Grimy ivesia – State Wildlife Action Plan

Photo Credit: Oregon Department of Agriculture

Grimy ivesia is a long-lived perennial with a low, spreading growth form, 5-15 cm long. Most leaves are basal and compound with 5-15 pairs of overlapping leaflets which are further divided into 3 to 5 segments each. Leaves are densely hairy but not glandular. Inflorescences are erect before flowering but then become prostrate. Flowers are small with white to pale yellow petals 0.8 to 1.5 mm long.

Overview

Species Common Name Grimy ivesia
Species Scientific Name Ivesia rhypara var. rhypara
Federal Listing Status Species of Concern
State Listing Status Endangered

Ecoregions

Northern Basin and Range

The Northern Basin and Range ecoregion covers the very large southeastern portion of the state, from Burns south to the Nevada border and from the Christmas Valley east to Idaho. It is largely a high elevation desert-like area dominated by sagebrush communities and habitats.

Special needs

Grimy ivesia is found on ash deposits or on widely-scattered outcrops of welded ash tuff. This species roots in shallow, weathered surface soil and cracks in the underlying bedrock.

Limiting factors

Grimy ivesia grows on potential gold-bearing deposits, so mining presents a serious threat to this species. Off-road vehicles, grazing, and trampling also impact grimy ivesia. The species is highly vulnerable to climate change, particularly due to predicted increases the variability of precipitation.

Data gaps

Estimate population size and trends. Evaluate the effects of low precipitation on reproduction and survival. Develop a transplanting protocol.

Conservation actions

Survey suitable habitat to inform establishment of new populations. Limit insecticide spraying while plants are in bloom. Monitor populations to assess trends. Fence populations on public land to prevent cattle trampling.