20 



I. 8. A. General summary of population ecology: 



Although it occurs in dense vegetation, C. 

 lanceolata var. f lava is relatively frequent 

 within the known habitats. Its early season 

 of growth and reproduction, prior to vigorous 

 growth by associated species, may allow for 

 more efficient growth and reproduction of 

 mature plants, as well as efficient seedling 

 germination and establishment. However, the 

 taxon does not appear to readily invade 

 disturbed, open soil habitats, such as 

 roadbanks or gravel pits. 



I.8.C.I. Herbivores, predators, pests, etc., affecting 

 the taxon: During surveys in 1988, it did 

 not appear that the habitats occupied by C. 

 lanceolata var. f lava had been influenced by 

 recent heavy grazing by domestic livestock. 

 Much of the occupied habitat at three sites 

 (Lockhart Meadows (001) , Hebgen Lake (004) , 

 and Burton Park (005)) is privately owned, 

 and grazing appeared to be mainly restricted 

 to these inholdings. Also, most grazing 

 probably occurs primarily after the flowering 

 and fruiting times for the taxon. Thus, it 

 does not appear that serious impacts from 

 livestock grazing are occurring under present 

 management practices. However, potential 

 impacts to the habitats later in the growing 

 season should be assessed, to determine if 

 grazing use is influencing soil erosion 

 patterns or resulting in weed invasion. 



I.8.D. Hybridization: The preliminary results of 



systematic studies indicate that C. 

 lanceolata var. f lava is specifically 

 distinct. In addition, it was found that it 

 may be either white- or yellow-flowered. In 

 only one case was an individual found with 

 intermediate, cream-colored corollas (Hebgen 

 Lake (004)); this suggests the possibility of 

 limited gene flow between the two color 

 forms. The color morphs may be genetic forms 

 that differ with respect to only one or a few 

 genes. Also, no molecular or morphological 

 evidence was observed that indicates 

 hybridization between vars. lanceolata and 

 f lava . 



I. 9. A. General nature of land ownership (Montana) : 



U.S.D.A. Forest Service, U.S. D.I. Bureau of 

 Land Management, State of Montana, private. 



