Native Plants
Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.
Penstemon fruticosus
Penstemon fruticosus (Pursh) Greene
Bush Penstemon, Bush Beardtongue, Shrubby Penstemon, Shrubby Beardtongue
Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: PEFR3
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)
This is a low, compact, shrubby, semi-evergreen perennial with pairs of dark-green leaves, some of which turn reddish in the fall before dropping. A bushy plant, usually much broader than tall, with large, showy, pale lavender or pale blue-violet, bilaterally symmetrical flowers in crowded, narrow clusters at stem ends. Tubular rose-purple to lavender flowers extend horizontally in short, spike-like clusters. The entire plant is 6-16 in. tall.
In a genus with many beautiful species, this one may be the most spectacular. Bright green, leafy patches cascade down banks and between rocks, topped with a dense display of subtly shaded flowers that butterflies seem to find especially attractive.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Up to about 16 inches tall.
Leaf: Green
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Blue , Purple , VioletBloom Time: Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug
Distribution
USA: ID , MT , OR , WA , WYCanada: BC
Native Distribution: E. of the Cascade summits from s. B.C. to c. OR, e. to the Rockies of MT & WY
Native Habitat: Open, rocky or wooded foothill & higher elevation sites
Growing Conditions
Water Use: MediumLight Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Soil Description: Dry, rocky soil.
Benefit
Use Wildlife: HummingbirdsConspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Hummingbirds
Value to Beneficial Insects
Special Value to Native BeesThis information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
Propagation
Description: Propagation by cuttings is quite easy. Seeds germinate without treatment, but yield is low. Young seedling tend to damp off.Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR
Web Reference
Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Penstemon fruticosus in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Penstemon fruticosus in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Penstemon fruticosus
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-02-22Research By: TWC Staff