Ackerf.
Identity
Unique IDELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.1242939
Element CodePDAST2E3Y0
Record TypeSPECIES
ClassificationSpecies
Classification StatusStandard
Name CategoryVascular Plant
Endemicendemic to a single nation
KingdomPlantae
PhylumAnthophyta
ClassDicotyledoneae
OrderAsterales
FamilyAsteraceae
GenusCirsium
SynonymsCirsium culebraensisAckerf.
Concept ReferenceAckerfield, J.R. 2022. Hiding in plain sight: Two new species of alpine thistles, Cirsium culebraensis and C. funkiae (Cardueae) from the southern Rocky Mountains (United States). Capitulum 1(2): 1-15.
Conservation Status
Rank Method Rank calculation - Biotics v2
Review Date2024-02-01
Change Date2024-02-01
Edition Date2024-02-01
Edition AuthorsTomaino, A. (2022), rev. G. Doyle and A. Tomaino (2024)
Threat ImpactLow
Range Extent100-250 square km (about 40-100 square miles)
Number of Occurrences6 - 20
Rank ReasonsCirsium culebraensis is endemic to the Culebra Range of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in southern Colorado and northern New Mexico. The species occurs in relatively inaccessible alpine areas; while threats from direct disturbance are considered low. Climate change is a concern.
Range Extent CommentsCirsium culebraensis is known from the Culebra Range of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, southern Colorado and northern New Mexico USA, where it is primarily found on mountaintops above treeline (Ackerfield 2022).
Occurrences CommentsAs of 2023 there are 5 known occurrences documented in the Colorado Natural Heritage Program database. Two of the occurrences has not been observed in over 20 years (CNHP 2024). The number of occurrences in New Mexico is not known.
Threat Impact CommentsThis species is found primarily in the alpine zone on difficult to access mountaintops primarily on federally owned land, both of which offer it protection (Ackerfield 2022). Climate change is a concern for this alpine species (CNHP 2024).