Cobaea beardtongue (Penstemon cobaea, Trans. Amer. Philos. Soc. ser. 2, 5:182. 1835)

Family: Plantaginaceae

Author: Nutt.

Bibliography: Trans. Amer. Philos. Soc. ser. 2, 5:182. 1835

Year: 1835

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Penstemon

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. U.S.A. to Arkansas

Description

Cobaea beardtongue, scientifically known as Penstemon cobaea, is an intriguing member of the Plantaginaceae family. First described by Nutt. in 1835, this species has since intrigued botanists and horticulturists alike.

Commonly found across the central regions of the United States extending to Arkansas, Cobaea beardtongue thrives in well-drained soils, often gracing meadows and prairies with its presence. Its distinctiveness lies in its large, trumpet-shaped flowers that typically range in color from lavender to shades of white, providing a stunning visual appeal during its blooming season.

This perennial plant is characterized by its robust, clump-forming nature and lance-shaped leaves that create a dense foliage base. The tall, slender stems support the vivid blossoms that not only attract an array of pollinators like bees and butterflies but also add aesthetic value to wildflower gardens and natural landscapes.

Cobaea beardtongue is appreciated not only for its beauty but also for its hardiness, requiring minimal maintenance once established. It thrives best in locations that offer full sun to partial shade and can withstand periods of drought, making it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to cultivate native plant species with low water requirements.

In summary, Penstemon cobaea is a noteworthy species that combines beauty and resilience, perfectly adapted to the landscapes of central U.S.A. Its prominence within the Plantaginaceae family and striking floral display continue to captivate plant enthusiasts and ecologists, ensuring its valued place in both natural habitats and cultivated gardens.

Common Names

Eng: cobaea beardtongue, cobaea penstemon
En: Cobaea beardtongue, Cobaea penstemon

Synonyms

• Penstemon cobaea subsp. typicus (Pennell)

Distribution

• Arkansas (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Texas (native)
• Arizona (introduced)
• Colorado (introduced)
• Illinois (introduced)
• New Mexico (introduced)
• Ohio (introduced)

Additional Images

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

Leaf

Taken Jul 4, 2019 by B Dave (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2020 by Mykala Spangler (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 18, 2013 by EOL − Ben VanderWeide (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 17, 2020 by Lex Shaw (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 2, 2020 by axelle genter (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jun 2, 2020 by axelle genter (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2021 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 2021 by Kimberly Bergman (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 25, 2021 by Madyson Richardson (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 11, 2020 by Beth Dennis (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 5, 2015 by EOL − Jim Varnum (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 9, 2015 by EOL − gbrucks (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 19, 2015 by EOL − Jim Varnum (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 16, 2015 by EOL − naturenut (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 25, 2015 by EOL − Greg Lasley (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:808044-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3171531)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Penstemon cobaea Nutt.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth