CRATERS of the MOON General Management Plan

APPENDIX H:

PLANTS MENTIONED IN TEXT

Plant species mentioned in the text of this document are listed below with their scientific names.

VEGETATION TYPES

Day and Wright (1985) described twenty-six distinct vegetation types found in Craters of the Moon National Monument. The following descriptions of the types are taken from their report. Only some of the more common species are listed for each type.

1: Cinder Gardens

The cinder gardens community is characterized by a cinder surface and a low total plant cover. Common species are dwarf buckwheat (Eriogonum ovalifolium var. depressum), silverleaf phacelia (Phacelia hastata), Douglas chaenactis (Chaenactis douglasii), two species of monkeyflower (Mimulus spp.), dwarf onion (Allium simillimum), and bitterroot Lewisia (Lewisia rediviva).

2: Low Density Lava Flows

Low density lava flows are generally the youngest in the monument and have relatively low plant cover. Shrubs, which provide less than 5% of total cover, include tansybush (Chamaebatiaria millefolium), ocean spray (Holodiscus spp.), mock orange (Philadelphus lewisii), dwarf goldenweed (Happlopappus nanus), and, in favorable microsites, antelope bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata) and lava phlox (Leptodactylon pungens). Mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana) is common in this vegetation type in the southern parts of the monument. Common forbs are scabland penstemon (Penstemon deustus) and desert parsley (Cymopterus terebinthinus). Sandberg bluegrass (Poa sandbergii) and squirreltail (Sitanion hystrix) are the most common grasses.

3: Medium Density Lava Flows

Medium density lava flows have more vegetational cover (up to 15%) than the low density lava flows, but species composition is very similar. Additional grasses are Thurber needlegrass (Stipa thurberiana) and Indian ricegrass (Oryzopsis hymenoides).

4: Mountain Big Sagebrush/Bluebunch Wheatgrass

The mountain big sagebrush/bluebunch wheatgrass type is widespread in the monument and diverse in composition. Mountain big sagebrush is the dominant shrub. Bluebunch wheatgrass (Agropyron spicatum) is the common grass. Antelope bitterbrush is common throughout this type. North of the highway, mountain snowberry (Symphoricarpos oreophilus) and saskatoon serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia) are common, especially in more mesic sites such as ravines and north-facing slopes.

5: Mountain Big Sagebrush/Sandberg Bluegrass

The mountain big sagebrush/Sandberg bluegrass type occurs on less mesic sites or those with shallower soil than type 4, and there is generally more bare ground. Besides the two dominant species for which the type is named, rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus spp.), antelope bitterbrush, lava phlox, and several species of buckwheat (Eriogonum spp.) are common. Squirreltail and bluebunch wheatgrass are common grasses on favorable microsites.

6: Mountain Big Sagebrush/Needlegrass

The mountain big sagebrush/needlegrass type is found on sandy, often shallow soils in the southern portions of the monument. Mountain big sagebrush dominates; antelope bitterbrush also is common. Wyeth eriogonum (Eriogonum heracleoides) and sulfur buckwheat (E. umbellatum) are common understory species. Needle-and-thread (Stipa comata), squirreltail, and Indian ricegrass are common grasses.

7: Mountain Big Sagebrush/Needle-and-thread/Cheatgrass

The mountain big sagebrush/needle-and-thread/cheatgrass type is confined to a south-facing slope at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon. Mountain big sagebrush dominates, and antelope bitterbrush is common. The dominant grasses are needle-and-thread grass and cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum).

8: Mountain Big Sagebrush/Idaho Fescue

The mountain big sagebrush/Idaho fescue type is found on the north- and northeast-facing slopes in Little Cottonwood Canyon and on Carey Kipuka. Mountain big sagebrush occurs in sporadic clumps and at lower densities than in the mountain big sagebrush/bluebunch wheatgrass type. Herbaceous vegetation, which is relatively dense between shrubs, is dominated by Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis) and prairie junegrass (Koeleria nitida). Scarlet painted-cup (Castilleja miniata) and silvery lupine (Lupinus argenteus) are common forbs. In Carey Kipuka, the dominant sagebrush is basin big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata), but it was included in this type for simplicity.

