Endangered Plants in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is widely recognized for its geysers, wildlife, and dramatic landscapes. But hidden within its vast wilderness is a delicate and often overlooked part of its natural heritage—its rare and endangered plant life. These plants, some found nowhere else on Earth, are essential to the park’s ecological balance and are increasingly vulnerable to environmental change, human activity, and invasive species. Protecting them is critical not only for maintaining biodiversity but also for preserving the integrity of Yellowstone’s unique ecosystems.

What Makes a Plant Endangered in Yellowstone?

An endangered plant in Yellowstone is one that is at risk of extinction within the park due to its small population size, limited habitat, or environmental threats. While no plant in Yellowstone is currently listed under the federal Endangered Species Act, several are considered “species of special concern” because they are rare, fragile, and highly localized. These plants often inhabit sensitive environments, such as geothermal areas or alpine meadows, which make them especially susceptible to disturbance.

Notable Endemic and Endangered Plants in Yellowstone

1. Yellowstone Sand Verbena (Abronia ammophila)

This pink-flowered plant is one of the rarest in the park and grows exclusively on the sandy shores of Yellowstone Lake. For decades, scientists thought it had vanished, but small populations have been rediscovered. It is the only sand verbena known to survive at such a high elevation (above 7,700 feet), making it a true Yellowstone specialist. Because its entire habitat is limited to a narrow strip of shoreline, it is extremely vulnerable to erosion, trampling, and changing water levels.

2. Ross’s Bentgrass (Agrostis rossiae)

Ross’s bentgrass is a small grass that grows only in thermally heated soils of Yellowstone’s geyser basins. This extremely rare species thrives in conditions that would be deadly to most plants, relying on warm soil created by geothermal activity. Its range is so restricted that any damage to its habitat—from foot traffic, geothermal shifts, or pollution—could lead to its extinction.

3. Yellowstone Sulphur Wild Buckwheat (Eriogonum ovalifolium var. williamsiae)

Adapted to survive in sulfur-rich soils near geothermal features, this low-growing, yellow-flowered plant is unique to Yellowstone. Like Ross’s bentgrass, it is restricted to a narrow ecological niche and is particularly sensitive to changes in soil chemistry or temperature. It is one of the least observed plants in the park due to its small size and remote habitat.

Threats Facing Endangered Plants in Yellowstone

1. Habitat Disturbance

Many rare plants in Yellowstone grow in areas popular with visitors, including geyser basins, lake shores, and trails. Foot traffic, off-trail hiking, and development can crush plants, compact soil, and degrade delicate habitats. Even minor trampling can have long-lasting impacts in geothermal areas.

2. Climate Change

Rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and increasing frequency of droughts and wildfires are already altering Yellowstone’s ecosystems. Rare and endemic plants—especially those dependent on stable thermal conditions—may not be able to adapt or relocate fast enough to survive these rapid changes.

3. Invasive Species

Aggressive non-native plants like cheatgrass, Canada thistle, and knapweed compete with native flora for nutrients, water, and space. Once established, these invaders can dominate entire landscapes, displacing rare and endangered species that have more specialized needs.

4. Natural Geothermal Changes

Many of Yellowstone’s rare plants rely on geothermal activity for survival. However, these thermal features are constantly shifting. A geyser basin that once supported a population of bentgrass might cool or dry up, leaving the plants without their required heat source.

Conclusion

Yellowstone’s endangered plants are quiet, hidden wonders of the park—beautiful, rare, and often underappreciated. Their survival depends on a delicate balance of natural conditions and responsible stewardship. As we admire Yellowstone’s geysers and wildlife, we must also recognize the fragile life underfoot and do our part to ensure these unique plants continue to grow in the world’s first national park.