Flowers’ Beardtongue: A Rare Utah Native Worth Protecting
Meet Flowers’ beardtongue (Penstemon flowersii), one of Utah’s most precious botanical treasures. This little-known native wildflower might not be on every gardener’s wishlist, but it deserves our attention—and our protection. As one of the rarest plants in the American West, this unique beardtongue tells a story of resilience, rarity, and the importance of conservation gardening.
A Plant on the Edge
Flowers’ beardtongue holds the sobering distinction of having a Global Conservation Status of S1, meaning it’s critically imperiled. With typically five or fewer known occurrences and fewer than 1,000 individuals remaining in the wild, this perennial forb is teetering on the brink of extinction. Every single plant matters when it comes to this species’ survival.
Where to Find This Rare Beauty
This endemic species calls Utah home and only Utah. Unlike its more widespread beardtongue cousins that roam across multiple states, Penstemon flowersii has chosen to make its stand in very specific locations within the Beehive State. Its extremely limited geographical distribution is part of what makes it so vulnerable to extinction.
What Makes It Special
As a true forb, Flowers’ beardtongue lacks the woody tissue that defines shrubs and trees. Instead, it’s a herbaceous perennial that dies back to the ground each winter, with its perennating buds safely tucked at or below the soil surface, ready to emerge when conditions are right. Like other members of the Penstemon genus, it likely produces tubular flowers that are perfectly designed to attract native pollinators, particularly bees.
Should You Grow Flowers’ Beardtongue?
Here’s where things get complicated. While supporting native plants is always admirable, growing Flowers’ beardtongue comes with serious responsibility. Given its critically imperiled status, this plant should only be cultivated using responsibly sourced material—and that’s a big only.
If you’re considering adding this rare beauty to your garden, here’s what you need to know:
- Never collect seeds or plants from wild populations
- Only purchase from reputable native plant nurseries that can verify responsible sourcing
- Consider this plant primarily for conservation purposes rather than ornamental gardening
- Be prepared to provide specialized care that mimics its natural Utah habitat
Garden Role and Design Considerations
If you do manage to responsibly source Flowers’ beardtongue, it would be best suited for:
- Conservation gardens focused on rare Utah natives
- Rock gardens that mimic natural Utah landscapes
- Educational displays about plant conservation
- Specialized native plant collections
Growing Conditions and Care
While specific growing requirements for this rare species aren’t well-documented, we can make educated assumptions based on its Utah origins and Penstemon family traits. It likely prefers:
- Well-drained soils (essential for most Penstemons)
- Full sun to partial shade
- Low to moderate water once established
- Protection from excessive moisture, especially in winter
Given Utah’s climate, this plant probably thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4-8, though its specific microhabitat requirements may be quite narrow.
The Conservation Angle
Rather than focusing solely on cultivation, consider supporting Flowers’ beardtongue through conservation efforts. Donate to organizations working to protect Utah’s rare plants, volunteer for habitat restoration projects, or simply spread awareness about this remarkable species.
Alternatives for the Average Gardener
If you’re inspired by Flowers’ beardtongue but want a more readily available option, consider these other Utah-native Penstemon species:
- Wasatch beardtongue (Penstemon cyananthus)
- Firecracker penstemon (Penstemon eatonii)
- Palmer’s penstemon (Penstemon palmeri)
These alternatives will give you the beauty and pollinator benefits of the Penstemon genus while being more sustainable choices for home gardens.
The Bottom Line
Flowers’ beardtongue represents both the incredible diversity of American native plants and the fragility of our natural heritage. While it may not be the right choice for most home gardens, it serves as an important reminder of why native plant conservation matters. Sometimes the greatest act of gardening love is knowing when not to grow something—and instead working to protect it where it naturally belongs.
Whether you choose to grow this rare beauty or simply appreciate it from afar, Flowers’ beardtongue deserves our respect, protection, and admiration. In a world where common plants dominate our landscapes, there’s something truly special about a flower that exists nowhere else on Earth except in the wild landscapes of Utah.
