Cymopterus evertii

Description: Evert's wafer-parsnip is a tufted perennial herb with stems 1-19 cm tall from a multi-branched root crown covered by persistent leaf bases. The rough-pubescent, lance-shaped leaf blades are 1.5-6 cm long and 0.5-1.6 cm wide, and once or twice pinnately compound with 5-8 pairs of pinnae. Crushed foliage is strongly aromatic, with the odor of orange peels. The inflorescence is a compact umbel of white flowers borne on a leafless stalk that exceeds the leaves at maturity. Fruits are flattened on their dorsal side, reddish-brown to purplish with thick white ribs, and covered with short, rough hairs. (Hartman and Kirkpatrick 1986; Dorn 1992; Fertig et al. 1999). Distribution: Regional endemic of NE Utah and NW Wyoming. In Wyoming, known only from the Absaroka Range and Bighorn Basin in Hot Springs and Park counties. Flowering/Fruiting Period: Flowers April-July. Fruits June-August. Similar Species: Cymopterus longilobus has glabrous foliage, leaf blades over 5 cm long with sharp-tipped leaflets, yellow flowers and C. nivalis has glabrous ovaries and fruits with thin wing margins (Cronquist et al. 1997; Dorn 1992). Habitat: Occurs on coarse volcanic soils or occasionally on sandstone with cushion-forming forbs, and on open or partially shaded rock outcrops and ridges adjacent to juniper or limber pine stands at 5,900-10,900 feet (Marriott 1988; Fertig 1992). Notes: Known from 24 extant occurrences in Wyoming (most recently surveyed in 1998). Populations number in tens of thousands of individuals (Marriott 1988). Appears to be stable, although trend data are lacking for nearly all populations. Heritage Ranks: Globally: G2G3 State: S2 WYNDD Plant List: Regional endemic (Medium conservation priority) Author: Walter Fertig