James penstemon or James beardtongue
| Botanical Name | Penstemon jamesii |
| Common Name | James penstemon or James beardtongue |
| Family | Plantaginaceae – Plantain (formerly of the Scrophulariaceae – Snapdragon family) |
| Description | This native perennial usually has several erect, smooth or downy stems. The narrow, gray-green leaves are either barely toothed or smooth-edged. The lower leaves vary in shape. |
| Mature Size | 4”-20”, depending on available moisture. |
| Bloom | In May and June, medium to large, tube-shaped, broad, lavender or lavender blue flowers appear with 5 lobes or petals. There are usually 2 at the top and 3 at the bottom. A white line outlines the lip on the lower side of the throat. The lower lip is usually bearded with golden hairs that are easily visible. There are dark purple lines on the throat. . |
| Interesting Facts | A Penstemon is commonly called a Beard tongue because the staminode, a modified stamen, is hairy at the top. |
| Traditional and Medicinal Uses | None found. |
| Back to Photo Gallery |
 |
|
Photo by Janice Tucker for SFBG
|