Scrophulariaceae

Penstemon humilis

Lowly Penstemon

Tuft formed of basal rosettes with erect flower stems, sometimes covered with ash-colored hairs. Leaves spoon-shaped, 1/2–3 in. long, entire. Basal leaves with petioles; stem leaves smaller, clasping. Inflorescence in whorls along stem, covered with small glands. Flowers narrow, funnel-shaped, bright blue to purple, inside light lavender to white with dark beelines, with dense orange to yellow hairs on staminode. Grows in open sagebrush scrub, juniper woodlands, rocky ridges, into high elevations. Height, leaf size, and number of hairs are variable.

• Rarity: Locally Common
• Flowering Time: Mid Summer
• Life Cycle: Perennial
• Height: 4--10 inches
• Habitat: Shrub-Steppe, East-Side Forest, Subalpine
• Found In: Wallowas, Great Basin
• Native: Yes