Penstemon barrettiae A.Gray

Nomenclature and Classification

Penstemon barrettiae, a flowering plant species in the plantain family, is commonly known as Barrett's beardtongue or Barrett's penstemon. It is endemic to a small area of the Pacific Northwest in North America.

Growth Form and Size

This species is a perennial herb or shrub that grows 20 to 40 centimeters tall. The plant is hairless, with a waxy texture on both its leaves and inflorescence.

Leaf Characteristics

Its oppositely arranged blue-green leaves are stiff and leathery, with either smooth or slightly serrated edges. Leaf pairs growing on the stem reach up to 3.5 centimeters long and have clasping bases.

Flower Traits

The species produces tubular pink or lightly purple-tinged flowers, which are over 3 centimeters long and 1 centimeter wide at the lipped mouth. Flowering occurs from April through June.

Habitat

Penstemon barrettiae typically grows on cliffs and rock outcrops with thin soil, and it often anchors itself in rock cracks and crevices within talus.

Distribution Range

It is restricted to a small area spanning southern Washington and northern Oregon, occurring in the Columbia River Gorge and the Klickitat River canyon.

Threats

Threats to the species include poaching, road maintenance, herbicides, quarrying, logging, and recreational activity.

Etymology

It is named for Almeta Hodge Barrett, who discovered the species sometime before 1886.