Great Basin Native Plant

Selection and Increase Project

FY04 Progress Report

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Accession #

EROV Germination: Moist Chill

133 days

91 days

55 days

28 days

USDI Bureau of Land Management (Nevada, Idaho, Utah, Oregon)

USDA Forest Service, Shrub Sciences Laboratory, Provo, UT and Boise, ID

Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Ephraim, UT

USDA Agricultural Research Service

- Forage and Range Research Laboratory, Logan, UT

- Bee Biology and Systematics Laboratory, Logan, UT

Utah Crop Improvement Association, Logan, UT

Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Idaho, Utah, and Nevada

Brigham Young University, Provo, UT

USDA Forest Service, National Tree Seed Laboratory, Dry Branch, GA

Colorado State University Cooperative Extension, Tri-River Area, Grand Junction, CO

USDA Agricultural Research Service, Western Regional Plant Introduction Station, 

Pullman, WA

Oregon State University, Malheur Experiment Station, Ontario, OR
Great Basin Native Plant 

Selection and Increase Project 

FY04 Progress Report 

March 2005 

 

 

COOPERATORS

USDI Bureau of Land Management (Nevada, Idaho, Utah, Oregon) 

USDA Forest Service, Shrub Sciences Laboratory, Provo, UT and Boise, ID 

Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Ephraim, UT 

USDA Agricultural Research Service, Forage and Range Research Laboratory, Logan, UT 

USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bee Biology and Systematics Laboratory, Logan, UT 

Utah Crop Improvement Association, Logan, UT

Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies 

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Idaho, Utah, and Nevada 

Brigham Young University, Provo, UT

USDA Forest Service National Tree Seed Laboratory, Dry Branch, GA 

Colorado State University Cooperative Extension, Tri-River Area, Grand Junction, CO 

USDA Agricultural Research Service, Western Regional Plant Introduction Station, Pullman, WA 

Oregon State University, Malheur Experiment Station, Ontario, OR 
Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project 

FY04 Progress Report 

Cooperators: 

USDI Bureau of Land Management (Nevada, Idaho, Utah, Oregon) 

USDA Forest Service, Shrub Sciences Laboratory, Provo, UT and Boise, ID 

Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Ephraim, UT 

USDA Agricultural Research Service, Forage and Range Research Laboratory, Logan, UT 

USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bee Biology and Systematics Laboratory, Logan, UT 

Utah Crop Improvement Association, Logan, UT 

Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies 

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Idaho, Utah, and Nevada 

Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 

USDA Forest Service National Tree Seed Laboratory, Dry Branch, GA 

Colorado State University Cooperative Extension, Tri-River Area, Grand Junction, CO 

USDA Agricultural Research Service,Western Regional Plant Introduction Station, Pullman, WA 

Oregon State University, Malheur Experiment Station, Ontario, OR 

Introduction

The use of native plants for rehabilitation after wildfires and restoration of disturbed wildlands is 

being encouraged by various BLM programs, initiatives, and policies. Examples include the 

2001 Interior Appropriations Bill, the Great Basin Restoration Initiative, Departmental guidance 

(DOI Emergency Stabilization and Rehabilitation Manual), Executive Order 13112 (Invasive 

Species – 2/99) and the BLM’s Standards for Rangeland Health. This project integrates several 

proposals to increase native plant production and use within the Great Basin, utilizing an applied 

science approach in a collaborative project. 

Original partners in this proposal include BLM (Utah, Idaho, and Nevada); USDA Forest 

Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Shrub Sciences Laboratory (Provo, UT and Boise, 

ID); Utah Crop Improvement Association (Logan, UT); USDA Agricultural Research Service, 

Forage and Range Research and Bee Biology and Systematics Laboratories (both Logan, UT); 

and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Great Basin Research Center (Ephraim, UT). 

Additional cooperators have been included to address specific research issues as needed. We

thank our collaborators for their expertise and in kind contributions that have made it possible to 

address the many issues involved in plant materials development. 

This document provides a review of work completed in 2004. Appendix I summarizes ongoing 

research and the principal investigators for each species. 

Project Priorities 

The proposal covers selection of native plant materials, culture, seed increase, and use on 

degraded rangelands. Priorities are: 1) increase of native plant materials available for 

restoration; 2) management or re-establishment of seed sources and technology to improve the 

diversity of introduced species monocultures; 3) technology transfer; and 4) genetic research. 

i
The BLM representatives recommend that following identification of a funding level for this 

proposal, the BLM representatives, with input from the cooperators, will develop priorities, 

given the available funding. Studies and activities will focus on maximizing the increase in 

native plant materials available for rehabilitation and restoration of Great Basin rangelands. 

Funding Strategy 

This effort requires sustained funding over a long period to be successful. To meet this need, an 

Interagency Agreement will transfer the majority of the approved funds to the USDA Forest 

Services’ Rocky Mountain Research Station, Shrub Sciences Laboratory in Provo, Utah via an 

Interagency Agreement. Mike Pellant, Great Basin Restoration Initiative Coordinator, is the 

Contracting Officer’s Representative for this Interagency Agreement. The Shrub Sciences 

Laboratory will prepare or amend agreements with the other cooperators on this project and will 

distribute funding to these other entities per the Interagency Agreement and annual task orders. 

The Shrub Sciences Laboratory will assess a reasonable 12% indirect charge used internally to 

administer this assistance agreement with BLM. Additional funding for BLM coordination of 

this project will be needed starting in FY02 to assist in state level coordination on the project. 

An estimated 20 WM’s per year will be required from FY02-06 for BLM coordination in the 

states of Utah, Oregon and Nevada, however, BLM will pursue these needs outside of this 

agreement. 

 

Funding period: FY01– FY06

Funding received: 

FY01: $1,080,000 

FY02: 1,500,000 

FY03: 790,000 

FY03(NIFC-BLM): 250,000 

FY04: 725,500

TOTAL $4,345,500 

ii
Table of Contents

Scott Jensen Toward selected releases of Agoseris, Astragalus, Lupinus, 

Phlox, Tragopogon, and Stipa.........................................1 

Durant McArthur Forb and shrub genetics research......................................5

Stewart Sanderson

Nancy Shaw Plant material development, seed technology and seed 

Ann DeBolt production of Great Basin forbs.......................................9 

Jason Vernon Native plant material development and seed and seeding 

Therese Meyer technology for native Great Basin forbs and grasses..............15 

Scott Walker 

Douglas Johnson Native plant genetics, ecophysiology, plant materials 

Michael Peel development, and seed increase......................................18

Steve Larson

Tom Monaco 

Tom Jones 

Jim H. Cane Pollinator and seed predator studies.................................23 

Stanford Young Establishment and maintenance of the Buy-back Program for 

Michael Bouck certified seed.............................................................27 

Ann DeBolt The AOSCA Cooperative Native Seed Increase Program........33 

Greg Lowry 

Nancy Shaw 

Loren St. John Establishment and maintenance of certified Generation 1 

Dan Ogle (G1) seed................................................................35 

Bruce Roundy Seed collecting practices and shrub manipulations to improve 

Val Jo Anderson sustainable seed yield in wildland shrub stands 

Robert Johnson Crested wheatgrass diversification 

Heat accumulation study 

Forb production cultural practices..................................38

Robert Karrfalt Development of germination protocols, seed weight, purity, 

Victor Vankus and seed conditioning/cleaning protocols for Great Basin 

grasses and forbs.......................................................43 

Bob Hammon Insect pests of selected grass and forb species in the 

Jim H. Cane Great Basin............................................................45 

iii
R.C. Johnson Genetic diversity patterns of Allium acuminatum in the 

Barbara Hellier Great Basin.........................................................49

Clint Shock Cultural practices for native forbs...............................52 

Corey Ransom 

APPENDICES 

Appendix I. Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project: Status of 

Research Species...........................................................56 

Appendix II. NRCS Aberdeen Plant Materials Center Display Nursery, 

Orchard Research Site, Idaho.............................................63 

iv
Project Title: Toward selected releases of Agoseris, Astragalus, 

Lupinus, Phlox, Tragopogon and Stipa. 

Project Location: Shrub Sciences Laboratory, Provo, UT. 

Principal Investigator: Scott Jensen, Botanist, USDA-FS-RMRS Shrub Sciences 

Laboratory, 735 N. 500 E., Provo, UT 84606-1865, phone: 

801.356.5128, fax: 801.375.6968, sljensen@fs.fed.us 

Project Description: Annual wildland seed collections from the Great Basin region beginning 

in 2002 have amassed numerous accessions of the native species Agoseris glauca, Astragalus 

utahensis, Lupinus argenteus, Lupinus sericeus, Phlox longifolia, Stipa comata, and the 

introduced species Tragopogon dubius. Each species poses a distinctive set of challenges in 

preparation for commercial release. The RMRS staff at Boise, ID and Utah Division of Wildlife 

Resources staff at Ephraim, UT greatly assisted with site identification and seed collection for 

the species included in this portion of the project. 

Project Status: 

Equipment. A hooded row sprayer and Hege 1000 Series Drill were purchased in 2004. The 

small plot combine is currently out for bid. We expect to take delivery by fall 2005. 

Container Propagation Protocols. 

Overview: A Joint Venture Agreement between the Shrub Sciences Lab (Susan Meyer, Scott 

Jensen) and Brigham Young University (Phil Allen, Brad Geary) was initiated with funding from 

the Joint Fire Sciences program and later augmented with funding from this project. 

 

Many native forbs are readily grown as container stock, but there are some that have proven 

problematic in this context. This project proposes to develop propagation protocols for two 

groups of problem forbs, using a subset of species in each of these groups to examine factors that 

may be influencing propagation success. These two groups are native perennial legumes and 

spring-ephemeral perennials with a pattern of summer dormancy. 

 

For the summer-dormant perennials, we will examine the following factors: temperature and 

photoperiod during the period of initial growth, presence or absence of mycorrhizal inoculum, 

and length of chilling period needed to stimulate regrowth. Our goal for the summer-dormant 

species will be to produce plants within a few months of a size that would require several 

growing seasons in the field. Summer-dormant species to be included in the study are: Agoseris 

glauca, Balsamorhiza sagittata, Crepis acuminata, Lomatium grayi, and Phlox longifolia. Our 

work on the legumes will focus primarily on the possible importance of nitrogen-fixing 

symbionts. We will also include temperature, photoperiod, and mycorrhizal inoculation as 

variables in our work with the legume species. Study species will include Astragalus utahensis

and Lupinus polyphyllus. 

Individual Species Status: 
2

Agoseris glauca 

Agoseris has proven to be one of the more difficult species to locate and collect in the Great 

Basin. Several factors contribute to this. Populations of many species are most readily located 

while in full flower. This is imperative with Agoseris due to its diminutive size, tendency to 

occur in low abundance and flower for only a brief period early in the growing season. It is also 

ephemeral in time, present one year but not the next. Our field effort is typically just beginning 

as Agoseris is in full flower at mid elevation sites. Fortunately seed set is relatively uniform and 

much of the population can be harvested on a single date. However, being wind dispersed, seed 

retention time is abbreviated once ripe. 

Good moisture conditions and an early concerted effort to monitor known sites will be important 

for collecting in 2005. Thus far 31 Agoseris sites have been located. Agoseris glauca occurs at 

approximately two-thirds of these sites and has been collected at 8. Other Agoseris species occur 

at the remaining sites where 10 colelctions have been made. Seed was provided to BYU for a 

series of cultural practice studies and allocated to an effort to grow plugs for common garden 

evaluation. Both of these efforts met with failure as we have been unable to establish plants with 

any regularity. Do to the small amount of seed harvested in any one year, perpetual collection 

will likely be necessary for this species to ensure availability of seed necessary for various 

studies. Our current efforts with this species are two fold: first to develop container propagation 

protocols, and second to increase several existing lots through 2004 plantings at Fountain Green 

and Nephi. 

Astragalus utahensis 

We have located 37 Astragalus utahensis sites ranging in elevation from 4060 to 7400 ft. and 

collected seed at 33 of them. At 19 sites we were able to collect seed over multiple years. No 

other species has afforded this luxury. We have completed a series of germination studies 

documenting viability, seed weight, seed coat hardness, and response to 3 chill treatments. We 

have refined a seed coat scarification technique and identified a potential symbiotic fungal 

relationship eliminating the chill requirement. Seed and transplant stock was provided to BYU 

for a series of cultural practice studies. One common garden was planted at Wells, NV in 2004 

and additional plants are currently growing for spring 2005 planting. 

Astragalus utahensis is part of our Container Propagation Protocol Studies. Our primary interest 

here is identifying mycorrhizae and rhizobium species that aid establishment and survival. If 

determined beneficial we hope to develop a rhizobium inoculant to aid in nitrogen fixation. Early 

data suggest fungal components in native soil greatly improve germination and initial seedling 

establishment well before rhizobium are able to form nodules and benefit nitrogen uptake. We 

suspect this relationship is mycorrhizal in nature and the seed may benefit from a mycorrhizal 

inoculant as well. 

 

Lupinus 

Four species of Lupinus have been collected at 24 of 63 sites. Though widespread in the Great 

Basin, L. argenteus and L. sericeus both exhibit indeterminate flowering. Two additional species 

found in the region, L. arbustus and L. polyphyllus, appear more determinate. This characteristic 

facilitates easier harvest in a production setting. Ongoing work continues with all four species. 
3

Initial attempts at direct seeding were unsuccessful and container propagation has proven 

problematic. Future work focuses on both of these areas. 

Phlox longifolia 

Phlox is widespread, but seed volume any particular year is a limiting factor. We have identified 

61 sites and collected seed at 22 of them. Plants and seed were provided to BYU for a series of 

cultural practice studies. A common garden was established at Wells, NV and increase plots 

were planted at Nephi and Fountain Green, UT. Additional common gardens will be planted at 

up to three sites with current production. Studies involving seed weight, viability and response to 

stratification are nearing completion. Phlox is included in our container propagation protocol 

studies. 

Tragopogon dubius 

Tragopogon has been collected at 20 of 25 identified sites. Seed and plants were provided to 

BYU for a series of cultural practice studies. Basic germination studies are complete. Common 

gardens were established at Nephi, UT, and Wells and Orovada, NV. Data has been collected on 

duration of flowering and seed ripening periods, biomass production, and seed production and 

flowering uniformity. A plot was established at Fountain Green to assess harvesting methods. 

Pending continued end user interest in this species, a subset of the most promising lines require 

further field evaluation, additional harvesting trials and production field establishment trials 

before seed is released for commercial production. 

Stipa comata 

Stipa has been collected at 45 of 89 sites. Common gardens were established at Wells, NV and 

Nephi, UT. Spring 2005 transplants are planned for Orovada and Fountian Green, UT. Seed 

weight, viability, and response to stratification work are nearing completion. Seed and plants 

were provided to BYU for a microcalorimetry study that promises to aid in deciphering 

appropriate seed transfer zones. 

Technology Transfer: 

Organized a project insect identification and collection field day/workshop that was conducted 

near Logan, UT. 

Presentations: 

Jensen. S.L. 2004. Plant materials work in the Great Basin. Visiting Afghanistan scientists; 

March 17; Provo, UT. 

Jensen, S.L. 2004. Propagation issues of select Great Basin forbs. Intermountain Native Plant 

Summit; November 2-4; Boise, ID. 

Jensen, S.L. 2004. Shrub Sciences Lab plant materials status report. Great Basin Native Plant 

Materials Coordination Meeting; March 9-10; Salt Lake City, UT. 
4

Publications: 

Jensen, Scott. Spring 2004. Racquets, hoppers and felt boards: Low-tech devices for collecting 

and processing seeds. Native Plants Journal 5: 50-51.
5

Project Title: Forb and Shrub Genetics Research

Project Location: Shrub Sciences Laboratory, Provo, UT 

Principal Investigators: Durant McArthur, USDA-FS-RMRS Shrub Sciences Laboratory, 

 735 N. 500 E., Provo, UT 84606-1865, phone: 801.356.5112, fax: 

 801.375.6968, dmcarthur@fs.fed.us

Stewart Sanderson, USDA-FS-RMRS Shrub Sciences 

Laboratory, 735 N. 500 E., Provo, UT 84606-1865, phone: 

801.356.5111, fax: 801.375.6968, ssanderson@fs.fed.us 

Reporting for work funded, in part, by both the USDI Bureau of Land Management Native Plant 

Selection and Increase Project and USDA Forest Service National Fire Plan (Cooperators USDA 

Forest Service Rocky Mountain, Pacific Northwest, and Pacific Southwest Research Stations; 

Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, and Brigham Young University). 

Description of Project: This work is designed to determine the levels of genetic variation of 

plant species used or with potential for use in rehabilitation and restoration of fire impacted and 

other disturbed sagebrush steppe and pinyon-juniper ecosystems. Additional genetics work is 

also underway in delimiting seed transfer zones for restoration plant materials. The genetic 

variation research is designed to explore both within and between population variation by using 

isozyme and molecular genetic markers. It also explores the possible genetic consequences of 

past revegetation plantings by comparing the genetic architecture of source populations, seeded 

populations, and indigenous populations adjacent to the seeded populations. Work to date 

suggests that genetic patterns need to be assessed on a species by species basis and take into 

account pollination systems and population size. We briefly summarize the initial results from 

isozymes, DNA-based molecular genetics, revegetation plantings, gene flow, and seed transfer 

zones. 

Isozymes (Hipkins): Twenty-six species have been examined so far [Artemisia tridentata, 

Astragalus utahensis, Atriplex canescens, Balsamorhiza sagittata, Bromus carinatus, 

Chrysothamnus nauseosus (Ericameria nauseosa),Ceratoides lanata, Crepis acuminata, Crepis 

occidentalis, Erigeron pumilus, Eriogonum umbellatum, Lathyrus brachycalyx, Lomatium 

dissectum, Lomatium grayi, Lupinus argenteus, Lupinus sericeus, Oryzopsis hymenoides, 

Penstemon acuminatus, Penstemon deustus, Penstemon speciosus, Phlox longifolia Purshia 

tridentata, Stipa comata (Hesperostipa comata), Tragopogon dubius, Vicia americana, and 

Viguiera multiflora (Heliomeris multiflora)]. These species are all common perennial species of 

the Intermountain West with use or potential use in habitat restoration projects. 

About 2,400 individuals were sampled between 2001 and 2004. DNA extraction was 

carried out on leaf tissue using either the (1) DNeasy-96 Frozen Leaf Tissue Protocol, or DNeasy 

Plant Mini Kit following manufacturer’s instructions with tissue homogenization achieved via 

the Mixer Mill 300 (Qiagen), or (2) FastPrep DNA Extraction (Bio-101). DNA quantity was 

assessed by fluorometry, and quality determined by visualizing all samples against 50 ng of 

Lambda DNA standard on 0.8% agarose gels stained with EtBr under UV light. DNA samples 

were shipped overnight on dry ice to Richard Cronn, PNW, USDA Forest Service. Isozyme 
6

preparation followed the NFGEL Standard Operating Procedures. Extracts were electrophoresed 

on 11% starch gels and stained for a suite of enzyme systems. 

Statistics regarding differentiation and inferred gene flow among populations vary widely 

among species. We are currently performing the synthesis of all collected samples. In all 

species for which it could be calculated, genetic identity of conspecific populations averaged 

above 0.9—the expected value, except in Lupinus argenteus, where genetic identities averaged 

0.88. Morphological diversity among Lupinus samples suggests that some were misidentified. 

Data for Stipa comata may seem contradictory because genetic identities were as expected for 

conspecific populations (averaging 0.907) but Fst was very high (0.78). This resulted from the 

fact that each population in this selfing species was extremely uniform. The species was 

monomorphic at most loci, but there were fixed differences among populations at certain loci. 

DNA-based molecular genetics (Cronn): The molecular genetic analysis is being performed on 

the same species that are being analyzed for isozymes. It appears that the two approaches are 

complementary. 

Molecular genetics results including previous work reveals some interesting patterns. The 

herbaceous plant populations have distinctive haplotypes, i.e., populations from different 

geographic areas are distinctive in terms of molecular genetic patterns, but the landscape 

dominant wind pollinated shrubs Atriplex canescens and Artemisia tridentata haplotypes are 

widespread among population, subspecies, and races. These patterns have implications for 

development of seed zones. We (Miglia et al.) have evidence of AFLP markers specific for 

sagebrush subspecies even though deeper, older genetic markers on ribosomal and chloroplast 

DNA are shared widely among taxa and populations. This suggests that the AFLP markers may 

be much more recent that the ribosomal and chloroplast DNA markers. 

Comparison between allozymes and DNA-based molecular genetics: Comparisons of 

population heterozygosity between allozyme and chloroplast (cp) DNA markers show minimal 

correspondence: a population can show high allozyme heterozygosity with no cpDNA variation 

while others exhibit low allozyme and substantial CPDNA heterozygosity. Estimates of genetic 

partitioning (FST ) at allozyme and cpDNA markers yield insights into historical processes 

(bottlenecks, admixture), and the relative importance of pollen and seed as agents of gene flow. 

Complete analyses of these data are needed to understand their importance and implications. 

Revegetation plantings gene flow: Several species are being examined in this portion of the 

study. Preliminary results for Linum, Sphaeralcea, Penstemon, and Atriplex are available. 

Linum perenne, in the form of ‘Appar’ blue flax, has been seeded widely in revegetation 

plantings. This germplasm was initially thought to be native but has since been shown to have 

derived from a naturalized population. A native species is L. lewisii. The two taxa do not 

hybridize either under controlled conditions or in juxtaposed seeded and indigenous populations, 

suggesting that prudent use of ‘Appar’ does not impact the genetic architecture of native L. 

lewisii populations (the need for a native germplasm of blue flax is being addressed by the 

testing and probable release of ‘Maple Grove’ blue flax, a L. lewisii germplasm). Sphaeralcea 

(globemallow) is a native genus which apparently frequently hybridizes. Both seeded and 

natural populations of globemallow species (S. grossulariifolia, S. ambigua, S. munroana) 

appear to form hybrid swarms (evidence from allozymes and molecular genetic—ISSR 

markers—give support for introgression). So far we have found no genetic evidence for 
7

introgression of the seeded ‘Cedar’ Palmer penstemon (Penstemon palmeri) into native adjacent 

sympatric Penstemon populations but this work is in its early stages. Our work with Atriplex and 

other shrub species is also preliminary. However fourwing saltbush (Atriplex canescens) source, 

revegetation planting, and indigenous populations show remarkable overall similarity with both 

allozyme and molecular genetic markers but with more similarity between the source and seeded 

populations than either had with the indigenous population growing near the seeding location. 

Publications: 

Cronn, R., E. D. McArthur, and V. Hipkins. 2005. Patterns of nuclear and cytoplasmic 

differentiation in Intermountain restoration species: tales form two genomes. p. 31, abstr. 31, 

CD, 58th Annual Meeting Society for Range Management, Fort Worth, Texas. 

Garcia, S., M. Sanz. T. Garnatje, A. Kreitschitz, E. D. McArthur, and J. Vallès. 2004. Variation 

of DNA amount in 47 populations of the subtribe Artemisiinae and related taxa (Asteraceae, 

Anthemideae): karyological, ecological, and systematic implications. Genome 47: 1004-1014. 

