Salvaging and Relocating Ambrosia pumila

Abstract

I have been involved with a project that has successfully salvaged an endangered ragweed (Ambrosia pumila (Nutt.) Gray [Asteraceae]). This perennial low-growing native plant with storage roots and largely clonal reproduction was collected from a construction site, successfully maintained for 3 y, and then outplanted on a site with fairly similar soil textures. After 10 y from initial removal from the salvage site, survival has been good on sites where exotic grasses, salt in the soil, snails, and gophers were low or absent. Problems contributing to its Endangered status may include habitat destruction, weed invasions, increased herbivory, fire suppression, differences in flood recurrence, and other changes in land management.