed bristles along the margin. The upper stem leaves have a cordate-clasping base.
The flowers are bright yellow on 1 to 8 mm stalks in an open, broad inflores¬ cence. The narrow triangular sepals are 6 mm long and are exceeded by the 1 cm spatulate petals which are slightly pubescent at the tip.
The nearly spherical capsule is 8 to 10 mm long and produces flat, narrowly margined seeds.
Mentzelia oreophila Dari, resembles this species, but is smaller (to 15 cm), has more slender and somewhat crooked stems and the leaves are narrower with the lower ones possessing long petioles.
Flowering from June to September.
HABITAT : Along canyon washes and near spring areas, on sandy or saline clay
soils. Associated plants: Atriplex eonferti folia, Haplopappus aera- denius 3 Cryptantha eonferti flora, Eneeliopsis nudieaulis var. eorrugata, and Astragalus phoenix. Elevation: 670-1980 m (2200-6500 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Nye County, Nevada. This taxon was listed in the Federal
Register from California, but apparently this was an error.
STATUS : Endangered (1975 and 1976 FR) ; endangered (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Novem¬
ber 1979). Listed as threatened with extinction, Nevada Division of Forestry (14 Feb 1979); protected by NRS 527-270; collection permit required.
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM and private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Utilization of land for agricultural or other
developmental purposes. Destruction by free roaming horses. Proposed MX system (indirectly).
REMARKS: Mentzelia leuaophylla appears to be limited to a particular edaphic condition so that any loss of habitat is critical.
163
SPHAERALCEA CAESPITOSA
764
SPHAERALCEA CAESPITOSA M.E. Jones Tufted Globe-mallow
FAM I LY : Malvaceae -- Mallow Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Sphaeraloea oaespitosa M.E. Jones, Contributions to
Western Botany, 12:4. 1908. Type: Jones, Beaver Co,, Utah, 6000 ft, 25 June 1 906 . The specific name, oaespitosa, means tufted.
DESCRIPTION: A perennial with a thick, woody crown and relatively short stems to 20 cm (8 in) long which are prostrate or ascending in habit. The wide, thick, ovate leaves are prominently veined beneath, coarsely and irregularly toothed and 2 to 4 cm (0.8 to 1.6 in) long. The leaves and stems are densely soft-pubescent.
The inflorescence is few flowered (less than 10), with rather slender individ¬ ual flower stalks. The calyx is about 15 mm long and the lobes are about 3 times as long as the fused portion at the base. The petals are reddish-orange in color and 22 mm long.
The fruits are approximately hemispherical and about half as long as the ca¬ lyx. At maturity they are divided into about 13 segments, with the upper por¬ tion of each becoming dehiscent, and the lower third remaining indehiscent. Each segment contains one or two sparsely pubescent seeds.
From S. munroana (Dougl.) Spach and S. grossularii folia (H.&A.) Rydb. , this species can be distinguished by its dwarf stature, longer hairs, few flowers in the inflorescence and a more deeply divided calyx. From the common S. parvifolia A. Nelson it can be separated by the same set of characters. The Nevada plants tend to be somewhat taller than the Utah plants and differ in other respects as well. The drawing was prepared from a Nevada plant.
Flowering in May and June.
HAB I TAT : Gravelly limestone soil, sometimes on sandy soil. Associated
plants: Eriogonum shookleyi 3 Atriplex oonferti folia 3 Koohia amer- ioana3 Artemisia spinesoens3 Ephedra viridis3 Hilaria jamesii3 and Lyoium sp.
Elevation: 1525-1980 m (5000-6500 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Nye County, Nevada. Beaver and Millard counties, Utah. STATUS : Threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 November 1 979 ) - LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM and possibly private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: M i n i ng act i v i ty . Dr i 1 1 i ng for oi 1 . Proposed
MX system.
REMARKS : This species is extremely localized in Nevada.
165
FRAXINUS CUSPIDATA var. MACROPETALA
166
FRAXINUS CUSPIDATA Torr. var. MACROPETALA (Eastw.) Rehder
Fragrant Ash
FAM I LY : Oleaceae -- Ash Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Fraxinus ouspidata var. maoropetala (Eastw.) Rehder,
Proceedings of the American Academy of Arts and Sci¬ ences, 53L.201. 1917. Synonym: F. maoropetala Eastwood, Bulletin of the Tor rey Botanical Club, 20:49^. 1903- Type: Wooton, Grand Canyon, Coconino Co. Arizona, 9 July 1902. This ash has flowers which have long petals hence the varietal name, maoropetala.
DESCR I PT I ON : A 3 to 5 m (10 to 17 ft) tall shrub branching from the base, with slender, upright stems. The leaves are compound with 3 to 5 broad, obovate or ovate leaflets which taper at both the base and the tip. They are 1.5 to 3 cm (0.6 to 1.2 in) long with margins which have pointed or rounded teeth.
The inflorescence bears numerous flowers which are green to white with a cor olla about 12 mm long. The petals are united into a tube at the base with the sepals equalling or a little longer than this tube. There are two sta¬ mens attached to the inside of the corolla tube.
The winged fruit ultimately reaches a length of 2 to 2.5 cm (0.8 to 1 in).
All the other Fraxinus species in the same general area have flowers which lack petals. Fraxinus anomala Torr. usually has just one leaflet, rarely three, while F. velutina var. ooriaoea (S. Wats.) Rehd. has three to seven larger leaflets, 2 to 8 cm (0.8 to 3.2 in) long which are thicker and vary in shape from lanceolate to. obovate.
Flowering in May.
HAB I TAT : About small springs or swamps. Associated plants: unknown. Ele¬ vation: 610-2200 m (2000-7215 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Clark County, Nevada. Arizona.
STATUS : Threatened (1975 FR) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979); watch list (Mozingo and Williams).
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM and/or possibly private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Proposed MX system.
REMARKS : There are no known collection records for this taxon in Nevada since 1934. A concerted effort should be made to relocate this taxon in Nevada and determine the threats to it. Apparently it is widely distributed in Arizona.
167
EPILOBIUM NEVADENSE
2 mm
168
EPILOBIUM NEVADENSE Munz Nevada Will owhe r b
FAM I LY : Onagraceae -- Evening Primrose Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Epblobium nevadense Munz, Bulletin of the Torrey Botan¬ ical Club, 56:166. 1929. Type: Jaeger, Charleston
(Spring) Mountains, Clark County, Nevada, 9200 ft, 4 Sept 1927- The specific name, nevadense, is taken from the Spanish word meaning snow-covered.
DESCR I PT I ON: A low, sub-shrubby, clumped perennial with a woody root-stock
producing dark brown prostrate branches with freely exfoliating bark. These prostrate branches in turn give rise to numerous erect, slender, straw-colored, often purple tinged, pubescent, simple stems 12 to 25 cm (4.8 to 10 in) high. The leaves are nearly hairless, somewhat glaucous, with small teeth, either green or purplish, and tipped with an inconspicuous, stout, rig¬ id, gland. The lower leaf blades are opposite, obtuse, and 8 to 15 mm long by 2 to 3 mm wide. The main stem leaves are alternate, somewhat narrower, and gradually reduced towards the top of the stem.
The flowers are in loose racemes, and either sessile or on short glandular stalks. The calyx is glandular, 5 to 8 mm long, tinged reddish, and the ca¬ lyx teeth are turned backwards when the flowers open. The petals are rosy- violet-purple, 6 to 7 mm long, broad, and notched at the tip. The smooth style is about 10 mm long with a squarish 1 mm broad stigma bearing four some¬ what triangular reflexed lobes.
The capsules are glandular pubescent, 8 to 12 mm long by 1.5 to 2 mm wide. The smooth brown seeds have a tuft of white hairs about 5 mm long.
While this species is similar to Epilob'ivon nivivm Bdg., the latter species dif¬ fers in its entire, pubescent, narrower leaves, and less glandular flowers.
The seeds of E. nivinm have a tuft of "dingy" white hairs.
Flowering from July to September.
HABITAT: Limestone talus slopes with rock outcrops or with considerable soil.
Associated plants: Pinus monophylla3 P. pondevosa var. seopulomm3 and Castitteja otokeyi. Elevation: 2270-2800 m (7450-9200 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Clark County, Nevada. Washington County, Utah.
STATUS : Threatened (1975 FT?); threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 November 1979) -
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: USFS.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Increased recreational use of the area. Un¬ stable talus slopes. The seeds sometimes are eaten by moth larvae. Proposed MX system (indirectly).
REMARKS : Epitobbum nevadense is very narrowly restricted in both Nevada and
and Utah. Increasing population in southern Nevada will increase the impact on the plants there.
169
ARCTOMECON CALIFORNICA
170
ARCTOMECON CAL I FORN I C A Torr. & Frem.
Golden Bea r Poppy
FAM I LY : Papaveraceae -- Poppy Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Arotomeoon califomioa Torr. & Frem., In: Report of the
exploring expedition to the Rocky Mountains, 312 (174). 1845* Type: Fremont, "...found in only a single station in the California Mountains, on the banks of a creek." At that time the state of Nevada did not exist, and the area in which the plants are now found was then part of Califor¬ nia. The generic name is from the Greek, arctos3 a bear, and mecon3 a poppy.
DESCR I PT I ON : A low, broad, caespitose perennial branching from a thick woody root and attaining a height of 10 cm (4 in) not including the flowering stems. The wedge-shaped oblanceolate leaves are 2 to 3 cm (0.8 to
1.2 in) long, glaucous and covered with 1 cm long white, spreading hairs.
The upper leaves may be sessile and may lack the three-toothed blunt apex.
The several naked flower stalks, 20 to 40 cm (8 to 16 in) long bear several yellow flowers 5 to 8 cm (2 to 3 in) across. The 2 or 3 hairless sepals are
1.3 to 2 cm (0.5 to 0.8 in) long and drop off soon after the flower opens.
There are usually six yellow obcordate petals 2.5 to 4 cm (l to 1.6 in) long.
The many stamens and styles are united together.
The seed capsule attains a length of about 1.5 cm (0.6 in).
Arotomecon merriamii can also be found in this same area but it has white flowers borne singly on each stem.
Flowering in April and May.
HAB I TAT : Barren, gravelly desert flats, hummocks, and slopes; often found in
soil heavily impregnated with gypsum. Associated plants: Larrea tri- dentata 3 Ambrosia dwnosa3 Eneeliopsis argophylla var. grandiflora3 Lepidivm fre- montii3 or Psorothccrmus fremontii. Elevation: 400-340 m (1310-2760 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Clark County, Nevada. Arizona near Lake Mead.
STATUS : Endangered (Reno T/E Workshop, 9 Feb 1979); threatened (Reno T/E
Workshop, 2 Nov 1979)* Listed as threatened with extinction, Nevada Division of Forestry (14 Feh 1979); protected by NRS 527-270; collection permit requ i red .
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM, D0D (Nellis AFB Bombing and Gunnery Range),
National Park Service, State of Nevada, and private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Urbanization. Off-road vehicles. Grazing and
habitat destruction by feral horses and burros. Surface mining. Collection of plants for horticultural purposes. Proposed MX system (indirectly).
REMARKS : Plants cannot be transplanted and apparently no one has been able to
grow plants successfully from seed to maturity. Known populations of this taxon should be monitored.
171
ARCTOMECON MERR I AM I I
172
ARCTOMECON MERRIAMII Cov. Merr i am Bear Poppy
FAM I LY : Papaveraceae -- Poppy Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Arotomeoon merriamii Coville, Proceedings of the Biolog¬ ical Society of Washington, 7:66. 1 8 92 . Type: Merriam and Bailey, a few miles west of the Vegas Ranch, Lincoln County (now Clark Co.), Nevada, 750 m, 1 May 1 89 1 . This poppy is dedicated to C.H. Merriam, one of the collectors of the type specimen.
DESCR I PT I ON: A perennial producing a clump of cuneate-oblanceolate leaves from short stems atop a stout taproot. The leaves are clothed with very long, spreading hairs. There are several flowering stems which may reach a height of 3-5 dm (14 in).
Each flowering stem bears a single flower with 3 sepals and 6 white petals. There are numerous stamens and a narrow oblong ovary. The capsule may eventu¬ ally attain a length of about 3-5 cm (1.4 in).
This is a very unique plant easily separated from Aratomeaon oali- formica Torr.
S Frem. which has yellow flowers borne 6 to 20 on the flower stalks and ovate capsules only about 1.5 cm long.
Flowering from April to early June.
HAB I TAT : Shallow gravelly soil, limestone outcrops, or flats or old lake beds.
Associated plants: Larrea tridentata, Atriplex oonferti folia, Cole- ogyne ramosissima , and Ambrosia dimosa . Elevation: 670- 1 465 m (2200-4800 ft).
KNOWN D I STR I BUT I ON : Clark, Lincoln, and Nye counties, Nevada. California.
STATUS : Threatened (1979 FR) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 9 Feb 1979); watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979) -
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: and private.
BLM, DOE (Nevada Test Site), D0D (Nellis AFB Bomb¬ ing and Gunnery Range), State of Nevada, USFWS,
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Urban expansion. Land development. Off-road
vehicles. Removal of plants for horticultural
purposes. Proposed MX system.
REMARKS : It is possible that Arotomeoon merriamii has been extirpated near Las
Vegas by development of that metropolitan area. However, it is a widely distributed species. There will be no threats to it in the Desert Na¬ tional Wildlife Range if present management policies continue.
173
G I L I A R I PLEY I
174
G I L I A R I PLEY I Barneby Ripley G i 1 i a
FAM 1 LY : Pol emon i aceae -- Phlox Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Gilia vipleyi Barneby, Leaflets of Western Botany, 3:
12^. 19^2. Synonym: Gilia gilmanii Jepson, Flora of California, 3:192. 19^3- Type: Ripley and Barneby, south end of Specter Range, Nye County, Nevada, 3100 ft, 18 July 19^1- The specific name, vipleyi , and the common name both honor Dwight Ripley, one of the collectors of the type.
DESCRIPTION: A many-stemmed perennial somewhat woody at the base and bearing characteristic holly-shaped leaves 3 to b cm (1.2 to 1.6 in) long by 2 to 3 cm (0.8 to 1.2 in) wide, toothed with rigid triangular teeth about h mm long.
The inflorescence is open and densely glandular as are the leaves. Flower ped¬ icels are threadlike and bear bright rose colored to sometimes pale pink flow¬ ers. The calyx varies from 2 to 6 mm in length while the corolla varies from 7 mm to 2 cm in length.
This is an easily recognized Gilia which could be confused only with Gilia latifolia S. Wats., which, however, is an annual plant confined to gravelly desert washes unlike G. vipleyi which usually is confined to the exposed cre¬ vices of limestone cliffs.
Flowering from May to October; the peak of flowering is in June and July.
HAB I TAT : Exposed crevices of steep south-facing limestone cliffs, occasion¬ ally in loose talus or gravelly slopes below cliffs. Associated
plants: Eaplopappus briokellioides 3 Pevityle megalocephala var. intvioata , Penstemon petiolatus} Gilia saopulorum , Buddleja utahensis , and occasional¬ ly with Agave utahensis var. ebovispina3 Larrea tridentata3 or Atviplex eon-
fevtifolia. Elevation: 9 1 5 ~ 1 5 2 5 m (3000-5000 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Clark, Lincoln, and Nye counties, Nevada. Inyo County,
Ca 1 i f orn i a .
STATUS: Threatened (1975 FR) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 9 Feb 1979); watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979).
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM , DOE (Nevada Test Site), D0D (Nellis AFB Bomb¬ ing and Gunnery Range); USFWS and private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Erosion or landslides. Mining activity. Pro¬ posed MX system.
REMARKS : The rarity of this species and its specialized habitat requirements
indicate that the known populations should be monitored.
175
PHLOX GLADIFORMIS
176
PHLOX GLADIFORMIS (Jones) E. Nels. Musky Phlox
FAMILY: Pol emon i aceae -- Phlox Family
CITATION AND HISTORY:
Phlox gladifovmis (Jones) E. Nelson, Revision of the Western North American Phloxes, p. 21. 1899- Synonym:
Phlox longifolia var. gladifovmis Jones, Proceedings of the California Academy of Sciences, Ser. 2, 5:711. 1895- Type: M.E. Jones, Cedar Creek Canyon, Utah, 11 June 1894. The specific name, gladifovmis, is descriptive of the dagger shaped leaf. The musky odor gives this plant its common name.
DESCRIPTION: A perennial which forms a cushion 6 to 15 cm (2.4 to 6 in) high with the stems and leaves glandular-hairy and characteristically producing, when fresh, a strong musky odor. The firm and sharp-pointed leaves are linear lanceolate and may reach a length of 25 mm.
The inflorescence commonly produces 1 to 3 pale lilac to lavender or whitish flowers which are glandular-pubescent. The sepals are united for 3/8 to 5/8 of their length and may become 9-5 mm long. The tubular portion of the cor¬ olla is 8 to 15 mm long, with the petal blade averaging 7 mm long. The style varies from 2.5 to 5-5 mm long.
This species somewhat resembles the similar P. douglasii Hook., but the lat¬ ter has smaller leaves, generally shorter corolla tubes, and slightly shorter petal blades. The calyx is glandular and long-hairy unlike the simply glan¬ dular pubescent calyx of P. gladifovmis. However, the most striking field characteristic of this rare phlox is its unusual musky odor.
Flowering from May to July.
HAB I TAT : Gravelly, heavy clay soil; rocky slopes. Associated plants: yel¬ low pine forest community. Elevation: 915-2440 m (3000-8000 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Lincoln County, Nevada. Utah.
STATUS : Threatened (1975 FP) threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979); watch list (Mozingo and Williams).
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM .
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Proposed MX system.
REMARKS : Not enough is known about this rare taxon in Nevada to determine
if there are any other threats to it. An intensive search should be conducted to determine its distribution and abundance.
