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General Description: Perennial from a stout taproot, with 1 to several stems up to about 3 feet tall. The stems, leaves, and involucral bracts have hairs which vary from being somewhat long and soft to stiff. Leaves usually have a rough texture and are sometimes toothed. Basal leaves are tufted and generally long and narrow while the stem leaves get progressively smaller going up the stem. The narrow, elongate inflorescence is comprised of several flower heads. Individual flower heads are less than 1 inch across and approximately 0.5 inch high. The involucral bracts are pointed, firm and pubescent. The heads generally have 13 - 21 yellow ray flowers, which are less than 0.5 inch in length.
Technical Description: Perennial from a stout taproot and often a short, branched caudex; stems several or solitary, 3 - 7 dm tall, sometimes curved at the base; herbage and involucre evidently hairy, the pubescence varying from loosely villous-tomentose to rather rough-hirsute (and the leaves often scabrous near the margins as well), often partly deciduous at maturity; leaves entire or with a few sharp teeth, the basal ones tufted, oblanceolate or narrowly elliptic, mostly 7 - 25 cm long (including the petiole) and 1 - 3 cm wide; cauline leaves more or less reduced upwards and becoming sessile, the stems appearing sparsely or moderately leafy; heads several or rather many in an elongate, racemiform or narrowly paniculiform inflorescence, campanulate, smaller than in H. integrifolius, the disk seldom over 2 cm wide; involucre 10 - 16 mm high, its firm, pointed bracts herbaceous throughout or prominently green-tipped, subequal or obviously imbricate; rays mostly 13 - 21, 6 - 10 mm long; disk corollas 7 - 10 mm long; style appendages equaling or usually longer than the stigmatic portion; achenes elongate (Hitchcock et al. 1955).
Diagnostic Characteristics: Haplopappus liatriformis is a relatively large plant, up to about three feet tall, often standing above most other forbs in the open grasslands. However, plants can be much shorter, especially in dry years. Diagnostic characters include the leaves which are tufted at the base and then progressively smaller up the stem. The leaves are inversely lance-shaped, have a rough texture, and may be toothed. The large, firm, green, and pubescent involucre bracts are also helpful for identification. Prominent yellow rays make the flower heads fairly showy.
Infraspecific Taxa: There are no infraspecific taxa recognized for Haplopappus liatriformis.
Similar-appearing Taxa: The only congeneric known to occur sympatrically with Haplopappus liatriformis is H. carthamoides (Columbia goldenweed). It is shorter, generally less than one foot tall, has larger flower heads, but less conspicuous ray flowers (these often absent), and larger involucral bracts. It often occurs in rocky, thinner soil sites as well. Plants intermediate between these two taxa, possibly hybrids, are known from one site in Washington (Gamon 1991). Helianthella uniflora (Rocky Mountain helianthella) can be sympatric with H. liatriformis. It is distinguished by larger yellow ray flowers and a taller, more lanky habit. It has a pappus of short awns, whereas H. liatriformis has capillary bristles.
Identification of this Taxon in Idaho: Haplopappus liatriformis flowers later in the summer than many other grassland species and is mostly restricted to mesic, deeper soil sites, belonging to the Festuca idahoensis habitat type series. It is a relatively large plant, up to about three feet tall, although it can be much shorter, especially in drought years. Leaves are tufted at the base and progressively smaller up the stem. The inversely lance-shaped leaves have a rough texture and may be toothed. The herbage is pubescent. Bracts subtending the flower heads (involucre) are relatively large (ca. 0.5 inch tall), firm and green. Prominent yellow rays make the flower heads fairly showy.
Global Comments: This is a distinct species (= Pyrrocoma liatriformis).
Idaho Comments: A number of recent investigators have considered Haplopapus, as treated by Hall (1928) and largely followed by Cronquist (1955), to consist of several genera. The name Pyrrocoma liatriformis would follow these new treatments.
