Eriogonum meledonum

This entity is treated as a synonym of Eriogonum crosbyae in FNA (2005). Grady and Reveal (2011) recognize a broader concept of E. crosbyae than FNA (2005), but also include E. meledonum in this taxon.

Guardian buckwheat is narrowly endemic in the Sawtooth Valley in central Idaho. The eight known occurrences support approximately 4500 individuals on approximately 11 hectares. Most occurrences are relatively secure. This taxon is not considered distinct by the most current floristic works but research into the complex might be necessary.

Guardian buckwheat is endemic to a section of the Sawtooth Valley, centered around Stanley Idaho. All occurrences are found within 1.6 km (1 mi) of the valley floor. All but one are clustered within 8 km (5 mi) of the small town of Stanley.

Guardian buckwheat is known from eight extant occurrences.

Ground disturbance associated with elk trampling has been documented at all eight occurrences (Mancuso 2001). Levels of this disturbance do not appear to threaten guardian buckwheat at most occurrences. The Forest Service constructed a drift fence to direct cattle away from one occurrence in 2001. Motorcycle disturbance was also identified as a threat to one occurrence in the past (Moseley 1988). Although relatively minor, impacts to guardian buckwheat and its habitat from Motorcycle/off-road vehicle (ORV) use was documented for at least two other occurrences during field visits in 2000 (Mancuso 2001). Motorcycle/ORV use is restricted to roads within the Sawtooth National Recreation Area (NRA), but is not always adhered to. If not controlled, ORV use has the potential to be a much larger problem for guardian buckwheat and its associated habitat. Several weed species have become established in the Sawtooth Valley in recent years. Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) is know from at least two occurrences. It is associated with pocket gopher digging disturbances. Spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa), a noxious weed, occurs along the highway near the Lower Gold Creek and perhaps other occurrences. Another noxious weed species, dalmation toadflax (Linaria dalmatica) is established near one occurrence (Mancuso 2001). It is not clear how abundant these noxious weed species could become on the rocky, shallow soil sites supporting guardian buckwheat. The Stanley #4 occurrence is located on a bluff above the town of Stanley on land administered by the Sawtooth NRA. The bluff area has been proposed to be given to the town of Stanley for development in initial versions of the proposed Boulder-White Clouds Wilderness bill. The outcome of this bill is unresolved at this time. A few plants tucked in some rock outcrops may survive, but this occurrence would largely be destroyed if development were to take place in the future. Overall, existing land-use of habitat within the Sawtooth Valley appears compatible with the long-term viability and conservation of guardian buckwheat.