(Nutt.) Hook. & Arn.
Identity
Unique IDELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.146452
Element CodePDSAU01010
Record TypeSPECIES
ClassificationSpecies
Classification StatusStandard
Name CategoryVascular Plant
Endemicoccurs (regularly, as a native taxon) in multiple nations
KingdomPlantae
PhylumAnthophyta
ClassDicotyledoneae
OrderPiperales
FamilySaururaceae
GenusAnemopsis
SynonymsAnemia californicaNutt.
Other Common Namesyerba mansa (EN)
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
Review Date2001-01-25
Change Date1988-07-29
Edition Date2001-01-25
Edition AuthorsKelly McConnell
Range Extent20,000-2,500,000 square km (about 8000-1,000,000 square miles)
Rank ReasonsAnemopsis californica occurs from Oregon to Texas and south to Oklahoma and northwestern Mexico. A. californica is generally common, however limited to swampy, alkaline habitats that are vulnerable to hydrologic changes. Roots of this species are collected at a minor level of medicinal use, but since this species is a potential substitute for a heavily commercially traded herb, it seems probable that demand may increase.
Range Extent CommentsAnemopsis californica occurs from Oregon to Texas and south to Oklahoma and northwestern Mexico (Hickman 1993).
Threat Impact CommentsAlthough this species is collected from the wild for medicinal use, such collecting is minor according to Michael McGuffin, president of the American Herbal Products Association (pers. comm., December 2000). However, it has been cited as a potential substitute for goldenseal, thus the National Center for the Preservation of Medicinal Herbs is researching the feasibility and costs of cultivation techniques that could reduce projected impacts on wild populations (NCPMH Online, December 2000). Some experts in the medicinal plant industry have suggested that trade is medium to large and demand has increased over the past ten years (Robbins 1999).