177
ER I OGONUM ANEMOPH I LUM
0.3 mm
178
ER I OGONUM ANEMOPHILUM Greene Wind Loving Buckwheat
FAM I LY : Polygonaceae -- Buckwheat Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Eriogonum anemophilum Greene, Pittonia, 3:199. 1897-
Synonym: Eriogonum oehrooephalum S. Wats. ssp. anem¬ ophilum (Greene) S. Stokes, The Genus Eriogonum, p. 92. 1936. Type: Greene, northern end of West Humboldt Range, Nevada, July 1894. The common name and the specific name, anemophilum , refer to the bleak windy summits where these plants grow.
DESCR I PT I ON: A low, clumped perennial with a woody root-stock, very leafy with the leaves densely white pubescent. The leaf blades are obovate to subcircular, up to 1.3 cm (0.5 in) long and possess petioles of a s imi lar length.
The leafless flower stalks are up to 7.6 cm (3 in) tall and bear a terminal cluster of flowers embedded in a loose, white, woolly pubescence. The peri¬ anths are cream colored fading to reddish and not narrowed at the base; the individual segments are broad and obtuse or notched at the tip. The staminal filaments and ovary are hairless.
The typical form of Eriogonum oohrocephalum differs in having oblanceolate leaves 2 to 5 cm (0.8 to 2 in) long and yellow flowers. Plants of the Sierra Nevada were incorrectly referred to Eriogonum anemophilum.
Flowering in late June and July.
HABITAT: Exposed ridges and slopes in loose gravel of limestone or on vol¬
canic outcrops. Associated plants: Haplopappus aeaulis3 Pteryxia terebinthina, Astragalus aalycosus var. oalyoosus 3 Lygodesmia spinosa3 Eriog- onim umbellatum var., Chrysothamnus visoidiflorus3 Artemisia arbusaula 3 and Poa sandbergii. Elevation: 2195-2575 m (7200-8450 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Pershing and Humboldt counties, Nevada.
STATUS : Endangered (1975 and 1976 FR) ; endangered (Reno T/E Workshop, 9 Feb
1979); watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979) •
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM and private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Trampling by wild horses. Mining activity.
REMARKS : Considering the wide distribution of the populations of Eriogonum
anemophilum 3 at the present time the taxon as a whole is not threatened. The remote locations where it is found offer additional pro¬ tect i on .
179
ERIOGONUM ARGOPHYLLUM
180
ER I OGONUM ARGOPHYLLUM Reveal Silver Leaf Buckwheat
FAMILY: Polygonaceae -- Buckwheat Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Eriogonum argophyllum Reveal, Phytologia, 23:168.
1972. Type: Holmgren and Kern, Sulphur Hot Springs, Elko County, Nevada, 6050 ft, 7 July 1 969 . The common name is derived from the specific name, argophyllum.
DESCRIPTION: A low, clumped herbaceous perennial typically forming a mat 1 to 2 dm (4 to 8 in) across. The oblanceolate to elliptic leaf blades are 4 to 8 mm long with a short petiole 0.5 to 1 mm long. The petiole base is expanded into a section 1 to 2.5 mm broad. The leaves are densely white pubescent on both surfaces.
The flowering stems are leafless, with the individual flowers congested into a head 5 to 10 mm across. The lanceolate bracts at the base of the flower head are 5 to 6 scale-like structures 2 to 2.5 mm long, and fused basal ly.
The individual flowers are yellow, becoming tinged with reddish-brown at ma¬ turity in some. They are glandular within, especially along the midribs, and sparsely glandular along the midribs without. The outer whorl of peri¬ anth segments is composed of broader segments than the inner whorl. The relatively long, exserted stamens (3 to 3-5 mm long) are sparsely pubescent at the base of the filaments.
This species is somewhat similar to Eriogonum kingil T.SG., but the latter species has larger leaves (blades 5 to 10 mm long, the petioles 4 to 12 mm long), fewer involucres per head (3 to 5, compared to 5 to 7 for E. argo¬ phyllum), and bigger involucres (3 to 3-5 mm long, contrasted with 2 to 2.5
mm for E. argophyllum) .
Flowering in June and July.
HAB I TAT : Sandy washes on crusty mineralized sand below a saline hot spring on a ranch. Associated plants: Seneaio sp. Shadscale surrounds the ranch. Elevation: 1845 m (6050 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Elko County, Nevada.
STATUS : Endangered (1975 and 1976 FR) ; endangered (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov
1 979) • L i sted as threatened with extinction, Nevada Division of For¬ estry ( 1 4 Feb 1979); protected by NRS 527-270; collection permit required.
LAND OWNERSHIP MANAGEMENT: Private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Grazing. Any change in land use or change in
water flow from the spring.
REMARKS : Eriogonum argophyllum is only known from one location. Apparently it is restricted to a particular edaphic condition. Many nearby spots which appear to be similar have been searched without success.
181
182
ER10G0NUM BIFURCATUM Reveal Pahrump Valley Buckwheat
FAM I LY : Polygonaceae -- Buckwheat Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Eriogonion bifurcation Reveal, Aliso, 7:357- 1971- Type:
Reveal, Pahrump Valley, Nye County, NV , 13 June 1970.
The specific name, bifurcation, refers to the way the plants branch.
DESCRIPTION: A low, spreading annual 1.5 to 4 dm (6 to 16 in) high, and 3 to 15 dm (12 to 60 in) across, counting the width of the inflores¬ cence. The plants are nearly hairless, with the basal leaves round-cordate and with blades 1 to 3 cm (0.4 to 1.2 in) long and wide. They are densely white pubescent below.
The main flowering stem is short, green, and glaucous. The bracts at the nodes of the inflorescence branches are scale-like and 1 to 2 mm long. The individual involucres are erect, sessile, 2 to 2.5 mm long, and hairless. Each involucre bears 10 to 20 white flowers with greenish to reddish midribs and bases; each flower is 1.5 to 2 mm long. The outer perianth segments are much broader than the inner and slightly longer. The exserted stamens have filaments which are sparsely pubescent basal ly and have red to reddish-purple anthers.
This species most closely resembles Eriogonwn insigne S. Wats., however, at ma¬ turity, the latter is a larger plant, often more than 1 meter tall, with a nar¬ row inflorescence.
Flowering in May and June.
HAB I TAT : Rolling hills, saline flats. Associated plants: Atriplex conferti- folia and A. canescens. Elevation: 760-775 m (2500-2550 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Nye County, Nevada. Inyo County, California.
STATUS : Threatened (1975 FR) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979) •
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM and private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Destruction of habitat by farming and housing
developments. Proposed MX system.
REMARKS : The known populations of Eriogonum bifurcation should be monitored.
183
xM'J .\V it
ER I OGONUM DARROV I I
184
ERIOGONUM DARROVII Kearney Da r row Buckwhea t
FAM I LY : Polygonaceae -- Buckwheat Family
C I TATI ON AND H 1 STORY : Eviogonim davvovii Kearney, Leaflets of Western Bot¬ any, 4:267- 1946. Type: Darrow, Coconino County, Arizona, 31 August 1945- The species was named for the collector of the type specimen, Robert A. Darrow.
DESCR I PT I ON : An annual, compact, many branched plant with short internodes and numerous leaves. Individual branches may be up to 10 cm (4 in) long. The elliptical or spatulate leaf blades are about 10 mm long by 8 mm wide, with only a small diminution in size upwards. Leaves, stems, bracts, and involucres are minutely and softly pubescent.
The subsessile involucres are solitary in the leaf axils and bear up to 18 flowers each. The flowers are yellow in bud, but turn pink about the time they open. The individual flowers are about 1.5 mm long.
This is a very distinctive species, and while the flowers resemble those of other species, the general form and leafy nature of the plant separate it unmistakably from other buckwheats.
Flowering in late July and August.
HAB I TAT : Very hard, dry, fine soil with chunks of limestone; in washes and and on flats. Associated plants: Junipevus osteospevma3 Chvyso- thamnus visoidif lovus 3 Artemisia tvidentata3 Petrophytum eaespitosum3 and Cowania mexicana var. stansbuviana. Elevation: 1860-1 980 m (6100-6500 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Nye and White Pine counties, Nevada. Arizona.
STATUS : Endangered (1976 FR) ; endangered (Reno T/E Workshop, 9 Feb 1979);
watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979); deleted (Mozingo and Willi ams) .
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM and Nevada State Department of Wildlife. EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Proposed MX system.
REMARKS : Recent collections have extended the range of Eviogonim davvovii
cons i derab 1 y .
185
ER I OGONUM HOLMGREN I I
186
ERIOGONUM HOLMGREN I I Reveal Holmgren Buckwheat
FAM I LY : Polygonaceae -- Buckwheat Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Eriogonum holmgrenii Reveal, Leaflets of Western Bot¬ any, 10:184. 1965. Type: Holmgren and Reveal, Snake Range, White Pine County, Nevada, 11, 280 ft, 10 August 1984. This species is named in honor of Noel H. Holmgren, one of the collectors of the type specimen
DESCR I PT I ON : A dense, mat-forming perennial branching from a woody base. The oblanceolate or spatulate leaves are densely whitish-green tomen tose below, less so above, and 3 to 10 mm long by 2 to 4 mm wide. Intermin¬ gled with the long hairs are small stalked glands. The petiole i s 2 to 6 mm long, the expanded petiole base is 2 mm wide.
The leafless flower stalks are erect, up to 3 cm (1.2 in) tall, with 2 to 4 involucres each with many flowers. The flower stalks are wool 1 y-tomentose with stalked glands. Individual flower pedicels are smooth except for a few scattered glands at the base. The flowers are 2.5 to 3 mm long and sparsely glandular outside. Flower color varies from white to pink, turning orange and deep red at maturity.
This species resembles Eriogonum graciliipes S. Wats., but can be separated easily by the latter's longer glandular (not woolly-glandular) flower stalks 3 to 8 cm (1.2 to 3-2 in) long, inflorescences with 5 to 7 involucres, and pedicels glandular at the top. E.. kingii Torr. & Gray which grows in the same area has greenish-yellow or pale yellow flowers which become tinged with red at maturity.
Flowering from June to August.
HAB I TAT : Crevices of rocks, on quartzite ridges, or with limestone boulders on talus slopes. Associated plants: Primula nevadensis 3 Aquile- qia scopulorum, or Penstemon francisoi-pennellii. Elevation: 3325-3600 m (10,900-11 ,800 ft) .
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: White Pine County, Nevada.
STATUS : Threatened (1975 FP) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979) •
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: U S F S .
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Grazing by animals on unstable slopes.
REMARKS : More field work should be done to determine the full range of this buckwheat .
187
ER I OGONUM LEMMON I I
188
ERIOGONUM LEMMONII S. Wats.
Lemmon Buckwheat
FAM I LY : Polygonaceae -- Buckwheat Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Eriogonum lemmonii S. Watson, Proceedings of the Amer¬ ican Academy of Arts and Sciences, 12:266. 1 876 . Type: Lemmon, on sand hills and bare volcanic rocks, near Reno, Nevada, 1 8 76 . This taxon is named for J.G. Lemmon, the collector of the type specimen.
DESCRIPTION: An annual plant averaging 23 cm (9 in) high with a basal rosette of orbicular to reniform leaves which are somewhat pubescent with short, spreading hairs. The hollow stalk may be somewhat inflated.
The broad involucre is glandular-pubescent, 5 to 7 toothed, and 3 mm or less long. The flowers are pale rose-colored to yellowish and 1 to 2 mm long. The calyx is not stipe-like at the base.
This species can be separated from somewhat similar species found in the same area by its sessile, broad and glandular involucre and flowers which are not noticeably deflexed downwards. It can be easily separated from E. rubrioaule Tidestr. by the latter's smooth involucre (or at most with a few hairs along the edges) and noticeably more branched inflorescence with much more slender branch lets.
Flowering in May and June.
HAB I TAT: Rolling hills, weathered lacustrine tuff; fine light colored sandy loams and silt loams are at the surface, grading to clay loam and clay in the lower horizons. Associated plants: Eriogonum deflexum3 E. infla- tum3 E. oehrooephalum var., E. rubrioaule 3 Salvia dorrii3 Atriplex oonferti- folia3 Saroobatus bailey i3 Tetradymia glabrata 3 Oryzopsis. hymenoides 3 Haloge- ton glomeratus3 Salsola kali3 Oenothera olavaeformis var._, and Psathyrotes annua. Elevation: 1280-1450 m (4200-4750 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Churchill, Lyon, and Storey counties, Nevada.
STATUS : Possibly extinct (1975 FP) ; endangered (1976 FR) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979)- Listed as threatened with extinction,
Nevada Division of Forestry (14 Feb 1979); protected by NRS 527-270; permit required for collection.
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM and private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Off-road vehicles. Other recreational use of
the habitat.
REMARKS : Eriogonum lemmonii is an annual species which apparently only appears in favorable years. Plants were abundant in 1978 but were very scarce in 1979. The known populations should be monitored and this taxon should be searched for in similar habitats.
189
E R I OGONUM LCTBB II va r .
ROBUSTUM
190
ERIOGONUM LOBBII T.SG. var. ROBUSTUM (Greene) Jones
Altered Andesite Buckwheat
FAMILY: Polygonaceae -- Buckwheat Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Eriogonum lobbii var. robustum (Greene) Jones, Contri¬ butions to Western Botany, 11:7. 1903. Synonym: Evio gonum vobustum Greene, Bulletin of the California Academy of Sciences, 1(3): 126. 1885. Type: Curran, Geiger Grade, Washoe County, Nevada, July 1884.
The specific name, vobustum, describes the robust habit of these plants.
DESCR I PT I ON : A many branched tufted perennial from a stout woody root-stock bearing round or oval leaves which are densely pubescent and have blades 1 to 4 cm (0.4 to 1.6 in) long on relatively long petioles.
The pubescent, leafless flower stalks are erect and about 15 cm (6 in) high and form a broad subdivided umbel. The main umbel is subtended by spatulate bracts, while the smaller umbel lets are subtended by 1 i nea r- 1 anceol ate bracts
The involucres are about 12 mm long and enclose cream-colored flowers about 6 mm long.
This variety is easily distinguished from the typical species by the latter's few branches, smaller size, and particularly by the prostrate, or nearly so, inflorescence stalks. There are no other eriogonums in the area with which this could easily be confused.
Flowering in May and June.
HAB I TAT : Barren altered andesite slopes. Associated plants: sagebrush- pi nyon-j un i per , Pinus pondevosa.j and P. jeffveyi grow nearby. Elevation: 1310-1710 m (4300-5600 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Storey and Washoe counties, Nevada.
STATUS : Threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979) - LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM and private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Land development for homesites. Off-road
veh i cl es .
REMARKS : This buckwheat is apparently restricted to altered andesite soil
and is only known from a limited area. Because of the rapid growth in population in this section of western Nevada, much of the suitable habitat is being destroyed.
191
ER I OGONUM V I SC I DULUM
192
ERIOGONUM VISCIDULUM J.T. Howell Sticky Buckwheat
FAM I LY : Polygonaceae -- Buckwheat Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Eriogonum visoidulum J.T. Howell, Leaflets of West¬ ern Botany, 3:138. 1 942 . Type: Eastwood and Howell, near Riverside, Virgin River, Clark County, Nevada, 8 May 1941. The common name and the specific name, viscidutum , refer to the sticky stems and branch¬ es of this species.
DESCR I PT I ON : An annual reaching 4 dm (16 in) in height, with the leaves all basal, and with the circular or reniforme blades pubescent be¬ neath and thinly so or smooth above. The stems and branches are finely glan¬ dular to such an extent that sand and debris commonly adhere. Only the up¬ permost threadlike branches lack the glutinous covering.
The inflorescence is open and diffuse; the peduncles are slender and 0.5 to 2.5 cm long and smooth. The individual flowers are smooth to sparsely hairy, and yel lowi sh .
This species may be easily distinguished from all related annual species by the glandular nature of the stem and branches.
Flowering in April and May.
HABITAT: Washes and flats in sandy soil. Associated plants: Larrea triden- tata3 Ambrosia dumosa _, Prosopis glandulosa3 Psorothamnus fremontii3 Eriogonum trichopes3 Astragalus geyeri var. triquetrus3 A. nyensis3 A. nuttal Zianus var. imperfeotus3 and Oryzopsis hymenoides. Elevation: 460-760 m (1500-2500 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Clark County, Nevada.
STATUS : Endangered (1976 FR) ; endangered (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979) •
Listed as threatened with extinction, Nevada Division of Forestry (14 Feb 1979); protected by NRS 527-270; collection permit required.
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM .
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Flooding and washouts. Commercial removal of
sand and gravel. Proposed MX system.
REMARKS : Prior to 1979, Eriogonum visoidutum was only known from the type lo cality. Field study extended the range to several other nearby lo¬ cations. However, this taxon is still limited in its distribution and known populations should be monitored. Because it is an annual, its occurrence may vary according to seasonal conditions.
193
OXYTHECA WATSON I I
194
OXYTHECA WATSON II T . &G . Watson Oxytheca
FAM I LY : Polygonaceae -- Buckwheat Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Oxytheca Watsonii Torrey and Gray, Proceedings of the
American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 8:191* 1870.
Type: Watson, Monitor Valley, Nevada, 5500 ft, July 1868. The specific name, watsonii, and the common name both honor the collector of the type specimen, Sereno Watson.
DESCRIPTION: 1 ong .
A small annual 10 to 25 cm (4 to 10 in) tall with a basal rosette of oblong-spatulate pubescent leaves 1.3 to 4 cm (0.5 to 1.6 in)
From the rosette arises the glandular flowering stem which characteristically branches into many smaller branches which digress from each other at wide angles. The bracts on the flowering stems are ovate or ovate- 1 anceol ate and have a long awn at the tip. The bracts are typically fused at the base usually only on one side of the stem. Additional lobes may be present at the base of the bracts.
The upper bracts are reduced in size. Generally three flowers are borne together and subtended by a funnel-shaped involucre composed of four fused bracts each of which is tipped with a long awn about 2 mm long. The flower has no petals, but only white petal-like sepals which are finely pubescent on the midvein.
