Kane Breadroot
Pediomelum megalanthum var. epipsilum
NatureServe conservation status
Global (G-rank): G2
State (S-rank): S2
Utah Wildlife Action Plan status
- SGCN
External links
General information
Pediomelum epipsilum is known from a restricted range between Kane county, Utah and Mojave county, Arizona where it grows with vigor in the otherwise semibarren landscape of the Chinle Formation. This species is often associated with Pinyon-Juniper woodlands and sagebrush-buckwheat plant communities. Kane breadroot is a low growing herb with pale violet flowers and leaves which have five bright yellow green leaflets that are minutely dotted. The stem, leaves and other green parts of this plant have short appressed hairs on the surfaces. Many characters help us positively identify this very rare and especially hardy plant in the incredibly harsh landscapes where it grows.
Description
Pediomelum epipsilum is known from a restricted range between Kane county, Utah and Mojave county, Arizona where it grows with vigor in the otherwise semibarren landscape of the Chinle Formation. This species is often associated with Pinyon-Juniper woodlands and sagebrush-buckwheat plant communities. Kane breadroot is a low growing herb with pale violet flowers and leaves which have five bright yellow green leaflets that are minutely dotted. The stem, leaves and other green parts of this plant have short appressed hairs on the surfaces. Many characters help us positively identify this very rare and especially hardy plant in the incredibly harsh landscapes where it grows.
Phenology
Flowering from May throughout June.
Diagnostic characteristics
Pediomelum epipsilum is easily identified from other members of the genus in Utah by the evident bicolored leaflets which are cinereous beneath and bright green above and glabrous to glabrate in texture on the upper leaf surface.
Species range
Endemic to Kane county, Utah and adjacent Mojave county, Arizona.
Threats or limiting factors
Threats largely unknown, but due to small population size occurrences should be monitored.
Taxonomy
No, this species does not have taxonomic discrepancies