Penstemon strictus
Also called:
Rocky Mountain Penstemon
Rocky Mountain Beardtongue
Strict Beardtongue
Botanical Description
Plant Family:
Scrophulariaceae
Evergreen
Herbaceous Plant, Perennial
Oregon Native?
No
West State Native?
Yes
Southern WY to northern NM & northeastern AZ
Jan Even
Flower:
Purple
Blooms from :
May
to:
Jun
Multiple spires of large, royal-blue to purple tubular flowers with two upper lobes that project forward over the lower lips? three deeply cut lobes.
Foliage:
Green
Low mats of foliage with paired leaves that range from narrow and grass-like to broad and lance-shaped
Site Selection
Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone:
4
Water Needs:
L
Sun Needs:
Full Sun
Deer Resistant?
No
Firewise?
Yes
Height:
2-3'
Spread:
3'
Growth Rate:
Medium
Native Habitat:
Subalpine to valley sagebrush & conifer forests; Rocky Mountain penstemon is often associated with sagebrush in pinyon-juniper woodland, oak scrub,
and openings of ponderosa pine and spruce-aspen
forest from 2200 to 3200 m in elevation.
Soil Needs
Though this penstemon tolerates heavy soils and moisture better than most members of the genus, it prefers dry, light, well-drained soils.
Fertilizer Needs:
Recommended Mulch:
Wildlife Uses
Attracts Pollinators?
Yes
Attracts Birds?
Yes
Supports Butterflies?
Yes
Wildlife use description:
Penstemons are considered desirable forage
for deer, antelope, and birds either as herbage or seed. They may also provide some cover for selected
small bird species.