9: Big Sagebrush/Cheatgrass

The big sagebrush/cheatgrass type, which occurs on Carey Kipuka, appears to be a relatively stable successional stage of the big sagebrush/Idaho fescue type.

10: Complex of Types 4 and 8

Type 10, a complex of types 4 and 8, which is found in Little Cottonwood canyon, contains all species common in both the mountain big sagebrush/bluebunch wheatgrass and the mountain big sagebrush/Idaho fescue types.

11: Three-tip Sagebrush/Idaho Fescue

The three-tip sagebrush/Idaho fescue type occurs on the relatively steep north-facing slopes in upper Little Cottonwood Canyon. Three-tip sagebrush (Artemisia tripartita) is the dominant shrub, but it occurs in low densities. Forbs in this vegetation type include silvery lupine, pussytoes (Antennaria spp.), stonecrop (Sedum stenopetalum), and Hood's phlox (Phlox hoodii). Idaho fescue, prairie junegrass, and Sandberg bluegrass are common grasses.

12: Early Low Sagebrush/Idaho Fescue

The early low sagebrush/Idaho fescue type is restricted to a small but distinct area on Carey Kipuka. Early low sagebrush (Artemisia longiloba) is the dominant shrub. Narrowleaf pussytoes (Antennaria stenophyllus), mat eriogonum (Eriogonum caespitosum), and Hood's phlox are common forbs. Idaho fescue is the dominant grass, with squirreltail common. In a natural landmark theme study, this vegetation type was judged to be an outstanding example of the low sagebrush/Idaho fescue subtheme of the low sagebrush theme.

13: Low Sagebrush/Sandberg Bluegrass

The low sagebrush/Sandberg bluegrass type occurs on exposed, windswept ridges along Little Cottonwood Canyon. The total plant cover is less than 40%. Low sagebrush (Artemisia arbuscula) is the only shrub present in most areas. Stemless goldenweed (Happlopappus acaulis), Hood's phlox, rabbit-foot crazyweed (Oxytropis lagopus), mat eriogonum, and paintbrush (Castilleja spp.) are common forbs. Sandberg bluegrass is the dominant grass, with spikegrass (Leucopoa kingii) common at higher elevations. The sagebrush present at the lowest elevation where this type occurs in the monument is apparently a hybrid between three-tip and low sagebrush. In the national natural land mark theme study, this vegetation type was judged to be an outstanding example of the low sagebrush/ Idaho fescue subtheme of the low sagebrush theme.

14: Low Sagebrush/Idaho Fescue

The low sagebrush/Idaho fescue type is found on sites similar to those containing type 13, but on finer textured and/or deeper soils. Idaho fescue replaces Sandberg bluegrass in this type. The total cover is higher in this type than in type 13. In the national natural landmark theme study, this vegetation type was judged to be an outstanding example of the low sagebrush/Idaho fescue subtheme of the low sagebrush theme.

15: Complex of Types 13 and 14

Type 15, is found on exposed ridges. it is composed of mosaics of the low sagebrush/Sandberg bluegrass and low sagebrush/Idaho fescue types. In the national natural landmark theme study, this vegetation type was judged to be an outstanding example of the low sagebrush/Idaho fescue sub theme of the low sagebrush theme.

16: Antelope Bitterbrush

The antelope bitterbrush type covers large areas of the larger cones. Plant cover is generally more than 50%. Antelope bitterbrush is the dominant shrub. Rubber rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus nauseosus) and wax currant (Ribes cereum) are common shrubs. Limber pine (Pinus flexilis) and mountain big sagebrush are scattered in this type. Common forbs are Anderson larkspur (Delphinium andersonii), sulfur buckwheat, dwarf buckwheat, dwarf monkeyflower (Mimulus nanus), and silverleaf phacelia. Squirreltail, Thurber needlegrass, and Sandberg bluegrass are the common grasses.

