Gibbens' beardtongue facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gibbens' beardtongue |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Penstemon
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| Species: |
gibbensii
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Penstemon gibbensii, also known as Gibbens' beardtongue, is a special flowering plant. It belongs to the plantain family. You can find this plant growing naturally in the western United States. It lives in states like Wyoming, Colorado, and Utah.
What Does It Look Like?
This plant is quite small, growing up to 20 centimeters (about 8 inches) tall. Its leaves are long and narrow, like a spear. They can be up to 9 centimeters (about 3.5 inches) long. The leaves grow in pairs on opposite sides of the stem.
The flowers are a pretty blue color and shaped like tubes. Each flower can be up to 2 centimeters (less than an inch) long. These flowers usually bloom from June to September. They especially love to bloom when there's enough rain or moisture.
Where Does It Grow?
Scientists know of only nine places where this plant grows. These places are spread across Wyoming, Colorado, and Utah. Gibbens' beardtongue needs a very specific type of soil to grow well.
It grows best in yellowish soil that comes from the Browns Park Formation. This soil is a mix of shale and sandy clay. It also has a lot of selenium, which is a special element.
The plant's home is often in pinyon-juniper woodlands. It can also be found in areas with sagebrush or greasewood-saltbush plants. Other plants that grow nearby include Chrysothamnus species and Eriogonum species.
Keeping It Safe
Gibbens' beardtongue faces several challenges that make it hard for the plant to survive. One big problem is animals like livestock grazing where the plants grow. This means animals eat the plants.
Other threats include oil and gas exploration in its habitat. Off-road vehicle activity can also damage the plants and their soil. Sometimes, new plant species are brought into the area. These introduced species can take over and push out the native Gibbens' beardtongue. Also, long periods of drought (when there is not enough rain) can cause the plants to die.
