Dalea chrysophylla
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Dalea chrysophylla faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat conversion for agricultural development and urban expansion across its limited range in the southwestern United States. Overgrazing by livestock has degraded remaining habitat quality, while invasive plant species compete for resources in its specialized desert scrub environment. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns that affect this drought-adapted legume's reproductive success.
Habitat
This endangered legume inhabits desert scrublands and semi-arid grasslands at elevations between 1,000-2,500 meters, typically growing on well-drained sandy or gravelly soils. It occurs in open areas within Chihuahuan Desert vegetation communities, often associated with creosote bush and desert grassland transitions.