The somewhat similar Oxytheca dendnoidea Nutt, is easily separated by basal leaves which are narrowly linear to 1 i nea r-ob 1 anceo 1 ate rather than spatulate as
in 0. watsonii.
Flowering in June and possibly in July.
HAB I TAT : Alkali flats, gravelly washes; sometimes in sandy soil. Associated plants: AtviipZex sp. Elevation: 1340-1980 m (4400-6500 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Eureka and Mineral counties, Nevada.
STATUS: Threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 November 1979).
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM , USFS , and private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Proposed MX system.
REMARKS : One population was found growing with seeded crested wheat, so apparently
this taxon can tolerate disturbance. Oxytheca Watsonii has been very rarely collected and is never abundant at any one site.
195
LEW I S I A MAGU I RE I
196
LEWI S I A MAGU I RE I Holmgren Maguire Lewisia
FAM I LY : Portu 1 acaceae -- Purslane Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Lewisia maguirei Holmgren, Leaflets of Western Bot¬ any, 7:136. 1 954. Type: Maguire and Holmgren,
Quinn Canyon Range, Nye County, Nevada, 7500 ft, 8 June 1945. This taxon is named for Bassett Maguire, one of the collectors of the type.
DESCR I PT I ON: A perennial with fleshy 1 to 2 cm (0.4 to 0.8 in) leaves at the top of a succulent branched taproot. The leaves and in¬ florescence are suffused with a rose color.
Two or three flowers are borne on each inflorescence stalk (rarely only one) The bracts subtending the main flower cluster are ovate and obtuse. The in¬ dividual flower stalks are 3 to 9 mm long and are each subtended by a narrow linear oblong bract up to 10 mm long. There are 3 or 4 sepals and 7 to 9 white to pinkish petals about 8 to 12 mm long. The pistil has 4 to 6 styles and is surrounded by the 7 to 9 stamens.
The only other Lewisia found in this general area would be L. rediviva Pursh and this species can be readily distinguished by the linear-lanceolate and attenuate bracts found subtending the main flower clusters. L. rediviva also has larger flowers and never has more than one flower on each inflores¬ cence stalk.
Flowering in June.
HABITAT: Limestone scree slopes, loose denuded soil. Associated plants:
Pinus monophylla3 Juniperus osteosperma 3 Artemisia tridentata3 Frasera albomarginata3 Physaria ehambersii3 Hymenoxys aeaulis3 and Astrag¬ alus oalyeosus var. ealyeosus. Elevation: 2285-2380 m (7500-7800 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Nye County, Nevada.
STATUS: Threatened (1975 FR) ; endangered (1976 FR) ; endangered (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 November 1979).
LAND OWNF.RSH I P/MANAGEMENT: USFS.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Proposed MX system (indirectly).
REMARKS: This rare species should be searched for in other similar habitats
197
PRIMULA CAP I LLAR I S
198
PRIMULA CAPILLARIS N. Holmgren & A. Holmgren Ruby Mountains Primrose
FAMILY: Primulaceae -- Primrose Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: PvvmaZa cccpiVlaris N. Holmgren and A. Holmgren, Brit-
tonia, 26:313- 1974. Type: N. Holmgren and Reveal, Ruby Mountains, Elko County, Nevada, 3000 m, 15 July 1965- The specific name, cccp'LiZavis , describes the delicately small, narrow leaves and thin stems of this primrose which is the most diminutive in the United States.
DESCRIPTION: A small, delicate perennial herb 1 to 5 cm (0.4 to 2 in) high
with linear or somewhat wider oblancolate leaves 1 . 8 to 5 cm (0.7 to 2 in) long which are gradually contracted into a winged petiole.
The leafless flower stalks bear one or rarely two flowers 14 to 36 mm (0.6 to
1.4 in) long. The corolla tube is yellow and the lobes are violet. The ca¬
lyx is narrow and about 6 mm long.
This is the smallest of our primulas, P. nevadens'is N. Holmgren is the only other small primrose in the state with which this might be confused. However, P. nevadensis has toothed leaves commonly overtopping the flower stalks which bear 1 to 8 flowers that are distinctly smaller (3 to 11 mm long).
Flowering in July and August.
HAB I TAT : Headwaters of a creek, granitic rock. Associated plants: grasses,
SeZagineZZa watsonii _, PotentiZZa fvutioosa, and Pinus aZb-iaauZis .
Elevation: 2880-3000 m (9500-10,000 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Elko County, Nevada.
STATUS : Endangered (1975 and 1976 FR) ; endangered (Reno- T/E Workshop, 2 Nov
1979)- Listed as threatened with extinction, Nevada Division of Forestry (14 Feb 1979); protected by NRS 527-270; collection permit required.
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: USFS.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Collection of plants for horticultural pur¬ poses. Grazing.
REMARKS: As far as is known, PrimuZa eapiZZaris has not been successful in
cultivation. This primrose is only known from one small area, and, although this area is supposed to be closed to grazing, sheep have been in the area.
199
PRIMULA NEVADENSIS
200
PRIMULA NEVADENSIS N. Holmgren Nevada P r I mrose
FAMILY: Primulaceae -- Primrose Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Pvimula nevadensis N. Holmgren, Madrono, 19:27. 1967.
Type: Holmgren, Reveal, and La France, Snake Range,
White Pine County, Nevada, 11,500 ft, 20 July 1965- The specific name, neva¬ densis, refers possibly to the name of our state or to the snowy peaks where these primroses grow.
DESCRIPTION: A small perennial herbaceous plant with erect oblanceolate to linear oblanceolate minutely hairy and glandular leaves. The leaves are 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4 in) long and either coarsely toothed or entire.
The flower stalks are shorter than the leaves and bear an umbel of 1 to 8 flowers varying in size from 3 to 11 mm long. The violet corolla has a yellow throat and a dark purple ring around the throat. The anthers are yellow to yel low orange.
No other small Pvimula occurs in the area with which this might be confused. The common P. pavvyi Gray is a much larger plant with leaves up to 30 cm long.
Flowering in July and August.
HAB I TAT: Limestone cliffs and talus slopes. /'ssociated plants: Pinus lon- gaeva, Aquilegia caevulea 3 Ribes montigenum3 Heucheva pavvi folia 3 Pieea engelmannii3 or Eviogonum holmgvenii . Elevation: 3355-3505 m (11,000- 1 1 ,500 ft) .
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Nye and White Pine counties, Nevada.
STATUS : Endangered (1975 and 1976 FR) ; endangered (Reno T/E Workshop, 9 Feb
1979); threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1 979) -
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: USFS.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Mining activity. Removal of plants for hor¬ ticultural purposes.
REMARKS : To our knowledge, Pvimula nevadensis has not been successfully cul¬
tivated. While it is not scarce at its known locations, it seems to require a unique habitat. It has been searched for in similar locations without success.
201
I VES I A CRYPTOCAUL I S
202
IVESIA CRYPT OCAU L I S (Clokey) Keck Charleston I ves i a
FAM I LY : Rosaceae -- Rose Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Ivesia oryptoaauZis (Clokey) Keck, Lloyd ia, 1:130.
1938. Synonym: PotentiZZa oryptoaauZis Clokey, Southern California Academy of Sciences Bulletin, 37:4. 1938. Type:
Clokey, Charleston Peak, Clark County, Nevada, 3500 m, 8 July 1937- The specific name, oryptocauZis , refers to the hidden stems of the plants.
DESCR I PT I ON : A perennial with threadlike prostrate branches with ascend¬ ing tips, 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4 in) long, forming a mat 2 to 3 cm (0.8 to 1.2 in) high. The stems and leaves are glandular and pubes¬ cent with fine, long hairs. The leaves are 1 to 2.5 cm long with 5 to 10 pairs of crowded leaflets, each 1.5 to 2.5 mm long.
The flat-topped inflorescence is few-flowered with yellow flowers producing narrow petals somewhat exceeding the sepals in length. There are 5 stamens and 6 to 10 pistils.
The achenes are smooth, compressed, and have a thickened ridge along one side, and are 1.4 to 1.8 mm long.
The related Ivesia shoekZeyi S. Wats, has smaller petals, less than 3-5 mm long, which are also shorter than the sepals, a smaller number of pistils (usually 3), and larger achenes which have an outgrowth on one side.
Flowering from June to August.
HABITAT: Flats and gravelly limestone slopes near timber-line. Associa¬
ted plants: Pinus Zongaeva3 Sphaeromevia eompaeta, Draba jaegeri3 and AquiZegia scopuZovum. Elevation: 3300-3500 m (10,820-11,480 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Clark County, Nevada.
STATUS : Endangered (1,975 and 1976 FP) ; endangered (Reno T/E Workshop, 9
Feb 1979); threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979) •
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: USFS.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: di rectly) .
Free roaming horses. Foot-traffic on un¬ stable slopes. Proposed MX system (in-
REMARKS:
The expanding population in southern -Nevada will increase the impact on the plants in the Spring Mountains.
203
I VES I A EREM I CA
20^
I VES I A EREM I CA (Cov . ) Rydb .
Ash Meadows Ivesia
FAM I LY : Rosaceae -- Rose Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Ivesia evemiea (Cov.) Rydberg, North American Flora, 22
286. 1908. Synonym: Rotentilla evemiea Cov., Proceed¬ ings of the Biological Society of Washington, 7:76. 1892. Type: Coville and Funston, Ash Meadows, Nye Co., Nevada, 740 m, 2 March 1 89 1 - The specific name comes from the Greek, evemia , meaning desert or wilderness.
DESCR I PT I ON : A perennial with a thick, woody root-crown bearing a tuft of
grayish, pubescent leaves (which are sometimes nearly hairless) which reach a length of 13 cm (5.2 in). Each pinnately compound leaf bears up
to 60 pairs of leaflets about 2 to 2.5 mm wide.
The few flowered inflorescence bears white flowers with calyx segments 3 to 4 mm long and petals which are about 2 mm longer.
The grayish, pinnately divided narrow leaves make this a distinctive plant not easily confused with anything else in its locale. It resembles the more wide¬ spread Ivesia kingii S. Wats., but differs significantly in its pubescent as¬
pect, while the latter species is quite hairless. Additionally the leaves of I. kingii are only half as long and bear only 20 to 25 pairs of leaflets.
Flowering from August to-October.
HAB I TAT : Light-colored clay uplands, saline seep areas. Associated plants:
Atviplex eon fevti folia , Haplopappus aevadenius3 Distiehlis spieata var. stviota 3 Spavtina gvaeilis 3 or Juneus sp. Elevation: 670-700 m (21 90 — 2300 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Nye County, Nevada.
STATUS: Endangered (1975 and 1976 FR) ; endangered (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Novem
ber 1979).
LAND OWNDERSH I P/MANAGEMENT: BLM and private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Utilization of land for agricultural or other
developmental purposes. Destruction by free roaming horses. Dust from disturbed soil may smother plants. Proposed MX sys tern ( i nd i rect 1 y ) .
REMARKS : Ivesia evemiea has such a limited distribution, any loss of habitat is critical. These plants are apparently limited to a specialized edaphic situation.
205
GALIUM HILENDIAE war. KINGSTONENSE
GALIUM HILENDIAE Dempst. & Ehrend. ssp. KINGSTONENSE (Dempst.) Dempst. & Ehrend.
KINGSTON BEDSTRAW
FAM I LY : Rubiaceae -- Madder Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Galium hilendiae ssp. kingstonense (Dempst.) Dempst. &
Ehrend., Brittonia, 17:310. 1965. Synonym: Galium mun- zii var. kingstonense Dempst., Brittonia, 10:190. 1958. Type: Alexander and Kellogg, San Bernardino County, California, 16 June 19^1- The common name and the name of the subspecies were both taken from Kingston Peak near where the type was collected.
DESCR I PT I ON : A dioecious, mat-forming, weak-stemmed perennial to 35 cm (14 in) long with stems and leaves which are pubescent with stiff, bris¬ tly hairs. The leaves are k to a node and wide to narrowly ovate-acuminate, 6 to 1 5 mm long, and one-nerved.
Flowers are in congested terminal clusters. Each individual flower is rela¬ tively large for the genus, with a corolla about 3 mm long, clear pink and bell¬ shaped .
The fruit is about 2 mm long and densely white pubescent.
This is easily recognized, distinguished especially by the large, bell-shaped pink flowers in dense terminal clusters. Galium hilendiae ssp. eavneum ( H i 1 - end & Howell) Dempst. & Ehrend. differs in that it is taller, more wiry with a loose inflorescence, and pistillate flowers that are open and wheel -shaped .
The male flowers are only slightly bell-shaped.
Flowering in June.
HAB I TAT : In ravines and gullies, usually on steep slopes, in loose rocky soil.
Associated plants: Pinus monophylla3 Quevous gambelii3 Artemisia tvidentata3 and A. ludovieiana ssp. ineompta. Elevation: 1680-1 980 m (5500- 6500 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Nye County, Nevada. San Bernardino and Inyo counties,
Cal i forn ia .
STATUS : Endangered (1975 and 1976 FR) ; endangered (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov
1979); threatened (Mozingo and Williams).
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: DOE (Nevada Test Site).
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Slides on unstable talus slopes.
REMARKS : The known populations of this rare taxon should be monitored and it
should be searched for in similar locations.
207
CAST I LLE JA SALSUG I NOSA
CASTILLEJA SALSUGINOSA N. Holmgren Monte Neva Paintbrush
FAM I LY : Scrophul ar iaceae -- Figwort Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Castilleja salsuginosa N. Holmgren, Bulletin of the
Torrey Botanical Club, 100:83. 1973- Type: Holmgren and Reveal, Monte Neva Hot Springs, White Pine County, Nevada, A July 1966.
The specific name, salsuginosa, means growing in brackish places.
DESCR I PT I ON : A several stemmed perennial to 14 cm (5-6 in) in height with a
soft scaly root-stock and yellow taproot. The leaves are pubes¬ cent with stiff hairs, many of which are tipped with glands. The lower leaves just above the soil level are linear to narrow- 1 anceol ate , while those further up the stem are typically narrow- 1 anceol ate with a pair of lateral lobes. The leaves are basically purplish-brown but may appear grayish because of debris which sticks to the plant.
The margins of the inflorescence bracts are white or cream-colored. Similar margins exist on the calyx teeth and the teeth of the lower lip of the corolla. The upper elongated portion of the corolla has a reddish margin.
The capsules are 5-5 to 9 mm long and produce 1 . 5 mm long seeds with a network on the surface.
The only other species of this genus to be found in alkaline soils in Nevada is Castilleja exilis A. Nels., which is an annual plant possessing larger leaves (4 to 8 cm compared to 1.5 to 2.4 cm) which are wider and lanceolate in shape. The calyx teeth in C. exilis are much shorter than those of C, salsuginosa (1 to 2 mm compared to 6 to 8.5 mm) and the corolla in the former is also shorter (16 to 1 8 mm compared to 18 to 22 mm).
Flowering in June and July.
HABITAT: Damp, saline clay soil, on hummocks and sides of the shallow washes
draining the mineral spring. Associated plants: Distiohlis spioata war. stviota, Dodeoatheon pauciflorum3 Eviogonum shockleyis Eesperoohivon eali- formious , Ivesia kingii3 Leptodactylon oaespitosum, and Phlox kelseyi var. sal- ina. Elevation: 1 830 m (6000 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: White Pine County, Nevada.
STATUS : Endangered (1975 and 1976 FR) ; endangered (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov
1979). Listed as threatened with extinction, Nevada Division of For¬ estry (14 Feb 1979); protected by NRS 527-270; collection permit required.
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: Private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Geothermal drilling or development of the hot
springs as a recreation area or any other land use change which would cause a depletion of the water supply. Proposed MX sys¬ tem.
REMARKS : This paintbrush has been searched for in other similar habitats, but it is still only known from the type locality. Apparently it is re¬ stricted to this one particular edaphic situation. Care must be taken to pre¬ serve this habitat.
209
CORDYLANTHUS TECOPENSIS
210
CASTI LLEJA SALSUGINOSA N. Holmgren Monte Neva Paintbrush
FAM I LY : Scrophu 1 ar i aceae -- Figwort Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Castilleja salsuginosa N. Holmgren, Bulletin of the
Torrey Botanical Club, 100:83. 1973- Type: Holmgren and Reveal, Monte Neva Hot Springs, White Pine County, Nevada, 4 July 1966.
The specific name, salsuginosa , means growing in brackish places.
DESCR I PT I ON : A several stemmed perennial to 14 cm (5.6 in) in height with a
soft scaly root-stock and yellow taproot. The leaves are pubes¬ cent with stiff hairs, many of which are tipped with glands. The lower leaves just above the soil level are linear to narrow- 1 anceol ate , while those further up the stem are typically narrow- 1 anceol ate with a pair of lateral lobes. The leaves are basically purplish-brown but may appear grayish because of debris which sticks to the plant.
The margins of the inflorescence bracts are white or cream-colored. Similar margins exist on the calyx teeth and the teeth of the lower lip of the corolla. The upper elongated portion of the corolla has a reddish margin.
The capsules are 5-5 to 9 mm long and produce 1.5 mm long seeds with a network on the surface.
The only other species of this genus to be found in alkaline soils in Nevada is Castilleya exilis A. Nels., which is an annual plant possessing larger leaves (4 to 8 cm compared to 1.5 to 2.4 cm) which are wider and lanceolate in shape. The calyx teeth in C. exilis are much shorter than those of C. salsuginosa (l to 2 mm compared to 6 to 8.5 mm) and the corolla in the former is also shorter (16 to 1 8 mm compared to 18 to 22 mm).
Flowering in June and July.
