Penstemon angustifolius is a perennial semi-evergreen forb belonging to the plantain family. This species is 1 out of roughly 273 species of Penstemon.[2][3] This species is also known as broadbeard beardtongue. This forb is native to central United States and can be noticed by its brightly and highly variable colored flowers.[2]
| Penstemon angustifolius | |
|---|---|
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| Flowering Santa Fe National Forest, Rio Arriba County, New Mexico | |
Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Plantaginaceae |
| Genus: | Penstemon |
| Species: | P. angustifolius
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| Binomial name | |
| Penstemon angustifolius | |
| Varieties[1] | |
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| Synonyms[1] | |
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Description
editPenstemon angustifolius is a herbaceous plant that can grow between 6 and 65 centimeters (2 and 26 in), but more often is 15 to 45 cm (6 to 18 in) tall. [4] The stems are thick, waxy, and gray-green with somewhat woody bases.[5]
Their basal leaves, those springing directly from the base of the plant, range from 25–90 millimeters in length and 2–18 mm in width, though they are usually longer than 40 mm.[4] They have a leathery feel with a smooth, hairless surface, though occasionally they may be rough in texture.[5][4] Leaf shapes vary between spatulate, spoon shaped, oblanceolate, like the head of a spear with a tapered base and end, or linear, narrow like a grass blade. The lowest cauline leaves, those attached to the stems, are similar to the basal leaves.[4] The flowers can be a range of colors, from pink and blue to lavender which bloom from April to June.[2]
Distribution and habitat
editThis species is found in the west-central United States extending from Montana and North Dakota to Arizona, New Mexico, and Kansas.[6] They can be found in the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains. They are drought tolerant and live in sandy soil with good drainage.[6][2] These plants grow near each other in groups that can be found at elevations of 1200–2200 m.[2]
Taxonomy
editPenstemon angustifolius was scientifically described and named by Frederick Traugott Pursh, who credited Thomas Nuttall in his publication.[1]
Ecology
editThis plant is useful in preventing wind erosion in its native environment. Deer and insects are known to eat parts of the penstemon plant.[6] Native bees especially enjoy this plant and the seeds are used by birds, rodents, ants and bees.[2] Penstemon weevils are an observed herbivore of this plant.[7]
Culture and use
editPenstemon angustifolius have been cultivated as early as the 1800s. Native Americans have been recorded to use the plant roots medicinally. Additionally the pigment from the petals has been used to paint moccasins by the Lokota.[8] This plant can be used in landscaping and as a garden plant in xeriscaping situations.[9]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c "Penstemon angustifolius Nutt. ex Pursh". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f Penstemon angustifolius, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service PLANTS Profile, 2 February 2024
- ^ "Western USA wildflowers: narrowleaf beardtongue, Penstemon Angustifolius". www.americansouthwest.net. Retrieved 2023-12-06.
- ^ a b c d Freeman, Craig C. (29 July 2020) [2019]. "Penstemon angustifolius". Flora of North America. p. 113. ISBN 978-0190868512. OCLC 1101573420. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
- ^ a b Welsh, Stanley L.; Atwood, N. Duane; Goodrich, Sherel; Higgins, Larry C. (1987). A Utah Flora. Great Basin Naturalist Memoirs, No. 9 (First ed.). Provo, Utah: Brigham Young University. p. 584. JSTOR 23377658. OCLC 9986953694.
- ^ a b c "Southwest Colorado Wildflowers, Penstemon angustifolius". www.swcoloradowildflowers.com. Retrieved 2023-11-20.
- ^ Ogle, D., Peterson, S., St. John, L. 2013. Plant Guide for Palmer’s penstemon (Penstemon palmeri). USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, Plant Materials Center. Aberdeen, Idaho 83210.
- ^ Stevens, Mikel (2020). The Heart of Penstemon Country: A Natural History of Penstemons in the Utah Region. Sweetgrass Books. pp. 70–73. ISBN 978-1591522614.
- ^ "Penstemon angustifolius" (PDF). USDA NRCS Plant Fact Sheet. United States Department of Agriculture. Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 August 2017. Retrieved 2 February 2024.