DRAFT
March 2012
PLANTS
Parish’s Alkali Grass (Puccinellia parishii)
Parish’s Alkali Grass
(Puccinellia parishii)
Legal Status
State: S11
California Rare Plant Rank: 1B.12
Federal: Bureau of Land Management Sensitive
Critical Habitat: N/A
Recovery Planning: N/A
Notes: Parish’s alkali grass (Puccinellia parishii) was proposed for
listing as an endangered species under the federal Endangered
Species Act in 1994 but was removed from the candidate list in 1999
when new data demonstrated that the species was more abundant
and widespread than previously believed and was not subject to the
degree of threats sufficient to warrant continuance of candidate status
(59 FR 14378–14382; 64 FR 57535–57547).
Taxonomy
Parish’s alkali grass is an annual in the grass family (Poaceae) (Jepson
Flora Project 2011). Parish’s alkali grass was first described by A.S.
Hitchcock in 1928 in Proceedings of the Biological Society of
Washington from a collection by Parish in 1915 (as cited in IPNI
2008). There have been no taxonomic revisions to this species.
Parish’s alkali grass stands approximately 1.25 to 9.5 inches tall
(Greene and Sanders 2006). Descriptions of the species’ physical
characteristics can be found on the Jepson eFlora (Jepson Flora Project
2011) and in the West Mojave Plan species account (Greene and
Sanders 2006).
1
2
S1: Critically imperiled.
1B: Rare, threatened, or endangered in California and elsewhere; X.1: Seriously threatened in California.
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Species Accounts
March 2012
DRAFT
March 2012
PLANTS
Parish’s Alkali Grass (Puccinellia parishii)
Distribution
General
Parish’s alkali grass occurs at one location in Southern California, in
San Bernardino County, and at scattered locations in northern and
eastern Arizona and western New Mexico (Figure SP-P21).
Distribution and Occurrences within the Plan Area
Historical
The single California occurrence of Parish’s alkali grass is in the Plan Area.
It is known only from the type locality at Rabbit Springs in the Lucerne
Valley in San Bernardino County, and has never been found anywhere else
in California (Greene and Sanders 2006; CDFG 2012a). There is no
evidence that suggests that the historical distribution of Parish’s alkali
grass within the Plan Area differs from its current distribution.
Recent
Parish’s alkali grass is still present at its only occurrence in California,
on privately owned land at Rabbit Springs. In 1992, this population
was estimated at 150 individuals occupying an area approximately
500 square feet; however, it was later discovered that this count also
included individuals of Great Valley alkali grass (Puccinellia simplex), a
similar, more common grass species (Greene and Sanders 2006). It
was collected again in 1993, and was described as fairly common
(Sanders 1993, cited in Greene and Sanders 2006). Most recently, it
was collected by Andre and Thomas in 2005, who described it as rare
(Consortium of California Herbaria 2011). A more accurate survey of
this population has not yet been conducted.
Natural History
Habitat Requirements
Parish’s alkali grass occurs only in desert alkali springs and seeps and
depends on continuously wet or moist soil during the growing season
(59 FR 14378–14382). Consequently, the population size fluctuates
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Species Accounts
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DRAFT
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PLANTS
Parish’s Alkali Grass (Puccinellia parishii)
according to climatic conditions. A few populations in other states
occur on sites where the soils are subirrigated and are wet during the
winter and spring (63 FR 38803–38804). Parish’s alkali grass grows
in open areas on alkaline clay soils and does not occur in areas of
dense vegetation. Strongly alkaline and/or saline surface water must
be present for at least part of the year, typically during winter and
spring. Surface water is neither rapidly moving nor stagnant, but
moves intermittently across the surface in a thin sheet or along the
margins of rivulets that convey water during the wet season (Greene
and Sanders 2006). It is known to occur at elevations between 2,296
and 7,216 feet (59 FR 14378–14382).
