Scrophulariaceae

Penstemon pennellianus

Blue Mountain Penstemon

Clumps of basal leaves with erect stout stems. Basal leaves thick, narrow, oblong, entire, 3–10 in. long, with long petioles; stem leaves clasping, largest leaves midstem, widely oval, with pointed tips. Flowers in well-spaced cluster, becoming tighter above. Blue to purple flowers, bulging on one side, are 1–1 1/2 in. long, with short-haired staminode at throat, sparsely hairy anthers just inside. Grows in rocky soils in mountains.

• Rarity: Uncommon
• Flowering Time: Late Spring, Early Summer
• Life Cycle: Perennial
• Height: 10--18 inches
• Habitat: East-Side Forest, Subalpine, Dry Rocky Sites
• Found In: Blue Mountains
• Native: Yes