Penstemon palmeri

(Palmer’s Penstemon)

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Penstemon palmeri, North of Paonia, Delta Co. 2742

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Penstemon palmeri, North of Paonia, Delta Co. 2692

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Penstemon palmeri, North of Paonia, Delta Co. 2720

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Penstemon palmeri, North of Paonia, Delta Co. 2724

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Leaves, Penstemon palmeri, North of Paonia, Delta Co. 2698

Scientific Name Penstemon palmeri USDA PLANTS Symbol PEPA8
Common Name Palmer's Penstemon ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 33738
Family Plantaginaceae (Plantain) SEINet
Reference
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Description Life zones and habitat: Foothills (6000 to 7700 ft); sandy soils along roadsides.
Plant: Erect perennial with solitary or few stems 20 to 55 inches tall.
Leaves: Basal and lower stem leaves large (2-3/8 to 4 inches long and 1/2 to 1-1/4 inches wide) and oblong to ovate; mid-stem leaves smaller, ovate; dentate margins; stem leaves opposite and clasping.
Inflorescence: Flowers in 5 to 10 crowded cymes clustered along stem, tending to be on one side; each cluster with 2 to 5 flowers; flowers with 5-lobed corolla about 3/4-inch long, mostly light pink with a few purple lines on the lower lobes; lower lobes smooth or somewhat hairy internally; staminode (unfertile stamen in center of blossom) slightly protruding, tip hooked and densely bearded with long, pale brownish yellow hairs.
Bloom Period: June to August.
References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, SEINet 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