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Skypilot (Polemonium eximium)

Description

Polemonium eximium, the skypilot or showy sky pilot,is a perennial plant in the phlox family (Polemoniaceae) that grows at high altitudes (mostly above 10,000 feet (3,000 m)).It is endemic to the Sierra Nevada in California where it grows in the talus of the high mountain slopes.Wildflower enthusiasts consider it to be among the best of the Sierra wildflowers, and highly rewarding to find.It mostly occurs at elevations from 10,000 to 14,000 feet (3,000 to 4,300 m) in the Central and Southern Sierra Nevada. It mostly occurs in colonies in stark surroundings, above 10,000 feet (3,000 m), in rocky areas that appear mostly devoid of soil, and rarely in association with other plants.Most notably, it can be found at the upper reaches of Mt. Whitney, both via the main trail and mountaineer's route, as well as the southern flanks of Mt Langley in the Inyo National Forest. Additionally, it resides near the summit of Mount Dana in Yosemite National Park.

Taxonomic tree

  • Domain: Eukarya

    • Kingdom: Plantae

      • Phylum: Magnoliophyta

        • Class: Magnoliopsida

          • Order: Ericales

            • Family: Polemoniaceae

              • Genus: Polemonium