Table 1. Habitat Associations for Parish’s Alkali Grass
Land Cover
Type
Alkali springs
and seeps
Habitat
Designation
Primary habitat
Habitat
Parameters
Alkaline clay soils,
2,296 feet to
7,216 feet
elevation
Supporting
Information
CNPS 2011;
Greene and
Sanders 2006;
59 FR 14378–
14382
Reproduction
Parish’s alkali grass is an annual herb that germinates during the
winter and blooms from April through May (Greene and Sanders
2006; CNPS 2011). Flowers are probably wind-pollinated and seed
dispersal is facilitated by wind and water. Parish’s alkali grass sets
seed by late spring and is typically completely senesced by early
summer (Greene and Sanders 2006). Like most annual grasses, the
seeds are probably short-lived (Greene and Sanders 2006).
Population Status and Trends
Global: G2G3, Imperiled/Vulnerable (CDFG 2012b)
State: S1, Critically imperiled (CDFG 2012b)
As of 1998, Parish’s alkali grass is known from 29 occurrences, only
one of which occurs in California (63 FR 38803–38804). It is a rare
plant throughout its range. In New Mexico it is listed as Endangered
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Species Accounts
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DRAFT
March 2012
PLANTS
Parish’s Alkali Grass (Puccinellia parishii)
(New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department
1995), and in Arizona it is a Protected Native Plant on the Highly
Safeguarded list (Arizona Department of Agriculture 1999).
Fluctuations in the number of individuals within the California
population are likely, but have not been quantified. In 1992, this
population was estimated at 150 individuals, but this count was
determined to be inaccurate as it also included individuals of Great
Valley alkali grass.
Threats and Environmental Stressors
Activities resulting in altered soil moisture content are the main
threat to Parish’s alkali grass (Greene and Sanders 2006). Such
activities may include, but are not limited to groundwater pumping,
water diversion, and flood control (CNPS 2011). In 1993, Sanders
(cited in Greene and Sanders 2006) noted substantial numbers of
several non-native plant species invading the habitat for Parish’s
alkali grass, including several salt-tolerant species that may have
already begun to displace Parish’s alkali grass at the site. Greene and
Sanders (2006) highlighted urban and rural residential development
as the most significant long-term threat.
Livestock have access to the majority of the Parish’s alkali grass sites
in California and elsewhere. Although livestock do not graze on this
grass, the potential for trampling still poses a threat to this species.
Trampling by livestock at sites in Arizona and New Mexico has led to
increased soil disturbance, which can result in increased soil erosion
and surface water runoff (59 FR 14378–14382).
Conservation and Management Activities
Currently, there are no existing conservation or management
activities for this species. Parish’s alkali grass occurs on lands
managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and is a covered
species under the West Mojave Plan (BLM 2005). Possible
management proposed by the BLM for Parish’s alkali grass in the Plan
Area includes acquiring the privately owned land on which this
species occurs and placing it under management of a non-profit
organization (Greene and Sanders 2006).
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Species Accounts
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DRAFT
March 2012
PLANTS
Parish’s Alkali Grass (Puccinellia parishii)
Data Characterization
Currently, there is no reliable information regarding the size of the
California population. Previous efforts to quantify the size of this
population produced unreliable data as Great Valley alkali grass was
misidentified as Parish’s alkali grass and was included in the count.
Current and accurate counts of Parish’s alkali grass are needed at the
California site in order to attain information regarding size of and
fluctuations in this population.
Management and Monitoring Considerations
Management strategies have been identified for Parish’s alkali grass
(Greene and Sanders 2006):
1. Public or private conservation-oriented acquisition of the
Rabbit Springs site;
2. Coordination with local water authorities for potential
measures to maintain the water table at this site; and
3. Management of non-native species at this site.
Monitoring visits at this site should be conducted in order to assess
the condition of this population over time. In addition, surveying
areas supporting desert alkali springs and seeps may result in the
discovery of unknown populations of Parish’s alkali grass.
