Plant Fact Sheet: Penstemon angustifolius - Plant Materials Program

Contributed by:<br />

USDA-NRCS New Mexico <strong>Plant</strong> <strong>Materials</strong> Center<br />

and<br />

New Mexico State University Los Lunas Agricultural Science Center<br />

Alternate Names<br />

Broadbeard <strong>Penstemon</strong><br />

Taperleaf <strong>Penstemon</strong><br />

Broadbeard Beardtongue<br />

<strong>Plant</strong> <strong>Fact</strong> <strong>Sheet</strong><br />

Uses<br />

Erosion control: Narrow leaf penstemon is a<br />

drought tolerant forb. It is helpful in<br />

preventing wind erosion on sandy dunes,<br />

plains and grasslands where it establishes.<br />

Wildlife: Narrow leaf penstemon provides a<br />

food source to small birds and mammals. It is<br />

heavily used by hummingbirds and various<br />

insects during flowering.<br />

Urban: Narrow leaf penstemon is a drought<br />

tolerant forb that also produces beautiful flowers in early spring. This makes it an ideal plant<br />

for xeriscaping.<br />

Description<br />

<strong>Penstemon</strong> <strong>angustifolius</strong> Nutt. ex. Pursh., narrow leaf penstemon, is native to various western<br />

and plains states. It is a stout, smooth, waxy, gray green perennial herb. The plant grows<br />

from 8 to 24 inches with several stout, erect or<br />

somewhat curving stems. The flowers range from<br />

½ to ¾ inch and are various shades of violet and<br />

pink. Insect guidelines may or may not be present.<br />

Adaptation<br />

Narrow leaf penstemon is found throughout the<br />

western and great plains states. It is adapted to<br />

sandy mesas and grasslands and is frequently<br />

Narrowleaf <strong>Penstemon</strong><br />

<strong>Penstemon</strong> <strong>angustifolius</strong> Nutt. ex. Pursh<br />

<strong>Plant</strong> symbol = PEAN4

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found on dunes. It does poorly and is short lived when planted in heavy soils.<br />

Establishment<br />

The seed of narrow leaf penstemon requires cold stratification for germination.<br />

Approximately 85% of the seed are dormant. Total germination averages above 90%. Field<br />

plantings of this seed should be done in the fall. Seeding should be at approximately 12 seed<br />

per foot. With adequate winter moisture or supplemental irrigation, stands are generally<br />

good.<br />

Management<br />

After stand establishment, it is important to limit irrigation. In normal years with 8-10 inches<br />

of precipitation, no irrigation is necessary. Narrow leaf penstemon is extremely sensitive to<br />

root rot fungi and if overwatered the entire stand will be destroyed.<br />

Although not necessary, narrow leaf penstemon responds well to fertilization. After<br />

establishment, it does not appear to be damaged by the use of pre-emergent herbicides. After<br />

harvest the plants soon become dormant and may then be mowed.<br />

Availability<br />

Seed may be obtained through New Mexico Crop Improvement.<br />

References<br />

1. Heflin, Jean. 1997. <strong>Penstemon</strong>s The Beautiful Beardtongues of New Mexico. Jackrabbit<br />

Press. Albuquerque, New Mexico.<br />

2. Martin, W.C. and C.R. Hutchins. 1980. A Flora of New Mexico. J. Kramer. Vaduz, West<br />

Germany.<br />

3. Kearny, T.H. and R.H. Peebles. 1942. Flowering <strong>Plant</strong>s and Ferns of Arizona. U.S.<br />

Government Printing Office. Washington, D.C.<br />

Prepared by: Dr. E. Ramona Garner, USDA-NRCS New Mexico <strong>Plant</strong> <strong>Materials</strong>, 1036<br />

Miller Street, SW, Los Lunas, NM 87031 e-mail: llunas@nmsu.edu or GarnerR@aol.com<br />

For more information about this and other conservation plants, contact your local NRCS<br />

field office or Conservation District.<br />

Visit the <strong>Plant</strong> <strong>Materials</strong> <strong>Program</strong> at http://<strong>Plant</strong>-<strong>Materials</strong>.nrcs.usda.gov<br />

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employer.<br />

February 2000