Growing the state endemic, Oregon semaphoregrass (Pleuropogon oregonus)

Abstract

Oregon semaphoregrass (<i>Pleuropogon oregonus</i> Chase [Poaceae]) is a rare grass that occurs in only a handful of locations in eastern Oregon montane wet meadows, primarily on private lands. Propagation and outplanting methods have been developed over the past few decades to expand the geographic extent and to increase the number of plants by introductions in protected areas. The species rapidly increases through rhizomatous growth in a range of environmental conditions, provided sufficient moisture and nutrients are present, but is susceptible to some pests and pathogens. Over 2 decades, introductions with vegetative material have survived and increased in a mid-elevation meadow on Burns Paiute Tribal lands, a site relatively far from natural populations. Introductions in other areas have largely failed, however, likely because of unsuitable site environmental characteristics. Lessons learned from the successful propagation and outplanting program on Burns Paiute Tribal lands may be useful in future introductions, provided necessary site environmental attributes are identified. Copeland SM, Crouch CG, Palmer BJ, Hamerlynck EP, Ziegenhagen LL, Brown J. 2023. Growing the state endemic, Oregon semaphoregrass (<i>Pleuropogon oregonus</i>): focus on a successful propagation and introduction program on Burns Paiute Tribal lands. Native Plants Journal 24(1):62–71.