17: Antelope Bitterbrush/Great Basin Wildrye

The antelope bitterbrush/Great Basin wildrye type is found on the slopes of medium-aged and older cinder cones. The dominant shrub is antelope bitterbrush, with rubber rabbitbrush, mountain snowberry, and Wyeth eriogonum common. Arrowleaf balsamroot (Balsamorhiza sagittata), Holboell rockcress (Arabis holboelli), sulfur buckwheat, and stoneseed (Lithospermum ruderale) are common forbs. Desert parsley forms the relatively dense understory where grass density is low. Great Basin wildrye (Elymus cinereus) is the most conspicuous grass, but bluebunch wheatgrass occurs in greater density in some areas.

18: Bluebunch Wheatgrass/Idaho Fescue

The bluebunch wheatgrass/Idaho fescue type occurs in limited areas on north-facing slopes at upper elevations in Little Cottonwood Canyon. These areas are apparently more mesic because of snow accumulation than areas that contain shrubs. Forbs present are those from both the mountain big sage brush/bluebunch wheatgrass and the three-tip sage brush/Idaho fescue types.

19: Bluebunch Wheatgrass/Sandberg Bluegrass

The bluebunch wheatgrass/Sandberg bluegrass type occurs on three older cones in Craters of the Moon Wilderness: Round Knoll, Two-Point Butte, and Coyote Butte. Inconspicuous shrubs are dominated by low-growing forms such as lava phlox and slenderbrush eriogonum (Eriogonum microthecum). Forbs include Douglas chaenactis and taper-tip hawksbeard (Crepis acuminata). Bluebunch wheat grass and Sandberg bluegrass are common grasses.

20: Great Basin Wildrye

The Great Basin wildrye type, which is dominated by relatively dense stands of Great Basin wildrye, is found on alluvial fans where the drainages of the Pioneer Mountains enter the lava plains. There is occasional mountain big sagebrush and rubber rabbitbrush. Several weedy forbs are present among the wildrye, including whitestem mentzelia (Mentzelia albicaulis) and shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris).

21: Limber Pine/Antelope Bitterbrush (Low Total Cover)

Areas containing limber pine/antelope bitterbrush (low total cover) are composed of large, block type lava remnants interspersed with cinder gardens; for example, Devil's Orchard. Limber pine is common at favorable microsites such as around the edges of lava blocks where moisture accumulates. The dominant shrub is antelope bitterbrush; rubber rabbitbrush, tansybush, mountain big sagebrush, lava phlox, and wax currant also are common. Common forbs are dwarf monkeyflower, deceptive groundsmoke (Gayophytum decipiens), rosy calyptridium (Calyptridium roseum), sulfur buckwheat, and dwarf buckwheat. Thurber needlegrass, squirreltail, Indian ricegrass, and Sandberg bluegrass are common grasses. Cinder patches are dominated by species typical of the cinder garden vegetation type.

22: Limber Pine/Antelope Bitterbrush (High Total Cover)

The limber pine/antelope bitterbrush (high total cover) type is found on medium-aged cinder cones. Because lava blocks are absent, the total vegetative cover is higher than in type 21. The dominant antelope bitterbrush is a relatively low form. Rubber rabbitbrush and wax currant are common. Mountain big sagebrush is common on favorable soil sites. Forbs and grasses common in type 21 are also common in this type, except for Indian ricegrass.

23: Limber Pine/Antelope Bitterbrush (High Density Limber Pine)

In the limber pine/antelope bitterbrush (high density limber pine) vegetation type, limber pine occurs in relatively high density on favorable north- to east-facing slopes of cinder cones. The number of species is similar to type 22, but Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) is present on older or more mesic sites such as Silent Cone. Mountain snowberry and common chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) are present with Douglas-fir.

