(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
                          Species BLAZING STAR, ASH MEADOWS
                                Species Id ESIS701034
                                   Date 13 MAR 96



TAXONOMY

NAME - BLAZING STAR, ASH MEADOWS OTHER COMMON NAMES - BLAZING STAR, ASH MEADOWS; BLAZING-STAR, ASH MEADOWS; STICK-LEAF, ASH MEADOWS;MENTZELIA and WHITE-LEAFED ELEMENT CODE - CATEGORY - Angiosperm PHYLUM AND SUBPHYLUM - MAGNOLIOPHYTA, CLASS AND SUBCLASS - MAGNOLIOPSIDA, ORDER AND SUBORDER - VIOLALES, FAMILY AND SUBFAMILY - LOASACEAE, GENUS AND SUBGENUS - MENTZELIA, SPECIES AND SSP - LEUCOPHYLLA, SCIENTIFIC NAME - MENTZELIA LEUCOPHYLLA AUTHORITY - TAXONOMY REFERENCES - COMMENTS ON TAXONOMY - Ash Meadows Blazing Star Mentzelia leucophylla Brandegee KINGDOM: Plant GROUP: Angiosperm DIVISION: Magnoliophyta CLASS: Magnoliopsida ORDER: Violales FAMILY: Loasaceae Mentzelia leucophylla Brandegee is a biennial or short-lived perennial plant with one to several white stems from a short tap root (04). It can attain a height of 5 dm (20 in) (04). The whitish-green basal leaves of this species are linear-oblong with a waxy margin and 6 to 8 cm (2.4 to 3.2 in) long (04). The stem leaves are similar but proportionately wider and about 4 cm (1.6 in) long (04). The leaves are densely clothed on both surfaces with short, rigid, upwardly barbed hairs and with minute barbed bristles along the margin (04). The upper stem leaves have a cordate-clasping base (04). The flowers of M. leucophylla are bright yellow on 1 to 8 mm stalks in an open, broad inflorescence (04). The narrow triangular sepals are 6 mm long and are exceeded by the 1 cm spatulate petals which are slightly pubescent at the tip (04). The nearly spherical capsule is 8 to 10 mm long and produces flat, narrowly margined seeds (04). Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Taxonomy Species BLAZING STAR, ASH MEADOWS Species Id ESIS701034 Date 13 MAR 96 The taxonomic status of M. leucophylla has been confused for several years (01). When Darlington (1931) monographed the genus, she included within her species concept specimens which represented not the type of the species but another species, M. oreophila (01). Jepson (1934) was either unaware of Darlington's monograph or was unable to alter his concept of M. leucophylla prior to publication when he treated the genus for California (01). He found the Death Valley specimens to be less pubescent but otherwise in agreement with the type from Nevada (01). Abrams (1951) divided up the two species (01,03). He found that M. oreophila was closely related to M. leucophylla, but the two species posessed a few consistent differences (01,03). M. leucophylla has only been found in Nevada while M. oreophila is located in California as well (01,03). The two species can be differentiated by their size (at 15 cm M. oreophila is smaller), their leaves (M. oreophila has narrower leaves with longer petioles among the lower ones), and their stems (M. oreophila`s stems are more slender and somewhat crooked) (01,03). Munz and Keck (1959) reduced M. oreophila to synonomy under M. leucophylla (01). The range for M. leucophylla was thought to be both in Nevada and California (01). This remained the taxonomic status of these two species until 1968 when true M. leucophylla was rediscovered in the field and studied in the herbarium by James Reveal (01). Henry J. Thompson of UCLA, the authority on the genus Mentzelia has studied the specimens collected by Reveal and Beatley from 1968 to 1971; however, Thompson has not made a formal declaration on his findings (01). In a treatment of the genus for southern California in 1974, Munz, Thompson and Roberts recognized M. oreophila but did not mention M. leucophylla (01) (perhaps due to its Nevada distribution). The Federal Register common name for this species is Ash Meadows blazing star (02) (an alternative spelling is blazing-star). In other sources it has been referred to as the Ash Meadows stick-leaf (01) and the white-leafed Mentzelia (04). The type specimen is located at NY; isotypes are at BRY, RSA, and UTC. For a description refer to Barneby, R.C. Madrono 20:395-398, 1970 (11). Taxonomy - 2
                                  (DRAFT) - Status
                          Species BLAZING STAR, ASH MEADOWS
                                Species Id ESIS701034
                                   Date 13 MAR 96



