Townsendia lemhiensis
C.Lee, Björk, and Whitton
G1Critically ImperiledGlobal Rank
LowThreat Impact
Identity
Unique IDELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.1274426
Element CodePDAST9C0X0
Record TypeSPECIES
ClassificationSpecies
Classification StatusStandard
Name CategoryVascular Plant
Endemicendemic to a single state or province
KingdomPlantae
PhylumAnthophyta
ClassDicotyledoneae
OrderAsterales
FamilyAsteraceae
GenusTownsendia
Concept ReferenceLee, C., C.R. Björk, and J. Whitton. 2022. Townsendia lemhiensis (Asteraceae, Astereae): A narrowly endemic new species from Idaho, USA. PhytoKeys 193: 67–75.
Conservation Status
Rank Method Rank calculation - Biotics v2
Review Date2023-03-16
Change Date2023-03-16
Edition Date2023-03-16
Edition AuthorsEberly (2023)
Threat ImpactLow
Range Extent<100 square km (less than about 40 square miles)
Number of Occurrences1 - 5
Rank ReasonsTownsendia lemhiensis is a tiny perennial herb that is endemic to the Lemhi Valley east-central Idaho in the dry interior of western North America. There are three occurrences which are restricted to ashy white outcrops of eroded rhyolite tuff. All occurrences are on BLM lands where threats are low. Threats should be monitored for changes, as there are few small populations that are at risk of extirpation from future threats or stochastic events. This species is a priority for ex-situ conservation.
Range Extent CommentsTownsendia lemhiensis is endemic to the Lemhi Valley of Lemhi County in east-central Idaho, U.S.A., in the dry interior of western North America (Lee et al. 2022, Kinter and Björk 2023).
Occurrences CommentsThere are three known occurrences based on three locations that are over a kilometer apart (Kinter and Björk 2023).
Threat Impact CommentsThreats to this species include trailing and grazing by livestock, roads, fences, light OHV trails, and a few invasive plants (Kinter and Björk 2023). Although not directly observed, horticultural theft is a possible current disturbance and future threat, because Townsendia species are highly desired for rock gardens and this new rare species may garner attention (Kinter and Björk 2023). Potential future threats include increased invasive plant species, increased OHV use, wildfire, collecting for horticulture, climate change, and prospecting for minerals (which has occurred nearby) (Kinter and Björk 2023).
Ecology & Habitat
Diagnostic Characteristics
This species is similar to Townsendia spathulata, but Townsendia lemhiensis differs by having a persistent pappus, fewer series of phyllaries, and sericeous rather than long woolly hairs (Lee et al. 2022).
Habitat
Townsendia lemhiensis occurs on largely barren or sparsely vegetated flats and slopes on ashy white outcrops of eroded rhyolite tuff within the sagebrush steppe (Lee et al. 2022) at elevations of 2,090 to 2,247 m (Kinter and Björk 2023). It co-occurs with Artemisia frigida, Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis, Chaenactis douglasii, Comandra pallida, Cymopterus bipinnatus, Elymus lanceolatus, Eriogonum mancum, Eriogonum soliceps, Ipomopsis spicata, Linum lewisii, Oreocarya humilis, Packera cana, Penstemon humilis, Phlox muscoides, Stenotus acaulis, and Townsendia spp. (Kinter and Björk 2023).
Reproduction
This species flowers in May. It reproduces asexually through apomixis (Lee et al. 2022).
Terrestrial HabitatsBarrens
Other Nations (1)
United StatesN1
| Province | Rank | Native |
|---|
| Idaho | S1 | Yes |
Plant Characteristics
DurationPERENNIAL, SPRING-FLOWERING
Economic Value (Genus)No
Roadless Areas (3)
Montana (1)
| Area | Forest | Acres |
|---|
| Italian Peak | Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest | 90,401 |
References (2)
- Kinter, L., and C. Björk. 2023. Species Account of <i>Townsendia lemhiensis</i> C.Lee, Bj¿rk & Whitton – Lemhi Townsend daisy, Asteraceae – Aster Family, with Rank Recommendation by Rare Plant Working Group on 13 Jan 2023.
- Lee, C., C.R. Björk, and J. Whitton. 2022. <i>Townsendia lemhiensis</i> (Asteraceae, Astereae): A narrowly endemic new species from Idaho, USA. PhytoKeys 193: 67–75.