A Setback for Nature: Bradshaw’s Lomatium and the Cost of Lost Biodiversity

A significant blow to native plant conservation occurred recently in Camas, where the majority of the world’s population of Bradshaw’s lomatium, a once-endangered native plant, was destroyed during land-clearing activities at a golf course. This incident has raised alarm among conservationists and highlighted the critical importance of protecting native biodiversity.

Photo of Bradshaw’s lomatium from the Burke Herbarium.

What Happened to Bradshaw’s Lomatium?

Bradshaw’s lomatium (Lomatium bradshawii), a delicate yellow-flowered plant, was once listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act due to habitat loss and urban development. Thanks to years of conservation efforts, it had made a remarkable recovery and was delisted in 2021. However, its fragile existence remains tethered to the small prairies and wetlands where it grows.

Recently, a private property adjacent to a Camas golf course, containing the majority of this species’ population, was tilled, destroying nearly all the plants. The landowner reportedly claimed that the species would regenerate naturally. However, botanists have expressed strong doubts, noting that Bradshaw’s lomatium relies on very specific ecological conditions and does not recover well from such disturbances.

Why Losing Native Biodiversity Matters

The destruction of Bradshaw’s lomatium is more than just the loss of a single plant. It represents a broader issue: the cascading impacts of losing native biodiversity.

• Ecosystem Stability: Native plants like Bradshaw’s lomatium are integral to their ecosystems. They provide food and habitat for pollinators, insects, and other wildlife. When a species is lost, it can disrupt these relationships, leading to declines in other species.

• Resilience to Climate Change: Biodiverse ecosystems are better equipped to adapt to climate change. The loss of native species reduces an ecosystem’s ability to respond to changing conditions.

• Cultural and Scientific Value: Native plants are often linked to the cultural heritage of a region and can provide insights into ecology and evolution. Losing these species means losing part of our shared natural history.

What Can Be Done?

The destruction of Bradshaw’s lomatium serves as a cautionary tale about the fragility of conservation gains. To prevent similar losses, we need:

• Stronger Protections: Laws and policies that safeguard critical habitats for native species, even on private property, are essential.

• Community Awareness: Educating landowners and developers about the importance of native biodiversity can prevent unintentional destruction.

• Active Restoration: While it’s uncertain whether Bradshaw’s lomatium can recover in Camas, efforts to restore and protect remaining populations must continue.

A Call to Action

The loss of Bradshaw’s lomatium is a stark reminder that conservation success stories remain fragile. We all share responsibility for protecting our native ecosystems. By supporting conservation initiatives, advocating for stronger habitat protections, and promoting awareness about the value of biodiversity, we can help prevent the next setback for nature.

For more information on native plant conservation and how you can help, visit the Washington Native Plant Society.

Habitat of Bradshaw's lomatium (Lomatium bradshawii), April 2024. Photo: Jesse E. D. Miller.