BC Conservation Data Centre: Conservation Status Report
Acmispon americanus var. americanus
Spanish-clover
| Scientific Name: | Acmispon americanus var. americanus |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name Synonyms: |
Lotus purshianus
Lotus unifoliolatus var. unifoliolatus |
| English Name: | Spanish-clover |
| Provincial Status Summary | |
| Status: | S4 |
| Date Status Assigned: | April 30, 2019 |
| Date Last Reviewed: | April 30, 2019 |
| Reasons: |
There are currently 25+ known occurrences of Acmispon americanus var. americanus in British Columbia, 17 of which are considered extant. The range extent is 3,893 square kilometres and the area of occupancy is 68 square kilometres with many additional occurrences likely. Around the confluence of the Columbia and Pend d'Oreille Rivers, this subspecies is abundant for several square kilometres, where it occupies roadsides and other disturbed sites. |
| Range | |
| Range Extent: | DE = 1,000-20,000 square km |
| Range Extent Comments: |
The range extent for Acmispon americanus var. americanus, calculated using a convex hull, is 3,893 square kilometres and represents the sum of coastal and interior populations. On the coast it is uncommon on southern Vancouver Island, in the interior it extends from Osoyoos to Trail and north to the Castlegar area. |
| Area of Occupancy (km2): | DE = 6-125 |
| Area of Occupancy Comments: |
The area of occupancy, using a 2km x 2km grid cell for extant occurrences, is 68 square kilometres. |
| Occurrences & Population | |
| Number of Occurrences: | C = 21 - 80 |
| Comments: | There are currently 25+ known occurrences of Acmispon americanus var. americanus in British Columbia, 17 of which are considered extant. |
| Number of Occurrences with Good Viability / Ecological Integrity: | D = 13 - 40 |
| Number of Occurrences Appropriately Protected & Managed: | C = 4 - 12 |
| Comments: | At least four occurrences are protected (including Trial Island Ecological Reserve, Uplands Park, Mill Hill and Thetis Lake Regional Parks); also public access is restricted and development is unlikely at two other locations on Discovery Island and Rocky Point. |
| Population Size: | Rank Factor not assessed |
| Comments: | Population size is not considered for plants with an annual life history. |
| Threats (to population, occurrences, or area affected) | |
| Degree of Threat: | D = Low |
| Comments: | Threats to this species are low overall. It has been observed growing along roadsides and other disturbed sites where it can be quite weedy. However, habitat degradation by increasing numbers of exotic species, fire suppression and succession may threaten some smaller populations. |
| Trend (in population, range, area occupied, and/or condition of occurrences) | |
| Short-Term Trend: | U = Unknown |
| Long-Term Trend: | U = Unknown |
| Comments: | Insufficient historical information is available to determine long-term trends. |
| Other Factors | |
| Intrinsic Vulnerability: | C=Not intrinsically vulnerable |
| Comments: | The abilities of Acmispon americanus as a competitor in British Columbia have not been described but this subspecies does not appear to be intrinsically vulnerable and has been observed growing abundantly in several disturbed habitats in southcentral British Columbia (F. Lomer, pers. comm. 2007). |
| Environmental Specificity: | D=Broad. Generalist or community with all key requirements common. |
| Comments: |
In southern British Columbia and throughout its range, Acmispon americanus var. americanus grows in a wide variety of native and disturbed habitats. |
| Other Rank Considerations: | |
| Information Gaps | |
| Research Needs: | |
| Inventory Needs: | |
| Stewardship | |
| Protection: | |
| Management: | |
| Version | |
| Author: | Penny, J., Donovan, M., Costanzo, B., and R. Batten |
| Date: | February 02, 2021 |
| References | |
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British Columbia Conservation Data Centre. Botany Program. 2000. Database containing records of rare plant collections and observations in the province of British Columbia.
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Please visit the website Conservation Status Ranks for information on how the CDC determines conservation status ranks. For global conservation status reports and ranks, please visit the NatureServe website http://www.natureserve.org/.
Suggested Citation:
B.C. Conservation Data Centre. 2021. Conservation Status Report: Acmispon americanus var. americanus. B.C. Minist. of Environment. Available: https://a100.gov.bc.ca/pub/eswp/ (accessed Jun 7, 2026).