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Lemmon's Alkaligrass - Puccinellia lemmonii
State Rank Reason (see State Rank above)
Very rare in Montana where it is known only from Beaverhead County on BLM and State Trust Lands. At least one site is actively grazed, though its susceptibility and response to such activity is uncertain.
General Description
Perennial bunchgrass. Stems 15–30 cm. Leaves: blades 1–2 mm wide, mostly inrolled. Inflorescence a pyramidal panicle 3–17 cm long. Spikelets 4–7 mm long. Lemmas 2.5–4 mm long, with an acute tip (Lavin in
Lesica et al. 2012. Manual of Montana Vascular Plants. BRIT Press. Fort Worth, TX).
Phenology
Fruiting in July-August.
Diagnostic Characteristics
Distinguished from other species of Puccinnellia by the thread-like leaves usually 0.5 mm wide, and the lemma length greater than 2.8 mm.
Species Range
Montana Range
Range Descriptions
Native
Range Comments
Collected in Beaverhead County; along the western corridor of states within the U.S. (Lavin in Lesica et al. 2012. Manual of Montana Vascular Plants. BRIT Press. Fort Worth, TX).
Observations in Montana Natural Heritage Program Database
Number of Observations: 8
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Relative Density
Recency
(Observations spanning multiple months or years are excluded from time charts)
Habitat
Threats or Limiting Factors
STATE THREAT SCORE REASON
Reported threats to Montana's populations of Lemmon's Alkaligrass are those from livestock and non-native species (MTNHP Threat Assessment 2021). Plants are likely palatable, and potential negative impacts from trampling and grazing are a concern where livestock use is concentrated. Non-native plants are also indicated as threats to populations in locations prone to disturbance.
References
- Literature Cited AboveLegend:
View Online Publication- Lesica, P., M.T. Lavin, and P.F. Stickney. 2012. Manual of Montana Vascular Plants. Fort Worth, TX: BRIT Press. viii + 771 p.
- Additional ReferencesLegend: View Online Publication
Do you know of a citation we're missing?
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.- Lesica, P., P. Husby, and S. V. Cooper. 1998. Noteworthy collections: Montana. Madrono 45:328-330.
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