Origin:
Native
Life Cycle:
Biennial or perennial Similar Species: Penstemon barbatus General Desc:
Mostly basal leaves with a single stem topped by red, trumpet-shaped flowers. A rosette of leaves is produced the first year. The second year the plant sends up a tall stem and blooms. Identification notes: Biennial, erect stems branch from the base. Pinnate leaves alternate and basal, deeply lobed, smooth or hairy. Flowers tubular on side branches of elongated stalks; red with yellow spotted throat and flaring lobes. Seeds angular and winged in capsules. Height:
Up to 3 feet Habitat
Habitat Description: Roadsides and openings in coniferous forests. Plant Communities:
Pinyon Juniper Woodland, Montane Conifer Forest, Disturbed Areas Elevation: 5000 - 8500 feet Flower Characteristics
Color:
Red to reddish-orange
Shape:
Regular in elongated clusters
Tubular:
Y
Flowering Period:
May - Sep Description:
Flowers are funnel shaped with 5 flaring and pointed lobes that are mottled by a cream color. The flowers are found on short branches coming off of the main stem and tend to be on one side of the branches.
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Leaf Color:
Dark green
Leaf Type:
Simple
Leaf Shape:
Pinnatifid
Leaf Margin:
Dissected
Leaf Attachment:
Basal and alternate
Leaves Clasp:
N Hairs:
Leaves and stems
Spines:
N
Leaf Description:
Leaves are mostly basal. Leaves smell skunky if bruised. Stems have short glandular hairs. Leaves have short hairs. Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Fruit Color: Green turning to brown Fruit Type: Capsule Fruit Notes: Seed capsules are egg-shaped. Seed Notes: Seeds slender, angled and winged, white to light brown, 5 to 10 per capsule.
Arizona Cooperative Extension
Yavapai County
840 Rodeo Dr #C
Prescott, AZ 86305
(928) 445-6590