Mahalovich, M. F. and E. D. McArthur. 2004. Sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) seed and plant transfer 

guidelines. Native Plants 5: 141-148. 

McArthur, E. D., D. C. Freeman, J. H. Graham, and S. C. Sanderson. 2004. The role of 

hybridization and genetics in landscapte dominant sagebrushes (Artemisia). Abstract, CD, XXII 

International Congress of Entomology, Brisbane, Australia. 

McArthur, E. D. and S. B. Monsen. 2004. Chenopod shrubs. p. 467-491 in S. B. Monsen, R. 

Stevens, and N. L. Shaw, comps. Restoring western ranges and wildlands, vol 2. USDA Forest 

Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-136. Fort Collins, Colorado. 

McArthur, E. D. and R. Stevens. 2004. Composite shrubs. p. 493-537 in S. B. Monsen, R. 

Stevens, and N. L. Shaw, comps. Restoring western ranges and wildlands, vol 2. USDA Forest 

Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-136. Fort Collins, Colorado. 

McArthur, E. D., and J. R. Taylor. 2004. Artemisia arbuscula Nutt., A. bigelovii Gray, A. cana 

Pursh, A. filifolia Torr., A. frigida Willd., A. longiloba (Osterhout) Beetle, A. nova A. Nels., A. 

pygmaea Gray, A. rigida (Nutt.) Gray, A. spinescens Eaton, A. tripartita Rydb., p. 47-51, 57-68, 

72-78, 82-84, 88-90 in J. K. Francis, ed. Wildland shrubs of the United States and its territories: 

thamnic descriptions, vol. 1. USDA Forest Service, International Institute of Tropical Forestry 

and Rocky Mountain Research Station, Gen. Tech. Rep. IITF-GTR-26. San Juan, Puerto Rico 

and Fort Collins, Colorado. 

McArthur, E. D., and J. R. Taylor. 2004. Chrysothamnus nauseosus (Pallas ex Pursh) Britt., C. 

parryi (Gray) Greene, C. viscidiflorus Nutt., p. 203-211. in J. K. Francis, ed. Wildland shrubs of 

the United States and its territories: thamnic descriptions, vol. 1. USDA Forest Service, 

International Institute of Tropical Forestry and Rocky Mountain Research Station, Gen. Tech. 

Rep. IITF-GTR-26. San Juan, Puerto Rico and Fort Collins, Colorado. 
8

Sanderson, S. C., E. D. McArthur, and J. R. Taylor. 2004. Atriplex confertifolia (Torr. & Frém.) 

S. Wats. p. 96-98. in J. K. Francis, ed. Wildland shrubs of the United States and its territories: 

thamnic descriptions, vol. 1. USDA Forest Service, International Institute of Tropical Forestry 

and Rocky Mountain Research Station, Gen. Tech. Rep. IITF-GTR-26. San Juan, Puerto Rico 

and Fort Collins, Colorado. 

Shaw, N. and E. D. McArthur. 2005. The Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase 

Project: progress and recent initatives. p. 155, abstract 315 CD, 58th Annual Meeting Society for 

Range Management, Fort Worth, Texas. 

Taylor, J. R. and E. D. McArthur. 2004. Artemisia ludoviciana Nutt. p. 69-71. in J. K. Francis, 

ed. Wildland shrubs of the United States and its territories: thamnic descriptions, vol. 1. USDA 

Forest Service, International Institute of Tropical Forestry and Rocky Mountain Research 

Station, Gen. Tech. Rep. IITF-GTR-26. San Juan, Puerto Rico and Fort Collins, Colorado. 
9

Project Title: Plant Material Development, Seed Technology and Seed 

Production of Great Basin Forbs 

Project Location: USDA-FS-RMRS Shrub Sciences Laboratory, Boise, ID 

Principal Investigators: Nancy Shaw, Research Botanist, USDA-FS-RMRS, 316 E. 

Myrtle, Boise, ID 83702, phone: 208.373.4360, fax: 208.373.4391, 

nshaw@fs.fed.us 

 

Ann DeBolt, Botanist, USDA-FS-RMRS, 316 E. Myrtle, Boise, 

ID 83702, phone: 208.373.4366, fax: 208.373.4391, 

adebolt@fs.fed.us 

Project Description: Although forbs are components of most native communities, their use in 

revegetation has been limited. This work is being conducted to provide plant materials, seed 

supplies, and seed transfer guidelines for common forb species of the Great Basin. Seed 

production practices and seed and seeding technology, essential for the use of these species, are 

also being developed. Efforts in Boise focus on seven species in three families: Eriogonum 

umbellatum (Polygonaceae); Lomatium dissectum, L. grayi, and L. triternatum (Apiaceae); and 

Penstemon acuminatus, P. deustus, and P. speciosus (Scrophulariaceae). The Great Basin 

Native Plant Selection and Increase Project and the USDA Forest Service, National Fire Plan 

provide partial funding for this research. 

Project Status:

Development of field locations. 

Niagra Springs. A testing site on sandy soil was established through an MOU with the Idaho 

Department of Fish and Game and a weather station was installed. 

Boise State University Horticulture Program. A 0.8-ha test site was leased through an agreement 

with the Boise State University, Larry Selland College of Applied Technology. The site was 

cleared, leveled, and prepared for planting. A deer fence was constructed around the site and a 

weather station was installed. 

Lucky Peak Shrub Garden. The rush skeletonweed (Chondrilla juncea) project is being 

continued in this 16-ha enclosure administered by the Boise National Forest. Spot treatments of 

herbicide were applied as needed and brush and debris were cleared to reduce the risk of fire. 

Seed collections. We collected 136 seed lots of 19 species in 2004. This included 90 collections 

of Boise research species, 43 collections of Ephraim and Provo research species, and three 

collections for the AOSCA project. To date we have mapped 1,131 populations of research forb 

species and other forbs and grasses of interest to GBNPSIP cooperators. 

DNA sample collections. In accordance with the USDA National Forest Genetic 

Electrophoresis Lab (NFGEL) protocols and procedures, we collected 13 samples for DNA 
10

analysis in Idaho, Oregon, and Nevada (see McArthur and Sanderson report). The species and 

number of samples collected from include Balsamorhiza sagittata (1), Eriononum umbellatum

(4), Lomatium dissectum (1), L. grayi (1), Lupinus sericeus (1), Penstemon acuminatus (1), P. 

deustus (2), and P. speciosus (2). 

Status of research species. 

Penstemon spp. 

We made nine field collections of Penstemon acuminatus, 13 of P. deustus, and three of P. 

speciosus in 2004. 

Phenology, morphology, growth, and seed production data were collected from irrigated 

common gardens established in 2003 at Geertson’s (P. acuminatus) and Snaveley’s (all three 

species). The Penstemons did not appear pollinator limited, and all produced good seed crops. 

P. acuminatus, a species adapted to sandy soils, and P. deustus, a species of rocky sites, appeared 

healthy on the loamy soils of the farm fields. 

Weekly sweep net insect sampling (diurnal and nocturnal) was conducted during the growing 

season. Insects were sent to project cooperators Bob Hammon (Colorado State University 

Extension Office) and Jim Cane (ARS Bee Biology & Systematics Laboratory) for 

determination. 

Container stock of the three Penstemons were grown at the Lucky Peak Nursery greenhouse in 

winter 2003/2004 and planted in spring 2004. Plantings: 

- Niagra Springs (dryland): P. acuminatus common garden. 

- Orchard Research Site (dryland): P. acuminatus demonstration area and P. deustus 

 common garden. 

- Orovada Enclosure, NV (dryland): P. speciosus common garden. 

- Boise State University (irrigated): P. deustus demonstration area and P. speciosus 

 common garden. 

Establishment and growth data were collected from all first year plantings. 

Effects of a prechill period, exposure to liquid smoke treatments, pretreatment in gibberellic acid 

and combinations of these treatments on germination total and rate were evaluated for 2002 and 

2003 seed of each Penstemon species. Physiological dormancy is released by prolonged 

prechilling treatments. Gibberellic acid treatments reduce the prechill requirement. 

Lomatium spp. 

We made 25 field collections of Lomatium dissectum, nine of L. grayi, and 12 of L. triternatum

in 2004. 

Common gardens of all three Lomatium species were planted from seed at Boise State University 

in fall 2004. Holes were burned in weed barrier cloth using the technique recommended by 

Chris Hoag, USDA NRCS Aberdeen Plant Materials Center. Seed was planted about 1-2 cm 

deep in each hole. Emergence of all three species began in late February 2005, and a high 

percentage of the seeding spots now contain seedlings. 
11

Effects of a prechill period, exposure to liquid smoke treatments, pretreatment in gibberellic acid 

and combinations of these treatments on germination total and rate were evaluated for 2002 and 

2003 seed of each Lomatium species. Dormancy in Lomatium may be morphophysiological in 

nature, resulting from a combination of physical restraint imposed by the endosperm and embryo 

dormancy. A prolonged prechill releases dormancy. L. grayi requires about 8 weeks of prechill 

while accessions of L. triternatum and L. dissectum require 9 to 10 weeks. Germination occurs 

at low temperatures (<10o

C) and does not require light. Dormancy is not relieved by gibberellic 

acid treatments. Research in 2005 will examine the effects of warm and cool prechills on 

endosperm integrity and embryo development. 

Eriogonum umbellatum. 

Nineteen seed lots were collected in 2004 providing a total of 30 collections from the 37 sites 

identified to date. Collection will continue in 2005. We are growing a small number of 

container seedlings in the Lucky Peak Nursery greenhouse to develop propagation practices and 

to provide stock for a spring 2005 demonstration planting. 

Seed distribution. 

Seed lots provided to cooperators 1-3 below were first cleaned, tested at the Oregon State 

University Seed Laboratory, and source-identified through the Idaho State Seed Certification 

program. Uncleaned seed lots were provided to Ephraim and Provo. 

1. One lot of each of the seven research species was sent to the USDA NRCS Aberdeen 

Plant Materials Center for seed increase. 

2. Seed of each research species was provided to the Oregon State University, Malheur 

Experiment Station for herbicide and drip irrigation research. 

3. Seed samples of Eriogonum umbellatum (22 sources); Lomatium dissectum (13 sources); 

Lomatium grayi (5 sources); Lomatium triternatum (5 sources); Penstemon acuminatus

(15 sources); Penstemon deustus (21 sources); and Penstemon speciosus (8 sources) were 

sent to Victor Vankus at the National Tree Seed Laboratory for determination of seed 

weight, weight of seed required for purity testing and germination protocols. 

4. Forty-three seed lots of nine research species were sent to Ephraim and Provo. 

Catalog, manual, brochure, and website. 

Rangeland Revegetation Equipment Catalog. This web-based catalog describes types and 

operation of equipment designed or adapted for range and wildlife habitat improvement and 

disturbed land rehabilitation. Completed chapters are now online (reveg-catalog.tamu.edu). 

Contractor Harold Wiedemann (Texas A&M University, retired) is preparing the catalog. Shaw, 

Mike Pellant, and Steve Monsen provide reviews and recommendations; Shaw administers the 

contract. 

Field Guide to Intermountain Cyperaceae (excluding Carex) (SSL-Boise). This is the third in a 

series including the Field Guide to Intermountain Rushes (GTR-INT-306) and the Field Guide to 

Intermountain Sedges (RMRS-GTR-10). The guides will assist specialists and nonspecialists 

working with wetland plants in the Great Basin and surrounding areas. The draft was completed 

in 2004. (Hurd, Shaw, Smith, DeBolt) 
12

Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project Project brochure. A color brochure and 

a logo were developed for the project. The brochure was printed and distributed to cooperators 

in October 2004; the logo was made available electronically (DeBolt). 

The Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project website is now functional; updates 

and improvements are ongoing. It is hosted on the Boise RMRS Lab website at: 

http:/www.fs.fed.us/rm/boise/ then scroll to Shrubland Biology. (DeBolt) 

Administration. We managed 16 agreements, contracts, and MOUs with Great Basin Native 

Plant Selection and Increase Project cooperators, compiled the 2003 report, and developed the 

2004 taskorder. 

A Request for Information was prepared and distributed to solicit research proposals for 

developing practices for increasing shrub seed production in wildland stands and to improve 

diversity in crested wheatgrass stands. BYU (Anderson, Roundy, and Johnson, Woolstenhulme) 

was funded to conduct shrub seed production research. Study sites were identified in Utah, 

Idaho, and Nevada. BYU (Roundy, Anderson, Johnson) and Utah Division of Wildlife 

Resources (Walker) were funded to conduct crested wheatgrass diversification research. Two 

study sites were selected in Utah. Related research may be initiated in Oregon and Idaho in 

2005. 

Shaw and McArthur organized a half-day symposium “Selecting and Increasing Native Plant 

Materials for the Great Basin” for the Society for Range Management 58th Annual Meeting and 

Trade Show. 

Publications: 

Mealor, Brian A.; Hild, Ann L.; Shaw, Nancy L. 2004. Native plant community and population 

response to long-term weed invasion. Western North American Naturalist. 64: 403-513. 

Monsen, S.B., R. Stevens, and N.L. Shaw, comps. 2004. Restoring western ranges and 

wildlands. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-136.Vols.1-3. USDA-FS Rocky Mountain Research 

Station, Fort Collins, CO. 884 p. plus index. 

Monsen, S.B., R. Stevens, and N. Shaw. 2004. Ch. 18. Grasses, p. 295-424. In: Monsen, S.B., R. 

Stevens, and N.L. Shaw, comps. Restoring western ranges and wildlands. RMRS-GTR-136. Vol. 

2. USDA-FS Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fort Collins, CO. 

Monsen, S.B., R. Stevens, and N.L. Shaw. 2004. Ch. 23. Shrubs of other families, p. 597-698. In: 

Monsen, S.B., R. Stevens, and N.L. Shaw, comps. Restoring western ranges and wildlands. 

RMRS-GTR-136. Vol. 2. USDA-FS Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fort Collins, CO. 

Shaw, N.L. 2004. Ch. 29. Production and use of planting stock, p. 745-768. In: Monsen, S.B., R. 

Stevens, and N.L. Shaw, comps. Restoring western ranges and wildlands. RMRS-GTR-136. Vol. 

3. USDA-FS Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fort Collins, CO. 
13

Shaw, N.L., S.B. Monsen, and R. Stevens. 2004. Ch. 22. Rosaceous shrubs, p. 539-596. In: 

Monsen, S.B., R. Stevens, and N.L. Shaw, comps. Restoring western ranges and wildlands. 

RMRS-GTR-136. Vol 2. USDA-FS Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fort Collins, CO. 

Published Abstracts. 

Wiedemann, H.T., Shaw, N.L., Pellant, M., and Monsen, S.B. 2004. Revegetation Equipment 

Catalog Preparation. In: Abstracts: Society for Range Management 57th Annual Meeting. Salt 

Lake City, UT. 57: 186-87. Abstract 394. 

Shaw, N.L.; Lambert, S.M. 2004. Increasing native forb seed supplies for the Great Basin. 

Western Nurseryman’s Conference. USDA-FS, Medford, OR. Abstract. 

Pellant, M.; Pyke, D.; Shaw, N.; Nowak, R; McIver, J. 2004. Linking science and management 

to accomplish restoration in the Great Basin Desert, p. 394-395. Ecological Society of America 

89th annual meeting. Portland, OR. Abstract. 

Shaw, N.L. 2004. Seed sources and supplies for the Great Basin, p. 12. In: SERCAL’s eleventh 

annual conference: expanding the center: sustainable restoration and its intersection with social, 

economic, and ecological capital. Kings Beach, CA. Abstract. 

DeBolt, A.M.; Shaw, N.L.; Lowry, G.H. 2005. Biscuitroot, beardtongue, buckwheat and beyond. 

In: Abstracts: Society for Range Management 58th Annual Meeting. Fort Worth, TX. Abstract 

74. 

Pellant, M.; Lambert, S.; Shaw, N.L. 2005. The Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase 

Project: origin, objectives, and cooperators. In: Abstracts: Society for Range Management 58th

Annual Meeting. Fort Worth, TX. Abstract 260. 

Shaw, N.L.; McArthur, E.D. 2005. The Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project: 

Progress and recent initiatives. In: Abstracts: Society for Range Management 58th Annual 

Meeting. Fort Worth, TX. Abstract 315. 

Roundy, B.; Shaw, N.L. 2005. Challenges and progress in rangeland restoration. In: Abstracts: 

Society for Range Management 58th Annual Meeting. Fort Worth, TX. Abstract 294. 

Young, S.; DeBolt, A.; Lowry, G.H. 2005. Native plant source-identified stock seed increase. In: 

Abstracts: Society for Range Management 58th Annual Meeting. Fort Worth, TX. Abstract 386. 
14

Project Title: Native Plant Material Development and Seed and 

 Seeding Technology for Native Great Basin Forbs and 

 Grasses 

 

Project Location: Great Basin Research Center, Ephraim, UT. 

 

Grant Agreement Period: March 1, 2004 through February 28, 2005 

Principal Investigators: Jason Vernon, Project Leader, Utah Division of Wildlife 

Resources, Great Basin Research Center, 542 N. Main Street, 

Ephraim, UT 84627, phone: 435.283.4441, fax: 435.283.5616, 

jasonvernon@utah.gov 

 

Therese Meyer, Wildlife Biologist, Utah Division of Wildlife 

Resources, Great Basin Research Center, 542 N. Main Street, 

Ephraim, UT 84627, phone: 435.283.4441, fax: 435.283.5616, 

theresemeyer@utah.gov 

Scott C. Walker, Former Project Leader, now at Northern 

Regional Office, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, 515 E. 5300 

S., Ogden, UT, 84116, phone: 801.476.2776, 

scottwalker@utah.gov 

Project description and status: 

Species: Arrowleaf balsamroot (Balsamorhiza sagittata: BASA), Biscuitroot (Lomatium nuttallii 

- species discussion below), Globemallows (Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia: SPGR and S. 

coccinea: SPCO2), Cushion buckwheat (Eriogonum ovalifolium: EROV), Tapertip hawksbeard

(Crepis acuminata: CRAC), Northern sweetvetch (Hedysarum boreale: HEBO) and Western 

sweetvetch (H. occidentale, HEOC), Great Basin Wildrye (Elymus cinereus: ELCI), Bluebunch 

wheatgrass (Pseudoregneria spicata: AGSP), and Needle-and-thread grass (Stipa comata: 

STCO3 = Hesperostipa c.)

We continued work on field identification, collection and testing of plant materials, and native 

plant increases. Early spring rain contributed to better seed production throughout most of our 

collection range. Plant populations were weakened, however, by previous years of drought, and 

mid-summer precipitation was less than desired, so overall seed output was reduced. GBRC 

staff made 62 wildland seed collections in 2004 of 15 species of forbs and grasses in Utah and 

Nevada, totaling approximately 6 kilograms of cleaned seed (most of what we collected was sent 

to cooperators in Boise and Provo and is not counted in our weight). The focus has been to 

increase the amount of seed of certain accessions for which there was insufficient seed for 

germination work and common garden plantings, and to obtain seed from newly identified 

locations. The database now registers 717 collections of 31 species of forbs and grasses. 

We collected 12 specimens of insects at plant collection sites, and sent them to Jim Cane at USU 

and some to Bob Hammond of Colorado Extension Service for rearing and identification. 
15

Seed cleaning, inventory, and database work was continued. 

Through plant voucher identification we have correctly keyed several of our collections as 

species other than those we were attempting to collect. This has also brought to our attention 

some taxonomic/nomenclatural problems. Our group was charged with collecting Lomatium 

nuttallii: Cronquist (1997) elucidates much confusion associated with this name, concluding that 

true L. nuttallii would not be found in our region (it would be found in Nebraska and possibly 

Wyoming), and specimens from our region labeled as L. nuttallii are referred to L. graveolens 

var. graveolens (S. Watson) Dorn & R.L. Hartm, (or, in Welsh, et al, L. kingii var. kingii). GBRC 

has one collection of L. graveolens var.graveolens from northern Utah. The bulk of our 

collections are of another Apiaceae: Perideridia bolanderi, common name from the Native 

American “Yampah” or “Olasi”, the roots constituted an important food for Native Americans 

and the early European pioneers in the Great Basin. Since this species appears to be widespread 

and well adapted to the plant community our project targets, we will continue to include 

Perideridia bolanderi in studies. 

Also on our species list are two Sphaeralceas, S. grossularifolia and S. coccinea. We have a total 

of 54 collections from 50 sites, and three collections from one site are now identified as S. 

parvifolia. Inasmuch as Bureau of Land Management personnel from the area of this collection 

are interested in this species, we will continue to include these collections in our studies. 

In cooperation with Agricultural Research Service in Logan, we maintained a Hedysarum trial in 

Ephraim and took readings for 12 weeks, and sent the data to Michael Peele. We have collected 

11 accessions of Hedysarum boreale and H. occidentale and will include these and currently 

available releases of H. boreale in common gardens. The aim is to evaluate wider germplasm 

collections for improved seed production (less seed shatter), drought tolerance, and resistance to 

insect predation. 

As part of the work toward development of planting guidelines and equipment for establishment 

of selected species in wildland settings, we are studying germination, dormancy, and planting 

depth. 

Germination experiments are complete on the following: CRAC—26 accessions; HEBO and 

HEOC--30 accessions; EROV and ERUM--21 accessions; BASA--27 accessions; Lomatiums 

and Perideridia--10 accessions; Sphaeralcea (SPGR and SPCO) 29 accessions. 

We have experimented with seed dormancy-breaking pretreatments for Sphaeralcea by 

immersion in boiling water for a short time. Two minutes submersion produced 20-30% 

germination, but three minutes was too long. No heat pretreatment produced 32% germination: 

hence future plantings will use no heat pretreatment to avoid danger of overheating. 

Planting depth studies on Crepis acuminata and Sphaeralcea show that 1⁄4” to 3⁄4” depth is best 

for these species. Only three accessions of CRAC and one accession of SPCO2 have been tested 

in depth studies, but all accessions of Sphaeralcea have now been direct seeded into flats in the 
16

greenhouse at 1⁄4” to 1⁄2” depth, with excellent emergence, confirming the preliminary 

experimental finding. 

Greenhouse propagation for common gardens: Seedlings from germination tests were planted 

into flats in the greenhouse for common garden plug production. Currently (Feb. 2005) we have 

250 flats (up to 72 plugs per flat) representing 10 species planted in the greenhouse. The 

Lomatiums, Perideridia, Balsamorhiza, and Crepis all went into a dormancy after a month or so 

of growth to the first or second true leaf stage (with the exception of the Perideridia, which 

seems to have a genetic freeze on first true leaf formation, and did not produce any, but did form 

a storage organ on the root: the “biscuit” of “Biscuitroot”). The plugs will be transplanted to a 

field in Ephraim at Snow College and in Fountain Green at the WMA in spring of 2005. A deer 

exclosure fence has been requisitioned for approximately 25 acres of the Fountain Green WMA 

to protect experimental plantings from predation. 

We have observed in our plug production that none of our species produce a mass of roots to 

hold the planting media intact for easy field transplanting. They typically have fibrous taproots 

or brittle roots. This complicates transplanting into the field, since the fragile roots preclude use 

of a tree planter implement. We will have to hand plant these types of plugs. We will be 

interested in the results of Scott Jensen’s tests of new planting systems to remedy this problem. 