STATUS

Coded Status T: Federal Threatened COMMENTS ON STATUS - U.S. STATUSES AND LAWS: The Ash Meadows blazing star (Mentzelia leucophylla) has been designated a Threatened species pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (50 CFR 17.12; P.L. 93-205, 87 Stat. 884; 16 U.S.C. 1531-1540), as amended. The species has this status wherever found including the States of Nevada and California. Critical Habitat has been designated in portions of sections 15, 21, 22, 23, 28, 35, and 36, T17S, R50E, and sections 1, 2, 11, and 12, T18S, R50E, Ash Meadows Nye County, NV (50 CFR 17.96(a)). Removal and reduction to possession of any Federally listed plant from an area under Federal jurisdiction is unlawful (50 CFR 17.61 and 17.71). This species is protected by the Lacey Act (P.L. 97-79, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 3371 et seq.) which makes it unlawful to possess any wild plant (including roots, seeds, and other parts) within U.S. territorial or special maritime jurisdiction (as defined in 18 U.S.C. 7); or to import, export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or purchase in interstate or foreign commerce any wild plant (including roots, seeds, and other parts) taken, possessed, transported, or sold in violation of any State law or regulation. It is also unlawful to import, export, transport, sell, receive, acquire or purchase any wild plant (including roots, seeds, and other parts) taken or possessed in violation of any U.S. law, treaty, or regulation or in violation of Indian tribal law. RESPONSIBLE FEDERAL AGENCIES: USFWS -Responsible for the management/recovery, listing, and law enforcement/protection of this species. BLM -Responsible for the law enforcement/protection of this species with applicable State and Federal laws on public land under their control (43 CFR 4140). Also responsible for management/recovery on Bureau of Land Management lands. NPS -Responsible for the law enforcement/protection of this species with applicable State and Federal laws on public lands under their control. Also responsible for conservation (Nat. Park System Organic Act - 16 U.S.C. 1, 2-3)/management/recovery on National Park Service lands. Taking, possessing, or disturbing of Federally listed species is prohibited on NPS lands Status - 1 (DRAFT) - Status Species BLAZING STAR, ASH MEADOWS Species Id ESIS701034 Date 13 MAR 96 (36 CFR 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3). All Federal agencies have responsibility to ensure that any action authorized, funded, or carried out by that agency is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of Critical Habitat (50 CFR 402), and to utilize their authorities to carry out programs for the conservation of the species. STATE STATUSES AND LAWS: STATE: Nevada DESIGNATED STATUS: Recognized Threatened ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: Nevada Department of Forestry STATE STATUTE: Protection and Propagation of Selected Species of the Native Flora Act, Nev. Rev. Stat. 527.260- 527.300); Protection of Trees and Flora Act, Nev. Rev. Stat. 527.050. STATE: CALIFORNIA DESIGNATED STATUS: Recognized Threatened ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: California Dept. of Fish and Game STATE STATUTE: California Endangered Species Act; Fish and Game Code Chapt. 1.5, Article 1, Sec. 2050. INTERNATIONAL STATUSES, TREATIES, AND AGREEMENTS: None. ECONOMIC STATUSES: None. 78/04/28:43 FR 17909/ - Proposed rule Threatened w/ Crit. Hab. 83/10/13:48 FR 46590/46597 - Proposed rule 84/04/10:49 FR 14152/14153 - Reopening of comment period 85/05/20:50 FR 20777/20794 - Listing as threatened w/ Crit. Hab. Status - 2
     

HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS

HABITAT - TERRESTRIAL TERRESTRIAL LAND USE - Cropland and Pasture Shrub and Brush Rangeland Dry Salt Flats COMMENTS ON HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS - The only known habitat of Mentzelia leucophylla is located on the eastern edge of Ash Meadows along the western and northern slopes of an unnamed limestone mountain above Devils Hole, in southwestern Nye County, Nevada (01). This species occurs along canyon washes and near spring areas, on sandy or saline clay soils (03). This habitat can be generally categorized as warm desert scrub. The shrub vegetation is of a Atriplex-Haplopappus type. M. leucophylla is usually associated with Atiplex confertifolia, Enceliopsis nudicaulis var. corrugata, Haplopappus acradenius, Crytantha confertiflora, and Astragalus phoenix (01,03). In Ash Meadows the rainfall averages 3 to 5 inches per year. It falls mainly in the autumn and winter with some sporadic summer rains (08). Summers are hot and winters cool (08). Daily temperature ranges are extreme year round (08). No specific data are available on the local moisture regime or climate for the areas that M. leucophylla inhabits (08). M. leucophylla is found at elevations between 670 and 700 meters (2240-2300 feet) along flat and gentle west-facing bajadas of approximately 20 degree slope. M. leucophylla is associated with upland alkaline soils found in arroyos and on knolls only within the more xeric portions of Ash Meadows (02). This species is edaphically restricted which is a major factor governing its distribution (01). At the Longstreet site the soil has a flat surface and is primarily a heavy alkaline clay. The "Collins Ranch" site is more rocky due to the limestone gravel from the nearby mountain (01). This species is found in open places without any vegetation cover (01). M. leucophylla is commonly associated with Atriplex (01). Cropland development occurs in the Ash Meadows blazing star habitat and is partly responsible for the greatly reduced population sizes (02). The primary crops were hay, wheat, potatoes, and beets. Information regarding air and water quality requirements, soil profile, percentage ground cover, cover height, etc. is not available. Habitat Associations - 1
                                (DRAFT) - Food Habits
                          Species BLAZING STAR, ASH MEADOWS
                                Species Id ESIS701034
                                   Date 13 MAR 96



FOOD HABITS

TROPHIC LEVEL - AUTOTROPH Food Habits - 1
                         (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
                          Species BLAZING STAR, ASH MEADOWS
                                Species Id ESIS701034
                                   Date 13 MAR 96



ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS

G = General A = Adult LIM = Limiting RA = Resting Adult J = Juvenile FA = Feeding Adult RJ = Resting Juvenile BA = Breeding Adult FJ = Feeding Juvenile P = Pupae L = Larvae E = Egg RL = Resting Larvae FL = Feeding Larvae
LIFESTAGE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS G Aquatic Features: Springs [flowing] G G G G Environment Associations - 1
                               (DRAFT) - Life History
                          Species BLAZING STAR, ASH MEADOWS
                                Species Id ESIS701034
                                   Date 13 MAR 96



