Penstemon strictus (Rocky Mountain penstemon)
Semi-evergreen native perennial with deep blue-violet flowers, blooming May to June. Very common. Moderately drought tolerant, occurring in well-drained rocky to sandy loam soils on mid-elevation sagebrush, scrub and woodland openings; 5,000 to 11,000 ft. elevation. Widely adaptable and frequently used in soil stabilization, restoration and wildflower plantings. Visited by bumble bees and other native bees. Varieties listed below.
DISTRIBUTION / ADAPTATION
INFORMATION & ATTRIBUTES
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Duration: Perennial
Growth Habit: Forb/herb
Native Status: Native
Growth Form:
Mature Height: 24 in.
Bloom Color: Blue/violet
Bloom Period: late spring
Annual Precipitation: 14-26 in.
Drought Tolerance: Medium
Shade Tolerance: Intolerant
Elevation:
Fire Resistance: No
Fire Tolerance: Medium
Nitrogen Fixation: None
SOIL ADAPTATION
Coarse Texture: yes
Medium Texture: No
Fine Texture: No
Salinity Tolerance: None
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
pH Range: 6.0-8.0
SEEDING NOTES
Seeds per Pound: 489,800
Seeding Rate: 0.9-1.0 PLS lbs/acre
Season: Fall
Days to Germination:
VARIETIES & LOCAL ACCESSIONS
Bandera - Intended for erosion control, restoration diversity and beautification. Establishes easily from seed and has good seedling vigor. (Released 1973)