This week I'd like to highlight the Sprout House Roof. I am stunned at all the beauty happening. This is an area that is easy to overlook, so I want to give it the full spotlight, as well as a shout out to the Natural Area crew - Neal and Jaime - who manage this area. Bravo!

Robust Dorr's Sage (Salvia dorrii var. incana 'Robusta')

Isn't this a sight for sore eyes!?

Dorr's Sage (Salvia dorrii)

This is the native species of the cultivar above. With flowers so nice, it gets featured twice.

Uinta Basin Hookless Cactus (Sclerocactus wetlandicus)

This is a Utah native, threatened species, endemic to the Uinta Basin. Its habitat is threatened by oil and gas production and development.

Rocky Mountain Penstemon (Penstemon strictus)

Audible Gasp! The orange and purple are a spectacular color combination. The orange contrast is provided by Globemallow.

Southern Utah

Just kidding, just kidding, this is the Sprout House Roof, but doesn't it have Southern Utah vibes?

Harriman's Yucca (Yucca harrimaniae)

These unique flowers accomodate their only pollinator, the Yucca Moth. Yucca and Yucca Moths have developed a symbiotic relationship with each other. The plant depends on the moth for pollination, and the moth depends on the yucca plant as a host for its larval stage. How sweet is that?!

We hope everyone is happy and healthy, and able to enjoy the beauty just outside your doorstep.

Photos by Heidi M. Simper