Identity
Unique IDELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.1192790
Element CodePDGEN050J0
Record TypeSPECIES
ClassificationSpecies
Classification StatusStandard
Name CategoryVascular Plant
Endemicendemic to a single nation
KingdomPlantae
PhylumAnthophyta
ClassDicotyledoneae
OrderGentianales
FamilyGentianaceae
GenusFrasera
SynonymsSwertia fastigiataPursh
Concept ReferenceWilson, B.L., V. Hipkins, and T.N. Kaye. 2010. One taxon or two: are Frasera umpquaensis and F. fastigiata (Gentianaceae) distinct species?. Madroño, 57(2): 106-119.
Taxonomic CommentsFrasera fastigiata belongs to a complex of three other species in North America, including F. umpquaensis, F. speciosa, and F. caroliniensis. Wilson et al. (2010) used molecular and morphological to show that Frasera umpquaensis is distinct from Frasera fastigiata. With the recognition of F. umpquaensis, F. fastigiata narrows substantially in circumscription. Only material in Washington and Idaho are attributed to F. fastigiata, and material in Oregon and California are treated as F. umpquaensis.
Conservation Status
Rank Method Rank calculation - Biotics v2
Review Date2021-02-08
Change Date2021-02-08
Edition Date2021-02-08
Edition AuthorsOliver, L. (2021)
Threat ImpactHigh - medium
Range Extent20,000-200,000 square km (about 8000-80,000 square miles)
Number of Occurrences21 - 80
Rank ReasonsFrasera fastigiata occurs in the western United States, where it is uncommon in Idaho and Washington. It is known from fewer than 40 occurrences, some of which occur on National Forest lands. Invasive plant species that can outcompete this native are a threat. Inventory is needed to better understand the species distribution, population sizes, and trends.
Range Extent CommentsFrasera fastigiata occurs in Idaho and southeastern Washington in the Blue Mountains, and in the Wenatchee Mountains. The range extent was calculated based on available data from SEINet (2021) and Wilson et al. (2010).
Occurrences CommentsThere are between 35 and 40 occurrences (W. Fertig, pers. comm., 2021).
Threat Impact CommentsInvasive plant species are a substantial threat in the Clearwater National Forest in Idaho. The National Forest (2012) reports that the following invasive species are the greatest concern and require continual management: Spotted knapweed (Centaurea biebersteninii, Rusk Skeletonweed (Chondrilla juncea), Yellow Star-Thistle (Centaurea solstitialis), Meadow Hawkweed (Hieracium caespitosum), Orange Hawkweed (Hieracium aurantiacum), Common Crupina (Crupina vulgaris), Dalmatian Toadflax (Linaria dalmatica), and Scotch Thistle (Onopordum acanthium). At least two known populations occur near a campground, and camp use may threaten this species. There are many other potential threats in the Nez-Perce Clearwater National Forest that may impact this species, such as cattle grazing, climate change, roads, large scale fires and others, but it is unclear if they pose a direct threat.