B. 



3. Diagnostic characteristics: The rare variety, S. obtusata 

 var. major , has a nodding and somewhat open inflorescence in 

 contrast to the spike-like infloresence of S. obtusata var. 

 obtusata . It also has the second glume more than 3x as long 

 as wide, not cucullate, lower lemma 1.9-3.1 mm (.07-. 12 in) 

 long (from Great Plains Flora Association 1986). 



Present legal or other formal status 



1. Federal 



U. 



Fish and Wildlife Service: 



none 



B. 



U.S. Forest Service: 



none 



C. Bureau of Land Management: Proposed watch 



2. State: This species is currently ranked "S2" (state 

 imperiled) based on a total of 9 records from 8 counties. It 

 is identified as the rarer of the two varieties in the Great 

 Plains Flora Association (1986). 



Geographical distribution 



1. Species range: Across 

 southern Canada, throughout 

 most of United States except 

 extreme West. 



2. Montana distribution: 

 Widely scattered across 

 Beaverhead, Carter, Fergus, 

 Flathead, Gallatin, Granite, 

 Lewis and Clark and Rosebud 

 counties. 



3 . Occurrence in the study 

 area: The one historical 

 location on the Long Pines 

 could not be relocated. It was 

 not found in the South Dakota 

 units. 



Habitat 



1. Associated vegetation: Grasslands in the valleys and 

 plains (Lesica and Shelly 1991) ; often in woods (Great Plains 

 Flora Association 1986) . 



2. Topography: It occupies wet ground, usually along 

 watercourses, spanning between at least 914-1524 m (3000-5000 

 ft) . 



53 



