Nevada is home to more than 2,800 native plant species, making it the 10th most botanically diverse state in the nation. Much of this diversity is found in relatively small "islands" within the "oceans" of sagebrush, greasewood, or creosote bush that greet the eyes of most highway travelers. Such islands include more than 300 named mountain ranges in the state, the highest reaching over 13,000 feet above sea level; isolated springs and wetlands, some with very ancient roots; sand dunes large and small; and pockets of unusual soils weathered from the state's rich geologic heritage.
Because most plants do not migrate as readily as many animal species, they often become adapted to their specific local habitats, making them more vulnerable to short-term disturbances, fires, or rapid climate changes. When their habitat "islands" remain isolated long enough, they often diverge genetically into separate "endemic" species. About 133 such endemic plant species are unique to Nevada, growing here and nowhere else.
About 614 native Nevada plants, including most of our endemics, are considered vulnerable enough to extinction to be of conservation concern. Twelve of these are already on the federal lists of endangered and threatened species, and 13 more are considered in danger of extinction in Nevada and have been placed on the state's list of fully protected species by the Nevada State Forester (total plants protected under NAC 527: 25). The Botany program works closely with the Nevada Division of Forestry to support management of the state's endangered and fully protected species.
By continually monitoring the locations and status of our most vulnerable plant species, providing a central information source for planners and researchers, the Botany Program contributes to our primary goal of ensuring that no more of Nevada's rich natural heritage becomes threatened with extinction.
Current Projects
- Rare plant seed collection in collaboration with the Center for Plant Conservation, USFWS, and NPS
- Field surveys and monitoring of at-risk species
- Digitizing of plant location data and related paper files
- Review and revision of conservation priorities and ranks
- Compilation of biological information toward a revised and updated Nevada Rare Plant Atlas
- Rare plant habitat modeling
- Rare plant species status reports
- Compilation of native plant photo library
Recent Projects
- Co-hosting the 2024 Nevada Rare Plant Workshop
- Mapping specimens housed in the Niles Herbarium, Clark Co in the NDNH database
- Development of Tahoe yellowcress digital library
- Development of: Management Area and Conservation Measure Recommendations for Steamboat buckwheat
Past Projects
- Nevada Weed Mapping Initiative
- Nevada Rare Plant Atlas (learn more by clicking here.)
- Species status surveys
- Development of information on rare mosses and lichens in Nevada
- Development of Nevada Wildflower Reports online (now hosted by the Nevada Native Plant Society)
Staff Members
- Josh Lovera
- Tessa Bartz
- Halina North
- Patrick Silbey
- Jamey McClinton
