Senecio neowebsteri
Blake
Olympic Mountain Groundsel
G1Critically ImperiledGlobal Rank
HighThreat Impact
Identity
Unique IDELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.131349
Element CodePDAST8H280
Record TypeSPECIES
ClassificationSpecies
Classification StatusStandard
Name CategoryVascular Plant
Endemicendemic to a single state or province
KingdomPlantae
PhylumAnthophyta
ClassDicotyledoneae
OrderAsterales
FamilyAsteraceae
GenusSenecio
Other Common NamesOlympic Mountain ragwort (EN) Olympic Mountain Ragwort (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 Date2024-03-22
Change Date2024-03-22
Edition Date2024-03-22
Edition AuthorsBeckman, J. (7/96), rev. Eberly and Miller (2024)
Threat ImpactHigh
Range Extent100-250 square km (about 40-100 square miles)
Number of Occurrences6 - 20
Rank ReasonsSenecio neowebsteri is a perennial herb that is endemic to the Olympic Mountains in Washington, USA, occurring in subalpine and alpine areas on cliffs and in rocky places. A 2018 study found that this species habitat may contract by 99% by 2080 due to a changing climate. In addition to a significant threat of habitat loss, trampling by mountain goats is a threat.
Range Extent CommentsSenecio neowebsteri occurs in the western United States where it is endemic to high elevations of the Olympic Mountains of Washington.
Threat Impact CommentsSenecio neowebsteri is potentially threatened by introduced mountain goats, which trample alpine vegetation. High elevation species of the Olympic Mountains are predicted to be impacted by a changing climate due to "a pronounced decrease in winter snow and an increase in growing-season moisture stress" and when considered with topography the loss of habitat is more severe (Wershow and DeChaine 2018). In this study, suitable habitat for Senecio neowebsteri was found to contract by 99% by 2080 (Wershow and DeChaine 2018). While 2080 is beyond the time frame of the threat assessment, habitat loss, in the shorter term, is expected to reveal itself.
Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
This species grows in the alpine zone on steep talus or gravel slopes, typically north or northeastern-facing, in the Olympic Mountains (Washington Natural Heritage 1981) at elevations of 1,719–2,008 m (Wershow and DeChaine).
Terrestrial HabitatsAlpineBare rock/talus/scree
Other Nations (1)
United StatesN1
| Province | Rank | Native |
|---|
| Washington | S1 | Yes |
Plant Characteristics
DurationPERENNIAL
Economic Value (Genus)No
Roadless Areas (1)
Washington (1)
| Area | Forest | Acres |
|---|
| Quilcene | Olympic National Forest | 18,656 |
References (5)
- Flora of North America Editorial Committee (FNA). 2006b. Flora of North America north of Mexico. Vol. 20. Magnoliophyta: Asteridae, part 7: Asteraceae, part 2. Oxford Univ. Press, New York. xxii + 666 pp.
- Gibble, Wendy. Personal Communication. Program Manager, Washington Rare Plant Care and Conservation, University of Washington Botanic Gardens, Seattle, WA.
- Kartesz, 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.
- Washington Natural Heritage Program. 1981. An illustrated guide to the endangered, threatened and sensitive vascular plants of Washington. Washington Natural Heritage Program, Olympia. 328 pp.
- Wershow, S. T. and E. G. DeChaine. 2018. Retreat to refugia: Severe habitat contraction projected for endemic alpine plants of the Olympic Peninsula. American Journal of Botany 105(4):760-778.