Identity
Unique IDELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.151598
Element CodePDPGN086L0
Record TypeSPECIES
ClassificationSpecies
Classification StatusStandard
Name CategoryVascular Plant
Endemicendemic to a single state or province
KingdomPlantae
PhylumAnthophyta
ClassDicotyledoneae
OrderPolygonales
FamilyPolygonaceae
GenusEriogonum
Other Common NamesTiehm's buckwheat (EN) Tiehm's wild buckwheat (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
Rank Method Rank calculation - Biotics v2
Review Date2020-01-27
Change Date1988-08-03
Edition Date2021-03-17
Edition AuthorsMorefield/Maybury, Spring 1996, rev. Treher (2021)
Threat ImpactVery high - high
Range Extent<100 square km (less than about 40 square miles)
Number of Occurrences1 - 5
Rank ReasonsEriogonum tiehmii is an edaphic endemic, known only from a tiny area in the Silver Peak Range of Esmeralda County, Nevada. As of 2019, there is a single extant occurrence of 8 small patches, separated by less than 1 km, on public lands under active mineral exploration for lithium and likely development, with projected losses of 50–70%, if current preliminary mining plans are implemented. Exploration activities have increased invasive weed populations in the area. Aside from this very serious threat, populations have been stable in recent years. However, in 2020, 17,000 plants were uprooted and some destroyed. The cause is under investigation but ground squirrels are likely the cause.
Range Extent CommentsEriogonum tiehmii is endemic to a small area in the Silver Peak Range of Esmeralda County, Nevada.
Occurrences CommentsThere is a single occurrence with eight patches, that are within 1 km of each other.
Threat Impact CommentsAs of 2019, there is active mineral exploration (lithium) in the area, up to edges of some population patches. Preliminary mining plans call for removal of about half of the occurrence, specifically the southern half which has the greatest viability. The projected loss if current preliminary mining plans are implemented would be 50-70%. Exploration activities have also increased invasive weed populations in the area. Between 2008 and 2010, other threats that were reported and are still relevant include: off-road vehicle use, mineral exploration and development, and small population numbers. Most sites have been impacted by past mineral exploration and extraction, and claims markers remain. In the past, plants have successfully recolonized minor trench prospects within the soil habitat. However, an old major trench that completely removed soil has not been recolonized. Small mammals, including ground squirrels, can damage or kill plants by digging them up, burrowing around plants, and chewing on roots (USFWS 2020).