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Ash Meadows Gumplant (Grindelia fraxino-pratensis)
Ash Meadows Gumplant
Grindelia fraxino-pratensis
Legal Status
State: S1.21
California Rare Plant Rank: 1B.22
Federal: Threatened
Critical Habitat: Originally designated on May 20, 1985 (50 FR
20777–20794)
Recovery Planning: Recovery Plan for the Endangered and Threatened
Species of Ash Meadows, Nevada (Sada 1990)
Notes: N/A
Taxonomy
Ash Meadows gumplant (Grindelia fraxino-pratensis) is a perennial (or
sometimes biennial) herb in the sunflower (Asteraceae) family. The
species was originally described by Reveal (1977), and according to
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) 5-year review, the
taxonomy of Ash Meadows gumplant has not been changed since the
species was listed (USFWS 2007). Ash meadows gumplant stands
approximately 5 to 12 decimeters (1.6 to 3.9 feet) in height. A full
physical description of the species can be found in The Jepson
Interchange (2011).
Distribution
General
Ash Meadows gumplant is only known to occur in mesic meadows
within Carson Slough in Nye County in Nevada and Inyo County in
California (Figure SP-P5). Its distribution includes three main
populations and several smaller populations over an area of
approximately 2,260 acres and that are mostly concentrated in the
Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Nevada (USFWS
1
2
S1: Critically imperiled; X.2: Threatened.
1B: Rare, threatened, or endangered in California and elsewhere. X.2: Fairly endangered in California.
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Ash Meadows Gumplant (Grindelia fraxino-pratensis)
2007). One population is located on Bureau of Land Management
(BLM) lands outside of the Refuge in Carson Slough and includes the
population that extends into California.
Distribution and Occurrences within the Plan Area
Historical
Much of the mesic meadow habitat of the endemic Ash Meadows
gumplant has been destroyed, and historically large, continuous
populations are now fragmented. Several large populations in Ash
Meadows were observed to be scarcely present in 1976 (USDA 2003).
Of the two occurrences documented in the California Natural
Diversity Database (CNDDB), one population on private property near
Shoshone, California, is considered historical since the plants have not
been observed since 1989. However, this occurrence is still presumed
to be extant (CDFG 2012a) (Figure SP-P5). The other location in the
Carson Slough was re-surveyed in 2003 and is discussed below.
Recent
Carson Slough is the location of the only recent occurrence of Ash
Meadows gumplant that is reported in the Plan Area by the CNDDB
(CDFG 2012a). This population numbered an estimated 250,000
individuals in 2003 and includes the previously documented population
observed in the 1980s (Occurrence #2 in the CNDDB) (CDFG 2012a). The
populations at Carson Slough occur on lands owned and managed by the
BLM. Rangewide, based on surveys conducted in 1998, Ash Meadows
gumplant was noted to be present at the majority of the sites it occupied
in 1985 when the species was originally listed (USFWS 2007). Although
some sites on private property were not accessed in 1998, six new
populations were identified in Ash Meadows. The species has been
reported from two locations in Lower Carson Slough of the Amargosa
River drainage (BLM 2006).
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Ash Meadows Gumplant (Grindelia fraxino-pratensis)
Natural History
Habitat Requirements
Ash Meadows gumplant occurs at elevations between 630 and 707
meters (2,070 and 2,320 feet) and prefers open sun exposure in
areas with standing water or locally high groundwater tables (Table
1; BLM 2006).
