BOTANICAL NOTES and OBSERVATIONS: Cook Ranch, Albany County, Wyoming

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

BOTANICAL NOTES and OBSERVATIONS: Cook Ranch, Albany County, Wyoming BOTANICAL NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS: Cook Ranch, Albany County, Wyoming Prepared by : Bonnie Heidel, Botanist Wyoming Natural Diversity Database - University of Wyoming 30 August 2001 Cook Ranch encompasses the matrix grassland and sagebrush steppe of the Laramie basin, and a segment of the Laramie Range escarpment with predominantly shrubland and grassland cover. Characteristic palustrine and riverine features are inlaid on these basin and escarpment landscapes, contributing to plant species and vegetation diversity. Laramie Basin grassland Mixed grass prairie is the most extensive vegetation feature, with a sparse, low-stature component of Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis) over most of the vast, well-drained alluvial fans and terraces. Sagebrush cover drops out at the north end on finer­ textured soils, with patches of silver sagebrush (Artemisia cana). In the grasslands, only Sandberg's bluegrass and junegrass (Poa secunda and Koeleria macrantha, resp.) were conspicuous at the time of visit. Dominants and codominants among the grassland plant associations include at least needle-and-thread, western wheatgrass, and thread­ leaved sedge (Stipa coma ta, Elymus smithii, and Carex filifolia, resp.). Cover composition estimates and plant association characterizations were not made because foot travel was concentrated on unrepresentative overlook points, the drought restricted some species from heading out to bias the windshield survey, and this investigator did not have firsthand experience in the setting. The many ridges and rims associated with the rolling topography support many plains cushion plant species including Phlox muscoides, Haplopappus acaulis, Arenaria hookeri, Astragalus spathulatus and Eriogonum .. The grassland communities showed little or no skewing of plant composition under a long history of grazing. Even in the drought year, much less than 50% of the grass canopy cover was removed by livestock. Laramie River corridor The 15-mile corridor of the Laramie River is an open gentle river valley with braided segments that provide extensive emergent wetland habitat. This habitat was not evaluated on foot, and livestock had been moved onto the River pastures last month, limiting interpretation. Shrub and tree cover were intermittent or absent. Graminoid dominants include at least threesquare (Scirpus pungens) and tufted hairgrass (J)eschampsia cespitosa.) Bank erosion and hummock topography from trampling were not evident. Laramie Basin wetlands Long Lake is an alkali lake that was entirely dry at the time of visit. It is fed by Middle and Wallrock Creeks early in the season and may connect to the Laramie River in highwater conditions. There are many other natural wetland basins ranging from over 200 acres to less than 1 acre, with no surface flow connecting them. They include temporary, seasonal and semi-permanent systems of varying alkalinity. There are also reservoirs on the plains. Springs and seeps associated with the riverine and palustrine systems are said to be common in the Spring Creek area at the north end of the Ranch. North of Long Lake is a lakebed cut off from the Laramie River by early owners. It is ten feet lower than the River elevation, and has incised cutbank walls along most of the perimeter. It represents some of the most fertile and productive habitat on the ranch, and large areas have been planted into exotic species for hay. In the south end of the large lakebed is Lake Ione, a small waterbody with narrow-leaved cattail (Typha angustifolia) filling one area, and open water dominated by sego pondweed (Potamogeton pectinatus) filling another large portion. Elsewhere in the lakebed, isolated areas of native vegetation persist, with salt-affected composition that includes Alkali grass, foxtail barley and povertyweed (Puccinnellia nuttalliana, Hordeum jubatum, Iva axillaries, resp.) Laramie Basin sagebrush steppe Wyoming big sagebrush sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis] increases in stature and cover with elevation gain to the east. It prevails in the Wallrock Canyon unit. It spans a subtle gradient between grassland and steppe, and most of the Ranch has Wyoming big sagebrush present albeit at low height