We are growing 29 flats (~2100 plants) of Linum lewisii ‘Maple Grove’ for a foundation field 

planting in the Fountain Green exclosure. 

Direct seed for forb common gardens: seed packets are prepared for direct seeding into three 

common gardens (Fountain Green, Utah, and Wells, Nevada, and a third location not yet chosen) 

in early spring 2005, and fall 2005. Each common garden will have approximately 10 forb 

species, with a total of more than 110 accessions, with each accession in five repeat blocks per 

garden. 

Trial plots of Great Basin Wildrye and bluebunch wheatgrass seeded in fall of 2003 at the 

Orovada site were unsuccessful. Further attempts at establishment of common gardens of these 

grasses will be made using plug transplants. 

As part of the AOSCA Grower Early Release program and for Seed Ecology Studies, seed was 

distributed to cooperators and other entities: 

a) Michael Peel, Agricultural Research Service, Logan, UT. We maintained Hedysarum

trials in Ephraim and took readings for 12 weeks, then collected seed from the plants and 

sent seed and data to principal investigator. 

b) Stan Young, Utah Crop Improvement Assocation, Logan, UT. Provided 2 seed lots to 

growers for the AOSCA Cooperative Seed Increase Programa (BASA, CRAC). 

c) Terry Dunfield, Nevada Department of Agriculture: Provided 2 seed lots to growers for 

the AOSCA Cooperative Seed Increase Programa (EROV and CLLU). 
17

d) Victor Vankus, National Tree Seed Laboratory, Dry Branch, GA: Provided seed of 

CRAC from three separate elevations at one site to develop seed germination testing 

rules. 

e) Bruce Roundy, Robert Johnson and Val Jo Anderson, Brigham Young University, Provo, 

UT. Provided seed of CRAC, BASA and EROV for seed ecology work. 

Meetings, publications, presentations, posters: 

a) May: T. Meyer attended one-day Insect workshop in Brigham City with other members 

of the Interagency Task Force to learn how to collect insects at plant material collection 

sites for predation and pollinator studies. T. Meyer attended two-day Interagency Plant 

Materials Committee in Boise and made short presentation about the new Ephraim seed 

warehouse and greenhouse. 

b) July: T. Meyer attended three-day Botanical Society of America meetings in Snowbird, 

Utah: presented her research on Xylorhiza: Meyer, Therese and Windham, M. D. – 

“Distinct species or hybrid swarm?: Investigating the taxonomic status of Cronquist’s 

Woodyaster”. 

c) September: T. Meyer staffed the DWR display at the Utah State Fair for four hours. T. 

Meyer and J. Vernon attended one-day Intermountain Native Plant Collectors and 

Growers meeting at Snow College organized by Stan Young of Utah Crop Improvement 

Association where T. Meyer gave a presentation about Division efforts to increase the 

crop potential of native plant materials, and J. Vernon reported on the Great Basin 

Research Center warehouse and seed mixing capability. 

d) November: T. Meyer and S. Walker attended three-day Intermountain Native Plant 

Summit in Boise. S. Walker gave a presentation about Division of Wildlife Resources 

contribution to range restoration and T. Meyer presented two posters: “Forb Accession 

Germination Studies”, and “Wildland Seed Longevity”. 

e) February 2005: T. Meyer and J. Vernon attended Society for Range Management national 

annual meeting in Fort Worth, Texas. T. Meyer presented an update on GBRC work on 

the Native Plant Selection and Increase Project. 

Work locations: 

- Project Headquarters - Great Basin Experimental Station, Ephraim, Sanpete County, Utah. 

- USFS Shrub Sciences Laboratory, Provo, Utah. 

- Utah field work: Box Elder, Tooele, Millard, Beaver, Iron, Washington, Garfield, Summit, 

Kane, Sevier, Piute, Rich, Wasatch, Emery, Carbon, Grand, San Juan, Duchesne, Uintah, Juab, 

Sanpete, Cache, Daggett and Utah counties. 

- Nevada field work: Utah, Lander, Elko, Humboldt, Eureka, Pershing, and Lincoln counties. 
18

Project Title: Native Plant Genetics, Ecophysiology, Plant Materials 

Development, and Seed Increase

Project Location: USDA-ARS Forage and Range Research Laboratory, Logan, UT

Principal Investigators: Douglas Johnson, Research Plant Physiologist, USDA-ARS 

Forage and Range Research Laboratory, Utah State University, 

Logan, UT 84322-6300, phone: 435-797-3067, fax: 435.797.3075, 

daj@cc.usu.edu 

Michael Peel, Research Geneticist, USDA-ARS Forage and Range 

Research Laboratory, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322-

6300, phone: 435-797-3288, fax: 435-797-3075, 

mpeel@cc.usu.edu

Steve Larson, Research Geneticist, USDA-ARS Forage and 

Range Research Laboratory, Utah State University, Logan, UT 

84322-6300, phone: 435-797-1703, fax: 435-797-3075, 

stlarson@cc.usu.edu 

Tom Monaco, Research Ecologist, USDA-ARS Forage and Range 

Research Laboratory, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322-

6300, phone: 435-797-3288, fax: 435-797-3075, 

tmonaco@cc.usu.edu 

Tom Jones, Research Geneticist, USDA-ARS Forage and Range 

Research Laboratory, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322-

6300, phone: 435-797-3082, fax: 435-797-3075, 

tomjones@cc.usu.edu 

This is a summary of research related to the BLM Great Basin Native Plant Selection and 

Increase Project that is being conducted at the USDA-ARS Forage and Range Research Lab at 

Logan with partial funding provided by the BLM Great Basin Native Plant Selection and 

Increase Project administered through the USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research 

Station. 

Project Description: 

Jones' funding was designated for seed increase of pending germplasm releases, germplasm 

development, and needle-and-thread (Hesperostipa comata) germplasm collection. Larson's 

funding was designated for genetic (DNA) analysis of bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria 

spicata), Leymus wildryes, squirreltail (Elymus elymoides and E. multisetus), Indian ricegrass 

(Achnatherum hymenoides), and Utah sweetvetch (Hedysarum boreale). Johnson's funding was 

designated for collection and evaluation of basalt milkvetch (Astragalus filipes). Peel's funding 

was designated to develop improved germplasm of globemallow (Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia 
19

and S. munroana). Monaco's funding was designated for physiological and ecological evaluation 

of bluebunch wheatgrass and squirreltail accessions. 

Project Status: 

Seed Increase and Collection of North American Grasses (Jones) 

• The first commercial seed harvest of Fish Creek and Toe Jam Creek bottlebrush 

squirreltail germplasms was produced in 2004, but most of the seed was used to plant 

additional fields. Seed is expected to be on the market in the fall of 2005. 

• Selection work continued on bottlebrush squirreltail material originating in Elmore Co., 

ID. Progeny of selected plants from three accessions collected in the vicinity of 

Mountain Home, ID were transplanted to a replicated field test in April 2003. Data were 

collected in 2003 and 2004. 

• Expedition Snake River wheatgrass and Columbia bluebunch wheatgrass were harvested 

for seed for the first time in 2004. They were planted in evaluation trials in fall 2004. 

Expedition and Columbia will be proposed for release in 2005. 

• White River Indian ricegrass was harvested for seed in 2003 and 2004. It was 

recommended for release in 2005. 

• Star Lake Indian ricegrass seed was distributed to growers and is expected to be planted 

in spring 2005. 

• Needle-and-thread grass collections were made in UT, CO, and WY in 2003 and ID and 

OR in 2004. 

Genetic Analyses of Leymus Grasses and Utah Sweetvetch (Larson) 

• Over 60 Leymus wildrye seed collections were made in ID, NV, and OR in 2004. 

• Assembled test plates containing 768 Leymus wildrye DNA samples, including nine 

North American species and 304 North American collection sites. Materials include 55 

GBRC collections, four Berta Youtie collections, and 61 new FRRL collections described 

above. 

• Identified chromosome regions controlling adaptive traits (salt-tolerance, seed dormancy, 

plant height, flowering period, growth habit, and mineral content) in North American 

Leymus wildryes. Initiated experiments to use high density Affmetrix DNA microarrays 

(22,000 expressed gene sequences) to evaluate DNA variation in North American Leymus

wildryes. 

• Analyzed DNA profiles from 376 Utah sweetvetch genotypes (plants) representing 21 

seed collections including at least 10 GBRC collections and 2 RMRS-SSL collections. 

Sphaeralcea Collection and Evaluation (Peel) 

• In the spring of 2004 a total of 28 lines of S. munroana and S. grossulariifolia were 

planted at two locations. Most are lines selected for improved plant vigor, persistence 

and seed production while others are from original collections made in 2002 and 2003. 

• Twenty six lines of S. coccinea were also planted at two locations in the spring of 2004. 

These are all selections for improved plant vigor, persistence and seed production. 
20

• Established materials will be evaluated for seed production, vigor and persistence. 

Promising materials will be selected for further testing and possible germplasm/cultivar 

release or used to generate a subsequent breeding cycle. 

• Aditional collections of S. grossulariifolia and S. munroana will be made during the 

summer of 2005. These will be evaluated for the traits of interest. Promising germplasm 

will be used to augment the current breeding materials. 

Basalt Milkvetch Collection and Evaluation (Johnson)

• During the summer of 2004, intensive efforts were again mounted to collect seed of 

basalt milkvetch. Supplemental seed collections were made from sites in a six-state area 

of the western U.S., where seed production or quality was poor in 2003. In addition, six 

seed collections were made in British Columbia, Canada to represent the furthest north 

extension of this species. This brings the total seed collections for basalt milkvetch to 83. 

• Detailed passport data (latitude, longitude, elevation, slope, soils data, associated species, 

etc.) for each of the species was entered into Excel format to document each collection. 

Seed of each of the collections and accompanying passport data will eventually be 

entered into the U.S. National Plant Germplasm System. 

• Soil samples from each of the basalt milkvetch sites for the 2003 seed collections were 

brought back to the lab, pooled with soils from all the sites, screened and homogenized, 

and added to greenhouse-grown seedlings. Fresh root nodules were harvested and sent 

by overnight mail to the Nitragin Company in Wisconsin. A total of six rhizobial strains 

were isolated from the nodules and will be tested in the greenhouse for their infectiveness 

and effectiveness at nitrogen fixation. 

• Greenhouse-grown seedlings of each of 2003 collections of basalt milkvetch were 

transplanted in replicated common garden plots at two sites in northern Utah. Plants in 

the common gardens will be evaluated for their morphological, physiological, and 

ecological attributes during 2005-2006. Possible characteristics for evaluation include: 

seedling establishment, plant vigor, forage yield/quality, grazing tolerance, persistence, 

and seed yield. 

• Forage samples from each of the new collections of basalt milkvetch made in 2004 were 

ground, extracted, and analyzed for toxic properties by Dr. Dale Gardner at the USDAARS Poisonous Plant Research Laboratory at Logan. As observed in 2003, amounts of 

nitrotoxins (3-nitropropanol), selenium, and swainsonine (compound that causes loco 

poisoning in animals and a product of a fungal-endophyte association) were either nondetectable or extremely low for all collections of basalt milkvetch. As a result, these 

collections do not appear to have any major livestock or wildlife toxicity problems. 

• About 100 plants from each of the 83 basalt milkvetch accessions are currently being 

started in a greenhouse at Logan. Depending on the establishment of the 2003 commongarden plots, these plants will be used to establish common gardens to examine all 

collections of basalt milkvetch. 

• Collaborations are continuing with Jim Cane at the USDA-ARS Bee Biology and 

Systematics Lab at Logan to study pollination and seed predation in basalt milkvetch. 

All 2004 seed collections were treated with pest strips after collection, and Jim examined 
21

all collections for seed predator presence. True weevils and seed beetles were found in 

most samples and are currently being taxonomically verified. 

• Seed from 30 collection sites was sent to Victor Vankus at the USDA-FS National Tree 

Seed Lab in Dry Branch, Georgia, to develop rules for testing seed of basalt milkvetch. 

This will aid in commercial marketing of basalt milkvetch seed. 

Physiology and Ecology of Bluebunch Wheatgrass and Squirreltail (Monaco) 

• Initial measurements of water relations, gas exchange, and 13C discrimination were made 

in 2004 on bluebunch wheatgrass and squirreltail. Plants established in a rain-out shelter 

were monitored for these variables in April, May and June to compare accessions 

exposed to soil-water availability gradients. 

• Experiments were conducted in replicated plots to evaluate the relationship between plant 

defoliation, neighbor plant removal, and physiological response to these integrated plant 

stresses in an accession of bluebunch wheatgrass and squirreltail. 

• A series of greenhouse experiments were initiated to evaluate the temporal variation in 

physiological mechanisms to cope with water limitation and competition with downy 

brome for select accessions of bluebunch wheatgrass, squirreltail, and Snake River 

wheatgrass accessions.

Products: 

Fish Creek bottlebrush squirreltail germplasm 

Toe Jam Creek bottlebrush squirreltail germplasm 

White River Indian ricegrass germplasm 

Star Lake Indian ricegrass germplasm 

Publications: 

Johnson, D. A., T. A. Jones, J. H. Cane, D. R. Gardner, and M. D. Peel. 2005. Basalt milkvetch 

and globemallows: North American forbs for rehabilitation, conservation, and forage production. 

Society for Range Management Annual Meeting, Fort Worth, TX. (abstract) 

Jones, T. A., D. C. Nielson, S. L. Caicco, G. A. Fenchel, and S. A. Young. 2005. Registration 

of Star Lake Indian ricegrass germplasm. Crop Sci. 45 (accepted). 

Jones, T. A., D. C. Nielson, S. R. Larson, D. A. Johnson, T. A. Monaco, S. L. Caicco, D. G. 

Ogle, and S. A. Young. 2004. Registration of Fish Creek bottlebrush squirreltail germplasm. 

Crop Sci. 44:1879-1880. 

Jones, T. A., D. C. Nielson, S. R. Larson, D. A. Johnson, T. A. Monaco, S. L. Caicco, D. G. 

Ogle, S. A. Young, and J. R. Carlson. 2004. Registration of Toe Jam Creek bottlebrush 

squirreltail germplasm. Crop Sci. 44:1880-1881. 

Larson, S. R., T. A. Jones, and K. B. Jensen. 2004. Population structure of Pseudoroegneria 

spicata (Poaceae: Triticeae) modeled by Bayesian clustering of AFLP genotypes. Am. J. Bot. 

1:1778-1800.
22

Larson, S.R. 2004. Phylogeography of bluebunch wheatgrass. In Proceedings, Intermountain 

Native Plant Summit III, Boise, ID. 2004. (abstract) 

Thygerson, T., T. A. Monaco, and D. A. Johnson. 2005. Ecological significance of drought 

resistance in Pseudoroegneria spicata and Elymus elymoides. Society for Range Management 

Annual Meeting, Fort Worth, TX. (abstract) 

 
23

Project Title: Pollinator and Seed Predator Studies

Project Location: USDA-ARS Bee Biology and Systematics Lab, Logan, UT 

Principal Investigator: Jim H. Cane, Research Entomologist, USDA-ARS Bee Biology 

 and Systematics Lab, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322- 

 5310, phone: 435.797.3879, fax: 435.797.0461 

 jcane@biology.usu.edu 

Description of Project: 

I expect native bees and/or honeybees are needed to pollinate most of the wildflower species 

considered for Great Basin rehabilitation. The pollinator faunas of many of these candidate plant 

genera include one or more bee genera with potentially manageable species. Pollinator needs are 

being evaluated by comparing fruit and seed sets at caged flowers, openly visited flowers, and 

manually pollinated flowers. If plant reproduction proves to be pollinator limited, then native 

bee faunas will be surveyed and evaluated at managed and wild flowering populations. If bees 

are sufficiently abundant, then single-visit pollination efficiencies at previously caged flowers 

can directly evidence each bee species’ contribution to seed production. Concurrently, drilled 

wooden nesting blocks will be placed in these habitats to acquire captive populations of one or 

more promising cavity-nesting pollinators. Currently managed bee species (alfalfa leaf-cutting 

bees, blue orchard bees, alkali bees, honey bees) will be evaluated for their pollination prowess 

with each of the target plant species as well, probably using managed stands maintained by BLM 

and USFS collaborators on this proposal. Practical management protocols and materials will be 

developed to sustainably manage pollinators on-farm. 

Status Report: 

Preliminary systematic censuses of bees (as individuals per 100 flowering plants) were sampled 

at Crepis acuminata, Lomatium dissectum, Lupinus argenteus, and Astragalus filipes, with 

additional censuses at Balsamorhiza sagittata and Hedysarum boreale. 

We now have planted out 20' x 20' plots (to fit our field pollination cages) with established 2-

year-old plants of Hedysarum boreale, Penstemon speciosus, Eriogonum umbellatum, and Dalea 

purpurea (a surrogate for D. ornata), one-year-old plants of Astragalus filipes, and annual stands 

of Cleome serrulata and C. lutea. All but the Cleome are planted through melted holes in weed 

barrier fabric (the Aberdeen method), and will be used with captive populations of cavity-nesting 

bees from the 2004 trap nesting program. 

Pollinators, particularly bees, will be needed for seed production at most of the native forbs 

chosen for this project from the Great Basin flora. In 2003, we found that autopollination rarely 

if ever yielded seed at Hedysarum or Balsamorhiza (the first such data for the tribes to which 

they belong). In 2004, painstaking manual pollinations of wee Dalea purpurea flowers revealed 

that autopollination yielded a meager 2% seed set, manual selfing resulted in 20% seed set, and 

outcrossing more than doubled selfing (45% seed set), the first such data for this large genus and 

its tribe, the Amorpheae. All of the matured seed had endosperm in our seed x-rays. Preliminary 
24

data for both Cleome serrulata and C. lutea indicate that they will be largely self-fertile but 

benefit from insect visitation; their prodigious nectar production makes them highly attractive to 

bees, wasps and butterflies, so pollination should be easily accomplished. 

In general, it appears that bees are the essential pollinators for the selected wildflower species. 

We found that sweetvetch hosts a rich diversity and abundance of bee species, including those of 

the genus Osmia (21 species and counting thus far), Megachile (Delomegachile), Hoplitis (3 

spp), Bombus (bumblebees) and Apis (honeybees). Excepting honeybees (which sought only 

nectar), most of these carry pure loads of Hedysarum pollen (n=16 bees sampled), indicative of 

their fidelity and preference for this species in mixed meadows. Several of the more common 

species consistently contact the stigma with pollen-laden hairs on every floral visit, encouraging 

evidence for their pollination value. The widespread species Megachile melanophaea was found 

to be especially consistent in delivering pollen loads to sweetvetch stigmas in excess of the total 

ovules per flower; bumblebees were likewise effective. Osmia, Hoplitis and Megachile also 

contain some species that nest above-ground in cavities, and therefore have management 

potential. Bumblebees, though avid visitors too, are not practical to manage outdoors. 

At Wind River Seed, we released a population of the blue orchard bee, Osmia lignaria, which 

fared well and provisioned exclusively with sweetvetch pollen (the sole legume host of this 

managed apple pollinator is redbud). The species pollination efficacy and sustainability will be 

evaluated this spring. At both Wind River Seed and two local plantings, we found several 

ground-nesting species of bees avidly working Hedysarum bloom and nesting in the field. Their 

numbers should only increase over the years at such plantings, so managed bees may only be 

needed as a bridge until wild faunas on farms become populous. This summer-flowering native 

plant’s popularity with diverse native bees at our field sites also promises that revegetation with 

sweetvetch will feed many native bee species wherever it is used for rehabilitation of the summer 

montane fauna. 

Our pollination experiments with this plant yielded mixed results. Clearly, no pods or seeds 

result from auto-pollination. Our careful attempts at manual pollination (self, cross, and wide 

outcross) yielded some pods (8-18% pod set) and seeds, but fell far short of the 51% pod set at 

freely visited flowers. We obtained an average of 28 good seeds per freely visited raceme of 

sweetvetch (2.6 seeds per pod). One likely hypothesis is that sweetvetch requires at least two 

visits, the first to break a pellicle that may cover the stigma, and the second to deliver pollen. 

This phenomenon has precedent with some other papillionaceous legumes. We will redouble our 

efforts at understanding sweetvetch breeding biology (particularly stigma receptivity), compare 

select bee species for single-visit pollen deposition on stigmas, and widen our survey of its 

pollinator fauna to include wild and managed populations in Wyoming. Pollination efficacy of 

the blue orchard bee also will be evaluated this spring, but in the greenhouse, and our ability to 

manage the species sustainably in sweetvetch will be evaluated in a field plot managed by Rick 

Dunne near Lanner, WY (despite snowfall on bloom upon our arrival). The species will only be 

useful for pollinating early-blooming populations, as overwintering bees cannot be held much 

past mid-May. 

Systematic samples of bee faunas continue, targeting six floral hosts sampled at nineteen 

locations in five states. Species of the bee genus Osmia dominated faunas at Hedysarum, A. 
25

filipes, Crepis, Lupinus and Balsamorhiza. I extended fieldwork with A. filipes this year, 

systematically sampling its bee faunas around the margins of its range in northeastern California, 

southcentral Idaho and eastern Nevada. It is relatively attractive to bees, including some of the 

same genera and species that visit the other legumes included in this project. There is promise 

that the same managed pollinator will be versatile enough to use on any of these three legumes. 

Snowfall in northeastern California just prior to bloom precluded pollination experiments there 

with A. filipes. Trap-nesting for its local bees there was also unsuccessful, owing to 

miscommunicated directions as to the location of the local host population. Trap-nesting of 

Hedysarum bees east of the Tetons amid patches of host was equally unsuccessful owing to their 

continuing drought. 

We were again successful trap-nesting bees in the mountains of northern Utah (Bear River 

Range), where we placed drilled wooden nesting blocks and nesting stems for cavity-nesting 

bees at 15 sites across a wide elevation gradient this past summer, obtaining some of the bee 

species that are visiting flowers of our target forb species. Occupied straws have been pulled and 

x-rayed; representative individuals will be pulled for the arduous identifications in the coming 

few months, and matched to the faunas obtained at flowers. 

From last year’s trap-nested fauna, we evaluated three species of Hoplitis bees as manageable 

pollinators for H. boreale. In large field cages, they happily foraged at sweetvetch, provisioning 

nest cells with its pollen and producing progeny. Preliminary single-visit pollination experiments 

reveal that they are good pollinators. However, when not confined to a cage, emerging females 

were prone to disperse away from provided nesting materials. We successfully managed and 

increased populations of the native bee Osmia californica for pollinating wild stands of 

balsamroot, estimating that perhaps 300 females will be needed per acre for seed production. 

We also increased a managed population of Osmia montana on Crepis, which should therefore 

be the suitable pollinator for producing outcrossed seed on tapertip hawksbeard. 

Recognizing the need for practical, affordable nesting management systems for any cavitynesting bees used to pollinate these forbs on farms, I have designed and field tested a prototype 

nesting shelter to be used for drilled blocks or other nesting substrates. The shelter is versatile, 

made from the nesting plastic totes used by the US Post Office. The metal bracket system, 

which quickly attaches to a T-post, is made by a California manufacturer of grape arbor 

equipment. The entire unit should cost ca. $25 each and endure for five or more years. It is 

quick for a single person to deploy, and stores in stacks. For managing the bee Osmia 

californica to pollinate a field of balsamroot, which I trialed this year, two shelters per acre 

should house sufficient bees to do the job. 

