Identity
Unique IDELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.139252
Element CodePDAST8U080
Record TypeSPECIES
ClassificationSpecies
Classification StatusStandard
Name CategoryVascular Plant
Endemicendemic to a single state or province
KingdomPlantae
PhylumAnthophyta
ClassDicotyledoneae
OrderAsterales
FamilyAsteraceae
GenusStephanomeria
Other Common NamesMalheur wirelettuce (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 Date2022-08-25
Change Date2022-08-25
Edition Date2022-08-25
Edition AuthorsJoyal, E., rev. K. Maybury (reviewed by S. Vrilakas) 1996, rev. S. Vrilakas (2006), rev. L. Wise (2012), rev. Treher (2022)
Threat ImpactVery high - high
Range ExtentZero to <100 square km (zero to less than about 40 square miles)
Number of Occurrences0 - 5
Rank ReasonsStephanomeria malheurensis occurs in the western United States where it is known only from a single site in southeastern Oregon where it was first discovered in 1966. The species' habitat was invaded shortly thereafter by cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) an aggressive, non-native plant which eventually replaced much of the native vegetation, including every known Stephanomeria malheurensis plant, by 1985. However, because the species was of scientific interest, viable seed had been stored off-site, making the difference between extinction and survival for the species. Transplants and recovery efforts are ongoing at the original site and since 2007 at a second location where plants are extirpated. Plants were not found during the last survey of the type location. A self-sustaining population has yet to be established and the species is considered "conservation reliant". Potential threats include fire and competition from exotic plant species.
Range Extent CommentsStephanomeria malheurensis occurs in the western United States where it is endemic to central Harney County, Oregon, in an area called the Narrows, near Malheur and Harney lakes.
Occurrences CommentsThere are two known occurrences, the type location and a novel but extirpated site where plants were introduced but failed to establish. The type location was declared "extinct in the wild" twice, but has been maintained through time by transplants grown from viable seed stored off-site at Berry Botanic Seed Bank. The original population was lost in 1985 and reintroduced plants were lost in 2004. Additional efforts to establish the plants have occurred through time (2004, 2007-2010, 2011) and new attempts will test different techniques and an improved understanding of the species habitat requirements (USFWS 2015). In 2020, no plants were found at the type location.
Threat Impact CommentsThis species habitat and the species is threatened by the invasion of Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) and fire. Historically, zeolite mining and grazing were threats at the site. It is though that the species fares better with cool, wet springs, making it vulnerable to climate change.