Penstemon scapoides D.D.Keck

Common Name and Taxonomic Status

Penstemon scapoides, commonly called pinyon beardtongue, is an uncommon species of penstemon. It is endemic to Inyo County, California, where it grows in scrub, woodlands, and forests of mountain ranges located above the desert.

Growth Form

This plant is a clumpy perennial herb. It forms a dense mat of oval to rounded leaves, and produces erect flowering stems that can grow over half a meter in height.

Leaf Characteristics

Its leaves are pale green and densely covered in hairs.

Flower Structure

The inflorescence holds tubular flowers, each of which can reach up to 3.4 centimeters long. The flowers range in color from pale lavender to blue-purple, and have yellowish hairs inside their mouths.