and canopy cover. Outcrops Limestone, sandstone, shale, and igneous outcrops are present and were not characterized. Several of the rare species are substrate-specific. Laramie basin desert shrubland Grasslands are inset with large areas of desert shrubland including the Gardner's saltbush desert shrubland (dominated by Atriplex gardneri) found in north-central upland outcrops ofbentonite. Greasewood desert shrublands (dominated by Sarcobatus vermiculatus) are found on the lowlands east of Long Lake. Laramie Escarpment shrublands and grasslands Mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus montanus) prevails across the west-facing flanks of the Laramie Range, and on limestone canyon walls. Woodlands are in small patches, with small groves of quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) in spring-fed valley settings, and pockets of limber pine (Pinus flexilis) on limestone breaks. Threetip sagebrush (Artemisia tripartita) is on at least the crest of the flanks. Escarpment grasslands in the canyons and on top were not characterized except to note their good-excellent condition. Species present include Stipa comata and Muhlenbergia filiculmis. Rare Plants There are no known records for Wyoming plant species of concern on Cook Ranch, though there is one record of pale blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium pallidum) based on a 1961 speciment collected east of Bosler, immediately upstream on the Laramie River. This species and the majority of the 12 species are regional endemics, i.e., species oflimited worldwide distribution for which their status in Wyoming is important in determining their rangewide status. The species, their ranks, and their habitats are summarized below. Wyoming plant species of concern potentially occurring on Cook Ranch Scientific name Common name Global State Potential habitat rank rank probability Aquilegia laramiensis Laramie columbine G2 S2 Low - granite escarpment at high elevation Carex oreocharis Mountain-loving G3 Sl High - limestone and sedge granite escarpment Eriogonum exilifolium Slender-leaved G3 S2 Moderate - foothills buckwheat slopes and clay/shale barrens Haplopappus wardii Ward's goldenweed G2G3 S2S3 High - basin bentonite outcrops and clay roadsides Hemicarpha drummondii Dward bulrush G4G5 Sl Moderate - basin sandy shores Machaeranthera Colorado tansy-aster G2? Sl High - basin redbeds, coloradoensis limey-sandstones outcrops, Niobrara shale outcrops Phacelia denticulata Rocky Mountain G3? S2 Low - sandy canyon phacelia bottom in foothills Phacelia neomexicana var. White scorpion- G4G5 Sl Moderate- granite alba weed escarpment Potamogeton stricifolius Strict-leaved GS Sl Moderate - perennial pondweed streams Potentilla ambigens Giant cinquefoil G3 SH Low - sandy canyon bottom Rorippa calycina Persistent sepal G3 G2G3 Moderate - basin shores yellowcress w/ sand or occasionally shale Sisyrinchium pallidum Pale blue-eyed grass G2G3 S2S3 High - basin riparian meadows Sphaeromeria simplex Laramie false G2 S2 High - basin and sagebrush escarpment limestone In the recent field visit, rare plant habitats were identified and potential habitat probability was assessed for the 12 Wyoming plant species of special concern. Systematic surveys are needed to document the rare plant significance of Cook Ranch, which would focus the survey effort on at least those seven globally rare species (Gl-G3) below that have a high or moderate probability of suitable habitat on the Cook Ranch. They are highlighted below and described in detail on an accompanying set of state species abstracts. Mountain-loving sedge is an upland plant of the southern Rocky Mountains, ranging from northern Arizona to southeastern Wyoming. In the state, it is known from a total of five locations in Albany and Laramie counties. It occupies dry, montane grassland over limestone and granite bedrock where it may be locally abundant. Slender-leaved buckwheat is an upland plant restricted to southcentral Wyoming and northcentral Colorado. In the state, it is known from a total of seven locations in Albany and Carbon counties. It occupies sparse cushion plant communities of plains and foothills on sandy­ clay gumbo flats, white shaley-gypsum ridges, red clay hills, and limestone outcrops where it may be locally common. Ward's goldenweed is an upland plant restricted to southcentral Wyoming. It occupies selenium-· rich shale-clay slopes where it may be locally common. It