Penstemon

Pennellianthu

Flower name
Penstemon
Scientific name
Pennellianthu
AliasPenstemon
Place of originMexico to Guatemala
Place of floweringPotted flower, Specific area
Flowering seasonJune, July, December

What is Penstemon

Penstemon, known by its scientific name Pennellianthus, is a perennial herb or shrub native to North America and belongs to the genus Pennellianthus in the family Plantaginaceae. In English, it is commonly called "beardtongue." There are approximately 250 species of Penstemon, and their height ranges from 10 to 300 cm. The leaves come in various shapes, which is believed to be an adaptation to the drought conditions of western North America. These leaves are arranged oppositely along the stems.

Penstemon blooms from June to July, producing flowers that are funnel-shaped or tubular with two-lipped tips. The upper lip is divided into two smaller lobes, while the lower lip is divided into three larger ones. The flowers exhibit a wide range of colors, with blue being the most common, followed by white, violet, purple, pink, magenta, and red. Rarely, flowers may appear in pale cream or ivory shades. Some species have long, protruding stamens that are a distinctive feature.

The plant overwinters with its stems and leaves intact, although in regions like Japan, where the summer heat is intense, it may be treated as an annual. Since the early 19th century, hundreds of hybrids have been developed in Europe using the original species as a base.

General Name: Penstemon
Scientific Name: Pennellianthus
English Name: Beardtongue
Classification: Kingdom: Plantae, Angiosperms, Eudicots, Order: Lamiales, Family: Plantaginaceae, Genus: Pennellianthus
Life Form: Hardy, highly drought-resistant, evergreen herbaceous perennial
Origin: North America (from northern Mexico northward)
Habitat: Ranges from deserts to tropical rainforests and alpine regions in its native range
Height: 10–100 cm (commonly 60–100 cm)
Leaf Arrangement: Opposite
Flowering Period: June to July
Unique Feature: Long, protruding sterile stamens (staminodes); flowers are tubular with a two-lobed tip
Fruit Type: Capsule