Penstemon spectabilis

Penstemon spectabilis is a species of penstemon known by the common name showy penstemon. It is native to southern California and Baja California, where it grows in the chaparral, scrub, and woodlands of the coastal mountain ranges.

Penstemon spectabilis
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Lamiales
Family: Plantaginaceae
Genus: Penstemon
Species:
P. spectabilis
Binomial name
Penstemon spectabilis

Description

Penstemon spectabilis is a perennial herb growing erect to a maximum height often exceeding one meter. The thin leaves are lance-shaped to oval, serrated on the edges, and up to 10 centimeters in length. The oppositely arranged pairs may fuse about the stem at the bases. The inflorescence bears wide-mouthed tubular purple-blue flowers which may be over 3 centimeters long. The throat is lighter in color, lavender to nearly white, and hairless inside.

This plant is often a pioneer species in habitat recently disturbed.[1] It is pollinated by wasps such as Pseudomasaris vespoides, as well as by hummingbirds.[2]

Penstemon spectabalis

References
  1. Wolfe, A. D. Penstemon spectabilis
  2. Chari, J. and P. Wilson. (2001). Factors limiting hybridization between Penstemon spectabilis and Penstemon centranthifolius. Can J Bot 79:1439-48.

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