Dwindling groundwater, drought and climate change threaten the Huachuca water umbel. The federal government seeks comments on a recovery plan for the endangered plant found in southeastern Arizona.
The Huachuca water umbel grows in the shallow water of cienegas, rivers and streams. It can be found in only 17 locations in the United States and in some areas of Sonora, Mexico.
The plant was added to the endangered species list in 1997 and is protected under the Arizona Native Plant Law.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wants to reduce groundwater pumping, remove invasive species and limit livestock grazing in watersheds that support the Huachuca water umbel.
The public can submit comments about the federal recovery plan until May 9.