Palmers Penstemon (Penstemon palmeri)

Palmers Penstemon (Penstemon palmeri). Corn Creek, Las Vegas (May 4)

Common Names: Palmer’s Penstemon, Palmer’s Beardtongue, Scented Penstemon, Scented Beardtongue
Synonyms: Penstemon palmeri
Varieties: palmeri, macranthus, eglandulosus
Family: Scrophulariaceae (Figwort)
Habit: Perennial Forb, Herb
Size: up to 5 feet
Flowers: purple, white, pink
Bloom: May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Leaves: opposite
Fruit: many seeded capsule
Description:

The leaves are generally oppositely arranged and have toothed margins. The inflorescence is a panicle or raceme with small bracts. The flower has a five-lobed calyx of sepals and a cylindrical corolla which may have an expanded throat. The staminode is partially hairy. The showy, rounded flower has large pink to violet to blue-purple petals and is fragrant, which distinguishes it from other, similar-looking penstemon.

Distribution: AZ, CA, ID, NM, NV, UT
Seen: NV (Corn Creek)
Habitat: washes, rocky areas 3500 to 6500 feet

Palmers Penstemon (Penstemon palmeri). Corn Creek, Las Vegas (May 2)

References:

Palmer’s Penstemon: USDA

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I live in Las Vegas but I travel frequently in the southwest, California and in fact around the world. While Las Vegas would seem to be an unusual choice with regards to plants and birds it is an unusually busy place due to Pacific Migration Flyway which comes through Las Vegas. Since this is a desert, the birds are concentrated in the many springs, seeps, lakes and parks in and around Las Vegas, making for really great birding.

Kurt Buzard MD

Since the previous blog focused on travel and eating, there will be a fair amount of focus on history beautiful architecture and food. However, both in the past and today I am always interested in a good garden, zoo, safari or hike.My idea of a perfect day is to be surrounded by flowers, insects, animals and birds, I hope my photographs and descriptions will inspire you in your own travels and hikes.

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