Baskin and Baskin (1998) performed the only in-depth study of this species to date. They assessed the ecological life cycle of Dalea foliosa through a series of greenhouse and laboratory studies. The goals of this project included determination of dormancy-breaking and germination requirements, analysis of potential seed persistence in the seed bank, and flowering requirements and phenology. A preliminary genetic study assessed diversity of the species throughout its range (Wiltshire 1994). Genetic diversity is relatively low, with nearly all variation occurring among Tennessee populations.

Baskin and Baskin (1998) performed the only in-depth study of this species to date. They assessed the ecological life cycle of Dalea foliosa through a series of greenhouse and laboratory studies. The goals of this project included determination of dormancy-breaking and germination requirements, analysis of potential seed persistence in the seed bank, and flowering requirements and phenology.

Population viability indexes have been assigned to all extant populations. Targets have been set for recovery efforts, and the criteria that need to be met for delisting to occur have been delineated.

A preliminary genetic study assessed diversity of the species throughout its range (Wiltshire 1994). Genetic diversity is relatively low, with nearly all variation occurring among Tennessee populations.

Seeds collected in Illinois were germinated, and juvenile plants were transplanted to re-created habitat that features endangered and threatened plants at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois. This site functions as source material for restoration and recovery projects as well as an educational exhibit. Population viability indexes have been assigned to all extant populations. Targets have been set for recovery efforts, and the criteria that need to be met for delisting to occur have been delineated.

Seeds collected in Illinois were germinated, and juvenile plants were transplanted to re-created habitat that features endangered and threatened plants at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois.

A monitoring study performed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources over the course of 7 years found that moisture was a limiting factor in mature plant vigor and seed germination (Bowles and Jones 1992). This species is fire-dependent, as the heat of a spring burn scarifies its seeds, which will then germinate if adequate moisture is available. However, it was observed that fall burning increased the likelihood and severity of winter frost heave damage.

Since this species was first described, known occurrences have declined due to habitat destruction and alteration due to commercial and industrial development, overgrazing, and lack of fire. There are approximately 60 extant occurrences presently recorded, but about 40 occurrences are of poor or very poor quality. There are currently known extant occurrences in 3 states: 49 in Tennessee, 3 in Alabama, and 10 in Illinois. In Tennessee, 8 occurrences are ranked as good or excellent. Even when protected on public or private conservation lands, populations will remain threatened by lack of fire and the resulting succession of woody vegetation if management to keep sites open is not implemented. Due to continuing land use change, the species as a whole is highly threatened by continued loss of habitat (land use change is particularly rapid in the Central Basin of Tennessee, especially so in Davidson, Rutherford, and Wilson counties). While more populations may be discovered, most will probably be marginal ones. In Tennessee, many sites are gravely threatened by exotic shrubs, particularly Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense), sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata), and Eurasian bush-honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii).

Over-collecting, trampling Habitat degradation by woody plant succession and exotic species invasion Habitat destruction Herbivore damage Extended summer drought (USFWS 1996) In Illinois, frost heave, severe rabbit grazing and drought were found to

Two to four populations in Alabama and Illinois, the majority of sites occur in Central Tennessee (~20). Most populations have fewer than 100 plants (USFWS 1996).

Baskin and Baskin (1998) performed the only in-depth study of this species to date. They assessed the ecological life cycle of Dalea foliosa through a series of greenhouse and laboratory studies. The goals of this project included determination of dormancy-breaking and germination requirements, analysis of potential seed persistence in the seed bank, and flowering requirements and phenology. A preliminary genetic study assessed diversity of the species throughout its range (Wiltshire 1994). Genetic diversity is relatively low, with nearly all variation occurring among Tennessee populations.

A monitoring study performed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources over the course of 7 years found that moisture was a limiting factor in mature plant vigor and seed germination (Bowles and Jones 1992). This species is fire-dependent, as the heat of a spring burn scarifies its seeds, which will then germinate if adequate moisture is available. However, it was observed that fall burning increased the likelihood and severity of winter frost heave damage. Seeds collected in Illinois were germinated, and juvenile plants were transplanted to re-created habitat that features endangered and threatened plants at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois. This site functions as source material for restoration and recovery projects as well as an educational exhibit. Population viability indexes have been assigned to all extant populations. Targets have been set for recovery efforts, and the criteria that need to be met for delisting to occur have been delineated.

Research needs include an in-depth demographic study, including the cycle of dormant life stages, as well as the effect of fire on seed viability and germination . It is also important to expand on knowledge of the breeding system of the species. From a management perspective, historic locations of this species need to be searched out and their restoration potential assessed. If restoration is possible, management methods, perhaps including a prescribed burning regime, should be implemented to trigger the germination of any seeds in the seed bank. If this is unsuccessful, reintroduction of the species should be considered. In addition, it is important to maintain the habitat quality of this species, which involves management that keeps woody plants and invasive species encroachment at bay.

Maintain ex situ seed collections for use in research and as restoration material.