Vascular Plant Species of Concern List

The continual compilation and periodic updating has funneled attention on the de facto rarest vascular plant species in Wyoming. The 2012 list profiles the nature of species’ rarity in bullets (range context, number of occurrences, abundance, recent trends and intrinsic vulnerability) that are expanded in species abstracts. The 2012 list contains close to 15% of the state flora and represents an evolution in our understanding. The first Wyoming plant species of concern list was prepared in 1982, based in large part on the information compiled in Dorn (1977). Since that time, over 700 vascular plant species are or have been tracked as species of concern in Wyoming, reflecting discoveries in the state as represented by floristic surveys of the Rocky Mountain Herbarium, species-specific surveys, taxonomic research, and other changes reflected in revisions to the state flora (Dorn 1977, 1988, 1992, 2001) and in updates to the species of concern lists by Robert Lichvar, Hollis Marriott, Walter Fertig, and the current author. The work of maintaining the lists places a premium on collecting and sharing information. New information and questions are always welcome. The 2012 updating process involved use of the rank calculator developed by NatureServe. Further information on the process and conservation considerations are provided in the cover pages that accompany the 2012 list.

Interested persons may access the most recent list update by clicking on the links below.

2012 Wyoming Plant Species of Concern - 644 KB PDF

2012 Wyoming Plant Species of Potential Concern - 83 KB PDF

Dropped Taxa since 2007 & 2012 Wyoming Plant Species of Uncertain Status

Additions to List since 2007

Codes & Definitions

All scientific names follow treatment in Dorn (2001). Users are referred to the table that follows for a merged list of both species of concern and of potential concern that has links to State Species Abstracts. The purpose of these abstracts is to highlight status information and include maps, illustrations, and photos of both the species and its habitat. We are in the process of populating and entering species abstracts for all species of concern. This is the most complete information for many species unless they have been addressed in research reports as cited in the list of references at the end of the species abstracts. To access WYNDD reports for species in question, go to the Reports and Publications page. The list below also reflects updates to ranks and status that may not be reflected in the pdf document.