Native herbivorous insects have the potential to become pests of seed production on each of 

the wildflower species studied to date. Caterpillars of a gelechiid moth, Filatima xanthuris, uses 

silk to web together and devour flowering racemes and upper foliage of sweetvetch. The 

caterpillars drop from the plant to pupate in the soil. We found that infestations were persistent. 

Infested racemes rarely produced seeds, and at one site, 25% of racemes have been infested for 

two sequential years. Seed set at uninfested racemes of the same plants was unaffected. Left 

uncontrolled, this sweetvetch pest could therefore result in seed losses of at least 25%. It also 

infests lupine racemes. The species was previously unknown from Hedysarum. 
26

Seed weevils were found to attack green pods of the legumes, their larvae developing in the 

individual drying seeds. Two species of seed weevil of the genus Acanthoscelides in the 

subfamily Bruchinae (Chrysomelidae) have now been found. Seeds of sweetvetch were attacked 

by A. fraterculus, a new host genus record for this species. From Astragalus filipes seed 

obtained this year, we identified A. fraterculus as well as another species, Acanthoscelides 

pullus, both new host records too. Developing seeds of A. filipes sampled at 30 locations in 4 

states are also host to two species of true weevil in the genus Tychius, which were present at 95% 

of the locations. Seed sampled from 12 populations of Dalea ornata occasionally hosted 

Acanthoscelides (but a different species, A. dalaea, a new host record), but more commonly 

another weevil in the genus Apion that was widespread and predominant in samples (probably A. 

amaurum, a new host record for this Dalea specialist). This represents yet a third family of seedfeeding weevil for these legumes. In addition, a species of Smicronyx weevil was found 

infesting green seed of Lomatium dissectum. 

Our primary focus will be on establishing life histories for these and other herbivorous species 

that attack buds, flowers and seeds (adults are needed for ID). We will evaluate their abilities to 

travel and reproductively cycle in dried seed. As needed, I will help Bob Hammon at Colorado 

State to develop practical, safe and effective means of avoiding, excluding or treating each of 

these insects for future use when these wildflowers are grown in row crop agriculture. Certainly, 

his recommendation of using small squares of Vapona no-pest strips in seed collecting bags was 

100% effective in killing all stages of these beetles in hand-collected seed lots (up to a pound or 

two of seed per site). 

Publications: 

Cane, J.H. 2005. Pollination needs of arrowleaf balsamroot, Balsamorhiza sagittata

(Heliantheae: Asteraceae). Western North American Naturalist (in press). 

Cane, J.H. 2005. Bees for seeds of rehabilitation forbs in the Great Basin. In Symposium on 

Fire Rehabilitation Management. Society for Range Management, Salt Lake City, UT. Invited 

(publ. abstract). 

Cane, J.H. 2005. Bees and seed production for native plant restoration in wildlands. In 

Symposium on Bee health and management. Entomol. Soc. Amer., National meeting, Salt Lake 

City, UT. Invited (publ. abstract) 
Project Title: Establishment and Maintenance of the Buy-Back 

Program for Certified Seed 

Project Location: Utah Crop Improvement Association, Utah State University 

Principle Investigators: Stanford Young, Utah Crop Improvement Association, Utah State 

 University, Logan, UT 84322-4855, phone: 435.797.2082, fax: 

435.797.3376, sayoung@mendel.usu.edu 

 Michael Bouck, Utah Crop Improvement Association, Utah State 

 University, Logan, UT 84322-4855, phone: 435.797.2101, fax: 

435.797.3376, michaelb@mendel.usu.edu 

Project Description: This project is funded through a Memorandum of Understanding between the 

USFS-RMRS in Boise and the Utah Crop Improvement Association (UCIA), initiated in the fall of 

2003 and renewed with additional funds in the fall of 2004. Seed was distributed using the Buy-back 

option, a mechanism for obtaining a portion of the seed increased by private growers back to the UCIA 

for redistribution to the original and additional seed growers for further seed increase.

Project Status: An explanation of the protocols and procedures of the Buy-back Program follows on 

the next two pages (dated February 24, 2005). This program encourages and allows seed growers to 

benefit economically in a more timely manner as an incentive to participate in the program. It will 

help accelerate the increase in stock seed supplies and ultimately increase seed supplies in the open 

market for commercial revegetation use. Tables 1 and 2 list forb and grass seed acquisitions, 

distributions, inventory and field planting status for species germplasm included in the UCIA Stock 

Seed Buy-back Program from 2002-2004. Forb species included in the program to date include: 

Achillea millefolium (western yarrow; Eagle germplasm), Balsamorhiza hookeri (Hooker balsamroot), 

Crepis acuminata (tapertip hawksbeard), Lomatium dissectum (giant lomatium), L. triternatum (ternate 

lomatium), Penstemon acuminatus (sharpleaf penstemon), P. cyaneus (blue penstemon), P. deustus

(hotrock penstemon), P. pachyphyllus (thickleaf penstemon), Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia

(gooseberryleaf globemallow), S. parvifolia (Nelson globemallow), and Tragopogon dubius (yellow 

salsify). Grasses included in the program to date include: Achnatherum hymenoides (Indian ricegrass; 

Star Lake germplasm), Elymus elymoides ssp. californicus (bottlebrush squirreltail; Toe Jam Creek 

germplasm), E. elymoides ssp. elymoides (bottlebrush squirreltail; Fish Creek germplasm), E. 

multisetus (big squirreltail; Sand Hollow germplasm), Nassella viridula (green needlegrass; Cucharas 

germplasm), (Poa secunda (Sandberg bluegrass; Mountain Home germplasm), and Pseudoroegneria 

spicata (bluebunch wheatgrass; P7 and Anatone germplasms). 

Presentation: 

Young, S.; DeBolt, A.; Lowry, G.H. 2005. Native plant source-identified stock seed increase. In: 

Abstracts: Society for Range Management 58th Annual Meeting. Fort Worth, TX. Abstract 386. 

27
Great Basin Native Plant Selection 

and Increase Project (GBNPSIP) 

Utah Crop Improvement Association (UCIA) 

Stock Seed Buy-back Program 

February 24, 2005 Update 

This program update encourages and allows seed growers to benefit economically in a more 

timely manner as an incentive to participate in the UCIA Stock Seed Buy-back Program. The 

program will help accelerate the increase in stock seed supplies and ultimately increase seed 

supplies on the open market. 

The purpose of the UCIA Stock Seed Buy-back Program, funded through the GBNPSIP, is: 1) to facilitate 

development of a seed market for formal germplasm releases developed through the GBNPSIP prior to 2003; 2) 

to reward initial seed growers financially for the risks they have assumed to participate in the program; 3) to 

document germplasm identity through the seed increase process by utilizing seed certification protocols; and 4) 

to increase stock seed available for potential secondary seed growers. This program is administered through 

the Utah Crop Improvement Association. 

The mechanisms for purchasing stock seed from growers and redistributing it for further increase are as follows: 

1. Utah Crop Improvement Association (UCIA) offers for free or for sale (depending on seed generation

and availability) stock seed to seed growers. 

2. After harvest of the first seed production year, the grower will be required to return to the UCIA (for

inventory reserve) up to twice the original amount of stock seed he/she received. More may be returned

if mutually negotiated. The grower will be compensated 125% of the standardized market price (SMP,

see Table A) for all seed returned to UCIA. SMP will be updated as needed. 

3. UCIA may negotiate to buy all or part of the seed from any subsequent years of seed production back 

from seed grower at 125% SMP. 

4. UCIA offers the grower the option to immediately buy back the seed sold to the UCIA (except for the

inventory reserve) at 100% SMP. The grower thus realizes an immediate 25% premium incentive to

expand plantings and remain in the program. This seed must be planted for seed production and 

entered into the local seed certification program either by original seed grower or another seed grower 

recruited by the original seed grower. If this seed is instead sold commercially, the UCIA reserves the 

right to recover the 25% premium paid for the seed. 

5. All seed offered to the UCIA, bought, or sold shall be certified or certified eligible.

6. UCIA agrees to pay for shipping and seed analysis costs. Seed purchasing, shipping, and seed 

analysis costs are to be reimbursed to the UCIA through GBNPSIP program funds. 

7. If seed is unconditioned when purchased by the UCIA, the seed grower may be charged for conditioning

costs, or in certain circumstances these costs may be paid by the UCIA and reimbursed by the

GBNPSIP. 

Notes: 

1. Seed quantity and quality (lbs PLS) of original stock seed provided to the seed grower will be

determined on a case by case basis in order to determine the amount of seed that must be returned to

the UCIA from the first harvestable crop by the seed grower. 

2. When the original seed grower sells to the UCIA and/or buys back seed (as in points 3 and 4 above) the 

amount of seed (lbs PLS) will typically be verified through the applicable state seed certification agency.

Some instances may require special negotiation. 

28
Table A. Standardized Market Price (SMP) list example. This table includes seed

distributed to growers by Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project 

cooperators (UCIA Stock Seed Buy-back Program) in the fall of 2002. 

2003 

Common Name Scientific Name SMP 

Hooker’s balsamroot Balsamorhiza hookeri $ 40.00 

Tapertip hawksbeard Crepis acuminata $ 140.00 

Giant lomatium Lomatium dissectum $ 40.00 

Ternate lomatium Lomatium triternatum $ 40.00 

Sharpleaf penstemon Penstemon acuminatus $ 40.00 

Blue penstemon Penstemon cyaneus $ 40.00 

Hot-rock penstemon Penstemon deustus $ 40.00 

Thickleaf penstemon Penstemon pachyphyllus $ 35.00 

Nelson globemallow Sphaeralcea parvifolia $ 80.00 

Gooseberryleaf globemallow Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia $ 80.00 

Yellow salsify Tragopogon dubius $ 30.00 

Note: Other species will be added as appropriate for subsequent years’ distribution. 

29
Table 1. Utah Crop Improvement Association (UCIA) forb seed acquisition, distribution inventory, and field planting status for 

the Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project, UCIA Stock Seed Buy-back Program. 

Kind & Variety/Germplasm Lot/Source 

Seed acquisition & 

production status Generation 

Added to 

Inventory Date 

Dist

from 

FORBS bulk bAchillea millefolium Western Yarrow Eagle Germplasm NSW4-1-EMY1-1 *3 G2 5 lbs 11/10/04 Balsamoriza hookeri BAHO B1-02 *1*2 G0 271g Fall 2002 2Hooker BalsamrootCrepis acuminata CRAC U11-02 *1*2 G0 50 g Fall 2002 5Tapertip Hawksbeard Lomatium dissectum LODI B7-02 *1*2 G0 39 g Fall 2002 3Giant Lomatium LODI B14-02 *1*2 G0 96 g Fall 2002 9

LODI PS-04 *3 G1 60 g 11/30/04 

Lomatium triternatum LOTRT B2-02 *1*2 G0 446 g Fall 2002 4Ternate Lomatium Penstemon acuminatus PEAC2 B4-02 *1*2 G0 102 g Fall 2002 1Sharpleaf Penstemon PEAC2 B1-01 *1*2 G0 37 g Fall 2002 3Penstemon cyaneus PECY2 B6-02 *1*2 G0 968 g Fall 2002 9Blue Penstemon PPI-04-1 *3 G1 3 lbs 1/6/05 Penstemon deustus PEDE B11-02 *1*2 G0 150 g Fall 2002 1
Hotrock Penstemon PEDE B10-02 *1*2 G0 123 g Fall 2002 1

Penstemon pachyphyllus PEPA2 U6-99 *1*2 G0 1020 g Fall 2002 10Thickleaf Penstemon PEPA PS-04 *3 G1 345 g 11/30/04 Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia SPGR U19-02 *1*2 G0 150 g Fall 2002 1Gooseberryleaf Globemallow SPGR PS-04 *3 G1 130 g 11/30/04 

SPGR U13-01 *1*2 G0 150 g Fall 2002 1

Sphlaeralcea parvifolia SPPA U14-02 *1*2 G0 150 g Fall 2002 1Nelson Globemallow S04-2-4 *3 G1 1.44 lbs 8/19/04 Tragopogon dubius TRDU U2-02 *2 G0 5.44 lbs Fall 2002 5.4Yellow Salsify TRDU DW-04 *3 G1 201 g 9/15/04 

subtotal 23.69 lbs 13

Table 2. Utah Crop Improvement Association (UCIA) grass seed acquisition, distribution inventory, and field planting status fo

in the Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project, UCIA Stock Seed Buy-back Program. 

Kind & Variety/Germplasm Lot/ Source 

Seed acquisition & 

production status Generation 

Added to 

Inventory Date 

Distrib

fro

Inven

GRASS bulk lbs buBluebunch Wheatgrass

P7 Germplasm BB-3207, UCIA 84 *2 G4 450.0 10/15/03 0.0

Anatone Germplasm JA-03, UCIA 44 *3 G2 300.0 3/4/04 300

Green Needlegrass 

Cucharas Germplasm 2000 *2 10.8 2/5/02 0.

2001 *2 9.2 2/5/02 0.
Indian Ricegrass 

Star lake Germplasm GV LOW, ARS 14 *1*2 G2 5.0 3/15/04 5.

GV MED *1*2 G2 4.0 10/19/04 0.

Sandberg Bluegrass 

Mountain Home Germplasm 557-215-31A *3 G2 304.0 254

Squirreltail (Bottlebrush) 

Sand Hollow Germplasm SH ET-02 *2 G2 25.4 11/15/02 0.

Toe Jam Creek Germplasm 2001-02 *1*2 G3 5.8 11/30/02 5.

LHS1B2G-335 *3 G4 40.0 11/12/04 0.

Fish Creek Germplasm 1999-2002 *1*2 G3 4.8 11/30/02 4.

LHS1B2H-335 *3 G4 47.0 11/12/04 0.

subtotal 1206.0 569

Total 1229.7 583

*1 Currently under Stock Seed Increase contract with grower/cooperators *2 Seed acquired at no charge from GBRI Cooperators *3 Cost of seed reimbursed to UCIA through USFS joint venture Buy-back Program agreement. 
 Project Title: The AOSCA Cooperative Native Seed Increase Program

Project Location: Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Oregon, Washington 

Principal Investigators: Ann DeBolt, Botanist, USDA-FS-RMRS-Boise, 316 E. Myrtle, 

Boise, ID 83702, phone: 208.373.4366, fax: 208.373.4391, 

adebolt@fs.fed.us 

Greg Lowry, Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies 

Executive Vice President (through October 2004), Idaho Crop 

Improvement Association, 55 S.W. Fifth Avenue, Suite 150, 

Meridian, ID 83642, phone: 208.884.8225, fax: 208.884.4201, 

ghlowry@aol.com

Nancy Shaw, Research Botanist, USDA-FS-RMRS, 316 E. 

Myrtle, Boise, ID 83702, phone: 208.373.4360, fax: 208.373.4391, 

nshaw@fs.fed.us 

Project Description: In May 2003, Greg Lowry, AOSCA executive vice president, invited the 

Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project to submit a proposal to work through 

that national organization towards the development of a multi-state approach for increasing 

native forb seed supplies for Great Basin restoration. The program involves distribution of 

wildland collected seed to growers via the Foundation Seed Programs of states producing seed 

for the Great Basin (Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and surrounding areas). The 

emphasis is generally on species not on the research species list (though several research species 

have been included to attempt to “jump-start” their availability), but on other species of interest

to BLM Districts in the Great Basin. In November 2003, RMRS and AOSCA drafted and signed 

an agreement implementing this program. 

Project Status: The first seed lots were distributed in March 2004, with additional lots 

distributed in late summer. A total of 14 lots representing 11 species have been distributed to 8 

growers in 5 states. The table below lists species, accession data, and state to which the seed lots 

were distributed. 

Program Manager 

Name & State Species Lot Number 

Seed

Origin Weight (g) Distribution Date

Kathy Stewart-Williams (ID) 

Thurber needlegrass 

Sulfur buckwheat 

Sagebrush penstemon 

ACHTHU2-BSE-03 

ERUM U9-03 

PENSPE9A-BSE-03 

NV 

NV 

OR 

 13.6 

 99 

212 

August 2004 

Gary Cross (NV) 

Yellow beeplant 

Oval-leaf buckwheat 

CLLU U1-01 

EROV U9-02 

NV 

NV 

300 

 10 

August 2004 

Stanford Young (UT) 

Arrowleaf balsamroot 

Tapertip hawksbeard 

Wyeth buckwheat 

Fernleaf biscuitroot 

Fernleaf biscuitroot 

Sagebrush penstemon 

BASA U32-02 

CRAC U10-01 

ERIHER1-BSE-03 

LOMDIS18-BSE-03 

LODI 11-B7-03 

PENSPE1-BSE-03 

NV 

NV 

ID 

ID 

OR 

ID 

735 

110 

 43 

488 

 91 

 92 

March 2004 

Lee Schweitzer (OR) 

Arrowleaf balsamroot 

Munro globemallow 

BalSag55-BSE-04 

SphMun3-BSE-04 

OR 

OR 

390 

 45.2 

September 2004

Jerry Robinson (WA) Royal penstemon Pecy1-B6-02 ID 300 October 2004

33
2004 Products: 

- Program coordination meeting with BLM, USFS-RMRS, the AOSCA Executive Vice 

President, Idaho Foundation Seed Program manager, and 2 seed producers (February 4, 2004). 

- Presentation: 

Young, S.; DeBolt, A.; Lowry, G.H. 2005. Native plant source-identified stock seed increase. In: 

Abstracts: Society for Range Management 58th Annual Meeting. Fort Worth, TX. Abstract 386. 

2005 Work Plans: Additional species’ seed lots will be collected this year. Species of potential 

interest include Machaeranthera canescens (hoary aster), Eriogonum microthecum (slenderleaf 

buckwheat), Crepis occidentalis (western hawksbeard), Chaenactis douglasii (Douglas falseyarrow), Erigeron pumilus (shaggy fleabane), and Trifolium macrocephalum (bighead clover). 

Seed will be cleaned, tested and source identified prior to distribution to state foundation seed 

program managers. 

A program coordination meeting will be held in April with participants from BLM, RMRS, the 

new AOSCA Executive Vice President, and at least two state foundation seed managers. 

Additional information about the program will be added to the USFS RMRS web site. 

34
Project Title: Establishment and Maintenance of Certified Generation 1 

(G1) Seed

Project Location: NRCS Aberdeen, ID Plant Materials Center 

Principal Investigators: Loren St. John, Center Manager, USDA-NRCS Aberdeen Plant 

 Materials Center, P.O. Box 296, Aberdeen, ID 83210, phone: 

 208.397.4133, Loren.Stjohn@id.usda.gov 

Dan Ogle, Plant Materials Specialist, USDA-NRCS, 9173 West 

Barnes Drive, Suite C, Boise, ID 83709, phone: 208.378.5730, 

Dan.Ogle@id.usda.gov 

Description of Project: Production of Certified Generation 1 (G1) seed of Maple Grove 

Germplasm Lewis flax; Anatone Germplasm bluebunch wheatgrass; Snake River Plains 

Germplasm fourwing saltbush; and Northern Cold Desert Germplasm winterfat; to facilitate 

commercial seed production. Evaluate procedures for production of rooted cuttings of fourwing 

saltbush. Establish demonstration planting near Boise, ID. 

Status Report: 

Seed Production 

Maple Grove Germplasm Lewis Flax – Officially released July 22, 2004. Seeded 1.8 acre 

field on May 31, 2002. Produced 615 pounds of seed in 2003. Shipped 240 pounds of Certified 

seed to commercial seed growers in 2004. Due to windstorm after swathing in 2004, only 30 

pounds of seed was salvaged. Seed field plowed due to weed competition. New seed field to be 

established spring, 2005. 

Anatone Germplasm bluebunch wheatgrass – Released officially March 5, 2004. Seeded 1.0 

acre field on May 31, 2002. Produced 240 pounds of seed in 2003. Shipped 20 pounds of 

Certified seed to commercial seed growers in 2004. Produced 472 pounds in 2004 (seed analysis 

pending). New seed field (2.4 acres) established in May 2004. 

Snake River Plains Germplasm fourwing saltbush – Produced 45 pounds of seed in 2003 and 

2004. Shipped 2 pounds of Certified seed to commercial growers in 2004. 

Northern Cold Desert Germplasm winterfat - Produced 15 pounds of seed in 2003 and 10 

pounds in 2004. Shipped 8 pounds of Certified seed to commercial growers in 2004. 

Propagation Studies 

Propagation of rooted fourwing saltbush from cuttings:

On August 12, 2004 cuttings were taken from mature fourwing saltbush (Atriplex canescens) 

Snake River Plains Germplasm at the Aberdeen Plant Materials Center home farm. Cuttings 

were made with the base approximately 1/8-3/16” diameter. Cuttings were placed in 5 gallon 

35
buckets lined with wet burlap sacs to prevent drying, and transported to the greenhouse for 

trimming. Field cuttings were trimmed to approximately 7 inches long and all leaves and shoots 

were removed except the apical shoot. Cuttings were then dipped in Rootone® rooting hormone 

with fungicide and placed in 40 cubic inch conetainers filled with a 1:1:1 soil mixture of peat, 

sand and perlite. Each conetainer contained two cuttings. Total elapsed time between cutting in 

the field and planting into soil was under 2 hours. Containers were then soaked manually with a 

hose and garden mist nozzle to field capacity. Planted cuttings were left in the headhouse 

overnight before moving into greenhouse. 

Plants were maintained in the PMC greenhouse between 70 and 85 degrees F. Supplementary 

lighting was employed from 1900 to 2300 daily. 

The trial was divided into two treatments involving different watering regimes. The first 

treatment, called hereafter traditional, was a watering schedule of 30 minutes of overhead spray 

on Tuesday and 60 minutes on Thursday of each week. The second treatment, misting, involved 

repeated mistings of 15 seconds every 20 minutes during the warm portions of the day (0700 to 

2300). 

Survival 9/27/04 (cutting + 6 weeks) 

Misting resulted in an overall survival of 52 percent versus 13 percent survival for the cuttings 

under traditional irrigation. 

MIST Survival % TRADITIONAL Survival %

♀ 32/38 84 ♀ 0/40 0 

♀ 22/40 55 ♀ 12/40 30

♀ 22/40 55 ♀ 8/40 20

♀ 15/40 38 ♀ 0/40 0 

♂ 12/40 30 ♂ 5/40 13

TOTAL 103/198 52 25/200 13

Greenhouse seedling establishment study: The objective is to evaluate fourwing saltbush 

seedling emergence based upon number of propagules planted per cell (5 versus 10 per cell) and 

to identify the number of days to emergence, growth rates and transplant dates. As reported in 

2002, 75 percent of the seedlings had red stems and 25 percent had white stems at the time of 

transplanting. The question arose as to whether or not this phenological difference could be an 

indication of the sex of the plant. Plants are being maintained in the field to determine if this is 

possible. 

