Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Penstemon calcareus is a species of penstemon known by the common name limestone beardtongue. It is native to California, where it is known from the deserts of central San Bernardino County, as well as the Death Valley area, where its distribution extends just over the border into Nevada. It grows in scrub and woodland, often on limestone substrates. It is a perennial herb with erect branches up to about 25 centimeters in maximum height, grayish with a coating of fine hairs. The toothed, lance-shaped leaves are up to 6 centimeters long. The flower cluster produces bright pink to purplish tubular or funnel-shaped flowers between 1 and 2 centimeters long. The flower has a hairy outer surface and a staminode coated with yellow hairs.

Plant type

Perennial herb

Size

3 - 10 in Tall

Calscape icon
Color

Red, Pink, Purple

Special uses

Containers

Sun

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Site type

Rocky slopes and crevices

Plant communities

Creosote Bush Scrub, Joshua Tree Woodland, Pinyon-Juniper Woodland

Hummingbirds
Bees
Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

0 confirmed and 3 likely

Confirmed Likely

Archirhoe neomexicana

Variable Checkerspot

Euphydryas chalcedona