Texas wildflower big red sage proposed for endangered species protection

[LeftInTX]

https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/-91VBVw8MFlH424OXWpdROlWwlQ=/850x570/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/

Only seven native populations remain in Texas, all in the Edwards Plateau in Central Texas.

The big red sage, a rare Texas wildflower native to the Edwards Plateau, was proposed for endangered species protections Friday by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Once presumed extinct, the species was rediscovered in the 1980s but now faces a steep decline, with only seven of its 14 known wild populations remaining.

The Fish and Wildlife Service has opted not to designate critical habitat — an area important to the species’ conservation and recovery — in its proposed listing, saying it could increase the threat of illegal collection.

The agency will take input from the public on the proposal until March 24.
https://www.texastribune.org/2025/01/17/texas-big-red-sage-endangered-species-act/

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I once bought this plant. Unfortunately, somehow it disappeared. When I went back to the nursery, they weren't selling it.
I hope they propagate more. It's beautiful!

[callous taoboy]

1. Wish it was as hardy as the purple sage-

Purple sage propagates in my backyard on its own. We do have such a lovely variety of wildflowers here.

[littlemissmartypants]

2. Wow! ...

They are not disclosing its geographic location data on line specifically because of unlawful collection of the plant!!

I looked at the taxonomic report and that section is definitely blank. Wow!

https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=32732#null

The Service is not proposing to designate critical habitat for this species, as providing precise plant locations could increase the threat of illegal collection.