Table 1. Habitat Associations for Ash Meadows Gumplant
Land Cover Type
Saltgrass
meadow,
Ash–screwbean
mesquite
woodland
Habitat
Designation
Primary
Habitat
Parameters
Clay barrens, 635
to 700 meters
(2,070 to 2,320
feet) elevation
Supporting
Information
CNPS 2011; USDA
2003; BLM 2006
Ash Meadows gumplant occurs most frequently in meadows along
stream channels and associated shallow pools, but occasionally it can
be found in more xeric alkaline scrub as well. The species has been
documented in other habitats including saltgrass (Distichlis spicata
var. stricta)–dominated meadows, woodlands dominated by velvet
ash (Fraxinus velutina var. coriacea) and screwbean mesquite
(Prosopis pubescens), and desert scrub dominated by shadscale
(Atriplex confertifolia). Ash Meadows gumplant has also been
documented on open alkali clay soils or in clay barrens where it cooccurs with other endemic plant species such as alkali ivesia (Ivesia
kingii var. eremica) and Ash Meadows sunray (Enceliopsis nudicaulis
var. corrugata) (BLM 2006).
Common co-occurring plant species may include other facultative
wetland and obligate plants such as spring-loving centaury
(Centaurium namophilum var. namophilum), yerba mansa (Anemopsis
californica), loosestrife (Lythrum californicum), and iva (Iva acerosa).
Common co-occurring upland plant species may include alkali sacaton
(Sporobolus airoides), alkali goldenbush (Isocoma acradenia), and
rabbitbush (Chrysothamnus albidus) (BLM 2006).
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Ash Meadows Gumplant (Grindelia fraxino-pratensis)
Reproduction
Ash Meadows gumplant is an erect biennial or more commonly a
perennial herb (USFWS 2007). Individual plants can produce
hundreds of seeds under suitable conditions (Lane 1992). Dispersal of
the small seed is most likely accomplished by strong winds because
they could be blown for some distance. Seeds that fall in close
proximity to the parent plant could be farther transported by water
during the winter rainy season or during summer flash floods (Lane
1992; BLM 2006; USFWS 2007). Pollinator relationships for this
species are unknown (BLM 2006), but during a recent pollinator
study in the BLM Amargosa Preserve area, five unreported, different
insect pollinators were observed visiting this species (Bio-West
2009). Ash Meadows gumplant does not appear to hybridize with any
other species within the genus (Lane 1992).
Ecological Relationships
Habitat for Ash Meadows gumplant typically occurs on plains
dominated by very fine textured soils that have a high salt content
and a high water table (USDA 2003). The primary habitat for Ash
Meadow gumplant occurs within Ash Meadows, which includes a
system of springs (including 7 major springs and over 20 smaller
ones) that have been heavily manipulated by human activities (see
Threats and Environmental Stressors). The Ash Meadows area is a
unique ecosystem that supports many plant and animals species that
are associated with the wetland and aquatic habitats in the area
(USFWS 2007). Other than the habitat and species associations
noted in the Habitat Requirement section, little is known of the
species’ ecological relationships.
Population Status and Trends
Global: G2, Imperiled (CDFG 2012b)
State: S1.2, Critically Imperiled (CDFG 2012b)
Within Plan Area: Same as above
Based on the new observations in 1998 compared to the known
population in 1985 when it was listed, the distribution of Ash
Meadows gumplant appears to have increased since the species was
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Ash Meadows Gumplant (Grindelia fraxino-pratensis)
listed in 1985 (USFWS 2007). However, there are no systematic
quantitative population or demographic data available to establish
population trends for the Ash Meadows gumplant. A visually based
population estimate in 2000 for the entire population was about
81,000 individuals in the 2,260 acres of habitat. In contrast, a 2002
transect-based survey of the only the Inyo County, California
population estimated 241,514 ± 69,660 plants within 88 acres,
indicating that the visual estimate severely underestimated the
population (Soil Ecology and Restoration Group 2004, cited in USFWS
2007). It has been noted that in dense vegetation, surveyors have
reported difficulty identifying individual plants (USDA 2003), so there
is some risk of the populations being underreported.
