Shrubby Penstemon,Penstemon fruticosus var. fruticosus
Family: Scrophulariaceae - FIGWORT FAMILY
Genus: Penstemon from Greek pente 'five' and stemon 'thread' ref. to 5 stamens
Species: fruticosus means 'shrubby', or shrub-like
aka Shrubby Beardtongue. The beautiful brillant blue-lavender penstemon flowers are found in tightly packed clusters on low rounded shrubs that reach about 1 ft. (30 cm) tall. There are usually 3 -10 flowers in the simple raceme. The leafs of the semi-evergreen are up to 1.5" long, lanceolate to ellipitical, pointed at the tip and may or may not be toothed. The anthers are densely white-haried. While common east of the Cascades its presence is somewhat unusal in the Park. Could also be found in the sub-alpine zone. Possible misidentification. (ref. Biek, Strickler)
Trail Notes:
Trail/Hike: Box Canyon/Nickel Creek
Date: July 19, 2008
Location: south side of road embankment at Box Canyon (photo)
