Endemic to the San Bernardino Mountains of southern California. Fewer than 20 occurrences are currently known extant, most of them very small and many with just a few individual plants. Extensive habitat was probably lost with the construction of a dam and reservoir in the late 1880s. Habitat has also been destroyed or degraded by recreational (ski area) development, livestock grazing and trampling, and ORVs. About half of the remaining occurrences are in or adjacent to developed areas. Hybridization with the exotic T. officinale is an ongoing threat.

Taraxacum californicum populations are subject to several impacts leading to destruction, alteration and fragmentation of habitat. Threats include: Alteration of hydrologic regimes Unauthorized livestock grazing Grazing by feral burros Hybr

There are currently 40 occurrences recorded for T. californicum in the California Natural Diversity Database (2007). Population size of this species ranges from two to 300 individuals. About half of the occurrences are located within or adjacent to urbanized areas (USDA FS 2007).

Results from bagging experiments demonstrate that T. californicum is a self incompatible species with an outcrossing breeding system. The high genetic diversity and limited distribution of this species suggests that the breeding system a role in maintaining genetic variation (Lyman & Elstrand 1998).

A recovery plan for T. californicum is being developed but is not yet complete. The following is a list ofconservation practices that should be considered for this species: Implement strategies in the SBNF Meadow Habitat Management Guide and the USFWS Recovery Plan (when completed). Monitor and repair protective fence lines and signing in timely manner. Promote partnership for hybridization study. Survey all new occurrences of Taraxacum californicum and any occurrences that have not been visited in the past ten years, and record occurrence status, habitat condition, and threats. Collect a herbarium voucher specimen of Taraxacum californicum to document new occurrences or to verify a historical occurrence if the occurrence is not known to have been documented in at least ten years prior.

It is likely that proper management of National Forest System lands will be crucial to the recovery of this species through protection of known occurrences. Restoration/ reintroduction into historical and protected habitats, acquisition of lands that support occurrences or that are suitable for recovery efforts, and additional data collection and research are needed to determine management needs (USDA FS 2007).

Further study of hybridization between T. californicum and T. officinale Establish and maintain a genetically representative seed bank.