LIFE HISTORY

HABIT: The Ash Meadows blazing star is an herb (01,04). LIFE CYCLE: Biennial (01,09). TYPE OF REPRODUCTION: Sexual (01). Mentzelia leucophylla probably outbreeds but specific data are lacking (01). Inbreeding is probably uncommon (01). Asexual reproduction (segmentation) is unknown in this species (01). REPRODUCTIVE PHENOLOGY: Germination, leafing, budding, anthesis dates are unknown. Fruiting date is June through August and September (01). Seed/fruit dispersal dates are unknown also. No winter observations have been made of this species (01). Observations made in early spring indicate that individuals of this species do not overwinter, and no new growth had been noted from previous years (typical of a biennial) (01). Sufficient rain is probably necessary to allow flowering but no data on water requirements for flowering or germination are available (01). No data are available on the requirements of the basal rosette for overwintering (01). Prolonged frost might possibly damage the survival of such rosettes (01). SEX OR SPORE STATUS: Monoecious (07). POLLINATION, SPORE AND SEED DISSEMINATION: There is no data available for dissemination of pollen, spores, and/or seeds. Mentzelia leucophylla is apparently sensitive to disturbance or habitat alteration as this species is not found on any disturbed sites either as seedlings or as established plants (01). The dispersal of this species' seeds is restricted to the sides of gullies and on raised knolls of the flats and lower foothills in the area of the existing populations (01). The present-day fragmentation of the two sub-populations probably is due to the loss of intermediate sites over time (01). SEED BIOLOGY: Each Mentzelia leucophylla plant produces several capsules, each or which contains several seeds (01). Populations of mature plants vary greatly from year to year, thus the total number of seeds produced varies also (01). (Mature plants produce approximately the same number of seeds (01).) Seed viability, longevity and dormancy are unknown (01). No exact data on moisture requirements for germination are available (01). POPULATION BIOLOGY: According to one report completed 1978, the total number of Life History - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History Species BLAZING STAR, ASH MEADOWS Species Id ESIS701034 Date 13 MAR 96 mature Mentzelia leucophylla plants in existence is approximately 100 (01). The principle population of the species is located at the "Collins Ranch" site where less than 100 individuals were present at that time (01). At the Longstreet Spring site less than 25 individuals were in existence (01). Scattered over the two sites in the Ash Meadows region, the total population occupies less than 1 square mile (01). The density of the population at the "Collins Ranch" site is low while at the Longstreet site it is very low (01). The age class distribution of these populations is difficult to document (01). Most members of the Bartonia section of Mentzelia are perennials (M. leucophylla may also be a perennial though only biennials have been observed in the field), but they often flower in their first year (01). Basal rosettes have rarely been observed (01). Yearly fluctuations in the species' population have been noted (01). In 1968, approximately 50 plants were observed while in 1976 only three were counted (01). Fluctuations of this type are not unusual in a desert biennial (01). No data was available on the survivorship and nature of mortality at each life stage (01). ECOLOGICAL/EDAPHIC FACTORS: Mentzelia leucophylla occurs along canyon washes and near spring areas on sandy or saline clay soils (04). At the Longstreet Spring site the soils are heavy, clay and alkaline whereas at the "Collins Ranch" site the soil is more rocky because of the accumulation of rocks from a nearby limestone mountain (01). No specific information is available on the local moisture regime, though in Ash Meadows rainfall averages 3 to 5 inches per year falling mainly in the autumn and winter with some sporadic summer rains (01). This species is found in open places without any vegetation cover (01). It grows between 680 and 700 meters (2240-2300 feet) of elevation along flat and gentle west-facing bajadas of 20 degree slope (01). M. leucophylla appears to be limited to an undisturbed edaphic condition so that any loss of habitat is critical (03). Any activity that disturbs the soil such as agriculture, off-road vehicles use, trampling and grazing by free-roaming horses etc. is detrimental to species survival (03). TROPHIC STATUS: Phototrophic. CHARACTERISTIC DOMINANCE: Component (10). Mentzelia leucophylla is found most commonly in open places without any vegetation cover (01). This species is often associated directly with Atriplex confertifolia (01). COMMUNITY ECOLOGY: The plant community associated with Mentzelia leucophylla includes Atriplex confertifolia, Haplopappus acradenius, Artomecon merriamii, Cryptantha confertiflora, and Enceliopsis nudicaulis var. corrugata (04). M. leucophylla community represents a "climax" type relative to the Ash Meadows area and its overall environment (01). The vegetative cover is naturally sparse and this type of condition Life History - 2 (DRAFT) - Life History Species BLAZING STAR, ASH MEADOWS Species Id ESIS701034 Date 13 MAR 96 may be important to the species survival (01). SPECIES INTERRELATIONSHIPS: Mentzelia leucophylla is in phytosociological groups with Atriplex confertifolia and Haplopappus acadenius and it is not found outside these associations (01). Because this species requires undisturbed sites for its survival, weedy species would seriously threaten M. leucophylla (01). This species is not known to carry out any obligate or facultative symbiosis (01). No native herbivores, parasites, predators, diseases or pests are known to presently effect this species (01). Grazing done by feral and domestic animals is the only predatory action known. OTHER LIFE HISTORY DESCRIPTORS: None. Life History - 3
                           (DRAFT) - Management Practices
                          Species BLAZING STAR, ASH MEADOWS
                                Species Id ESIS701034
                                   Date 13 MAR 96



MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

RESULT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Off-Road Vehicles Beneficial Maintaining/Controlling Water Flow Beneficial Controlling water levels Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Mining Beneficial Land Acquisition Beneficial Water Right Acquisition Beneficial Reforestation Beneficial Controlling/Removing Nonnative Vegetation Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Noncommercial Harvest Beneficial Controlling/Removing Feral Animals Beneficial Controlling/Removing Domestic Animals Adverse Incidental Capturing/Killing Existing Incidental Capturing/Killing Adverse Collecting Existing Collecting Adverse Off Road Vehicles Existing Off Road Vehicles Adverse Climate Alteration Existing Climate Alteration Adverse Existing Adverse Inherent Reproductive Characteristics Existing Inherent Reproductive Characteristics Adverse Low Gene Pool Existing Low Gene Pool Adverse Surface Mines Existing Surface Mines Adverse Recreational development Existing Recreational development Adverse Highway/Railroads Existing Highway/Railroads Adverse Soil compaction by heavy equipment in mine areas Existing Soil compaction by heavy equipment in mine areas Adverse Groundwater drawdown Existing Groundwater drawdown Adverse Irrigating Existing Irrigating Adverse Exotic/Feral/Introducted Species Existing Exotic/Feral/Introducted Species Adverse Grazing Existing Grazing Adverse Existing Adverse Vegetation Composition Changes Existing Vegetation Composition Changes COMMENTS ON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES - In May of 1985, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service designated Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - Management Practices Species BLAZING STAR, ASH MEADOWS Species Id ESIS701034 Date 13 MAR 96 Mentzelia leucophylla as well as six other rare plant species Ash Meadows as threatened or endangered and designated Critical Habitat (02). The Service took this action because the species are restricted to the Ash Meadows region and were facing intensifying threats (02). Recent loss of habitat due to agricultural (cropland) and municipal development activities, land clearing for road construction, groundwater removal, surface spring diversion, and local mining activities all threaten the species habitat and ultimately their survival (02). Because of the availability of free-flowing potable water from more than 20 springs as well as the plains-like nature of the land, Ash Meadows appears to have agricultural possibilities (10). For over a century attempts have been made to farm in this region, but these efforts have failed because the saline, clay soils are unsuitable for crops (10). The early homesteaders abandoned their agricultural endeavors before they had seriously modified the region (08,10). Ash Meadows remained largely intact until 1967 when an out-of- state corporation purchased large tracts (approximately 20 square miles) in the northern and eastern regions (10). The corporation in its attempt to farm the land plowed large areas of land and installed pumps at the springs (10). These alterations virtually obliterated the natural features of the area including Carson Slough and its surrounding vegetation (10). This attempt at agriculture also failed (10). It was abandoned in 1975 before the corporation was able to launch a cattle feeding project which would have further exploited the water resources of Ash Meadows (10). Existing populations of the blazing star have been greatly reduced, from those known even 15 years ago, from habitat disturbances during road construction, cropland development and peat mining in Carson Slough (02). Although Ash Meadows was not subject to heavy visitation, off- road vehicles have been a concern in the past. Off-road vehicle use is now prohibited in this region, but the possibility of illegal off- road activity still exists (01). Today the single most important factor endangering M. leucophylla is the large-scale destruction of habitat over large portions of Ash Meadows (01). This species' distribution is limited to undisturbed, mineral-encrusted soils (01). Any further loss of this habitat as a result of development or off-road vehicle activity would be detrimental to the species (01). The construction of roads is also detrimental to M. leucophylla (02). This species is presently threatened by elimination during road building as well as the alteration of drainage patterns in arroyos resulting from road construction (02). Trampling and grazing by both feral and domestic horses also threaten M. leucophylla (01). The horses, protected by the Wild Free-Roaming Horse and Burro Act of 1971, are allowed to roam free in areas they can access (01). A pronounced change in the climate from the Pleistocene to the present, is one existing threat to this species that man can do little about (01). M. leucophylla is a biologically vulnerable species for it requires two "good" years to survive and flower (01). The first year may be good climatically but then the second may be unfavorable (01). This could result in the death of many one year old individuals Management Practices - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices Species BLAZING STAR, ASH MEADOWS Species Id ESIS701034 Date 13 MAR 96 prior to reproduction, as well as an overall suppression of seed output in the survivors (01). A poor first year with a good second year would result in little germination and thus few plants available to reproduce in the second (01). Perhaps for these reasons, a biennial habit is not all that common among desert plants (01). According to one report completed 1978, the total number of mature Mentzelia leucophylla plants in existence is approximately 100 (01). Yearly fluctuations in the species' population have been noted (01). In 1968, approximately 50 plants were observed while in 1976 only three were counted (01). Fluctuations of this type are not unusual in a desert biennial (01). No data was available on the survivorship and nature of mortality at each life stage (01). Because so few individuals of this species are known to exist, M. leucophylla is even threatened by research activities (collection for botanical specimens, population monitoring programs, etc.). UNAPPROVED PLAN: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1986. Recovery Plan for the Endangered and Threatened Species of Ash Meadows, NV. Agency Draft. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Portland, OR. 169 pp. The primary objective of the "Recovery Plan for the Endangered and Treatened Species of Ash Meadows, Nevada" is to reclassify the endangered-threatened populations to non-listed status by restoring and protecting habitat which can support viable, self-sustaining populations. The size and extent of populations need to be determined for most species, and the habitats of all species except the spring- loving centaury occur within the Ash Meadows essential habitat. Reclassification of the Ash Meadows blazing star may be considered when threats have been removed and when habitats/populations have been restored for a period of ten years and to specified levels (as determined through research). The general criteria for reclassifying/delisting the Ash Meadows blazing star is summarized as follows: A) Determine historic distribution and population size by surveying existing and potential habitats, and reviewing the literature; B) Rehabilitate and protect habitat (from surface mining) to support populations throughout its native range. The extent of this habitat and size of colonies to be determined by research; C) Secure habitat and water rights within Area of Management Concern and include within Ash Meadows NWR, and protect the essential habitat from deleterious activities by controlling and restricting development, road construction, grazing and access by feral and domestic animals, ORV use and any activities which might disrupt water flow or water table; D) Eliminate introduced plant species; E) Enforce State and Federal laws and regulations; F) Implement a public information and education program; and G) Restrict collection and noncommercial harvest of the species. Management Practices - 3
                                   (DRAFT) - References
                            Species BLAZING STAR, ASH MEADOWS
                                  Species Id ESIS701034
                                      Date 13 MAR 96



