Desert Penstemon

Penstemon pseudospectabilis

Color: Reddish pink

Common name: Desert Penstemon

Latin name: Penstemon pseudospectabilis

Family: SCROPHULARIACEAE

Height: 12-40 inches

Description: The plant is generally a shrub with many erect stems. The inflorescence bears tubular flowers with expanded, lobed mouths and glandular hairs on most surfaces, except the hairless sterile stamen. The flower may be up to 2.5 centimeters long.

Leaf: The thin leaves are roughly oval with wide pointed tips and serrated edges. They are arranged oppositely in pairs and many pairs are completely fused at the bases about the stem, forming a disc.

Range: s Desert Mountains, ne Sonoran Desert

Habitat: Gravelly or rocky desert washes, canyon floors, in creosote-bush scrub, pinyon/juniper woodland

Elevation: 100–1400 m.

Flowering time: Mar–May

Notes: Penstemon pseudospectabilis is a dicot that is native to California and is also found outside of California, but is confined to western North America. Horticulture: Given excellent drainage (modification of compacted or other water-holding soils may be necessary), absence of frequent summer water (distance from water-loving plants), and full or nearly full sun (tolerates summer afternoon sun), grows in zones 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21. Difficult; needs special care in all zones; has complex requirements. This photo was taken on April 22, 2004 in Stoddard Valley outside Victorville, San Bernardino, California.