Native Plants
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Penstemon davidsonii
Penstemon davidsonii Greene
Davidson's Penstemon, Davidson's Beardtongue, Timberline Penstemon, Timberline Beardtongue, Alpine Penstemon, Alpine Beardtongue, Blue Color Mat
Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: PEDA2
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)
A flat, mat-forming perennial with flowering branches less than 4 in. high. The thick, round leaves are dark green, sometimes red-tinged. A matted plant with a woody base and stems, opposite, crowded leaves, and blue-lavender, bilaterally symmetrical flowers clustered on short erect stems. The short flowering branches usually bear 2-4 blue-purple to rose-purple flowers that seem unusually large for such a matted plant.
When in full flower, this species forms spectacular lavender mats. Plants in the southern part of the range have toothless leaves; to the north, toothed leaves are common.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: PurpleBloom Time: Jul , Aug
Distribution
USA: CA , NV , OR , WACanada: BC
Native Distribution: S. B.C. to Tulare Co., CA & NV
Native Habitat: Rocky, alpine & sub-alpine woods & fields
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: SunSoil Description: Well-drained soil with some summer water.
Conditions Comments: Must have winter snowcover.
Benefit
Use Wildlife: HummingbirdsAttracts: Hummingbirds
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 Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: 1-2 months stratification is necessary.
Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.
Additional resources
USDA: Find Penstemon davidsonii in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Penstemon davidsonii in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Penstemon davidsonii
Metadata
Record Modified: 2014-07-17Research By: TWC Staff