Scrophulariaceae

Penstemon pruinosus

Chelan Beardtongue

Cluster of erect stems from branched, woody base. Foliage and stems with small glistening glands, often ashy gray on lower section of stems. Leaves with fine teeth, lance- to egg-shaped at base, 2–4 in. long including long petiole; stem leaves triangular to oval, sessile. Flowers in 3–7 loose, many-flowered clusters. Flowers blue-purple, with lower lip larger than upper, staminode extending to edge of throat opening, tip bearded with golden hairs. Grows from rocky forest openings on east side of Cascades to sagebrush plains. Pruinosus means "appearing to be covered with a fine dew."

• Rarity: Uncommon
• Flowering Time: Late Spring, Early Summer
• Life Cycle: Perennial
• Height: 4--12 inches
• Habitat: East-Side Forest, Shrub-Steppe
• Found In: N Cascades Np
• Native: Yes