Scabland Penstemon
Penstemon deustus
- Native to:
- United States
JW Stockert
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Plantaginaceae
- Genus:
- Penstemon
- Species:
- Penstemon deustus
- USDA Symbol:
- PEDE4
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Subshrub
- Height:
- 60 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- white, cream
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Reported Fauna Sightings
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, hummingbirds, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts from woody root crown following fire; common in fire-prone sagebrush and montane communities.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rocky, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- commonly found in open, rocky slopes and ridges
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–45 days
- Notes:
- Cold stratification improves germination rates. Seeds require light to germinate; surface sow and do not cover.
Pre-treatment: Seeds are subjected to cool, moist stratification for 90 days or soaked in 250 ppm giberellic acid for 24 hours and prechilled at 4°C for 60 days. If mold forms, seeds are washed with Thiram or treated with 1% hydrogen peroxide.
Establishment: Germination rate and time can vary based on seed quality. Only 9% of the germinants developed into healthy seedlings in the greenhouse according to one protocol. Seed collection is done when the capsules begin to split in late August or 5 to 8 weeks after flowering. The seeds are stored in paper bags or envelopes at room temperature until cleaned.
Source: npn.rngr.net
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Expose to fluctuating outdoor winter temps incl. freezing for 3 months. Increase light/temp in spring.