Canaan Mountain Beardtongue
Penstemon ammophilus
NatureServe conservation status
Global (G-rank): G2
State (S-rank): S2
Utah Wildlife Action Plan status
- SGCN
External links
General information
Penstemon ammophilus also known as Canaan mountain beardtongue or sand-loving penstemon is a perennial herb endemic to Navajo Sandstone formations in Dixie Divide within Utah. The lavender flowers of this species can be spotted blooming in May and June. The main distinguishing characteristic of this species are the fistulose stems and papillate-glutinous herbage causing many sand grains to stick to the leaves and petals of this species.
Description
Penstemon ammophilus also known as Canaan mountain beardtongue or sand-loving penstemon is a perennial herb endemic to Navajo Sandstone formations in Dixie Divide within Utah. The lavender flowers of this species can be spotted blooming in May and June. The main distinguishing characteristic of this species are the fistulose stems and papillate-glutinous herbage causing many sand grains to stick to the leaves and petals of this species.
Phenology
Flowering from late May throughout June.
Diagnostic characteristics
Penstemon ammophilus is distinguished by its fistulose stems, papillate-glutinous herbage, undulate leaf margins, and pale staminoides dotted with dark purplish-blue papillae on the upper surfaces.
Species range
Penstemon ammophilus is endemic to the Dixie Divide in Utah and can be found in Garfield, Kane, and Washington counties.
Threats or limiting factors
The main threats are from habitat degradation due to grazing, recreation and drought. Observations in Utah Rare Plant Database reported farming and ranching as a threat in Lick Wash and Deer Range Canyons (URPD 2025). OHV use and dispersed camping impacted at least one occurrence near the base of No Man's Mesa. Drought and climate change is also a threat and likely impacting this species through out it's range.
Taxonomy
No, this species does not have taxonomic discrepancies