Oregon Semaphore Grass – Oregon Conservation Strategy

Photo Credit: Oregon Department of Agriculture

Overview

Species Common Name Oregon Semaphore Grass
Species Scientific Name Pleuropogon oregonus
Federal Listing Status Species of Concern
State Listing Status Threatened

Ecoregions

Blue Mountains

Located in NE Oregon, the Blue Mountains ecoregion is the largest ecoregion in the state. It provides a diverse complex of mountain ranges, valleys, and plateaus that extend beyond Oregon into the states of Idaho and Washington.

East Cascades

The East Cascade ecoregion extends from the Cascade Mountains’ summit east to the warmer, drier high desert and down the length of the state. This ecoregion varies dramatically from its cool, moist border with the West Cascades ecoregion to its dry eastern border, where it meets sagebrush desert landscapes.

Special needs

Oregon semaphore grass occurs in moist meadows and marshland, at around 3300-5600 feet in elevation. This species is found on gravelly silt loam or clay soil inundated by slow-moving water.

Limiting factors

Oregon semaphore grass is naturally rare, has low reproductive capacity, and persists in disjunct populations. This species is palatable to cows and vulnerable to grazing due to its shallow roots. Loss of habitat due to drainage for agricultural use is a key threat to this species.

Data gaps

This species may benefit from light grazing, which reduces thatch; determine grazing regimes that maintain populations. Develop transplanting protocol.

Conservation actions

Manage grazing at occupied sites. Collect and store seed. Monitor current introductions into suitable habitat on public land.

Key reference or plan

Oregon Department of Agriculture Plant Conservation