24: Douglas-fir/Mountain Snowberry

The Douglas-fir/mountain snowberry type occurs on relatively steep north-facing slopes of older cinder cones and along Little Cottonwood Canyon. Douglas-fir dominates, with occasional individuals of limber pine. More than half of the soil surface is devoid of vegetation but is covered with a layer of litter. Mountain snowberry dominates the understory. Common chokecherry is common, especially where light intensity is higher. Willow (Salix spp.) is present. Common forbs are broadleaf bluebells (Mertensia ciliata), sharpleaf valerian (Valeriana acutiloba), and sticky cinquefoil (Potentilla glandulosa). Common grasses are Sandberg bluegrass, Idaho fescue, and slender wheatgrass (Agropyron trachycaulum).

25: Upland Quaking Aspen

26: Riparian

The riparian type differs from the quaking aspen type by the presence of dense woody vegetation, proximity to a permanent watercourse, and the presence of a dense layer of tall forbs. The dominant trees form a mosaic consisting of patches of aspen, black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa), common chokecherry, willow, mountain alder (Alnus incana), and bog birch (Betula gladulosa). The last three species are more common at higher elevations. A dense tall forb component is conspicuous in mesic areas; this is dominated by cow parsnip (Heracleum lanatum), bigsting nettle (Urtica dioica), and small-leaf angelica (Angelica pinnata). Blackhead coneflower (Rudbeckia occidentalis), nettle-leaf horsemint (Agastache urticifolia), and Sitka columbine are also common.

AREA OCCUPIED BY EACH VEGETATION TYPE

The acreage occupied by each vegetation type in shown in table H-1.

TABLE H-1: AREA OCCUPIED BY EACH VEGETATION TYPE

SENSITIVE PLANT SPECIES

The following sensitive plant species are known to occur near Craters of the Moon National Monument.

SENSITIVE PLANTS FOUND NEAR CRATERS OF THE MOON NATIONAL MONUMENT

[NOTE: Codes are those used by the Idaho Fish and Game Natural Heritage Program, the Idaho Native Plant Society (INPS), and the US. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). An explanation of codes follows the list.]

Explanation of Status Codes

Heritage Program. Codes indicating classifications used by the Idaho Fish and Game Natural Heritage Program are as follows.

G = Global rank indicator. Denotes rank based on rangewide status.

T = Trinomial rank indicator. Denotes rangewide status of subspecific taxa.

S = State rank indicator. Denotes rank based on status in Idaho.

Numbers, letters, or other symbols following G, T, or S indicate the following:

1. Critically imperiled because of extreme rarity or because some factor of its biology makes it especially vulnerable to extinction.

2. Imperiled because of rarity or because of other factors making it vulnerable to extinction.

3. Either very rare and local throughout its range or found locally in a restricted range, or made vulnerable to extinction by other factors.

4. Apparently secure, though it may be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery.

? Indicates reservations about assigned rank.

Idaho Native Plant Society. Letters following "INPS" indicate the following classifications:

S = Sensitive. A taxon with small populations or localized distribution within Idaho that currently does not meet the criteria for classification as priority 1 or priority 2, but whose populations and habitats may be jeopardized if current land use practices continue. (Priority 1 refers to a taxon in danger of becoming extinct or extirpated from Idaho in the foreseeable future if identifiable factors contributing to its decline continue to operate; priority 2 refers to a taxon likely to be classified as priority 1 within the fore seeable future in Idaho, if factors contributing to its population decline or habitat degradation or loss continue.)

M = Monitor. Taxa that are common within a limited range as well as taxa that are uncommon but have no identifiable threats.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Categories used by the USFWS are indicated in this table by the codes shown below.

F2C = Category 2 candidate species. Listing as endangered or threatened is possibly appropriate, but USFWS lacks sufficient data to support such action.

F3C = Former candidate taxa. Taxon is more widespread or abundant than previously believed or is not subject to identifiable threats.

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