In order to identify the processes and patterns that sustain the ecological health and integrity of Dalea cylindriceps and the sandsage prairie plant community, Lauritzen Gardens will be launching the Sandsage Prairie Research Initiative this year.  This reconnaissance survey of the sandsage prairie will focus on the following list of topics:  (1) distribution;  (2) environmental factors;  (3) floristic composition;  (4) vegetation structure;  (5) vegetation dynamics;  (6) at-risk species;  (7) conservation values;  (8) management implications;  (9) literature review.  The intent of this initiative is to devise management implications and conservation practices in order to be able to contribute to the conservation not only of Dalea cylindriceps but for the sandsage plant community as well.  This work will result in the first comprehensive publication on the ecology and floristic composition of the sandsage prairie. (Locklear 2018)

The Lauritzen Gardens conducted a rare plant survey in the central grassland of North America with an initial focus on Dalea cylindriceps.  It was revealed that this rare prairie clover is primarily associated with a plant community called sandsage prairie.  Sandsage prairie is actually a type of shrub-steppe community dominated by Artemisia filifolia (Sand Sagebrush).  Many of the sites visited still had a good intact sandsage prairie but Dalea cylindriceps was not found prompting questions as to what exactly was going on with the sandsage prairie and what were the dynamics involved.  Subsequently, this led to a focus study on sandsage prairie regions concentrating on the southwest corner of the state of Nebraska.  The Nebraska Natural Legacy Project identified regions within the state they call "Biologically Unique Landscapes" that are of high priority for conservation values which also includes sandsage prairie. The Nebraska sandsage prairie rare plant survey targeted 14 Nebraska at-risk plants (S1 and S2) including Berlandier's flax (Linum berlandieri), a Nebraska S1, state critically imperiled species.  It was discovered that most of these rare plants were associated with early stages of succession from the dynamic sandy habitat known as a blowout.  This is turn peaked a larger scale study into the distribution of dune fields and sand habitat ecological associations in the Great Plains.  There are three different plant communities consisting of: (1) Sand Prairie dominated by grass species (Andropogon hallii - Calamovilfa longifolia);  (2) Sand Shinnery dominated by shin oak (Quercus havardii);  (3) Sandsage Prairie dominated by Artemisia filifolia.  The main focus of this study was to understand the geographic extent of the sandsage plant community as well as its floristic composition.  Not only it is rare in Nebraska but it is deemed a plant community of conservation concern in five different states in the Great Plains.  (Locklear 2018)

Apparently infrequent throughout its range. It occurs in many states, and in seven counties of at least one (NM), but is not abundant. Need actual EO counts to verify rank.

Field survey of historic occurrences of Dalea cylindriceps by Jim Locklear in 2010 found that many former sites have been taken over by aggresive introduced weeds, particularly yellow sweetclover (Melilotus officinalis) and cheatgrass (Bromus japonicus).

The number of extant populations of Dalea cylindriceps throughout its historic range are unknown. Field survey in the northern part of the species range by Jim Locklear of Lauritzen Gardens resulted in the location of 5 populations (out of 23 historic occurrences surveyed).

In 2010, Jim Locklear of Lauritzen Gardens surveyed the sites of 23 historic occurrences of Dalea cylindriceps in western Nebraska, se Wyoming, and ne Colorado. Almost all of this habitat was sandsage prairie. Only five extant populations were found, and some consisted of very few individuals. This preliminary research indicates Dalea cylindriceps may have declined significantly and could be more imperiled than its large distribution would indicate.

Much of the sandsage prairie habitat of Dalea cylindriceps is in private management. However, extant populations of Dalea cylindriceps occur on federal lands in the Cimarron National Grassland (KS) and Comanche National Grassland (CO).

Field survey of historic occurrences throughout the range of Dalea cylindriceps is needed to assess its current status and conservation needs.

Seed collections Dalea cylindriceps should be made in order to propagate plants for reintroduction into sites where the species has been eliminated.