Scientific Name | Penstemon barbatus var. torreyi | USDA PLANTS Symbol | PEBAT |
Common Name | Torrey's Penstemon, Beard-lip Penstemon | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 538475 |
Family | Plantaginaceae (Plantain) | SEINet Reference |
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Description |
Life zones and habitat: Foothills to montane (6000 to 10000 ft); rocky or sandy soils in woodlands, meadows, roadsides and open areas. Plant: Erect perennial with solitary or few stems up to 3 feet tall; sparse foliage. Leaves: Sparse stem leaves are narrow, linear to lanceolate up to 6 inches long; basal leaves more ovate. Inflorescence: Spire-like panicle of brilliant, smooth, scarlet two-lipped tubular blossoms 2 inches long; hairy lower lip divided into three lobes, and strongly reflexed (bent backwards); five stamens, one of which (staminode) is infertile and bearing a tuft of hairs. Bloom Period: June to August. References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, "A Guide to Rocky Mountain Plants" by Nelson and Williams and American Southwest. |
BONAP Distribution Map Map Color Key |
Colorado Status: Native |
© Tom Lebsack 2024
Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains