Penstemon

Description

Utah is home to over 100 species of Penstemon, commonly known as Beardtongue--more than any other place worldwide! While some have a larger regional range from the Great Basin to the Rocky Mountains, many species are endemic to Utah, meaning that they are only found in specific locations within the state.

Penstemons are known for their inflorescences, or tubular flower clusters, that are long-blooming and come in a variety of hues ranging from pale white and pink to magentas, corals and fire engine reds, to cooler violets, purples and blues. The diversity of flower shapes, arrangements and colors reflect specializations for various pollinators including native bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.

Penstemon species thrive in untouched, low-maintenance sites and are adapted to Utah’s hot and cold seasons. They prefer hot temperatures and full sun, making them excellent additions to xeriscape gardens and low-water areas such as park strips. 

While not every native species will be commercially available, here some native varieties that we carry in the nursery:

Taperleaf Penstemon
Penstemon angustifolius

Beardlip Penstemon
Penstemon barbatus

Bluemat Penstemon
Penstemon caespitosus

Wasatch Penstemon
Penstemon cyananthus

Firecracker Penstemon
Penstemon eatonii

Toad-flax Penstemon
Penstemon linarioides

Thickleaf Penstemon
Penstemon pachyphyllus

Palmer’s Penstemon
Penstemon palmeri

Pineleaf Penstemon
Penstemon pinifolius

Desert Penstemon
Penstemon pseudospectabilis

Bridge’s/Beaked Penstemon
Penstemon rostriflorus

Rocky Mountain Penstemon
Penstemon strictus

Utah Penstemon

Penstemon utahensis

Tushar Bluemat Penstemon
Penstemon xylus