Stanleya pinnata

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Stanleya pinnata flowers

Stanleya pinnata, commonly known as the prince's plume, is a species of flowering plant in the Brassicaceae family, native to the western United States. This perennial herb is notable for its tall, erect growth habit and its ability to thrive in selenium-rich soils, which can be toxic to many other plant species. The plant's adaptation to these soils is of particular interest to botanists and ecologists studying plant-soil interactions and phytoremediation.

Description

Stanleya pinnata can reach heights of up to 2 meters, with a basal rosette of leaves from which rises a tall, unbranched stem. The leaves are lanceolate to oblanceolate, with the basal leaves being larger and the stem leaves gradually reducing in size up the stem. The plant is characterized by its bright yellow flowers, which are arranged in dense, elongated racemes and bloom from late spring to early summer. The flowers give way to slender, elongated seed pods that contain small, round seeds.

Habitat and Distribution

Stanleya pinnata is found in a variety of habitats, including desert scrub, sagebrush steppe, and open woodlands, from the Great Basin and Mojave Desert in the United States to the Rocky Mountains and adjacent plains. It is particularly prevalent in areas with high selenium content in the soil, where few other plant species can survive.

Ecology

The ability of Stanleya pinnata to accumulate selenium is of ecological significance, as it can help to detoxify soils contaminated with this element. However, the high selenium content in the plant can make it toxic to some herbivores, although certain species have adapted to feed on it. The plant also plays a role in supporting pollinators, with its flowers attracting bees and other insects.

Uses

While Stanleya pinnata is primarily of interest for its ecological roles and as a subject of scientific study, it is also used in native plant gardens and landscaping projects, particularly in xeriscaping, due to its drought tolerance and striking appearance.

Conservation

Although Stanleya pinnata is not currently listed as endangered or threatened, its habitat is subject to the pressures of human activity, including development, mining, and agriculture. Conservation efforts focus on habitat preservation and the study of its ecological role, particularly in selenium-rich environments.