Indian Knob mountainbalm (Eriodictyon altissimum)
CDFW photo by Kristi Lazar
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has initiated a five-year species review (Species Review) for the state endangered Indian Knob mountainbalm (Eriodictyon altissimum) to inform the California Fish and Game Commission's decision on whether to retain or change the status of the species under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA). As part of this process, the CNDDB would like to encourage anyone who has observed Indian Knob mountainbalm to submit their findings to us. People who have questions or comments about the review process should email the Native Plant Program at NativePlants@wildlife.ca.gov. The deadline to submit data and comments is September 9, 2024, to allow us sufficient time for evaluation.
Indian Knob mountainbalm is a shrub known from only six populations in San Luis Obispo County, California. Four of those populations are located in the Los Osos area of San Luis Obispo County and two populations are located just south of the City of San Luis Obispo in San Luis Obispo County. This species was originally listed as endangered in 1979 under the Native Plant Protection Act and then afforded protection under CESA in 1984 when endangered plants became a part of CESA (Fish & G. Code, §§ 1900 et seq., 2050 et seq.).
The purpose of a Species Review is to use the best scientific information available to determine if the conditions that led to the original species listing are still present or have changed since listing, and to recommend retaining or changing the status of the species (Fish & G. Code, §§ 2072.3 & 2077). Process information, along with recently completed reviews, are available on our web page for Five-Year Reviews of Rare, Threatened and Endangered Species. Take of this species is prohibited without an appropriate permit for scientific, educational or management purposes. For more information on permitting, visit our CESA permits web page.
We need your help in better understanding the endangered status of Indian Knob mountainbalm. If you have ever found the species in the wild, submit your findings to us through our Online Field Survey Form.