Cleome lutea and Machaeranthera canescens seed transfer zones and distribution on the Colorado Plateau, US

These data were compiled to provide seed transfer and native plant materials development guidance to managers and practitioners across the Colorado Plateau and in adjacent regions. This data release contains empirical seed transfer zones derived from molecular genetic data for Cleome lutea (syn. Peritoma lutea) and Machaeranthera canescens (syn. Dieteria canescens). These species show distinct population structure (i.e., genetic differentiation) across their ranges; as such, seed transfer zones reflect both patterns of genetic differentiation and information on each species' unique adaptations to climatic gradients. These shapefile data may support successful restoration outcomes if, for example, seed transfer follows seed transfer zones depicted herein and/or composite seed strategies for native plant materials development utilize seed transfer zones when determining which seed accessions may be combined. The ultimate goal of these seed transfer zones is to protect natural patterns of genetic variation and maximize (or at least better understand) species' adaptations to local environmental conditions. This work was funded by the Bureau of Land Management's Colorado Plateau Native Plant Program.