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Penstemon deustus (Hot-rock beardtongue)
Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia

Penstemon deustus Dougl. ex Lindl.

Hot-rock beardtongue, Hot-rock penstemon, Scabland penstemon

Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family)

USDA Symbol: PEDE4

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

The stems grow in clusters from a woody base and have dingy white or cream bilaterally symmetrical flowers in several whorls in axils of leafy bracts. The sub-shrubby branches of this perennial form clumps 8-24 in. high. Its leaves are toothed and bright green, subtending short, whorled clusters of yellowish flowers, marked purple. The flowers are more interesing (at close range) than showy.

In a huge western genus of more than 200 species, this will serve to represent the few with white flowers. Few species of these lovely wildflowers are fragrant, most having a mildly unpleasant odor, especially noticeable in Hot Rock Penstemon.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Leaf: Green
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 1-3 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: May , Jun , Jul

Distribution

USA: CA , ID , MT , NV , OR , UT , WA , WY
Native Distribution: C. WA to w. MT, s. to CA, NV & Box Elder Co., UT
Native Habitat: Dry, rocky areas below 8000 ft.
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Soil Description: Dry, rocky soils.
Conditions Comments: Not Available

Benefit

Conspicuous Flowers: yes

Value to Beneficial Insects

Special Value to Native Bees

This information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.

Propagation

Description: Propagate using half-woody cuttings or seed.
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Germination is best with cold-moist stratification but is not 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:

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

Metadata

Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff

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