Sunset Crater Beardtongue

Penstemon clutei

Native to:
United States
Sunset Crater Beardtongue

JerryFriedman

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Plantaginaceae
Genus:
Penstemon
Species:
Penstemon clutei
USDA Symbol:
PECL5

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
120 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
may,jun,jul,aug
Bloom Colors:
pink, rose

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, hummingbirds, butterflies
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from root crown following fire; may colonize burned areas.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
Native to volcanic cinder fields in Arizona

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–90 days
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Light may improve germination. Sow seeds on surface or barely cover.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Cold-moist stratification for 60 days.

Source: Claude AI

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 4C for 3 months, then place @ 20C for 3 months. Requires light / surface sow (fine seed).

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society