Dwarf Bearclaw-poppy
Arctomecon humilis
NatureServe conservation status
Global (G-rank): G1
State (S-rank): S1
Utah Wildlife Action Plan status
- SGCN
External links
General information
Arctomecon humilis is a federally listed as endangered species known only from the Dixie Corridor in Washington County, Utah. This plant is often found on gypsiferous clay soils in the mixed warm desert shrub plant community. Dwarf Bearclaw poppy displays a bouquet of pure white flowers with yellow centers when it is in bloom and has distinct leaves that are 3-4 lobed at the tips resembling the claws of a bear and give this plant its charming common name.
Description
Arctomecon humilis is a federally listed as endangered species known only from the Dixie Corridor in Washington County, Utah. This plant is often found on gypsiferous clay soils in the mixed warm desert shrub plant community. Dwarf Bearclaw poppy displays a bouquet of pure white flowers with yellow centers when it is in bloom and has distinct leaves that are 3-4 lobed at the tips resembling the claws of a bear and give this plant its charming common name.
Phenology
Flowers from mid-April to May
Diagnostic characteristics
In the region this plant is known to grow it is unlikely that anything else making Arctomecon humilis easily identifiable by its diminutive, clump-forming growth habit (to 25 cm tall), delicate white flowers, and three-lobed "bear claw" leaves.
Species range
Endemic to the Dixie Corridor; extant in Washington Co., Utah.
Threats or limiting factors
The primary threat is habitat loss and fragmentation due to urban development and road construction (USFWS 2016, Allphin et al. 1998, Nelson and Harper 1991). Recreation is also a threat, as the gypsum hills outside of St. George are quite popular to off road vehicle users (USFWS 2016). Loss of pollinators and pollinator diversity in plant populations is also a threat (USFWS 2016, Tepedino et al. 2014). Climate change and invasive plants can serve to exacerbate the negative effects of existing threats (USFWS 2016).
Taxonomy
No, this species does not have taxonomic discrepancies