Govind Tekale
A rare flower found only in central Oregon is fighting for survival as habitat threats mount. The Center for Biological Diversity has asked the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to list the Ochoco lomatium under the Endangered Species Act, citing alarming population declines.
This unique member of the carrot family brightens rocky landscapes with bursts of color each spring but exists in just four known populations near the North Fork of the Crooked River.
“These pretty plants provide beautiful bursts of color to a rocky and deceptively barren landscape each spring, but they’re in serious trouble and need Endangered Species Act protections if they’re going to survive,” said Drew Baloga, a legal fellow at the Center.
Mounting Threats
The petition highlights several key threats pushing the flower toward extinction:
- Cattle grazing that damages the plant’s fragile habitat
- Recreational activities in sensitive areas
- Invasion of non-native plants that outcompete native species
- Increased wildfire risks, especially from non-native grasses like cheatgrass
These threats have already caused dramatic declines in the flower’s largest population, prompting urgent calls for protection.
Similar Posts:
Important for Wildfire Resilience
Beyond its rarity, the Ochoco lomatium plays a crucial ecological role. Native plant communities like those that include this flower naturally limit the severity of wildfires across western landscapes.
“Plants like Ochoco lomatium play a crucial role in limiting the severity of wildfires across the West,” Baloga explained. “We need to sustain robust native plant communities to avoid creating tinderboxes of non-native grasses on our public lands.”
Non-native grasses such as cheatgrass increase “fine fuels” on the landscape, making typically fire-resistant areas more likely to burn intensely.
Land Management Concerns
The petition points to unsustainable land management practices as a driving factor in the plant’s decline. Despite the known impacts, the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service continue leasing public lands where the flower grows for cattle grazing.
Conservationists argue that better protection of native plant communities would support both biodiversity and wildfire resilience—two increasingly important concerns in western states facing climate-related challenges.
The Fish and Wildlife Service will review the petition and determine whether the flower warrants protection under the Endangered Species Act
FAQ:
What is the Ochoco lomatium and why is it important? +
Ochoco lomatium is a rare flower in the carrot family that grows only in central Oregon. It’s ecologically important because it contributes to native plant communities that help limit wildfire severity. The flower adds biodiversity to the region and brings color to rocky landscapes each spring.
How many populations of Ochoco lomatium exist? +
There are only four known populations of Ochoco lomatium, all located in central Oregon near the North Fork of the Crooked River. The largest population has seen dramatic declines in recent years.
What’s threatening this rare flower? +
The main threats include habitat degradation from cattle grazing, recreational activities, competition from non-native plants, and increased wildfire risks. Non-native grasses like cheatgrass are particularly problematic as they increase fire danger in areas where the flower grows.
How does this flower help prevent wildfires? +
The Ochoco lomatium is part of native plant communities that are naturally more fire-resistant than areas dominated by invasive species. Unlike non-native grasses such as cheatgrass that create “fine fuels” and increase fire spread, native plant communities like those containing Ochoco lomatium help limit wildfire severity.
What is the Endangered Species Act and how would it help? +
The Endangered Species Act is a federal law that provides protection for species at risk of extinction. If Ochoco lomatium is listed, it would receive legal protections against activities that could harm it, and agencies would be required to work toward its recovery. This could include habitat protection and restoration efforts.
What happens next in the protection process? +
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will review the petition submitted by the Center for Biological Diversity. They’ll evaluate the scientific evidence about the plant’s status and threats. If they determine protection is warranted, they’ll propose listing the Ochoco lomatium under the Endangered Species Act, which would include a public comment period before final decision.
