Bradshaw's Desert-parsley / Center For Plant Conservation
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Plant Profile

Bradshaw's Desert-parsley (Lomatium bradshawii)

Plant in flower with surrounding vegetation, in situ. Photo Credit: Ed Guerrant
  • Global Rank: G2 - Imperiled
  • Legal Status: N/A
  • Family: Apiaceae
  • State: OR, WA
  • Nature Serve ID: 129042
  • Lifeform: Forb/herb
  • Date Inducted in National Collection: 04/01/1990
Description:

Lomatium bradshawii was once common, inhabiting the extensive native prairies of the Willamette Valley, creating carpets of sulfur-yellow in the spring. Like many other prairie species, Bradshaw's lomatium has been adversely affected by the extensive conversion of its habitat to agricultural and other uses by humans. Today, less than 1% of the Willamette Valley remains undisturbed. Lomatium bradshawii was believed to be extinct until a graduate student at the University of Oregon re-discovered it while jogging. Since its rediscovery in 1979, extensive research has been done to understand the ecology of this species. A majority of the remaining populations in Oregon are within a 10-mile (16 km) radius of the city of Eugene. Continued growth of the city threatens the future of these sites. In Washington, two recently discovered sites contain as many plants as are found in all of Oregon. However, both sites are on private land and are not subject to legal protection.

Where is Bradshaw's Desert-parsley (Lomatium bradshawii) located in the wild?

Habitat:

Moist meadows and remnant prairie patches at low elevations. Associated species include Deschampsia cespitosa, Hordeum brachyantherum, Poa pratensis, Perideridia spp., Juncus spp., Grindelia integrifolia, Microseris laciniata, and Galium cymosum.

Distribution:

OR, WAOR: Central and Southern Willamette Valley (Benton, Lane, Linn, and Marion Counties)WA: Puget Trough, Southwestern Washington, Clark County

States & Provinces:

Bradshaw's Desert-parsley can be found in Oregon, Washington

Which CPC Partners conserve Bradshaw's Desert-parsley (Lomatium bradshawii)?

CPC's Plant Sponsorship Program provides long term stewardship of rare plants in our National Collection. We are so grateful for all our donors who have made the Plant Sponsorship Program so successful. We are in the process of acknowledging all our wonderful plant sponsorship donors on our website. This is a work in progress and will be updated regularly.

Conservation Actions

Center for Plant Conservation
  • 08/19/2021
  • Orthodox Seed Banking

In 2021, CPC contracted Institute for Applied Ecology to recollect seed from a population currently held in long term orthodox seed storage as part of an IMLS-funded seed longevity experiment. The National Laboratory for Genetic Resources Preservation will evaluate how germination tested viability and RNA Integrity of seed lots decline over time in storage.

  • 09/19/2020
  • Demographic Research

Study of the effects of livestock grazing and small mammal depredation on Lomatium bradshawii. Late-season livestock grazing (after fruit maturation) lead to an increase in emergence of new plants and in the density of plants with multiple umbels, but did not alter survival or population structure. This may be due to small disturbances of the soil and a reduction in shading by nearby plants. Small mammal depredation was lowest in plots that were subjected to grazing. Presumably, livestock grazing reduces standing crop biomass (residual cover), thereby changing the habitat for small mammals. The long-term effects are not known (Drew, 2000).

  • 09/19/2020
  • Propagation Research

Determination of optimum germination procedures. Pre-chilling for 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks was tested as well as germination at alternating temperatures 59F/77F or 68F/86F (15C/25C or 20C/30C respectively). Eight weeks of cold stratification resulted in the highest germination. Germination was also greater under the 59F/77F (15C/25C) temperature regime than 68F/86F (20C/30C). Further work is needed to determine if germination percentages can be increased by longer cold stratification times or different temperature regimes (Kaye and Kuykendall, 2000).

  • 09/19/2020
  • Propagation Research

Germination trials at the Berry Botanic Garden resulted in a maximum germination of 100%. One and 13 year old seeds subjected to 8 weeks of cold stratification followed by alternating 50/68F (10/20C) both germinated at a rate of 80%, while a constant 68 F (20C) resulted in 70% and 50% respectively. After 16 weeks cold stratification, one and 13 year old accessions yielded 70% and 90% germination respectively when subjected to the alternating temperature treatment, and 100% and 90% respectively at the constant temperature (BBG File).

  • 09/19/2020
  • Reintroduction

Comparison of direct seeding and transplanting as methods of establishing plants for reintroduction- direct seeding was an effective method of establishing plants. When cover vegetation was first removed, seedling recruitment increased from 17% to 38%. Different soil amendments had no effect on seedling establishment. Data is still being collected on the effectiveness of transplantation (Kaye, Kuykendall, and Nelson, 2000).

  • 09/19/2020
  • Genetic Research

Genetic analysis of Lomatium bradshawii using AFLP markers found high levels of genetic diversity. Because of large population sizes and high genetic diversity within most populations, inbreeding depression is not considered a threat to this species. Exceptions do exist. One Oregon population has fewer than 100 individuals and lower genetic diversity than nearby populations. One Washington population has low levels of genetic diversity despite its large size. If population sizes are maintained at or near current levels, the long-term genetic stability of the species appears good (Gitzendanner, 1998).

