The tapered, stalk-like perianth and the solitary involucre 

 distinguish this species from other mat-forming Eriogonum. 



GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION 



Global distribution: southeast Oregon to southwest Montana, 

 south to California and Colorado. 



Montana distribution: southern Beaverhead County. 



Sage Creek distribution: Two populations in the East Creek 

 drainage. 



CONSERVATION STATUS 



U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: None 



Montana Bureau of Land Management: None 



Montana Natural Heritage Program rank: G5-S1 



HABITAT: Eriogonum caespitosum occurs in very fine-textured 

 alluvial soils on relatively level ground at the base of slopes 

 at 6,900-7,400 ft in elevation. It is associated with low 

 sagebrush communities (Artemisia arbuscula/Festuca idahoensis) ; 

 common associated species include Artemisia tridentata, Poa 

 secunda,. Phlox hoodii, Chrysothamnus nauseosus and Agropyron 

 dasystachyum . 



POPULATION INFORMATION: The high elevation population was small 

 with fewer than 50 plants observed, while the low elevation site 

 had more than 1,000 plants over an area of at least 80 acres. 

 Most plants had some flowering rosettes. 



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