Establishment of Demonstration Planting near Boise 

The BLM burned a 1-acre site at the Orchard Research Area in fall of 2002. The site was 

sprayed by the PMC in May of 2003 and 2004 with Roundup and 2,4-D at 64 oz and 16 oz. per 

acre, respectively. Excellent kill was achieved. Due to limited breakdown of dead grass clumps 

that would inhibit proper seed placement with the drill and to ensure a clean seedbed, the 

36
decision was made to lightly cultivate the site with a culti-packer the day before seeding. The 

demonstration planting was seeded November 16, 2004. There are 82 accessions of 27 native 

and introduced grass, forb and shrub species planted in 7 x 60 foot plots. Plots will be evaluated 

in 2005 to document establishment and plant performance. A plot map and description of the 

accessions planted were developed as a self-guided tour of the demonstration nursery. They are 

provided in Appendix 2. 

37
Project Titles: - Seed Collecting Practices and Shrub Manipulations to 

Improve Sustainable Seed Yield in Wildland Shrub 

Stands 

- Crested Wheatgrass Diversification 

- Heat Accumulation Study 

- Forb Production Cultural Practices

Project Location: Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 

Principal Investigators: Bruce Roundy, Professor, Department of Integrative Biology, 

 Brigham Young University, 495 WIDB, Provo, UT 84602, 

 phone: 801.422.8137, bruce_roundy@byu.edu 

Val Jo Anderson, Professor, Department of Integrative Biology, 

Brigham Young University, 493 WIDB, Provo, UT 84602, phone: 

801.422.3527, val_anderson@byu.edu 

Robert Johnson, Research Assistant, Department of Integrative 

Biology, Brigham Young University, 489 WIDB, Provo, UT 

84602, phone: 801.422.3311, robert_johnson@byu.edu 

Seed Collecting Practices and Shrub Manipulations to Improve Sustainable Seed Yield in 

Wildland Shrub Stands 

The schedule of proposed work in 2004 was delayed because of the slower than anticipated 

funding process that didn’t make funds available until mid-July. Added to this was a labored 

process of obtaining clearances before enclosures could be constructed and treatments effected. 

Nonethless, we were successful in 2004 to get clearances on sites in Utah (Utah State Lands), 

Nevada (USFS) and Idaho (BLM) where bitterbrush and Wyoming big sagebrush were growing 

in relatively close proximity (see attached maps). Work began on sites the last 2 weeks in 

August and continued on weekends through fall semester as weather permitted with student 

crews. Unfortunately, bitterbrush seed had shattered by the time sites were approved and we 

missed the seed collection treatment window. Sagebrush seed collection, however, was 

completed at all sites in the fall of 2004. 

 

In Nevada, the 1 acre enclosures were erected at both sites and vegetation clearing, shrub 

pruning and fertilizer application was completed on the bitterbrush site. Except for pruning, all 

other treatments were completed on the sagebrush site. This treatment will occur in February 

2005. 

 

In Idaho, enclosures at both sites were constructed and all treatments were completed on the 

sagebrush site. On the bitterbrush site, vegetation was cleared but pruning and fertilization 

treatments will be completed in February 2005. 

 

38
On the Utah sites, all treatments for both species were completed, however the enclosures are 

only partially complete with most of the posts in place. The netting can’t be installed until it is 

dry enough to get equipment back on the site (probably April). 

 

This project will be back on the proposed schedule by May 2005 except for the bitterbrush seed 

collection. 

 

 

Crested Wheatgrass Diversification Study 

 

Two study sites in Utah were selected in early fall of 2004 by Bruce Roundy and BLM officials. 

We have been working with BLM officials since that time to obtain the required archeological 

and wildlife clearances, but have not yet been approved for fence construction. This project 

should be on schedule for fence building and baseline inventories in summer 2005 with 

treatments occurring in fall 2005. 

 

Heat Accumulation Study 

 

The heat accumulation study is underway using less sensitive and more available species to 

develop the model. Once a working model is in place and seed for the targeted forb species is 

readily available, the target forbs will be subjected to the model. 

 

Forb Production Cultural Practices 

Wildland Collections 

 

In 2004, part of our responsibility was to make wildland collections of some of our forb research 

species. This was required because of low seed availability from seed collected in earlier years. 

Scott Jensen identified populations of the various forbs and tasked us with the collection. We

collected Phlox longifolia and Agoseris glauca from Santaquin Canyon, UT, Crepis acuminata 

from just north of Winnemucca, NV, Eriogonum ovalifolium from north of Wendover, NV, and 

Sphaeralcea coccinea and S. grossulariifolia from Cedar Valley, UT. 

 

Herbicide Tolerance Evaluation 

 

Even though seed availability remained low during 2004, herbicide trials were conducted for 

four species that were either not tested the previous year or not completely tested. Those species 

include: Agoseris glauca, Eriogonum ovalifolium, Crepis acuminata, and Sphaeralcea 

munroana. 

 

Seedling emergence was conducted on all four species with preliminary results generalized as 

follows: 

 

Agoseris glauca – least sensitive to Plateau 

39
Eriogonum ovalifolium – least sensitive to Prowl; overall low germination requires repeat 

Crepis acuminata - overall low germination requires repeat 

Sphaeralcea munroana – least sensitive to Buctril 

 

The effect of herbicides on seedlings was evaluated for A. glauca and S. munroana. Preliminary 

results are as follows: 

 

Agoseris glauca – equally resistant to Plateau, Prowl, and Pursuit at all rates. 

Sphaeralcea munroana – equally resistant to Buctril, Prowl, and Pursuit at all rates, and Plateau 

at medium and low rates. 

 

A second year of data for these species will be collected during spring 2005, as well as imposing 

5 new herbicides on the forb species under investigation. Except for Eriogonum ovalifolium, we 

were able to wild collect or harvest adequate seed to accomplish the 2005 objectives. 

 

Seeding Depth Evaluation 

 

A second year of seeding depth trials was conducted during 2004. Depth trials were conducted 

from both sandy-loam and clay-loam soils (Figures 1 and 2 below). 

0 1/4 1/2 3/4

Trdu

Spgr

Spco

Erov

Crac

Asut

Aggl

1

Figure 1. Optimum seeding depth for sandy loam soil 

0 1/4 1/2 3/4 1 40

Trdu

Spgr

Spco

Phlox

Erov

Crac

Asut

Aggl

Figure 2. Optimum seeding depth for clay loam soil 
 Cultural Requirements for Eight Native Forbs

 

Plants were replanted in spring of 2004 to ensure a balanced design with all species in all 

treatments the same age. Inadequate plant availability the previous year necessitated replanting. 

During the first season, four of the eight species flowered and produced seed. Seed was 

harvested and analyzed for yield. Yield results are summarized below: 

 

Sphaeralcea munroana

Peak production: mid August 

Order of seed production/plant by spacing (greatest to least): 18”, 12”, 6” 

Order of seed production/acre by treatment (greatest to least): plastic mulch, no mulch, fabric 

mulch, paper mulch. 

 

Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia

Peak production: mid August 

Order of seed production/plant by spacing (greatest to least): 18”, 12”, 6” 

Order of seed production/acre by treatment (greatest to least): plastic mulch, fabric mulch, no 

mulch, paper mulch. 

 

Sphaeralcea coccinea

Peak production: early-mid September 

Order of seed production/plant by spacing (greatest to least): 12”, 6” 

Order of seed production/acre by treatment (greatest to least): fabric mulch, plastic mulch, no 

mulch. 

 

Tragopogon dubius

Peak production: mid August 

Order of seed production/plant by spacing (greatest to least): 18”, 12”, 6” 

Order of seed production/acre by treatment (greatest to least): plastic mulch, paper mulch, no 

mulch, fabric mulch. 

 

Tragopogon dubius performed as an annual so will no longer be evaluated. The other species 

should reach their maximum performance during 2005. Seed will again be collected and 

evaluated. The species that did not produce seed in 2004 are expected to do so in 2005. The 

irrigation system which was laid out on the ground surface will require repair due to exposure to 

the elements. 

 

Evaluation of Drill Seeding Rates 

 

To date, seed availability has precluded implementation of this study. For some species, 

sufficient seed was collected in 2004 or harvested from plots to implement the study. Adequate 

seed of the two Sphaeralcea species, Tragopogon, and Crepis acuminata have been procured. 

Seed shortages still include Phlox longifolia, Eriogonum ovalifolium, Agoseris glauca, and 

Astragalus utahensis. 

41
Presentations/Published Abstracts:

Armstrong, J.C., R.L. Johnson and V.J. Anderson. 2005. Environmentally induced dormancy in 

Bromus tectorum. Presented at the Society for Range Management annual meeting, Abstract #9, 

Fort Worth, TX. 

Coleman, J.K., V.J. Anderson and R.L. Johnson. 2005. The effect of seeding depth and soil type 

on emergence and seedling vigor of 8 forbs. Presented at the Society for Range Management 

annual meeting, Abstract # 60, Fort Worth, TX. 

Johnson, R.L., V.J. Anderson and B.A. Roundy. 2005. Investigations into cultural practices to 

raise native forbs. Presented at the Society for Range Management annual meeting, Abstract 

#182, Fort Worth, TX. 

Roberts, F.L., V.J. Anderson and R.L. Johnson. 2005. The effect of seven herbicides on eight

native rangeland forbs in greenhouse trials. Presented at the Society for Range 

Management annual meeting, Abstract # 287, Fort Worth, TX. 

Johnson, R.L. and V.J. Anderson. 2004. Native plant research for restoration application. 

Presented at the Intermountain Native Plant Summit III. Boise, ID. 

Krebs, T., V.J. Anderson and R.L. Johnson. 2004. The effect of seeding depth and soil type on 

emergence and seedling vigor of 6 forbs. Presented at the Society for Range 

Management annual meeting, Abstract pg. 96, Salt Lake City, UT. 

Marchant, L.H., V.J. Anderson and R.L. Johnson. 2004. Seedling response of several native 

forbs to varied rates of 7 herbicides. Presented at the Society for Range Management annual

meeting, Abstract pg. 110, Salt Lake City, UT. 

Voss, J.C., V.J. Anderson and R.L. Johnson. 2004. Response of established plants of native 

forbs to varied rates of 7 herbicides. Presented at the Society for Range Management annual

meeting, Abstract pg. 179, Salt Lake City, UT. 

42
Project Title: Development of Germination Protocols, Seed Weight, 

Purity, and Seed Conditioning/Cleaning Protocols for 

Great Basin Grasses and Forbs 

Project Location: USDA-FS National Tree Seed Laboratory, Dry Branch, GA

Principal Investigators: Robert Karrfalt, Director, USDA-FS National Tree Seed 

Laboratory, 5675 Riggins Mill Road, Dry Branch, GA 31020, 

phone: 478.751.3551, rkarrfalt@fs.fed.us 

 

Victor Vankus, Botanist, USDA-FS National Tree Seed 

Laboratory, 5675 Riggins Mill Road, Dry Branch, GA 31020, 

phone: 478.751.6656, fax: 478.751.4135, vvankus@fs.fed.us

 

Project Description: 

The National Tree Seed Laboratory is collaborating with other members of the Great Basin 

Native Plant Selection and Increase Project to develop seed testing protocols for research 

species. This includes determination of AOSA minimum purity weight recommendations and 

protocols for germination and purity determinations. This work is essential for eventual 

development of AOSA rules if seeds are marketed in multiple states. Seed test results are 

important to buyers and sellers for product labeling, to growers for plant production and to seed 

control officials for enforcement of state and federal seed laws. Seed testing rules for these 

species will be necessary as their seed enters the marketplace. 

Species and number of collections received from cooperators to date include: Astragalus filipes 

30, Crepis acuminata 3, Eriogonum umbellatum 22, Lomatium dissectum 13, Lomatium grayi 5, 

Lomatium triternatum 5, Penstemon acuminatus 15, Penstemon deustus 21, and Penstemon 

speciosus 8. 

We are conducting seed counts to determine purity and seed weight. Germination trials are being 

designed using recommendations provided by the cooperator, or literature on the species or a 

related species. Germination trials are generally conducted with or without light, with or without 

a prechill, and at two temperatures. 

Project Status: 

Results are being posted on our website 

(http://www.ntsl.fs.fed.us/great_basin_native_plants.html). Germination or other testing data or 

protocols developed by members of the Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project 

can also be posted on this site. This provides a means of communicating with their users, and 

with seed laboratories that are members of the AOSA Tree, Shrub, and Native Forb Committee 

(TSNF) (this includes the state seed laboratories in Utah, Idaho, and Oregon as well as private 

laboratories). Data will also be submitted to the AOSA reference base “Suggested purity and /or 

germination procedures for species without AOSA testing rules” 

(http://www.aosaseed.com/reference.html). Successful, duplicated germination methods will be 

submitted to AOSA for inclusion in the AOSA reference base. As greater quantities of seed 

43
become available for a particular species, ring tests can be conducted between a few AOSA and 

research laboratories. Rule proposals developed and submitted to AOSA will be based on this 

ring test data. 

The NTSL will communicate with the other AOSA seed testing laboratories to share information 

and to request feedback on our germination trials. Information on our purity and germination 

trials will be submitted to the AOSA reference base later this spring. The AOSA TSNF group 

will also discuss this work at our June 2005 meeting. 

44
Project Title: Insect Pests of Selected Grass and Forb Species in the 

 Great Basin

Project Location: Colorado State University Cooperative Extension, Tri-River Area, 

Grand Junction, CO 

Principal Investigators: Robert Hammon, Extension Agent, Colorado State University 

Cooperative Extension, Tri-River Area, P.O. Box 20,000-5028, 

Grand Junction CO 81502-5028, phone: 970.244.1834, fax: 

 970.244.1700, bhammon@co.mesa.co.us 

 Jim H. Cane, Research Entomologist, USDA-ARS 

 Bee Biology and Systematics Lab, Utah State University, Logan, 

UT 84322-5310 USA, phone: 435.797.3879, fax: 435.797.0461, 

jcane@biology.usu.edu 

Project Description: Insects attacking native plants are still relatively poorly known unless the 

plant species is exploited for some economic use. When plants are utilized for new purposes, 

native insects become important and, in some instances, must be controlled for various reasons. 

Insect identification and life history must be known before management techniques can be 

developed. This project is designed to identify and learn life histories of insects affecting 

collected and field-grown seed of plant species of interest. General insect sampling from seed 

collection sites were conducted with sweep nets and visual surveys. Several seed predators were 

reared from infested seed. Samples were photographed before storage for future reference and 

educational programs. Specimens were forwarded to taxonomic specialists for identification 

when necessary. Voucher specimens are currently stored at the Tri River Cooperative Extension 

Office in Grand Junction, CO, the USDA-ARS Bee Biology and Systematics Lab in Logan UT, 

or with the taxonomist responsible for identification of the particular taxa.

Project Status: A summary of insect pests collected from wildland sites and field plantings, as 

well as those mentioned in the scientific literature, is provided in Table 1. Seed feeding weevils 

in the families Curculionidae, Brentidae or Bruchidae were found on all legume species sampled, 

and were widely distributed geographically. It appears that these seed feeding beetles could be 

significant pests capable of destroying entire seed crops if not managed. Nine species of seed 

attacking beetles were identified from the Project on four species of legumes (Lupinus argenteus, 

Hedysarum boreale, Astragalus filipes, Dalea ornata) in 2004. Several more species are 

mentioned in the scientific literature, and there are certainly many more that have not yet been 

identified in the Great Basin. Fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) were found on both composite 

species (Balsamorhiza sagitatta and Crepis acuminata), and the damage potential appears to be 

significant. Seed feeding weevils and several species of defoliators were collected from

Lomatium dissectum. 

Future research efforts will focus on continuing identification of insects attacking plant 

species of interest, and evaluation of techniques regarding their management. A listing of 

pesticides (insecticides, herbicides, fungicides) currently registered for seed production has been 

developed and is available at: http://www.coopext.colostate.edu/TRA/SeedProduction.html. This 

45
list will be updated at regular intervals as more registrations are discovered. Communications are 

ongoing with pesticide manufacturers to develop labeling for “forbs grown for seed”, since there 

are no pesticides currently labeled for that use. 

Table 1. Insects and diseases found or reported on plant species of interest. References in bold 

were found in conjunction with Project seed collection. References in normal type are from the 

scientific literature. 

Plant species Pest Order:Family Attacks: Reference

Astragalus sp. Cleonidius trivittatus Coleoptera:Curculionidae Root/crown Pomerinke & Thompson 

1995

Astragalus sp. Seed feeding caterpillar Lepidoptera: Tortricidae Seeds Youtie & Miller 1986

Astragalus sp. Seed feeding caterpillar Lepidoptera: Pyralidae Seeds Youtie & Miller 1986

Astragalus sp. Acanthoscelides aureolus Coleoptera: Bruchidae Seeds Owen 1993

Astragalus sp. Tychius sp. Coleoptera: Curculionidae flower/fruit Kaye 1999

Astragalus filipes Acanthoscelides sp Coleoptera: Bruchidae Seeds Cane & Johnson 2004 

Astragalus filipes Acanthoscelides pullus Coleoptera: Bruchidae Seeds Cane & Johnson 2004 

Astragalus filipes Acanthoscelides fraterculus Coleoptera: Bruchidae Seeds Cane & Johnson 2004 

Astragalus filipes Acanthoscelides aureolus Coleoptera: Bruchidae Seeds Cane & Johnson 2004 

Astragalus filipes Tychius tectus leConte Coleoptera: Curculionidae Seeds Cane 2004

Astragalus filipes Tychius semisquamosus Coleoptera: Curculionidae Seeds Cane 2004

Balsamorhiza sagitatta Trupanea jonesi Diptera: Tephritidae Head/seed Hammon 2004

Balsamorhiza sagitatta recepticle feeding fly Diptera: Ceciomyiidae Receptacle Hammon 2004

Crepis acuminata Rust Whole plant Hammon & Shaw 2004

Crepis acuminata Seed feeding fly Diptera:Tephritidae Head/seed Hammon & Shaw 2004

Dalea ornata Acanthoscelides oregonensisColeoptera: Bruchidae Seeds Cane & Johnson 2004 

Dalea ornata Acanthoscelides daleae Coleoptera: Bruchidae Seeds Cane & Johnson 2004 

Dalea ornata Apion spp Coleoptera: Brentidae Seeds Cane 2004

Dalea ornata Lycaeides melissa Lepidoptera:Lycaenidae Flowers Cane 2004

Dalea ornata Acanthosceliedes sp. Coleoptera: Bruchidae Seeds Cane & Johnson 2004 

Eriogonum umbellatum Seed feeding caterpillar Lepidoptera Seeds DeBolt 2004 

Hedysarum boreale Acanthoscelides fraterculus Coleoptera: Bruchidae Seeds Hammon, Johnson 1991

Hedysarum boreale Filatima xanthuris Lepidoptera:Gelechiidae Foliage Cane & Lee 

Lomatium dissectum Smicronyx sp. Coleoptera: Curculionidae Seeds Cane 2004

Lomatium dissectum Depressaria multifidae Lepidoptera: Oecophoridae Flowers Cane 2004

Lomatium dissectum Depressaria leptotaeniae Lepidoptera: Oecophoridae Leaves Thompson 1983, 1998

Lomatium dissectum Contarinia sp Diptera: Cecidomyiidae Flowers Thompson 1998

Lomatium dissectum Phytomyza sp. Diptera: Agromyzidae Leaves Thompson 1998 

Lomatium dissectum Puccinia Fungal rust Foliage Thompson 1998

Lomatium dissectum Aphis heraclella Homoptera: Aphididae Heads Cane 2004

Lomatium sp. Smicronyx (cinereus??) Coleoptera: Curculionidae Seeds Ellison & Thompson 1987

Lupinus argenteus Apion oedorhycum Coleoptera: Curculionidae Seeds Ellison & Thompson 1987

Penstemon sp. Kushelinea barbarae Coleoptera:Chrysomelidae Foliage Hammon & DeBolt 2004

Penstemon sp. Hesperobaris ovulum Coleoptera: Curculionidae Stems/crown Hammon & O'Brien 

Penstemon sp. Penstemona sp. Lepidoptera: Sessidae Seems/crownHammon & Cane 

Leymus cinereus Seed fly Diptera: Ottididae Seeds Hammon & Young 

Leymus cinereus Crambus sp. Lepidoptera: Pyralidae Seeds Hammon 2004

Bromus marginatus Diuraphis nodulus Homoptera: Aphididae Foliage Hammon & Peairs 1998 

Bromus marginatus Head smut Seeds Hammon

46
Native Plant Seed Production Literature: 

Center, T.D & C.D Johnson. 1974. Coevolution of some seed beetles (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) 

and their hosts. Ecology 55(5):1096-1103. 

Clark, W.E. 1977. The curculionid genus Tychius Germar: Natural history and coevolution with 

leguminous host plants. Southwest Entomol. 2(3):106-126 

Clarke, J.F.G. 1933. Notes and new species of Microlepidoptera from Washington state. Can. 

Entomol. 84-93 

Ellison, R.L. & J.N. Thompson. 1987. Variation in seed and seedling size: The effects of seed 

herbivores on Lomatium grayi (Umbelliferae). Oikos 49 (3):269-280. 

Foote, R.H., F.L. Blanc, & A.L. Norrbom. 1993. Handbook of the fruit flies (Diptera: 

Tephritidae) of America North of Mexico. Comstock Publishing Associates, Ithica, NY. 

571 p. 

Hammon, R.W. & F.B. Peairs. 1998. Natural history of Diuraphis (Homoptera: Aphididae) 

species occurring in western Colorado.In: Quisenberry, S.S. & F.B. Peairs.(eds). 

Response model for an introduced pest - The Russian wheat aphid. Thomas Say 

Publications, Entomological Society of America, Lanham, MD. pp 280-287. 

Johnson, C.D. 1990. Confirmation of Hedysarum boreale Nuttall (Leguminosae) as a host plant 

for Acanthoscelides fraterculus (Horn) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae). Pan-Pac. Entomol. 66 

(2):175-176 

Kaye, T.N. 1999. From flowering to dispersal: reproductive ecology of an endemic plant, 

Astragalus australis var. olympicus (Fabaceae). Am. J. Bot. 86 (9):1248-1256. 

Kindler, S.D., & R.W. Hammon. 1996. Comparison of host suitability of western wheat aphid 

with the Russian wheat aphid. J. Econ. Entomol. 89 (6):1621-1630. 

Kissinger, D.G. 1988. New host and distribution records for Apionidae from North and Central 

America. Coleopterists Bulletin 42(3):302-304. 

Owen, W.R. 1991. New host for Acanthoscelides aureolus Horn (Coleoptera:Bruchidae). PanPacific Entomol. 67(1):73 

Owen, W.R. 1993. Host plant preferences of Acanthoscelides aureolus (Horn) (Coleoptera: 

Bruchidae). Pan-Pac Entomol. 69 (1):41-50. 

Palmer, M.A. 1952. Aphids of the Rocky Mountain Region. Thomas Say Foundation Vol V. 

A.B. Hirschfeld Press, Denver CO. 452 p. 

Pomerinke, M.A. & D.C. Thompson. 1995. Cleonidius trivittatus feeds exclusively on woolly 

locoweed in northwestern New Mexico. Southwest. Entomol. 20 (1):107-110. 