  • 09/19/2020
  • Reproductive Research

Field experiments and observations to determine breeding system and pollinators. Pollinator exclusion experiments determined that although the species is self compatible, insect pollinators are required for seed production due to temporal separation of the male and female flower parts (Kaye and Kirkland, 1994). Evaluation of the effect of prescribed burning of Lomatium. bradshawii habitat. Over a period of 9 years, plots were burned 2-3 times in the fall. Crown area, plant height, number of flowers and number of fruit was determined. The initial response was positive in many plots, but overall, the results were inconsistent (Pendergrass et al, 1999).

  • 09/19/2020
  • Living Collection

A salvage operation was undertaken in 1999 at a development site in southern Washington. Road construction and development of a golf course was planned for the area in which the plants grew. Since the land was private, no regulations prohibited the owner from paving over the plants. Berry Botanic Garden employees and volunteers removed plants from the area where the road was to be built and brought them to the BBG to become part of the living collection.

  • 09/19/2020
  • Orthodox Seed Banking

Seeds from Washington and Oregon populations stored at The Berry Botanic Garden. All recent collections (since 1998) are from one of the sites in Washington. Many seeds have been collected from garden grown plants. The last collection from wild populations in Oregon was in 1993

  • 09/19/2020
  • Seed Collection

Seeds from Washington and Oregon populations stored at The Berry Botanic Garden. All recent collections (since 1998) are from one of the sites in Washington. Many seeds have been collected from garden grown plants. The last collection from wild populations in Oregon was in 1993.

Nature Serve Biotics
  • 05/02/2017

A regional endemic of Oregon and southernmost Washington, now found mainly in the southern part of Oregon's Willamette Valley in isolated remnants of the native bottomland prairie that existed in this area prior to intensive agricultural and residential development. Once abundant throughout the Valley, there are now only about 46 surviving occurrences and about 10 of these are large enough to be considered viable populations. 2 of the largest populations are currently protected, but the species needs active management - removal of invading woody plants by fire or other means - in order to maintain the open, prairie habitat on which it depends.

Edward Guerrant, Ph.D.
  • 01/01/2010

Land development for agriculture and housing (Meinke 1982). Pesticides that kill the pollinators necessary for this plant to reproduce (Kaye and Kirkland, 1994). Non-native plant invasion (Drew 2000). Invasion of shrubs due to fire suppression (Kay

Edward Guerrant, Ph.D.
  • 01/01/2010

As of 1992: 38 element occurrences (Oregon Natural Heritage Database) in three population centers. Populations are generally small, from fewer than 10 to about 1000 individuals. One large site contains 30,000 individuals. In Washington, two populations were discovered in 1994. Both are on private land. One site has ""several thousand"" and another has approximately 70,400 individuals (WA Natural Heritage Database).

Edward Guerrant, Ph.D.
  • 01/01/2010

Population monitoring to determine effects of encroaching shrubs (Kaye, 1992). Field experiments and observations to determine breeding system and pollinators. Pollinator exclusion experiments determined that although the species is self compatible, insect pollinators are required for seed production due to temporal separation of the male and female flower parts (Kaye and Kirkland, 1994). Genetic analysis of Lomatium bradshawii using AFLP markers found high levels of genetic diversity. Because of large population sizes and high genetic diversity within most populations, inbreeding depression is not considered a threat to this species. Exceptions do exist. One Oregon population has fewer than 100 individuals and lower genetic diversity than nearby populations. One Washington population has low levels of genetic diversity despite its large size. If population sizes are maintained at or near current levels, the long-term genetic stability of the species appears good (Gitzendanner, 1998). Evaluation of the effect of prescribed burning of Lomatium. bradshawii habitat. Over a period of 9 years, plots were burned 2-3 times in the fall. Crown area, plant height, number of flowers and number of fruit was determined. The initial response was positive in many plots, but overall, the results were inconsistent (Pendergrass et al, 1999). Comparison of direct seeding and transplanting as methods of establishing plants for reintroduction- direct seeding was an effective method of establishing plants. When cover vegetation was first removed, seedling recruitment increased from 17% to 38%. Different soil amendments had no effect on seedling establishment. Data is still being collected on the effectiveness of transplantation (Kaye, Kuykendall, and Nelson, 2000). Determination of optimum germination procedures. Pre-chilling for 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks was tested as well as germination at alternating temperatures 59F/77F or 68F/86F (15C/25C or 20C/30C respectively). Eight weeks of cold stratification resulted in the highest germination. Germination was also greater under the 59F/77F (15C/25C) temperature regime than 68F/86F (20C/30C). Further work is needed to determine if germination percentages can be increased by longer cold stratification times or different temperature regimes (Kaye and Kuykendall, 2000). Germination trials at the Berry Botanic Garden resulted in a maximum germination of 100%. One and 13 year old seeds subjected to 8 weeks of cold stratification followed by alternating 50/68F (10/20C) both germinated at a rate of 80%, while a constant 68 F (20C) resulted in 70% and 50% respectively. After 16 weeks cold stratification, one and 13 year old accessions yielded 70% and 90% germination respectively when subjected to the alternating temperature treatment, and 100% and 90% respectively at the constant temperature (BBG File). Study of the effects of livestock grazing and small mammal depredation on Lomatium bradshawii. Late-season livestock grazing (after fruit maturation) lead to an increase in emergence of new plants and in the density of plants with multiple umbels, but did not alter survival or population structure. This may be due to small disturbances of the soil and a reduction in shading by nearby plants. Small mammal depredation was lowest in plots that were subjected to grazing. Presumably, livestock grazing reduces standing crop biomass (residual cover), thereby changing the habitat for small mammals. The long-term effects are not known (Drew, 2000).

