Inventory for Least phacelia (Phacelia minutissima): a Bureau of Land Management Special Status Plant

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Abstract:

Phacelia minutissima L.F. Henderson (Least phacelia, Snowbank phacelia) was known only from eight locations prior to 1995. Three from Idaho (Owyhee and Camus counties, including the type), one from Washington (Kittitas County), three from Nevada (Elko and Eureka counties) and one from Oregon (Wallowa County). The species was identified as a Candidate Category 2 species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service prior to 1996 and is currently a species of conservation concern in all states with known populations. In 1994, Bob Moseley, Idaho CDC, conducted extensive surveys for the species in Idaho but was unable to find any plants. Moseley prepared a summary report of existing data from herbarium records. Surveys have also been done in other states with mostly negative results, prior to 1995. The 1995 surveys, conducted in southwestern Idaho and Elko County, Nevada resulted in discovery of numerous new sites and relocation of the 1972 Bratz collection area on the Owyhee Mountains. All sites are located at middle elevations (5,920 to 8,600 ft). Surveys conducted during the 1996 field season resulted in discovery of twelve additional populations in Idaho and five in Oregon. Least or Snowbank Phacelia is closely associated with snowbank areas in the uper portions of mountain drainages. Most sites were in damp to moist (not wet) meadows or springs and seeps. Snowbank phacelia occurs mostly in stands of Veratrum californicum and adjacent tall-low forb areas in or near the edge of mixed aspen-drummonds willow-subalpine fir communities. Soils are well drained basalts and granitics. Population areas occur on State, BLM, Forest Service and private lands. Livestock grazing and mining are the primary threats to the species. Additional surveys are needed in Oregon, Washington, Nevada, and Idaho. Conservation concern still exists due to the current threats and low number of occupied areas. Improvements in habitat conditions are needed to reduce existing threats.

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Reference Code: U96ATW01IDUS <br>

Full Citation: Atwood, D. 1996. Inventory for Least phacelia (Phacelia minutissima): a Bureau of Land Management Special Status Plant. Challenge Cost Share Project, Lower Snake River District BLM. 25 pp. plus appendices. <br>

Location: PLANT EF: PHACELIA MINUTISSIMA