Penstemon clutei explained

Penstemon clutei is a species of flowering plant in the plantain family known by the common name Sunset Crater beardtongue. It is endemic to Arizona, where it is known only from a system of volcanic cinder cones, including Sunset Crater, in Coconino County.^{[1] [2]}

This perennial herb grows up to 80 centimeters tall.^[2] It has waxy, serrated leaves and blooms in tubular pink flowers between April and August.^[1]

This plant grows only on volcanic fields around Sunset Crater in one Arizona county. It grows in openings and around Ponderosa pines.^[2] It is a fire-adapted species.^[3] It may be threatened by off-road vehicle use and by hybridization with other Penstemon.^[4]

Aven Nelson first described the plant in 1927 as a subspecies of Penstemon pseudospectabilis M.E.Jones. In 1937 David D. Keck gave the plant a distinct species name based upon its narrow ecological niche.^[5]

See also

• Willard Nelson Clute

Notes and References

1. http://www.centerforplantconservation.org/Collection/CPC_ViewProfile.asp?CPCNum=3221 Penstemon clutei.
2. http://www.natureserve.org/explorer/servlet/NatureServe?searchName=Penstemon+clutei Penstemon clutei.
3. Fulé, P. Z., et al. Response of a Rare Endemic, Penstemon clutei, to Burning and Reduced Belowground Competition. Southwestern rare and endangered plants: proceedings of the third conference; September 25–28; Flagstaff, AZ. In: Maschinski, Joyce; Holter, Louella, editors. 2000. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. Fort Collins, CO (Proceedings RMRS-P-23). pp. 139-152.
4. Springer, J. D., et al. Population structure and genetic variability of Sunset Crater Beardtongue (Penstemon clutei). February 28, 2010.
5. Book: Crisp, Debra L.. Monitoring of Penstemon clutei A. Nels. on Tornado Salvage. United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service General Technical Report RM (1996). 1996. 243–246. 9780788142024. https://books.google.com/books?id=9rLdXFkBZMgC&pg=PA243.