About Penstemon laetus A.Gray
Penstemon laetus A.Gray is a species of penstemon, commonly called mountain blue penstemon and gay penstemon. It is native to the inland mountains of Oregon and California. Its native range extends from the Klamath Mountains through the Sierra Nevada to the Transverse Ranges. This species grows in forest, scrub, and other mountain habitats in its native region. It is a perennial herb that grows erect to around 75 centimeters tall, and develops a woody base. Its leaves range in shape from linear to lance-shaped, and can reach up to 10 centimeters in length. It produces a glandular inflorescence that holds blue or purple flowers each up to 3.5 centimeters long. The flowers are wide-mouthed, with a tubular or funnel shape. The outer surface of the flower is glandular, while the inner surface is mostly hairless.
