Penstemon barbatus var. torreyi

(Torrey’s Penstemon)

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Penstemon barbatus var. torreyi, Four Mile Area, Chaffee Co. 6541

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Penstemon barbatus var. torreyi, Four Mile Area, Chaffee Co. 6548

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: Ten Mile Range and Rhodiola integrifolia (King’s Crown) in Summit County