Native Plant Database

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Loughmiller, Campbell and Lynn

Penstemon grandiflorus Nutt.

Large beardtongue, Large-flower beardtongue, Large-flowered penstemon

Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family)

Synonyms: Penstemon bradburii

USDA Symbol: PEGR7

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Large, lavender, horizontally arranged, tubular flowers on a smooth stem above opposite, blue-green, clasping leaves and in axils of similar leafy bracts. This perennial’s stout, unbranched stems, 2-3 ft. tall, bear opposite, blue-green, waxy leaves and pink to bluish-lavender, tubular flowers. The large flowers extend horizontally on short stalks from the axils of leafy bracts near top of stem.

This handsome plant is especially spectacular when growing in masses. It occasionally escapes from cultivation in the East. At least 15 species of Penstemon occur in eastern North America, and there are many more in the West.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Size Class: 1-3 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Pink , Purple
Bloom Time: May , Jun

Distribution

USA: CO , CT , IL , IN , IA , KS , MA , MI , MN , MO , MT , NE , ND , OH , OK , SD , TX , WI , WY
Native Distribution: MI to ND & s.e. MT, s. to c. TX
Native Habitat: Dry prairies
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Description: Sandy soils.
Conditions Comments: Not Available

Propagation

Description: Propagate by seed.
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Germination is best with cold-moist stratification.
Commercially Avail: yes

Find Seed or Plants

Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.

View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:

Tohono Chul Park, Inc. - Tucson, AZ

Additional resources

USDA: Find Penstemon grandiflorus in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Penstemon grandiflorus in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Penstemon grandiflorus

Metadata

Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff

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