Big Red Sage Faces Extinction: Only 7 Populations Left in Texas

Rahul Somvanshi

Big red sage, a towering 5-foot crimson-purple flower native to Texas' Edwards Plateau, faces potential extinction with only seven populations remaining.

Photo Source: Roman Biernacki (Pexels)

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposes endangered species protection for this rare wildflower, which was previously thought extinct until its rediscovery in 1980s.

Photo Source: Suki Lee (Pexels)

The striking plant, recognizable by its lemon-scented foliage and reddish-purple blooms, flourishes between May and November on limestone-rich waterway banks

Photo Source: Guzel Sadykova (Pexels)

From its original 14 known populations, the dramatic decline left only 654 individual plants surviving across eight populations by 2016.

Photo Source: İrem Çevik (Pexels)

White-tailed deer, urban development, climate-induced flash floods, and unauthorized collection have pushed this hummingbird-pollinated species toward extinction.

Photo Source: Yusuf Timur Çelik (Pexels)

Despite thriving in cultivated gardens, wild populations struggle with genetic diversity challenges due to inbreeding and habitat fragmentation.

Photo Source: Nati (Pexels)

The Fish and Wildlife Service opted not to designate critical habitat in its proposed listing, stating it could increase the threat of illegal collection.

Photo Source: Gintare Baradinske (Pexels)

Public input on the protection proposal remains open until March 24, marking a crucial phase in preservation efforts.

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Southwest Regional Director Amy Lueders emphasizes the urgency to preserve this piece of Texas natural heritage from extinction.

Photo Source: Tivasee (Pexels)

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