Family: Plantaginaceae
Author: (Pursh) Greene
Bibliography: Pittonia 2: 239 (1892)
Year: 1892
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Penstemon
Vegetable: False
Observations: W. Canada to NW. U.S.A.
Description
The Bush Penstemon, scientifically known as Penstemon fruticosus, is a captivating perennial belonging to the Plantaginaceae family. First described in the literature in 1892 by the botanist Greene, this species has been enchanting botanists and gardeners alike with its resilience and stunning floral displays.
Native to the regions spanning Western Canada to the Northwestern United States, the Bush Penstemon thrives in these diverse landscapes, showcasing its adaptability to various environmental conditions. This broad geographical range speaks to its robust nature, allowing it to flourish in a variety of soils and climates within its native habitat.
The Bush Penstemon is well-regarded for its aesthetic appeal. It typically features lush, leafy stems adorned with an abundance of vibrant, tubular flowers. These blossoms range in color from shades of blue to violet, an alluring sight that adds a touch of wild beauty to any garden it graces. The plant’s leafy green foliage provides a striking contrast to its vivid flowers, enhancing its visual appeal.
In addition to its ornamental value, Penstemon fruticosus plays an important role in native ecosystems. It serves as a valuable source of nectar for various pollinators, including bees and hummingbirds. This ecological service underscores the plant’s significance beyond its beauty, contributing to the health and biodiversity of its native regions.
Given its hardy nature and attractive floral display, Bush Penstemon is a favored choice for gardeners seeking to introduce native plants into their landscapes. It requires minimal maintenance once established, making it an ideal option for sustainable gardening practices. Whether used in rock gardens, borders, or naturalized areas, this perennial brings a touch of the wild to cultivated spaces, connecting gardens with the broader, untamed beauty of its native habitats.
For those interested in horticulture or native plant conservation, Penstemon fruticosus offers both splendor and ecological value. As gardeners and plant enthusiasts cultivate this species, they not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of their gardens but also support the preservation of native flora and the pollinators that depend on them.
Common Names
Eng: bush penstemon, shrubby penstemon, shrubby beardtongue
Swe: buskhatt
Fra: penstémon arbustif, pentstémon frutescent
En: Bush penstemon, Shrubby penstemon, Shrubby beardtongue
Fi: Varpupipo
Fr: Penstémon arbustif, Pentstémon frutescent
Sv: Buskhatt
Synonyms
- Dasanthera fruticosa ((Pursh) Raf.)
- Gerardia fruticosa (Pursh)
- Penstemon menziesii (Hook.)
Distribution
- Alberta (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Montana (native)
- Oregon (native)
- Washington (native)
- Wyoming (native)
Additional Images
Other
Taken Jul 15, 2020 by Giode Tonpino (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 15, 2020 by Giode Tonpino (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jul 15, 2020 by Giode Tonpino (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 24, 2020 by Michael Finch (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 16, 2022 by Stephanie M (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 18, 2022 by annie547 (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken May 21, 2021 by Daniel Levesque (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 22, 2021 by Eugene Kovalenko (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 7, 2020 by Isobel Brock (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 18, 2022 by annie547 (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 14, 2021 by savanah babij (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jun 18, 2014 by EOL − podiceps (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Niehaus, T.F. (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Niehaus, T.F. (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jun 23, 2014 by EOL − Barry Rice (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jun 23, 2014 by EOL − Barry Rice (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3171491)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:187405-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Penstemon fruticosus (Pursh) Greene)
Specifications
Growth form>: Multiple Stem
Growth habit>: Subshrub
Growth rate>: Moderate
Growth
Ph maximum: 8.0
Ph minimum: 6.0