     

References

***** REFERENCES FOR ALL NARRATIVES EXCEPT N-OCCURRENCE ***** 01 Reveal, J.L. 1978. Mentzelia leucophylla Brandegee (Ash Meadows stick-leaf). Status rep. U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv., Nevada. 30 pp. 02 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1985. Final rule for seven plants and one insect in Ash Meadows Nevada and Califoria. Vol. 50, No. 97. 20777-20794 pp. 03 Monzingo, H.N. and M. Williams. 1980. Threatened and endangered plants of Nevada. U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv. and Bur. of Land Mgmt. 04 Niehaus, T. 1977. Mentzelia leucophylla. California Native Plant Society Rare Plant Status Report. The Nature Conserv. NV Heritage Program. Carson City, NV. 05 Ackerman, T. et al. 1979. (Unpubl. data) Mentzelia leucophylla. Northern Nevada Native Plant Society Sighting Report. The Nature Conserv., Heritage Program. Carson City, NV. 06 Nature Conservancy Nevada Heritage Program. (Unpubl. data) Mentzelia leucophylla. Carson City, NV. 07 Abrams, L. 1951. Illustrated flora of the Pacific states. Vol. III. Stanford Univ. Press, Stanford, CA 135 pp. 08 Reveal, James L. 1978. Astragalus phoenix Barneby (Ash Meadows milk-vetch). Status rep. U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv. 30 pp. 09 Brandegee, T.S. 1899. New Species of Western Plants. Botanical Gazette. 27:441-457. 10 Beatley, J.C. 1978. Ash Meadows: Nevada's unique oasis in the Mohave Desert. Mentzelia The Journal of The Northern Nevada Native Plant Society. 3:20-24. 11 Barneby, R.C. 1970. A new Astragalus (Fabaceae) from Nevada. Madrono 20:395-398. ***** REFERENCES FOR N-OCCURRENCE NARRATIVE ONLY ***** 01 Reveal, J.L. 1978. Mentzelia leucophylla Brandegee (Ash Meadows stick-leaf). Status Rep. U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv. 30 pp. 02 Niehaus, T. 1977. Mentzelia leucophylla. California Native Plant Society Rare Plant Status Report. The Nature Conserv., NV Heritage Program. Carson City, NV. 03 Ackerman, T. et al. 1979. (Unpubl. data) Mentzelia leucophylla. Northern Nevada Native Plant Society Sighting Report. The Nature Conserv., Heritage Program. Carson City, NV. References - 1