Scrophulariaceae

Penstemon payettensis

Payette Penstemon

Compact clump with woody base, few to many stems. Leaves thick, bright green, widely oval, entire, hairless; lower leaves with long petioles; upper leaves clasping flower stem. Flowers in small clusters along upper stem. Flower about 1 in. long, bright purple-blue, hairless or with few hairs just inside widely open throat; staminode hairless. Grows on sandy or rocky soils at low to moderately high elevations in mountains. Named for Payette National Forest, Idaho, where it was first found.

• Rarity: Uncommon
• Flowering Time: All Summer
• Life Cycle: Perennial
• Height: 6--24 inches
• Habitat: East-Side Forest, Subalpine
• Found In: Wallowas
• Native: Yes