HABITAT: Damp, saline clay soil, on hummocks and sides of the shallow washes
draining the mineral spring. Associated plants: Distiehlis spioata var. stviota , Dodeoatheon pauoiflovum 3 Eviogonum shookleyi 3 Hespenoohiron oali- formious, Ivesia kingii, Leptodaotylon oaespitosum, and Ehlox kelseyi var. sal- ina. Elevation: 1 830 m (6000 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: White Pine County, Nevada.
STATUS : Endangered (1975 and 1976 FR) ; endangered (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov
1979). Listed as threatened with extinction, Nevada Division of For¬ estry (14 Feb 1979); protected by NRS 527-270; collection permit required.
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: Private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Geothermal drilling or development of the hot
springs as a recreation area or any other land use change which would cause a depletion of the water supply. Proposed MX sys¬ tem.
REMARKS : This paintbrush has been searched for in other similar habitats, but it is still only known from the type locality. Apparently it is re¬ stricted to this one particular edaphic situation. Care must be taken to pre¬ serve this habitat.
209
CORDYLANTHUS TECOPENSIS
210
CORDYLANTHUS TECOPENSIS Munz & Roos Tecopa Bird's-beak
FAM I LY : Scrophu 1 ar iaceae -- Figwort Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Covdytanthus teoopensis Munz & Roos, Aliso, 2:233-
1950. Type: Munz and Campbell, Tecopa Hot Springs, Inyo County, California, 1400 ft, 9 October 1949. This species was named for Tecopa Hot Springs, the location of the type collection.
DESCRIPTION: An annual plant 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 in) tall with few to
many ascending branches and 1 i near- 1 anceol ate to awl' shaped leaves 5 to 1 5 mm long and 1 to 2 mm broad. The leaves are sparsely pubes¬ cent with small hairs. Many of the branches terminate in an inflorescence with three lobed floral bracts, with the lateral lobes being 2 to 3 mm long and 1 i nea r- 1 anceol ate .
The pale lavender corolla is 10 to 15 mm long and exceeds the floral bracts and calyx. There are two functional stamens each with bearded anther sacs.
An oblong capsule about 7 mm long is eventually produced.
From the similar Covdytanthus mavitimus Nutt. ssp. oanesoens (Gray) Chuang S Heckard, this species can be distinguished by two rather than four functional stamens and a pair of lobes arising from a median position on the floral bract rather than two short teeth arising from near the apex.
Flowering from June to October.
HAB I TAT : Salt-encrusted clay soils, saline meadows. Associated plants:
Distiohlis spioata var. stviota, Eaplopccppus aovadenius , Atviptex oonfevti folia, Covdytanthus mavitimus ssp. oanesoens, Junous sp., Eleoohavis sp., and Centauvium sp. Elevation: 425~1465 m ( 1 400-4300 ft).
KNOWN D I STR I BUT I ON : Esmeralda and Nye counties, Nevada. Inyo County, Cali¬ fornia. Harney County, Oregon.
STATUS : Threatened (1975 FR) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979); watch list (Mozingo and Williams).
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM and private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Any land use change, such as development,
which will cause a change in the available water. Proposed MX system (indirectly).
REMARKS : Covdytanthus teoopensis is apparently restricted to a particular edaphic situation. However, it is proving to be more widely dis¬ tributed than was originally thought.
211
PENSTEMON ARENAR I US
212
PENSTEMON ARENARIUS Greene Dune Pens temon
FAM I LY : Scrophu 1 ar i aceae -- Figwort Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Penstemon arenarius Greene, Pittonia, 1:282. 1 889 -
Synonym: Penstemon deustus var. arenarius W.L. Jepson, Manual of the Flowering Plants of California, p. 916. 1951. Type: Shockley Belleville, Esmeralda (now Mineral) County, Nevada, 22 May 1886. The specific name, arenarius, means growing on sand.
DESCR I PT I ON : A subshrubby perennial with many branches reaching a height of 3 dm (12 in) and producing lanceolate, coarsely toothed leaves which are strongly glandular-pubescent. The stem leaves are 2.5 to 5 cm (1 to 2 in) long and sessile.
The inflorescence is short and leafy bracted and supports yellowish-white flow¬ ers marked with purple lines. The corolla is about 12 mm long and narrowly funnelform with short, spreading lobes. The calyx lobes are lanceolate, and along with the corolla strongly glandular-pubescent. The sterile stamen is heavily bearded at the tip.
This species resembles P. deustus Dougl. but differs primarily in its conspicu¬ ous glandular pubescence. This feature, along with the bearded sterile stamen and circular anther sacs, serves to separate P. arenarius from similarly colored species likely to be found in the same area.
Flowering in May and June.
HAB I TAT : Sandy areas, sometimes with dark gravel pavement. Associated plants:
Atriplex oanesoens3 Tetradymia glabrata 3 Sarcobatus vemrioutatus 3 Psorothamnus polydenius3 Oryzopsis hymenoides3 Oenothera deltoides3 or Nona
demissum. Elevation: 1215-1 3^0 m (3990-4400 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Churchill, Mineral, and Nye counties, Nevada.
STATUS : Threatened (1975 FE) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 November 1979). LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM and private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Grazing and trampling by cattle. Geothermal
development. Proposed MX system.
REMARKS : While Penstemon arenarius has a wide distribution, it is not abun¬ dant at any one site.
213
214
PENSTEMON BICOLOR (Bdg.) Clokey & Keck ssp. BICOLOR PENSTEMON BICOLOR ssp. ROSEUS Clokey S Keck
Bicolored Penstemon
FAMILY: Scrophu 1 ar i aceae -- Figwort Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Penstemon bieolor (Bdg.) Clokey & Keck ssp. bieolor ,
Bulletin of the Southern California Academy of Sciences, 38:8. 1939. Synonyms: P. palmeri var. bieolor T.S. Brandegee, University of California Publications in Botany, 6:360. 1916. P. pseudospeetabilis ssp. bi¬ eolor (Bdg.) Keck, American Midland Naturalist, 18:790. 1937- Type: K. Brande¬ gee, Goodsprings, Clark County, Nevada, May 1 9 1 6 .
P. bieolor ssp. roseus Clokey & Keck, Bulletin of the Southern California Acad¬ emy of Sciences, 38:8. 1939- Type: Clokey, Nelson, Clark Co., NV, 600 m, May 1938. The flowers of these penstemons can be yellow or pink, hence the name.
DESCR I PT I ON : A tall (to 12 dm or 48 in) perennial with thick stems and gray¬ ish, smooth, leathery leaves. The leaves are irregularly toothed with the basal leaves petiolated and the upper ones sessile and clasping the stem.
The inflorescence is strongly glandular-pubescent and bears light yellow (ssp. bieolor) or pink to purplish-pink (ssp. roseus) flowers which are abruptly in¬ flated above the basal portion. The flowers may be somewhat glandular pubescent within and are usually sparsely long-pubescent across the base of the lobes of the lower lip. The lips are 4.5 to 7 mm long. The sterile stamen is longer than the corolla and is prominently bearded with long yellow hairs.
The only apparent significant difference between the two subspecies is in the flower color. P. palmeri Gray is similar but it has a corolla which is whitish suffused with pink or lilac.
Flowering in May and June.
HAB I TAT : On slight elevations, in shallow gravelly washes, roadside. Associ¬ ated plants: Larrea tridentata 3 Yucca brevifolia 3 Stephccnomeria pauci- floras and Hymenoclea salsola. Elevation: 600-1670 m (1970-5480 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Clark County, Nevada. Arizona.
STATUS : Threatened (1975 FR) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979) - LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM and private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Collectors for horticultural purposes. Feral
burros. Proposed MX system (indirectly).
REMARKS : These taxa appear to thrive in disturbed areas. Both color forms have been widely collected.
215
PENSTEMON FRANC I SC I -PENNELL I I
216
PENSTEMON F RAN C I S C I - P E N N E L L I I Crosswhite Pennell Penstemon
FAM 1 LY : Scrophu 1 a r i aceae -- Figwort Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Penstemon franoisci-pennellii Crosswhite, Leaflets
of Western Botany, 10:170. 1965. Type: Pennell and Schaffer, Snake Range, V/hite Pine County, Nevada, 10,200-10,500 ft, 16 July 1938. The specific name, fvanoiso-i-pennelli-i , and the common name both honor Francis Pennell, one of the collectors of the type.
DESCRIPTION: A perennial with narrow (2 mm) stems to 2.5 dm (10 in) high,
with opposite, entire, smooth to slightly pubescent, and some¬ what glaucous leaves. The stem leaves are 1 i near- 1 ancol ate and 11 to 47 mm (0.4 to 1.9 in) 1 ong .
The inflorescence is sparingly glandular-pubescent, with flower stalks gen¬ erally less than 10 mm long. The individual flowers are blue or blue-purple and 27 to 34 mm (1.1 to 1.4 in) long. The narrow base of the corolla is ex¬ panded into a wide upper portion or "throat." The lower petal lobe is beard¬ ed with short, curly, white hairs. The sepals are green, sometimes with a clear margin and 6 to 8 mm long.
Mature capsules are 7 to 12 mm long and produce seeds about 2 mm long.
The large seeds, expanded throat, 1 i near- 1 anceol ate stem leaves, and slight or absent pubescence serve to separate this species from any related forms which may be found in the same area.
Flowering in July and August.
HAB I TAT : Rocky calcareous slopes, shaded banks. Associated plants: Pinus flex-ills 3 Ploea engelmannll3 Populus tremuloid&s 3 Aqullegla eaevu- lea3 Potent-ilia glandulosa3 and Eeuoheva pavvlflora var. utahensls. Eleva¬ tion: 2590-3355 m (8500-11,000 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: White Pine County, Nevada.
STATUS : Threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1 979 ) -
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: USFS.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: ( i nd i recti y) .
Heavy recreational use of some areas where this taxon is found. Proposed MX system
REMARKS:
An effort should be made to determine if Penstemon franalsol- pennell-il is more widely distributed.
217
218
PENSTEMON FRUTICIFORMIS Cov. ssp. AMARGOSAE Keck
Amargosa Penstemon
FAM I LY : Scrophulariaceae -- Figwort Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Penstemon fvutieiformis ssp. amargosae Keck, The Amer¬ ican Midland Naturalist, 1 8 : 80 1 . 1937. Type: M.E.
Jones, Amargosa Desert, Nye County, Nevada, 1220 m, 27 April 1907- The spe¬ cific name, amargosae , and the common name were taken from the name of the desert where the type was collected.
DESCR I PT I ON : A perennial with many branches from a shrubby base attaining a height of 6 dm (2 ft). The leaves are usually entire or rarely slightly toothed, and 1 i near- 1 anceol ate to 6 mm wide. The margins tend to be curled upwards. The lower leaves have winged petioles while the upper ones are sess i le.
The inflorescence bears flowers on stalks 1 to 3 cm (0.A to 1.2 in) long. The whitish to pale pink flowers are 20 to 27 mm (0.8 to 1.1 in) long with the uppei lobed portion colored lavender-blue and with purplish lines extending into the interior. That part of the corolla below the lobes is strongly inflated. The exterior of the corolla is glandular pubescent, while the interior is only slightly so. There is a densely bearded sterile stamen which projects from the flower, in addition to the shorter fertile stamens. The calyx has ovate- lanceolate sepals.
The subspecies can be distinguished from the typical form of the species by the external glandular pubescence on the corolla and the ovate- 1 anceol ate se¬ pals, while the species has a corolla which is externally smooth but densely glandular within. The calyx lobes in the species are rotund-ovate rather than lance-ovate.
Flowering from April to June.
HAB I TAT : Sandy or gravelly washes. Associated plants: Junigerus osteosperma3 Atriplex eonferti folia , Larrea tridentata3 Ambrosia dumosa3 and Co- Zeogyne ramosissima. Elevation: 1005-1585 m (3300-5200 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Clark and Nye counties, NV. San Bernardino County, CA.
STATUS : Threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979).
LAND OWNERSH I P/MANAGEMENT: BLM and DOE (Nevada Test Site).
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Proposed MX system.
REMARKS : Further search is needed to determine the distribution and abundance
of this rare taxon and the threats to it.
219
PENSTEMON MORIAHENSIS
22.0
PENSTEMON MORIAHENS I S N. Holmgren M t . Moriah Penstemon
FAM 1 LY : Scrophular iaceae -- Figwort Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Penstemon moviahensis N. Holmgren, Brittonia, 30:422.
1978. Type: N.H. and P.K. Holmgren, N. Snake Range, White Pine County, NV , 2800 m, 17 July 1977- The type collection was made near Mt. Moriah.
DESCR I PT I ON : A perennial with a few to several erect to ascending stems aris i ng from a root crown. The stems become 3.5 to 5 dm (14 to 20 in) tall. The stem leaves are b to 8 cm (1.6 to 3-2 in) long, smooth, entire with the lower ones oblanceolate and petioled while the upper ones are lanceo late and sess i 1 e .
The inflorescence consists of b to 8 clusters of blue flowers on glandular, fine pubescent individual flower stalks. The 7 to 10 mm long similarly pu¬ bescent, lanceolate calyx segments enclose the base of the 27 to 33 mm (l.l to 1.3 in) long corolla, which is hairless, inside and out. The sterile sta¬ men is bearded with fine, white hairs. The narrowly elliptic anther sacs are 2.0 to 2.8 mm long, pubescent with long, tangled hairs.
The critical features which distinguish this species from any others to be found in the area are, most importantly, the long, white wavy hairs on the anthers and the glandular-pubescent inflorescence. Additionally, the smooth corolla and oblanceolate leaves can be used for confirmation.
Flowering from June to July.
HAB I TAT : Associated with sagebrush in mountain mahogany woodlands and open ponderosa pine woods. Elevation: 2515-2815 m. (8250-9240 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: White Pine County, Nevada.
STATUS : Threatened (Mozingo and Williams).
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: USFS.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Mining activity. Proposed MX system (indi¬ rect 1 y . )
REMARKS : This species should be searched for in similar habitats so that a better assessment of the threats can be made. At present, it is only known from a very limited area.
221
PENSTEMON PAHUTENSIS
222
PENSTEMON PAHUTENSIS N. Holmgren Pahute Penstemon
FAM I LY : Scrophulariaceae -- Figwort Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Penstemon pahutensis N. Holmgren, Aliso, 7:351. 1971.
Type: Reveal, Nevada Test Site, Nye County, NV , 7100
ft, 10 June 1968. The type specimen was collected on the Pahute Mesa Road.
DESCRI PTI ON: A perennial with several stems arising from a root crown and ranging in height from 15 to 7 4 cm (6 to 30 in). The basal leaves are oblanceolate or elliptic 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4 in) long and petio- late. The stem leaves are usually sessile and about the same length, but are narrow-oblanceolate to narrow-lanceolate, and reduced toward the upper part of the stem. Additionally, the leaves are thick textured and smooth.
The inflorescence bears 6 to 13 clusters of pinkish-lavender to bluish- lavender flowers with smooth, broadly ovate sepals 3 to 5 mm long. The co¬ rolla is 21 to 26 mm (0.8 to 1 in) long, with the narrow tube at the base 5 to 8 mm long. The upper part of the corolla on the inside is bearded white or yellow. The sterile stamen is densely bearded with golden yellow hairs.
While this species resembles Penstemon speciosus Dougl. and related forms possibly found in the same area it may be easily separated by the short se¬ pals, and the beard on the upper inner portion of the corolla.
Flowering from June to mid-July.
HAB I TAT : Open areas of very loose soil; very rocky areas among boulders or growing from rock crevices. Associated plants: p i nyon-j un i per woodland or Artemisia shrubland. Elevation: 1770-2285 m (5800-7500 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Nye County, Nevada.
STATUS : Endangered (1975 and 1976 FT?); threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2
Nov 1979).
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM , D0D (Nellis AFB Bombing and Gunnery Range),
and DOE (Nevada Test Site).
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: None known.
REMARKS : Penstemon pahutensis has a limited distribution. It has been found in disturbed areas. The populations should be monitored in order to determine if disturbance is a threat and if there are any other threats.
223
PENSTEMON PROCERUS ssp. MODESTUS
1 cm
224
PENSTEMON PROCERUS Dougl. ex Grah. ssp. MODESTUS (Greene) Keck
Ruby Mountains Penstemon
FAM I LY : Scrophu 1 a r i aceae -- Figwort Family.
CITATION AND HISTORY: Penstemon procerus ssp. modestus (Greene) Keck, Brit-
tonia, 8:249. 1957- Synonym: Penstemon modestus Greene, Leaflets of Botanical Observation and Criticism, 1:165- 1906. Type: Greene, Ruby Mountains, Elko County, Nevada, 20 July 1 896 . The specific name, modestus, possibly refers to the smallness of the parts of these plants.
DESCR I PT I ON: A perennial with a woody branching base producing stems 20 to 25 cm (8 to 10 in) high. The obovate to elliptic leaves in the ba¬ sal rosette are about 2.5 cm (l in) long and firm to somewhat leathery in tex¬ ture. Both the basal leaves and the smaller spatulate-oblong stem leaves lack pubescence .
The inflorescence consists of 2 to 5 apparent whorls of small blue flowers.
The calyx consists of small, obovate, and truncate sepals which are somewhat toothed at the tip. The corolla is about 8 mm long with slender base. The lower lip is bearded as is the sterile stamen at the tip.
From similar appearing penstemons with small blue flowers this can be sepa¬ rated by the perfectly smooth nature of its stems and leaves, spatulate stem leaves, and round anther sacs.
Flowering in July and August.
HABITAT : In meadows and among granitic rocks. Associated plants: grasses,
Geum rossit, Antennaria rosea 3 Arenaria aculeata3 and Linanthus nut-
tallii. Elevation: 2620-3050 m (8600-10,000 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Elko County, Nevada.
STATUS : Threatened (1975 FR) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 November 1979) LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: USFS.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Grazing and trampling by sheep.
REMARKS : This plant is only known from a few locations and it is not abun¬ dant at any of them. Theoretically, sheep are not supposed to be grazing in the areas where these plants grow, but this rule is not always being enforced.
