Demography and monitoring of Welsh's milkweed (Asclepias welshii) at Coral Pink Sand Dunes

Brent C. Palmer; L. Armstrong

Treesearch

Demography and monitoring of Welsh's milkweed (Asclepias welshii) at Coral Pink Sand Dunes

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Brent C. Palmer, L. Armstrong

Year:

2001

Type:

Proceedings

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

Source:

In: Maschinski, Joyce; Holter, Louella, tech. eds. Southwestern rare and endangered plants: Proceedings of the Third Conference; 2000 September 25-28; Flagstaff, AZ. Proceedings RMRS-P-23. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 59-69.

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Abstract

Results are presented of a 12-year monitoring program on the Coral Pink Sand Dunes and Sand Hills populations of the threatened Welsh's milkweed, Asclepias welshii N & P Holmgren. The species is an early sera1 member of the dune flora, colonizing blowouts and advancing with shifting dunes. When an area stabilizes and other vegetation encroaches, A. welshii is crowded out. Reproduction is by seeds and rhizomes, with the latter being more important. Three growth forms and their significance in colony dynamics are recognized. Monitoring has measured fluctuations in stem counts, vegetative competition, off-road vehicle impacts, and the general instability of the environment.

Parent Publication

Southwestern rare and endangered plants: Proceedings of the Third Conference

Keywords

plant conservation, genetics, demography, reproductive biology, monitoring, endangered species

Citation

Palmer, Brent C.; Armstrong, L. 2001. Demography and monitoring of Welsh's milkweed (Asclepias welshii) at Coral Pink Sand Dunes. In: Maschinski, Joyce; Holter, Louella, tech. eds. Southwestern rare and endangered plants: Proceedings of the Third Conference; 2000 September 25-28; Flagstaff, AZ. Proceedings RMRS-P-23. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 59-69.