Seed collected and stored at The Berry Botanic Garden.

Endemic to very narrow range in Chelan County, Washington. Only five extant populations are known, and there is considerable disturbance to historical and current habitat. In addition, this taxon is subject to high levels of seed predation by weevils and other insects.

Threats include (as stated by USFWS 1999, WNHP 1999, and Goldsmith 2001): Seed herbivory by weevils. Because of the low population numbers, populations are susceptible to extirpation due to random events. Conversion of habitat to housing, agricultur

As of 2001: Six populations with approximately 3,600 individuals total over a total area of approximately 125 acres. Three populations are very small. Approximate population sizes are as follows: 2 populations have 5 or fewer individuals, one has approximately 30, the other populations are larger (100 individuals or more) with the largest having as many as 2500 individuals. Most plants are located on land designated as a Natural Area Preserve managed by the Washington Department of Natural Resources. Others are found on U.S. Forest Service land and areas of private property (USFWS 2001).

Field experiments and observational studies of possible factors contributing to the rarity of Sidalcea oregana var. calva: -Pollination studies are being conducted to determine whether increased pollination (hand pollination) increases fruit/seed development, possibly indicating a pollination limitation. Pollinators are being observed and identified (Goldsmith 2001). -The effect of controlled burning after plants have released mature seed is being investigated. Small plots (2m x 2m) containing Sidalcea oregana var. calva were burned in October of 2001 and will be compared to control plots (unburned) the following growing season. The hypothesis is that S. oregana var. calva will re-sprout after fire with increased vigor (Goldsmith 2001). -Observational studies are being conducted on seed predation by weevils. Weevils have been noted in fruits and flowers in many S. oregana var. calva studies and recent observations have shown that they destroy seeds in alarming proportions of fruits (Goldsmith 2001). Germination studies at The Berry Botanic Garden have yielded no germination. Seeds were subjected to 8 weeks of cold stratification or no cold stratification which was followed by either constant 68F (20C) or alternating 50F/68F (10C/20C) temperatures. It is not known whether the conditions for germination were not met or if seed was not viable (BBG File).

Seed collected and stored at The Berry Botanic Garden. Listed as Endangered by the State of Washington and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. ""Critical Habitat"" for Sidalcea oregana var. calva designated in 2001. A Recovery Plan is being developed. The draft is expected to be completed early in 2002.

Conduct additional searches to determine the distribution of the species in Washington. Continue studying the effect of burning on Sidalcea oregana var. calva, including the effects of fire on seed viability and germination (Goldsmith 2001). Investigate the effects of burning on weevils, including how time of burn may be important (e.g. if it is best to burn Sidalcea oregana var. calva in the fall, but the weevils have completed their lifecycle and can fly by then, the burn may not have the desired effect of destroying the weevils) (Goldsmith 2001). Conduct a controlled (greenhouse) study of the reproductive mechanism of Sidalcea oregana var. calva, which may aid future conservation efforts (Goldsmith 2001).

Collect and store a genetically representative sample of seeds from all known populations. Determine germination requirements. Determine propagation and reintroduction protocols.