Exploring an Endemic Species: Flower and Leaf Trait Variation in a Missoula Wildflower

Studies investigating intraspecific variation in morphological traits within endemic species often determine the geographic range that a species can occupy. We quantified intraspecific variationin floral morphology and leaf traits in anendemic wildflower, Phlox missoulensis, which is only found in the North Hills of the Missoula Valley in Western Montana. We collected floral, leaf, and pistil samples from over 100 Phlox missoulensis individuals across two populations in the Missoula North Hills. We used ImageJ software to measure 7 morphological traits: floral color, floral diameter, petal length and width, corolla tube length, pistil length, leaf length, and specific leaf area. We selected these floral traits because of their potential role in pollinator attraction and the leaf traits because of their potential correlation with growth rates and water use. Our preliminary results show significant trait variation for floral color, floral diameter, petal size, corolla tube length, and specific leaf area. Future work will investigate whether trait variation is correlated with the different soil types, vegetation, and microclimate at each population’s location. We hope this data will inform conservation management strategies for Phlox missoulensis.