Nevada member of rose family declared threatened

Webber’s ivesia, a member of the rose family found in several areas of Washoe and Douglas counties, has been declared a threatened species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

“Webber’s ivesia is threatened with extinction because of many factors, particularly the invasion of non-native plant species and associated increases in the frequency and severity of wildfires throughout the species’ limited range,” said USFWS state Supervisor Ted Koch.

The plant, a low growing perennial is found in areas with sparse vegetation and rocky clay soils between 4,475 and 6,237 feet in elevation. In addition to the Nevada counties, it is found in Lassen, Plumas and Sierra counties in California.

The plant is approximately 10 inches in diameter with clusters of greenish-gray leaves that lie nearly flat on the ground. It has dark red stems and clusters of small, bright yellow flowers.

The service has designated 2,170 acres of critical habitat for the flower.