Global: The historic range of Haplopappus liatriformis has undergone a dramatic change since European settlement in the late 1800's. It is assumed that H. liatriformis formerly occupied much of the Palouse Prairie region. However, most of the species' suitable grassland habitat has since been converted to crop agriculture. Additional large acreage has been lost to livestock pasturing. Exotic weed invasion is a serious threat throughout its range. The loss of late-seral and climax community grassland habitats to aggressive weeds has been identified as the primary threat to populations in the Craig Mountain area (Mancuso and Moseley 1994). Centaurea solstitialis (yellow starthistle) is known from populations in Washington and Idaho. Herbicide poisoning and ORV use are identified threats at some populations as well. Road construction, and urban and other developments have also contributed to a significant rangewide reduction, degradation, and fragmentation of suitable habitat. As a result, most extant populations occur in small, often narrow, isolated fragments of remaining native vegetation. No direct threats due to disease are known, but H. liatriformis is subject to grasshopper herbivory and insect seed predation. Genetic and other demographic threats associated with the fact this species persists only in small, remnant populations, remain unknown. Over utilization for commercial, recreational, scientific, or educational purposes is not a threat at this time. Haplopappus liatriformis is known from 39 extant occurrences in Idaho and 18 in Washington. Two historical occurrences in Idaho, and five in Washington are known or assumed to be extirpated (Gamon 1991). In addition, one other occurrence in Idaho may have been recently extirpated due to extensive road construction. The majority of occurrences in both states consist of fewer than 100 individuals, with many supporting less than 50 plants. There are only five occurrences estimated to support 1,000 or more plants. The largest occurrences are comprised of approximately 2000 individuals. The majority of H. liatriformis occurrences are located on privately owned land. Prior to the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service revising their candidate system in 1996, H. liatriformis was a Category 2 (C2) candidate for federal listing under the Endangered Species Act. Under the revised system it is no longer considered a candidate species. The Washington Natural Heritage Program list it as "Threatened" in Washington. This category contains taxa likely to become endangered in Washington within the near future if factors contributing to its population decline or habitat degradation or loss continue. In Idaho, it is ranked S2 (imperiled in the state because of rarity or because of other factors making it vulnerable to extirpation) by the Idaho Conservation Data Center. Haplopappus liatriformis is on the Idaho Native Plant Society's globally rare list. Several other plant species endemic to the Palouse Prairie region, such as Aster jessicae and Silene spaldingii, are also considered rare and vulnerable.
Idaho: Haplopappus liatriformis is on the Idaho Native Plant Society's globally rare plant list. It was recommended for reinstatement to the federal candidate list at the 1996 Idaho Rare Plant Conference.
Global: Haplopappus liatriformis is endemic to the Palouse Prairie region in southeastern Washington and adjacent northwestern Idaho. Its range is approximately 120 miles by 50 miles. Most populations are in Idaho, occurring in Latah, Lewis, Nez Perce, Idaho, and Clearwater counties. In Washington, it is known from Whitman and Spokane counties.
Idaho: In Idaho, Haplopappus liatriformis extends from northern Latah County, southward to northern Idaho County, and eastward to near Kamiah in Idaho County.
Elevation (Global): 2000 to 4800 feet
Elevation (Idaho): 2000 to 4800 feet
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| Haplopappus liatriformis habitat |
Global: Haplopappus liatriformis most commonly occupies mesic Palouse Prairie grassland communities and transition zones between prairie and Pinus ponderosa habitats. It also occurs in mesic canyon grassland habitats in the Craig Mountain area. Habitats are bunchgrass-dominated and often with scattered patches of deciduous shrubs. It occurs on the lower to upper portions of moderate slopes (usually <35%) and along ridgecrests. It occurs on a variety of aspects, although in canyon grassland habitats it is restricted to northerly exposures. elevations range from approximately 2000 to 4800 feet, but mostly below 3600 feet. soils tend to be productive skeletal silt/loams (loess). It most commonly occurs within Festuca idahoensis habitat types, both in the palouse prairie and in the canyon grasslands. it also occurs in the Pinus ponderosa/Symphoricarpos albus habitat type. In Washington, it is most commonly found in the Festuca idahoensis/Symphoricarpos albus habitat type, while in idaho, Festuca idahoensis/Rosa spp. is the dominant habitat type. Frequently associated species include Festuca idahoensis, Agropyron spicatum, Helianthella uniflora, Solidago canadensis, Achillea millefolium. Balsamorhiza sagittata, Potentilla gracilis, Geum triflorum, Rosa nutkana, Rosa woodsii, Symphoricarpos albus, and Hypericum perforatum.
Idaho: See Global Habitat comments.
Global: Little is known about the autecology of Haplopappus liatriformis. It is native to late seral or climax Palouse Prairie and mesic canyon grassland communities and transition zones between grassland and forested habitats. Plants can be locally common, but H. liatriformis is not a community dominant. The major natural disturbance at H. liatriformis sites is fire. Daubenmire suggests these grassland sites return to their pre-fire condition within a few years. The major anthropogenic-related disturbance besides outright conversion, is grazing. Poa pratensis is a common invader within the Festuca idahoensis habitat types following intensive grazing. Daubenmire found that once invasion has occurred, no amount of relief from grazing reverses this trend. Haplopappus liatriformis does occur in areas which have undergone moderate grazing pressure, but generally is absent from places more heavily grazed. Similarly, it can tolerate moderate levels of non-native species invasion, but seems to decrease as these weeds increase. There are a few cases of H. liatriformis occurring in roadcuts or overgrown roadbeds.
