La Sal Mountains' Groundsel
Senecio inexpectatus
NatureServe conservation status
Global (G-rank): G5T1
State (S-rank): S1
Utah Wildlife Action Plan status
- SGCN
External links
General information
Senecio freemontii var. inexpectatus grows on alpine ridge crests, talus slopes, and in subalpine meadows between 3000 - 3700 meters (10,000 - 12,200 feet) elevation. Commonly named Dwarf-Mountain Ragwort or Prickly Ragwort, this plant has a mature height of 0.6- 4 dm tall, yellow ray flowers, and prominently toothed leaves. It is found in the La Sal Mountains of Grand and San Juan Counties, Utah and the San Juan Mountains in Colorado. There are few known occurrences for this species. Due to its limited alpine habitat, the number of individuals for this species is threatened by increased recreational activity and mountain goats.
Description
Senecio freemontii var. inexpectatus grows on alpine ridge crests, talus slopes, and in subalpine meadows between 3000 - 3700 meters (10,000 - 12,200 feet) elevation. Commonly named Dwarf-Mountain Ragwort or Prickly Ragwort, this plant has a mature height of 0.6- 4 dm tall, yellow ray flowers, and prominently toothed leaves. It is found in the La Sal Mountains of Grand and San Juan Counties, Utah and the San Juan Mountains in Colorado. There are few known occurrences for this species. Due to its limited alpine habitat, the number of individuals for this species is threatened by increased recreational activity and mountain goats.
Phenology
You can spot the yellow flowers of this groundsel from July throughout September.
Diagnostic characteristics
Senecio freemonttii var. inexpectatus can be differentiated from other varieties by its prominent, shaley laciniate to laciniate-toothed leaves.
Species range
This species occurs in San Juan County, Utah, in the La Sal Mountains and in the San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado.
Threats or limiting factors
Increased recreational activity within the limited alpine habitat of the La Sal Mountains poses a potential threat along with both historical and current grazing related impacts to habitat. Climate change causing droughts and rapid snowmelts are also a concern.
Taxonomy
No, this species does not have taxonomic discrepancies