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Evalyn's Jewel Flower (Streptanthus
farnsworthianus) grows in dry, gravelly soil on steep slopes in the foothills. It is considered a sensitive plant due to its limited distribution statewide.
© NPS photo by Larry L. Norris. |
Of the over 1400 vascular plants known to occur in
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, 40 have been
identified as ‘sensitive’. The term
sensitive is applied generally here to include those
species that are state or federally listed, are rare
or endemic in California, are at the limit of their
range, or have a limited distribution. Little is
known about the status and habitat requirements of
most sensitive species within the two parks. What we
do know about sensitive plants is largely derived
from a single systematic survey conducted during the
early 1980s (Norris and Brennan 1982), and more
localized surveys carried out in conjunction with
construction and development projects. Additional
information on the distribution of sensitive plants
is compiled from other, unrelated surveys that
encounter sensitive species serendipitously.
Comprehensive lists of the sensitive plants either
known or suspected to occur within Kings Canyon,
Sequoia, or Yosemite National Parks and Devils
Postpile National Monument are currently being
developed. These lists will allow us to develop more
effective survey strategies for detecting and
describing the distribution of sensitive plants
within the parks. Of specific interest are those that
may be effected by disturbances such as fire
suppression, prescribed burning, construction or road
building, or long-term climate change.
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