is known from about 25 locations to date, and may be more widely-distributed than previously known. It will be moved to the watch list in the 2001 Wyoming plant species of concern, in progress. Colorado tansy-aster is an upland plant restricted to southeastern Wyoming and central Colorado. In the state, it is known from a total of four locations in addition to a historical record. It occupies barren cushion plant and sparse grassland communities on limey-sandstone, shaley­ gypsum or redbed slopes on plains and foothills. It has not been found on BLM-administered lands to date, but is recognized as a Sensitive species by the U.S. Forest Service. Persistant sepal yellowcress is a wetland plant restricted to Wyoming plains, in addition to historic records in Montana and the Yellowstone River of North Dakota; plus two collections that seem to represent chance introductions by waterfowl in Montana and the Northwest Territories. It was formerly
Recommended publications
  • Page 5 of the 2020 Antelope, Deer and Elk Regulations
    WYOMING GAME AND FISH COMMISSION Antelope, 2020 Deer and Elk Hunting Regulations Don't forget your conservation stamp Hunters and anglers must purchase a conservation stamp to hunt and fish in Wyoming. (See page 6) See page 18 for more information. wgfd.wyo.gov Wyoming Hunting Regulations | 1 CONTENTS Access on Lands Enrolled in the Department’s Walk-in Areas Elk or Hunter Management Areas .................................................... 4 Hunt area map ............................................................................. 46 Access Yes Program .......................................................................... 4 Hunting seasons .......................................................................... 47 Age Restrictions ................................................................................. 4 Characteristics ............................................................................. 47 Antelope Special archery seasons.............................................................. 57 Hunt area map ..............................................................................12 Disabled hunter season extension.............................................. 57 Hunting seasons ...........................................................................13 Elk Special Management Permit ................................................. 57 Characteristics ..............................................................................13 Youth elk hunters........................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • OX RANCH Platte County, Wyoming
    Specializing in Farm, Ranch, Recreational & Auction Properties Proudly Presents OX RANCH Platte County, Wyoming Located only two hours from the ever-expanding Front Range of Colorado, the OX Ranch is situated in a private yet accessible region of Wyoming that is often overlooked for the quality and quantity of both elk and mule deer. Water, varied terrain providing excellent cover and excess forage make the OX Ranch both a paradise for wildlife, but also a very desirable cattle ranch. LOCATION & ACCESS The OX Ranch is located approximately 35 miles west of Wheatland, Wyoming. Year-round access is provided to the ranch from paved Wyoming Highway 34 and graveled Mule Creek Road. Mule Creek Road traverses through the center of the ranch providing good access to entire ranch. To access the ranch from Wheatland, travel south on I-25 for 5.7 miles; take exit 73 for WY Highway 34, traveling west toward Laramie for 20.6 miles; turn left onto Mule Creek Road, traveling south for 9 miles; turn left into the headquarters. Several towns and cities in proximity to the property include: • Wheatland, Wyoming (population 3,627) 41 miles northeast • Laramie, Wyoming (population 30,816) 58 miles southwest • Torrington, Wyoming (population 6,501) 96 miles northeast • Cheyenne, Wyoming (population 59, 466) 92 miles southeast • Casper, Wyoming (population 59,628) 144 miles north • Scottsbluff, Nebraska (population 15,039) 125 miles east • Fort Collins, Colorado (population 143,986) 122 miles south • Denver, CO Metro Area (population 3,277,309) 186 miles south OX Ranch Page 2 www.ClarkLandBrokers.com SIZE & DESCRIPTION 5,000± deeded acres 3,400± BLM lease acres 640 State of Wyoming lease acres 9,040± TOTAL ACRES The terrain found on the OX Ranch is very diverse and gives the ranch a very large and unique feel.
