Identity
Unique IDELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.138625
Element CodePMORC1Y130
Record TypeSPECIES
ClassificationSpecies
Classification StatusStandard
Name CategoryVascular Plant
IUCNData deficient
CITESAppendix II
Endemicendemic to a single nation
KingdomPlantae
PhylumAnthophyta
ClassMonocotyledoneae
OrderOrchidales
FamilyOrchidaceae
GenusPlatanthera
SynonymsHabenaria zothecinaHiggins & WelshLimnorchis zothecina(Higgins & Welsh) W.A. Weber
Other Common Namesalcove bog orchid (EN)
Concept ReferenceKartesz, J.T. 1994. A synonymized checklist of the vascular flora of the United States, Canada, and Greenland. 2nd edition. 2 vols. Timber Press, Portland, OR.
Conservation Status
Rank Method Rank calculation - Biotics v2
Review Date2023-02-06
Change Date2023-02-06
Edition Date2023-02-06
Edition AuthorsB. Franklin, rev. B. Franklin (1996), rev. DT Wasinger, S. Spackman, rev. A. Treher (2014, 2023)
Threat ImpactMedium
Range Extent20,000-200,000 square km (about 8000-80,000 square miles)
Number of Occurrences21 - 80
Rank ReasonsPlatanthera zothecina is an orchid of the arid west that occurs in riparian areas and around seeps and springs, including hanging gardens, of the Colorado Plateau in eastern (largely) Utah, northwestern Colorado, and northern Arizona. There are around 60 occurrences. Range wide threats include climate change (increasing temperatures, less precipitation, extreme weather) and long term drought and grazing and trampling by livestock. However, many of the sites are inaccessible, protecting them from disturbance by livestock, recreation, and development. An assessment of short term trends relies on additional site surveys and is complicated by insufficient population counts through time and dormancy due to unfavorable conditions.
Range Extent CommentsPlatanthera zothecina occurs in the western United States on the Colorado Plateau along the drainages of the Colorado and Green rivers from Dinosaur National Park to Glen Canyon Natural Resource Area and into Navajo Nation. It is found in Colorado (Moffat County), Utah (Emery, Garfield, Grand, Iron, Uintah and San Juan Counties), and northeastern Arizona (Navajo, Coconino and Apache Counties).
Occurrences CommentsThere are five occurrences in Colorado (CNHP 2022), 20-22 in Arizona (AGFD 2013), and 37 in Utah (UNHP 2021). There are many occurrences that haven't been surveyed for over 20 years, and their status is uncertain.
Threat Impact CommentsHydrological alteration, drought and other climatic changes, invasive species, and livestock grazing, trampling, and supporting development for livestock are the primary threats to this species across its range (Rondeau et al. 2011, CNHP 2022, UNHP 2021, Albright et al. 2022). This species occurs in riparian areas and hanging garden communities that are dependent on seeps and springs on the cliff faces. Drought and diversion of the mesa top springs and streams to other uses could create conditions that are unfavorable to the species, leading to site extirpations or loss of available habitat. In Utah, trampling, grazing, and related disturbances are issues at some sites but drought is a threat throughout. Climate change is a threat to the species habitat (Handwerk et al. 2015) through rising temperatures, less precipitation to recharge groundwater, and increased frequency and severity of droughts (Albright et al. 2022). Many of the hanging garden communities are difficult to access and protected from anthropogenic disturbance and development. In addition, the species may be threatened by flooding and rock fall and herbivory or at least influence annual population sizes. Herbivory has been shown to reduce fruit set in some years and possibly long-term recruitment at one occurrence (Hudson 2001).