The orchid has been grown from seed at the Center for Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW) facility at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden.

Known from approximately 63 sporadic occurrences in lower-elevation wet, herbaceous-dominated habitats in interior western North America. The species was Federally listed (U.S.) in 1992 when it was only known from Colorado, Utah, and Nevada. Since that time, it has been found in Wyoming, Montana, Nebraska, Idaho, Washington, and British Columbia. Utah and Colorado have the most plants and occurrences. Most occurrences are small, with 81% having less than 1000 plants and 95% occupying less than 50 acres. Approximately 12 occurrences are considered protected and appropriately managed. Although trends are difficult to determine, habitat condition is known to be deteriorating at some sites. Several historic populations in Utah and Colorado are presumed extirpated. The riparian habitat on which this species depends has been drastically modified by urbanization and stream channelization for agriculture and development. Habitat loss or alteration from competition from non-native plants and vegetation succession appear to be the most widespread threats.

Habitat loss, fragmentation, or alteration Modification of hydrology of occupied or potentially suitable habitat Grazing each year during the flowering period Pollinators and their habitat must be protected to insure adequate reproduction Invasiv

Approximately 60,000 individuals, generally distributed as localized clusters of small colonies (10 50 individuals). There are large populations (several thousand individuals) in three states.

The orchid has been grown from seed at the Center for Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW) facility at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. Tepedino is studying the reproductive biology of this species (Tepedino 2002; Tepedino and Sipes 2000) McGonigle is studying the root associated fungi of this species (McGonigle and Sheridan 2004)

Currently, this species is managed as a federally threatened species.

To adequately access population size. Not all individuals are above-ground or flower every year and the orchid cannot be definitively detected except when it is flowering. The number of flowering individuals fluctuates markedly from year to year, making censusing difficult. Protect watershed areas to insure key orchid habitat. Restore natural fluvial processes and stream channel complexity to ensure formation and maintenance of occupied and suitable habitat. Control invasive plant species in occupied and suitable habitat. Understand and manage for suitable pollinator habitat.

Determine how to grow plantlets produced at the Center for Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW) into adult plants and then the re-introduction of these adults into natural habitat.