Hackelia venusta

This species was first described within the genus Lappula (annual plants) but later transferred to the genus Hackelia (perennial plants). Carr (1974) undertook a taxonomic study of the genus in western North America and recognized Hackelia venusta as a morphologically uniform, distinct species that exhibited little variability. A further taxonomic review (Harrod et al 1999) indicated that certain high elevation populations previously assigned to H. venusta were a distinct undescribed species, Hackelia taylori (Harrod et al. in review). Harrod and his colleagues (1999) further outline that no affinities exist between the low and high elevation taxon, nor with nearby populations of H. diffusa var. arida.

Hackelia venusta is a perennial herb that occurs in the western United States where it is endemic to Chelan County, Washington along the Tumwater Canyon of the Wenatchee River. There is one known population and additional outplanting on unstable, granitic sandy slopes above the river. The population has been fluctuating from less than 150 to around 770 plants. In addition to intrinsic vulnerabilities limiting reproductive success, there are multiple threats to this species including landslides, fire suppression and related habitat succession, non-native plants and weevils, and trampling of plants or habitat. Careful monitoring of populations and the status of threats is necessary to conserve this species.

Hackelia venusta occurs in the western United States where it is endemic to Chelan County, Washington along the Tumwater Canyon of the Wenatchee River.

This species is known from only one population in Chelan County, Washington. Taxonomic work at other populations at higher elevations, previously considered as Hackelia venusta, are now known as a proposed new (and rare) species, Hackelia taylori (Harrod et al 1999). Other known Hackelia locations investigated in the field or with herbarium specimens have been determined not to be H. venusta. Thus the original discovery site at Tumwater Canyon is the only location for the species (USFWS 2002, Guerrant 2010). There are several outplantings of this species.

A single stochastic event, either natural- or human-caused, could destroy a significant part of the population (USFWS 2002). This species occurs on steep, unstable sandy slopes that are subject to periodic landslides. Both the core population and outplantings are considered to be at risk of landslides (USFWS 2020). The spread of a non-native biocontrol weevil, Mogulones cruciger, is a threat to Hackelia spp., which are a second preference to itsintended and preferred host, Houndstongue (Cynoglossum officinale) (USFWS 2020). Additional threats to the species include increased shading from native trees and shrubs and related fire suppression, non-native plants, and human disturbance causing damage to plants and habitat or mortality of plants through trampling to photograph the species or for conservation measures (USFWS 2007). Reproductive vigor is limited with the small population size and gene pool. The species also has small seed output and low seedling survivorship. Highway maintenance activities, such as the spreading of sand or salt, and the use of de-icers can threaten the species, but are being carefully monitored and studied. Although previously identified as a threat, collection for horticultural purposes is no longer considered relevant or very minor (USFWS 2019).