F IGHTING FOR S URVIVAL
Frisco Clover
Photo: Daniela Roth, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
U NIQUE IN U TAH
Frisco clover grows in five small populations between 5,640 and 8,440 feet in the San Francisco
Mountains, Beaver Lake Mountains, and Wah Wah Mountains in Utah. No other populations have
been found, despite surveys of nearby mountain ranges. Frisco clover form short mats and their
reddish-purple blooms resemble those of other clover species.
M INING M AYHEM
The two largest populations (comprising 71 percent of the estimated total) occur in the San Francisco
Mountains; copper, zinc, and silver mines are found throughout these mountains. Many are defunct,
but several are active within Frisco clover habitat, and exploration continues. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service expects that mining is likely to occur again at historic sites. Gravel mining is also expected to
increase in the future. Most gravel pits are smaller than the 5-acre threshold required for environmental
permitting, but even if an environmental impact assessment was completed for any of the pits, existing
laws would only recommend measures for the species’ protection. Mining is tough on plants. It removes
soil, increasing erosion; fragments habitat through road construction; degrades suitable habitat; and
perpetuates invasive plants. Activities associated with mining can also crush and kill Frisco clover;
reduce plant health; reduce reproductive potential from heavy dust deposits, thereby reducing the
quantity and quality of the seedbank; and decrease the pollinator population.
KNOW YOUR CLOVER
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Tough Crowd. This hardy species grows only in shallow, gravelly soil amidst sparsely vegetated
pinion-juniper-sagebrush communities.
Survival Skills. To survive in its harsh environment, Frisco clover
produces a deep taproot, thick woody stem, and silver leaves covered
with fine hairs. The hairs are a common water-retaining adaptation
among plants in xeric habitats.
Under Fire. Frisco clover is sensitive to fire and usually grows alone—if
its gravelly soils are invaded by flammable non-native plants, more
frequent fires may be able to reach the formerly isolated clover.