Predicted Species Distribution in Plan Area
There are 16,530 acres of modeled suitable habitat for Parish’s alkali
grass in the Plan Area. Modeled suitable habitat occurs in the LucerneJohnson Valleys and Hills from 2,200 to 7,300 feet in elevation.
Modeled suitable habitat includes areas around seeps and springs.
Appendix C includes specific model parameters and a figure showing
the modeled suitable habitat in the Plan Area.
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Species Accounts
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DRAFT
March 2012
PLANTS
Parish’s Alkali Grass (Puccinellia parishii)
Literature Cited
59 FR 14378–14382. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants;
Proposed Endangered Status for the Plant Puccinellia Parishii
(Parish's Alkali Grass). March 28, 1994.
63 FR 38803–38804. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants;
Reopening of Comment Period on Proposed Endangered Status
for Puccinellia Parishii (Parish’s Alkali Grass). July 20, 1998.
64 FR 57535–57547. Review of Plant and Animal Taxa That Are
Candidates or Proposed for Listing as Endangered or Threatened;
Annual Notice of Findings on Recycled Petitions; Annual
Description of Progress on Listing Actions. October 25, 1999.
Arizona Department of Agriculture. 1999. “Highly Safeguarded
Protected Native Plants.” Arizona: State of Arizona. Accessed
November 29, 2011. http://www.azda.gov/ESD/
protplantlst2.htm.
BLM. 2005. Final Environmental Impact Report and Statement for the
West Mojave Plan. Volume 1. Moreno Valley, California: BLM.
January 2005. http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/
cdd/wemo.html.
BLM. 2010. “All BLM Special Status Plants.” Last revised November 2,
2011. Accessed November 15, 2011. http://www.blm.gov/
pgdata/etc/medialib/blm/ca/pdf/pa/botany.Par.25833.File.d
at/All%20CA%20Plants%20Detailed%20Report-12-172010.pdf.
CDFG (California Department of Fish and Game). 2012a. “Puccinellia
parishii.” Element Occurrence Query. California Natural
Diversity Database (CNDDB). Rarefind Version 4.0
(Commercial Subscription). Sacramento, California: CDFG,
Biogeographic Data Branch. Accessed February 2012.
http://www.dfg.ca.gov/biogeodata/cnddb/mapsanddata.asp.
CDFG. 2012b. Special Vascular Plants, Bryophytes, and Lichens List.
California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB). January 2012.
Accessed March 2012.
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Species Accounts
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March 2012
PLANTS
Parish’s Alkali Grass (Puccinellia parishii)
http://www.dfg.ca.gov/biogeodata/cnddb/
plants_and_animals.asp.
CNPS (California Native Plant Society). 2011. “Puccinellia parishii.”
Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants. Online ed. Version 801a. Sacramento, California. Accessed November 15, 2011.
http://www.cnps.org/inventory.
Consortium of California Herbaria. 2011. Accession results for
Puccinellia parishii. Accessed November 29, 2011.
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium.
Greene, J., and A.C. Sanders. 2006. “Parish’s alkali grass.” West Mojave
Plan Species Accounts. U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau
of Land Management. January 2006. Accessed November 15,
2011. http://www.blm.gov/pgdata/etc/medialib//blm/ca/
pdf/pdfs/cdd_pdfs.Par.a91c678c.File.pdf/parishalkgrass1.PDF.
IPNI (International Plant Names Index). 2011. “Plant Name Details:
Puccinellia parishii.” Accessed November 15, 2011.
http://www.ipni.org.
Jepson Flora Project. 2011. “Puccinellia Parishii.” J.I. Davis. Jepson eFlora
[v. 1.0]. Berkeley, California: University of California. Accessed
December 2011. http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/IJM.html.
New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department.
1995. List of New Mexico State Endangered Plant Species. New
Mexico: Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department;
Forestry and Resources Conservation Division. Accessed
November 29, 2011. http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/FD/
Regulations/docs/19_21%20ENDANGERED%20PLANTS.pdf.
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March 2012