Crosby’s Buckwheat – Oregon Conservation Strategy

Photo Credit: Oregon Department of Agriculture

Overview

Species Common Name Crosby's Buckwheat
Species Scientific Name Eriogonum crosbyae
Federal Listing Status Species of Concern
State Listing Status Threatened

Ecoregions

Northern Basin and Range

The Northern Basin and Range ecoregion covers the very large southeastern portion of the state, from Burns south to the Nevada border and from the Christmas Valley east to Idaho. It is largely a high elevation desert-like area dominated by sagebrush communities and habitats.

Special needs

Crosby's buckwheat is found in rolling hills dominated by big sagebrush. This species occurs on light-colored, tuffaceous sandstone, at elevations of 5250-5460 feet.

Limiting factors

Crosby's buckwheat is threatened by cattle grazing, range improvement projects, off-road vehicle traffic, and mining operations.

Data gaps

Develop propagation and transplanting protocols. Conduct studies of reproductive biology, including pollinator studies. Analyze genetics.

Conservation actions

Limit rangeland projects within buckwheat habitat. Prevent off-road vehicle traffic. Conduct long-term monitoring to detect seed production trends. Collect and store seeds.

Key reference or plan

Oregon Department of Agriculture Plant Conservation