Competition with invasive weedy species appears to adversely effect H. liatriformis (Gamon 1991). Grasshopper herbivory and insect seed predation have been noted. Reproductive losses incurred due to these pests are likely more important than prior to the species' widespread habitat loss and degradation.
Idaho: See Global Ecology comments.
Global: Haplopappus liatriformis presumably reproduces through production of seed. No vegetative reproduction has been documented. Pollination is assumed to be accomplished via insect vectors. Although specific pollinators are unknown, a variety of insects have been observed visiting flowers, including large bumblebees, small wasps and bees, orange skippers, and tiny rove beetles (Gamon 1991). Seeds are probably wind dispersed, although some seed movement may be achieved through animal vectors. Plants generally occur as scattered individuals or in small clusters. Insect seed predation has been observed and can be heavy.
Idaho: See Global Reproductive comments.
Phenology (Idaho): Most plants begin to flower in mid-July and flowering can continue into September. By early September, most plants are in fruit.
Global: Crop agriculture will continue to be the primary land use within the range of Haplopappus liatriformis. Most tillable land has already been converted, but many populations will likely be subject to herbicide spraying, storage of farm equipment, weed invasion, and other activities associated with agriculture. Grazing will also likely continue to be a major land use within several sites. Road construction and urban development are other land uses increasing in the Palouse region that complicate management options. Because of this widespread, drastic habitat loss, only small, scattered, remnant populations are still extant. Even relatively minor disturbances such as herbicide spray drift could have serious adverse impacts to these small, fragmented populations (Gamon 1991). The majority of known H. liatriformis occurrences in both Idaho and Washington are on private land. In Idaho, occurrences not on private land include five within the Nez Perce Indian Reservation. At Craig Mountain, seven occurrences are located at least partly on Idaho Department of Fish and Game land within the Craig Mountain Wildlife Management Area. Portions of two of these occurrences extend onto adjacent BLM land that is managed as part of the Craig Mountain Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC). The Craig Mountain area supports the largest and probably most secure populations known. Four occurrences in Washington are included within the Washington Register of Natural Areas, a voluntary, non-binding protection program. Three occurrences are within Washington State University's system of Biological Study Areas. One occurrence is within a State Park at Steptoe Butte. Haplopappus liatriformis is a BLM Sensitive Species and given special management consideration regarding its conservation on BLM land. Overall, the future of H. liatriformis, along with the other rare Palouse endemics, remains one of the most pressing plant conservation problems in Idaho and adjacent Washington.
Idaho: See Global Management comments.
General Comments (Idaho): Extensive inventory in Idaho was conducted by Chris Lorain (Idaho Conservation Data Center) in 1990, to support a rangewide conservation status report prepared for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Gamon 1991). Additional inventory at Craig Mountain was conducted in 1993, as part of extensive rare plant field investigations conducted by the Idaho Conservation Data Center (Mancuso and Moseley 1994). Further surveys at Craig Mountain were conducted by Janice Hill (The Nature Conservancy) in 1995, in conjunction with a botanical survey and vegetation map produced for the BLM's Captain John Creek ACEC/RNA.
Inventory Needs (Idaho): Revisiting and updating population and threat information at known occurrences will likely be the focus of future inventory needs.
Anderson, L. C., D. W. Kyhos, T. Mosquin, A. M. Powell, and P. H. Raven. 1974. Chromosome numbers in Compositae. IX. Haplopappus and other Astereae. American Journal of Botany 61(6): 665-671.
Gamon, J. 1991. Report on the status of Haplopappus liatriformis (Greene) St. John. Report prepared by Washington and Idaho Natural Heritage Programs for Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation and the Washington Department of Natural Resources, with Section 6 funding from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 1. 45 pp. plus appendices.
Hall, H. M. 1928. The genus Haplopappus. A phylogenetic study in the Compositae. Washington, D.C.: Carnegie Institution of Washington. 391 pp.
Hitchcock, C. L., A. Cronquist, M. Ownbey, and J. W. Thompson. 1955. Vascular plants of the Pacific Northwest. Part 5: Compositae. University of Washington Press, Seattle. 343 pp.
Kennison, J. A., and R. J. Taylor. 1979. Status report for Haplopappus liatriformis. 3 pp. plus appendices.
Lee, K. H. 1969. The genus Haplopappus in Idaho. Unpublished thesis, University of Idaho, Moscow. 94 pp.
Mancuso, M., and R. Moseley. 1994. Vegetation description, rare plant inventory, and vegetation monitoring for Craig Mountain, Idaho. Unpublished report prepared for Bonneville Power Administration. 146 pp. plus appendices.
Mayes, R. A. 1976. A cytotaxonomic and chemosystematic study of the genus Pyrrocoma (Asteraceae, Astereae). Unpublished dissertation, University of Texas, Austin. 203 pp.
Author: M. Mancuso
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