Endangered Species > Pecos Sunflower

Pecos Sunflower

Vibrant Symbol of Endangered Southwestern Wetlands

Photo: © 2004 Robert Sivinski

Listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, the Pecos sunflower exists in desert wetlands in limited areas of western Texas and west-central and eastern New Mexico. The plant is highly imperiled due to the loss and degradation of its wetland habitat, caused by groundwater pumping for agriculture and municipal use, filling of wetlands for development, invasion of non-native species, destruction by livestock and oil and gas drilling.

This imperiled plant, which can reach six feet in height, looks similar to the common sunflower, except it has narrower leaves, fewer hairs on the stems and leaves, and slightly smaller flower heads. Genetic research has demonstrated the Pecos sunflower is distinct from other sunflower species. It is restricted to wetland habitat and currently is known to exist in only seven widely spaced populations, most of which are in New Mexico. Nearly all of the sites are less than five acres in size and approximately one half of the sites are on federal land.

Given its high tolerance for alkaline soils, the Pecos sunflower may provide genetic insights to improve agricultural sunflower production. Habitat protection for the Pecos sunflower can also provide benefits to rare wildlife found in similar habitats, such as rare fish, snails, and a shrimp also found in riparian areas on the Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

A final recovery plan and recent land acquisition near Santa Rosa by the state of New Mexico provides glimmers of hope for this beautiful imperiled plant. Forest Guardians is seeking formal critical habitat designation to improve the Pecos sunflower’s chances of recovery, by safeguarding the endangered wetlands habitat on which this plant depends.

For specific questions about our efforts to protect endangered species, contact Dr. Nicole Rosmarino, endangered species program director.