    [Show full text]
  • Alplains 2013 Seed Catalog P.O
    ALPLAINS 2013 SEED CATALOG P.O. BOX 489, KIOWA, CO 80117-0489, U.S.A. Three ways to contact us: FAX: (303) 621-2864 (24 HRS.) email: [email protected] website: www.alplains.com Dear Growing Friends: Welcome to our 23rd annual seed catalog! The summer of 2012 was long, hot and brutal, with drought afflicting most of the U.S. Most of my botanical explorations were restricted to Idaho, Wash- ington, Oregon and northern California but even there moisture was below average. In a year like this, seeps, swales, springs, vestigial snowbanks and localized rainstorms became much more important in my search for seeding plants. On the Snake River Plains of southern Idaho and the scab- lands of eastern Washington, early bloomers such as Viola beckwithii, V. trinervata, Ranunculus glaberrimus, Ranunculus andersonii, Fritillaria pudica and Primula cusickiana put on quite a show in mid-April but many populations could not set seed. In northern Idaho, Erythronium idahoense flowered extensively, whole meadows were covered with thousands of the creamy, pendant blossoms. One of my most satisfying finds in the Hells Canyon area had to be Sedum valens. The tiny glaucous rosettes, surround- ed by a ring of red leaves, are a succulent connoisseur’s dream. Higher up, the brilliant blue spikes of Synthyris missurica punctuated the canyon walls. In southern Oregon, the brilliant red spikes of Pedicularis densiflora lit up the Siskiyou forest floor. Further north in Oregon, large populations of Erythronium elegans, Erythronium oregonum ssp. leucandrum, Erythro- nium revolutum, trilliums and sedums provided wonderful picture-taking opportunities. Eriogonum species did well despite the drought, many of them true xerics.
    [Show full text]
  • 3.7 SPECIAL STATUS PLANTS the Proposed Route and Route Alternatives Would Pass Through Multiple Habitats That Could Support Special Status Plant Species
    Gateway West Transmission Line Draft EIS 3.7 SPECIAL STATUS PLANTS The Proposed Route and Route Alternatives would pass through multiple habitats that could support special status plant species. These species include threatened, endangered, and candidate species listed under the ESA, those listed by the Forest Service and/or BLM as Sensitive, and State Heritage Program species of concern. For discussion purposes where appropriate, these various groups will be referred to collectively as threatened, endangered, and sensitive (TES) plant species. TES wildlife and fish species are discussed in Section 3.11 – Special Status Wildlife and Fish Species. 3.7.1 Affected Environment This section describes the existing environmental conditions for TES plant species that could be impacted by the Project, if constructed. The discussion will first define the Analysis Area. It will then outline the issues that were raised during public scoping, followed by a description of the laws and regulations in place to manage TES plant species. This section will then conclude by describing the methods used to determine the probable locations of and the potential impacts to these species, as well as a description of the existing conditions found within the Project area and the TES plant species potentially present within this area. 3.7.1.1 Analysis Area The Project would cross a portion of the Intermountain West region, in southern Wyoming and Idaho, as well as a small portion of northern Nevada (under Alternative 7I). Elevation, slope, aspect, average seasonal temperatures, and annual precipitation exhibit a wide range across the more than 1,100 miles crossed by the Project.
    [Show full text]
  • Seed and Soil Dynamics in Shrubland Ecosystems: Proceedings; 2002 August 12–16; Laramie, WY
    United States Department of Agriculture Seed and Soil Dynamics in Forest Service Rocky Mountain Shrubland Ecosystems: Research Station Proceedings Proceedings RMRS-P-31 February 2004 Abstract Hild, Ann L.; Shaw, Nancy L.; Meyer, Susan E.; Booth, D. Terrance; McArthur, E. Durant, comps. 2004. Seed and soil dynamics in shrubland ecosystems: proceedings; 2002 August 12–16; Laramie, WY. Proc. RMRS-P-31. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 216 p. The 38 papers in this proceedings are divided into six sections; the first includes an overview paper and documentation of the first Shrub Research Consortium Distinguished Service Award. The next four sections cluster papers on restoration and revegetation, soil and microsite requirements, germination and establishment of desired species, and community ecology of shrubland systems. The final section contains descriptions of the field trips to the High Plains Grassland Research Station and to the Snowy Range and Medicine Bow Peak. The proceedings unites many papers on germination of native seed with vegetation ecology, soil physio- chemical properties, and soil biology to create a volume describing the interactions of seeds and soils in arid and semiarid shrubland ecosystems. Keywords: wildland shrubs, seed, soil, restoration, rehabilitation, seed bank, seed germination, biological soil crusts Acknowledgments The symposium, field trips, and subsequent publication of this volume were made possible through the hard work of many people. We wish to thank everyone who took a part in ensuring the success of the meetings, trade show, and paper submissions. We thank the University of Wyoming Office of Academic Affairs, the Graduate School, and its Dean, Dr.
