Rare Plant Program

CNPS Inventory Updates - Post 6th edition

The book version of the CNPS Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of California (6th edition) was published in September 2001. Since this date, a number of major changes to the taxon entries (scientific name changes, list changes, additions, deletions) have been identified. The Rare Plant Program (RPP) continually receives requests for such changes. For example, botanists will request that a new species be added to CNPS List 2 or a List 4 species be upgraded to List 1B. For such changes, the RPP researches and compiles and summarizes necessary supporting information for review.

New! CNPS Inventory Sponsorship Package Available
To expedite the review and processing of more major changes, we ask that requesters formally request or “sponsor” proposed changes by using our new sponsorship package. This new procedure is more efficient because it specifies the type of data we need, organizes the information in a standard format, and makes it easier to identify data gaps. It also provides more transparency in the Inventory review process and makes it easier to give credit to contributors. The sponsorship package requests supporting data and rationale for a proposed major change and consists of 4 documents, which can be downloaded using the links below:

We encourage those who would like to propose new major changes to the Inventory as well as those who have previously requested changes to try out the new forms and submit them via email or regular mail.

To obtain a consensus opinion about major changes, we use a formal review process whereby we consult with the knowledgeable experts in the appropriate region of the state, primarily via email. We use seven regions: Northwest, Modoc Plateau, Sierra Nevada, Great Valley, Central West, Southwest, and East Side / Desert (following the similar regions in The Jepson Manual).

If you wish to be added to the Plant Status Review group for a region, please contact Aaron Sims at asimscnps.org.

Click on a link below to view updates to the CNPS Inventory that are currently accepted, pending, or rejected:

Changes Accepted (Official CNPS Inventory Status Updates)

Changes Under Review

Changes Rejected