EN

Dendromecon harfordii

Unknown

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Dendromecon harfordii faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to urban development and agricultural expansion across its limited California range. The species is particularly vulnerable to altered fire regimes, as it depends on periodic wildfires for seed germination and population regeneration. Invasive plant species compete aggressively with native seedlings, while climate change threatens to shift suitable habitat zones beyond the species' current distribution.

Threat summary

Habitat

Dendromecon harfordii inhabits chaparral and coastal sage scrub communities on dry slopes and ridges in southern California. The species typically grows on well-drained soils in areas with Mediterranean climate patterns, often in association with other fire-adapted shrubs.

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionEx-situ conservation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Dendromecon harfordii classified as Endangered?
Dendromecon harfordii is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Dendromecon harfordii faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to urban development and agricultural expansion across its limited California range. The species is particularly vulnerable to altered fire regimes, as it depends on periodic wildfires for seed germination and population regeneration. Invasive plant species compete aggressively with native seedlings, while climate change threatens to shift suitable habitat zones beyond the species' current distribution.
Where does Dendromecon harfordii live?
Dendromecon harfordii occurs in United States. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Dendromecon harfordii?
The main threats to Dendromecon harfordii are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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