Franklin’s Penstemon: A Rare Utah Native Worth Protecting
If you’ve stumbled across Franklin’s penstemon (Penstemon franklinii) in your native plant research, you’ve discovered one of Utah’s most precious botanical treasures. This perennial wildflower isn’t just rare—it’s critically imperiled, making it a species that deserves our respect and protection rather than a spot in our garden beds.
What Makes Franklin’s Penstemon Special?
Franklin’s penstemon is a native forb, which simply means it’s a non-woody flowering plant that comes back year after year. Like other members of the penstemon family, it likely produces the characteristic tubular flowers that make these plants so beloved by gardeners and pollinators alike. However, what truly sets this species apart is its incredible rarity.
A Utah Exclusive with a Serious Conservation Status
This remarkable plant calls only Utah home, making it what botanists call an endemic species. Its extremely limited geographic distribution contributes to its precarious situation in the wild.
Here’s where things get serious: Franklin’s penstemon has a Global Conservation Status of S1, meaning it’s critically imperiled. With typically five or fewer known populations and fewer than 1,000 individual plants remaining in the wild, this species teeters on the edge of extinction. That’s rarer than many animals we consider endangered!
Why You Shouldn’t Plant Franklin’s Penstemon (And What to Do Instead)
While the idea of growing this unique Utah native might sound appealing, there are compelling reasons to admire it from afar:
- Its extreme rarity means any collection from wild populations could harm the species’ survival
- Seeds or plants are not commercially available through responsible sources
- Its specific habitat requirements are poorly understood, making successful cultivation unlikely
- Conservation efforts should focus on protecting existing wild populations
Better Alternatives for Your Native Garden
Instead of Franklin’s penstemon, consider these more common Utah native penstemons that will thrive in your garden while supporting local ecosystems:
- Palmer’s penstemon (Penstemon palmeri)
- Firecracker penstemon (Penstemon eatonii)
- Rocky Mountain penstemon (Penstemon strictus)
- Utah penstemon (Penstemon utahensis)
These alternatives offer similar aesthetic appeal and pollinator benefits without the conservation concerns.
How You Can Help
While you can’t grow Franklin’s penstemon in your garden, you can still make a difference:
- Support local conservation organizations working to protect Utah’s rare plants
- Learn to identify the species if you hike in Utah and report any sightings to botanists
- Choose abundant native alternatives for your landscape
- Spread awareness about the importance of protecting rare native species
The Bigger Picture
Franklin’s penstemon reminds us that native gardening isn’t just about what we can grow—it’s about understanding and respecting the intricate web of plants that make up our local ecosystems. Some species are meant to remain wild, serving as indicators of healthy habitats and reminders of what we stand to lose.
By choosing abundant native alternatives and supporting conservation efforts, we can create beautiful, ecologically valuable gardens while ensuring that rare treasures like Franklin’s penstemon have a fighting chance to survive in their natural homes for future generations to discover and appreciate.
