Second of ten seen this am.
I only found this species on limestone outcrops
Population is below a spring. Sparse 30 feet away where the soil is paler and drier. Many more plants closer to the water where the soil was noticeably darker, even when dry. These are growing under sagebrush in an area probably heavily grazed. I noticed two years ago that the fencing around the spring had been breached. I found about 8 plants in 5 minutes working my way up towards the spring and then saw many more closer to the moisture. Most flowers were still closed up in the papery sepals. I think this spring has been cool and dry and there was evidence on other plants (Eg lupine) of frost damage.
roadside saltgrass, salt-encrusted soils
Corrected id, stated as new species by 2023
Super interesting plant! Crazy hybrid or something. Just thought I’d share.
Looks like scarlet penstemon but not acceptec by app
I saw this cactus while hiking in the desert hills south of Tonopah, NV.