MONTANA FIELD GUIDE™

DRAFT: Requesting feedback on the 2026 revised rank, factors, and State Rank Reason outlined below and in the Conservation Status Rank Report. Pedicularis pulchella is rare in Montana, where it is known from alpine habitats in six different mountain ranges . Occurrences are in remote areas with most of the known populations occurring within designated wilderness areas. The remote habitat limits the potential for negative impacts, and no significant and widespread threats to the species are known besides potential impacts associated with climate change. Population levels are poorly documented, and trends are unknown though populations have likely been relatively stable in the recent past or experienced only minor declines. Only four of the occurrences have been visited since 2009. The remaining occurrences have not been visited since 1993 with the majority of those not being visited in more than 50 years, leading to uncertainty in the status of many of the populations. Climate change may negatively affect this species over the next several decades. However, the timing and magnitude of potential impacts are largely unknown. Although climate change is listed as a potential threat to the species, it does not affect the overall threat rank or scoring, or the final subnational rank. Survey and monitoring data are needed to be able to determine population levels, assess condition and for assessing population trends. Surveys in potentially suitable habitat are likely to document additional occurrences.