    [Show full text]
  • A Publication of the Wyoming Native Plant Society
    Castilleja A Publication of the Wyoming Native Plant Society Mar 2004, Volume 23, No. 1 www.uwyo.edu/wyndd/wnps/wnps_home.htm Adventures in Laramie-Peak-Land By Hollis Marriott What does it take to convert a middle- aged construction worker with a big 4-WD pickup truck into a field botanist looking for rare plants? “Impossible!” you are probably thinking to yourself. But strange things can happen in the land of the Laramie Batholith and the Central Metamorphic Complex. The Laramie columbine, Aquilegia laramiensis, is endemic to the Laramie Mountains in southeast Wyoming. It was discovered by Aven Nelson in 1895 on a botanizing trip on and around Laramie Peak. The flowers of this little columbine are nodding, and are borne among the leaves. They have greenish-white to lavender sepals, and cream to lavender petals with spurs less than 10 mm long. Prior to the 2003 field season, Aquilegia laramiensis was known from just 12 sites, two of which were considered historical without precise location data. Most were in the northern part of the Laramie Mountains, in the vicinity of Laramie Peak. The columbine also occurs on Ragged Top Mountain about 60 miles to the south, and Char Delmatier found it roughly halfway Aquilegia laramiensis, by Isobel Nichols between Laramie Peak and Ragged Top in In this issue: 1993. Most of the known populations were Living floras – keeping score of score-keepers . 3 growing on granite rocks. The columbine Physaria vitulifera status in Wyoming . 5 appeared to be rare, but those in the know Invasive species and CBM development .
    [Show full text]
  • Sensitive Species That Are Not Listed Or Proposed Under the ESA Sorted By: Major Group, Subgroup, NS Sci
    Forest Service Sensitive Species that are not listed or proposed under the ESA Sorted by: Major Group, Subgroup, NS Sci. Name; Legend: Page 94 REGION 10 REGION 1 REGION 2 REGION 3 REGION 4 REGION 5 REGION 6 REGION 8 REGION 9 ALTERNATE NATURESERVE PRIMARY MAJOR SUB- U.S. N U.S. 2005 NATURESERVE SCIENTIFIC NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME(S) COMMON NAME GROUP GROUP G RANK RANK ESA C 9 Anahita punctulata Southeastern Wandering Spider Invertebrate Arachnid G4 NNR 9 Apochthonius indianensis A Pseudoscorpion Invertebrate Arachnid G1G2 N1N2 9 Apochthonius paucispinosus Dry Fork Valley Cave Invertebrate Arachnid G1 N1 Pseudoscorpion 9 Erebomaster flavescens A Cave Obligate Harvestman Invertebrate Arachnid G3G4 N3N4 9 Hesperochernes mirabilis Cave Psuedoscorpion Invertebrate Arachnid G5 N5 8 Hypochilus coylei A Cave Spider Invertebrate Arachnid G3? NNR 8 Hypochilus sheari A Lampshade Spider Invertebrate Arachnid G2G3 NNR 9 Kleptochthonius griseomanus An Indiana Cave Pseudoscorpion Invertebrate Arachnid G1 N1 8 Kleptochthonius orpheus Orpheus Cave Pseudoscorpion Invertebrate Arachnid G1 N1 9 Kleptochthonius packardi A Cave Obligate Pseudoscorpion Invertebrate Arachnid G2G3 N2N3 9 Nesticus carteri A Cave Spider Invertebrate Arachnid GNR NNR 8 Nesticus cooperi Lost Nantahala Cave Spider Invertebrate Arachnid G1 N1 8 Nesticus crosbyi A Cave Spider Invertebrate Arachnid G1? NNR 8 Nesticus mimus A Cave Spider Invertebrate Arachnid G2 NNR 8 Nesticus sheari A Cave Spider Invertebrate Arachnid G2? NNR 8 Nesticus silvanus A Cave Spider Invertebrate Arachnid G2? NNR
