Nelson’s Checkermallow – Oregon Conservation Strategy

Photo Credit: Oregon Department of Agriculture

Overview

Species Common Name Nelson's Checkermallow
Species Scientific Name Sidalcea nelsoniana
Federal Listing Status Threatened
State Listing Status Threatened

Ecoregions

Coast Range

Oregon’s Coast Range, known for its dramatic scenery, is extremely diverse, with habitats ranging from open sandy dunes to lush forests and from tidepools to headwater streams. It follows the coastline and extends east through coastal forest to the border of the Willamette Valley and Klamath Mountains ecoregions

Willamette Valley

The Willamette Valley ecoregion is bounded on the west by the Coast Range and on the east by the Cascade Range. This long mostly level alluvial plain has some scattered areas of low basalt, and contrasts with productive farmland and large urban areas. It has the fastest-growing human population in the state resulting in challenges due to land-use changes.

Special needs

Nelson's checkermallow occurs in wet and dry prairies, wetlands, edges of woodlands, and riparian areas. Remnant populations occur in roadsides and ditches.

Limiting factors

The primary threats to Nelson's checkermallow include habitat loss, habitat degradation due to fire suppression, and competition from invasive plants. Overspray of herbicides and severe seed predation by weevils are among additional risk factors.

Data gaps

Investigate the ecology of seed-depredating weevils. Conduct seed germination studies. Evaluate genetic diversity.

Conservation actions

Maintain or restore grass-dominated habitat. Maintain or restore hydrology. Control key invasive plants. Use mowing or prescribed fire to control brush and trees. Maintain populations in roadsides and ditches.

Key reference or plan

Oregon Department of Agriculture Plant Conservation