NOTE : It has just been brought to our attention that the name of this plant
now is Penstemon procerus var. modestus (Greene) N. Holmgren, Brittonia 31:104. 1979-
225
PENSTEMON PUDICUS
226
PENSTEMON PUDICUS Reveal S Beatley Bashful Pens t emon
FAM I LY : Scrophu 1 ar i aceae -- Figwort Family
C I TAT I ON AND HISTORY: Pens t emon pudious Reveal and Beatley, Bulletin of the
Torrey Botanical Club, 98:332. 1971- Type: Beatley, Kawich Range, Nye County, Nevada, 2320-2750 m, 5 July 1971. The specific name, pudious , meaning modest or bashful, refers to its remote occurrence.
DESCRIPTION: A perennial with a woody base from which arise several stems
which may be somewhat glandular. The basal leaves are oblanceo- late to spatulate and up to 5 cm (2 in) long on slender petioles 1 to 3 cm (0.4 to 1.2 in) long. The stem leaves are 1 i nea r-ob 1 anceol ate and up to 5 cm (2 in) long.
The open inflorescence bears 3 to 6 clusters of blue to violet flowers. The inflorescence, individual flower stalks, and the exterior of the flowers bear small glands. The individual flower stalks are usually shorter than 2 cm (0.8 in) and support 6 to 8 mm long sepals. The corolla is 25 to 35 mm (l to 1.4 in) long and hairless on the inside. The sterile stamen is bearded with long golden yellow hairs. The anthers are hairless.
The dark brown capsules are 8 to 11 mm long and produce yellowish black or grayish seeds about 1 . 5 mm long.
The key characteristics of bearded staminode, large flowers, and 2 to 4.5 dm (8 to 1 8 in) height, a 1 low easy separation from Penstemon kingii S. Wats., a smaller plant found in the same general area.
Flowering in June and July.
HAB 1 TAT : Steep mountain slopes, woodland borders, or along washes, in par¬ tial shade. Associated plants: Pinus monophyZZa, Juniperus osteo- sperma, Ceroooarpus ZedifoZius, and Artemisia tridentata. Elevation: 2320- 2805 m (7600-9200 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Nye County, Nevada.
STATUS : Threatened (1975 FP) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979).
LAND OWNERSH I P/MANAGEMENT : BLM and possibly private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Grazing by wildhorses. Mining activity. Pro¬ posed MX system.
REMARKS : An effort should be made to determine the full range and abundance
of Penstemon pudious which is only known from a limited remote area.
227
penstemon thompsoniae
ssp. JAEGER I
228
PENSTEMON THOMPSON I AE (Gray) Rydb. ssp. JAEGERI Keck
Jaeger Pens temon
FAM I LY : Scrophulariaceae -- Figwort Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Penstemon thompsoniae ssp. jaegeri Keck, Bulletin of
the Torrey Botanical Club, 64:362. 1937- Type: Jae¬ ger, Charleston (Spring) Mountains, Clark County, Nevada, 2750 m, 27 June 1926. The specific name, jaegeri, and the common name honor the collector of the type specimen, Edmund C. Jaeger.
DESCR I PTI ON : A tufted or matted perennial somewhat woody at the base, with elliptic, obovate leaves abruptly narrowed to the petiole.
The leaves are entire and 0.5 to 1.2 cm long and have a whitish aspect due to the closely appressed white hairs covering them.
The leafy inflorescence is glandular and bears blue-violet flowers with corollas 12 to 14 mm long. The sterile stamen is bearded with golden hairs for most of its length. The anther sacs on the fertile stamens are oblong- ovate.
The small, ash-colored leaves, blue-violet flowers and glandular inflores¬ cence readily separate this Penstemon from any other similar species in the same area. From the very similar P. aaespitosus Nutt, which is not known from the same area it may be separated by the wider leaves and deeper blue- purple flowers of the former.
Flowering in June and July:
HAB I TAT : Gravelly limestone banks or hillsides. Associated plants: Pinus ponderosa var. soopuZorum3 P. monophyZZa3 Cerooearpus Z.edifotius3 CastiZZeja ZinariifoZia3 Townsendia jonesii var. tumuZosa3 Penstemon keokii3 and Arenaria kingii ssp. rosea. Elevation: 1920-2835 rn (6300-9300 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Clark County, Nevada.
STATUS : Threatened (1975 FP) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979); watch list (Mozingo and Williams).
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: USFS, USFWS, possibly BLM, and possibly private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: MX system (indirectly).
Recreational use of the area in the Spring Mountains where these plants grow. Proposed
REMARKS : There are no threats to this Penstemon in the Desert National
Wildlife Range as long as present management policies are contin¬ ued .
229
PENSTEMON THURBER I
230
PENSTEMON THURBERI Torr. var. ANESTIUS Reveal & Beatley
Buried Hills Penstemon
FAM 1 LY : Scrophu 1 ar i aceae -- Figwort Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Penstemon thurberi var. anestius Reveal & Beatley,
Great Basin Naturalist, 34:230. 1974. Type: Beat-
ley and Ackerman, Clark County, Nevada, 3800 ft, 20 June 1973. The common name is taken from the type location.
DESCR I PT I ON : A somewhat shrubby plant 3 to 5 dm (12 to 20 in) tall with num¬ erous, erect, usually unbranched smooth stems. The green, nar¬ rowly linear leaves are curled upward and somewhat rough along the margins and are 1 to 3 cm (0.4 to 1.2 in) long.
The inflorescence has flower stalks bearing usually just one flower. The bluish or 1 avender- rose flowers have a 2 to 3 mm calyx with broadly ovate lobes. The flowers are 8 to 9 mm in length. The sterile stamen is not hairy and the four fertile stamens have ovate anther sacs.
The mature capsules are relatively small, 4 to 5 mm long. The typical form, var. thurberi , has larger flowers (12 to 15 mm) and larger capsules (6 to 9 mm). Recent evidence (N. Holmgren, personal communication) indicates that var. anestius may have been described from immature var. thurberi and conse¬ quently is not a valid entity. Additional field work is required to solve this quandry. The linear leaves, hairless character, and flower size serve to distinguish this Penstemon from any others likely to be encountered in the same area.
Flowering in June.
HAB I TAT : Deep, loose, volcanic sands especially in low areas or in saddles between hills. Associated plants: Larrea tridentata 3 Ambrosia dumosa, Krameria parvi folia, Yucca brevi folia. Ephedra nevadensis 3 and Ory- zopsis hymenoides. Elevation: 1160-1250 m (3800-4100 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Clark and Lincoln counties, Nevada.
STATUS : Threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 25 Feb 1978); endangered (Reno T/E
Workshop, 2 Nov 1979). Listed as threatened with extinction, Neva¬ da Division of Forestry (14 Feb 1979); protected by NRS 527.270; collection permit required. Deleted (Mozingo and Williams).
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: D0D (Nellis AFB Bombing and Gunnery Range) and
USFWS .
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Highly susceptible to any disturbance of its
habitat. Proposed MX system.
REMARKS : This taxon has been recommended to be deleted because of its du¬ bious taxonomic validity..
231
SYNTHYRIS RANUNCUL I NA
232
SYNTHYRIS RANUNCUL I NA Pennell Charleston Kittentails
FAM 1 LY : Scrophulariaceae -- Figwort Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Synthyvis vanuneulina Pennell, Proceedings of the Aca¬ demy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, 85:92. 1933- Type: Heller, Charleston (Spring) Mountains, Clark County, NV, 9300 ft, 30 July 1913- The specific name, vanuneulina, means resembling a vanuneulus which is the Latin name for a little frog, referring to the habit of this spe¬ cies of growing in wet places where frogs may be found.
DESCRIPTION: A perennial herb with a basal tuft of reniform, smooth, petioled leaves. The reniform leaf blade is 1 to 2 cm wide and 5 to 7 lobed, with the lobes each having 3 triangular teeth. The long petioles may reach 4 cm (1.6 in).
The short, smooth flowering stems eventually become 6 to 8 cm (2.4 to 3-2 in) long as the fruit develops and frequently become curved. The blue or violet flowers have a corolla fused only at the base and divided into four elongated, linear lobes about 4 mm long. The oblong-lanceolate sepals become about 2.5 mm long in fruit. The capsule is wide and somewhat flattened.
The small, four-parted blue or violet flowers lacking a spur and the basal clus¬ ter of reniform leaves make this an easy plant to recognize. No other species of Synthyvis occurs within the area or adjacent California.
Flowering from late June into August.
HAB I TAT : Permanently damp banks, moist meadows. Associated plants: grasses, near Firms longaeva and P. flexilis 3 and Cystoptevis fvagilis . Ele¬ vation: 2620-3350 m (8600-11,000 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Clark County, Nevada.
STATUS : Endangered (1975 and 1976 FB) ; endangered (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov
1979) -
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: USFS.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Recreational use of the area in the Spring
Mountains where these plants grow. Removal of plants for horticultural purposes. Proposed MX system (indirectly).
REMARKS : Synthyvis vanuneulina is a very rare species which appears to re¬ quire a unique habitat, care must be taken to preserve that habitat. The expanding population in southern Nevada will increase the impact on the plants in the Spring Mountains.
233
SELAGINELLA UTAHENSIS
23b
SELAGINELLA UTAHENSIS Flowers Utah Spikemoss
FAM I LY : Se 1 ag i nel 1 aceae -- Selaginella Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Selaginella utahensis Flowers, American Fern Journal,
35:83. 1 949- Type: Cottam, Washington County, UT,
6500 ft, 5 April 1931. This taxon was named for the state of Utah.
DESCR I PTI ON : A much branched, loosely to densely clumped perennial, pale green with sometimes a bluish cast, and with creeping main stems which may reach a length of 6 cm (2.4 in). The leaves are oblong to 1 i near- lanceolate, and 2 to 3-2 mm long by 0.4 to 0.5 mm wide. The tips are tapered either gradually or somewhat abruptly, while the tips them¬ selves are either sharply pointed or sometimes obtuse. A short, transpar¬ ent hair point no longer than 0 . 1 4 mm may occur on some of the upper leaves. There are 6 to 12 marginal hairs on the leaves.
The spore-bearing spikes are about 1 cm long and bear triangular-ovate to ovate- 1 anceo 1 ate leaves which are 2 to 3 mm long.
This species closely resembles the common S. watsonii Underw. but can be sep¬ arated most easily by means of leaf characteristics. In S. utahensis the leaves, in general, taper more gradually, are longer and narrower, and are less strongly convex on the back near the tip. The most apparent difference involves the terminal hair points which on S. watsonii leaves reach a length of 0.2 to 0.35 mm.
HAB I TAT : Sandstone cliffs. Associated plants: Selaginella watsonii 3 Garry a flavesoens 3 Arotostaphylos pungens3 Rhus trilobata3 and Querous turbinella. Elevation: 1220-1980 m (4000-6500 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Clark County, Nevada. Washington County, Utah.
STATUS : Threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979); watch list (Mozingo and Willi ams ) .
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM and the State of Nevada.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: None known.
REMARKS: Although Selaginella utahensis has been searched for recently, it
still is only known in Nevada from a single collection made 50 years ago. The cliffs are so steep where it was once found, that it is possible that it is still growing there.
235
ORYCTES
NEVADENS I S
236
ORYCTES NEVADENSIS S. Wats.
Nevada Oryctes
FAM I LY : Solanaceae -- Nightshade Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Oryctes nevadensis S. Watson, "Botany," p. 2 74. In: C.
King, Report of the geological explorations of the For¬ tieth Parallel. Vol . 5- 1871. Type: Watson, Big Bend of the Truckee, Nevada, May. The specific name and the common name both refer to the state of Nevada.
DESCR I PT I ON : A small, alternate leaved annual occasionally to 20 cm (8 in) tall, but usually much shorter. The 1 to 5 cm long leaves are ovate to lanceolate and are minutely scaly and sticky pubescent as are also the stems.
Flowers are borne in upper leaf axils in clusters of 3 or 4 on short pedicels. The 5~parted calyx i s 2 to 3 mm long during flowering, but subsequently en¬ larges and keeps pace with the developing capsule. The corolla is about 6 mm long, is blue or purplish, and has 5 short triangular lobes. Five stamens are inserted on the corolla near the base, and as with the style, the stamens near¬ ly equal the length of the corolla.
The 6 to 7 mm capsule is two valved and splits open at maturity to release 10 to 20 slightly rough seeds which are winged. The body of the seed is about 2 mm wide while the wing is about 0.5 mm wide.
Flowering from late April to June.
HAB I TAT : Sandy slopes, foothills, dunes. Associated plants: Atriplex con-
fertifolia 3 A. canescens3 Oryzopsis hymenoides3 Tetradymia tetrameres3 Grccyia spinosa3 Sarcobatus vemricutatus 3 Psorothcavnus polydenius 3 and Chryso- thcovnus nauseosus. Elevation: 1190-1350 m (3900-4400 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Churchill, Humboldt, Mineral, Pershing, and Washoe coun¬ ties, Nevada. Inyo County, California.
STATUS : Threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 9 Feb 1979); watch list (Reno T/E Work¬ shop, 2 Nov 1979); threatened (Mozingo and Williams).
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM, Indian Reservation, US Water and Power Re¬ sources Service, and private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Off-road vehicles. Early summer grazing. Pro¬ posed MX system.
REMARKS : Although Oryctes nevadensis has a wide distribution, it is not abun¬ dant at any one site. During dry years it may be present in limited numbers, but it is never easy to find. It should be protected because of its rarity and because it is a monotypic genus in a family of plants of economic i mportance .
237
VIOLA PURPUREA var. C H A R L E ST 0 N E NS I S
238
VIOLA PURPUREA Kell. var. CHARLESTONENS I S (Baker S Clausen) Welsh & Reveal
LIMESTONE VIOLET
FAM I LY : Violaceae -- Violet Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Viola purpurea var. charlestonensis (Baker & Clausen)
Welsh & Reveal, Great Basin Naturalist, 35:371. 1975. Synonym: Viola charlestonensis Baker & Clausen ex Clokey, MadrcSno, 8:58.
19^5. Type: Clokey, Charleston (Spring) Mountains, Clark County, Nevada,
2670 m, 23 May 1937. This violet was named for Mt. Charleston, where it was first collected growing on limestone.
DESCR I PT I ON: An herbaceous perennial with one to eight partially subterranean stems. The thick, ashy leaves have white veins and are purplish beneath. Both leaf surfaces, petioles, and stems are clothed with short, ap- pressed hairs. The leaves vary from broadly ovate to somewhat narrower with blades from 8 to 25 mm long. The stem leaves tend to be somewhat narrower with a sharper point and more triangular shaped base than the basal leaves.
The sepals of the flowers are 1 i near- lanceol ate, about h mm long and pubescent with short, white hairs. The corolla is 12 to 17 mm wide and yellow on the front of the petals. On the back, the upper petals especially are evidently darkened. The lower petal produces a short spur covered with hair-like pro¬ cesses .
The ovary and base of the style is densely covered with minute spur-like pro¬ cesses. The capsule becomes relatively large, about as wide as long, and densely pubescent with fine hairs.
This species is easily separated from any other yellow violet found in the area by its entire leaves, dense white pubescence, and pubescent petal spur.
Flowering in May and June.
HABITAT: Limestone hills, slopes, and dry washes. Associated plants: Pinus
monophylla3 P. ponderosa var. soopulorum , Populus tremuloides _, Juni- perus osteosperma 3 Penstemon hridgesii , and P. eatonii. Elevation: 2000- 2900 m (6560-9510 ft) .
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Clark County, Nevada. Washington County, Utah.
STATUS : Threatened (1975 FR) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 November 1979).
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: State of Nevada, BLM, USFS, and possibly private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Recreational use of the area where these plants
grow. Proposed MX system (indirectly).
REMARKS : The expanding population in southern Nevada will increase the impact on plants in the Spring Mountains. This taxon is also regarded as threatened in Utah.
239
APPENDIX A — Proposed endangered plants not illustrated
ASTRAGALUS
Osgood
YODER-W I LL I AMS I I Ba rneby Mountains Milk-vetch
FAM I LY : Fabaceae (Legumi nosae) -- Pea Family
CITATION AND HISTORY: Astragalus yoder-williamsii Barneby, Brittonia, 32:30.
(Illustrated.) Type: Yoder-Wi 1 1 i ams , Osgood Mountains Humboldt County, NV, 2170 m, 11 July 1979-
HAB I TAT : Decomposed granite, gravel flats. Associated plants: Artemisia
arbusaula and Chrysothamnus nauseosus. Elevation: 2170 m (7120 ft)
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Humboldt County, Nevada. Owyhee County, Idaho.
STATUS : Endangered (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1 979) -
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: BLM and private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Mining activities. Proposed MX system (in-
d i recti y) .
REMARKS : The habitat of this rare plant should be protected.
ADDENDUM : On 13 Aug 1 980 , Astragalus yoder-williamsii was declared an en¬
dangered species under the Federal regulations governing emergency determination of endangered status and designation of critical habitats. This emergency determination is effective until 15 April 1 98 1 . ( Federal Register
45:53968-53970)
ERI0G0NUM 0VALIF0LIUM undescribed variety Steamboat Springs Buckwheat
FAM I LY : Polygonaceae -- Buckwheat Family.
CITATION AND HISTORY: This variety of Eriogonum ovalifolium has been known fo
some time, but it is undescribed.
HAB I TAT : Light-colored soils, tufa, in the vicinity of the hot springs. Asso ciated plants: Sareobatus vermieulatus 3 Atriplex eonf erti folia 3 Chrysothamnus nauseosus. Elevation: 1465 m (4800 ft).
KNOWN DISTRIBUTION: Washoe County, Nevada.
STATUS : Endangered (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979).
LAND OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT: Private.
EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREATS: Geothermal drilling.
REMARKS : The habitat of this buckwheat is extremely limited and it should be protected .
