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(Penstemon clevelandii)
Cleveland’s Beardtongue (Penstemon clevelandii)
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°Florian
CC BY-SA 2.0
Image By:
°Florian
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Copyright:
CC BY-SA 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: °Florian | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0 | Uploader: Stickpen | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Penstemonclevelandii.jpg | Notes: |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Penstemon clevelandii, commonly known as Cleveland’s Beardtongue, is an evergreen perennial subshrub or herb native to the chaparral and coastal sage scrub of Southern California and Baja California in Mexico. This species thrives on well-drained soils, often on slopes and in open areas where it receives full sun. It typically grows to a maximum height of 70 centimeters with upright, branching stems. The thick, oval-shaped leaves can be up to 6 centimeters long and are sometimes toothed. From late spring to early summer, Cleveland’s Beardtongue produces showy inflorescences of tubular flowers that are pink to magenta in color, each up to 2.4 centimeters in length, with expanded, lipped mouths and a somewhat glandular outer surface.
Cleveland’s Beardtongue is valued for its drought tolerance and vibrant flowers, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping, native plant gardens, and rock gardens. It is also used to attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. In cultivation, it requires minimal maintenance, thriving in full sun with low water needs and preferring soils with fast drainage. While it is generally disease-resistant, overwatering can lead to root rot. It is important to avoid planting in areas with poor drainage or heavy clay soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Cleveland’s Beardtongue is valued for its drought tolerance and vibrant flowers, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping, native plant gardens, and rock gardens. It is also used to attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. In cultivation, it requires minimal maintenance, thriving in full sun with low water needs and preferring soils with fast drainage. While it is generally disease-resistant, overwatering can lead to root rot. It is important to avoid planting in areas with poor drainage or heavy clay soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Subshrub, Herb
- Height: 1-2.5 feet
- Width: 1.5-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: Pink
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Chaparral and coastal sage scrub of Southern California and Baja California
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: , Penstemon clevelandii, Penstemon clevelandii subsp. clevelandii, Penstemon angelicus, Penstemon clevelandii subsp. angelicus, Penstemon clevelandii var. angelicus, Penstemon cleavelandii, Penstemon clevelandii subsp. typicus,
GBIF Accepted Name: Penstemon clevelandii A.Gray