Narrowleaf penstemon is a shining, bright blue addition to the Wyoming and Colorado prairie.  Penstemon angustifolius, also known as broadbeard beardtongue, taperleaf penstemon, pagoda penstemon, or sand beardtongue, grows well in open, dry, sandy areas.

This flower can bloom in varying colors in different parts of the country–it can be more pink or lavender in some areas–but around here it matches the Wyoming sky in sunny blue with hints of white and purple.  Unlike some other penstemon species, the flowers of P. angustifolius bloom on all sides of the stem.

Penstemons are quite numerous and varied and can sometimes be difficult to identify.  They always attract the eye, though, and usually plenty of bees and other insects as well.  Hummingbirds and curious humans love to visit these bright blooms.