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Graham's Penstemon: Wildflower on the Brink

Case Number # 1654

The Graham's penstemon lives exclusively on oil shale in the Unita Basin of northeastern Utah and northwestern Colorado. (Susan Meyer)
The Graham's penstemon.
(Photo: Susan Meyer)

The Graham's penstemon is a beautiful wildflower that lives exclusively on oil shale in the Unita Basin of northeastern Utah and northwestern Colorado. The penstemon is uniquely adapted to live in this harsh, dry climate. Future development of oil and gas and oil shale threatens the very existence of this flower.

In 2006, the Fish & Wildlife Service proposed that the Graham's penstemon be included on the endangered species list. But in 2007, the FWS reversed its decision, despite scientific evidence that this wildflower is threatened.

Earthjustice is suing on behalf of conservationists.

Center for Native Ecosystems
Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance

Press Releases

Unique Wild Flower Protection Restored
Friday, June 10, 2011
Judge rules that U.S. Fish and Wildlife acted “capriciously” in claiming threats were no longer present
Groups Sue to Force Protection of Threatened Wildflower
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Suit challenges sudden reversal of position by Fish and Wildlife Service