Scientific Family
Scrophulariaceae
Synonyms
Penstemon jamesii subsp. ophianthus
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
8 inches
Riparian
No
Stems are erect but few; similar to Penstemon jamesii but much shorter.
Narrow leaves, some obscurely toothed; corolla lavender to violet, glandular, lower petals bent abruptly downward. A single sterile stamen (staminode) prominently sticks out of the <1 inch long flower, curling at the tip, and is covered by yellow hairs.
Habitat
Dry, sandy, gravelly areas, pinyon-juniper pines.
Plant Community
Desert Scrub
Disturbed Areas
Grasslands
Interior Chaparral
Pinyon Juniper Woodlands
Low elevation
1500
High elevation
4500
Flower Characteristics
Grows only on one side of stem; about 1/2 inch long with a densely hairy throat and tongue. Tongue extends from throat.
Flower color
Light purple to bluish-purple
Flower shape
Irregular
Tubular
Yes
First bloom month
May
Last bloom month
September
Flower clusters
Elongated
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Many narrow lance-shaped; about 2 inches long; can have smooth, wavy or toothed edges.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Dull green
Leaf shape
Narrow
Leaf margin
Toothed
Leaves clasp
Yes
Leaf hairs
Stems
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Fruit type
Capsule
Fruit color
Brown
Ovate; about 1/8 inch long.