240
APPENDIX B —Plants on the watch list not illustrated
AGAVE UTAHENS I $ var. NEVADENS I S Engelm. ex Greenm. --Agavaceae -- Agave
Fami 1 y
Status: Threatened (1975 FR) : watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979). Associated with: Shadscale and pi nyon- j un i per .
Known distribution: Possibly in Clark County, however, there is some doubt that this plant grows in Nevada. California.
Remarks: This variety is similar in appearance to Agave utahensis var. ebovi- spina but the spines on the leaves are shorter.
ARABIS SHOCKLEYI Munz -- Brassicaceae -- Mustard Family Status: Threatened (1975 FR) ; watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979). Associated with: Shadscale, low sagebrush, and p i nyon- j un i per .
Known distribution: Esmeralda and Nye counties, NV. California and Utah.
Remarks: Although this is widely distributed, it has been rarely collected.
ASTRAGALUS Cl MAE Jones var. C I MAE -- Fabaceae -- Pea Family Status: Watch list (Mozingo and Williams).
Associated with: Shadscale.
Known distribution: Nye County, Nevada. California.
Remarks: This taxon has been rarely collected in Nevada. It is illustrated
in Abrams (1944) 2:593-
CAMISSONIA MEGALANTHA (Munz) Raven -- Onagraceae -- Evening Primrose Family Status: Endangered (1975 and 1976 FR) ; watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979) Associated with: Shadscale.
Known distribution: Nye County, Nevada. Utah.
Remarks: This taxon seems to do well in disturbed soil.
CAMISSONIA NEVADENSIS (Kell.) Raven -- Onagraceae -- Evening Primrose Family Status: Endangered (1975 and 1976 FR) ; watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979) Associated with: Big sagebrush.
Known distribution: Carson City, Churchill, Lyon, Mineral, Pershing, Storey, and Washoe counties, Nevada.
Remarks: The occurrence and abundance of this annual may vary from year to year. It is illustrated in the Newsletter of the Northern Nevada Native Plant Society, May 1978; Muh 1 enberg i a , 5:51, 1910; and Abrams (1951) 3:203-
241
APPENDIX B
Watch List
CIRSIUM CLOKEYI Blake -- Asteraceae -- Sunflower Family
Status: Endangered (1975 and 1976 FR) ; watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2
Nov 1979) •
Associated with: Mountain brush, Great Basin coniferous and subalpine forests. Known distribution: Clark County, Nevada.
Remarks: This thistle is widely distributed in the Spring Mountains and seems to thrive in disturbed areas.
CYMOPTERUS CORRUGATUS Jones -- Apiaceae — Carrot Family Status: Threatened (1975 FR) ; watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979) - Associated with: Big sagebrush, g reasewood-sa 1 tbush .
Known distribution: Churchill, Humboldt, Lyon, Mineral, Nye, Pershing, and Washoe counties, Nevada. Oregon.
Remarks: This spring parsley is widely distributed in areas where there are few threats. Illustrated in Abrams (1951) 3:280.
CYMOPTERUS GOODRICH! I Welsh and Neese -- Apiaceae -- Carrot Family
Status: Threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979); watch list (Mozingo and Willi ams) .
Associated with: Alpine fell fields.
Known distribution: Lander County, Nevada.
Remarks: This new species was described and illustrated in Madrono, 27(2): 97- 1980. Although this has only been found in a limited area in the Toiyabe Mountains, there are no known threats to this plant.
CYMOPTERUS RIPLEYI var. SANICULOIDES Barneby -- Apiaceae -- Carrot Family Status: Watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979).
Associated with: Shadscale.
Known distribution: Nye County, Nevada.
Remarks: There is some question as to whether this variety is taxonomi ca 1 1 y distinct from var. vipleyi which is more widespread.
DRABA AR I DA C . L. Hitchc. -- Brassicaceae -- Mustard Family
Status: Endangered (1975 and 1976 FR) ; endangered (Reno T/E Workshop, 25 Feb 1978); watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979).
Associated with: Alpine fell-fields.
Known distribution: Lander and Nye counties, Nevada.
Remarks: There are no known threats to this taxon.
242
APPENDIX B -- Watch List
DRABA DOUGLAS I I Gray -- Brassicaceae -- Mustard Family
Status: Endangered (1975 and 1976 FR) ; watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979).
Associated with: Big sagebrush.
Known distribution: There are records of Draba douglasii var. douglasii from Humboldt and Washoe counties, Nevada, as well as from Oregon and Washing¬ ton. Also there are records of D. douglasii var. erookeri from Carson City, Douglas, Humboldt, and Washoe counties, Nevada, as well as from California. There are many other collections of D. douglasii (no variety indicated) from Elko, Storey, Lander, and White Pine counties in Nevada.
Remarks: No real threats seem to be apparent to any of these plants. Illus¬
trated in Abrams (1944) 2:300.
DRABA SPHAEROIDES Pays. var. CUS I CK I I (Robins.) C.L. Hitchc. -- Brassicaceae
Mustard Fami 1 y
Status: Threatened (1975 FR) ; watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov. 1979). Associated with: Rocky outcrops, p i nyon- j un i per , Great Basin coniferous forest. Known distribution: White Pine and Nye counties, Nevada. Oregon and Utah. Remarks: This plant grows in inaccessible areas in Nevada.
EPHEDRA FUNEREA Cov. & Mort. -- Ephedraceae -- Ephedra Family Status: Threatened (1975 FR) ; watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979). Associated with: Creosote bush, shadscale.
Known distribution: Nye and Clark counties, Nevada. California.
Remarks: This is widely distributed. Illustrated in Ferris (197*0 P- 128.
ERI0G0NUM CONCINNUM Reveal -- Polygonaceae -- Buckwheat Family Status: Threatened (1975 FR) ; watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979). Associated with: Big sagebrush, shadscale, pi nyon- j un i per .
Known distribution: Nye County, Nevada.
Remarks: Suitable habitats for this plant are common within its range. It is
an annual, and is a rapid colonizer in disturbed areas.
243
APPENDIX B
Watch List
ERIOGONUM DESERTORUM (Maguire) Davis var. undescribed -- Polygonaceae --
Buckwheat Fami 1 y
Status: Threatened, Rogers and Tiehm (1979); watch list (Mozingo and Willi ams) .
Associated with: Greasewood-sa 1 tbush.
Known distribution: Humboldt County, Nevada.
Remarks: This variety is only known from a single valley. It is threatened by mining activities. However, this plant should be searched for in other areas. Photograph in Rogers and Tiehm (1979) -
ER I GONUM OVAL I FPL I UM Nutt, var CAELEST I NUM Reveal -- Polygonaceae --
Buckwheat Family
STATUS: Threatend (1975 -Pi?) ; watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979) - Associated with: Alpine fell fields.
Known distribution: Nye County, Nevada.
Remarks: This buckwheat grows abundantly over a large area along the high elevations in the southern part of the Toiyabe Range.
ERIOGONUM RUBRICAULE Tidestr. -- Polygonaceae -- Buckwheat Family Status: Threatened (1975 -Pi?) ; watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979). Associated with: Big sagebrush, greasewood-sa 1 tbush .
Known distribution: Churchill, Eureka, Humboldt, Lander, Lyon, Mineral, Nye, and Pershing counties, Nevada.
Remarks: In the past, this buckwheat was rarely collected. However, recent
collections have extended its range considerably.
FEROCACTUS ACANTHODES Britt. & Rose -- Cactaceae -- Cactus Family Status: Watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979) - Associated with: Creosote bush.
Known distribution: Clark County, Nevada. Arizona, California, and Utah.
Remarks: This species appears to be widely distributed, however, known popu¬
lations should be monitored. Illustrated in Abrams (1951) 3:151.
FIMBRISTYLIS THERMAL I S S. Wats. -- Cyperaceae -- Sedge Family Status: Watch list (Mozingo and Williams).
Associated with: Geothermal, riparian, meadows.
Known distribution: Elko and Nye counties, Nevada. Many other states.
Remarks: This species is put into synonomy under F. spadioea (L.) Vahl in Cronquist et al. (1977) 6:88, illustrated. It has been rarely col¬ lected in Nevada. Also illustrated in Abrams (1955) 1:268.
APPENDIX B
Watch List
GERANIUM TOQUIMENSE Holmgren & Holmgren -- Geraniaceae -- Geranium Family
Status: Endangered (1975 and 1976 FR) ; endangered (Reno T/E Workshop, 25 Feb
1979); watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979).
Associated with: P i nyon- j un i per , alpine fell fields.
Known distribution: Nye County, Nevada.
Remarks: Recent collections have extended its known range considerably. It
is now known from elevations varying from 2180-3300 m. Illustrated in Brittonia, 26:311. 1974.
G I L I A NYENS I S Reveal -- Pol emon i aceae -- Phlox Family Status: Threatened (1975 FR) : watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979). Associated with: Big sagebrush, shadscale, p i nyon- j un i per .
Known distribution: Nye County, Nevada.
Remarks: This annual is abundant in some years. Illustrated in the Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club, 96:481. 1969-
HAPLOPAPPUS ALPINUS Anderson & Goodrich in ed. -- Asteraceae -- Sunflower Status: Watch list (Mozingo and Williams) Family
Associated with: Alpine fell fields.
Known distribution: Nye County, Nevada.
Remarks: It is expected that this species will be published in a forthcoming
issue of the Great Basin Naturalist along with an illustration.
HAPLOPAPPUS BR I CKELL I 0 I DES Blake (HAZARD I A B.) -- Asteraceae -- Sunflower
Fami ly
Status: Threatened (1975 FR) ; watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979). Associated with: Shadscale, barren rocky slopes.
Known distribution: Clark and Nye counties, California.
Remarks: This long-lived shrub grows in inaccessible crevices in limestone
cliffs. Illustrated in Jaeger ( 1 9^+0 ) p. 261.
HAPLOPAPPUS WATSONII Gray -- Asteraceae -- Sunflower Family
Status: Endangered (Reno T/E Workshop, 25 Feb 1978); watch list (Reno T/E
Workshop, 2 Nov 1979) •
Associated with: Barren rocky outcrops, p i nyon- j un i per .
Known distribution: Elko, Lincoln, Mineral, Nye, and White Pine counties, Nevada .
Remarks: None.
245
APPENDIX B
Watch List
HELIANTHUS DESERTICOLA Heiser -- Asteraceae -- Sunflower Family Status: Watch list (Mozingo and Williams).
Associated with: Big sagebrush, shadscale.
Known distribution: Churchill and Clark counties, Nevada. Arizona and Utah.
Remarks: This annual should be searched for, it is to be expected in sandy
areas .
HULSEA VESTITA Gray ssp. INYOENSIS (Keck) Wilken -- Asteraceae —
Sunflower Fami ly
Status: Threatened (1975 FR) ; watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979). Associated with: Big sagebrush, p i nyon- j un i per .
Known distribution: Nye County, Nevada. California.
Remarks: This taxon appears to thrive on disturbed soil.
LEPIDIUM NANUM S. Wats. -- Brassicaceae -- Mustard Family Status: Threatened (1975 FR) ; watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979) - Associated with: Barren knolls, low sagebrush.
Known distribution: Elko, Eureka, Nye, and White Pine counties, Nevada.
Remarks: It would be easy to overlook this inconspicuous plant. Illustra¬
ted in King ( 1 87 1 ) plate IV.
LINANTHUS AREN I COLA (Jones) Jeps. & Bailey -- Pol emon i aceae -- Phlox Family Status: Threatened (1975 FR) ; watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979). Associated with: Creosote bush.
Known distribution: Clark, Esmeralda, and Nye counties, NV. California.
Remarks: This inconspicuous annual is widely distributed. Illustrated in Abrams (1951) 3:425.
LUPINUS HOLMGRENANUS C.P. Smith -- Fabaceae -- Pea Family Status: Threatened (1975 FR) ; watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979). Associated with: Big sagebrush, p i nyon- j un i per .
Known distribution: Esmeralda and Nye counties, Nevada. California.
Remarks: None.
246
APPENDIX B
Watch List
LUPINUS MONTIGENUS Heller (L. CAUDATUS ssp. MONTIGENUS (Heller) Hess & Dunn") -- Fabaceae -- Pea Family
Status: Threatened (1975 FB) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 25 Feb 1973); watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979) -
Associated with: Sierran subalpine forest.
Known distribution: Carson City and Washoe counties, Nevada. California. Remarks: Illustrated in Muh 1 enberg i a , 6:110. 1910.
MACHAERANTHERA GR I NDEL I 0 ! DES (Nutt.) Shinners var. DEPRESSA (Maguire) Cronq. & Keck-- Asteraceae -- Sunflower Family
Status: Threatened (1975 FB) ; watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979).
Associated with: Shadscale, p i nyon- j un i per .
Known distribution: Clark, Eureka, Lincoln, and White Pine counties, Nevada. Arizona and Utah.
Remarks: Although this taxon is widely distributed, it is not usually loca 1 1 y abundant .
MERTENSIA TOYABENSIS Macbr. -- Boraginaceae -- Borage Family
Status: Possibly extinct (1975 FB) ; endangered (1975 FB) ; threatened (Reno
T/E Workshop, 25 Feb 1978); watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979).
Associated with: Big sagebrush, mountain brush, aspen.
Known distribution: Lander County, Nevada.
Remarks: Recent field work has proved this plant to be more abundant than
was previously believed.
MIMULUS WASHOENSIS Edwin -- Scrophu 1 ar i aceae -- Figwort Family
Status: Threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 25 Feb 1978); watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979).
Associated with: Big sagebrush.
Knwon distribution: Washoe and possibly Storey counties, Nevada.
Remarks: In favorable years, this annual is more widely distributed than
was previously believed.
M I RAB I L I S PUD I CA Barneby -- Nyctag i naceae -- Four-o'clock Family Status: Endangered (1975 FB) ; watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979) - Associated with: Shadscale, creosote bush.
Known distribution: Clark, Lincoln, and Nye counties, Nevada.
Remarks: These plants thrive on disturbed sites and colonize quickly.
247
APPENDIX B
Watch List
OPUNT I A PULCHELLA Engelm. -- Cactaceae -- Cactus Family
Status: Threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 25 Feb 1978); watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979) -
Associated with: Big sagebrush, shadscale.
Known distribution: Churchill, Esmeralda, Humboldt, Lander, Lyon, Mineral, Nye, Pershing, and Washoe counties, Nevada. Arizona and Utah.
Remarks: This cactus is widely distributed but not common at any one place.
PENSTEMON KECKI 1 Clokey -- Scrophu 1 a r i aceae -- Figwort Family
Status: Endangered (1975 and 1978 FR) ; watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979).
Associated with: Great Basin coniferous forest, Great Basin subalpine forest, alpine fell fields.
Known distribution: Clark County, Nevada.
Remarks: None.
PENSTEMON RUBICUNDUS Keck -- Scrophu 1 a r i aceae -- Figwort Family
Status: Endangered (1975 and 1976 FR) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 25
Feb 1978); watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979).
Associated with: Big sagebrush, shadscale, pi nyon-j un i per .
Known distribution: Douglas, Esmeralda, and Mineral counties, Nevada.
Remarks: This plant is more widely distributed than was originally thought.
PER1TYLE MEGALOCEPHALA S. Wats. var. 1NTRICATA (Bdg.) Powell -- Asteraceae -- Sunflower Family
Status: Threatened (1975 FR) ; watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979) - Associated with: Shadscale.
Known distribution: Clark and Nye counties, Nevada. California.
Remarks: None.
PETERIA THOMPSONAE S. Wats. -- Fabaceae -- Pea Family
Status: Threatened (1975 FR) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 25 Feb 1978); watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979).
Associated with: Big sagebrush, shadscale, p i nyon-j un i per .
Known distribution: Nye County, Nevada. Arizona, Idaho, and Utah.
Remarks: This taxon is possibly more widely distributed in other states. It is not common in Nevada.
248
APPENDIX B
Watch List
PHACELIA MUSTEL1NA Cov. -- Hydrophy 1 1 aceae -- Waterleaf Family
Status: Threatened (1975 FR) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 25 Feb 1978); watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979).
Associated with: Big sagebrush, p i nyon- j un i per , rocky slopes.
Known distribution: Nye County, Nevada. California.
Remarks: None.
PHACELIA NEVADENSIS J.T. Howell -- Hydrophy 1 1 aceae -- Waterleaf Family
Status: Endangered (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979); watch list (Mozingo and
Willi ams ) .
Associated with: Possibly big sagebrush or p i nyon-jun i per .
Known distribution: Elko County, Nevada.
Remarks: This annual is only known from the original collection by Watson
in the East Humboldt Mountains (Ruby Mtns.?), 6500 ft, July 1867-
PHACELIA PARISH! I Gray -- Hydrophyl laceae -- Waterleaf Family
Status: Endangered (Reno T/E Workshop, 25 Feb 1978); watch list (Reno T/E
Workshop, 2 Nov 1979).
Associated with: Big sagebrush, g reasewood-sa 1 tbush .
Known distribution: Nye County, Nevada. California.
Remarks: Sometimes this annual is locally abundant. Illustrated in Abrams
(1951) 3:513.
POLYGALA SUBSPINOSA S. Wats. var. HETERORHYNCHA Barneby -- Pol yga 1 aceae--
M i 1 kwort Fami 1 y
Status: Threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 25 Feb 1978); watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 9 Feb 1979) •
Associated with: Shadscale and creosote bush.
Known distribution: Nye County, Nevada. California.
Remarks: Var. subspinosa is illustrated in Abrams (1951) 3:22.
PS0R0THAMNUS KING I I (S. Wats.) Barneby (DALEA K.) -- Fabaceae — Pea
Fami 1 y
Status: Threatened (1975 FR) ; endangered (Reno T/E Workshop, 25 Feb 1978); watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979).
Associated with: Big sagebrush.
Known distribution: Humboldt and Churchill counties, Nevada.
Remarks: Recent studies have proved this to be widely distributed in sandy
areas .
