Desert Penstemon
Penstemon pseudospectabilis, Snapdragon or Figwort Family: ( Scrophulariaceae ), Desert Penstemon. Also called: Arizona Penstemon and Rosy Desert Beardtongue.
A low evergreen shrub, or herbaceous perennial. This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds.
Height: About 3 - 4 feet in height.
Flowers: The flower is funnel-shaped, with short round lobes. The corolla is about 3/4 inch long, glandular and hairy on the outside. It has a broad upper corolla with a 2 - lobed lip, bent upward. The lower corolla lip is 3 - lobed and bent downward. There are 5 stamens, the fifth is sterile but bearded at the tip.
Stalk: Several erect, sparsely leaved stems with pinkish-lavender, bilaterally symmetrical flowers in a long, open, interrupted cluster.
Blooming Time: February - May.
Leaves: Green to blue - green, fleshy, about 2 - 5 inches long, triangular leaves, smooth.
Found: Found throughout medium elevations in Arizona.
Elevation: 2500 - 4500 Feet.
Habitat: Chalky/alkaline, Dry, Sandy, Well-drained/light soils, sandy washes.
Miscellaneous: Photos Taken May 17, 2005. Hillside. Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping.
