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PLANTS
Algodones Dunes Sunflower (Helianthus niveus ssp. tephrodes)
Algodones Dunes Sunflower
(Helianthus niveus ssp. tephrodes)
Legal Status
State: Endangered; S1.21
California Rare Plant Rank: 1B.22
Federal: Bureau of Land Management Sensitive
Critical Habitat: N/A
Recovery Planning: N/A
Taxonomy
Algodones Dunes sunflower (Helianthus niveus ssp. tephrodes) was
originally described by Emory (1857). The revised nomenclature is
presented in Heiser et al. (1969); see also the International Plant
Names Index (IPNI) (2005). Algodones Dunes sunflower is in the
sunflower family (Asteraceae) (Jepson Flora Project 2011).
Algodones Dunes sunflower is an annual or perennial subshrub that
stands approximately less than 15 decimeters (4.9 feet) from its
taproot. A full description of the species can be found in the Jepson
Flora Project (2011).
Distribution and Occurrences within the Plan Area
General
This species is known to occur in California and Arizona in the United
States and in Sonora in Mexico (CNPS 2011). Within California,
Algodones Dunes sunflower is known from San Diego and Imperial
counties, in the vicinity of the Salton Sea, and is associated primarily
with the Algodones Dunes (CNPS 2011). The Algodones Dunes are, for
the most part, managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
within the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area. The dune system lies
in a northwest–southeast orientation for a length of 40 miles and a
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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Algodones Dunes Sunflower (Helianthus niveus ssp. tephrodes)
width of 3 to 6 miles (Norris and Norris 1961). There is also an
occurrence in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (CDFG 2012a). The
species occurs less than 100 meters (328 feet) in elevation (Jepson
Flora Project 2011) (Figure SP-P1).
Historical
There are two historical (i.e., before 1990) California Natural Diversity
Database (CNDDB) occurrences in the Plan Area. Algodones Dunes
sunflower was originally observed in the Algodones Dunes area in 1859;
this occurrence was last confirmed in 2008 (CDFG 2012a; Figure SP-P1). A
second occurrence was originally a 1933 observation that was last
confirmed in 2001 (CDFG 2012a).
Recent
As noted above, the two recent (i.e., since 1990) CNDDB occurrences in
the Plan Area date from 2001 and 2008, but were originally observed in
1933 and 1859, respectively (CDFG 2012a; Figure SP-P1). The 2008
occurrence within the Algodones Dunes is on land owned by the BLM.
The 2001 occurrence is within the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park near
the intersection of Thimble Trail and S-22 (CDFG 2012a).
Natural History
Habitat Requirements
Algodones Dunes sunflower prefers stabilized and partially stabilized
desert sand dunes, with psammophytic scrub (see Table 1; CDFG
2012a; CNPS 2011). However, Thomas Olsen and Associates (2001)
observed this species growing in areas with more active sand
movement (e.g., on the lower portion of dune slipfaces) compared to
other Algodones Dunes plant species. While the sunflower appears
suited to growing through accumulated sand, it seems less able to
withstand exposure of its roots (sand deflation). Algodones Dunes
sunflower has been observed in concentrations with other plants
along protected swales, as well as in areas with no other vegetation in
actively shifting sand (Thomas Olsen and Associates 2001).
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Algodones Dunes Sunflower (Helianthus niveus ssp. tephrodes)
Table 1. Habitat Associations for Algodones Dunes Sunflower
Land Cover
Type
Desert sand
dunes
Habitat
Designation
Primary
Habitat
Parameters
Sand dunes,
150 to 300
feet
Supporting
Information
CNPS 2011; CDFG
2012a
Reproduction
Algodones Dunes sunflower is a perennial plant that exhibits only a few
flowering heads at a time. Each head typically only generates a few seeds
(Seiler et al. 2006). The plant blooms during the period of September
through May (CNPS 2011). Seiler et al. (2006) collected seeds from five
occurrences in Imperial County in 2006 and found an average of one
seed per head. While no studies have been conducted with respect to
seed set, Seiler et al. (2006) suggest this condition may be related to low
pollination (low self-compatibility or lack of pollinators), immaturity of
the heads during collection, predation by insects or rodents, or the
perennial habit of the species. Willoughby (2004) includes monitoring
data for Algodones Dunes sunflower on BLM land from 1998 to 2003. In
2003, monitors noted a significant increase in Algodones Dunes
sunflower seedlings compared to earlier years: seedlings made up 92%
of the population. In 2001, a year of above-average rainfall, the seedlings
made up 40% of the population. Willoughby (2004) notes that because
rainfall does not seem to be a factor for the 2003 increase in seedlings,
temperature at the time of germination may be a factor; however, this
relationship cannot be confirmed at this time. There is no additional
information available regarding pollinators, seed dispersal, seed
germination, or seedling establishment.
