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Keckiella cordifolia (Benth.) Straw

Heartleaf keckiella, Heart-leaf bush-beardtongue, Climbing penstemon, Heartleaf penstemon

Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family)

Synonyms: Penstemon cordifolius

USDA Symbol: KECO

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Heart-leaf bush-beardtongue or climbing penstemon is a sprawling perennial that is evergreen in mild, wetter years or deciduous in less mild or drought conditions. The plant is vine-like, crawling through chaparral shrubs. Leaves are bright green and the tubular flowers are a showy red-orange.

 

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Leaf Arrangement: Opposite
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 3-6 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Red , Orange
Bloom Time: May , Jun , Jul

Distribution

USA: CA
Native Distribution: San Luis Obispo Co., s. through cismontane CA
Native Habitat: Dry, brushy slopes & canyons below 4000 ft.
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Dry, rocky soils.
Conditions Comments: This species is drought tolerant and deer proof. Shrubby keckiellas tend to become straggly and may require drastic pruning.

Propagation

Description: Propagate using half-woody cuttings, layering or seed.
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: No pretreatment is necessary.
Commercially Avail: yes

Find Seed or Plants

Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA
Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Keckiella cordifolia in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Keckiella cordifolia in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Keckiella cordifolia

Metadata

Record Modified: 2009-04-08
Research By: TWC Staff

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