Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program: Louisiana
Education, Research and Technical Assistance for Managing Our Natural Resources

Pecos sunflower (Helianthus paradoxus; endangered), Wright’s marsh thistle (Cirsium wrightii; Species of Concern; candidate species), and Leoncita false foxglove (Agalinis calycina; Species of Concern) are rare species that are found on Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge. A greater understanding of seed germination and establishment requirements could allow for moist-soil management strategies that could increase the populations of all 3 species. In this study, we will conduct laboratory and field experiments to identify the effects of soil moisture and salinity on germination and establishment of these species. In addition, we will evaluate energy availability for waterfowl for moist soil units managed for these rare plant species.