Penstemon procerus var. procerus

(Clustered Penstemon)

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Penstemon procerus var. procerus, Uncompahgre Plateau, Montrose Co. 3225

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Penstemon procerus var. procerus, Breakneck Pass, Park Co. 9962

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Penstemon procerus var. procerus, Lower Flume Trail, Breckenridge, Summit Co. 7688

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Penstemon procerus var. procerus, Breckenridge, Summit Co. 8142-2

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Penstemon procerus var. procerus, Breckenridge, Summit Co. 8142-1

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Penstemon procerus var. procerus, Lower Flume Trail, Breckenridge, Summit Co. 7700

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Penstemon procerus var. procerus, Boreas Pass, Summit Co. 6217

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Penstemon procerus var. procerus, Uncompahgre Plateau, Montrose Co. 3232

Scientific Name Penstemon procerus var. procerus USDA PLANTS Symbol PEPRP
Common Name Clustered Penstemon, Little Penstemon ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 33746
Family Plantaginaceae (Plantain) formerly Scrophulariaceae SEINet
Reference
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Description Life zones and habitat: Montane to alpine (7000 to 12000 ft). Moist meadows, open areas especially at higher elevations.
Plant: Erect perennial 2 to 16 inches tall (shorter at higher elevations).
Leaves: Basal leaves oblanceolate to elliptic or lanceolate, up to 4 inches long and petiolate; stem leaves much smaller and stalkless; glabrous (smooth, not hairy).
Inflorescence: Purplish-blue flowers in 1 to 3 dense clusters in whorl-like verticillasters separated by open breaks; each 5-lobed flower less than 1/2-inch long, lower lip with internal hairs near tip, white or yellow bearded staminode.
Bloom Period: June to August.
References: "The Alpine Flora of the Rocky Mountains" by Richard W. Scott, "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield and Turner Photographics.
Note: Rarely found in light lavender or pink as in one of the photos above.
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