Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Penstemon deustus is a species of penstemon known by the common names hotrock penstemon and scabland beardtongue. It is native to much of the northwestern United States from the Pacific Northwest to Wyoming, where it grows in many types of forest and open plateau habitat, often on soils heavy in volcanic rock or on limestone outcrops. It is a perennial herb with upright branches approaching 40 centimeters in maximum height. The thick leaves are lance-shaped to oval or round, and are sharply toothed. Most leaves occur low on the plant. The flower cluster produces tubular flowers with lipped, five-lobed mouths. The hairy flower is cream in color with dark lining and reaches 1.5 centimeters in length. This plant is used in wilderness revegetation and landscaping projects in its native region. It is favored for its low water needs and its abundant flowers which attract pollinators, including honey bees, bumblebees, sweat bees, and leafcutter bees.

Plant type

Perennial herb

Size

1 - 2 ft Tall

Form

Upright

Growth rate

Moderate

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Color

Yellow, Cream

Flowering season

Spring

Special uses

Containers

Sun

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Water

Very Low

Ease of care

Moderate

Soil description

Prefers sandy or loamy soils. Does not grow well in clay soils.

Site type

Open, rocky, igneous soils

Plant communities

Northern Juniper Woodland, Red Fir Forest, Sagebrush Scrub, Yellow Pine Forest

Hummingbirds
Bats
Birds
Bees
Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

0 confirmed and 13 likely

Confirmed Likely

Geranium Plume Moth

Amblyptilia pica

Archirhoe neomexicana

Anicia Checkerspot

Euphydryas anicia

Variable Checkerspot

Euphydryas chalcedona