Beardlip penstemon (Penstemon barbatus, Catal. Bot. 3: 49 (1806))

Family: Plantaginaceae

Author: (Cav.) Roth

Bibliography: Catal. Bot. 3: 49 (1806)

Year: 1806

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Penstemon

Vegetable: False

Observations: Utah to Texas and Mexico

Description

Beardlip penstemon, known scientifically as Penstemon barbatus, is a remarkable plant species that belongs to the family Plantaginaceae. It was first cataloged in the early 19th century, with its formal documentation appearing in the “Catal. Bot. 3: 49” in 1806, credited to (Cav.) Roth.

This perennial herb is native to a broad range spanning from Utah down to Texas and reaching into Mexico. Its vibrant and striking appearance makes it a favorite among gardeners and botanists alike. The Beardlip penstemon typically features tall, slender stems adorned with tubular flowers that vary in color, often presenting hues of red, pink, or occasionally blue. These flowers are particularly appealing to hummingbirds and other pollinators, making this plant beneficial for local ecosystems.

Beardlip penstemon thrives in well-drained soils and is often found in dry, rocky habitats, reflecting its adaptability to arid conditions. Its ability to tolerate drought makes it a resilient addition to xeriscape gardens, where water conservation is a priority.

One of the distinguishing characteristics of Penstemon barbatus is its bearded lower lip on the corolla, which gives the plant its common name. The foliage is typically lance-shaped and presents a gray-green coloration, providing a lovely contrast to the showy blooms.

In the context of horticulture and ecological studies, Beardlip penstemon is highly valued for both its aesthetic appeal and its role in supporting biodiversity. It’s a prime example of how native plants can enhance garden landscapes while also contributing to environmental health.

Whether for scientific study or ornamental use, Penstemon barbatus stands out as a resilient and beautiful plant species with a rich botanical history and a significant ecological footprint across its native range.

Common Names

Eng: beardlip beardtongue, beardlip penstemon
Swe: skäggört
En: Beardlip penstemon, Beard-Tongue, Scarlet bugler, Scarlet Penstemon, Beardlip beardtongue
Fi: Punakilpikukka, Punapipo
Nv: Biyaadiłchííʼ
Sv: Skäggört

Synonyms

• Chelone barbata (Cav.)

Distribution

• Arizona (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• Texas (native)
• Utah (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 23, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 23, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 14, 2020 by morley jake (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 23, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 29, 2022 by Marit Tuin (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 11, 2022 by Mc Cactus (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 5, 2021 by Thiyagerajah Abarajitha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 18, 2021 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 23, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 20, 2021 by Giode Tonpino (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 8, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 18, 2021 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2022 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 10, 2014 by EOL − Carlos Velazco (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 18, 2021 by Rico Mende (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:808010-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3171570)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Penstemon barbatus (Cav.) Roth)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth