^ GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION 



Global distribution: Alberta and Saskatchewan south to 

 California and Colorado. 



Montana distribution: Beaverhead and Liberty counties 



Sage Creek distribution: Five populations were located in 

 lower side drainages of Sage Creek. This plant is 

 inconspicuous, and many other populations probably occur in 

 the Sage Creek area. 



CONSERVATION STATUS 



U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: 3C 



Montana Bureau of Land Management: None 



Montana Natural Heritage Program rank: G4-S2 



HABITAT: In the Sage Creek area Halimolobos virgata is found in 

 silty alluvial soils of stream terraces at 6,700-7,000 ft in 

 elevation and is associated with big sagebrush {Artemisia 

 tridentata tridentata / Elymus cinereus) . One population was found 

 in a stand of mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus ledif alius / Agropyron 

 spicatum) at 7,600-7,700 ft. Common associated species include 

 Chrysothamnus nauseosus, C. viscidiflorus, Agropyron smithii, 

 Oryzopsis hymenoides, Poa pratensis, P. juncifolius. Taraxacum 

 officinale , and Viola nuttallii. 



POPULATION INFORMATION: Although population density was usually 

 low, the amount of habitat was appreciable. One population was 

 estimated at less than 100 plants, one was estimated to be 100- 



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