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Slender Hareleaf - Lagophylla ramosissima
State Rank Reason (see State Rank above)
Species is poorly documented in Montana where it is known from three occurrences in close proximity to each other. More survey work for the species is needed to determine sizes of existing populations at a minimum. Invasive weeds occur at or near existing sites, though impacts of invasive weeds on L. ramosissima are unknown.
General Description
Slender Hareleaf is an annual with simple or branched stems that are 1-6 dm high. The alternate, narrowly lance-shaped, entire-margined leaves lack petioles and are 1-8 cm long, becoming smaller upward. The foliage is densely covered with short, white hair, especially above. Short-stalked flower heads are borne in small, loose clusters at the tips of branches that arise from the axils of the upper leaves. Each head has a single series of 5 narrowly lance-shaped involucral bracts that are covered with long hairs and stalked glands, each enclosing a 3-lobed, pale yellow ray that is 2-6 mm long. Each of the 6 yellow disk flowers is enveloped by a scale. The achenes are shiny black and naked on top.
Phenology
Flowering in July-August.
Diagnostic Characteristics
Species of Madia are smaller and lack the long hairs on the involucre. Other annual members of the Asteraceae have more disk flowers or lack lobed rays. A hand lens and technical manual are required for positive determination.
Species Range
Montana Range
Range Descriptions
Native
Range Comments
WA to western MT, south to NV and CA. Peripheral.
Observations in Montana Natural Heritage Program Database
Number of Observations: 12
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Relative Density
Recency
(Observations spanning multiple months or years are excluded from time charts)
Habitat
Open or disturbed places in dry grasslands in the valleys.
Ecological Systems Associated with this Species
- Commonly Associated with these Ecological Systems
Grassland Systems
Threats or Limiting Factors
STATE THREAT SCORE REASON
Reported threats to Montana's populations of Slender Hareleaf are due to noxious weed infestations in its grassland habitat. Scope and severity of impacts expected from the threat of noxious weed invasions, and knowledge of other threats to Slender Hareleaf are needed (MTNHP Threat Assessment 2021).
References
- Additional ReferencesLegend:
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Do you know of a citation we're missing?
Lesica, P. 1991. Noteworthy Collections in Montana....- Lesica, P., M.T. Lavin, and P.F. Stickney. 2012. Manual of Montana Vascular Plants. Fort Worth, TX: BRIT Press. viii + 771 p.
- Lesica, P., M.T. Lavin, and P.F. Stickney. 2022. Manual of Montana Vascular Plants, Second Edition. Fort Worth, TX: BRIT Press. viii + 779 p.
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