Plant Data

Names and Taxonomy

  • Common Names: Royal Penstemon, Royal Beardtongue, Sagebrush Penstemon, Sagebrush Beardtongue
  • Synonyms: Penstemon speciosus ssp. kennedyi
  • Family: Plantaginaceae (Plantain)
  • Genus Information:

Habit and Size

  • Duration: perennial
  • Habit: forb
  • Shape: upright
  • Size: up to 3 feet
  • Stem: green, smooth

Leaves

  • Color:
  • Shape: lanceolate, sometimes clasped
  • Edge: smooth
  • Arrangement: opposite, basal
  • Leaf Retention:

Flowers and Fruit

  • Sex: monoecious
  • Flower Color: blue, purple, violet
  • Flower Size: 1-1.5 inches
  • Number of Petals: 5
  • Bloom: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
  • Fruit: capsule

Habitat and Growing Conditions

  • Water Use: high
  • Light: partly shadow
  • Soil: gravel
  • Habitat: Dry plains; wooded or shrubby slopes

Distribution

  • Distribution:
  • Seen: UT
  • Elevation: 3500-8500' (1066-3000 m)

Photographs

Royal Penstemon (Penstemon speciosus)

UT