24 



given in the element occurrence data fields of the EORs in 

 Appendix C. 



2. Reproductive biology: Reproduction is by seed. Plants 



flower from early June to late July, depending on climatic 

 conditions of the site and year (Shelly 1990) and fruits 

 mature in July and August. The species appears to be an 

 obligate outcrosser (Ramstetter 1983) and is insect 

 pollinated, probably most commonly by a species of vespid 

 wasp (Shelly 1990). Pollination and seedling establishment 

 and survival are probably the major factors limiting 

 reproductive success (Shelly 1990). Browsing of 

 inflorescences by game and cattle has been observed, and 

 grazing appears to impact populations, as evidenced by the 

 lack of plants on the grazed side of a fenceline at the Big 

 Hole Battlefield (Shelly 1990). 



F. Management considerations 



Penstemon lemhiensis is a rare plant with a limited distribution 

 in Idaho and Montana which has apparently undergone a decline in 

 numbers in recent years, probably due to natural climatic 

 fluctuation (drought), but which may also be impacted by human 

 activities. Potential human caused impacts on the species 

 include cattle grazing, road construction and maintenance, 

 herbicide spraying, and mining. Designation as a Sensitive plant 

 by the BLM is strongly recommended, as proposed. Management 

 plans to minimize human impacts to the populations on BLM land 

 should be implemented; a conservation strategy for this species 

 is currently being developed by the Montana Natural Heritage 

 Program (Elzinga, in progress). The populations on BLM land 

 should continue to be monitored; some of these could not been 

 relocated in the past two years, but should be looked for in the 

 future. Additional surveys for this species should be conducted 

 in the study area if and when climatic change results in an 

 increase in numbers of flowering plants. Additional information 

 on this species' occurrences, biology, and conservation is given 

 by Shelly (1990) . 



Sphaeromeria argentea Nuttall 

 Chicken Sage 



A. Description 



General description: Commonly called a "sage", this member 

 of the Asteraceae (sunflower family) resembles some species 

 of Artemisia due to its fragrance, three parted leaves, and 

 small heads of flowers. Plants are often somewhat woody 

 near the base. The leaves are mostly basal and the tiny 

 heads of bright yellow tubular flowers are borne on short 



