Heartleaf Penstemon
(Keckiella cordifolia)
Heartleaf Penstemon (Keckiella cordifolia)
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Jason Hollinger
CC BY 2.0
Image By:
Jason Hollinger
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Copyright:
CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Jason Hollinger | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0 | Uploader: File Upload Bot (Magnus Manske) | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Heart-leaf_Penstemon_(4776487534).jpg | Notes: |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Keckiella cordifolia, commonly known as Heartleaf Penstemon, is a semi-deciduous shrub native to the chaparral and coastal sage scrub of southern California and northern Baja California. It thrives on dry, rocky slopes and in canyons, often in the presence of oaks and pines. This plant typically grows to a height of 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters) with a similar spread, and features an open, sprawling habit. The leaves are heart-shaped, lending the common name, and the plant produces tubular, bright red to orange flowers from late spring to early summer, which are highly attractive to hummingbirds and other pollinators.
Heartleaf Penstemon is valued for its drought tolerance, making it an excellent choice for water-wise gardens, xeriscaping, and naturalized areas. It is also used for slope stabilization and habitat restoration. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate part shade, especially in hotter climates. It requires well-drained soils and minimal watering once established, reflecting its adaptation to arid environments. There are no major disease problems, but overwatering can lead to root rot. It is not known to be invasive when grown outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0
Heartleaf Penstemon is valued for its drought tolerance, making it an excellent choice for water-wise gardens, xeriscaping, and naturalized areas. It is also used for slope stabilization and habitat restoration. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate part shade, especially in hotter climates. It requires well-drained soils and minimal watering once established, reflecting its adaptation to arid environments. There are no major disease problems, but overwatering can lead to root rot. It is not known to be invasive when grown outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub, Subshrub
- Height: 1-3 feet
- Width: 3-5 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: Red, Orange
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Very Low, Low
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Chaparral and coastal sage scrub, dry rocky slopes, and canyons
Other Names
Common Names: Heart-Leaved Bush Penstemon, Heartleaf Keckiella
Scientific Names: , Keckiella cordifolia, Penstemon cordifolius, Keckia cordifolia, Penstemon cordatus,
GBIF Accepted Name: Keckiella cordifolia (Benth.) Straw