Kingdom Plantae Family Plantaginaceae Scientific name Penstemon heterophyllus Rank Species | Order Lamiales Genus Penstemon Higher classification Beardtongue | |
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Similar Beardtongue, Penstemon spectabilis, Penstemon centranthifolius, Epilobium canum, Salvia clevelandii | ||
Penstemon heterophyllus with hummingbird
Penstemon heterophyllus is a species of penstemon known by the common names bunchleaf penstemon, foothill penstemon, and foothill beardtongue. It is endemic to California.
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The plant can be found in all of the major coastal mountain ranges and the northern Sierra Nevada foothills. It is a member of the flora in many local habitat types such as: hillsides, grasslands, chaparral, and open oak woodland and forest areas.
Description
Penstemon heterophyllus is a perennial herb producing upright, branching stems easily exceeding one meter in height and becoming woody at the bases. The leaves are variable in shape and may reach nearly 10 centimeters long. The inflorescence produces several wide-mouthed tubular flowers up to 4 centimeters in length. The flowers may be shades of blue or purple to nearly magenta.
Cultivation
Penstemon heterophyllus is cultivated as an ornamental plant by plant nurseries. It is used as a flowering perennial for traditional flower beds, and in native plant, drought-tolerant, and habitat gardens and public landscapes. It is a nectar source for (native) birds and butterflies.
Several cultivars have been selected for flower color and plant form, for use in Mediterranean climate and other low-water-use gardens, including:
