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Federally Listed, Proposed and Candidate Species
Blowout Penstemon
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 Photo Credit: FWS/Bellis |
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Potential Distribution in Wyoming by County
Counties where Blowout Penstemon is known or believed to occur.
Carbon County | Goshen County
- For Species Lists, please use the IPaC System
Section 7 Range
If an action is proposed within the Section 7 Range, potential effects to the species and habitat should be considered. Project proponents are encouraged to contact the FWS Wyoming Ecological Services Office.
Download Section 7 Range GIS Data or Section 7 Range Google Earth layers
Species Information
Blowout penstemon (Penstemon haydenii) is a perennial herb, typically 12 inches or less in height, with 6-10 groups of milky-blue to pale lavender flowers. The plant’s current known range in Wyoming consists of the Ferris Dunes area in northwest Carbon County, where the plant is restricted to two habitat types: steep, northwest facing slopes of active sand dunes with less than 5 percent vegetative cover; and north-facing sandy slopes on the lee side of active blowouts with 25-40 percent vegetative cover. Known populations in Wyoming are found between 6,680-7,440 feet. Systematic surveys are recommended in areas with sand blowout features at lower elevations (below 6,700 feet).
Blowouts are formed as strong winds deposit sands from the windward side of a dune to the leeward side and create a sparsely vegetated crater-like depression. Threats to blowout penstemon occur when sand dunes are removed or disturbed by vehicles. Surveys should be conducted from mid-June to early-July when flowering occurs. Surveys should be conducted by knowledgeable botanists trained in conducting rare plant surveys. The Service does not maintain a list of "qualified" surveyors, but we can refer those wishing to become familiar with blowout penstemon to experts who can provide training/services.