    [Show full text]
  • Plant Species on the Berry Prairie, October 2016
    Plant Species on the Berry Prairie, October 2016 Family Common name Species Agavaceae soapweed yucca Yucca glauca Alliaceae Geyer's onion Allium geyeri Amaranthaceae winterfat Krascheninnikovia lanata Asteraceae pussytoes Antennaria parviflora Asteraceae silver sage Artemisia cana Asteraceae fringed sage Artemisia frigida Asteraceae black sage Artemisia nova Asteraceae birdfoot sage Artemisia pedatifida Asteraceae Wyoming big sage Artemisia tridentata wyomingensis Asteraceae aster Aster sp. Asteraceae cutleaf fleabane Erigeron compositus Asteraceae rockslide fleabane Erigeron leiomerus Asteraceae desert yellow fleabane Erigeron linearis Asteraceae featherleaf fleabane Erigeron pinnatisectus Asteraceae onestem fleabane Erigeron simplex Asteraceae showy fleabane Erigeron speciosa Asteraceae blanketflower Gaillardia aristata Asteraceae broom snakeweed Gutierrezia sarothrae Asteraceae spotted gayfeather Liatris punctata Asteraceae rock tansy Sphaeromeria (Artemisia) capitata Asteraceae stemless four-nerve daisy Tetraneuris acaulis graylocks four-nerve daisy Asteraceae (old man of the mountain) Tetraneuris grandiflora large-flower Townsend- Asteraceae daisy Townsendia grandiflora Asteraceae Hooker's townsend daisy Townsendia hookeri Brassicaceae rock cress Boechera sp. Brassicaceae fewseed draba Draba oligosperma Brassicaceae whitlow grass Draba sp. Brassicaceae western wallflower Erysimum asperum Brassicaceae alpine bladderpod Lesquerella alpina Brassicaceae wild candytuft Noccaea fendleri (?) Brassicaceae sharpleaf twinpod Physaria acutifolia
    [Show full text]
  • ARR17-027.Pdf
    STATEMENT OF REASONS WYOMING GAME AND FISH COMMISSION CHAPTER 28 REGULATION GOVERNING BIG OR TROPHY GAME ANIMAL OR GAME BIRD DAMAGE CLAIMS W.S. § 23-1-302 (a) (xxii) provides the Commission the authority to promulgate such orders as the Commission considers necessary to carry out the intent of this act. W.S. § 23-1-901 stipulates the process for owners of damaged property to report damages caused by big or trophy game or game birds. House Enrolled Act #117, Sixty-Fourth Legislature of the State of Wyoming, 2017 General Session, provides for amendments to W.S. § 23-1-901 (g) and (h) which empowers the Commission to establish rules to allow a property owner to request that an area of land adjacent to the area described in W.S. § 23-1-101 (a) (xii) (B) (I) or (II) be designated as an area where property owners are eligible for damage compensation for damage caused by gray wolves. This act is effective July 1, 2017. Throughout this draft regulation, language has been added to various Sections to include “gray wolf in accordance with W. S. § 23-1-901 (g) and (h)”. This reference allows a claimant to request damage compensation for gray wolf damage to livestock on land adjacent to the area described in W.S. § 23-1-101 (a) (xii) (B) (I) or (II) in accordance with statutory and regulatory provisions. “Gray Wolf” will also be added to the title of this regulation. Section 2, Definitions. The definitions of “Claimant, Confirmed by the Department or its Representative, Consequential Damages, Damage, Investigated by the Department and Verified Claim” are being modified to include new statutory provisions.