Threats and Environmental Stressors
Loss of habitat and reduction of the species’ range by non-native and
invasive plants is the most significant remaining threat to the species
(USFWS 2007). Habitat loss is particularly true at Carson Slough and
in the northern part of Ash Meadows where the primary habitat for
this species has been either been destroyed or degraded (Fraser and
Martinez 2002). In addition, surface mining and groundwater and
surface water extraction, although not imminent, also present
potential threats to the species as of the 5-year review (USFWS 2007).
Habitat loss may also potentially occur in areas where clay mining
claims have been granted or transportation corridors are proposed
(USDA 2003).
Degradation of suitable habitat within the species’ range may also
occur as a result of trampling and/or grazing by wild horses and offroad vehicle use. In addition, the spread of tamarisk (Tamarix
ramosissima) may threaten the integrity of the surface water supply
and available habitat for Ash Meadows gumplant (BLM 2006).
Although the species can occur as a weed on disturbed areas within its
range, the potential for long-term reestablishment in disturbed areas
that are being allowed to recover is unknown (USDA 2003).
Conservation and Management Activities
The “Amargosa River Area of Critical Environmental Concern
Implementation Plan” (BLM 2006) includes conservation and
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Ash Meadows Gumplant (Grindelia fraxino-pratensis)
management activities for Ash Meadows gumplant. In consultation
and coordination with Ash Meadows NWR, recovery and research
actions include: establishment of new Ash Meadows gumplant
populations in unoccupied, suitable habitat, based on monitoring
results and literature review and monitoring to better determine
specific habitat requirements for Ash Meadows gumplant. In addition,
the wild horse population is limited in size and the wild burrow
population was eliminated (BLM 2006).
Within it range including the Nevada populations in the Ash Meadows
NWR, important conservation measures have been implemented to
protect the groundwater and surface water within the range of the
Ash Meadows gumplant, including monitoring groundwater pumping
within the hydrologically connected springs of Ash Meadows. A
minimum water level in Devils Hole is being maintained to protect the
Devils Hole pupfish, and this effort and ongoing monitoring by the U.S.
Geological Survey (USGS) helps protect the hydrologic integrity of all
the Ash Meadows springs (USFWS 2007). Management for the species
includes preparation of an Integrated Pest Management Plan to help
control invasive species (USFWS 2007).
Purchase of 11,173 acres of land and surface water rights in the Ash
Meadows area by the Nature Conservancy and subsequent sale to the
USFWS to establish the refuge in June 1984 have significantly reduced
many of the threats to the Ash Meadows gumplant (USFWS 2007).
Data Characterization
The most recent data in the Plan Area are from 2003 (CDFG 2012a).
As described above under Population Status and Trends, existing data
regarding the species populations cannot be used to determine trends
because earlier data and population estimates were based on visual
surveys. When these visual survey data are compared to systematic
transect data it is clear that the visual data grossly underestimate
population sizes (USFWS 2007). Further, it has been noted that the
species can be hard to detect in dense vegetation (USDA 2003).
Nonetheless, the distribution on public lands in the Ash Meadows and
Carson Slough areas seems fairly well understood based on the 1998
survey data. One of the BLM identified actions for recovery and
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Ash Meadows Gumplant (Grindelia fraxino-pratensis)
research is monitoring to better understand habitat requirements
(BLM 2006).
Management and Monitoring Considerations
Management primarily involves ensuring adequate groundwater and
high salt content soils to maintain suitable habitat for Ash Meadows
gumplant. Control of invasive species such as tamarisk, which
competes for water and increase fire hazards, is also an important
management consideration.
The USFWS (2007) identified several measures in the 5-year review
for the species that should be completed between 2008 and 2013.
These include monitoring existing populations, providing pre-and
post-restoration quantification to document any success that
restoration activities may be providing, securing funding to
implement weed control throughout the NWR, and withdrawing or
purchasing outstanding mineral mining claims on BLM and USFWS
lands within the range of the species. The BLM identified monitoring
to better understand habitat requirements and establishment of new
populations in unoccupied, suitable habitat and is monitoring the
impacts of wild horses (BLM 2006).
