Telesonix jamesii

Treated as Boykinia jamesii in Kartesz (1994) and Telesonix jamesii in Kartesz (1999), where T. heucheriformis is also recognized separately. In the Intermountain Flora, Cronquist et al. (1997) treat the more widespread taxon as T. jamesii var. heucheriformis; see separate database record for the broad T. jamesii treatment.

Telesonix jamesii occurs in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and New Mexico in the western United States. In Colorado, it is scattered sporadically in the crevices of granite rock faces and talus of the easternmost mountains. It occurs at one location in northern New Mexico in the southern reaches of the Rocky Mountains. There are 39 occurrences. The species habitat affords protection from many anthropogenic threats and many of the occurrences have at least some protection on public lands. Threats to this species vary from site to site depending on land use and access. The species should continue to be monitored to better understand the current population sizes and trend and the impact of climate change.

Telesonix jamesii is a regional endemic of Colorado and New Mexico in the western United States (Allred et al. 2020, FNA 2009). In Colorado, it occurs from Rocky Mountain National Park to the Pikes Peak region in numerous counties including El Paso, Jefferson, Larimer, Park, and Teller (Colorado Natural Heritage Program 2012). It occurs in the southernmost reaches of the Rocky Mountains in New Mexico, in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of San Miguel County (SEINET 2021, Larson et al. 2014, FNA 2009). It is also reported from Wyoming but there is no voucher specimen (FNA 2009). Range extent including historical sites with known locations is 16,858 sq km. If historical occurrences (last documented prior to 1979) are excluded, range extent is 14,216 sq km.

There are 38 occurrences in Colorado but eight are considered historical (not seen for over 20 years). In New Mexico, there are potentially two known occurrences, one that was last seen in 2003 and one last seen in 1930 collected at uncertain location said to be in Bernalillo County (SEINET 2021).

Overall, most of the Colorado occurrences are within fairly pristine settings in mostly protected (granite outcrops) habitats on public lands, where threats are relatively low (Rondeau et al. 2011). Some occurrences are on private land where development or expansion of reservoirs could impact the species negatively. Human-related activities such as off road vehicle (ORVs) and off trail recreation (hikers, climbers), trail or road construction and maintenance, changes to natural disturbance regimes resulting in succession, invasive species introduction, structure construction and maintenance, and horticultural collection threaten Telesonix jamesii populations and habitat. Those populations closest to roads, trails, or other human-related structures (e.g., radio towers, reservoirs) are likely at the most risk, due to erosion and sedimentation, rock slides, and alterations to site hydrology. Climate change is also a threat but the impact on this species is not known but should be monitored. Other potential environmental or biological threats to populations or habitats of T. jamesii could include excessive herbivory, inadequate pollination, genetic isolation, and genetic interaction with cultivated varieties of this species (Beatty et al. 2004). Rangewide, T. jamesii is considered extremely vulnerable to global climate change effects as documented in the Colorado State Wildlife Action Plan (Colorado Parks and Wildlife 2015).