    [Show full text]
  • Hunting Regulations
    WYOMING GAME AND FISH COMMISSION Antelope, 2017 Deer and Elk Hunting Regulations Hunters and anglers must purchase a Don’t forget your conservation stamp valid for the calendar year conservation stamp to hunt and fish in Wyoming. (See page 5) wgfd.wyo.gov Wyoming Hunting Regulations | 1 CONTENTS Access on Lands Enrolled in the Department’s Walk-in Areas Elk or Hunter Management Areas .................................................... 4 Hunting seasons ..........................................................................30 Access Yes Program .......................................................................... 4 Characteristics ............................................................................. 34 Age Restrictions ................................................................................. 4 Special archery seasons..............................................................40 Antelope Disabled hunter season extension..............................................40 Hunting seasons ...........................................................................12 Youth elk hunters.........................................................................40 Characteristics ..............................................................................14 Elk Feedground Special Management Permit ............................40 Special archery seasons............................................................... 17 Hunt area map ..............................................................................41 Disabled hunter
    [Show full text]
  • A Publication of the Wyoming Native Plant Society
    Castilleja A Publication of the Wyoming Native Plant Society December 2004, Volume 23, No. 4 Posted at www.uwyo.edu/wyndd/wnps/wnps_home.htm In this issue: Some Like It HOT. 1 Floristic Diversity Followup . 3 Vascular Flora of the S. Rocky Mt. Region . 4 Laramie Columbine . 5 Loss to Wyoming Botany Community . 6 Renewal, Ballot, Vote AND Survey . 7 Holding Down the Fort . 9 Alpine Plants of North America – review . 10 Plant Monitoring Preview . 11 Lost Your Sense of Direction? . 12 Some Like It HOT… (Editor’s note: The following is taken from a recent publication in Ecology; Tercek and Whitbeck 2004). Two Agrostis (bentgrass) taxa occur in geothermal habitats of Yellowstone National Park: Agrostis rossiae is reported to be endemic to the thermal areas and A. scabra occurs in both thermal and nonthermal habitats. Thermal populations of both taxa are always surrounded by a nontherrnal population of A. scabra that is reproductively isolated from the thermal plants by its later flowering time (summer rather than spring). Since Agrostis species are known for their ability to form edaphic ecotypes, we used common garden and greenhouse experiments to test the hypothesis that Above: Agrostis rossiae (Ross’ bentgrass) is a denizen soil conditions were responsible for the separation of Yellowstone National Park thermal areas. of thermal and nonthermal populations. In addition, Illustration by Jane Dorn field monitoring and growth chamber experiments were used to determine whether soil temperature The news that Agrostis rossiae is no longer a state endemic affected the local distribution would not cause a stir if it was “caught” across the border in Idaho.
    [Show full text]
  • FEIS Citation Retrieval System Keywords
    FEIS Citation Retrieval System Keywords 29,958 entries as KEYWORD (PARENT) Descriptive phrase AB (CANADA) Alberta ABEESC (PLANTS) Abelmoschus esculentus, okra ABEGRA (PLANTS) Abelia × grandiflora [chinensis × uniflora], glossy abelia ABERT'S SQUIRREL (MAMMALS) Sciurus alberti ABERT'S TOWHEE (BIRDS) Pipilo aberti ABIABI (BRYOPHYTES) Abietinella abietina, abietinella moss ABIALB (PLANTS) Abies alba, European silver fir ABIAMA (PLANTS) Abies amabilis, Pacific silver fir ABIBAL (PLANTS) Abies balsamea, balsam fir ABIBIF (PLANTS) Abies bifolia, subalpine fir ABIBRA (PLANTS) Abies bracteata, bristlecone fir ABICON (PLANTS) Abies concolor, white fir ABICONC (ABICON) Abies concolor var. concolor, white fir ABICONL (ABICON) Abies concolor var. lowiana, Rocky Mountain white fir ABIDUR (PLANTS) Abies durangensis, Coahuila fir ABIES SPP. (PLANTS) firs ABIETINELLA SPP. (BRYOPHYTES) Abietinella spp., mosses ABIFIR (PLANTS) Abies firma, Japanese fir ABIFRA (PLANTS) Abies fraseri, Fraser fir ABIGRA (PLANTS) Abies grandis, grand fir ABIHOL (PLANTS) Abies holophylla, Manchurian fir ABIHOM (PLANTS) Abies homolepis, Nikko fir ABILAS (PLANTS) Abies lasiocarpa, subalpine fir ABILASA (ABILAS) Abies lasiocarpa var. arizonica, corkbark fir ABILASB (ABILAS) Abies lasiocarpa var. bifolia, subalpine fir ABILASL (ABILAS) Abies lasiocarpa var. lasiocarpa, subalpine fir ABILOW (PLANTS) Abies lowiana, Rocky Mountain white fir ABIMAG (PLANTS) Abies magnifica, California red fir ABIMAGM (ABIMAG) Abies magnifica var. magnifica, California red fir ABIMAGS (ABIMAG) Abies
    [Show full text]