Bearded Owl-clover (Triphysaria versicolor ssp. versicolor) Global: G5T5, Provincial: S1, COSEWIC: E, BC List: Red

Note on Taxonomy for Triphysaria versicolor ssp. versicolor: syn. Orthocarpus faucibarbatus ssp. Albidus: Bearded owl-clover is also referred to as “yellowbeak owl’s-clover” (E-Flora/USDA Plants Database).

Distribution: Elevations usually <10 m: Bearded owl-clover occurs in disjunct populations from northern California to Oregon but is absent from Washington State’s coast. In B.C. The versicolor subspecies is the only subspecies of Triphysaria found in British Columbia and is only known from southeastern Vancouver Island where it is at the northern end of its range in North America (GOERT 2008). Currently, there are 9 known occurrences and 5 unconfirmed historic localities occurring along approximately 22 km of coastline in and near Victoria from Harling Point to near Glencoe Cove. Populations range between 20 and 1000 plants. Description: Height 100-500mm An erect annual herb the stems and leaves are a greenish brown covered in fine hairs. Leaves are alternate along the main stem. Each tapered leaf divides into 5-9 pinnate lobes, 20-80 mm long at evenly spaced intervals along the individual leaf stem. Leaves decrease to small bracts toward the upper parts of stems. Flowers form a dense cluster of small whitish yellow blossoms fading to rose on a terminal spike 50-200 mm long. Individual flowers are 12-22 mm long and are club-shaped and tubular (similar to a ‘golf tee’). The lower part of the flower is two-lipped and surrounded by a leaf-shaped bract 8-18 mm long. The bottom lip of the flower is slightly longer than the upper lip, distinctly hairy and with purple dots along the margins. Flowers produce capsules 6-9 mm long containing 30–50 dark brown seeds (1 mm long). In BC methods of pollination are unknown but likely by out-crossing (BC Conservation Data Center). This species is a “hemiparasite” and parasitizes the roots of a number of associated host plants (possibly grasses) as part of its life cycle (Parks Canada 2006, GOERT 2008). Look’s Like? When not in bloom dwarf owl-clover (Triphysaria pusilla), a small plant with distinctly separated dark reddish leaves and smaller flowers could be confused with bearded owl-clover. Primary Habitat: An annual tolerant of continuous sun, wind and salt spray plants favour southern, eastern or northeastern aspects. Other native wildflowers include broad-leaved shooting star and common camas (in moist upper slope areas). These communities also tend to contain large amounts of invasive alien pasture grasses such as orchard-grass and brome species (Parks Canada 2006) Secondary Habitat: Populations also occupy seasonal seepages that occur on slightly sloping exposed rocky outcrops along the shoreline that dry up toward the end of summer. Critical Features: Bearded owl-clover is distinctly shade intolerant and is usually found growing within shallow damp to wet soils in shortgrass/forb communities that form headland meadows and grasslands near the ocean.

Seasonal Life Cycle Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Germination in January Leaf out in February Flowering April until late May

Fruit production & seed dispersal April – July Die-back late June

Habitat Guild: Sea level to low elevation wildflower meadows, Garry Oak woodlands and marine bluffs, rock outcroppings and seeps.

Threats  The preferred ecological associations of this species are geographically limited and subject to urban development and associated habitat loss  Disturbance and trampling from outdoor recreation activities.  Competition for nutrients and shading from associated vascular plants and subsequently expansion of other more shade tolerant species.  Fire suppression has led to increased spread and encroachment of competitive plant species (i.e. vascular plants) including several invasive species. Key Conservation & Management Objectives  Assess actual level and extent of threats to existing populations.  A targeted inventory is needed to determine if undiscovered populations exist elsewhere within the Coast Region. Conduct outreach to raise awareness of this species and how to identify it to improve distribution knowledge  Monitor existing populations on an ongoing basis to assess viability and reduce potential disturbance from land use activities.  Where suitable habitat occurs work with land managers and land owners to ensure development or recreational activities do not disturb or encroach on sensitive areas.  Prevent the introduction and spread of invasive plants, especially aggressive competitors like Scotch broom and Himalayan blackberry, which can be difficult to control once they are established. When controlling invasive plants, take precautions to minimize disturbance.  Meet objectives for this species and the conservation of its habitat as set out in the “Recovery Strategy for Multi-species at Risk in Maritime Meadows Associated with Garry Oak Ecosystems in Canada”.  Sightings, specimens, or observations of activities threatening its habitat should be reported to the regional Species at Risk Biologist at the Ministry of Environment office.

Main References/Literature Cited Parks Canada Agency. 2006. Recovery Strategy for Multi-species at Risk in Maritime Meadows Associated with Garry Oak Ecosystems in Canada. In Species at Risk Act Recovery Strategy Series. Ottawa: Parks Canada Agency. 93 pps.

Draft 201- Disclaimer: This species account and related conservation recommendations are draft only and presently under review and subject to change. 1 Species at Risk in Garry Oak and Associated Ecosystems in British Columbia. 2008. Triphysaria versicolor ssp. Versicolor Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team. International Forest Products Limited and BC Ministry of Environment. 2003. A Field Guide to Species at Risk in the Coast Forest Region of British Columbia Develop With Care: Environmental Guidelines for Urban and Rural Land Development in British Columbia. BC Species & Ecosystems Explorer (BC Conservation Data Center Summary Report) NatureServe Explorer Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada E-Flora Electronic Atlas of the Plants of British Columbia USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database

Image credits: Bearded Owl Clover: Hans Roemer Inset: Wayne Webber, California Academy of Sciences Dwarf owl’s – clover: randomtruth (flikr) Habitat: Harling Point - Diane M. Rogers

Draft 201- Disclaimer: This species account and related conservation recommendations are draft only and presently under review and subject to change. 2