Centuary at Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

Found "no where else on earth" --The spring-loving centaury, Centaurium namophilum, is considered to be endemic to the Ash Meadows area (meaning it is definitely found within the refuge borders but also in adjacent federal and private lands). According to local botanists, the centaury populations found approximately 50 miles away in Beatty, Nevada and Death Valley, California are considered taxonomically distinct subspecies. Although it is very hot here in the summer -- with the temperature frequently topping 110 degrees -- this is when the centaury blooms (July - September). The species of centaury is adapted to mesic alkaline clay soils. Ash Meadows is known for over 26 species of plants and animals found no where else on earth and is located approximately 90 miles from Las Vegas, Nevada.