Not rare yet beautiful plants
Castilleja haydenii, Yucca baccata, Townsendia eximia, Echinocereus coccineus, Calochortus gunnisonii var. gunnisonii, Sorghastrum nutans, Pulsatilla patens

Botany

The Botany Program calculates conservation status ranks for rare plant species in New Mexico while collaborating with several other agencies who have interests in rare species. We also participate in various monitoring and inventorying projects to help advance knowledge of our state’s flora and to better understand New Mexico’s vegetation communities.

State Ranks

The New Mexico State Conservation Status Rank (S Rank) is calculated using NatureServe methodology in a Rank Calculator and is based on three main factor categories:  Rarity, Threats, and Trends. State Ranks range from S1 (Critically Imperiled) to S5 (Secure). We aim to assign up-to-date ranks to all rare plant species in the state. We help curate the state’s rare plant list by participating in the New Mexico Rare Plant Technical Council. 

Surveys and Monitoring

Our botanists conduct plant survey fieldwork for any project at NHNM that requires it. We also provide botanical expertise for many mapping and modeling projects.
 

Rare Plant photos

Rare plants, from top left: Pediocactus knowltonii (S1), Helianthus paradoxus (S2), Echinocereus fendleri var. kuenzleri (S2), Salix arizonica (S1), Escobaria sneedii var. leei (S2)