The Pagosa Skyrocket grows on weathered Mancos Shale outcrops at about 7,000 feet elevation in the vicinity of Pagosa Springs in southwestern Colorado.  Two known occurrences of the species exist; the largest includes three miles of highway right-of-way and the private properties that extend for about one mile on either side.  A smaller occurrence of about 23 acres also includes highway right of way, private, and Bureau of Land Management land.

Why does the Pagosa Skyrocket need protection? The primary threat to Pagosa Skyrocket is land use changes including commercial, residential, municipal, and agricultural property development, and associated utility installations and access roads. In addition, nonnative invasive plants (weeds), concentrated livestock use, and the potential effects of climate change may impact the species. Because of its extremely limited distribution, the species is vulnerable to habitat modification and changes in the environment. Pagosa skyrocket also relies on insect pollinators to reproduce. The loss of pollinators and pollinator habitat is considered a threat to this species. (Source: Pagosa Springs Journal)