MONTANA FIELD GUIDE™

Ipomoea leptophylla occurs in Montana at the northern edge of the species' range. Plants are considered rare where they have been found in southeastern Montana. Plants are moderately sized with showy flowers, and would not easily be overlooked, or under-collected. Since 1997, only about 7 observations have been reported. For observations made between 1890 and 1978 it remains unknown if populations still exist. Population extents and counts are presumed to be very small, though data is mostly lacking. Potential threats come from several populations that occur near to roads, where there is an increased risk for negative impacts from road maintenance, competition with non-native plant species, herbicide applications, and other activities. As such, the viability of Ipomoea leptophylla appears to be imperiled in Montana.

Surveys that bring forth current data on population parameters, habitat conditions, mapping, and potential threats are needed. Monitoring at a subset of occurrences is necessary to track population trends and assign a more accurate state conservation status rank. Surveys into areas of potential habitat are also necessary to document the species distribution and status in Montana.