Malheur Wire Lettuce, also known as Stephanomeria malheurensis, is a species of flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. It is an herbaceous perennial native to western North America, specifically found in the Malheur County region of Oregon.
The Malheur Wire Lettuce typically grows in dry, rocky habitats such as sagebrush steppe, upland slopes, and open woodland areas. It is a relatively small plant, reaching a height of about 10-40 centimeters. The stems are pale green, slender, and often covered with short, stiff hairs.
The leaves of Malheur Wire Lettuce are linear or lanceolate, alternate, and densely clustered near the base of the plant. They are typically grayish-green in color and have tooth-like lobes along the margins. The plant produces numerous small, white to pale pink flowers with intense yellow centers. The flowers are arranged in terminal clusters or panicles.
Malheur Wire Lettuce plays a vital role in its natural ecosystem, as it provides a source of food and habitat for various insects and pollinators. It is often browsed by herbivores like mule deer and elk. Additionally, some Native American tribes have traditionally used different parts of the plant for medicinal purposes.
Due to habitat loss and limited distribution, Malheur Wire Lettuce is considered a rare plant and is listed as a species of concern in the state of Oregon. Conservation efforts and protective measures have been implemented to safeguard its population and ensure its survival in its native range.
