Penstemon incertus Brandegee

Nomenclature and Common Name

Penstemon incertus Brandegee is a species of penstemon commonly called the Mojave beardtongue.

Endemic Range

This species is endemic to California, where it occurs in many of the state's southeastern mountain ranges.

Specific Distribution Locations

These include the southern portions of the Sierra Nevada, the Tehachapi Mountains, and the mountain ranges of the Mojave Desert region.

Habitat

It grows as part of the native flora in scrub and woodland habitats, growing among Joshua Trees and in sandy washes.

Growth Form and Size

It is a rounded, branching, erect shrub that reaches a maximum height of one meter.

Leaf Characteristics

Its thick leaves range from linear to lance-shaped, have rolled, untoothed edges, and grow up to 7 centimetres (2.8 in) long.

Inflorescence and Flower Shape

Its glandular inflorescence bears several wide-mouthed tubular or funnel-shaped flowers that measure 2 to 3 cm (0.8 to 1.2 in) long.

Flower Color and Surface Features

The flowers are blue-purple, have a glandular outer surface, and are mostly hairless on the inside, with the exception of the hairy staminode.