Ecological Relationships
Other than their association with sand dunes and psammophytic
scrub (CDFG 2012a; CNPS 2011) described in Habitat Requirements,
little is known of the life history and ecological relationships of
Algodones Dunes sunflower. This species does seem to be more
tolerant of active sand movement compared to other Algodones
Dunes plant species, as the Algodones Dunes sunflower appears
suited to growing through accumulated sand. However, the species
does seem susceptible to exposure of its roots (sand deflation)
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Algodones Dunes Sunflower (Helianthus niveus ssp. tephrodes)
(Thomas Olsen and Associates 2001). As described in Reproduction,
each flower head typically only generates a few seeds (Seiler et al.
2006). Seiler et al. (2006) suggest this condition may be related to low
pollination (low self-compatibility or lack of pollinators), immaturity
of the heads during collection, predation by insects or rodents, or the
perennial habit of the species. The species may be given to bursts in
seedling cohorts (Willoughby 2004), but the factors for these bursts
are not known. Algodones Dunes sunflower is considered to be
susceptible to anthropogenic disturbances such as off-road vehicle
use (NatureServe 2010; CNPS 2011).
Population Status and Trends
Global: G4T2, Imperiled (NatureServe 2010, Conservation Status last
updated 2001)
State: S1.2, Critically Imperiled (CDFG 2012b)
Based on 6 years of monitoring data, Willoughby (2004) observed an
increase in the population of Algodones Dunes sunflower in the
Algodones Dunes managed by BLM. This is consistent with California
Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) (2012a) estimates for this
occurrence. While Willoughby (2004) estimated 88,704 plants in
2003 (the highest of the monitoring years from 1998 to 2003), CDFG
(2012a) and BLM (2010) include estimates of almost 2 million in
2004 and 10 million in 2005. CDFG (2012a) does not include an
estimate of individuals at the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
occurrence. In addition, the BLM has prepared the Imperial Sand
Dunes Draft Recreation Area Management Plan, which when
approved, will be implemented for the protection and management of
Algodones Dunes species, including the sunflower (BLM 2010).
Threats and Environmental Stressors
The primary threat to Algodones Dunes sunflower is off-road vehicle
use (NatureServe 2010; CNPS 2011). Presumably the occurrence in
the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is protected from off-road vehicle
use, but the occurrence within the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation
Area managed by BLM is exposed to this risk. Luckenbach and Bury
(1983) found that even low levels of off-road vehicle use affected
biota negatively.
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Algodones Dunes Sunflower (Helianthus niveus ssp. tephrodes)
Conservation and Management Activities
The two known occurrences are located on public lands: one
occurrence is within the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and the
other occurrence is within the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area
managed by BLM (CDFG 2012a). BLM was required to temporarily
close five areas in the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area, totaling
49,300 acres, to OHV use through a court order (73 FR 41007–41022;
USFWS 2008). As of May 2009, these vehicle closures have been in
place (BLM 2009). Absent this court order, all areas in the Algodones
Dunes with Peirson’s milk-vetch, except the North Algodones Dunes
Wilderness, would be available for OHV use (73 FR 41007–41022;
USFWS 2008). The BLM has prepared an Imperial Sand Dunes Draft
Recreation Area Management Plan that, when approved, will be
implemented for the protection and management of Algodones Dunes
species, including Algodones Dunes sunflower (BLM 2010).
Data Characterization
The general distribution of Algodones Dunes sunflower is well known
based on its primary association with the Algodones Dunes. Within
the Plan Area, this species is known from the Anza-Borrego Desert
State Park and the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area managed by
BLM. Little is known regarding the species’ pollination, seed dispersal,
and recruitment, but the population appears to be stable or increasing
(CDFG 2012a).
Management and Monitoring Considerations
Monitoring of the Algodones Dunes sunflower is conducted annually
by the BLM (Willoughby 2004). Algodones Dunes sunflower would
likely benefit from management of off-road vehicle use in occupied
areas within the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area. The BLM has
prepared the Imperial Sand Dunes Draft Recreation Area Management
Plan, which when approved, will be implemented for the protection
and management of Algodones Dunes species, including the sunflower
(BLM 2010). In addition, further information (including number of
individuals) for this species should be conducted at the Anza-Borrego
Desert State Park. As monitoring continues, it will be interesting to
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Algodones Dunes Sunflower (Helianthus niveus ssp. tephrodes)
learn which factors account for the dramatic spikes in seedlings from
one year to the next.
Predicted Species Distribution in Plan Area
There are 89,724 acres of modeled suitable habitat in the Plan Area.
