Grazing animals are common threats to endangered plants.
Endangered species can occur in virtually any environment when those species are threatened with reducing their numbers to a very low level. Endangered species lists have been developed to communicate which specific plants and animals are on the verge of becoming extinct. Conservation efforts are constantly being made to protect the biological landscape of an area for future generations to experience. As of November 2008, the Oregon Department of Agriculture lists some 30 plant species that are considered endangered and 28 that are threatened. Endangered species are those that are in danger of extinction in all or any significant portion of their native range.
Calochortus indecorus
Also known as the Sexton Mountain mariposa lily, this bulbous perennial features lavender flowers and a single base leaf. A good time to view these flowers in bloom would be late May to early June in the Sexton Mountain range. Some threats to the plant include grazing, farmland and collection. Construction through sites in higher populations of the species also is thought to have threatened this plant species as well.
Calochortus umpquaensis
The Umpqua mariposa lily is a bulbous perennial that features three broad petals that are white in color and "hairy" in appearance. A defining characteristic of this species that separates is from other closely related plants is the presence of a dark purple petal spot located at the base of the flower petal. It has a habitat located in the Umpqua River drainage and some isolated areas in Josephine and Jackson Counties. Some threats include damage by logging and non-native weed species that compete for resources. In 1996, various government protection agencies including the U.S. Forest Service reduced the logging threats in areas where the Umpqua mariposa lily is found on public lands.
Lomatium bradshawii
This perennial herb is in the parsley family and goes by the common name of Bradshaw's lomatium. Small clustered yellow flowers top off this plant that can reach a height of 20 inches. Once found in open, wet areas, it is now mainly found in the Eugene area with an overall range from Clark County, Washington, to Willamette Valley, Oregon. A major reason for the decline in numbers is the destruction of the natural habitat by land development and urbanization. Water diversions built in these areas also have changed the historical flooding landscape of the area.
Sidalcea nelsoniana
This perennial herb is also known as Nelson's checkermallow and has been federally listed as an endangered species in 1993. Flowers range from lavender to deep pink in color. The native habitat is located within the Willamette Valley in meadows and along streams. Threats that have contributed to the decline of the Nelson's checkermallow are stream alterations, livestock grazing and fire suppression. Historically, naturally occurring fires helped to develop the habitat for these plants. As fires are suppressed, trees and shrubs can invade the habitat to compete for resources.
Fritillaria gentneri
Also known as Gentner's fritillary, this plant of the lily family is a perennial herb that grows into a single flowering stalk measuring 15 to 27 inches tall. Flowers are bell-shaped and maroon to deep red in color. An optimum time to view the flowers in bloom is from late March to early April. They can be found in the range of northern California to Josephine County in Oregon. Developing land, grazing and other weeds competing for resources are a few reasons for the decline of the plant.
Tags: mariposa lily, perennial herb, species that, this plant, Also known