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Field Guide


Deep Creek Stickseed

Deep Creek Stickseed (Hackelia ibapensis)

Hackelia ibapensis

NatureServe conservation status

Global (G-rank): G1G2
State (S-rank): S2

Utah Wildlife Action Plan status

  • SGCN

External links


General information

Hackelia ibapensis or Deep Creek stickseed gets its name from the Deep Creek Mountains where it’s endemic to in eastern Utah. This species  can be found on exposed granite outcrops with Douglas fir and mountain brush communities. Be sure to look out for the beautiful sky blue flowers that can be spotted blooming in June. 

Description

Hackelia ibapensis or Deep Creek stickseed gets its name from the Deep Creek Mountains where it’s endemic to in eastern Utah. This species  can be found on exposed granite outcrops with Douglas fir and mountain brush communities. Be sure to look out for the beautiful sky blue flowers that can be spotted blooming in June. 

Phenology

Flowering in June.

Diagnostic characteristics

Hackelia ibapensis is distinguished by its sky blue, mainly solitary flowers on terminal cymes. The narrowly lanceolate cauline leaves and height of up to 15 cm are other good identifying features to look for. 

Species range

Deep Creek stick seed is endemic to Utah and can be found in Juab and Tooele counties. 

Threats or limiting factors

There are some UNHP observations of some invasive plants like cheat grass that could be competing with resources (URPD 2020). Mining, although mostly a past threat, at a few active claims remain in the Deep Creek Range on granitic substrates. Climate change is a threat (Alexander 2016).

Taxonomy

No, this species does not have taxonomic discrepancies