Modeled suitable habitat is located on sand dunes in the Borrego
Valley-West Mesa and East Mesa-Sand Hills ecoregion subsections, in
the southern portion of the Plan Area, from 100 to 300 feet. Appendix
C includes specific model parameters and a figure showing the
modeled suitable habitat in the Plan Area.
Literature Cited
73 FR 41007–41022. Notice of 12-Month Petition Finding:
“Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 12-Month
Finding on the Petition to Delist Astragalus magdalenae var.
peirsonii (Peirson’s milk-vetch).” July 17, 2008.
BLM (Bureau of Land Management). 2009. “BLM ISDRA Vehicle
Closures.” Accessed May 27, 2011. http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/
en/fo/elcentro/recreation/ohvs/isdra/dunesinfo/
vehicle_closures.html.
BLM. 2010. Imperial Sand Dunes Draft Recreation Area Management
Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Statement. 2 vol. U.S.
Department of Interior Control no. DES-09-16; Publication
Index no. BLM/CA/ES-2009-023+1793. El Centro, California:
BLM, El Centro Field Office. March 2010. Accessed May 2011.
http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/ en/fo/elcentro/recreation/ohvs/
isdra/dunesinfo/docs/ isdramp.html.
CDFG (California Department of Fish and Game). 2012a. California
Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB). GIS Data for the Plan
Area. Sacramento, California: California Department of Fish
and Game. February 2012.
CDFG. 2012b. Special Vascular Plants, Bryophytes, and Lichens List.
California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB). January 2012.
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Algodones Dunes Sunflower (Helianthus niveus ssp. tephrodes)
Accessed March 2012. http://www.dfg.ca.gov/biogeodata/
cnddb/plants_and_animals.asp.
CNPS (California Native Plant Society). 2011. “Helianthus niveus ssp.
tephrodes.” Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants (online
edition, v8-01a). Sacramento, California: California Native Plant
Society. Accessed May 2011. http://www.cnps.org/inventory.
Emory, W.H. 1857. Report on the United States and Mexican Boundary
Survey, Made Under the Direction of the Secretary of the Interior.
Vol. 1. Executive Document no. 108. U.S. Senate. 34th Congress,
1st Session. Accessed May 2011. http://google.com/
books?id=9yFPAAAAYAAJ.
Heiser, Jr. C.B., D. M. Smith, S.B. Clevenger, and W.C. Martin. 1969.
Memoirs of the Torrey Botanical Club 22(3):39–43.
IPNI (International Plant Names Index). 2005. “Plant Name Details:
Helianthus niveus ssp. tephrodes.” Accessed May 2011.
http://www.ipni.org/ipni/idPlantNameSearch.do?id=10126781&back_page=%2Fipni%2FeditSimplePlantNameSearch.do%3F
find_wholeName%3DDeinandra%2Bmohavensis%26output_for
mat%3Dnormal.
Jepson Flora Project. 2011. “Helianthus niveus ssp. tephrodes.” The
Jepson Online Interchange: California Floristics. Berkeley,
California: University of California. Accessed May 19, 2011.
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/interchange.html.
Luckenbach, R.A., and R.B. Bury. 1983. “Effects of Off-Road Vehicles on
the Biota of the Algodones Dunes, Imperial County, California.”
Journal of Applied Ecology 20(1):265–286.
NatureServe. 2010. “Helianthus niveus ssp. tephrodes.” NatureServe
Explorer: An Online Encyclopedia of Life [web application].
Version 7.1. Arlington, Virginia: NatureServe. Accessed May 19,
2011. http://www.natureserve.org/explorer.
Norris, R.M., and K.S. Norris. 1961. “Algodones Dunes of Southeastern
California.” Geological Society of America Bulletin 72(4):605–620.
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Algodones Dunes Sunflower (Helianthus niveus ssp. tephrodes)
Seiler, G.J., T.J. Gulya, L.F. Marek , and C. Knauf. 2006. “Plant
Exploration to Collect Wild Helianthus Niveus Subspecies For
Sunflower Improvement.” Accessed May 2011.
http://sunflowernsa.com/research/researchworkshop/documents/Seiler_Helianthus_06.pdf.
Thomas Olsen Associates Inc. 2001. Biology, Distribution, and
Abundance of Peirson’s Milkvetch and Other Special Status
Plants of the Algodones Dunes, California. Prepared for the
American Sand Association. Hemet, California: Thomas Olsen
Associates Inc. July 2, 2001.
USFWS (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service). 2008. The 5-Year Review: Short
Form Summary for Astragalus magdalenae var. peirsonii
(Peirson’s milk-vetch). Carlsbad, California: U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service. September 2009.
Willoughby, J. 2004. Monitoring of Special Status Plants in the
Algodones Dunes, Imperial County, California: Results of 2003
Pilot Sampling. Bureau of Land Management, California State
Office. January 5, 2004.
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