Scabland Penstemon
(Penstemon deustus)
Scabland Penstemon (Penstemon deustus)
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Nolan Exe
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Nolan Exe
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Nolan Exe | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Nolan Exe | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-06-07T10:32:32-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Penstemon deustus, commonly known as Scabland Penstemon, is an evergreen perennial subshrub or herb native to the dry, open areas and rocky outcrops of the Northwestern United States, particularly in the Great Basin and surrounding areas. It typically grows to a height of around 40 centimeters (16 inches) with upright branches. The plant features an inflorescence of tubular, cream-colored flowers with a dark lining, each reaching about 1.5 cm in length. The flowers have lipped, five-lobed mouths and are glandular, blooming from late spring to early summer. The foliage is narrow and leathery, contributing to its drought resistance.
Scabland Penstemon is valued for its drought tolerance and the abundant, attractive flowers that serve as a food source for a variety of pollinators, including honey bees, bumblebees, sweat bees, and leafcutter bees. It is commonly used in wilderness revegetation and landscaping projects within its native range. This plant thrives in full sun and requires minimal water once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping. It prefers well-drained soils and is relatively low-maintenance, making it a good choice for gardeners seeking hardy, drought-resistant plants. While it is not commonly afflicted by diseases, it can be sensitive to overwatering and root rot in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Scabland Penstemon is valued for its drought tolerance and the abundant, attractive flowers that serve as a food source for a variety of pollinators, including honey bees, bumblebees, sweat bees, and leafcutter bees. It is commonly used in wilderness revegetation and landscaping projects within its native range. This plant thrives in full sun and requires minimal water once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping. It prefers well-drained soils and is relatively low-maintenance, making it a good choice for gardeners seeking hardy, drought-resistant plants. While it is not commonly afflicted by diseases, it can be sensitive to overwatering and root rot in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Subshrub, Herb
- Height: 1-1.5 feet
- Width: 1-1.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Yellow
- 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
Natural Habitat
Dry, open areas and rocky outcrops of the Northwestern United States, particularly in the Great Basin and surrounding areas
Other Names
Common Names: Hotrock Penstemon
Scientific Names: , Penstemon deustus, Penstemon deustus var. savagei, Penstemon deustus subsp. typicus,
GBIF Accepted Name: Penstemon deustus Douglas