Rocky Mountain Penstemon
(Penstemon strictus)
Rocky Mountain Penstemon (Penstemon strictus)
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lazarus
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lazarus
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CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: lazarus | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: lazarus | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-06-25T14:41:20-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Penstemon strictus, commonly known as Rocky Mountain Penstemon or Beardtongue, is a herbaceous perennial native to the montane and subalpine regions of the Rocky Mountains. It thrives in open woodlands, meadows, and grassy slopes, where it contributes to the local ecology by providing nectar for pollinators. This plant typically grows to a height of 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) and spreads 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) wide. Its upright stems are adorned with lance-shaped, glaucous leaves that are smaller and narrower along the stem compared to the broader basal leaves. From late spring to early summer, it produces dense spikes of tubular, vivid blue to violet flowers, which are highly attractive to bees and hummingbirds.
The Rocky Mountain Penstemon is valued for its striking blue flowers, drought tolerance, and overall hardiness, making it a popular choice for xeriscaping, rock gardens, and native plant landscapes. It is also used for naturalizing in wildflower meadows. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate some light shade and is adaptable to a variety of well-draining soils. It is important to avoid overwatering, as it does not tolerate wet feet. Although generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot if conditions are too moist. There are no major pest or disease problems, but watch for slugs and snails in particularly wet conditions. Deadheading spent blooms can encourage a second flush of flowers and prevent self-seeding if not desired.CC BY-SA 4.0
The Rocky Mountain Penstemon is valued for its striking blue flowers, drought tolerance, and overall hardiness, making it a popular choice for xeriscaping, rock gardens, and native plant landscapes. It is also used for naturalizing in wildflower meadows. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate some light shade and is adaptable to a variety of well-draining soils. It is important to avoid overwatering, as it does not tolerate wet feet. Although generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot if conditions are too moist. There are no major pest or disease problems, but watch for slugs and snails in particularly wet conditions. Deadheading spent blooms can encourage a second flush of flowers and prevent self-seeding if not desired.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-3 feet
- Width: 3-4 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: Blue, Purple
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Semi-deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Montane and subalpine regions, open woodlands, meadows, and grassy slopes
Other Names
Common Names: Rocky Mountain Beardtongue
Scientific Names: , Penstemon strictus, Penstemon strictus var. strictus, Penstemon strictus subsp. angustus, Penstemon micranthus,
GBIF Accepted Name: Penstemon strictus Benth.