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Penstemon azureus
Penstemon azureus Benth.
Azure Penstemon, Azure Beardtongue, Sky-blue Penstemon, Sky-blue Beardtongue
Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: PEAZ
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
The basal stems of this perennial are subwoody and much branched, bearing narrow, blue-green leaves. The 8-24 in. flowering stalks carry many large, strongly two-lipped, blue to purple flowers which are yellow in bud. The plant maintains a neat, tidy habit.
Penstemon azureus attracts hummingbirds.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Up to about 2 feet tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Blue , Purple , VioletBloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug
Distribution
USA: CA , ORNative Distribution: Sierra foothills from Fresno Co., n. to s.w. OR
Native Habitat: Dry, rocky slopes & banks; 3500-7500 ft.
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: SunSoil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Well-drained, dry soil.
Value to Beneficial Insects
Special Value to Native BeesThis information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
Propagation
Description: Propagate using half-woody cuttings or seed.Seed Treatment: Seeds germinate without pretreatment.
Commercially Avail: yes
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA
Web Reference
Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Penstemon azureus in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Penstemon azureus in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Penstemon azureus
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-02-21Research By: TWC Staff