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Hutchinsia - Hornungia procumbens
Other Names:
Hutchinsia procumbens
State Rank Reason (see State Rank above)
Hornungia procumbens is rare in Montana, where it is known from approximately six widely scattered occurrences. The species is a typical annual, exhibiting ephemeral populations that widely fluctuate in numbers. Observation data is old, and population counts are poorly documented. At least one occurrence as of about 2002 boasted a population of at least 3,000 plants. Population trends are unknown but presumed stable at some occurrences while declining at another site from habitat modification and degradation. Threats from livestock grazing and non-native plant species have been reported. Climate change may also pose a potential risk to the state's populations.
Surveys that bring forth current data on population parameters, habitat conditions, mapping, and potential threats are greatly needed. Monitoring at a subset of populations is necessary to track population trends and assign a timely and accurate state conservation status rank.
General Description
Hornungia procumbens is an annual with branched, erect stems that are 2-10 cm high. Alternate, narrowly lance-shaped leaves, 5-20 mm long with entire margins or a pair of basal lobes, are largest at the base of the plant. Foliage is glabrous. Numerous tiny, stalked flowers are borne at the top of the stems in a spreading, elongate inflorescence. Each flower has 4 white, separate petals that are ca. 1 mm long, which fall shortly after opening. The glabrous, egg-shaped fruits, or siliques, are 3-5 mm long and borne on spreading stalks that are up to 10 mm long.
Phenology
Flowering in June, mature fruit in July.
Diagnostic Characteristics
The lack of a basal rosette separates Hornungia from Draba. Lepidium, Thlaspi and Alyssum have fruits that are notched or flattened on top. Small mustards such as Hornungia may be difficult to identify. A technical manual should be consulted, and a hand lens may be required.
Species Range
Montana Range
Range Descriptions
Native
Range Comments
BC and MT south to CA; Eurasia (Lesica et al. 2012. Manual of Montana Vascular Plants. BRIT Press. Fort Worth, TX).
Observations in Montana Natural Heritage Program Database
Number of Observations: 9
(Click on the following maps and charts to see full sized version)
Relative Density
Recency
(Observations spanning multiple months or years are excluded from time charts)
Habitat
Vernally moist, alkaline soil of sagebrush steppe in the valley to lower montane zones.
National Vegetation Classification System Groups Associated with this Species
Shrubland
Sagebrush Shrubland
Wetland and Riparian
Alkaline - Saline Wetlands
Alpine Riparian and Wetland
Riparian Shrubland
Wet Meadow and Marsh
Stewardship Responsibility
Threats or Limiting Factors
Reported threats to Montana's populations of Hutchinsia include habitat modification, livestock grazing, and non-native plant species. However, data that documents actual impacts is limited or not available.
Climate change may also pose a potential risk to the state's populations. The MTNHP conducted a species-level assessment using the Climate Change Vulnerability Index (CCVI) in 2021, which resulted in a Highly Vulnerable rating to climate change. Climate change including increased ambient temperatures, decreased snowpacks, and increased frequencies and severities of drought could have negative impacts on this species; however, field-based data on the timing and magnitude are not available.
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.
MTNHP Threat Assessment. 2021. State Threat Score Assignment and Assessment of Reported Threats from 2006 to 2021 for State-listed Vascular Plants. Botany Program, Montana Natural Heritage Program, Helena, Montana.
- Additional ReferencesLegend: View Online Publication
Do you know of a citation we're missing?- Lackschewitz, K., P. Lesica, and J. S. Shelly. 1988. Noteworthy collections: Montana. Madrono 35:355-358.
- Lesica, P. 1994. The distribution of plant community diversity associated with glacial wetlands in the Ovando Valley, Montana. [Unpublished report.] The Nature Conservancy, Montana Field Office, Helena. 26 pp.
- 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.
- Vanderhorst, J.P. and P. Lesica. 1995a. Sensitive plant survey of the Tendoy Mountains in the Beaverhead National Forest, Beaverhead County, Montana. Unpublished report to the Bureau of Land Management, Butte District. Montana Natural Heritage Program, Helena, MT. 59 pp. plus appendices.
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