Penstemon heterophyllus

Penstemon heterophyllus is a species of penstemon known by the common names bunchleaf penstemon, foothill penstemon, and foothill beardtongue. It is endemic to California.[1]

Penstemon heterophyllus
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Lamiales
Family: Plantaginaceae
Genus: Penstemon
Species:
P. heterophyllus
Binomial name
Penstemon heterophyllus

The plant can be found in all of the major coastal mountain ranges and the northern Sierra Nevada foothills. It is a member of the flora in many local habitat types such as: hillsides, grasslands, chaparral, and open oak woodland and forest areas.[1]

Description

Penstemon heterophyllus is a perennial herb producing upright, branching stems easily exceeding one meter in height and becoming woody at the bases. The leaves are variable in shape and may reach nearly 10 centimeters long. The inflorescence produces several wide-mouthed tubular flowers up to 4 centimeters in length. The flowers may be shades of blue or purple to nearly magenta.[1]

Cultivation

Penstemon heterophyllus is cultivated as an ornamental plant by plant nurseries. It is used as a flowering perennial for traditional flower beds, and in native plant, drought-tolerant, and habitat gardens and public landscapes.[2][3][4] It is a nectar source for (native) birds and butterflies.[4]

Several cultivars have been selected for flower color and plant form, for use in Mediterranean climate and other low-water-use gardens, including:

  • Penstemon heterophyllus 'Electric Blue' — intense blue flowers.[4]
  • Penstemon heterophyllus 'Margarita BOP' — sky blue to reddish purple flowers.[5]
  • Penstemon heterophyllus 'Blue Springs' — bright blue flowers.[6]

References
  1. Jepson
  2. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center NPIN—Native Plant Information: Penstemon heterophyllus (Bunchleaf penstemon)
  3. Las Pilitas native plants Nursery: Penstemon heterophyllus heterophyllus Archived 2012-02-17 at the Wayback Machine
  4. Missouri Botanical Garden: Penstemon heterophyllus 'Electric Blue'
  5. Las Pilitas native plants Nursery: Penstemon heterophyllus 'Margarita BOP'
  6. Yerba Buena native plants Nursery: Penstemon heterophyllus 'Blue Spring'
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