W 10 



These data indicate that C. lanceolata var. flava is distinct from C. lanceolata var. 

 lanceolata at the specific level (Wolf 1988, Shelly 1991). In the process of raising C. 

 lanceolata var. flava to specific status, the nomenclature of this plant will need be 

 resolved. Likely synonymous entities include: C. multicaulis A. Nels., C. multiscapa 

 Rydb., and C. aurea A. Nels. (Hitchcock and Cronquist 1984). In addition, the 

 descriptions of Claytonia tuberosa Pall. (Hulten 1974), and C. rosea Rydb. (Halleck and 

 Wiens 1966) indicate similarities to C. lanceolata var. flava . Further research may 

 indicate the need to include one or both of these species within this group (Shelly 

 1991). 



ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS 



Based on population sizes and distribution information acquired from this sui-vey 

 and other sources, the Montana Natural Heritage Program state rank for C. lanceolata 

 var. flava will be changed from SI (critically imperiled in Montana because of extreme 

 rarity, 5 or fewer occurrences), to S3 (rare in Montana, 21 to 100 occurrences). The 

 scope of the taxonomic revision may indicate the need to change the U.S. Fish and 

 Wildlife Service status of C. lanceolata var. flava from C2 to 3C. 



There has been genetic divergence among populations of Claytonia lanceolata var. flava . 

 k as detected by electrophoretic analysis (Wolf 1988, Soltis 1991). For example, 



populations in the East Boulder River drainage fall within the flava complex, but have 

 diverged compared to other sampled flava populations (Soltis 1991). It is 

 recommended that as much of each known population be preserved, so as not to reduce 

 the genetic variation present. Specific recommendations for the East Boulder River 

 populations are described by Schassberger (1991). 



As described above, the white form of var. flava is more widespread than the 

 yellow form. Populations that contain the yellow form of var. flava tend to be large, 

 but there are only five locations statewide. Due to the abundance and widespread 

 distribution of this taxon, it is recommended that C. lanceolata var. flava be dropped 

 from the U.S. Forest Service, Region 1 sensitive plant species list. However, due to 

 limited distribution, populations that contain the yellow form should remain on a Forest 

 level watch list for the three Forests (Beaverhead, Deerlodge and Gallatin) on which 

 they are found. 



DOCUMENTATION 



Specimens detailed as follows will be deposited at the Montana State University 

 Herbarium (MONT). 



Claytonia lanceolata var. flava 



W Schassbereer, L. (420) . East Boulder River 