Pomerinke, M.A., D.C. Thompson, & D.L. Clason.1995. Bionomics of Cleonidius trivittatus

(Coleoptera: Curculionidae): Native biological control of purple locoweed (Rosales: 

Fabaceae). Environ. Entomol. 24 (6):1696-1702.

Quist, J.A. 1978. A revised list of the aphids of the Rocky Mountain region. Colo. St. Univ. 

Agric. Exp. Sta. Bull 567S. 77p. 

Schwegman, J.E. 1998. Some aspects of the life history and population dynamics of Astragalus 

tenesseensis. Castanea 63 (1):63-67. 

Stoetzel, M.B. & R.W. Hammon. 1992. New collections of sexuales of Diuraphis (Homoptera: 

Aphididae) in North America. Proc. Entomol. Soc. Wash. 94 (4):598-599. 

Thompson, J.N. 1983. The use of ephemeral plant parts on small host plants: How Depressaria 

leptotaenia (Lepidoptera: Oecophoridae) feeds on Lomatium dissectum (Umbelliferae). J. 

Anim. Ecol. 52 (1):281-291. 

47
Thompson, J.N. 1998. Coping with multiple enemies: 10 years of attack on Lomatium dissectum

plants. Ecology 79:2550-2554 

Youtie, B.A., & R.F. Miller. 1986. Insect predation on Astragalus filipes and A. purshii seeds. 

Northwest Sci. 60 (1): 42-46.

Publications: 

Hammon, R. & J. Cane. 2005. Managing insects affecting production of native legume seed in 

the Great Basin. Abstract 150, pg 69. Society of Range Management, 58th Annual Meeting, Fort 

Worth, TX. 

48
Project Title: Genetic Diversity Patterns of Allium acuminatum in the 

 Great Basin

Project Location: Western Regional Plant Introduction Station, Pullman, WA 

Principal Investigators: R.C. Johnson, Research Agronomist, USDA-ARS, Western 

 Regional Plant Introduction Station, Box 646402, Washington 

State University, Pullman WA 99164, phone: 509.335.3771, fax: 

 509.335.6654, rcjohnson@wsu.edu 

Barbara Hellier, Horticulture Crops and Beet Curator, USDAARS, Western Regional Plant Introduction Station, Box 646402, 

Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164, phone: 

509.335.3763, fax: 509.335.6654, bhellier@mail.wsu.edu 

Project Description: The conservation and utilization of native plant resources in the western 

United States is becoming increasingly important ecologically and economically. Yet genetic 

information to identify seed collection sites used for restoration and reclamation is generally 

lacking. An understanding of the geographic and ecological distance that plant material should 

be transferred from original source populations is critically needed. Studies using molecular 

(AFLP) and morphological attributes will be conducted to determine the extent and structure of 

genetic variation of Allium acuminatum, an important forb native to the Great Basin. Genetic 

resource management strategies based on biological conservation principals will be developed 

leading to identification of candidate in-situ reserves (sites on federal lands where key 

populations are located). Populations maintained in-situ would provide conservation of genetic 

variation representing eco-geographic areas in the Great Basin. In addition, ex-situ conservation 

will be carried out at the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service gene bank at Washington State 

University, Pullman, WA. Gene bank conservation will provide 1) readily available, sourceidentified genetic resources for research and increase and 2) security back-up of in-situ sites. 

Overall, this project will provide information to federal agency policy makers, Plant Material 

Centers, and commercial collectors/producers to improve genetic quality and production 

efficiency of this species.

Objectives: 

1. Collect and maintain native Allium acuminatum (Taper-tip onion) for use in restoration 

and reclamation on western public lands. 

2. Link ecological-geographic variation with genetic variation of Allium acuminatum to 

identify key populations for conservation and to delineate seed transfer zones. 

3. Identify candidate in-situ sites for the conservation of Allium acuminatum genetic 

variation representing eco-geographic areas in the Great Basin. 

Project Status: This project was funded in the summer of 2004. Since then we have determined 

collection protocol, identified numerous collection sites, completed preliminary collection of

nine A. acuminatum populations, planted these in both the field and greenhouse, extracted DNA 

and completed preliminary molecular analysis of five populations. 

49
Preliminary collections: In 2004, nine populations of A. acuminatum were collected for use in 

developing protocols for field and greenhouse culture and for developing methods for producing 

and analyzing molecular markers (Table 1). To date five populations had produced sufficient 

leaf material in the greenhouse for tissue collection and DNA extractions. It is expected that 

greenhouse and field planting will continue to develop and that information along with 

phenotypic characteristics will be recorded. Molecular analysis showed A. acuminatum was 

highly polymorphic. We are now working to determine the best system for developing 

molecular profiles. Because of the highly polymorphic nature of the species it may be necessary 

to use additional bases in the AFLP selective amplification or utilize RAPD’s in a 

polyacrylamide gel system; both these techniques are ways to reduce the band number to 

produce markers with high clarity. 

Table 1. Preliminary collections of Allium acuminatum in 2004. Five populations produced leaves under greenhouse 

conditions from which DNA was extracted and used to develop molecular protocols. 

Pop.

2004 

date

collected

No. bulbs

collected Location (gps data not shown)

No. field 

planted

No. 

greenhouse

planted

Leaf 

DNA extraction

and loc. code

1 7/01 25 Harriman Trail, SNRA, Blaine Co., ID 11 12

2 6/20 14 Alkali Flat, Malheur Co., OR 5 6 

3 6/20 27 Long Gulch Rd, Malheur Co., OR 13 13 Yes (LG) 

4 6/20 15 S. of Adrian, Malheur Co., OR 7 7 Yes(SA) 

5 6/19 20 Jackson Creek Summit Rd, Malheur Co., OR 10 11 

6 7/01 25 Easley Campground, SNRA, Blaine Co., ID 18 16 

7 5/27 25 Sand Hollow, Payette Co., ID 11 11 Yes(SH) 

8 5/28 26 Between Midvale & Cambridge, Washington Co., ID 14 14 Yes(MC) 

9 6/28 39 Keene Ridge, Malheur Co., OR 14 15 Yes(KR) 

A preliminary result for RAPD markers is shown in Fig. 1. Although groupings did appear to 

occur these were not generally strongly associated with collection sites, suggesting that for this 

initial material the variation within site populations exceeded the variation among populations. 

This will be compared with AFLP profiles and with larger populations. 

Future plans: In 2005 an intensive effort will be undertaken to collect as many populations as 

possible across the Great Basin. This material will form the basis of our work to analyze the 

phenotypic and molecular variation among and within collection. For phenotypic studies 

common garden studies will be established and leaf DNA will be collected for molecular 

analysis. Data will be analyzed using univariate, multivariate, and ordination statistics, and 

related to ecological factors. If variation within sites is dominant then this implies that fewer 

populations, grouped over larger areas would be sufficient for conservation. However, if the site 

component is strong then seed transfer zones and future in situ conservation will require smaller, 

more compact site groupings. As data becomes available, the information will be presented at

meetings and published in appropriate journals. 

50
 Dim-1

-0.44 -0.26 -0.08 0.10 0.28 

Dim-2

-0.19

-0.07 

0.05

0.18

0.30

SA01 

SA05

LG03 LG07

MC03

LG08

SA04

SH01

SH09 SH05

LG04

SH02

LG01 SH06 

LG05

MC01

KR01

SA02

SA06

SH03

SH07

LG02

LG06

MC02

KR02

SA03

SA07

SH04

SH08 

Fig. 1. Principal component analysis in two dimensions from 315 

RAPD markers using a Beckman CEQ 8000 capillary electrophoresis 

system. Each population is coded as shown in Table 1. 

51
Project Title: Cultural Practices for Native Forbs

Project Location: Oregon State University, Malheur Experiment Station, Ontario, 

OR 

Principal Investigators: Clint Shock, Superintendent and Professor, Oregon State 

University, Malheur Experiment Station, 595 Onion Avenue, 

Ontario, OR 97914, phone: 541.889.2174, fax: 541.889.7831, 

clinton.shock@oregonstate.edu, 

Corey Ransom, Assistant Professor, Oregon State University, 

Malheur Experiment Station, 595 Onion Avenue, Ontario, OR

97914, phone: 541.889.2174, fax: 541.889.7831, 

corey.ransom@oregonstate.edu 

Project Description: 

Identification of herbicides for use in native forb seed production 

Native forb seed is needed to restore the rangelands of the Intermountain West. Commercial 

seed production is necessary to provide the quantity of seed needed for restoration efforts. A 

major limitation to commercial production of native forb seed is the ability to control weeds 

within the seed crop. Weeds compete with crop plants reducing establishment, vigor, and seed 

production. In addition, some weed seeds can contaminate the seed crop, reducing its value or 

introducing weeds to reclamation areas. 

A three phase approach is being used to develop herbicide options for the production of native 

forb seed. The forbs that will be evaluated include but are not limited to: fernleaf biscuitroot 

(Lomatium dissectum), Gray’s biscuitroot (Lomatium grayi), nineleaf biscuitroot (Lomatium 

triternatum), sulfur-flower buckwheat (Erigonum umbellatum), sand penstemon (Penstemon 

acuminatus), scabland pentemon (Penstemon deustus), and sagebrush penstemon (Penstemon 

speciosus). Seed for each phase of the project will be provided by the USDA-Forest Service. 

Phase I. Initial Herbicide Tolerance Screen. In the greenhouse, each forb species will be 

screened for tolerance to a minimum of ten herbicides. Herbicides will be selected based on the 

potential for selectivity determined through literature reviews and our own understanding of 

different modes of action and principles of selectivity. Forbs will be evaluated for tolerance to 

herbicides applied either pre- or post-emergence. 

Phase II. Herbicide Rate Response Screen. Once herbicides have been identified that have 

selectivity on the different forb species, a more detailed experiment in the greenhouse will 

examine the level of tolerance by testing the herbicides at rates of 0, 1⁄2, 1, 2, and 4 times the 

standard use rate. This “dose response” is critical to identify the level of safety that a herbicide 

has on the species it is being used on. 

Phase III. Field Testing. Herbicides identified in greenhouse tests will be evaluated in the field 

to determine safety to the forbs and efficacy in controlling weeds under field conditions. 

52
Herbicides will be evaluated alone and when possible in combinations with each other to 

determine if weed control can be increased and crop safety maintained. The scale of field trials 

will depend on the number of candidate herbicides identified in the previous research phases. 

Subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) for stable, efficient native forb seed production using 

small amounts of supplemental irrigation water 

Native forb seed is needed to restore rangelands of the Intermountain West. Commercial seed 

production is necessary to provide the quantity of seed needed for restoration efforts. A major 

limitation to commercial production of native forb seed is stable and consistent seed production 

over years. Variations in the climate result in highly unpredictable water stress at seed set and 

development. Excessive water stress during seed set and development is known to compromise 

yield and quality of seed crops. Both surface and furrow irrigation promote seed production, but 

risk the encouragement of weeds. Furthermore, surface and furrow irrigation can lead to the loss 

of plant stand and seed production to fungal pathogens. 

Native forb seed production will be evaluated under SDI. Species will include but not be limited 

to: fernleaf biscuitroot (Lomatium dissectum), Gray’s biscuitroot (Lomatium grayi), nineleaf 

biscuitroot (Lomatium triternatum), sulfur-flower buckwheat (Erigonum umbellatum), sand 

penstemon (Penstemon acuminatus), scabland pentemon (Penstemon deustus), and sagebrush 

penstemon (Penstemon speciosus). Seed for each phase of the project is provided by the USDAForest Service. 

Native species are being established in the field at the Malheur Experiment Station, which has 

been designed for seed production research using SDI and partial irrigation. The field is irrigated 

with drip tape (T-Tape TSX 515-16-340) buried at 0.3-m (12-inch) depth and spaced 1.52 m

apart. Two rows of forbs are planted 0.3 m distant to both sides of the drip tape. The flow rate 

for the drip tape is 0.34 gal/min/100 ft at 8 psi with emitters spaced 0.4 m (16 inches) apart, 

resulting in a water application rate of 1.7 mm/hr (0.066 inch/hour). Water is filtered through 

sand media filters and applications are controlled with automated controls. Soil water content 

and the water applied will be measured. After forb establishment, plants would receive three 

irrigation treatments: 0 mm/yr, sparing (up to 100 mm/yr, 4 inches/yr) or modest (up to 200 

mm/yr, 8 inches/yr) supplemental irrigation. Water will be applied so that the soil surface is not 

appreciably moistened. Water will be applied in small increments during flowering and seed 

formation. Forbs will be evaluated for stand survival, seed productivity, and seed quality as a 

function of their irrigation treatment. 

Project Status: 

Seed was provided in fall 2004 for both the SDI and herbicide treatments (Tables 1 and 2). Field 

plots have been seeded and container seedlings are being grown in the greenhouse for these 

studies. 

53
Table 1. Forb accessions included in herbicide studies. 

Accession Species Origin

ERUM01 Eriogonum umbellatum Hwy 21, Boise Co., Idaho 

LODI08 Lomatium dissectum Cambridge, Washington Co., Idaho 

LOGR05 Lomatium grayi Little City of Rocks, Gooding Co., Idaho

LOTR06 Lomatium triternatum Johnson Hill, Gooding Co., Idaho 

PEAC07 Penstemon acuminatus King Hill Exit, Elmore Co., Idaho 

PEDE07 Penstemon deustus N of Council, Adams Co., Idaho 

PESP23 Penstemon speciosus N of Burns, Harney Co., Oregon 

Table 2. Forb accessions included in irrigation studies. 

Accession Species Origin

ERUM14 Eriogonum umbellatum Little Jack's Creek, Owyhee Co., Idaho 

LODI05 Lomatium dissectum Mann Creek Res., Washington Co., Idaho 

LOGR03 Lomatium grayi Weiser River Rd., Washington Co., Idaho 

LOTR41 Lomatium triternatum Lakeview, Lake Co., Oregon 

PEAC08 Penstemon acuminatus Bliss, Elmore Co. Idaho 

PEDE27 Penstemon deustus Blacks Creek Road, Ada Co., Idaho 

PESP09 Penstemon speciosus Leslie Gulch, Malheur Co., Oregon 

 

54
APPENDICES

55
Appendix 1. Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project: Status of Research Species. 

Great Basin Project Research 

FamilySpecies Common Name 

Selection, seed 

increase, se

trsfe

guidelines 

ed

anr

ollinator

iversifi

Shrub transfer 

guidelines 

Genetic variability 

Psand 

predators 

Cultural practices 

Seed germination, 

testing 

AGCR

dcation

 Apiaceae Lomatium dissectum

Fernleaf biscuitroot 

SSL-B, 

Aberdeen SSL-P 

BBSL, 

CSU 

SSL-B, 

OSU 

SSL-B, 

NTSL 

L. grayi Gray's biscuitroot 

SSL-B, 

Aberdeen SSL-P 

SSL-B, 

OSU 

SSL-B, 

NTSL 

L. triternatum

Nineleaf biscuitroot 

SSL-B, 

Aberdeen 

SSL-B, 

OSU 

SSL-B, 

NTSL 

Perideridia bolanderi Yampah UDWR UDWR UDWRAsteraceae Achillea millefolium Western yarrow Agoseris glauca Pale agoseris SSL-P 

SSL-P, 

BYU SSL-P 

Artemisia arbuscula Low sagebrush SSL-P A. argillosa SSL-P A. bigelovii 

Bigelow sagebrush SSL-P 

A. cana Silver sagebrush SSL-P A. longiloba Little sagebrush SSL-P A. nova Black sagebrush SSL-P A. pygmaea 

Pygmy sagebrush SSL-P 

A. rigida Stiff sagebrush SSL-P A. rothrockii 

Timberline sagebrush SSL-P 

A.tridentata tridentata 

Basin big sagebrush SSL-P 

A. tridentata vaseyana

Mountain big sagebrush SSL-P 
Appendix 1. Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project: Status of Research Species. 

Great Basin Project Research 

FamilySpecies Common Name 

Selection, seed 

increase, seed

transfer

guidelines 

Shrub transfer 

guidelines 

Genetic variability 

Pollinatorsand 

predators 

Cultural practices 

Seed germination, 

testing 

AGCR

diversification

A. tridentata wyomingensis 

Wyoming big sagebrush SSL-P 

B

S

A. tripartita 

Three-tip sagebrush SSL-P 

Balsamorhiza hookeri 

Hookerbalsamroot 

B. sagittata

Arrowleaf balsamroot UDWR SSL-P

BBSL, 

CSU UDWR UDWR 

Chrysothamnus nauseosus Gray rabbitbrush SSL-P Crepis acuminata 

Tapertip hawksbeard UDWR SSL-P

BBSL, 

CSU 

UDWR,

BYU 

 UDWR

NTSL 

C. occidentalis

Western hawksbeard SSL-P

Erigeron pumilus Shaggy fleabane SSL-P UDWR Viguiera multiflora Showy goldeneye SSL-P Capparidaceae Cleome lutea

Yellow spiderflower BBSL 

C. serrulata 

Rocky Mountain beeplant BBSL 

Chenopodiaceae Atriplex canescens

Four-wing saltbush Aberdeen SSL-P 

A. confertifolia Shadscale SSL-P A. torreyi Torrey's saltbush SSL-P Krascheninnikovia lanata Winterfat Aberdeen SSL-P Fabaceae 
Appendix 1. Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project: Status of Research Species. 

Great Basin Project Research 

FamilySpecies Common Name 

Selection, seed 

increase, seed

transfer

guidelines 

Shrub transfer 

guidelines 

Genetic variability 

Pollinatorsand 

predators 

Cultural practices 

Seed germination, 

testing 

AGCR

diversification

Astragalus eremiticus Hermit milkvetch SSL-B NTSL A. filipes (A. stenophyllus) 

Threadstalk milkvetch FRRL FRRL

BBSL, 

CSU FRRL NTSL 

A. utahensis Utah milkvetch SSL-P SSL-P 

SSL-P, 

BYU SSL-P 

Dalea ornata FRRL FRRL 

BBSL, 

CSU 

Hedysarum boreale 

Boreal sweetvetch FRRL

FRRL, SSL-P 

BBSL, 

CSU UDWR

H. occidentale 

Western sweetvetch FRRL FRRL UDWR UDWR

Lathyrus brachycalyx Sweetpea SSL-PLupinus argenteus Silvery lupine SSL-P SSL-P 

BBSL, 

CSU SSL-P SSL-P 

L. sericeus Silky lupine SSL-P SSL-P 

SSL-P, 

BYU SSL-P 

Vicia americana American vetch SSL-P Liliaceae Allium acuminatum Tapertip onion Pullman PullmanCalochortus macrocarpus

Green-banded star tulip 

C. nuttallii Sego lily C. gunnisonii 

Gunnison's mariposa lily 

Linaceae Linum lewisii lewisii Blue flax Aberdeen SSL-P L. perenne Blue flax SSL-P 
Appendix 1. Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project: Status of Research Species. 

Great Basin Project Research 

FamilySpecies Common Name 

Selection, seed 

increase, seed

transfer

guidelines 

Shrub transfer 

guidelines 

Genetic variability 

Pollinatorsand 

predators 

Cultural practices 

Seed germination, 

testing 

AGCR

diversification

Malvaceae Sphaeralcea spp. Globemallow S. coccinea 

Scarlet globemallow UDWR 

UDWR,

BYU UDWR 

S. grossulariifolia 

Gooseberryleaf globemallow UDWR

 SSL-P, 

FRRL

UDWR,

BYU UDWR 

S. munroana

Munro's globemallow FRRL FRRL 

S. parvifolia 

Small-flower globemallow 

Poaceae Achnatherum hymenoides Indian ricegrass FRRL 

SSL-P, 

FRRL 

A. thurberianum

Thurber needlegrass SSL-B FRRL 

Agropyron cristatum 

Crested wheatgrass

BYU

Bromus carinatus California brome SSL-P B. marginatus Mountain brome SSL-P CSU Elymus elymoides Squirreltail grass FRRL FRRL E. elymoides brevifolia 

Bottlebrush squirreltail FRRL FRRL 

E. multisetus Big squirreltail FRRL FRRL E. wawawaiensis

Snake River wheatgrass FRRL FRRL 

Hesperostipa comata 

Needle-and thread 

UDWR, 

SSL-P, 

FRRL 

SSL-P, 

FRRL

UDWR, 

SSL-P 

UDWR, 

SSL-P
Appendix 1. Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project: Status of Research Species. 

Great Basin Project Research 

FamilySpecies Common Name 

n, seed eed

ansfer

guidelines 

Shrub transfer 

guidelines 

Genetic variability 

Pollinatorsand 

predators 

Cultural practices 

Seed germination, 

testing 

AGCR

diversification

Selectio

increase, s t

r

Leymus cinereus Basin wildrye 

UDWR

FRRL FRRL CSU UDWR

L. triticoides Beardless wildrye FRRL FRRL Nassella viridula 

Green needlegrass 

Pascopyrum smithii 

Western wheatgrass FRRL FRRL 

Poa secunda

Sandberg bluegrass FRRL FRRL 

Pseudoroegneria spicata 

Bluebunch wheatgrass

UDWR, 

Aberdeen, 

FRRL FRRL 

Polemoniaceae P. longifolia Longleaf phlox SSL-P SSL-P 

SSL-P, 

BYU SSL-P 

Polygonaceae Eriogonum heracleoides Wyeth buckwheat E. ovalifolium

Cushion buckwheat UDWR 

UDWR,

BYU UDWR 

E. umbellatum

Sulfur-flower buckwheat 

SSL-B, 

Aberdeen SSL-P

 BBSL, 

CSU SSL-B 

SSL-B, 

NTSL 

Rosaceae Purshia tridentata Bitterbrush SSL-P SSL-P 

B

S

Scrophulariaceae Penstemon acuminatus 

Sharpleaf penstemon 

SSL-B, 

Aberdeen SSL-P CSU 

SSL-B, 

OSU 

SSL-B, 

NTSL, 

OSU 
Appendix 1. Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project: Status of Research Species. 

Great Basin Project Research 

FamilySpecies Common Name 

Selection, seed 

increase, seed

transfer

guidelines 

Shrub transfer 

guidelines 

Genetic variability 

Pollinatorsand 

predators 

Cultural practices 

Seed germination, 

testing 

AGCR

diversification

P. cyaneus 

 Royal penstemon 

P. deustus 

Scabland penstemon 

SSL-B, 

Aberdeen SSL-P 

SSL-B, 

OSU 

SSL-B, 

NTSL, 

OSU 

P. pachyphyllus 

Thickleaf penstemon 

P. palmeri 

Palmer penstemon SSL-P 

P. speciosus 

Sagebrush penstemon 

SSL-B, 

Aberdeen SSL-P

BBSL, 

CSU 

SSL-B, 

OSU 

SSL-B, 

NTSL, 

OSU 

 NOTES: 

Aberdeen = Natural Resources Conservation Service Plant Materials Center, Aberdeen, ID (St. John, Ogle) AOSCA = Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies Cooperative Native Seed Increase Program BBSL = USDA-ARS Bee Biology and Systematics Laboratory (Cane) BYU = Brigham Young University (Anderson, Roundy, Johnson)CSU = Colorado State University, Cooperative Extension, Tri-River Area (Hammon) FRRL = USDA-ARS Forage and Range Research Laboratory (Johnson, Jones, Larson, Monaco, Peel) NTSL = National Tree Seed Laboratory (Karrfalt, Vankus) OSU = Oregon State University, Malheur Experiment Station (Shock, Ransom) Pullman = ARS, Western Regional Plant Introduction Station, Pullman, WA (Johnson, Hellier) SSL-B = USDA-FS-RMRS Shrub Sciences Laboratory - Boise (Shaw, DeBolt)SSL-P = USDA-FS-RMRS Shrub Sciences Laboratory - Provo (McArthur, Jensen) UCIA = Utah Crop Improvement Association (Young) UDWR = Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (Meyer, Vernon) 
Appendix 1. Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project: Status of Research Species. 

