Seeds stored at The Berry Botanic Garden.

The species is entirely restricted to a 127-150 acre area near a single hot spring system in Washoe County, Nevada. It is abundant where it occurs, with tens of thousands of individual rosettes scattered throughout the area, but the habitat is very susceptible to degradation. The primary threat to the taxon is private development - a geothermal power plant has already been constructed and has impacted a part of the population, but the power company has developed a management plan to minimize the threat and has been proactive in the protection of the
buckwheat habitat. The remaining (and largest) part of the population, however, is potentially protectable but faces continued threats due to its location in an intensely developed area along a major highway. Development would quickly destroy the plants. In addition, illegal off-road vehicle use and refuse dumping have occurred; these activities may alter moisture patterns, a habitat parameter to which this taxon is especially sensitive. The plants appear to have low reproductive potential and any significant loss of individuals may severely affect the taxon's survival.

Although locally abundant, only a few small areas of habitat (Williams 1982). Vehicular traffic, recreation (Williams 1982). Garbage dumping (Williams 1982). Nearby geothermal drilling and other water diversions may change ground water supply (Will

As of 2000: 1 population composed of 3 sub-populations over an area of 100-150 acres (Archibald et al. 2001) with a total estimated population of 200,000 individuals (NNHP 2001).

Genetic diversity studies utilizing allozymes revealed that, in contrast to many endemics, Steamboat buckwheat has high levels of genetic variation. Researchers also discovered that it is genetically similar to the widespread Eriogonum ovalifolium var. ovalifolium (Archibald et al. 2001). Determination of extent of clonality utilizing allozymes found clones as far as 67 cm away from each other. The frequency of clonal growth was not determined (Archibald et al. 2001). There was no evidence of inbreeding utilizing allozymes analysis (Archibald et al. 2001). Germination trials revealed a preference for cold stratification and alternating temperatures. 100% of seeds germinated when subjected to 8 weeks of cold stratification followed by alternating 50F/68F (10/20C) temperatures. 67% germinated under constant 68F (20C) temperatures following cold stratification. Without cold stratification, 86% of seeds in the alternating temperature treatment germinated while 83% of seeds in constant temperatures germinated (BBG File).

Guidelines established to minimize impact of power plant construction on plant populations were implemented in 1991 (Nelson 1991). This management plan is scheduled to continue for a 30-year duration (Knight 1993). Transplantation of all potentially effected plants was completed prior to initiation of power plant construction (Knight 1993). However, there was only a 25% survival rate (Archibald et al. 2001). Seeds stored at The Berry Botanic Garden.

Limiting population fragmentation is necessary to maintain gene flow of this highly diverse species, decreasing inbreeding and genetic drift. Care should be taken in the construction of roads or new geothermal facilities to avoid population areas and minimize the impact of construction (Archibald et al. 2001). Further genetic studies to compare nuclear and cytoplasmic DNA among varieties of Eriogonum ovalifolium. Chromosomal information (number and size of chromosomes). Study breeding system, pollinators, seed production, and seed dispersal (Knight 1993).

Collect seeds periodically to maintain viable seeds in storage. Collect from all sub-populations. Determine propagation and re-introduction protocols.