(M.E. Jones) Mathias
Identity
Unique IDELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.129550
Element CodePDAPI0U080
Record TypeSPECIES
ClassificationSpecies
Classification StatusStandard
Name CategoryVascular Plant
Endemicendemic to a single state or province
KingdomPlantae
PhylumAnthophyta
ClassDicotyledoneae
OrderApiales
FamilyApiaceae
GenusCymopterus
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 Date2025-01-02
Change Date2025-01-02
Edition Date2025-01-02
Edition AuthorsOliver, L. (2018), rev. McCormick (2024) and Eberly (2025)
Threat ImpactHigh
Range Extent1000-5000 square km (about 400-2000 square miles)
Number of Occurrences6 - 20
Rank ReasonsCymopterus coulteri is a perennial herb that occurs in the western United States, where it is endemic to central Utah in the Great Basin. This species is often found on Arapien Shale, which is threatened by gypsum mining. The main threats are from habitat degradation due to grazing, solar energy development, mineral extraction, drought, recreation, road maintenance, and urban expansion.
Range Extent CommentsCymopterus coulteri occurs in the western United States where it is endemic to the Utah Great Basin with occurrences in Juab, Sanpete, Sevier, and Tooele Counties, Utah (Welsh et al. 2015). Range extent was calculated using GeoCAT with occurrence data in the Utah Rare Plant Database on July 18, 2024 (Bachman et al. 2011). Occurrences last documented over 40 years ago were excluded from range extent.
Occurrences CommentsBased on a 2 km separation distance, there are 7 occurrences (UNHP 2024).
Threat Impact CommentsThe main threats to this species are habitat degradation due to grazing, solar energy development, mineral extraction, drought, recreation, road maintenance, and urban expansion. Threats were compiled using observations and notes from Utah Rare Plant Database (2024) and Utah Geospatial Resource Center GIS Data downloaded in 2024. Severity of impacts are not well known so ranges are provided where appropriate.
Almost all occurrences are within grazing allotments. Urban expansion is occurring around Richfield and Salina. Occurrences are within UREZ phase 1 zone areas and may be impacted in the future by solar and/or wind development. Solar development, including transmission line corridors, may potentially impact occurrences in Sevier Valley. Occurrences near roads may be impacted by road maintenance.
Recreational use of habitat, such as foot traffic, dispersed camping and OHV related activities, may pose a threat to some populations throughout its range. As the human population grows in areas within easy access to habitat and as recreational use increases, the impacts may become substantially more significant. Gypsum mining threatens this species, and gravel pits have already reduced the habitat area (Sphar et al. 1991). Gypsum mining, especially in Arapien Shale, is still a current threat, and likely increasing (Ballard 2016). Drought and climate change is also a threat and likely impacting this species through out it's range (Wrobleski 2023).