Rayless goldfields (Lasthenia glaberrima) COSEWIC assessment and status report 2000: chapter 9

Special Significance of the Species

The British Columbia occurrence of Lasthenia glaberrima represents a small disjunct population separated by 400 kilometres from the main range of the species.

Other members of the genus (in particular Lasthenia glabrata, L. californica and L. coronaria) have a niche role in native plant horticulture. They are favoured because they are easily cultivated, provide quick colour and effective ground cover, their nectar attracts butterflies, their fragrance is attractive in mass plantings and their achenes attract goldfinches. In contrast, Lasthenia glaberrima provides little colour, is an ineffective ground cover because of its specialized soil requirements and does not produce nectar. Consequently the species has little value to the nursery trade.

No traditional knowledge, including First Nations use for crafts or for medicine, has been documented for Lasthenia glaberrima or any other members of the genus.

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