Great Basin Project Research 

FamilySpecies Common Name 

Selection, seed 

increase, seed

transfer

guidelines 

Shrub transfer 

guidelines 

Genetic variability 

Pollinatorsand 

predators 

Cultural practices 

Seed germination, 

testing 

AGCR

diversification

Note: Seed zones - only Atriplex, Artemisia, and Purshia were identified in the original Task Order as McArthur and Sanderson were in the process of publishing their work. Everyone is working in some manner on variability in their species which should contribute to development of seed zones. Note: Cultural practices - UDWR (Meyer, Vernon), SSL-P (Jensen), BYU (Johnson), SSL-B (Shaw, DeBolt), OSU Malheur (Sho

Note: Seed germination and testing: We are working with the National Tree Seed Laboratory. Most cooperators are doing some germination work with their species out of necessity. Note: Crested wheatgrass diversification: BYU (Roundy) and ARS-Burns (Mangold)
Appendix 2. 

NRCS Aberdeen Plant Materials Center 

 Display Nursery, Orchard Research Site, Idaho 

(Planted November 16, 2004) 

↑

N 

*=Introduced species

White River Indian Ricegrass Thurber’s Needlegrass 

Nezpar Indian Ricegrass Sherman Sandberg Bluegrass

Paloma Indian Ricegrass High Plains Sandberg Bluegrass 

Rimrock Indian Ricegrass Mountain Home Sandberg Bluegrass 

Ribstone Indian Ricegrass Toole County, MT Sandberg Bluegrass 

Sand Hollow Bottlebrush Squirreltail Hanford Source Sandberg Bluegrass 

Fish Creek Bottlebrush Squirreltail Nordan Crested Wheatgrass*

Toe Jam Bottlebrush Squirreltail Hycrest Crested Wheatgrass* 

9019219 Bottlebrush Squirreltail CD-II Crested Wheatgrass*

Shaniko Plateau Bottlebrush Squirreltail Ephraim Crested Wheatgrass*

Bannock Thickspike Wheatgrass Douglas Crested Wheatgrass*

Sodar Thickspike Wheatgrass Roadcrest Crested Wheatgrass*

Critana Thickspike Wheatgrass P-27 Siberian Wheatgrass* 

Schwendimar Thickspike Wheatgrass Vavilov Siberian Wheatgrass*

Pryor Slender Wheatgrass Luna Pubescent Wheatgrass*

San Luis Slender Wheatgrass Manska Pubescent Wheatgrass* 

Revenue Slender Wheatgrass Greenleaf Pubescent Wheatgrass* 

Rosana Western Wheatgrass Rush Pubescent Wheatgrass*

Rodan Western Wheatgrass Eejay Altai Wildrye* 

Arriba Western Wheatgrass Pearl Altai Wildrye*

Goldar Bluebunch Wheatgrass Prairieland Altai Wildrye*

Anatone Bluebunch Wheatgrass Tetracan Russian Wildrye*

Columbia Bluebunch Wheatgrass Bozoisky Select Russian Wildrye*

Jim Creek Bluebunch Wheatgrass Syn-A Russian Wildrye*

Wahluke Bluebunch Wheatgrass Mankota Russian Wildrye*

P-5 Bluebunch Wheatgrass Eagle Western Yarrow

P-7 Bluebunch Wheatgrass Great Northern Western Yarrow 

P-12 Bluebunch Wheatgrass Timp Utah Sweetvetch 

P-15 Bluebunch Wheatgrass Richfield Selection Firecracker Penstemon 

Secar Snake River Wheatgrass Scarlet Globemallow 

Expedition Snake River Wheatgrass Maple Grove Lewis Flax

E-26 Snake River Wheatgrass Appar Blue Flax* 

SERDP Snake River Wheatgrass Wyoming Big Sagebrush 

Magnar Basin Wildrye Snake River Plains 4-Wing Saltbush 

Trailhead Basin Wildrye Wytana 4-Wing Saltbush 

Washoe Basin Wildrye Rincon 4-Wing Saltbush 

U70-01 Basin Wildrye 9016134 Gardner’s Saltbush

U108-02 Basin Wildrye Northern Cold Desert Winterfat 

U100-01 Basin Wildrye Hatch Winterfat 

Initial Point Sheep Fescue Open Range Winterfat 

Covar Sheep Fescue Immigrant Forage Kochia* 

63
On November 16, 2004 the Aberdeen Plant Materials Center and the Idaho/Utah Plant Materials 

Specialist planted a new display nursery at the Orchard test site southeast of Boise. The display 

nursery is in cooperation with the Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project. 

The Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project is a group of cooperators from the 

Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service, Agricultural Research Service, Utah Division of 

Wildlife Resources, Utah Crop Improvement Association and the Natural Resources Conservation 

Service who are collaborating to develop and increase native plant materials for the Great Basin 

and Intermountain West. 

There are 82 accessions of 27 native and introduced grass, forb and shrub species planted in 7 X 

60 foot plots. The purpose of this display nursery is to allow agency personnel and land owners to 

view these plants in action and see firsthand how the plants perform in the low precipitation 

environment (10 – 12 inch annual precipitation) of southwestern Idaho. The display will also be 

useful in comparing different releases from within a species or in comparing native and introduced

species with similar environmental requirements. The following descriptions begin at the 

northeastern corner plot and proceed west. Descriptions pick up again at the southeastern corner 

and return westward. 

Ricegrass, Indian (Achnatherum hymenoides=Oryzopsis hymenoides=Stipa hymenoides) 

White River, test material from Logan, UT ARS 

‘Nezpar’ released by Aberdeen, ID PMC, 1978 

‘Paloma’ released by Los Lunas, NM PMC, 1974 

‘Rimrock’ released by Bridger, MT PMC, 1996 

Ribstone Germplasm released by Logan, UT ARS, 2004 

A native perennial, very drought tolerant bunchgrass adapted to well-drained sandy to clayey soils 

and dry desert ranges. Seed is very slow to germinate due to a thick seed coat resulting in high 

seed dormancy. To improve seed germination, the seed can be treated in sulfuric acid, 

mechanically scarified, or dormant planted in fall to allow for a cool moist stratification. 

Untreated seed requires a greater depth of planting than most species to promote seed germination. 

Recommended sites are sunny exposures in 7 inches or more precipitation zones with sandy or 

gravelly soils (10 inch plus rainfall areas result in most successful seedings). It grows on raw 

subsoil from lowlands into high mountains. Recommended planting depth is 1.5 inches in loamy 

soils to 3 inches on sandy to gravelly soils. It is very palatable, considered excellent winter 

forage, and the seed production enhances forage value because of high protein and fat content in 

the seed. It is also considered an excellent plant for wildlife habitat seedings. Good grazing 

management is necessary if stands are to persist. 'Nezpar' is a northern variety with improved 

germination characteristics. 'Paloma' is best adapted to southern semi-desert areas. 'Rimrock' and 

Ribstone Germplasm are northern varieties selected for better seed retention characteristics. 

White River comes from northwestern Colorado and was selected for high germinability. Average 

seeds per ft2

 at 1 lb/acre rate is 5. Recommended pure stand rate is 6 lb/acre. 

Squirreltail, Bottlebrush (Elymus elymoides ssp. elymoides or ssp. californicus and Elymus 

multisetus) 

Sand Hollow Germplasm released by Logan, UT ARS, 1996 

Fish Creek Germplasm released by Logan, UT ARS, 2003 

Toe Jam Creek Germplasm released by Logan, UT ARS, 2003 

9019219, test material from Bridger, MT PMC 

64
Shaniko Plateau, Source-identified release from L&H Seed 

Bottlebrush squirreltail is a short-lived perennial, drought tolerant, cool season, native bunchgrass. 

It is short to medium sized (6 to 22 inches tall), tufted and has fair forage value in winter and 

spring and poor forage value in summer when seedheads are present. The bristly awns are 

objectionable to grazing animals and cause difficulties in seed handling, planting and harvesting. 

This species is often an increaser on poor condition to improving rangelands. It is adapted to a 

wide variety of soils including saline soils in the 8-18 inch precipitation zones. It is hoped it will 

have attributes that will enable it to establish a foothold in annual rangelands dominated by 

cheatgrass or medusahead rye. ARS and NRCS have released three squirreltail accessions, Sand 

Hollow Selected Germplasm (E. multisetus) in 1996; Toe Jam Selected Germplasm (E. elymoides

ssp. californicus) in 2003; and Fish Creek Selected Germplasm (E. elymoides ssp. elymoides) in 

2003. Sand Hollow is best adapted to sandy foothill rangelands receiving 12 inches or more 

annual precipitation in the lower Snake River Plain. Toe Jam is best adapted to loam to sandy 

loam soils in the Great Basin and lower to middle Snake River Plain areas receiving 8-14 inches 

of precipitation. Fish Creek is best adapted to sandy loam to silt loam to clay loam soils receiving

10 inches or more annual precipitation in the middle to upper Snake River Plain. Average seeds 

per ft2

 at 1 lb/acre seeding rate is 4. Seeding rate is 7 lb/acre.

Wheatgrass, Thickspike (Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus=Agropyron dasystachyum)

‘Bannock’ released by Aberdeen, ID PMC, 1995 

‘Sodar’ released by Aberdeen, ID PMC, 1954 

‘Critana’ released by Bridger, MT PMC, 1971 

‘Schwendimar’ released by Pullman, WA PMC 1994 

A long-lived, native mildly sod-forming grass widely distributed in the northern part of the 

Intermountain Region. Drought tolerance, early spring growth, fair palatability, but low forage 

production characterizes this species. More drought tolerant than western wheatgrass, it is well 

suited for wind erosion control on medium to coarse-textured soils. It is best utilized as forage 

until early fall. It tolerates moderate grazing and considerable trampling. Adapted to disturbed 

range sites and dry areas subject to erosion, roadsides, and waterways in the 8-18 inch 

precipitation zones. Use as a native component in rangeland mixes. Planting depth 1/4 to 1/2 inch. 

Improved varieties include 'Bannock', 'Schwendimar', 'Critana' and 'Elbee'. Bannock is noted for 

its rapid establishment, moderate sod formation and greater forage production. Critana is more 

drought tolerant, exhibits good seedling vigor and readily establishes on critical areas. 

Schwendimar is noted for quick stabilization of coarse textured soils along the Columbia River. 

Average seeds per ft2

 at 1 lb/acre rate is 3. Recommend pure stand rate is 6 lb/acre. 

Wheatgrass, Slender (Elymus trachycaulus trachycaulus=Agropyron trachycaulum) 

‘Pryor’ released by Bridger, MT PMC, 1988 

‘San Luis’ released by Upper Colorado Environmental Plant Center, 1984 

‘Revenue’ released by Canada Department of Agriculture, 1970 

Slender wheatgrass is a short-lived perennial (3-5 years) native bunchgrass with good seedling 

vigor and moderate palatability. It is valuable in erosion-control seed mixes because of its rapid 

development, moderate salt tolerance, and compatibility with other species. It is well adapted as a 

cover crop to improve soil tilth and to increase organic matter in saline sites. It tolerates a wide 

range of conditions and adapts well to high altitude ranges and more favorable sites on mountain 

brush areas receiving 10 inches or more annual precipitation. It is excellent in aspen and tall 

mountain brush areas and is shade tolerant. Planting depth 1/2 to 3/4 inch. 'Revenue' is a 

Canadian variety, selected for salinity tolerance, seed set, and forage yield. 'San Luis' is a 

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southern variety adapted to high elevations. 'Pryor' is a northern variety, selected for superior salt 

tolerance, drought tolerance, and seedling vigor. Average seeds per ft2

 at 1 lb/acre rate is 3.0. 

Recommend pure stand rate is 6 lb/ac. Limit slender wheatgrass to 1 pound PLS per acre in native 

mixes. Higher rates effect the establishment of slower developing native species. 

Wheatgrass, Western (Pascopyrum smithii=Agropyron smithii)

‘Rosana’ released by Bridger, MT PMC, 1972 

‘Rodan’ released by ND ARS, 1983 

‘Arriba’ released by Los Lunas, NM PMC, 1973 

A long-lived, late maturing, widely distributed, winter hardy, strongly rhizomatous, native grass 

with coarse blue-green leaves. Western wheatgrass begins spring growth later than most 

wheatgrasses and is typified by poor germination and low seedling vigor. When used as pasture it 

is considered to be an excellent source of spring and early summer forage with protein content of 

16 to 18 percent. However, forage quality rapidly declines as plants mature. It provides winter 

grazing if protein supplements are provided. Protein content of western wheatgrass is usually a 

little higher (4-5 percent) than other wheatgrasses once cured. Plantings usually result in scattered

stands that spread in 3 to 4 years to site dominance. Western wheatgrass is the most aggressive

native sod grass available. Once established, it becomes very persistent and provides excellent soil 

binding erosion control characteristics. It is productive native hay in above normal precipitation 

years, under water spreading, and other supplemental water irrigation systems. It is particularly 

productive in clayey swales and silty waterways, and has moderate to high salt tolerance. Adapted 

to lowlands prone to early season flooding with precipitation at or above 12 inches (use 14 inch + 

for areas that receive 50 percent or greater winter precipitation) and most mountain brush areas. 

Planting depth 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Adapted varieties include 'Rosana' (northern variety), 'Rodan'

(northern variety), and 'Arriba' (southern variety). Other releases include 'Barton', 'Flintlock', and 

'Walsh'. Average seeds per ft2

 at 1 lb PLS/acre rate is 3. Recommended pure stand seeding rate is 

6 PLS lb/acre. Not recommended in pure stands. Recommended 50% mixed stand seeding rate is 

3.0 lb/acre. 

Wheatgrass, Bluebunch (Pseudoroegneria spicata =Agropyron spicatum) 

‘Goldar’ released by Aberdeen, ID PMC, 1989 

‘Anatone’ released by Aberdeen, ID PMC, 2004 

‘Columbia’ released by Logan, UT ARS, 2004 

Wahluke Source Identified release from BFI Seed, 2002 

P-5, test material from Logan, UT ARS 

‘P-7’ released by Logan, UT ARS, 2001 

P-12, test material from Logan, UT ARS 

P-15, test material from Logan, UT ARS

A long-lived, drought-tolerant, widespread native bunchgrass. It begins growth early in spring 

and again with the onset of fall rains. It is highly palatable and recovers rapidly after grazing but 

has low resistance to repeated or heavy grazing. It is not recommended as a hay crop. Several 

years are required for stands to obtain full productivity due to poor seedling vigor. Allow seedings 

to reach maturity (seedhead development) before grazing. Recommended sites include foothills 

and valleys with 10-20 inches precipitation, sagebrush, ponderosa pine, mountain brush and 

juniper-pinyon ranges. Low plant vigor results in poor stands on sites above 6500 ft. elevation. 

Planting depth 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Adapted varieties are 'Anatone' for use above 10" precipitation and 

'Goldar' and 'P7' for use above 12" precipitation. P-12 and P-15 are predecessor populations for 

the ARS release ‘Columbia’. Both were collected near Lind, WA in a 10” precipitation area. 

66
'Secar' (See Snake River Wheatgrass), previously considered to be bluebunch wheatgrass but 

found to be a subspecies of thickspike wheatgrass, is more drought tolerant than bluebunch 

wheatgrass in lower precipitation areas (8-12"). Wahluke is a source identified release collected 

from a 6” precipitation site in Franklin County, WA. Average seeds per ft2

 at 1 lb/acre rate is 3. 

Recommend pure stand rate is 7.0 lb/acre.

Wheatgrass, Snake River (Elymus wawawaiensis formerly Pseudoroegneria spicata)

‘Secar’ released by Pullman, WA PMC, 1980 

Expedition, test material from Logan, UT ARS 

SERDP, test material from Logan, UT ARS 

Jim Creek Source Identified release from BFI Seed, 2000 

E-26, test material from Logan, UT ARS

Snake River wheatgrass is a native of the canyons of the Snake River and its tributaries in 

Washington, eastern Oregon, and western to northern Idaho. It is similar in appearance to 

bluebunch wheatgrass, but differs morphologically in having narrower, acuminate (pointed) to 

aciculate (needle-like) glumes, a more imbricate (overlapping) spike, and glabrate (without hairs) 

basal leaf sheaths. It is adaptable to most bluebunch wheatgrass areas but is best suited for the 

lower precipitation areas (8 to 12 inches). (See bluebunch wheatgrass). The only variety is 

'Secar'. It is an early maturing bunchgrass with good seedling vigor and establishes well in native 

seed mixes. Secar is considered more drought tolerant than previously released bluebunch 

wheatgrasses. Expedition is said to have improved seedling establishment under drought stress 

compared to ‘Secar’ and is slated for release in the near future. Average seeds per ft2

 at 1 lb/acre 

rate is 3. Recommend pure stand rate is 7 lb/acre.

Wildrye, Basin (Leymus cinereus=Elymus cinereus)

‘Magnar’ released by Aberdeen, ID PMC, 1979 

‘Trailhead’ released by Bridger, MT PMC, 1991 

Washoe Germplasm, released by Bridger, MT PMC 2002 

U70-01, test material from Great Basin Research Center, UTDWR 

U108-02, test material from Great Basin Research Center, UTDWR 

U100-01, test material from Great Basin Research Center, UTDWR 

A slowly spreading, robust, large native bunchgrass. Basin wildrye is tall, coarse, long-lived, and 

highly palatable early in spring, but becomes low in palatability as it matures. It is useful for 

calving pasture and wildlife forage and cover. Poor seedling vigor usually results in sparse stands,

but is one of the highest producing species once established. Do not graze new seedings until 

seedheads are evident or no sooner than the end of the second growing season. Mature plants are 

unpalatable and need to be managed for use at earlier periods with grazing management scheduled 

to maintain a 10 to 12 inch stubble height to avoid removing the growing points of this species. 

Great care must be taken to avoid close grazing or clipping which may result in plant loss in a 

single season. Winter grazing with protein supplements utilizes old coarse growth. Best adapted 

to moderately saline or alkaline lowlands, flood plains, and flow-in areas with high water holding 

capacity. Especially suited to deep, fine-textured clayey to loamy soils that receive 8-12 inches 

precipitation. Plantings have been established in rainfall areas as low as 5 inches, however basin 

wildrye plantings are not recommended in areas with less than 8 inches of annual precipitation. 

Basin wildrye is particularly well suited for many juniper areas; it performs well throughout the 

mountain brush zone and in aspen openings. Planting depth is 1/2 to 3/4 inch. Adapted cultivars 

are 'Magnar' (blue-green upright leaves) and 'Trailhead' (green overhanging leaves) selected for 

excellent drought tolerance. ‘Washoe’ was selected for it’s high tolerance to acidic conditions and 

67
should be useful in mine reclamation situations. Average seeds per ft2

 at 1 lb/acre rate is 3. 

Recommended pure stand seeding rate is 7 lb/acre. Basin wildrye is highly recommended for 

native species mixtures. 

Fescue, Sheep (Festuca ovina)

Initial Point, source identified test material collected by Idaho BLM 

‘Covar’ released by Pullman, WA PMC, 1977 

A long-lived short stature introduced bunchgrass with short leaf blades. It is more drought tolerant 

than other fescues. Production is low, but groundcover and root production is excellent. It is used 

for turf, highway plantings, airport landing strips, burned over timberland and reclamation areas 

where a long-lived, persistent, competitive ground cover is needed. Not recommended for pasture 

or hay. Sheep fescue is best adapted to 10+ inch precipitation zones. A very good erosion control 

and understory species that competes well with weeds. Early spring seedings are recommended. 

Only pure stands or mixtures with hard fescue are recommended. Planting depth 0-1/4 inch. 

Adapted varieties are 'Covar' and 'Bighorn'. Average seed per ft2

 is 16 at a 1 lb/acre rate. 

Recommended pure stand rate is 4 lb/acre. 

Needlegrass, Thurber’s (Achnatherum thurberianum=Stipa thurberiana)

Orchard, test material from USDA FS Intermountain Shrub Lab 

A medium height, cool season, native bunchgrass. It is very drought tolerant and often found on 

well-drained, rocky sites and southern exposures in the 8-16 inch rainfall zones. It has fine leaves 

and is fair to good forage in the early spring when most species are not productive and can greenup in fall with rainfall. It is currently under development by the Forest Service. Native seed 

collections should specify "Source Identified" seed. Average seeds per ft2

 at 1 lb/acre rate is 3. 

Seeding rate is 7 lb/acre.

Bluegrass, Sandberg (Poa secunda =P. sandbergii=P. ampla)

‘Sherman’ released by Pullman, WA PMC, 1945 

High Plains Germplasm released by Bridger, MT PMC 2000 

Mountain Home, test material from USDA FS Intermountain Shrub Lab 

Toole County, MT, source identified release from L&H Seed 

Hanford Source, source identified release from L&H Seed 

Sandberg bluegrass is a small, low producing, very drought tolerant, native, perennial bunchgrass 

that grows in small tufts usually no larger than 6-8 inches in diameter. It is widely distributed 

throughout western range plant communities where it is considered an important grass for soil 

stabilization and forage for wildlife. It is best adapted to medium to heavy textured soils. It is 

found from 1,000 feet in Washington to 12,000 feet in northern New Mexico. It is adapted to 8-20 

inches of moisture annually. It is tolerant of heavy trampling. Forage yields are very low, seed 

viability is generally poor, and forage quality declines rapidly in mid to late spring as it matures. It

is one of the first grasses to green-up in the spring. Due to its low stature, Sandberg bluegrass can 

withstand heavy grazing pressure. On large areas of western semi-desert rangelands, overgrazing 

has depleted most of the desirable bunchgrasses except Sandberg bluegrass. It provides little to no 

forage in summer and fall unless fall rains occur. ‘High Plains’ Selected Class Germplasm is a 

recent release from Bridger PMC. ‘Sherman’ is a large statured plant previously released as big 

bluegrass (Poa ampla). Plant at 1/4 inch or less depth. Average seeds/ft2

 at 1lb rate is 21. 

Recommended pure stand seeding rate is 2 lb/acre. It is best utilized in low rainfall area native 

mixes. 

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Wheatgrass, Crested Standard type-AGDE2 (Agropyron desertorum)

‘Nordan’ released by ND AES, 1953 

A very long-lived, drought tolerant bunchgrass adapted to a wide range of sites and precipitation 

zones as low as 9-10 inches. Growth begins early in the spring and again with fall moisture. 

