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Smith, R.W.

Penstemon glaber

Penstemon glaber Pursh

Saw-sepal Penstemon, Saw-sepal Beardtongue, Western Smooth Penstemon, Western Smooth Beardtongue

Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family)

Synonym(s):

USDA Symbol: PEGL3

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

Stout perennial with large, trumpet-shaped flowers and glossy, dark green leaves. 18-20 in. tall on the average, but may be shorter or taller depending on environment. Flower color is also dependent on environment - brilliant blue in dry months, almost white during wet periods. Forms many-stemmed crown with age.

From the Image Gallery

2 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Up to about 30 inches tall.
Leaf: Green

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Blue , Purple , Violet
Bloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep
Bloom Notes: Blue to violet, with reddish purple nectar guides.

Distribution

USA: CO , MT , ND , NE , NM , SD , WY
Native Distribution: SD, ND, e. WY, e. CO, Rosebud & Powder River Cos., MT & NE Panhandle
Native Habitat: High plains; mountains

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Sun
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Soil Description: Sandy to gravelly soils

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.

Find Seed or Plants

View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.

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

Metadata

Record Modified: 2023-02-22
Research By: TWC Staff

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