Mitigation plans sometimes call for moving cacti to newly cut slopes in artificial habitats where its long term establishment is suspect. Most known sites are endangered by development within the next 5-10 years. This plant is capable of being propagated and rooted from cuttings, and should be strongly considered for use on protected lands within its historical range. The prostrate growth habit of this species is quite distinct from variety parryi , from which it is geographically isolated. Herbarium material, not showing this trait, is similar and not readily differentiated.
More taxonomic work is warranted.
Provisionally, sizeable populations are recommended for protection. Smaller populations should be protected on-site within biological open space, or if necessary, transplanted to high quality native sage scrub habitat in dedicated biological open space. Copyright May 1994 Craig H. Reiser.