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Penstemon deustus
Penstemon deustus Douglas ex Lindl.
Scabland Penstemon, Scabland Beardtongue, Hot-rock Penstemon, Hot-rock Beardtongue
Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: PEDE4
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
The stems grow in clusters from a woody base and have dingy white or cream bilaterally symmetrical flowers in several whorls in axils of leafy bracts. The sub-shrubby branches of this perennial form clumps 8-20 in. high. Its leaves are toothed and bright green, subtending short, whorled clusters of flowers, marked purple inside. The flowers are more interesting (at close range) than showy.
In a huge western genus of more than 200 species, this will serve to represent the few with white flowers. Few species of these lovely wildflowers are fragrant, most having a mildly unpleasant odor, especially noticeable in Hot Rock Penstemon.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Up to about 20 inches tall.
Leaf: Green
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Yellow , PurpleBloom Time: May , Jun , Jul
Bloom Notes: White to yellowish white, sometimes tinged lavender, with brownish purple nectar guides.
Distribution
USA: CA , ID , MT , NV , OR , UT , WA , WYNative Distribution: C. WA to w. MT, s. to CA, NV & Box Elder Co., UT
Native Habitat: Dry, rocky areas below 8000 ft.
Growing Conditions
Water Use: LowLight Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Soil Description: Dry, rocky soils.
Benefit
Conspicuous Flowers: yesValue to Beneficial Insects
Special Value to Native BeesThis information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
Propagation
Description: Propagate using half-woody cuttings or seed.Seed Treatment: Germination is best with cold-moist stratification but is not necessary.
Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR
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 deustus in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Penstemon deustus in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Penstemon deustus
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-02-22Research By: TWC Staff