249
APPENDIX B
Watch List
SALVIA FUNEREA Jones -- Lamiaceae -- Mint Family
Status: Threatened (1975 FR) ; threatened (Reno T/E Workshop, 25 Feb 1978); watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov 1979)-
Associated with: Creosote bush.
Known distribution: Esmeralda and Nye counties, Nevada. California. Remarks: Illustrated in Abrams (1951) 3:840.
THELYPODIUM LAXIFLORUM Al-Shehbaz -- Brassicaceae -- Mustard Family
Status: Endangered (Reno T/E Workshop, 25 Feb 1978); watch list (Reno T/E
Workshop, 2 Nov 1979) -
Associated with: Big sagebrush, d i nyon- j un i per .
Known distribution: Lincoln and Nye counties, Nevada. Colorado and Utah. Remarks: None.
TRIFOLIUM ANDERSONI I Gray ssp. BEATLEYAE Gillett -- Fabaceae -- Pea Family
Status: Endangered (1975 and 1976 FR) ; watch list (Reno T/E Workshop, 2 Nov
1979).
Associated with: Big sagebrush, p i nyon- j un i per .
Known distribution: Douglas, Humboldt, Mineral, Nye, and Storey counties, Nevada . California.
Remarks: It is possible that some collections from other areas which have
been simply labeled Tri folium andevsonii may be referred to ssp. beatleyae .
ZIGADENUS VAGINATUS (Rydb.) J.F. Macbride — Liliaceae -- Lily Family Status: Watch list (Mozingo and Williams).
Associated with: Geothermal, greasewood-sal tbush .
Known distribution: White Pine County, Nevada. Utah.
Remarks: Cronquist et al. (1977) treats this as a synonym of Z. elegans
Pursh. However, Welsh (1979) considers Z. vaginatus to be a valid species
250
APPENDIX C '■ Plants deleted from further consideration in Nevada.
These plants may be threatened or endangered in other states, but they
have been deleted from further consideration in Nevada.
ABRONIA ORBICULATA Standi, is a synonym of the widely distributed A. turbinata Torr. (CA, NV, OR)
ARABIS DISPAR Jones is widely distributed. (CA, NV)
ASTRAGALUS LENTIGINOSUS var. CHARTACEOUS Jones is not known from Nevada.
CAREX WHITNEY I Olney is not known from Nevada.
CASTILLEJA LINOIDES Gray is a high elevation form of the widely distributed C. fZava S. Wats. (NV, UT)
CLAYTONIA MEGARHIZA var. BELL I D I FOL I A (Rydb.) C.L. Hitchc. is widely distri¬ buted. (NV, OR, WA)
CROTON WIGGINSII L.C. Wheeler is not known from Nevada.
CRYPTANTHA COMPACTA Higgins is not known from Nevada.
DITAXIS DIVERSIFLORA Clokey is a synonym of the widely distributed Avgytham- nva oyanoiphyZZa (Woot. & Standi.) Ingram, (see page 85)
DRABA LEMMON I I var. INCRASSATA Rollins is not known from Nevada.
ERIOGONUM BEATLEYAE Reveal is widely distributed. (CA, NV)
ERIOGONUM DARROV I I Kearney is widely distributed. (see page 1 85 )
ERIOGONUM EREMICUM Reveal is not known from Nevada.
ERIOGONUM ESMERALDENSE var. TO I YABENSE J.T. Howell is widely distributed in Nevada .
HACKEL I A SHARSM I TH I I Jtn. is widely distributed. (CA, NV)
HAPLOPAPPUS ABERRANS (A. Nels.) Hall is not known from Nevada.
HAPLOPAPPUS CANUS (Gray) Blake ( Hazavdia a.) is not known from Nevada.
HAPLOPAPPUS EX I M I US H.M. Hall is widely distributed. (CA, NV)
HEUCHERA DURAN I I Bacig. is widely distributed. (CA, NV)
ISOETES BOLANDERI var. PYGMAEA (Engelm.) Klute is not known from Nevada. The specimen found floating in Walker Lake must have come down from the Sierra Nevada in California.
251
APPENDIX C
De 1 eted Plants
LOMATIUM RAVENII Mathias & Constance is widely distributed. (CA, ID, NV ,
OR, UT)
MACHAERANTHERA AMMOPHILA Reveal is a synonym of the widely distributed M. arida Turner & Horne. (AZ, CA, NV, Mexico)
MACHAERANTHERA LEUCANTHEM I FOL I A (Greene) Greene is widely distributed.
(see page 31 )
NEOLLOYDIA JOHNSON I I (Parry) Benson is widely distributed. (AZ, CA, NV , UT)
NITROPHILA MOHAVENSIS Munz & Roos is not known from Nevada.
PENSTEMON ABIETINUS Pennell is widely distributed. (NV, UT)
PENSTEMON DECURVUS Pennell is a synonym of the widely distributed P. humilis Nutt. (CA, NV, to OR, CO, UT, WY)
PENSTEMON LE I OPHYLLUS Pennell is widely distributed. (NV, UT)
PENSTEMON NANUS Keck is not known from Nevada.
PENSTEMON NYEENSIS Crosswhite is a synonym of the widely distributed P. kingii S. Wats. (ID, UT, NV)
PENSTEMON THURBERI var. ANESTIUS Reveal S Beatley is of dubious taxonomic validity. ( see page 231)
PILOSTYLES THURBERI Gray is widely distributed. (AZ, CA, NV, TX , Mexico)
POLEMONIUM NEVADENSE Wherry is a synonym of the widely distributed P. puloher- rimum Hook. var. puleherrimum . (CA, NV , to AL, MT, WY)
SENECIO LYNCEUS var LEUCOREUS (Greenm.) Blake is a synonym of the widely dis¬ tributed S. mutt'lZobatus T. & G. (CA, NV , to UT, CO, AZ)
252
HABITATS AND ASSOCIATIONS
BIG SAGEBRUSH (Artemisia trid
Artemisia papposa Astragalus alvordensis A. calycosus monophy 11 i d i us A. convallarius finitimus A. lentiginosus latus A. oophorus lonchocalyx A. porrectus Camissonia nevadensis Cryptantha hoffmannii
C. interrupta Cymopterus corrugatus Draba crassifolia nevadensis
D . doug 1 as i i Eriogonum concinnum
E. rubricaule
Forsellesia pungens glauca Frasera gypsicola
F. pahutensis
Galium hilendiae k i ngstonense G i 1 i a nyens i s Hacke 1 i a oph i ob i a
LOW SAGEBRUSH (Artemisia arbuscula
Arabis dispar A. shockleyi Astragalus aequalis A. beatleyae A. serenoi sordescens A. sol i tar i us A. toquimanus
GREASEWOOD-SALTBUSH (Sarcobat
Suaeda
Astragalus lentiginosus sesquimetral i
A. phoenix
A. porrectus
A. pterocarpus
A. serenoi sordescens
A. sol i tar i us
Cymopterus corrugatus
GEOTHERMAL (usually surrounded b
Astragalus lentiginosus sesqu i met ra 1 i Castilleja salsuginosa Eriogonum argophyllum
entata, Chrysothamnus nauseosus)
Helianthus deserticola Hulsea vestita inyoensis Lathyrus h i tchcocki anus Lupinus holmgrenanus L. ma 1 acophy 1 1 us Mertensia toyabensis Mimulus washoensis Opunt i a pu 1 che 1 1 a Penstemon rubicundus Peteria thompsonae Phacelia inconspicua P. mustel i na P. nevadensis P. pari shi i Psorothamnus kingii Sclerocactus polyanci strus
S. pubispinus Silene scaposa lobata Trifolium andersonii beatleyae
T. 1 emmon i i
, A. nova [A. arbuscula var. nova])
A. yoder-wi 1 1 i ams i i Coryphantha vivipara rosea Eriogonum anemophilum Lepidium nanum Sclerocactus polyancistrus Silene scaposa lobata Townsendia jonesii tumulosa
us vermi culatus , Atriplex spp., torreyana, Distichlis spicata stricta)
s Eriogonum desertorum undescribed var. E. ovalifolium undescribed var.
E. rubricaule Oryctes nevadensis Penstemon arenarius Phacelia glaberrima P . par i sh i i
y GREASEWOOD-SALTBUSH or SHADSCALE)
s E. ovalifolium undescribed var. Fimbristylis thermalis Zigadenus vaginatus
253
HABITATS AND ASSOCIATIONS
SHADSCALE (Atriplex confertifoli
Agave utahensis eborispina
A. utahensis nevadensis
Arabis shockleyi
Arctomecon merriamii
Asclepias eastwoodiana
Astragalus alvordensis
A. ca 1 1 i thr i x
A. cimae cimae
A. funereus
A. musimonum
A. phoenix
A. porrectus
A. pseud iodanthus
A. serenoi sordescens
A. sol i tar i us
A. toquimanus
A. uncial i s
Brickellia knappiana
Calochortus striatus
Camissonia megalantha
Centaurium namophilum
Cordylanthus tecopens i s
Cymopterus ripleyi saniculoides
Enceliopsis nudicaulis corrugata
CREOSOTE BUSH (Larrea t
Arctomecon californica A. merriami i
Astragalus geyeri triquetrus A. lentiginosus micans A. mohavensis hemigyrus A. nyensis
Brickellia knappiana Ephedra funerea Eriogonum viscidulum Ferocactus acanthodes
, Grayia spinosa, Artemisia spinescens)
Ephedra funerea
Eriogonum argophyllum
E. bifurcatum
E. concinnum
E . 1 emmon i i
G i 1 i a nyens i s
Hazardia brickel 1 ioides
Helianthus deserticola
Ivesia eremica
Lathyrus h i tchcocki anus
Machaeranthera g r i ndel i oi des depressa
Mentzelia leucophylla
Mi rabi 1 i s pud i ca
Opunt i a pu 1 che 1 1 a
Oxytheca watsonii
Penstemon arenarius
P. f rut i ci formi s amargosae
P. rubicundus
Phacelia beatleyae
Perityle mega 1 ocepha 1 a intricata
Peteria thompsonae
Polygala subspinosa heterorhyncha
Sphaeralcea caespitosa
ridentata, Ambrosia dumosa)
G i 1 i a ripleyi Linanthus arenicola Mi rabi 1 i s pud i ca
Opuntia whipplei mu 1 1 i gen i cu 1 ata
Penstemon bicolor varieties
P. f rut i c i formi s amargosae
Phacelia beatleyae
Polygala subspinosa heterorhyncha
Salvia funerea
Sclerocactus pol yanci strus
BARREN FLATS, KNOLLS, or ROCKY SLOPES
Arctomecon californica A. merriami i Artemisia papposa Astragalus alvordensis A. beatleyae A. funereus A. phoenix
A. teohrodes eurylobus Calochortus striatus Cryptantha i nsol i ta Cymopterus basal ticus Draba sphaeroides cusickii Enceliopsis nudicaulis corrugata Epilobium nevadensis Erigeron latus E. ovinus
Eriogonum argophyllum
E . 1 emmon i i E . 1 obb i i robustum E. rubricaule
E. ovalifolium undescribed var.
Frasera gypsicola
Galium hilendiae kingstonense
Hackel i a oph iobia
Hazardia br i eke 1 1 i oi des
Ivesia eremica
Lepidium nanum
Lesquerella hi tchcocki i
Lewi s i a magu i re i
Mentzelia leucophylla
Opuntia whipplei mul tigeniculata
Penstemon pahutensis
Phacel i a beat 1 eyae
P . muste 1 i na
25^
HABITATS AND ASSOCIATIONS
BARREN
Arenaria stenomeres Erigeron uncial is conjugans G i 1 i a r i p 1 ey i
MOUNTAIN BRUSH (Cercocarpu
Ange 1 i ca scabr i da C i rs i um cl okey i Coryphantha vivipara rosea Cryptantha tumulosa
P I NYON- JUN I PER (Pinus mono
Agave utahensis eborispina A. utahensis nevadensis Arabis dispar A. shockleyi Asclepias eastwoodiana Astragalus aequalis A. beatleyae
A. calycosus monophy 1 1 i d i us A. convallarius finitimus A. lentiginosus latus A. mohavensis hemigyrus A. musimonum A. oophorus clokeyanus A. oophorus lonchocalyx A. serenoi sordescens A. toquimanus
Coryphantha vivipara rosea Cryptantha hoffmannii C. interrupta C. tunulosa
Draba sphaeroides cusickii Eriogonum concinnum E. lobbi i robustum Forsellesia pungens glabra
ROCKY OUTCROPS
Haplopappus watsonii Primula nevadensis Sme 1 ows k i a ho 1 mg ren i i
edifolius, Amelanchier sp.)
Mertensia toyabensis Penstemon moriahensis P. pudicus
P. thompsoniae jaegeri
11a, Juniperus osteosperma)
Frasera pahutensis Galium hilendiae kingstonense Geranium toquimense G i 1 i a nyens i s Haplopappus watsonii Hulsea vestita inyoensis Lewi s i a magu i re i Lupinus holmgrenanus
Machaeranthera gr i ndel ioi des depressa Penstemon pahutensis P. pudicus P. rubicundus Peteria thompsonae Phace 1 i a ane 1 son i i P. inconspicua P . mustel i na P. nevadensis Silene scaposa lobata Sclerocactus polyancistrus S. pubispinus Streptanthus oliganthus Thelypodium laxiflorum Trifolium andersonii beatleyae Viola purpurea charlestonens i s
MEADOWS (Carex sp.
Antennaria arcuata Calochortus striatus Centaurium namophilum Cordylanthus tecopensis
R I PAR I AN (sometimes
Astragalus robbinsii occ i denta 1 i s • Centaurium namophilum Cordylanthus tecopensis Draba paucifructa D. stenoloba ramosa Elodea nevadensis
, Juncus sp., grasses)
Draba stenoloba ramosa Fimbristylis thermalis Synthyris ranunculina
Salix spp. , Populus spp.)
Fimbristylis thermalis Fraxinus cuspidata macropetala Grindelia f raxi no-pratens i s Rorippa subumbel lata Thelypodium sagittatum ovalifolium
255
HABITATS AND ASSOCIATIONS
GREAT BASIN CONIFEROUS FOREST or YELLOW PINE FOREST (Pinus ponderosa, Abies concolor)
Ange 1 i ca scabr i da C i rs i um cl okey i Draba sphaeroides cusickii Epilobium nevadense Erigeron ovinus E. uncial is conjugans Eriogonum lobbii robustum
Lesquerella hitchcockii Penstemon kecki i P. moriahensis P. thompsoniae jaegeri Phlox gladiformis Townsendia jonesii tumulosa Viola purpurea charlestonens i s
GREAT BASIN SUBALP I NE FOREST (Pinus 1
Antennaria soliceps Arenaria kingii rosea Ci rs i um clokey i Draba jaegeri D. paucifructa Ivesia cryptocaul is Lesquerella hitchcockii
SIERRAN SUBALPINE FOREST (Pinus monti Draba asterophora asterophora
ngaeva, P. flexilis, P i cea engelmannii) Penstemon f ranci sci -pennel 1 i i P . keck i i
P. thompsoniae jaegeri Primula nevadensis Sphaeromeria compacta Synthyris ranunculina Townsendia jonesii tumulosa
ola, P. albicaulis, Tsuga mertensiana) Lupinus montigenus
ALPINE FELL F I ELDS (meadows with grasses and perennial herbs, scree)
Antennaria soliceps Cymopterus goodrichii
C . nivalis Draba arida
D. crassifolia var. nevadensis
D. jaegeri
Eriogonum holmgrenii
E. ovalifolium caelestinum Geranium toquimense
Haplopappus alpinus Ivesia cryptocaul is Lesquerella hitchcockii Penstemon keck i i P. procerus modestus Primula cap i 1 laris Si lene clokeyi Sphaeromeria compacta
256
REFERENCES
Abrams, L. An illustrated flora of the Pacific States. "Ferns to Birthworts" 1(1955). "Buckwheats to Kramerias" 2 ( 1 944) . "Geraniums to Figworts" 3 ( 195 1 ) • "Bignonias to Sunflowers" 4 ( i960 with R.S. Ferris). Stanford University Press, Stanford.
Beatley, J.C. 1976. Vascular plants of the Nevada test site and central-
southern Nevada. National Technical Information Service, Springfield, V A.
_ . Endangered plant species of the Nevada Test Site, Ash Meadows, and
cent ra 1 -southern Nevada. C00-2307- 1 1 ( 1 977) • Threatened plant species of the Nevada Test Site, Ash Meadows, and cent ra 1 -southern Nevada. COO- 2307" 1 2 ( 1 977) • Addendum to COO-2307- 1 1 and C00-2307-12. C00-2307" 1 3 { 1 977)
U.S. Energy Research and Development Adm.
Clokey, I .W. 1951. Flora of the Charleston mountains, Clark county, Nevada. University of California Press, Berkeley.
Cochrane, S. 1979- Status of endangered and threatened plant species on the Nevada Test Site -- a survey, parts 1 and 2. Appendix C: Collection records for the taxa considered. E.G.SG., Goleta, CA.
Contributions toward a flora of Nevada (in parts): "Loasaceae" by Rogers Mc- Vaugh 27(1941). "Amary 1 1 i daceae" by C.H. Muller 28(1941). "Papaveraceae" by R.F. Martin 31(1941). "Portu 1 acaceae" by A.H. Holmgren 36(1955)- "Scrophu 1 ar i aceae , part 1" by G. Edwin 37; 1955. "Legumi nosae , part 1" by R.C. Barneby 38(1956). "Legumi nosae , part 2" by D.B. Dunn 39(1956).
"Pol emon i aceae" by E.T. Wherry 43(1957). "Umbe 1 1 i ferae" by M.E. Mathias and L. Constance 44(1957). U.S. National Arboretum, Crops Research Division, USDA, Washington, D.C.
Cronquist, A., A.H. Holmgren, N.H. Holmgren, and J.L. Reveal. 1972. Inter¬ mountain flora. Vol . 1. Hafner Publishing Co., Inc. New York.
