Penstemon palmeri A.Gray

Species Nomenclature and Growth Habit

Penstemon palmeri, commonly known as Palmer's penstemon, is an erect perennial that can grow up to 2 meters (6.6 feet) tall.

Leaf Characteristics

Its leaves are generally oppositely arranged with toothed margins.

Inflorescence Structure

The inflorescence forms a panicle or raceme that bears small bracts.

Flower Calyx and Corolla

Each flower has a five-lobed calyx made of sepals, and a cylindrical corolla that may have an expanded throat.

Staminode Trait

The plant's staminode is partially hairy.

Typical Flower Appearance and Scent

The showy, rounded flowers have large pink, violet, or blue-purple petals, and carry a fragrance that sets this species apart from other similar-looking penstemons.

Rare Flower Color Variants

Occasional individual plants produce red, yellow, or white flowers instead.

Native Distribution Range

Penstemon palmeri is native to desert mountain ranges ranging from the eastern Mojave Desert in California, through eastern Nevada, northeastern Arizona, and New Mexico, and extending north through parts of Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, and eastern Washington.

Habitat and Elevation Range

This drought-tolerant evergreen prefers well-draining drier soils, and grows in washes, bajadas, roadsides, canyon floors, creosote bush scrub, and juniper woodlands at elevations between 1,100 and 2,300 meters (3,600 to 7,500 feet).

Ecological Role

Ecologically, it acts as a larval host plant for both the Arachne checkerspot and the variable checkerspot butterflies.