Xeriscape Landscaping Plants For The Arizona Desert Environment
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Perennials

Firecracker Penstemon, Penstemon eatonii

Firecracker Penstemon, Penstemon eatonii Photo Taken At Desert Botanical Garden Phoenix On March 3, 2008.

Firecracker Penstemon, Penstemon eatonii	Firecracker Penstemon, Penstemon eatonii
Firecracker Penstemon, Penstemon eatonii	Firecracker Penstemon, Penstemon eatonii

Firecracker Penstemon Penstemon eatonii, Snapdragon or Figwort Family: ( Scrophulariaceae ), Firecracker Penstemon. Also called: Mexican firecracker, Beardtongue, Penstemon. A low evergreen shrub, or herbaceous perennial. This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds. It has sprawling or upright growth patterns. The flower stalks are often arched over near the tops and straighten out as the stem gains strength. The corolla lobes are very small so that it appears to be a very narrow long closed tube instead of being open.. 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 TakenDesert Botanical Garden, Phoenix On March 3, 2008. Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping.