About Penstemon venustus Douglas
Nomenclature and Common Names
Penstemon venustus Douglas is a species of penstemon with the common names Venus penstemon and alpine penstemon.
Distribution and Habitat
It is native to the northwestern United States, where it grows across many types of open habitat.
Growth Form and Size
It is a spreading shrub that grows upright to a maximum height of around 80 centimeters.
Leaf Characteristics
Its thick, stiff leaves are lance-shaped, serrated, and can reach up to 12 centimeters in length.
Inflorescence and Flower Traits
Its showy inflorescence holds many tubular lavender flowers, with the largest of these flowers being nearly 4 centimeters long.
Floral Micromorphology
The flower mouth and the staminode are covered in long white hairs.
Cultivation Use
This penstemon is cultivated for use in wilderness landscaping within its native range.