Predicted Species Distribution in Plan Area
There are 154,063 acres of modeled suitable habitat for Ash
Meadows gumplant in the Plan Area. The modeled suitable habitat is
restricted to the Amargosa Desert-Pahrump Valley and Funeral
Mountains-Greenwater Valley ecoregion subsections in the
northeastern portion of the Plan Area, from 1,500 to 2,400 feet.
Suitable habitat includes meadow or more xeric alkaline scrub
vegetation types or areas near seeps/springs with clay soils.
Appendix C includes specific model parameters and a figure showing
the modeled suitable habitat in the Plan Area.
Literature Cited
50 FR 20777–20794 Final Rule: “Endangered and Threatened Wildlife
and Plants; Determination of Threatened Status with Critical
Habitat for Six Plants and One Insect in Ash Meadows, Nevada,
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Ash Meadows Gumplant (Grindelia fraxino-pratensis)
and California; and Endangered Status with Critical Habitat for
One Plant in Ash Meadows, Nevada, and California.
Bio-West Inc. 2009. Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge: Pollinator
Study 2008 Annual Report. Logan, Utah: Bio-West Inc., p.15.
BLM (Bureau of Land Management). 2006. “Amargosa River Area of
Critical Environmental Concern Implementation Plan.”
Barstow, California: BLM Field Office. 285 pp.
BLM. 2011. “All BLM California Special-Status Plants.” BLM specialstatus plants under the jurisdiction of the California State
Office as of December 17, 2010. Accessed May 2011.
http://www.blm.gov/pgdata/etc/medialib/blm/ca/pdf/pa/
botany.Par.25833.File.dat/All%20CA%20Plants%20Detailed%
20Report-12-17-2010.pdf.
CDFG (California Department of Fish and Game). 2012a. “Grindelia
fraxino-pratensis.” 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 February 2012. http://www.dfg.ca.gov/biogeodata/
cnddb/plants_and_animals.asp.
Fraser, J., and C. Martinez. 2002. “Restoring a Desert Oasis.”
Endangered Species Bulletin March/June. XXVII(2):18–19.
Jepson Flora Project. 2011. “Grindelia fraxinipratensis.” The Jepson
Online Interchange: California Floristics. Berkeley, California:
University of California. Accessed August 2011.
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/interchange.html.
Lane M.A. 1992. “New Combinations in California Grindelia
(Compositae: Astereae).” Novon 2:215–217. St. Louis, Missouri:
Missouri Botanic Garden Press.
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Ash Meadows Gumplant (Grindelia fraxino-pratensis)
NatureServe. 2010. “Grindelia fraxinopratensis.” NatureServe Explorer:
An Online Encyclopedia of Life [web application]. Version 7.1.
Arlington, Virginia: NatureServe. Accessed June 2011.
http://www.natureserve.org/explorer.
Sada, D.W. 1990. Recovery Plan for the Endangered and Threatened
Species of Ash Meadows, Nevada. Prepared for the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service (Portland, Oregon). Reno, Nevada: U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service.
USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture). 2003. Biological Assessment
for the Sierra Nevada Forest Plan Amendment SEIS Final. Species
Account No.33. Accessed May 2011. http://www.fs.fed.us/
r5/snfpa/final-seis/biological-documents/BA/VI/A/34.htm.
USFWS. 2007. “Ash Meadows Gumplant (Grindelia fraxino-pratensis).”
Five-Year Review: Summary and Evaluation. Las Vegas, Nevada:
USFWS, Nevada Fish and Wildlife Office, http://ecos.fws.gov/
docs/five_year_review/doc1865.pdf.
USFWS. 2010. Species profile for Ash Meadows Gumplant. Pacific
Southwest Region, Nevada Office. Accessed May 2011.
http://www.fws.gov/nevada/protected_species/plants/
species/am_gumplant.html.
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