Duchesne milkvetch (Astragalus duchesnensis) is an endangered wildflower native only to the Unita Basin of northeastern Utah and northwestern Colorado. Its small, beautiful purple and white flowers appear in the late spring, but this hardy plant can survive lengthy dry periods by staying dormant in its sandy soil habitat for entire years. Its habitat is being severely damaged by extensive oil and gas drilling, seismic exploration, and other activities related to energy extraction. Other human activities, such as the irresponsible use of dirt bikes and other off-road vehicles, are also taking a toll. Center for Native Ecosystems completed a formal Status Review for this native plant in January 2006 and is aggressively monitoring oil and gas development in its habitat and challenging inappropriate proposals.