Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Plantaginaceae

Genus:

Penstemon

Species:

Penstemon nitidus

USDA Symbol:

PENI3

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb , Subshrub

Height:

40 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

may,jun,jul

Bloom Colors:

blue, purple, lavender

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Hummingbirds:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented hummingbird visits (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, butterflies, hummingbirds

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts from crown after fire; common in prairie and grassland fire regimes.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

gravelly, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to rocky slopes and open prairies

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–90 days

Germination Time:

14–42 days

Notes:

Light aids germination. Cold stratification improves germination rates significantly.