Story behind the art of Rose Torres

28th Annual International

American Society of Botanical Artists and Marin Art & Garden Center

Dwarf Bearclaw Poppy

Arctomecon humilis

This poppy is one of Utah’s most charming federally listed endangered species. It is endemic to Washington County, Utah, and only grows in the gypsum rich soil found there (gypsum is a white mineral commonly used in drywall and plaster). This lush plant contrasts starkly against the harsh desert landscape. Its name comes from its leaves which look like they have tiny claws on the tips. I found this plant growing in biological soil crust that is heavily gypsum. (I created a companion painting of this soil crust; it is part of ASBA’s Fifth New York Botanical Garden Triennial Curious Allies: Mutualism in Fungi, Parasites, and Carnivores. Biological soil crust may look like lifeless dirt, but it is more like a coral reef in the desert in miniature.

This plant has been federally listed for almost 50 years (1979) and has only declined since. A freeway and an airport, along with numerous housing developments and recreation areas have been built in the ever-decreasing habitat. The Nature Conservancy purchased 55 acres in 2007 and now has 800 acres which are home to an estimated 95 percent of the entire population of dwarf bearclaw poppies.

In addition to habitat destruction from land development and OHVs (off highway vehicles), the loss of its main pollinator, the Mojave poppy bee, has contributed to the decline. The bee is a pollinator that evolved alongside this poppy in the Mojave Desert. Unfortunately, the destruction of its habitat has led to the disappearance of this tiny yet important pollinator in Utah. A small population still exists in Clark County, Nevada, where relatives of the dwarf bearclaw poppy grow. What pollinates it now? Fortunately, this job has been taken up by native ground nesting bees and the introduced honeybee. Dwarf bearclaw poppy is a little oasis for insects in a harsh environment. While observing the poppy, both in the evening and morning, I saw beetles crawling under and through its leaves, and scientists have observed ants dispersing the seeds. I hope that by sharing my painting, I can help local people, as well as those beyond my home state, to care about conserving this lovely plant.

To learn more about dwarf bearclaw poppies and to aid in their conservation, check out the following:

https://www.unps.org/poppy/Arctomecon_humilis_history.html

https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/white-dome-nature-preserve/

https://saveplants.org/plant-profile/205/Arctomecon-humilis/Dwarf-Bear-poppy/

https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/Q1SZ

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Read more about this artist's work: Curious Allies