Death Valley Beardtongue
(Penstemon fruticiformis var. amargosae )
Scrophulariaceae

Photo Copyright 1998 Christopher Christie

Description: Perennial herb 1-2 feet (3-6dm) tall, and heavily branched near the bottom. Young stems are hairless, but covered with a whitish film. Leaves are thick, 3/4 - 2 3/8 inches (2-6cm) long, 1/8 - 3/8 inches (3-9mm) wide, with the upper leaves narrowly spear-shaped, slightly folded, and mostly smooth edged. The petals are pale pink to whitish, 7/8 to 1 inch (2-2.5cm) long. The sepals are pear-shaped, 3/16 - 1/4 inch (5-7mm) long. Fruit is a capsule.

Distribution:

Habitat: Creosote-bush scrub to pinyon juniper woodland, and dry rocky places.

Flowering Period: Blooms April - June.

Similar Plants:

Status: BLM Sensitive, California Native Plant Society List 1B