Thickleaf Beardtongue
Penstemon pachyphyllus
- Native to:
- United States
iNaturalist: © jlboone2 (iNaturalist #151314779)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Plantaginaceae
- Genus:
- Penstemon
- Species:
- Penstemon pachyphyllus
- USDA Symbol:
- PEPA6
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 60 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)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, hummingbirds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Prefers rocky or gravelly soils in native habitats
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–42 days
- Notes:
- Requires light for germination; surface sow and do not cover seed.
Pre-treatment: Seeds can be treated with a solution of 250 ppm Giberellic Acid (GA3) for 24 hours prior to planting to break dormancy. Alternatively, cold stratification can be used, with the ideal stratification period being 12-20 weeks.
Establishment: The species occurs throughout the Great Basin region between 1100 to 2775 meters in elevation, usually found growing in well-drained gravelly or sandy soils. Attempts to transplant uprooted seedlings to vacant plugs were unsuccessful. Some seeds may not immediately respond to the GA3 treatment.
Source: npn.rngr.net
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Most interbreed and seed may not be what is labelled; germinates best with stored seed, even as long as 10 years at 20°