(O.E. Schulz) C.L. Hitchc.
Identity
Unique IDELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.128052
Element CodePDBRA0K130
Record TypeSPECIES
ClassificationSpecies
Classification StatusStandard
Name CategoryVascular Plant
Endemicendemic to a single state or province
KingdomPlantae
PhylumAnthophyta
ClassDicotyledoneae
OrderCapparales
FamilyBrassicaceae
GenusCardamine
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 Date2024-12-05
Change Date1993-07-09
Edition Date2024-12-05
Edition AuthorsMincemoyer, S., rev. N. Ventrella (2024)
Threat ImpactUnknown
Range Extent1000-5000 square km (about 400-2000 square miles)
Number of Occurrences6 - 80
Rank ReasonsCardamine rupicola is a perennial forb occurring on sparsely-vegetated scree slopes of limestone in the subalpine and alpine zones of Montana in the western United States. It is known from three population clusters in the Mission Mountains, Swan Range and the Rocky Mountain Front Range. There are an estimated 11-26 occurrences, many of which have not been surveyed in the past 30 years. Threats are unknown but are likely low due to most occurrences being located in alpine regions of designated wilderness areas. However, climate change and shifting habitat conditions may impact this species.
Range Extent CommentsCardamine rupicola occurs in the western United States, where it is endemic to the Mission Mountains, Swan Range, and the Rocky Mountain Front Range of west-central Montana in Flathead, Lewis and Clark, and Missoula counties (MNHP 2012, FNA 2010). Range extent was estimated at 2,006 square kilometers using herbarium specimens, photo-based observations, and NatureServe Network occurrence data collected between 1993 and 2024, and estimated at 4,062 square kilometers when historical collections are included (CPNWH 2024, iNaturalist 2024, NatureServe 2024). Historical occurrences are likely still extant because many populations occur in remote designated wilderness areas, though up-to-date surveys are needed to confirm this (MNHP 2012).
Occurrences CommentsBy applying a 1 km separation distance to herbarium specimens, photo-based observations, and NatureServe Network occurrence data documented between 1993 and 2024, it is estimated that there are eleven occurrences rangewide, and 26 occurrences when historical occurrences are included (CPNWH 2024, iNaturalist 2024, NatureServe 2024).
Threat Impact CommentsThreats to Cardamine rupicola are largely unknown (MNHP 2012). Populations occur in remote high elevation wilderness areas in rock and scree fields, and are generally not subjected to disturbance or other direct threats, with the exception of potential (though likely negligible) impacts from recreational activities. Climate change is a concern for C. rupicola, because this species occurs on high elevation peaks and there are limited elevational gains for shifting habitat. This species has been assigned a "highly vulnerable" Climate Change Vulnerability Index score by the Montana Natural Heritage Program.