_ and P.K. Holmgren. 1977- Intermountain Flora. Vol. 6.
Columbia University Press. New York.
Ferris, R.S. 1974. Death Valley wild flowers. Death Valley Natural History Association. Death Valley, CA.
Gruber, E.H., S.C. Seyer, M.A. Stern, and C.E. Wright. 1979- Rare, threatened and endangered plant survey. BLM. Burns, OR.
Henderson, D.M., F.D. Johnson, P. Packard, and R. Steele. 1977* Endangered and threatened plants of Idaho. University of Idaho, Moscow.
Hitchcock, C.L., A. Cronquist, M. Ownbey, and J.W. Thompson. Vascular plants of the Pacific Northwest. "Vascular Cryptogams to Monocotyledons" 1(1969) "Salicaceae to Saxi f ragaceae" 2(1964). "Saxi f ragaceae to Ericaceae" 3 (1961). "Ericaceae through Campanu 1 aceae" 4(1959)- "Compositae" 5(1955) by Cronquist). University of Washington Press, Seattle.
Holmgren, A.H., L.M. Schultz, and J.S. Schultz. 1977- Four reports for BLM:
Survey of proposed sensitive species -- Humbol dt-Persh i ng counties, Lander Eureka counties, and Lincoln County; Proposed T/E species for the Tonopah District. Utah State University, Logan.
Jaeger, J.C. 1941. Desert wild flowers. Stanford University Press, Stanford.
257
Kearney, T.H. and R. H. Peebles. 1951- Arizona flora. University of Cali¬ fornia Press, Berkeley.
King. C. 1 87 1 . US geological exploration of the Fortieth Parallel. Vol . 5, "Botany." US Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C.
Lewis, M.E. Four reports to the USFS: Flora and major plant communities of
the Ruby-East Humboldt mountains (1971); Species list, Wheeler Peak area (1973); Plant communities of the Jarbidge Mountain complex (1975); Flora of the Santa Rosa Mountains (1976). USDA.
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Northern Nevada Native Plant Society Newsletters: Approximate locations of
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Pinzl, A. 1979 (updated 1980). Nevada's T/E pla nt map book. Northern Nevada Native Plant Society and Nevada State Museum, Reno and Carson City.
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258
GLOSSARY ILLUSTRA TIONS
LEAF SHAPES
OVATE OBOVATE
OBLANCEOLATE
LIGULATE
OBLONG
A
LINEAR
SEXUAL SYMBOLS
cS 9
Male Female
INFLORESCENCE TYPES
259
GLOSSARY
Although we have made an attempt to keep scientific terminology to a min¬ imum, a few easily understood and defined terms were used for sake of brevity and clarity of expression in the plant descriptions. These are defined below.
No attempt was made to characterize the various kinds of hairiness or pubescence according to conventional botanical expressions since, in those instances where a particular kind of pubescence was a critical point, a simple descriptive phrase seemed to suffice. The illustrations accompanying the glossary will pro¬ vide an understanding of those terms applied to various leaf geometries. These terms may be applied to other laminar structures as well.
acumi nate
achene
a 1 ternate appressed
-margins relatively straight to convex and coming to a point en¬ closing an angle of less than 45°.
-a one-seeded dry fruit, generally small, which does not split open at maturity.
-only one leaf at each node on the stem.
-pressed closely to the surface as if flattened out, frequently used to refer to pubescence with a "plastered down" appearance.
caespitose -"cushion" plants, short and much branched.
calyx -the lowermost whorl of flower parts, frequently, but not always
g reen .
capsule -a dry fruit which splits open at maturity to release the seeds.
caudex -a perennial stem which is short, thick, and vertical, either at
ground level or buried in the soil.
ciliate -with hairs around the margins.
compound -obviously divided up into smaller parts, as, for example, the leaf of an ash.
corolla -the whorl of petals situated above the sepals in a flower,
cuneate -wedge-shaped or triangular.
disk flower -the tubular flowers at the center of the "head" of a composite
inflorescence, e.g., the yellow flowers in the center of a daisy.
elliptic -elongated with the margins uniformly curved and the widest axis at midpoint.
emarginate -with a notch at the apex, exfoliating -peeling off in strips or sheets.
f i 1 ament
g 1 abrous glandular
head
-the supporting stalk of the stamen. It is topped by the pollen producing structure, the anther.
-hairless, without pubescence.
-having small secretory structures, usually appearing as a ter¬ minal swelling on a hair, but occasionally sessile.
-a dense globular or flattened cluster of sessile flowers on the flowering stalk or peduncle.
inflorescence -the branched or unbranched stem with flowers distributed along the axis.
260
GLOSSARY i nternode
i nvol ucra 1
i nvol ucre
lanceolate
leaflet 1 i near node nutlet obi anceol a
oblong obovate obtuse oppos i te ovary
ovate pani cle pappus ped i ce 1 pedunc 1 e perenn i a 1 peri anth peta 1 petiole p i nnate
pi st i 1 pod
prostrate
pubescent
raceme
rach i s
-that segment of the stem between the attachment point of two 1 eaves .
bract -a leaf-like or scale-like structure below the actual flow¬ er.
-a whorl of involucral bracts subtending a flower cluster, a char¬ acteristic feature of the Sunflower Family.
-much longer than broad, shaped like a lance with the widest part below the middle.
-a segment of a compound leaf.
-long and narrow with a uniform width, e.g., a grass blade.
-that segment of the stem where the leaf is attached.
-a small dry, hard nut-like seed or fruit.
te -like lanceolate, but with the widest point above the middle and tapering to the base.
-longer than broad with the margins parallel or nearly so. -egg-shaped in outline, with the widest axis above the middle, -blunt or rounded at the apex.
-with two leaves at the same node on the stem on opposite sides.
-that part of the female reproductive structure, or pistil, which contains the seeds.
-egg-shaped, with the widest axis below the middle.
-a branched flowering stem, essentially leafless.
-a crown of hairs or scales at the top of an achene.
-the stalk supporting a single flower.
-the main stalk of an entire inflorescence.
-living longer than two years.
-calyx and corolla combined.
-a segment of the corolla.
-a leaf stalk.
-compound, with the leaflets arranged on both sides of a common axis.
-the female reproductive structure of the flower.
-any dry fruit which splits open to release the seeds at maturity, -lying flat or trailing.
-ha i ry .
-an unbranched inflorescence with the flowers on individual stalks arranged along a main axis.
-the main axis of a compound leaf.
261
GLOSSARY
ray
ren i form sepa 1 sess i 1 e spatul ate stamen stel late st i gma stipule style tap root
tomentose
umbel
-a secondary branch of an umbel; one of the strap-shaped flowers at the margin of a head in the Sunflower Family.
-ki dney-shaped .
-a segment of the calyx.
-without a supporting stalk.
-rounded at the apex and oblong or obovate with a tapered base, -the male reproductive structure of the flower.
-star-shaped .
-the apical, pollen receptive portion of the pistil.
-paired blade-like structures or scales at the base of a petiole.
-the stalk on top of the ovary which supports the stigma.
-a primary root which is persistent and usually unbranched, but producing lateral rootlets.
-pubescent with short, dense matted hairs.
-a flat-topped or convex inflorescence with all of the pedicels originating at a common point.
262
INDEX
RECOMMENDED STATUS: E = endangered, T = threatened, W = watch list,
P = possibly extinct, D = deleted
A double asterisk (**) indicates the plant may be directly affected by the proposed MX system, a single asterisk (*) indicates the plant may be indirectly affected by the MX system.
D Abronia orbiculata, 251 W ** Agave utahensis var. eborispina, 2, 3 W Agave utahensis var. nevadensis, 241
T * Angelica scabrida, 4, 5 T Antennaria arcuata, 12, 13 T * Antennaria soliceps, 14, 15 D Arabis dispar, 251 W ** Arabis shockleyi, 24 1 T * Arctomecon californica, 170, 171 W ** Arctomecon merriamii, 172, 173 T * Arenaria kingii ssp. rosea, 74, 75 T * Arenaria stenomeres, 76, 77 D * Argythamnia cyanophylla, 84, 85, 251 T Artemisia papposa, 16, 17
T ** Asclepias eastwood i ana , 10, 11 T * Astragalus aequalis, 86, 87 W Astragalus alvordensis, 88, 89
E Astragalus beatleyae, 90, 91
T ** Astragalus callithrix, 92, 93
T ** Astragalus calycosus var. monoph i 1 1 i d i us , 94, 95
W ** Astragalus cimae var. cimae, 24 1 Vy ** Astragalus convallarius var. finitimus, 96, 97 T ** Astragalus funereus, 98, 99 T ** Astragalus geyeri var. triquetrus 100, 101 D Astragalus lentiginosus var. chartaceous, 251
W ** Astragalus lentiginosus var. latus, 102, 103 T ** Astragalus lentiginosus var. micans, 104, 105 E Astragalus lentiginosus var. sesqu imet ra 1 i s , 106, 107 T ** Astragalus mohavensis var. hemigyrus, 108, 109 W Astragalus musimonum, 110, 111
W ** Astragalus nyensis, 112, 113
263
T *
W **
E *
T **
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E *
T **
W
W **
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Astragalus oophorus var. clokeyanus, 114, 115
Astragalus oophorus var. lonchocalyx, 116, 117
Astragalus phoenix, 1 1 8 , 119
Astragalus porrectus, 120, 121
Astragalus pseud i odanthus , 122, 123
Astragalus pterocarpus, 124, 125
Astragalus robbinsii var. occ i denta 1 i s , 126, 127
Astragalus serenoi var. sordescens, 128, 129
Astragalus solitarius, 130, 131
Astragalus tephrodes var. eurylobus, 132, 133
Astragalus toquimanus, 134, 135
Astragalus uncialis, 136, 137
Astragalus yoder-wi 1 1 i ams i i , 240
Brickellia knappiana, 1 8 , 19
Calochortus striatus, 160, 1 6 1
Camissonia megalantha, 2 4 1
Camissonia nevadensis, 24 1
Carex whi tneyi , 251
Castilleja linoides, 251
Castilleja salsuginosa, 208, 209
Centaurium namophilum, 144, 145
Cirsium clokeyi, 242
Claytonia megarhiza var. bel 1 i d i fol ia , 251
Cordylanthus tecopensis, 210, 211
Coryphantha vivipara var. rosea, 66, 67
Croton wigginsii, 251
Cryptantha compacta, 251
Cryptantha hoffmannii, 35, 37
Cryptantha insol ita, 38, 39
Cryptantha interrupta, 40, 41
Cryptantha tumulosa, 42, 43
Cymopterus basalticus, 6, 7
Cymopterus corrugatus, 242
Cymopterus goodrichii, 242
Cymopterus nivalis, 8, 9
Cymopterus ripleyi var. saniculoides , 242
264
W ** Dalea kingii (Psorothamnus k.), 249 D * Ditaxis d i vers i flora (Argythamnia c.), 84, 85, 251 W Draba arida, 242
W Draba asterophora var. asterophora, 46, 47 T Draba crassifolia var. nevadensis, 48, 49 W ** Draba douglasii, 243 T * Draba jaegeri, 50, 51 D Draba lemmonli var. incrassata, 251 T * Draba paucifructa, 52, 53 W Draba sphaeroides var. cusickii, 243
W Draba stenoloba var. ramosa, 54, 55
P Elodea nevadensis, 150, 151
T * Enceliopsis nudicaulis var. corrugata, 20, 21 W ** Ephedra funerea, 243 T * Epilobium nevadense, 168, 169 T Erigeron latus, 22, 23
W Erigeron ovinus, 24, 25
W * Erigeron uncial is var. conjugans, 26, 27 W Eriogonum anemophilum, 178, 179
E Eriogonum argophyllum, 180, 1 8 1
D Eriogonum beatleyae, 251
T ** Eriogonum bifurcatum, 182, 183 W ** Eriogonum concinnum, 243 D ** Eriogonum darrovii, 184, 185, 251 W Eriogonum desertorum undescribed var., 244 D Eriogonum eremicum, 251
D Eriogonum esmeraldense var. toiyabense, 251
T Eriogonum holmgrenii, 186, 187 T Eriogonum lemmonii, 188, 1 89 T Eriogonum lobbii var. robustum, 190, 191 W Eriogonum ovalifolium var. caelestinum, 254
E Eriogonum ovalifolium undescribed var., 240
W ** Eriogonum rubricaule, 244 E ** Eriogonum viscidulum, 192, 193 W ** Ferocactus acanthodes, 24 1 W ** Fimbristylis thermal is, 244
265
W ** Forsellesia pungens var. glabra, 82, 83 E ** Frasera gyps i col a, 146, 147 T ** Frasera pahutensis, 148, 149 W ** Fraxinus cuspidata var. macropetala, 166, 1 67 T Galium hilendiae ssp. ki ngstonense, 206, 207 W Geranium toquimense, 245 W ** Gilia nyensis, 245 W ** Gilia r i p 1 ey i , 174, 175 T * Grindelia f raxi no-pratens i s , 28, 29 E Hackelia ophiobia, 44, 45 D Hackelia sharsmithii, 251 D Haplopappus aberrans, 251 W Haplopappus alpinus, 245
W ** Haplopappus br i ckel 1 ioides (Hazardia b.), 245 D Haplopappus canus (Hazardia c.), 251 D Haplopappus eximius, 251 W * Haplopappus watsonii, 245
W ** Hazardia bri ckel 1 ioides (Haplopappus b.) 245
D Hazardia canus (Haplopappus c.), 251
W Helianthus deserticola, 246
D Heuchera duranii, 251
W ** Hulsea vestita ssp. inyoensis, 246
D Isoetes bolanderi var. pygmaea, 251
T * Ivesia cryptocaul i s , 202, 203
E * Ivesia eremica, 204, 205
E ** Lathyrus h i tchcocki anus , 138, 139
W ** Lepidium nan urn, 246
W * Lesquerella hi tchcocki i, 56, 57
E * Lewisia maguirei, 1 96 , 197
W ** Linanthus arenicola, 246
D * Lomatium ravenii, 252
W Lupinus caudatus ssp. montigenus (L. montigenus), 247 W ** Lupinus holmgrenanus , 246 W Lupinus malacophyl lus, 140, 1 4 1
W Lupinus montigenus (L. caudatus ssp. montigenus), 247 D Machaeranthera ammophila, 252
266
w **
D **
E *
W
W
W **
D
D
V/ **
T
Tjljl.
Tjujl
/\ /V
D
Tjl jl. /\ /\
T * T * D
T *
TJU JU /\ /*
w *
D
T *
D
D
T
T
T **
W
W * D
D **
W ** W **
T * T
Tjl. jl '' “
Machaeranthera gri ndel ioides var. depressa, 2k7
Machaeranthera 1 eucanthemi folia , 30, 31, 252
Mentzelia leucophylla, 162, 163
Mertensia toyabensis, 2^7
Mimulus washoensis, 247
M i ra bills pudica, 247
Neolloydia johnsonii, 252
Nitrophila mohavensis, 252
Opuntia pulchella, 248
Opuntia whipplei var. mu 1 1 i gen i cul ata , 68, 69
Oryctes nevadensis, 236, 237
Oxytheca watsonii, 194, 195
Penstemon abietinus, 252
Penstemon arenarius, 212, 213
Penstemon bicolor ssp. bicolor, 214, 215
Penstemon bicolor ssp. roseus, 214, 215
Penstemon decurvus, 252
Penstemon f ranci sci -pennel 1 i i , 216, 217
Penstemon f rut i c i formi s ssp. amargosae, 218, 219
Penstemon keckii, 248
Penstemon leiophyllus, 252
Penstemon moriahensis, 220, 221
Penstemon nanus, 252
Penstemon nyeensis, 252
Penstemon pahutensis, 222, 223
Penstemon procerus ssp. modestus, 224, 225
Penstemon pudicus, 226, 227
Penstemon rubicundus, 248
Penstemon thompsoniae ssp. jaegeri, 228, 229 Penstemon thurberi, 230
Penstemon thurberi var. anestius, 231, 252 Perityle mega 1 ocepha 1 a var. intricata, 248 Peteria thompsonae, 248 Phacelia anelsonii, 152, 153 Phacelia beatleyae, 154, 155 Phacelia glaberrima, 156, 157
267
E Phacelia inconspicua, 158, 159 W Phacelia mustelina, 249 W ** Phacelia nevadensis, 249 W ** Phacelia parishii, 249 W ** Phlox gladiformis, 176, 177 D Pilostyles thurberi, 252 D Polemonium nevadense, 252
W ** Polygala subspinosa var. heterorhyncha , 249
E Primula capillaris, 198, 199
T Primula nevadensis, 200, 201
W ** Psorothamnus kingii (Dalea k.), 249
T Rorippa subumbe 1 1 ata , 58, 59
W ** Salvia funerea, 250
T ** Sclerocactus pol yanci strus , 70, 71
T ** Sclerocactus pubispinus, 72, 73
W Selaginella utahensis, 234, 235
D Senecio lynceus var. leucoreus, 252
T * Silene clokeyi, 78, 79
W ** Silene scaposa var. lobata, 80, 81
W Smelowskia holmgrenii, 60, 61
T ** Sphaeralcea caespitosa, 164, 165
T * Sphaeromeria compacta (Tanacetum c.), 32, 33
T Streptanthus oliganthus, 62, 63
E * Synthyris ranunculina, 232, 233
T * Tanacetum compactum (Sphaeromeria c.), 32, 33
W ** Thelypodium laxiflorum, 250
T ** Thelypodium sagittatum var. ovalifolium, 64, 65 T * Townsendia jonesii var. tumulosa, 34, 35 W ** Trifolium andersonii ssp. beatleyae, 250 T Tri folium lemmonii, 142, 143 T * Viola purpurea var. charlestonens i s , 238, 239 W ** Zigadenus vaginatus, 250
268
* GPO 797 - 463 1981
%