Monarda lindheimeri

A rank of G4 seems justified given the occurrence of this species in at least 14 counties in Texas and 2 parishes in Louisiana. However, Monarda lindheimeri Gray has not been tracked (monitored) by Heritage programs, and little is known of its current status. Most known populations are small, and the loss of habitat to agriculture and suburban development may warrant a re-evaluation of this rank in coming decades.

Monarda lindheimeri occurs patchily across much of the eastern third of Texas and ranges eastward into Acadia and Jefferson Davis parishes in southwestern Louisiana (Turner, 1994; Thomas and Allen, 1998). Collections from Fannin County, Texas (Turner, 1994) suggest that the species may also be found in Oklahoma. The Texas counties of occurrence include Anderson, Brazos, Cass, Fannin, Gonzales, Grayson, Grimes, Harris, Madison, Morris, Upshur, Walker, Waller and Wood (Turner, 1994; TAMU-BWG Herbarium Specimen [Internet Web] Browser, 1999). A report from Travis County (TAMU-BWG Herbarium Specimen Browser, 1999) is doubtful.

Monarda lindheimeri has not been tracked (monitored) by Heritage programs in either of the states from which it is known, and information about occurrences is non-existent. Given its documentation from 14 counties in Texas and 2 parishes in Louisiana, it seems likely that more than 100 occurrences can be expected. However, many of these occurrences may be small.

Particular threats to Monarda lindheimeri are unknown. General threats to its habitat include fire suppression, which can be expected to close the openings in which the species occurs; clearing of woodlands and conversion to tame (exotic) pasture; and urban and suburban development.