Edward Guerrant, Ph.D.
  • 01/01/2010

The largest known site in Oregon and another smaller site are on private land that has been leased to The Nature Conservancy. Three occurrences in Oregon are on land designated as a ""Wetlands Special Study Area."" A salvage operation was undertaken in 1999 at a development site in southern Washington. Road construction and development of a golf course was planned for the area in which the plants grew. Since the land was private, no regulations prohibited the owner from paving over the plants. Berry Botanic Garden employees and volunteers removed plants from the area where the road was to be built and brought them to the BBG to become part of the living collection. The recovery plan was finalized in 1993. In 1994, two additional populations were discovered in Washington. An amendment to the recovery plan added the Washington populations as another recovery area. Lomatium. bradshawii can be downlisted to ""threatened"" when 10 populations are protected and managed to ensure their continued existence (US Fish and Wildlife Service). Conservation Agreements for the two Washington populations were finalized in 1995 and 1998 (US Fish and Wildlife Service). Manual control of woody plants and other invasive species has occurred at one of the Washington sites since 1997 (US Fish and Wildlife Service). Both Washington sites have been monitored since 1997 (US Fish and Wildlife Service). Seeds from Washington and Oregon populations stored at The Berry Botanic Garden. All recent collections (since 1998) are from one of the sites in Washington. Many seeds have been collected from garden grown plants. The last collection from wild populations in Oregon was in 1993.

Edward Guerrant, Ph.D.
  • 01/01/2010

Control of invasive shrubby species (Meinke, 1982). Protect nesting habitat of native pollinators (Kaye and Kirkland, 1994). Continue monitoring plots to determine long-term impact of different grazing intensities. Collect baseline data, map individuals, conduct demographic study (plant fates, etc) (Drew, 2000). If warranted, utilize periodic late-season livestock grazing to maintain suitable habitat for Lomatium bradshawii. Determine the best time of year for grazing. Winter or early spring may be more beneficial than late-season grazing because L. bradshawii plants have not yet emerged (Drew, 2000). Determine most appropriate intensity and periodicity of grazing (ex, light grazing every other year, moderate grazing every three years, heavy grazing every five years) (Drew, 2000). Compare tree and brush removal, prescribed fire and mowing with livestock grazing in their effectiveness in maintaining Lomatium bradshawii (Drew, 2000). Occasional burning of prairie habitat. Unfortunately, it is difficult to obtain permits for burning due to concerns of air pollution.

Edward Guerrant, Ph.D.
  • 01/01/2010

Collect genetically representative sample of seeds. Keep maternal lines separate when collecting seed. Determine reliable propagation and reintroduction protocols.

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Nomenclature
Taxon Lomatium bradshawii
Authority (Rose ex Mathias) Mathias & Constance
Family Apiaceae
CPC Number 2658
ITIS 29680
USDA LOBR
Duration Perennial
Common Names Bradshaw's desert-parsley | Bradshaw's lomatium | Bradshaw's parsley
Associated Scientific Names Lomatium bradshawii | Leptotaenia bradshawii
Distribution OR, WAOR: Central and Southern Willamette Valley (Benton, Lane, Linn, and Marion Counties)WA: Puget Trough, Southwestern Washington, Clark County
State Rank
State State Rank
Oregon S2
Washington S1
Ecological Relationships

Photos
Newsletters
Pollinators
Common Name Name in Text Association Type Source InteractionID
Butterflies & Moths
Metalmark moths Bees Floral Visitor Link
Beetles
Beetles Floral Visitor Link
Flies
Syrphid flies Syrphid flies Floral Visitor Link
Other flies Floral Visitor Link
Other
Solitary bees Floral Visitor Link
Wasps Floral Visitor Link
Caddisflies Floral Visitor Link
Planthoppers Floral Visitor Link
True bugs Floral Visitor Link
Ants Floral Visitor Link
Reintroduction
Lead Institution State Reintroduction Type Year of First Outplanting
Institute for Applied Ecology - Oregon Oregon Reintroduction 1999
Institute for Applied Ecology - Oregon Oregon Reintroduction 1999

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