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Penstemon angustifolius
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Penstemon angustifolius Nutt. Ex Pursh is a perennial subshrub belonging to the plantain family. This species is 1 out of roughly 180 species of Penstemon.[1][2] This species is also known as broadbeard and beardtongue.[1] This subshrub is native to central United States and can be noticed by its brightly colored flowers.[1]
Description
editPenstemon angustifolius can grow between 4 to 24 inches tall.[1] Their basal leaves range from 2-9.5 cm in length.[1] This species stems are a thick, waxy, gray-green. The flowers can be a range of colors, from pink and blue to lavender which bloom from April to June.[1]
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.[3] They can be found in the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains. They are drought tolerate and live in sandy soil with good drainage.[3][1] These plants grow near each other in groups that can be found at elevations from 1200-2200 m.[1]
Ecology
editThis plant is useful in preventing wind erosion in its native environment.[1] Deer and insects are known to eat parts of the penstemon plant.[3] Native bees especially enjoy this plant[1] and the seeds are used by birds, rodents, ants and bees.[1] Penstemon weevils are an observed herbivore of this plant.[4]
Culture
editPenstemon angustifolius have been cultivated as early as the 1800s.[5] Native Americans have been recorded to use the plant roots medicinally.[5] Additionally the pigment from the petals has been used to paint moccasins by the Lokota.[5]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "USDA Plants Database". plants.usda.gov. Retrieved 2023-11-20.
- ^ "Western USA wildflowers: narrowleaf beardtongue, Penstemon Angustifolius". www.americansouthwest.net. Retrieved 2023-12-06.
- ^ 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.
- ^ a b c 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.