Palatability is excellent in the spring and late fall, less during summer dormancy and after seed 

formation. It has very vigorous seedlings. Adapted to foothills with 9-16 inches precipitation, 

sagebrush, ponderosa pine, mountain brush, and juniper-pinyon ranges. Expect low vigor and 

poor stands above 6500 feet elevation. This species is more drought tolerant than Fairway type 

crested wheatgrasses. Planting depth 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Adapted varieties are 'Nordan' and 'Summit'. 

Average seeds per ft2

 at 1 lb/acre rate is 4. Recommend pure stand rate is 5 lb/acre. 

Wheatgrass, Crested CD-II and Hycrest-hybrids (Agropyron cristatum x A. desertorum)

‘Hycrest’ released by Logan, UT ARS, 1984 

‘CD-II’ released by Logan, UT ARS, 1996 

A hybrid cross between Standard type and induced tetraploid Fairway type crested wheatgrass. 

Seedlings are extremely vigorous during germination and early establishment. Survives under 

greater competition than other crested wheatgrasses. Yields more forage (15-20%) in younger 

stands; is an outstanding seed producer, but more stemmy. Occupies same sites as standard and 

Fairway crested wheatgrass. Especially useful in drier sagebrush - cheatgrass sites. Survives in 

areas with 9-16 inches precipitation. Does not persist as well as Standard type crested wheatgrass 

or Siberian wheatgrass in very droughty sites. Planting depth 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Cultivars include 

'CD-II' and 'Hycrest'. Average seeds per ft2

 at 1 lb/acre rate is 4. Recommend pure stand rate is 5 

lb/acre. 

Wheatgrass, Crested Fairway type-AGCR (Agropyron cristatum)

‘Ephraim’ released by USFS, 1983

‘Douglas’ released by Logan, UT ARS, 1994 

‘Roadcrest’ released by Logan, UT ARS, 1998 

A very long-lived, drought-tolerant, vigorous introduced bunchgrass. Similar to standard crested 

wheatgrass but shorter, earlier maturing, with finer stems and leaves. Establishes on similar sites 

(10-18 inches precipitation) as standard and grows more effectively than standard at higher 

elevations. This species does not survive as well as standard crested wheatgrass under severe 

drought conditions. Planting depth 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Adapted varieties are 'Fairway' and 'Ephraim'. 

'Ephraim', is a tetraploid variety of A. cristatum that is weakly rhizomatous in higher rainfall areas. 

'Roadcrest' is a turf-type with short rhizomes and is recommended for low maintenance lawns. 

'Douglas' crested wheatgrass is the first hexaploid on the market. Douglas is characterized as 

having larger seed, broader leaves and remains green longer into the early summer than other 

types mentioned above, but requires 14 inches of precipitation or more for long-term survival. It 

also establishes easily, but it produces less forage. Because it stays green longer than other types, 

it is a preferred forage selection. Douglas is not as drought resistant as Nordan, Summit, Hycrest 

or CD-II. Other cultivars available but less adapted include 'Parkway', 'Kirk' and 'Ruff'. Average 

seeds per ft2

 at 1 lb/acre rate is 4. Recommended pure stand rate is 5 lb/acre. 

Wheatgrass, Siberian (Agropyron fragile =A. sibericum)

‘P-27’ released by Aberdeen, ID PMC, 1953 

‘Vavilov’ released by Logan, UT ARS, 1994 

Similar to crested wheatgrass, Siberian wheatgrass has finer leaves, and retains its greenness and 

palatability later into the summer than crested wheatgrass. It yields less than most crested 

69
wheatgrass cultivars. It occupies sites where standard crested wheatgrass will grow but is more 

drought tolerant (7-16 inches of precipitation) and is especially useful on juniper sites. Once 

established, it is reported to be well adapted to light-sandy, droughty soils and can withstand 

extended periods of drought better than crested wheatgrasses. Planting depth 1/4 to 1/2 inch. 

Adapted varieties include 'P-27' and 'Vavilov' (improved seedling vigor). Average seeds per ft2

 at 

1 lb/acre rate is 4. Recommend pure stand rate is 6 lb/acre. 

Wheatgrass, Pubescent (Thinopyrum intermedium=Elytrigia intermedia=Agropyron 

trichophorum)

‘Luna’ released by Los Lunas, NM PMC, 1963 

‘Manska’ released by ARS, ND, 1992 

‘Greenleaf’ released by Canada Department of Agriculture, 1966 

‘Rush’ released by Aberdeen, ID PMC, 1994 

A long-lived, late maturing, introduced, sod-forming grass adapted to low-fertility sites and coarse 

to medium textured soils. Very similar to intermediate wheatgrass (pubescence on leaves and seed 

heads) but slightly more drought-resistant, alkali tolerant, and somewhat less palatable. It is better 

adapted for pasture than for hay. Its ability to remain green during the summer, when soil 

moisture is limited, is a significant characteristic. Adapted to foothills with 11-18 inches 

precipitation, this species is excellent for situations where only one to two irrigations are possible, 

because it readily responds to irrigation with increased forage production, but can also withstand 

extended drought periods when irrigation water is not available. Useful on disturbed sites for soil 

stabilization and erosion control. It is not shade tolerant, but is moderately tolerant of saline soil 

conditions. It is very useful for erosion control on a wide range of sites. Suggested varieties are 

'Luna' (most commonly used), ‘Rush’ (released for high seedling vigor and establishment) as well 

as 'Manska' and 'Greenleaf'. Average seeds per ft2

 at 1 lb/acre rate is 2. Recommend pure stand 

rate is 8 lb/acre. 

Wildrye, Altai (Leymus angustus=Elymus angustus)

‘Eejay’ released by Agriculture Canada, 1989 

‘Pearl’ released by Agriculture Canada, 1989 

‘Prairieland’ released by Agriculture Canada, 1976 

A winter hardy, drought resistant, long-lived, cool season introduced bunchgrass, sometimes with 

short rhizomes. It is known to root and use moisture to depths of 15 feet. Basal leaves are 

somewhat coarse, but very palatable during the late summer and early fall (protein levels of 8 

percent are common in standing winter-feed). In northern regions it is commonly swathed into 

windrows and utilized as forage for winter feeding operations. Adapted to moderately deep to 

deep loams to clay loams with 14 inch or greater rainfall. It can withstand saline conditions 

almost as well as tall wheatgrass and is also almost as productive as tall wheatgrass on saline sites. 

Seedlings develop slowly and good seedbed preparation and weed control is essential. 'Eejay',

'Pearl', ‘Mustang’ and 'Prairieland' are released varieties. Average seeds per ft2

 at 1 lb/acre rate is 

2. Recommended pure stand rate is 10 lb/acre. 

Wildrye, Russian (Psathyrostachys juncea=Elymus junceus)

‘Tetracan’ released by Agriculture Canada, 1988 

‘Bozoisky-Select’ released by Logan, UT ARS, 1984 

‘Mankota’ released by ND, ARS, 1991 

Syn A, test material from Logan, UT ARS 

70
A long-lived introduced very drought tolerant bunchgrass. Grows rapidly in the spring and 

produces abundant basal leaves that remain green and palatable through summer and fall as long 

as soil moisture is available. It endures close grazing better than most grasses. It cures well on the 

stump (better than most cool season grasses) and makes excellent late fall and winter feed. 

Russian wildrye is not suited for hay production due to the predominance of basal leaves, which 

makes it difficult to harvest. Once established, it competes effectively against undesirable plants 

and it withstands drought as effectively and is more palatable than crested wheatgrass. However, 

most varieties have been erratic in establishment, demonstrate poor seedling vigor, and provide 

poor soil protection. Seed in areas receiving at least 8 inches of precipitation. Adapted to 

sagebrush, mountain brush, juniper-pinyon, and moderately saline sites. Useful on soils too 

alkaline for crested wheatgrass and too dry for tall wheatgrass. Planting depth 1/4 to 1/2 inch; and 

is very sensitive to deeper placement. Highest production occurs in wide row spacing of >18 

inches. On steep slopes it should be planted on the contour. 'Vinall', an earlier variety, has poor 

seedling vigor and is not recommended. Canadian releases include 'Swift', which was selected for 

seedling vigor, and 'Cabree', selected both for seedling vigor and reduced seed shattering. U.S. 

releases include 'Bozoisky-Select', selected for increased seedling vigor and forage production and 

'Mankota', selected for establishment from deeper seeding depths. In plantings in the 

Intermountain West, Bozoisky-Select and Mankota should be the varieties of choice. Average 

seeds per ft2

 at 1 lb/acre rate is 4. Recommend pure stand seeding rate is 6 lb/acre. 

Yarrow, Western (Achillea millefolium)

Eagle, source identified release from Geertson Seed Farms 

Great Northern released by Bridger, MT PMC, 2004 

Western yarrow is a perennial forb (member of the sunflower family) and is one of the most 

widely distributed forbs in the western United States. Native ecotypes are white flowered while 

Eurasian ecotypes are pink to yellow flowered. It can be found from the valley bottoms to the 

subalpine zone. Greatest areas of occurrence are mountain brush, aspen, and open timber. It has 

some shade, drought, and grazing tolerance and can be found in sandy to loamy soils ranging from 

weakly basic to weakly acid. Yarrow spreads by seed and rhizomes; it does an especially good job 

on disturbed and depleted areas. It may invade adjacent areas that have proper growing conditions. 

Fall seeding is recommended. Depth of seeding should not exceed 1/4 inch. Western yarrow 

should be seeded in mixtures with other species. It is easily transplanted. It has been successfully

used in plantings that receive as little as 8 inches effective precipitation. Bridger PMC has recently 

released Great Northern Germplasm from a source in northwestern Montana. Average seeds per ft2

at 1 lb/acre rate is 95. Pure stand seeding rate is 0.25 lb/acre. Not recommended for pure stands. 

Sweetvetch, Utah (Northern) (Hedysarum boreale)

‘Timp’ released by Upper Colorado Environmental Plant Center, 1994 

Utah or Northern sweetvetch is a native perennial legume. This species occurs in the foothills and 

upland areas that receive 10 or more inches of precipitation. Sweetvetch prefers well-drained soils 

ranging from rocky, gravelly, and sandy to heavy clay. Its deep taproot enables it to take 

advantage of deep soil moisture that results in considerable drought resistance and winter 

hardiness. Seed should be fall seeded at 1/8 inch to 3/4 inch deep. It is very slow to establish in 

mixed stands and requires alternate row planting to provide optimum establishment. Livestock 

and big game graze this species when available. Spring green up occurs early, and basal leaves 

remain green throughout the winter. 'Timp' is a release from Meeker PMC. Average seeds per ft2

at 1 lb/acre rate is 2. Pure stand seeding rate is 18 lb/acre. Not recommended for pure stands. 

71
Penstemon, Firecracker (Penstemon eatonii) 

Richfield Selected Germplasm, released by Aberdeen, ID PMC, 1994 

A perennial, erect, cool season, short-lived, good reseeder, native forb that has a fibrous root 

system, stems that are decumbent or reclining, leaves that are slightly pubescent, flowers on 

upright stems that are bright red and bloom in mid summer through early fall. It is adapted to 

sagebrush, juniper and ponderosa pine zones at 3,300 to 8,000 feet elevation in 10-16 inch 

precipitation zones. It does best in full sunlight and can survive cold winter temperatures if snow 

insulates the plant. It does not do well in poorly drained areas. Potential uses include erosion 

control, diversity and beautification. The Richfield Selection is a release of firecracker penstemon 

from Aberdeen PMC. Due to hard seed, plant penstemon species in late fall-early winter at soil 

surface to 1/8-inch depth. Average seeds per ft2

 at 1 lb/acre rate is 7. Not recommended in pure 

stands. 

Globemallow, Scarlet (Sphaeralcea coccinea)

Test material from Great Basin Research Center 

Scarlet globemallow is a native, low-spreading perennial with creeping rhizomes. This species 

has considerable drought resistance with greatest area of occurrence between 7 and 12 inches 

annual precipitation. It establishes especially well on disturbed sites. It is an excellent soil 

stabilization species in native species mixtures on harsh sites. Fall seeding is recommended. A 

hard seed coat often prevents germination. Seed should not be planted deeper than 1/4 inch. 

Average seeds per ft2

 at 1 lb/acre rate is 17. Pure stand seeding rate is 3 lb/acre. Not 

recommended in pure stands. 

Flax, Lewis and Blue (Linum lewisii and Linum perenne)

Maple Grove Germplasm, released by Aberdeen, ID PMC, 2004 

‘Appar’ released by Aberdeen, ID PMC, 1980 

Blue flax is an introduced, perennial, semi-evergreen, blue-flowered forb that prefers well-drained 

soils that range from moderately basic to weakly acidic. It prefers growing in the open, but does 

have some shade tolerance. It is intolerant of poor drainage, flooding and high water tables. This 

species grows well in 10-18 inch precipitation areas including all three big sagebrush types, 

juniper and mountain brush communities. It has been successfully seeded in the salt desert shrub 

type. Flax does well seeded in mixtures with other species. It can be surface seeded on a 

disturbed seedbed and should not be seeded deeper than 1/8 inch. This semi-evergreen forb is 

eaten readily by big game especially during spring and winter and upland game and songbirds 

relish its seeds. This species does well seeded on disturbed sites. 'Appar' was released for its 

superior forage and seed production and palatability to livestock and wildlife. Recent research has 

identified 'Appar' as introduced from European origins. Maple Grove Germplasm (Linum lewisii)

is a new native release by the USDA FS and Aberdeen PMC. Average seeds per ft2

 at 1 lb/acre 

rate is 6. Pure stand seeding rate is 4 lb/acre. Not recommended in pure stands. 

Sagebrush, Wyoming Big (Artemisia tridentata ssp.wyomingensis) 

Test material from BLM Seed Warehouse, Boise, ID 

Big sagebrush with its 4 major subspecies (basin, Wyoming, mountain, spicate) is a widely 

occurring, landscape dominating native shrub ranging in height from 1 to 15 feet. The lower 

forms generally have several main stems arising from the base; the tall forms often have a single 

trunk. Big sagebrush grows in a variety of soils on arid plains, valleys, and foothills to mountain 

slopes in the 8-18 inch rainfall areas. It is frequently associated with such shrubs as shadscale, 

rubber rabbitbrush, green rabbitbrush, fourwing saltbush, spiny hopsage, gray horsebrush, 

72
winterfat, broom snakeweed, antelope bitterbrush, snowberry, and serviceberry. Big sagebrush is 

one of the more nutritious shrubs on western winter game ranges. Palatability of the different 

populations of this shrub to mule deer, sheep, and other animals varies widely. It is one of the best 

shrubs available for use in revegetation of depleted winter game ranges in the Intermountain West. 

Big sagebrush establishes rapidly from direct broadcast seeding on disturbed surfaces. It is useful 

for stabilizing washes, gullies, road-cuts, and other raw, exposed sites. It is widely seeded on big 

game improvement projects. Plants spread well by natural seeding and furnish considerable 

browse soon after seeding. Big sagebrush is aggressive and persistent and sometimes forms closed 

stands, which require control measures to improve species diversity. 'Hobble Creek' is a robust, 

palatable form of mountain big sagebrush adapted to areas with 14 inches or more precipitation 

and deeper soils. 'Gordon Creek' is a release of Wyoming big sagebrush adapted to 10-14 inches 

precipitation. Wildland seed collection is a common practice and Source Identified seed is 

recommended when using wildland collected seed. Use of freshly harvested seed is also 

recommended. Seed at 0-1/8 inch depth. Average seeds per ft2

 at 1 lb/acre rate: Basin 39, 

Mountain 45, Wyoming 39. Not recommended for pure seedings. Recommended rates in mixes 

are approximately 1/40 lb PLS/acre.

Saltbush, Fourwing (Atriplex canescens)

Snake River Plains Germplasm, released by Aberdeen, ID PMC, 2001 

‘Wytana’ released by Bridger, MT PMC, 1976 

‘Rincon’ released by USDA FS, 1983 

Fourwing saltbush is an upright native shrub from 1 to 6 feet tall depending on site conditions and 

genotype. It occurs as pistillate (female), staminate (male), or more rarely monoecious (female 

and male) bushes. The species grows in a variety of soil types from valley bottoms and plains to 

mountainous areas. It is well suited to deep, well-drained sandy soil, sand dunes, gravelly washes, 

mesas, ridges, and slopes, but vigorous plants have been found in heavy clays as well. It is 

frequently found intermixed with numerous shrub and grass species. It is primarily found in the 8-

16 inch precipitation zones. Fourwing saltbush is one of the most valuable forage shrubs in arid 

rangelands because of its abundance, accessibility, palatability, size, evergreen habitat, nutritive 

value, rate of growth, and large volume of foliage. Its leaves, stems, and utricles provide browse 

in all seasons. It withstands extremely heavy browsing and often appears to be stimulated by use. 

Research indicates that some ecotypes of this species may resprout following fire. This species is 

also one of the most important shrubs for use in rehabilitation of depleted rangelands and in soil 

stabilization projects. It can be established by direct seeding and by bare root and container 

transplanting. Fall seeding results in the best stands. The cultivar 'Rincon' is a strain best adapted 

to the warmer-southern big sagebrush and juniper zones but also does well in the more mesic 

portions of salt desert shrub areas. Another cultivar is 'Wytana', a natural hybrid of fourwing 

saltbush and Gardner saltbush, with lower stature. It is best adapted to higher elevation northern 

Great Plains on clayey saline soils. The most recent release by Aberdeen PMC, Snake River 

Plains Germplasm has better cold tolerance than Rincon and is recommended for southern Idaho, 

northern Nevada and northern Utah. Wildland seed collection is a common practice and Source 

Identified seed is recommended when using wildland collected seed. Plant at 1/4-3/4 inch depth. 

Average seeds per ft2

 at 1 lb/acre rate is 1.2. Not recommended for pure stands. Recommended 

rate in mixes is approximately 1/4 lb PLS/acre of dewinged seed. 

Saltbush, Gardner or Nuttall (Atriplex gardneri =A. nuttallii)

9016134 test material from Bridger, MT PMC 

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Gardner saltbush is a low growing perennial shrub that is widespread throughout the 

Intermountain West including salt desert shrublands. It is usually found on saline heavy textured 

soils in drier sites than sagebrush or fourwing saltbush, but may be in association with them and is 

most common in areas receiving 6-12 inches of precipitation. On adapted sites, this species 

establishes and grows rapidly where few other species exist. It is sensitive to over grazing and 

many sites that historically supported this species are now lost. It produces excellent browse for 

wildlife and livestock in all seasons. Wildland seed collection is a common practice and Source 

Identified seed is recommended when using wildland collected seed. Plant at 1/4-3/4 inch depth. 

Average seeds per ft2

 at 1 lb/acre rate 2.6. Not recommended for pure stands. Recommended rate 

in mixes is approximately 1/4 lb PLS/acre. It is best to plant Gardner saltbush in separate rows 

from other species. 

Winterfat (Krascheninnikovia lanata=Ceratoides lanata=Eurotia lanata)

Northern Cold Desert Germplasm released by Aberdeen PMC, 2001 

‘Hatch’ released by USDA FS, 1985 

Open Range Germplasm, released by Bridger, MT PMC, 2002 

Winterfat is an erect or spreading native sub-shrub that shows wide variation in stature from dwarf 

forms less than 8 inches in height to larger forms to 4 feet in height. The dwarf forms are 

herbaceous above with a woody base; taller forms tend to be woody throughout. Winterfat is most 

abundant on lower foothills, plains, and valleys with dry saline to alkaline soils that receive 7 

inches or more precipitation. Winterfat is a superior nutritious winter browse for livestock and big 

game. Sheep, cattle, antelope, elk, deer, and rabbits utilize winterfat. Even though it is relatively 

tolerant to browsing, over grazing has greatly reduced and even eliminated winterfat in some

areas. Winterfat seed maintains viability for relatively short periods of time (6 months to 2 years) 

without special treatment. Seeds require an after-ripening period for maximum germination and 

germinate best at warm temperatures (77 to 80o

F). Winterfat may be established by seed or by 

transplanting in 9 inch or greater rainfall areas (attempts to establish winterfat in lower rainfall 

zones commonly fail). Young seedlings are generally vulnerable to spring frosts. The upright 

variety, 'Hatch', is best adapted to southern ranges and produces rapid growth. The most recent 

release by Aberdeen PMC, Northern Cold Desert Germplasm has better cold tolerance than past 

releases and is recommended for southern Idaho, northern Nevada and northern Utah. Bridger 

PMC released Open Range Selected Germplasm in 2002 for use in the Northern Rocky Mountains 

and Great Plains. Wildland seed collection is a common practice and Source Identified seed is 

recommended when using wildland collected seed. Average seeds per ft2

 at 1 lb/acre rate is 2.8. 

Not recommended for pure stands. Recommended rates in mix are approximately 1/40 lb 

PLS/acre. 

Kochia, Forage (Kochia prostrata)

‘Immigrant’ released by USDA FS, 1984 

A semi-evergreen perennial sub-shrub introduced from southern Eurasia. On many desert and 

semidesert ranges, in Russia, it is considered a valuable forage shrub often associated with crested 

wheatgrass. It has been seeded in the Western United States for many years as a forage and 

reclamation plant on semiarid locations. 

Forage kochia is adapted to basic soils but not suitable for neutral or acid soils. Successful 

plantings have occurred on soils ranging from sandy loam to heavy clay, with the most successful 

plantings on heavier soils. This shrub develops a fibrous root system with a large deep taproot, 

and has been established in areas that receive 5 to 27 inches of annual precipitation. 

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Forage kochia has demonstrated its adaptability to the juniper, basin big sagebrush, Wyoming big 

sagebrush, and greasewood-shadscale habitats. Important characteristics: ability to establish and 

persist on disturbed harsh soils, high salinity and drought tolerance, tolerance of extreme 

temperatures (-25o

C to 104oC), low oxalate levels (lower than winterfat and fourwing saltbush), 

ability to spread slowly from seed, high seed production, moderate shade tolerance, fair 

palatability for livestock and big game, food and cover for upland game birds, good fire tolerance, 

compatibility with other perennials, competitiveness with annuals, and ability to increase fall and 

winter forage quality of perennial grass stands. The lower one-third of the plant remains green 

and succulent year around. The upper stems and seed stalks turn brown to red and dry after seed 

shatter (November to December). 

Protein content during winter (upper dry stems 6%, lower green stems 8-9%) is higher than what 

occurs in antelope bitterbrush and true mountain mahogany. Summer protein content has been 

found to be over 13%. Sheep and deer find this shrub palatable year around. When established in 

annual communities such as halogeton or cheatgrass, forage kochia can compete with annuals by 

reducing their dominance, density, forage, and seed production. In perennial communities, this 

shrub fills in interspaces but has not been observed to reduce the density of established perennials.

It is compatible in mixtures with drought tolerant grasses. Direct seeding on rangeland is best 

accomplished in the fall or winter by broadcasting on top of disturbed or undisturbed soil. Seed 

viability is generally limited to one year and use of fresh seed with a current germination analysis 

is highly recommended. If drill seeded, seed should not be seeded deeper than 1/16-inch. Seeding 

can be in combination with other perennial species. One cultivar, 'Immigrant' has been released. 

Average seeds per ft2

 at 1 lb/acre rate is 9.0. Recommended full seeding rate is 1 lb/acre. It is not 

recommended for pure stands. Recommended rates in mix is approximately 1/40 lb PLS/acre. 

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